Ladida - Issue 11

FOR THE NORTH EAST A N D N O RTH YO R KSHI R E

SPRING 2016 £2.50 WHERE SOLD

FA SHIO N YO U CA N BU Y, STYLE YO U PO SSE SS. IRIS APF EL

The New Debutantes PROM PRINCESSES

Fashionable Foodies

INSIDER HANG OUTS

SS16uncovered

THE FASHION EDIT

I SS U E 11 LaDiDaMag_Issue11.indb 1

all the trends that matter

18/03/2016 10:20

Friday 22nd April 2016

SHakEdOwN

HEaTHEr SMall

BrENdaN HEaly

An evening of first class entertainment with highlights including performances from

HEATHER SMALL

The voice of M People

(‘One Night In Heaven’ ‘Moving On Up’ ‘Search For The Hero’)

SHAkEdown

Fabulous 5 piece party band

MuSiciAnS unLiMiTEd

North East’s best big band

compére BREndAn HEALY

Fashion show by Woven Menswear – Durham Dress Code - Black Tie

Selection of cocktails and canapés from 7.00pm Four course gourmet Lobster Surf and Turf menu created by the award winning chefs from the Rib Room Steakhouse & Grill Taittinger Champagne Bar • Complimentary wine, lager & beer all night

Carriages 1.00am £140.00 + VAT per person. To book your place please contact the events team on 01740 620253 or email events@hardwickhallhotel.co.uk

HARDWICK HALL HOTEL, SEDGEFIELD, CO. DURHAM TS21 2EH • Tel: 01740 620253

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Feature

SPRING 2016

LA DI DA MAGAZINE CLAVERING HOUSE CLAVERING PLACE NEWCASTLE NE1 3NG 0191 466 1028 EDITOR LINDA JANE WESTPHAL YOURMAJ@LADIDA.CO.UK ADVERTISING ADVERTISING@LADIDA.CO.UK FASHION DIRECTOR LIZ LAMB TRAVEL EDITOR CATHERINE HEWITSON DRINKS EDITOR ANGELA METCALFE

LaDiDaMagazine

LaDiDaMag

WE ARE A FABULOUSLY FRIENDLY BUNCH HERE AT LA DI DA TOWERS AND WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU...TWEET US AND FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIPTIONS@LADIDA.CO.UK DESIGN CURIOUS 12 WWW.CURIOUS12.COM ©2016 La Di Da. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, artwork, advertising or photographic material while in transmission or with the publisher or with their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print.

W

e’re so excited that spring is finally here.

We’ve had a ball making this issue and we’ve packed it with as much spring loveliness as we can.

We report from LFW and London Collection: Menswear on all the MUST HAVE SS16 trends for this season for our fashionistas and fashionmisters - some divine looks for your season socials.

We went all girlie for our prom

fashion shoot with the most beautiful dresses and shoes. Shot at Ramside Hall Hotel, they even let us play with their Bentley. And talking of fabulous photo shoots we had the best time with the guys behind Down in the Woods who even smashed up a guitar for us for the ultimate rock‘n’ roll shot.

We’ve hobnobbed with celebs from Naomi Campbell at LFW to Ralf Little at the birth of a brand new luxury brand. Not to mention visiting more than a few gin distilleries...all in the name of research doncha know.

Hope you enjoy it, Chin Chin xx

A DAMN FINE REA D FOR NORTHERN HIGH SOCIETY

8-9 Fashion Queens

Our LFW inside take on all of the SS16 Trends

OUR COVER SHOT

17-19 Made in Newcastle

PHOTOGRAPHY JADE TURNBULL MODEL LUCY LAVENDER HAIR KARA SCOTT HAIR MUA JO LEVERSUCH OF MAKE UP BY JO LOCATION RAMSIDE HALL HOTEL AND SPA

We witness the birth of a luxury brand

20-21 Model Behaviour Behind the scenes with a top model

41-45 Prom Princess Swoonsome promwear

51-52 Gent Style SS16 looks for fashionmisters

70-71 Catwalk Champers Fashionable drinkies

WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

spring

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N EWS & GOS S

Splurge…

Coming soon fashion show at the Spa at Ramside. Check facebook for details www.love-niche.com

Darlo Fashionistas The Fashion Quarter in Darlington, or Monte Darlo as we like to call it, is the setting for a fabulous fashion show on the 23rd April. There will be catwalk shows all day in Grange Road from 10am till 4pm including all the SS16 trends, proms and bridal. Come and be inspired then shop till you drop.

The fabulous Lobster Charity Ball, held in aid of Daisy Chain, returns to Hardwick Hall Hotel on 22nd April.

The line-up features Heather Small, a four course lobster surf and turf menu, Taittinger Champagne Bar and a fashion show. www.hardwickhallhotel.co.uk

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Princess Day

La Di Da is teaming up with the luxurious Spa at Ramside to host a very special event on the 23rd of April to celebrate the 2nd birthday of Princess Charlotte.

Yummy mummies can bring along their daughters and enjoy some A list Princess pampering.

Take a look at www.ladida.co.uk for full details.

Grin up north

Even the famously formidable ice queen, the iconic America Vogue Editor in Chief Anna Wintour, couldn’t resist northern charm when she headed to the University of York’s student fashion show. She had a great time and our photographers even caught her smiling, clearly being in the fabulous North agrees with her.

Image www.carrostudio.com

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Arts & Feature Culture

WORDS: LIZ LAMB

‘Give a girl the

right shoes, and she can

conquer the world.’

MARILYN MONROE

L

OVE your Louboutins? Fantasise about a closet full of Jimmy Choos?

Then the upcoming exhibition at Bowes Museum is just for you.

Hot on the heels of it’s successful YSL exhibition, Bowes has struck gold again. It is the only UK venue outside London to stage Shoes: Pleasure and Pain.

The exhibition, in the museum’s awardwinning Fashion & Textile Gallery, will display more than 200 pairs of historic and contemporary men’s and women’s shoes by 70 named designers, including Christian

Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, Jimmy Choo, Christian Dior and Prada.

Exploring the agony and the ecstasy of footwear throughout 2,000 years of history, it will also examine the elation and passion they can arouse in the wearer. Themes include seduction, creation, and status.

While the show will feature shoes worn by or associated with famous icons including David Beckham, Sarah Jessica Parker, The Honorable Daphne Guinness, Queen Victoria and Kylie Minogue, it will also explore extreme footwear such as tiny 19th Century lotus

shoes made for the Chinese tradition of foot binding.

Joanna Hashagen, the Museum’s Curator of Fashion and Textiles, said: “As the shoes will be exhibited thematically, not chronologically, each section will be a visual cornucopia of different shapes, styles, materials and colours.

They are presented as very beautiful objects, many telling fascinating stories.”

Shoes: Pleasure and Pain opens at The Bowes Museum on Saturday 11 June 2016, running until Sunday 9th October 2016, before touring internationally to the USA and China.

TICKETS ARE ON SALE VIA THE MUSEUM’S WEBSITE AT WWW.THEBOWESMUSEUM.ORG.UK spring

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Festivals

H ARDW I C K L I VE I S D E A D...LON G LIV E DOWN TO T H E WOODS, A NEW MU S I C A ND A RTS FE S T I VA L F ROM T H E C REATORS OF H A RDWICK L IVE. LI NDA J A N E W E S T P H A L M EETS T H EM TO F IN D OU T M ORE...

Music &

Mayhem...

PHOTOGRAPHY CARRO STUDIO WWW.CARROSTUDIO.COM

spring

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Festivals

“ It’ s going to b e very cool and quirky.”

R

ock ‘n’ Roll is still very much alive and kicking in County Durham if our photo shoot is anything to go by. We’ve met up with two of the chaps behind Hardwick Live - now renamed Down in the Woods - for a photo shoot and it’s fair to say that things have taken a bizarre turn and we’re only on the first shot.

Iconic DJ and festival organiser Jonathan Woodliffe has been taped to a chair with gaffer tape by promoter Lee O’ Hanlan, the woods have been transformed with prized vinyls hanging from the branches and the booze is already flowing.

But we wouldn’t expect anything less from the team that were audacious enough to book The Jacksons for an unknown festival and persuade them to fly in to perform in a field in County Durham as the headline act.

“We were a bit too clever for our own good in the first year,” says Jonathan Woodliffe wryly. “It didn’t occur to us that people wouldn’t believe it was the real Jacksons and think it was a tribute act but that’s what happened.”

The festival has gone from strength to strength in a very short time.

This year the organisers, Ramside Estates, are bringing a quirkier, more boutique flavour to the festival and are calling it Down to the Woods. Originally meant to be one day only, Down to the Woods has already sold out and an extra day has been added.

“It’s a special kind of arts and music festival,” says Lee. “We’ll have comedy, Dance DJs, Spoken Word Art and a few surprises. Plus, of

course, amazing music. It’s going to be very cool and quirky.”

Acts already announced include Primal Scream and echo & the bunnymen. Last year featured a headline performance by James with special guests Razorlight and a host of top names from Embrace to 10cc.

Jonathan and Lee say that this year’s line up is certainly going to rival other years. They are staying mum about who else they have booked for now, however, they are both looking very pleased with themselves so we suspect they have something incredible lined up.

Before we could interrogate them any further, Lee decided to sacrifice one of his beloved guitars and smash it up for the shoot to get the perfect photo. And that sums them up really. Both guys go to extraordinary lengths to make things special. Today it’s a photo shoot, in August it will be a fantastic festival.

We’re super excited at La Di Da Towers, tickets are booked and we’re already speculating who the next big act will be. If you haven’t already got your tickets, be warned they’re selling fast.

See you there.

MUSIC NOTES WHEN SATURDAY 13TH AND SUNDAY 14TH AUGUST WHERE HARDWICK HALL HOTEL CAMPING AVAILABLE AT £30 PER TENT BUY TICKETS WWW.DOWNTOTHEWOODSFESTIVAL.CO.UK spring

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Fashion

Brights

Paul Costelloe

SS16 Ong-Oaj Pairam

Ong-Oaj Pairam

Ong-Oaj Pairam

Ruffles

Ong-Oaj Pairam

Paul Costelloe

Jean Pierre Braganza

Ryan Lo

Ong-Oaj Pairam

Vinti Andrews Three Floor Teresita Orillac Manuel Facchini CJ YAO

Sheer LaDiDaMag_Issue11.indb 8

Christopher Raeburn spring

8

2016

Graphics 18/03/2016 10:20

the trend edit

Fashion

ALL IMAGES BY CARRO PHOTOGRAPHY SHOT FOR LA DI DA MAGAZINE AT LFW WWW.CARROSTUDIO.COM

90’s

Christopher Raeburn

LAmitie

Metallics

Min Wu

Emilio de la Morena

Apu Jan

Geometrics Y11

Jean Pierre Braganza

Ryan Lo

Monochrome

Paul Costelloe

Manuel Facchini Ryan Lo

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Pastels

spring

9

LAmitie

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Fashion

WORDS: LIZ LAMB

KILLER LOOKS for less I T’S not always about designer dahling!

This season the high street has smokin’ hot seasonal pieces that offer luxury looks for less.

In fact, some pieces are so price-friendly you could buy two or three different trends in an array of colours and still have spare change for a magnum of champers and a new designer bag or two.

Our go-to high street faves this season are Next and Outfit, who stock ranges from Topshop, Wallis, Miss Selfridge and Dorothy Perkins.

Next’s spring/summer collection is all about attention to detail. Texture and shape rule alongside sophisticated, graceful styling.

Denim continues to dominate, but classic styles are interspersed with new features such as raw hems, cropped lengths and bleached washes.

Evening wear is all about soft muted tones of sage, honey and dusty pink.

When it comes to finishing details, it’s all about beaded and pom-pom trimmed bags, flat sandals, tassel jewellery and feather trims.

Topshop, at Outfit, features 90s looks mixed

LOOK ONE

LOOK TWO

Rock Chick

Military Military khaki bomber jacket £55 black high neck Top £18 necklace £18, from freedom at Topshop.

Leather look leggings £18, all available at Topshop.

Van Style Shoes TIGA Anaconda Trainers £20 Styling: Emma Strawbridge, Claire Taylor, Georgia Baddeley

MTV Top £25, Pink Coat £85 bag £25, tailored trousers £35 and cut away sandals £49, all from Topshop.

Styling: Kate Pattinson and Rebecca Wayman

spring

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with sport luxe. Team a slogan MTV T-shirt with a pale blush coat for a rock chic feel.

At Dorothy Perkins trouser shapes are cropped and flared, whether seen on a navy suit or a simple black trouser.

Monochrome gingham features on soft pinny dresses (THE frock of the season) and loose shorts.

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Fashion Feature

Black Jumpsuit: £35, Dorothy Perkins

LOOK FOUR

Dress up

Pinafore Princess

LA DI DA Loves Mono box clutch £24 Next

LOOK THREE

Blue jacket £50, from Next Pinafore dress £25, from Dorothy Perkins Bag rubber eyelet backpack £36, f rom Topshop Styling: Danielle Gunner, Ebony Colledge, Rosie Moorhouse

ALL CLOTHES SUPPLIED BY NEXT AND OUTFIT FASHION, BOTH TEESSIDE PARK. MODEL: MEGAN GOODWIN WHERE TO BUY: NEXT HAS STORES THROUGHOUT THE NORTH EAST. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.NEXT.CO.UK OUTFIT FASHION HAS STORES IN DURHAM, NORTH SHIELDS AND TEESSIDE. WWW.OUTFITFASHION.CO.UK spring

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AWR pr

Fashion

Paparazzi FAS H I ON PA P K AT C A R R U TH ERS F ROM C A RRO S T U DIO S P ILLS THE BEANS ON AL L TH E I NS I D E R FA S HI O N G OSS IP F RESH F ROM S H OOT IN G FOR US AT L FW…

Fashion MAGE SHOT BY WWW.CARROSTUDIO.COM

T

hey say tired of London, tired of life and I feel much the same when it comes round to London Fashion Week.

It’s exhausting but madly exciting at the same time and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Covering over 20 shows a day, jumping in and out of cabs chasing all over London and getting the chance to experience some amazing catwalk shows, installations and after show parties. Not to mention constantly trying to find out where the VIPs will be showing up and jostling with the world’s media to get that perfect shot.

Both at LCM (London Collections Men) and London Fashion Week, main schedule designers have gravitated towards more dynamic presentations.

Presentations can vary wildly in their design from big name collaborations to retrospective fashion and art at Claire Barrow AW16 and simple white plinths and mirrors a la Manuel Facchini AW16, topped with statuesque model beauties. It’s this diversity and creativity which makes London the creative capital of the global fashion scene.

Presentations create the ultimate sense of drama and atmosphere allowing you to really connect with the story of the designer and the collection. My personal

highlights included Steventai with models sewing in a ‘Grandmother’s home’ set and the clean perspex strips and lenticular effects of Georgia Hardinge, which formed stars, central to her AW16 collection theme.

We also loved the men’s Universal Works presentation. We were greeted with mushy peas topped with mint, a cock on a stick (the bird) and played a game of hook-a-duck which brought out the childhood fairground excitement in us all.

Christopher Raeburn AW16 wowed with a light installation, strobing as models changed position, Louis Leeman exhibited shoes in a snow filled winter wonderland with hot chocolate and marshmallows (inside the prestigious Café Royal I may add) and unforgettably Keji opted for a perspex cube in Golden Square visible by all passers by. Fashion more than ever is tantalising all of our senses.

In contrast to the open space of Golden Square is the ever elusive front row Golden Ticket. Joining La Di Da on those precious seats, global fashionistas were led by the supermodel army including Karlie Kloss, Jourdan Dunn, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Suki Waterhouse and Naomi Campbell.

Topshop Unique and Burberry drew a celebrity crowd including Ellie Goulding, Nicholas Hoult,

Alexa Chung, Lottie Moss and Alesha Dixon. LCM ambassadors Nick Grimshaw, David Gandy, Dermot O’Leary, Tinie Tempah, Lewis Hamilton and Hu Bing not only graced FROW seats but hosted the fashion elite at the

LCM AW16 closing dinner.

Whilst many have concerns that the internet and changing face of fashion could signal the end of fashion week, I leave reassured that the glitz and glamour is still going strong.

S up e r m o d e l Naomi Campbe ll po s es fo r L a Di D a a t LFW spring

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AWR print advert (297x235mm) v01_) 11/03/2016 12:20 Page 1

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Feature

the

handbag hunterC WAN T A C HA NE L C L A SS I C Q UI LTED FL A P BAG , A H ERMÉS VI NTAG E K E L LY OR A PRE - LOVE D C E L I NE TRAP EZE ? W E L L , W E H AV E J US T T HE FAS H I ONI S TA FO R YO U…

harlotte Staerck, aka the Handbag Hunter, has one of the fashion industry’s dream jobs.

The former model has started working with Handbag Clinic, based on Mosley Street, Newcastle, as buyer, where she’s responsible for sourcing rare, vintage and pre-loved handbags from the world’s most fabulous designers.

Charlotte, who has modelled for glossy magazines along with celebrity-favourite lingerie brand Talullah Love, tracks down rare spring

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and second-hand finds from the likes of Chanel, Hermés, Mulberry, Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

Using her enviable network of contacts from across the globe, along with bringing secondhand accessories originally taken into Handbag Clinic’s store on Chelsea’s Kings Road up to Newcastle, Charlotte has built up a treasure trove of designer bags for Mosley Street customers. She also finds longed-for handbags for clients who ask her to source the accessory they’ve been searching for.

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Feature

Droolworthy bags lining Handbag Clinic’s stands as we write include a gold lambskin Chanel flap with gold hardware, a vintage Hermés Kelly, a studded Gucci and a Louis Vuitton MM Daimler Neverfull.

Charlotte says: “I’ve always loved fashion since I was little. I’m in total agreement with Christian Dior who said you can never take too much care over the choice of your shoes and the same definitely goes for handbags.

Even if the rest of your outfit is from the high street, designer accessories instantly add elegance.”

“Even at school, I can remember I had to have exactly the right style of shoes. They were a playground symbol, just as owning a pair of Louboutins or Jimmy Choos brings a certain kudos when you get older.”

Charlotte has found herself in incredibly high demand since joining Handbag Clinic.

“Until Handbag Clinic opened, it was impossible to find certain designer brands in the North East,” she says. “Our customers love it that they can pop out in their lunchbreak and pick up a Chanel purse or even just come in for a chat and to drool over some of our latest finds.

“I’m often able to help our clients skip waiting lists and to stop trawling the internet for a certain bag. They also have the guarantee that what they’re getting is 100 per cent authentic, which is always a worry when you’re buying pre-loved accessories yourself.”

“What I do is the ideal partner for the cleaning and restoration services Handbag Clinic offers. If I find a phenomenal handbag that needs a repair, we can give it some TLC before offering it for sale so it’s good-as-new for our customers. As we’re also able to re-colour, we had one customer who bought a tan Birkin and we changed it to pink so she didn’t have to wait months on the Hermés waiting list.”

Handbag Clinic opened its first store on King’s Road, Chelsea before launching in Newcastle. Along with stocking pre-loved bags in Mosley Street, it also runs a spa for handbags, with a complete range of services for the care, repair and restoration of handbags.

Even at school, I can remember I had to have exactly the right style of shoes

HANDBAG CLINIC WWW.HANDBAGCLINIC.CO.UK HANDBAG CLINIC, 44 MOSLEY ST, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, TYNE AND WEAR NE1 1DF 0191 261 2933

spring

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Š 2016 Intu Properties plc

Miss Selfridge

Join the

S/S16 fashion shows 16 & 17 April

Come into bloom with fashion from your favourite brands. Find out more at intu.co.uk/fashion

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Feature

the effect

IMAGE RICHARD POWAZYNSKI PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.RICHARDPOWAZYNSKI.COM

ALWAYS W E A R R E D I S A NEW EDGY LU XU RY FA SH ION B RA N D THAT IS AL R EADY C AU S I NG A R E A L B U Z Z . L I N DA JAN E WES T P H AL G ETS A N EXCLUSIVE SNEAK P EEK AND M E E TS T HE P E OP LE B EH IN D IT, T WO A LIS T N A M E S AND A FABULOUS C REATI VE FRO M NE WC A ST LE.... spring

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Feature

the effect

Confide nce is a colour.

And that colour is

re d.

LARGE IMAGE JADE TURNBULL WWW.JADEPHOTOGRAPHY-ONLINE.COM TWO INSET IMAGES RICHARD POWAZYNSKI WWW.RICHARDPOWAZYNSKI.COM TWO IMAGES OPPOSITE PAGE JADE TURNBULL WWW.JADEPHOTOGRAPHY-ONLINE.COM spring

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Feature

I

t’s not every day you get a call from a man launching an international luxury fashion brand in Newcastle.

Factor in the news that he has acting icon Ralf Little and Zoe Rocha, rising star and the daughter of designer John Rocha and sister of Simone Rocha, on board and we were keen to find out more.

The story becomes even more interesting when we met the charismatic founder of the brand, Newcastle creative Michael Owen. He confessed that Zoe and Ralf ’s involvement happened as a result of a chance meeting in London. He asked Ralf, who was sitting outside a pub, to look after his collie Colin while he popped in to use the loo. Ralf, although he doesn’t even like dogs, was obliging. Ralf was waiting for his business partner, Zoe Rocha; the pair has their own successful production company LittleRock Pictures. The three got chatting and an alliance was born.

“I recognised Ralf but didn’t know Zoe,” explains Michael.

“I’ve always admired Ralf; he is a very interesting and creative person. Zoe mentioned her family were in fashion but I just

thought they must have a market stall,” he laughs.

When you meet Zoe you are instantly struck by her intelligence and acumen. Dubbed a rising star, she was headhunted by Stephen Fry to be COO of his production company Sprout Pictures when she was in her early twenties.

“We get approached a lot by people with creative projects,” said Zoe, “but something about Michael and his passion and concept really stood out. I love the fact he has chosen to focus on accessories.”

Ralf is similarly impressive in person. Best known as an actor in a host of iconic TV and film roles, he is extremely business savvy.

“I loved the quality of Michael’s products, that’s what really impressed me,” he says. “He went to extraordinary lengths to source the very best silk and cashmere and every detail from the design to the packaging is beautifully executed.”

We meet the pair behind the scenes at the very fabulous Jesmond Dene Hotel. Michael insisted that the campaign shoot take place in Newcastle and Zoe and Ralf have just jetted in from Geneva for the shoot by

Newcastle fashion photographer Richard Powazynski.

When you hear the ethos behind AWR, you can see why the pair came on board. At the heart of the luxury accessories brand is the belief that the better you feel about what you wear, the more confident you become.

Confidence is a colour. And that colour is red. Scores of studies have taken place on the ‘red effect’ including the fact that if you wear red, people find you a lot more attractive.

Red is also associated with Britishness. Every scarf and Tall-Beanie is knitted or woven in Scotland. The silks are woven in Southern England and ties and hanks (pocket squares) are manufactured and hand finished in London before quality checking, further hand-finishing and repackaging takes place in the North of England.

The ties are made from the densest silk which produces incredible richness of colour and, with the right care, they will last a lifetime. The unique ‘PURE’

Tall-Beanie is literally two extra tall 100% cashmere beanie hats sewn together for the ultimate indulgent layering and unbeatable warmth.

The philosophy behind the brand is ‘what we wear tells the story of who we are or who we want to be’, so they weave unique Design Stories into everything they do.

They celebrate confident storytelling with luxury fashion accessories that are rich in texture and alive with meaning such as their limited edition tie with Oscar Wilde’s actual signature weaved into the 100% silk. Always Wear Red is the only brand in the world to do this.

New additions are already being planned: “Our ranges will extend dramatically as we move through 2016,” reveals Michael. “The beanie range will be extended to a range of four different 100% cashmere beanies and our cashmere scarf range will now include four new designs including an amazing bespoke, red Tartan. It’s non-stop creativity, really.”

WWW.A LWAYSWEAR R ED.COM spring

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Fashion

d n i h e Life b . . . s n e l the WAN T TO K NOW W HAT A DAY IN T H E LIF E OF A TOP M ODEL I S L I KE? W E FO L LOW TO P LA M ODEL FR AN CO I S E BO UFH AL ( A N D H E R F REN C HIE S P ID E R) TO F IN D OU T....

spring

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Fashion

spring

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The devil is in the detail

jo

LEVERSUCH

PROFESSIONAL MAKE-UP ARTIST www.makeupbyjo.co.uk • jo@makeupbyjo.co.uk • 07815 835211 LaDiDaMag_Issue11.indb 22

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Fashion

MODEL FRANCOISE BOUFHAL WWW.OFFICIALFRANCOISE.COM DOG MODEL SPIDER BOUFHAL SHOOT DIRECTOR LINDA JANE WESTPHAL PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS DAVIS WWW.SPECULAR.VIEWBOOK.COM HAIR MARCUS KING HOOKER & YOUNG WYNYARD 01740 644 690 MUA JO LEVERSUCH WWW.MAKEUPBYJO.CO.UK STYLIST RIO BEADIE ASSISTED BY MEGAN GOODWIN LOCATION MALMAISON HOTEL NEWCASTLE WWW.MALMAISON.COM

d n i h e b Life . . . s n e l the

spring

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Health

B EAUTY HE RO O R B E A U T Y FA IL? WE SEN D OU R P O N T EL AN D PRINCESS OUT TO GI V E HE R VE R D I C T O N S OM E OF N EWC A S T LE'S M OST LA DI DA BEAUTY RETREATS A ND T HE I R S I G NAT U RE T REAT M EN TS...

TRIED& TESTED Hooker & Young

Spa & the city …

D E RM ATUDE FACIAL REVI EW

M ALM AI SO N SPA R E V I E W WORDS LAUREN HILLARY

H

idden in the luxury hotel on Newcastle’s quayside, Le Petit Spa is the perfect hideaway to escape the city.

Tucked away on its own floor, at the bottom of the hotel, I arrived to be given a guided tour of this best kept secret. Once in my fluffy robe and slippers, I was invited into the softly lit relaxation room, which features massage chairs, cosy sofas and plenty of magazines to keep me entertained.

After a good 15 minutes and already relaxed, I was shown to the treatment room by my lovely therapist Laura where I was able to choose which Espa oil I would want used during my treatment. As it was early evening, I chose the Lavender oil, which would help me de-stress and more importantly sleep!

The treatment was a full body massage – top to toe relaxation. It was amazing! Good pressure, very relaxing but not too soft and she got all my knots out. Laura asked if I wanted a scalp massage with the oil to which I replied ‘of course’. It was well worth it and ended up being my favourite part of the experience.

Over an hour of pure relaxation,z I left feeling stress free and I will definitely be back. In fact I’m already planning to go back with my mum and a group of girlfriends for the Girls Night in Package, which includes a one night stay, a 30 minute treatment, chocolate truffles in the room on arrival, Mal munchies or a 2 course meal, a cocktail and a continental breakfast for only £99.

I

went along for the Dermatude facial billed as ‘the facelift alternative’. Once settled, my therapist Kelly explained how the facial would work. Dermatude uses Meta Therapy which involves making invisible micro-perforations in the skin and, as a result, the skin tries to naturally repair itself and starts producing collagen and elastin very quickly. The skin regains elasticity, wrinkles are visibly reduced, pores become finer and circulation is stimulated to give you a youthful glow.

Kelly cleansed my face before applying the glycolic peel to unblock congested pores. Then she moved onto the Dermatude machine which looks like a pen with 18 fine needles in. This moves over the skin to make the tiny perforations. She then applied serums and a lovely cooling mask. She even ran the machine over the backs of my hands to make them youthful as well!

I felt like a new woman and 10 years younger. The next day I could see it had already helped any scars and pigmentation differences in my skin and my skin was smooth, glowing and hydrated, with, of course, less wrinkles! It’s the best thing I have ever tried for my face.

VIP DISCOUNT HOOKER & YOUNG PONTELAND HAS BEEN KIND ENOUGH TO OFFER ALL LA DI DA READERS A FABULOUS DISCOUNT. TO GET AN AMAZING 30% OFF A DERMATUDE FACIAL AT HOOKER & YOUNG IN PONTELAND BEFORE THE END OF APRIL SIMPLY QUOTE LA DI DA WHEN BOOKING. WWW.MALMAISON.COM/NEWCASTLE WWW.HOOKERANDYOUNG.CO.UK

0191 389 8627

01661 821 004 spring

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18/03/2016 10:21

Beauty

Tilbury TRANSFORMATION W

E’RE all guilty of it. Getting stuck in a make-up rut.

We use the same old shades season after season and steadfastly refuse to give up faithful products we’ve coveted for years.

Now Spring is here, I thought I’d see in the change in the season with a change in my beauty routine. For my new look I headed to the Charlotte Tilbury counter in Fenwick, which is proving to be a huge success since it opened late last year.

Tilbury is a master of make-up.

Working with world-famous celebs and supermodels, she has created a make-up brand adored by women of all ages. The brand features 10 killer looks which can appeal to different sides of your personality.

As I was headed to a party after my makeover I opted for the Rock Chick, which was influenced by one of Tilbury’s best friends Kate Moss.

Safe in the hands of make-up

L I Z L AM B V IS ITS T H E C H A RLOT T E TIL BURY COU N T ER IN F EN WIC K , N EWC A S TL E TO FIND A N EW LOOK F OR S P RIN G .

artist Kate Pymm, the transformation began by removing my make-up and infusing my skin with all sorts of lotions and potions.

Kate had her work cut out for

backdrop of perfect-looking skin.

Cue Tilbury’s magic foundation.

Beauty fans across the globe have taken to social media over the past few weeks to rave about how amazing this product is. And it’s all

her. My skin looked stressed, I had bags under my eyes (thanks to my toddler son) and my lips were dehydrated and dry.

The make-up artist wasn’t fazed.

She applied multi-miracle glow balm, wonder glow, lip magic and mini miracle eye wand to turn my complexion around. My fave product was Tilbury’s infamous magic cream, which has been likened to botox in a bottle, and performed no end of miracles to my skin. I look hydrated, fresh and glowing.

Now for the make-up. The rock chick look features heavy-made up eyes and nude lips on a

true. I don’t think I have seen my skin look so amazing. It covered up my imperfections and gave me an even coverage without looking caked. Kate applied re-toucher to the bags under my eyes and flawless finish powder to complete the look.

Next my eyebrows were filled out with Grace Kelly brow lift and Kate transformed my eyes using the luxury eye palette in rock chick which features four shades. I’ve always been useless at applying the smokey eye look but Kate did it with ease. Not

spring

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only did my eyes look bigger but they brought out my natural green-blue eye colour. My eyes were completed with the feline flick shodo pen for that all important rock chick flick and lashings of full fat mascara.

Cheeks were decorated with cheek to chic blusher in First Love and lips were given a glossy sheen with Kissing lipstick in Nude Kate and lip lacquer in Blondie.

I looked like a different woman.

Transformed from a tired, stressed-out working mummy to rock chick extraordinaire.

I may not have Kate Moss’ looks but for just one evening I felt like her-thanks to the skills of Kate and the wonderful magic that is the Charlotte Tilbury brand When I met my friend later for drinks she exclaimed I looked ‘hot’ and that I’d never looked so good.

Charlotte Tilbury: I’ll be back!

2016

18/03/2016 10:21

Beauty

beauty S PRI NG

Actress Kirsten Stewart is the new face of Chanel’s Eye Collection 2016 which includes a multidimensional mascara, an eyebrow definition kit, and powder and cream eyeshadows. I love this four shadow palettes with hues of satin pink, ivory, and electric midnight blue £40.

MU S T-B U YS

S PRI N G I S HE R E W HI C H M EA N S A H OST OF N EW, EXC I T I NG P RO D U C TS F OR OU R M A K E- U P B AGS . S T YL E D I R E C TO R L I Z L AM B S H OWC A SES H ER FAVO U R I T E S .

DKNY Be Delicious Electric Loving Glow features a sparkle of juicy black currant, tart grape and mouth-watering pineapple extracts £37

spring

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One of this year’s biggest launches is the Marula oil which comes from the fruit of the marula tree in Africa and is brimming with powerful anti-oxidants, oleic acid and a high concentration of nutrients. Products include rare oil treatment for hair & skin, replenishing shampoo & conditioner and aims to reduce split ends, give shine and improve the condition of the hair. Priced from £21.

2016

18/03/2016 10:21

Beauty

Michael Kors Spring offering is Sexy Sunset eau de perfume which features notes of lotus flower, blackcurrant and freesia alongside peony, jasmine and sandalwood £58 for 50ml.

Launching in May is Darphin’s Soleil Plaisir SPF30 anti-ageing cream for body. It protects from harmful rays, leaves a luminous finish and smells divine £29.

Origin’s Plantscription Powerful Lifting Overnight Mask is a luxurious fast-absorbing gel-cream mask designed to fight gravity with a lifting complex that helps visibly lift, plump and firm facial skin £52.

Other make-up must-haves:

Smashbox photo finish primer for great skin under your make-up £28.

Glamour Grit is an oil-free salt scrub that’s 100% vegan, enriched with vitamin E and buffs and exfoliates skin £14.99.

Tom Ford’s Spring Color 16 collection features a collection for eyes, lips and complexion in an array of seductive names. I adore the luxurious cream colour eye shadow in midnight blue £29, water proof mascara and the patent finish lip colour which gives a stain with an ultra-gloss finish and comes in an easy-to-use pen £38.

The latest fragrance from the house of Creed is Royal Princess Oud £210 which features notes of bergamot, jasmine, oud and sandalwood.

Bumb le & Bumble Full potential hair range featuring shampoo, conditioner and booster spray for fuller, stronger hair. From £23.

Smashbox 25th anniversary lip palette in 25 shades may last foreve r £60.

Neom’s signature Scent to Make You Happy blend uses Neom’s Happiness fragrance, a potent blend of 7 of the purest possible essential oils. I love the Happiness 3 wick scented candle £45 to boost my mood for spring. spring

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Health

THE

Skincare QUEENS

Uzma 2 D R UZ M A O LB R ICH

1

C H A N TEC A I L L E L I QU ID LU M IÈ R E AN TI -AG I N G I L LU MINATO R My go-to product for a dewy, youthful glow. Perfect as we approach the summer months for that sun kissed look. I am addicted.

3

ZO H YD RA FI RM E YE B RI G H TE N I N G REPA I R C RE A M A magic eye cream that actually works! This is my secret to minimising fine lines and wrinkles around my eyes. It contains ingredients that promote collagen growth and skin barrier repair. It’s what every girls needs in their beauty bag.

4

ZO OSS EN T IA L A DVA NC E D RADICAL NIGHT R E PA IR C R E A M This is the last thing that goes onto my face before lights out. It’s a high potency retinol cream which targets the multiple signs of ageing. Another wonder product from the ZO range! I know it will keep protecting my skin against future skin aging and damage.

Here’s to healthy skin in our 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s onwards.

6

ZO OCLIP SE SM A RT TON E BROAD S P E C T R U M SPF 50 Love! Love! Love! This is the product I can’t live without. It is one of the most highly advanced SPF available on the market. Not only does this protect against UVA and UVB rays, it also contains natural fractionated melanin to protect skin against damaging high energy visible (HEV) light too. Science aside, it contains a sheer tinted primer designed to match any skin tone, giving a dewy glow to your face. Perfect for everyday not just holidays.

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G ET YOU R G LOW ON THIS SPR ING! WE A SK ED OU R S K INCAR E QUEENS F OR T H EIR EIG H T B E AUTY PROD UCTS EV ERY WOM A N S H OUL D OWN…

5

TO CC A S TEL L A EA U D E PA RFU M The floral scent reminds me of time spent in Rome where I first came across this perfume. I love the vintage-inspired glass bottle decorated with an intricate gold leaf. It looks beautiful on my dressing table.

8 ZO I N VI S A P E E L

CHA NT E CA IL L E F U T U R E SKIN F O U NDAT IO N This is an oil-free foundation which offers great long lasting coverage, but feels very lightweight in texture. I would use this for a special night out.

7

CHA R LOT T E T IL BURY K .I.S.S.I.N.G S TO NE D RO SE LIP ST ICK I swear by Stone Rose as my daytime lip colour of choice. It is a subtle nude pink which leaves my lips feeling moisturised with a lasting lip colour. It doesn’t bleed or dry out lips.

I won’t leave the house without it in my handbag.

My hero product for the days when I’m feeling dull and lack lustre. It’s a mild home peel, with no down time. Invisapeel is a lotion mask which promotes exfoliation and helps to renew the top skin layer. It leaves my skin feeling tremendously smoother and brighter after use. Be warned, this is one for your cosy evenings at home, with your feet up, glass of fizz in hand and cream on your face for 2-3 hours. Relax time.

18/03/2016 10:22

Rebecca 2

1

D I O R D I O RS H OW M A S C A RA My favourite mascara – it is perfect for maximizing my lashes without clogging.

It lasts all day and the colour is great.

ZO E X FO L I ATI N G P OL I S H

DR R E B ECCA HIE RO N S

BOB B I B ROW N S H I M M ER B RI C K

3

A lovely lightweight oil free powder that gives my skin a radiant, healthy glow. Great to use at any time, day or night on the face or body for a bit of extra sparkle!

6

7 D IOR A D D IC T L IP GLOSS This gloss is lovely to use and gives a wonderful shine and depth of colour due to the micro-glass pearls it contains. It lasts for ages and I always have one in my bag.

LaDiDaMag_Issue11.indb 29

This scrub smells lovely and fresh and gives my skin a great exfoliation. The magnesium crystals it contains are dimpled (like golf balls) and are therefore not traumatic to the skin. It is great to use in the morning to kick-start the day!

ZO C- B RI G H T VI TA M I N C S E RU M This is the most stable form of vitamin C on the market in a water-free formulation to prevent de-activation in the tube. It glides onto the skin and is formulated to penetrate into the epidermis to combat pigmentation, UV damage and restore skin barrier function. It also helps to reduce fine lines and wrinkles – a truly brilliant product.

8

ZO O SS E N TI A L LASH EN H A N C I N G S ERU M This serum gives outstanding results. It contains a complex blend of peptides and is formulated to enhance eyelash thickness and length as well as improving brow thickness and quality. It means I never have to have lash extensions!

5

4 ZO O IL ACL E A NSE An excellent face wash for normal to oily skin.

It contains small beads that give my skin a really thorough clean, helping to prevent breakouts. It removes every scrap of makeup - even waterproof mascara! It comes in a large 240ml tube and lasts for ages.

G LO M I N E RAL S SM O KE Y E YE K IT I love this eyeshadow – it glides on really smoothly and gives a great, even, deep colour. It stays put all day as well and is really easy to blend. It is oil free so is better for my skin.

WIN WIN WIN WE HAVE A ZO OSSENTIAL LASH ENHANCING SERUM (RRP £44) FROM THE LOVELY LADIES AT QUEENSWAY SKIN CLINIC TO GIVEAWAY. JUST EMAIL EDITORIAL@LADIDA.CO.UK WITH LASH SERUM IN THE SUBJECT HEADER AND YOUR FULL NAME AND ADDRESS AND A WINNER WILL BE CHOSEN AT RANDOM ON THE 30TH APRIL 2016. SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS.

18/03/2016 10:22

Shhhhh nobody needs to know….

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18/03/2016 10:22

Feature

Our ethos is natural rejuvenation achieved through good skin care and ethical injectables.

We can recommend and prescribe a personalised skin care programme that will revive and restore your skin to health‌for a naturally more radiant version of you.

Book a free 30 minute personalised skin consultation with Dr Uzma Olbrich or Dr Rebecca Hierons.

Find out more about our unique skin assessment at www.queenswayskinclinic.co.uk

170, Queensway, Billingham, Teesside TS23 2NT 01642 352445

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H&Y La Di Da Spring Ad_Layout 1 14/03/2016 14:30 Page 1

AWARD WINNING HAIRDRESSING

CUTTING EDGE Darlington 01325 468 994

Gosforth 0191 217 0217

Jesmond 0191 281 6714

Ponteland 01661 821 004

Wynyard 01740 644 690

www.hookerandyoung.co.uk Facebook/hooker&young Twitter @hookerandyoung

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CHRIS DAVIS WWW.SPECULAR.VIEWBOOK.COM

Hair and Beauty

H OOKER & YOU N G'S MA RCU S K IN G H AS BEEN CROWN ED B R IT IS H MEN'S H AIR DR ESS ER OF TH E YEA R , AN IMM ENSE ACH IEV EMEN T N OT ONLY NATIO N A LLY B U T A LS O INTERNATION A LLY A S B R ITIS H H AIRD RESSIN G LEA DS TH E WORLD. WE GR A B B ED A CH A IR IN H IS FABULO U S WYN YA R D S A LON AND FOUND OU T MOR E...

Y

ou won British Men’s Hairdresser of the Year - a huge accolade - what does it mean to you and where do you go from here?

“This means the world to me especially with it being a British award. No one else has won this award in the North East before and it’s opened so many doors for me. Travelling around the country doing shows, stage and session work and just being recognised by my peers. This means a lot more hard work promoting myself and the salon group but I would like to take this as far as it can go.”

Are you pleased that the talent in the north east is getting recognised on a national level?

“It’s very important to me that this recognition for North East hairdressing is happening, it’s definitely closing the gap between North and South in hair and the fashion gap is now really closing.”

How did you get into hairdressing - and what age did you first realise you wanted to be a hairdresser?

“At 14 I got a job in a barber shop and they took me to a competition to model for them.

When I saw how cool all the hairdressers looked and all the amazing styles they were creating, both for men and for women’s hair, I just knew this was the job for me and I have never looked back.”

What do you enjoy more - day to day hairdressing or doing shoots for magazines and fashion shows?

“I love both and am extremely passionate about both of them. I would never want to give up either of them ever.”

Can you tell us the trends to look out for SS16?

“The main trends to look out for in SS16 are longer hair all over for men, with the top flatter and natural, colour is big for men this season and stretch and surface colour will be massive for men. For women we will see more natural shaping, whether long or short length.

In terms of colours we expect more technical colours with surface colours darker. And a lot of short, sharp fashion catwalk cuts. It’s all very exciting.

Image courtesy of Hooker & Young Who has been your hairdressing inspiration?

“My hairdressing inspiration is the great Vidal Sassoon but there are so many to choose from but I am very lucky to work for Gary Hooker and Michael Young who inspire me loads and keep supporting me with everything.” spring

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MARCUS IS BASED AT HOOKER & YOUNG WYNYARD. 01740 644690

2016

18/03/2016 10:22

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in association with

Feature Health

PAUL BAGULEY IS A RES PECTED CONSULTANT AESTH ETI C/PLAS TI C S U RG EO N WH O PR ACTICES IN TH E N O RTH EAS T. M B CH B B SC FRCSCPLAS FRCSED PLAS .

WWW. PAULBAGULEY. COM

Can you really

change your body?

D

r Sheldon in the 1940’s advocated three body types – Endomorph, ectomorph and mesomorph. These are essentially “fuller figure”, “skinny” and “athletic”. The latest barrage on the female psyche is Spoon, Ruler,V and Hourglass.

I am constantly asked by women to perform surgery to help them look (and feel) better about themselves.

When I examine someone I try and compliment them on the way they look. They may come asking about a perceived problem, but I always mention a positive about the way they look. The last thing anyone needs is to be reminded of a problem and then that’s compounded by a surgeon saying “Oh Yes! You really do need surgery”.

No one “needs” cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is “ Co s metic s u rgery to enhance what we already i s to enh ance wh at have. It will not change you we al ready h ave...” from a Spoon to a V, or a Ruler to an Hourglass.You are what you are. All any cosmetic surgeon can do is enhance what God gave you.

So that leads to fashion. How many times have we all seen girls in the high street wearing clothes that do not suit them at all? If you are a “Ruler” you cannot wear clothes that suit a “Spoon”. It’s the same with cosmetic surgery. One operation does not fit all. I have often talked about “my friend Julie”. I see a girl who is a delightfully attractive “Spoon” and she has “my friend Julie” who is a “Ruler”, but she wants exactly the same operation as “my friend Julie” so that they can look the same.

God made us all different, and the differences are what makes us attractive as a species. Wouldn’t it be awful if we looked out of the window and we saw doubles, trebles or millions of people that all looked like you look ?

We all have our insecurities. I hate my round fat face! I’m ok from the neck down, but the face? Argh! Could I do something about it? No.My face is inoperable! So I keep fit and look after the bits I can change.

The moral of this tale? Be you a Spoon, hourglass,V or Ruler, I have the skill to enhance but not to change you from one to spring

LaDiDaMag_Issue11.indb 35

another. Be happy in your differences. And remember – fashion is aimed at “Rulers”, so don’t try and be the square peg in a round hole, or Spoon in a Ruler, embrace your individuality, accentuate your best points and shine in your own right!

Top fashion models such as Rosie Huntington Whiteley are naturally ‘ruler’ shaped IMAGE BY WWW.CARROSTUDIO.COM

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2016

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Health

FACE FACTS IF ANTI-WRINKLE INJECTIONS AND FILLER S J U S T A R EN ’ T D ELIVERING FOR YOU ANYMORE AND TH E R EF LECTION STARING BACK IN THE MIRROR REMIND S YOU A LIT TLE TOO M UCH OF YOUR MOTH ER, IT MAY BE TIME TO FACE FACTS AND LOOK AT FACIAL SURGERY. LA D I DA TA LK S TO EX PERT SURGEON JERRY RYAN TO SEE WHAT THE OPT ION S A R E…

E

Some p e ople h ave the mi s conce ptio n th at goi ng to Lo ndo n and H arley S tre e t w il l res ult i n a b e tte r se r v ice bu t it wo n ’ t…

ventually our past does catch up with us, at least in terms of the beauty world it seems. Those years spent on sunbeds or on the beach trying to cultivate the ideal tan with very little sun protection in our youth can age us terribly when we hit our middle years. Add in smoking and drinking and the damage it does in terms of premature aging can often catch up with us.

So how do you know if you need a face lift or a helping hand with those bits of your face that are heading south? Mr Jerry Ryan, an expert facial surgeon at Spire Washington Hospital, says it’s when your facial structure starts looking less contoured.

“If you have become more jowly, have hooding on your eyelids and your mouth starts to droop down then the answer will need to be surgical,” he says. “Women often notice it when they have to lift their eyelids to apply mascara.”

“Non-surgical solutions are very good but they can only go so far when ageing takes hold,” he notes.

Today facelifts and operations to the eyelids and brows are far more advanced than previously. For most people this means scarring is minimal and discreet and the results could last for around 10 years for a good face lift.

“The desired result is that people compliment you on looking really well and refreshed without being able to pinpoint exactly what has changed about you or what you’ve had done,” says Mr Ryan. “Although I did have one client panicking a bit about going back to work because she looked ‘too good’ but that’s a nice problem to have.”

Early face lifts were just about moving the skin but today’s facelifts are far more sophisticated. Mr Ryan uses the SMAS facelift where he tightens the muscle layer underneath and then the skin just follows. He can also use fat transfers to the head and neck to volumise spring

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36

for a more youthful look if this is appropriate.

This fat is taken from the client’s own body.

“I use the Colman technique where we make a stab wound by the bellybutton and take good quality fat cells by liposuction,” he explains. “It’s good because it’s your own cells; you are not injecting foreign material into the face.”

Incisions are made in discreet places such as at the back of the ear in the groove between ear and head and the bottom of the hairline.

Recovery time is expected to be around two weeks.

Other types of facial surgery are also increasingly popular such as blepharoplasties which remove skin or fat from the eyelids and can create a more youthful appearance.

A good surgeon will be able to advise you.

Do your homework on your surgeon, make sure he or she is on a specialist register and is also a Fellow of the European Academy of Facial Surgery. Try and have the operation locally,” advises Mr Ryan.

“Some people have the misconception that going to London and Harley Street will result in a better service but it won’t,” he says.

“We’re all NHS consultants and live locally to the hospital so if there are any problems we can deal with it. That’s what you should be looking for. There shouldn’t be problems but like any surgery there are always risks and you need to ensure you have the support structure in place.”

MEDICAL NOTES FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.SPIREWASHINGTON.COM OR PHONE 0191 418 8687

IF YOU’RE THINKING OF HAVING ANY COSMETIC PROCEDURE, WE RECOMMEND YOU RESEARCH YOUR PROCEDURE AND SURGEON THOROUGHLY AND CHOOSE SOMEONE REGISTERED WITH BAAPS, THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF AESTHETIC PLASTIC SURGEONS (BAAPS.ORG.UK) 020 7430 1840

2016

18/03/2016 10:22

Beauty

glow

S PR IN G

F RESH FROM WOR KING AT LF W AND MFW, TOP MAKE UP ARTIST JO L EVERSUCH SHOWS U S H OW TO GET THE P ERF E CT ON TR END SS 1 6 LOOK.

P

repare to wow with dazzling eyes.

LFW SS16 graphic brights has filtered down to a very wearable nude look and a focus on coloured mascara. To keep it fresh, use a light BB cream or foundation and mix in a highlighter primer or foundation base to add glow. I used Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow primer to create this look with Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation, bronzer from Charlotte Tilbury, Ariane Poole's Eyeshine in Constellation and RMK Mascara 03 W Colour. For brows I used Eyebrow Eyelure No 30 Blonde. I added Laura Mercier Bare Baby lipgloss and YSL Touche Éclat Blur Perfector for the perfect dewy finish.

For spring focus on the eyes and keep lips natural. If your eyes look tired, wear a black navy mascara to make the white of the eyes stand out.

PHOTOGRAPHY REBECCA ELIZABETH TATE RETOUCHED BY MIKE VALDEZ WWW.SCARYMONSTERSTUDIO.COM STYLIST HARRIET MOISER MUA JO LEVERSUCH WWW.MAKEUPBYJO.CO.UK HAIR JAMES REID AT WHISKERED WWW.WHISKERED.CO.UK MODEL EMMA DAVIES TYNE TEES MODELS

spring

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FOR FURTHER ADVICE OR A PRIVATE LESSON CONTACT JO ON 07815 835 211 OR EMAIL JO@MAKEUPBYJO.CO.UK

2016

18/03/2016 10:22

Love the way you

look Love the way you

feel

We know that having cosmetic surgery is a big decision and there’s a lot you’ll want to consider.

At Spire Washington, we’re here to give you all the information you need to make the choice that’s right for you.

Book an initial consultation with one of our expert cosmetic surgeons and start your journey today.

For more information or to book your appointment today, please contact us on:

0191 418 8687

info@spirewashington.com www.spirewashington.com Picktree Lane, Rickleton, Tyne and Wear, NE38 9JZ

LaDiDaMag_Issue11.indb 38

18/03/2016 10:22

Follow us

@SpireWashington

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18/03/2016 10:22

Fashion

Dr Martens

A DDS E N GLI SH SUED E TO A CL ASS I C S HO E

D

WORDS EMMA LUMLEY

r. Martens are an iconic brand, not only in fashion but in British heritage.

Originally produced for postmen and policemen because their durability and lightweight design made them the perfect boot for being walked around in for hours on end.

For their SS16 collection, Dr Martens have created three new collections: Pastels, Colour Canvas and the new Made in England suede style. The Made in England collection has seen Dr. Martens partner with Charles F. Stead, based in Leeds in a 150 year old

factory which stretches over five acres. They are one of the most respected tanners of suede leather in the world. Designers Charlie Robinson and Malcolm McGee came along to the factory with La Di Da to see how their designs were produced.

Malcolm has been designing shoes for Dr. Martens for just over a year and Charlie has been designing shoes for the brand since graduation from the London College of Fashion, nearly three years ago. Charlie said that “being thrown into the middle of it all was really inspiring. The types of materials that they offer, it kind of gets you thinking about more spring

LaDiDaMag_Issue11.indb 40

materials that we could use.”

Malcolm, who has previously worked for Nike in Oregon, USA and for Fred Perry, among others added: “It’s fascinating to see the tannery process in action, I’d not actually been around a tannery before, so in that respect it was really interesting. Leathers are obviously a really important part of what we do at Dr. Martens, as it’s a leather company so it’s great to hear experts talking about that.”

The new suede design is taken from a core product, the 1461 shoe, and has had this famous Leeds Stead suede applied to it and the outer sole is a unique

40

wine colour. Malcolm described this shoe as “a pretty luxury, premium version of a regular Dr. Martens shoe.”

Pastels and Colour Canvas are the two other new collections this season. The pastel colours are perfect for summer and is applied to a range of Dr. Martens styles, not just the traditional boot.

Sandals, bags and socks are all included. The Colour Canvas collection is a bright and vibrant range that is light and breathable, also perfect for summer.

These new collections, along with all of the classic styles, in children and adult sizes are available in store and online now.

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PROM

White lace with full skirt £550, www.alexan d eroccasi o n al.co m Sh oes Mod a i n Pelle £89.95

Fashion

A girl should be two things:

Classy and Fabulous Coco Chanel

spring

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2016

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Fashion

Turquoise Dress £545-£425 www.alexanderoccasional.com

spring

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2016

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PROM

Fashion Feature

spring

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2016

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Fashion

Paparazzi Prom Mori Lee. ref: 98016 in champagne £432 www.poppybridal.co.uk

Paparazzi Prom Mori Lee ref: 97074 in colour royal £405 www.poppybridal.co.uk

White Lace Dress £550 www.alexanderoccasional.com spring

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2016

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PROM

Fashion Feature

Credits S h o o t D i rec t o r Lin da J a ne We st p h a l

Ph o t og raph y J a de Tu r n bul l www. ja deph o t o g ra p h y - o n l i n e . co m M UA : J o L eve rs u c h www. m a keup by j o . co . u k H ai r K a ra Sco tt www. k a ra s co t t h a i rs t y l i s t . co . u k S t yl i n g R io B e a die M o del s L u cy L aven d e r a n d M o l l y Li s t e r

Loc at i on We s hot at t he gorge ous and ve r y la d i d a S pa a t Ra ms i d e , Ra ms i d e H a ll and i n t he ube r luxe Ce le brat i ons S ui t e at Rams i d e H all H ot e l. www.ra ms i d e s pa .co .uk www.ra ms i d e ha llhote l.co .uk spring

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Proms

Princess... al l Paparazzi

Fit for a

all Pia Michi spring

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PROM

Fashion

shoes...

Clockwise, from top left

Coria Nude £69.95 Morgana silver shoe s £65.95 Cappi floral £89.95

SHOES COURTESY OF MODA IN PELLE, 16 GRANGE ROAD, DARLINGTON 01325 463 862 SHOE PHOTOGRAPHY BY WWW.JADEPHOTOGRAPHY-ONLINE.COM BENTLEY COURTESY OF RAMSIDE HALL HOTEL WWW.RAMSIDEHALLHOTEL.CO.UK DRESSES COURTESY OF DC COUTURE 33 HIGH STREET, YARM 01642 788 991 WWW.DCCOUTURE.CO.UK

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PROMS DPS LA DE DA_Layout 1 11/03/2016 15:23 Page 1

Prom PRINCESS

Dazzling OR

DIVA

Treat your daughter to one of our fabulous prom packages and make sure she looks and feels like a princess on her big day...

BESPOKE PROM HAIR STYLING

Reef Salons based within the Spa at Ramside offer unique prom hair styling services.

For further information contact Reef Salon direct on 0191 3863055

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OUR EXCLUSIVE PROM PACKAGES

Prom Princess

Beauty consultation, body exfoliation, Express booster facial, Polish and Shine for hands and feet (polish or gel), Brow by Mii and Make Up tutorial.

Dazzling Divas

Girlie time in our gorgeous beauty snug for A list nails with our Polish and shine for Hands and Feet (polish or gels).

& My Prom

A fabulous way to make sure your princess is camera ready with a consultation with Brow by Mii and Make Up tutorial.

ALL PROM PACKAGES ARE VALID IN MAY, JUNE & JULY 2016

EARLY BIRD OFFER Book any prom package before the 30th April to receive a free gift on day of arrival

Contact our Spa team today or call in to speak to one of our team Tel: 0191 375 3088 | www.ramsidespa.co.uk | enquiries@ramsidespa.co.uk The Spa at Ramside Hall Hotel Carrville Durham DH1 1TD

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Prom Beauty Beauty

T H E TEAM TO HAVE O N S PEED DIA L FOR A L I S T P RO M LO O K S …

Glowing skin

R

adiant skin is vital to look your best on your big day so we asked our skin care queen Uzma Olbrich for some tips to avoid the dreaded breakout. She advises that daily exfoliation keeps pores clean and skin smooth but invest in a good scrub. If you suffer from acne take a look at specialist ranges. Avoid fatty foods and refined sugar which could cause flare ups. Avoid the use of moisturiser, she advises, and oil based cosmetics.

“Use only water-based cosmetics,” she recommends. “Beware of the term ‘oil-free’. Many manufacturers use synthetic oils, rather than natural and their products can still technically be called ‘oil-free’.

However, these can still cause or aggravate acne. Frequently, acne caused by cosmetics will appear as whiteheads over the cheeks, forehead and chin. Mineral make-up is best as it contains no oils and natural ingredients that do not cause irritation or harm the skin. ” The ZO® Skin Health and ZO Medical® ranges have acne specific therapeutic products to reduce oil, combat spots and restore healthy skin. It is important to start treatment in good time before your Prom.You will need anything from 6- 18 weeks of treatment for a good result depending on the severity of your acne.

For advice and treatment contact Queensway Skin Clinic. www.queenswayskinclinic.co.uk

Accessorise!

We love the luxury accessories brand Melanie Kyles. Based in the North East, her designs are ethical as well as beautiful. Take a look at her facebook page at melaniekylesaccessories.

Image by www.christeeny.com

Hair

Prom pamper We love the new prom package from the uber luxe Spa at Ramside. It has everything a girl could want to ensure she looks prom perfect on her big day. Choose from three spa packages: Prom Princess consists of two sessions and includes a personal consultation with a beauty expert, body exfoliation to help prepare skin for any tanning, Express Booster facial for radiant skin, Polish and Shine for hands and feet (polish or gel), Brow by Mii and a make up tutorial or prom day make up on the actual day of your prom.

Other packages include Dazzling Divas (which can be for a maximum of six girls) and includes Polish and Shine for Hands (polish or gels) and Feet (polish or gels). MII & My Prom features a make up tutorial or prom make up on the day and a fabulous brow treatment from Mii. www.ramsidespa.co.uk spring

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flair

Kara Scott is a la di da fave and often works with us on fashion shoots. She has just launched a fab new YouTube channel with lots of tutorials and inspiration. Kara has worked at LFW, with celebs and is regularly requested for top magazine shoots in London. She is incredible at channelling the latest trends into wearable, pretty styles. Check out Kara Scott Hair Stylist on YouTube.

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Beauty

THE

SP RIN G ST YLE. ST YLE DIREC TOR L IZ LAMB SELEC TS H ER FAVOUR ITE BUYS F OR T H IS S EA SON .

Beauty EDIT @ L I ZL AMB W H ATS H OT

Alice & Astrid is a luxury loungewear and nightwear brand. We adore this glamorous chocolate silk satin dressing gown in classic polka dot £395. Along with the label’s exclusive Snowberry print dressing gown and silk PJ’s, they are hand crafted in England. www.aliceandastrid.com

Be a lady in red with this Santiago dress £229 Hobbs

LA DI DA Loves Amaze Cylindrical Heeled Courts £68 Office

Mayfair Watch £325 Links of London

Look stylish and keep warm with this Jaeger check tabard gilet £250

Look pretty in pink in the Gaverpin Leather Jacket £649 Barbour

Stand out from the crowd with the Tooting handbag £239 Radley spring

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Gents.

SS16 Tiger of Sweden

Thomas Pink

Nigel Cabourn Presentation

the edit

Tiger of Sweden Thomas Pink Tiger of Sweden

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Gents.

10 TO P T R E N D S

1 T hi n k A n ora k Zips on jackets are having a moment Tiger of Sweden

2 Sha des of G rey Thomas Pink

Everywhere for Summer

3 G reen , t he n ew bla ck ?

WE P I CK S O M E O F O U R FAVOU RIT E LOOK S F ROM LON D ON CO L L E C T I O N: MEN SWEA R SS 1 6

Mix up your greens or just accessorise

4 St r i p e N a t i on

COMPILED BY LINDA JANE WESTPHAL PHOTOS WWW.CARROSTUDIO.COM

Everywhere you look

5 Luxe ba ck p a ck s Back but not as you know them

6 Suave s uede Suede jackets are a must have

7 B a ggy Trous ers They're here to stay this summer

8 D i s t ress ca ll Distressed jeans for summer cool

9 Ha t a t t a ck Baseball caps go upmarket

Thomas Pink Nigel Cabourn Presentation

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10 Sock i t t o t hem Yes socks with shoes AND sandals

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Gents.

WITH MARK BURNS CASSELL

Heaven and Earth Spa Review

I

could sense from a tangible change in air pressure that my summons from La Di Da Towers was imminent.

This time my mission was to head down to the Ramside Hall Spa just outside of Durham.

This five star luxury health club is familiar territory to me, being the very same spectacular facility that my discerning senses selected to while away my own leisure hours.

Outdoor 39 degree Celsius bubbling pools aside, this really is a smashing place.

A multi-million pound investment and the newest addition to our already excellent wealth of North East health clubs, Ramside Hall Spa boasts a Himalayan salt room, herbal infusion steam facilities, and saunas at different heights – incase ground level isn’t to your liking. Best of all, car park spaces are more than wide enough to comfortably house a Land Rover Discovery, or indeed my very own humble Audi Q5. I digress.

After a somewhat stressful day working on my ceramic creations in the studio, I decided to start my treatment experience with a bit of a jaunt into Ramside’s excellent gym. Their gym equipment has its own patent on the colour of the leather seats, for goodness’ sake; how could anyone pass it up?

After a swift cardio sesh I descended into the sauna. Gents: allow me to let you in on a secret.

Ramside has its own gents sauna in the male changing rooms.

Don’t tell the ladies, as theirs doesn’t – so I’m told. Perhaps the

SPA AT RAM SI DE

idea of installing it was to enable the menfolk to sit and chat about ‘man things’ like beards without offending the fairer sex.

Mercifully few choose to go unclad into this somewhat intimate space. It is however an excellent way to open the pores ready to receive their anointing in spring

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wonderful fragrant oils in the treatment room – so I resolved to take this course of action prior to my indulgent Heaven and Earth experience.

Gemma was my therapist – a friendly, welcoming and very knowledgeable lady who immediately put me at my ease.

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For all she is petite, Gemma has the strength in her hands of one of those burly Greek male masseurs one sees in films thwacking an olive branch around.

I like a firm massage that gets results, and Gemma took to my poor knotted muscles like a duck to water.

In short, she was excellent. We commenced with a consultation, and I was asked to select between two scents bespoke to my needs – one, restorative – the other, soothing. Essentially dear gent, Ramside offers a treatment bespoke to you – regardless of which way you tumbled from your crisp Egyptian cotton sheets. I selected the former fragrance: sweet rose geranium, rose demasina, orange, and lavender.

First up, an invigorating back exfoliation, Gemma’s hands whirring like wonderful clappers in her application of spearmint and aloe vera scrub. Washed off with hot mitts, a warm oil and hot stones massage followed, targeting the areas I identified in my consultation that need attention – for me, the shoulders.

The hot stones drain toxins from the body, promote a sense of wellbeing, aid lymphatic drainage and all-but-guarantees a good night’s sleep and exquisitely relaxed muscles.

Part two: the facial. Three cleansers were applied to the visage of yours truly before the clarisonic brush was unveiled. This clever bit of kit whirred across my

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Gents. skin cleaning six times deeper than a face scrub. I tell you, I felt sixteen again. A skin vision lamp was then applied to identify areas of focus in my skin’s care ritual. I am delighted to tell you that Gemma awarded me a ‘solid eight’ out of ten when quizzed on the quality of my face. My elasticity was excellent, and overall oil production was contained – no doubt down to my extensive daily moisturising rituals. My eyes were identified as needing attention, so an Age Rebel Eye Hydrator was applied to reinvigorate them with ginko biloba – renowned for its ability to stimulate microcirculation round the eyes.

Next up came a massage of my shoulders, face, and décolleté (the lattermost I didn’t even know I

had), before a superb scalp and neck massage that had me comatose with delight.

A nourishing facemask was applied – drawing out impurities and enriched with kaolin and shea butter. Gemma told me this was a two-in-one mask, enabling the wearer to achieve a soothing and close shave as well as nourishing the face. A protective moisturiser completed my treatment, and I had the option to come back to life within the Ramside sleep sanctuary – a muted room with whirring massage beds, soft veils and delicious herbal teas where clients can re-emerge into the real world peacefully and in their own time.

Bliss: and a must-have treatment for any discerning gent.

I reviewed Ramside’s 90-minute Heaven and Earth treatment, priced at £110. A two-hour Heaven and Earth treatment is priced at £145. A bespoke product recommendation is made at the end of the treatment – for me, the Age Rebel Eye Hydrator (25ml) at £36, and the Dual Active Shave Mud (200ml) at £22.

Mud Rasul Ritual Review

A

fter the spectacular experience I had at Ramside the other day, I was like a pig in the proverbial when the lovely Jill (Spa Director who I’m now natch on first name terms with) invited me back for a second round of self-indulgence.

This time the experience before me was a Mud Rasul Ritual – a sensation of Middle Eastern proportions; muds, mists, salts and oils in a heated chamber.

This treatment is for two to four people, so I had a look through my little black book of admirers and decided that John would be most appropriate for this particular jaunt. A lovely lad who couldn’t look more at home caked in seaweed and sat on a heated throne, we piled in to the spa to be whisked upstairs by the lovely Amanda, towels and fluffy robes freshly folded and waiting for us.

The rasul chamber is divided into two rooms – the first, a delightful ante-room with two rainfall showers designed for changing, scrubbing, and application of the seaweedpacked mud. We began with a jolly good scrub using an exfoliating salt and oil infusion.

Gentle reader, the scent was heaven itself; lime

T H E SPA AT RAM SI DE and menthol combine to provide an aromatic celebration. After a quick dip to wash away the scrub and plenty of dead skin we turned to the seaweed mud.

Mudded-up and slick as two green seals, we sauntered into the next space – the steam chamber. Tastefully tiled ‘thrones’ (as termed in the spa guide) welcomed our clay-covered bottoms, whilst warm jets of steam aided the mud in sinking deeper into our pores, carrying out all its cleansing magic. Whilst in the steam chamber we were encouraged to take deep breaths and to meditate – providing a cleansing ritual for both body and soul. I admit, I had the feeling that my own soul might well need somewhat more cleansing than that, but I was happy to give it a go.

After a forty-five minute cycle of steam came the final part of the treatment: the monsoon showers above us pouring forth warm water to wash away our mud and cares. We emerged radiant, invigorated, and ready for a wellearned schooner of Tiger beer and a stint by the hydro pool.

Ramside’s Mud Rasul Ritual is available at the crackingly good price of £60 per couple Monday to Thursday, or £100 for four people. spring

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Friday to Sunday the treatment costs £75 per couple, or £115 for four. Either way, this one gets my firm stamp of approval as a fantastic way to while away an afternoon when one really ought to be at the office.

T RE ATME N T N OTE S

The Spa at Ramside provides the ultimate luxury pampering for the La di da gent, even the falcons approve…

www.ramsidespa.co.uk 0191 375 3088

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Food

#FOODPORN

TAKE A LOOK AT THESE DIVINE DISHES FROM THE FABULOUS HENNY CROSLAND, ONE OF OUR FAVOURITE CHEFS. NOT ONLY IS SHE LOTS OF FUN, SHE HAS MADE US SOME OF THE BEST PUDS WE’VE EVER TASTED AND WE’VE TASTED A LOT. IMAGES WWW.GASPPHOTOCO.CO.UK spring

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Food

H

enny perfected her patisserie and cooking skills cooking on the most prestigious super yachts across the world for A list celebrities, including Denzel Washington who loved her cooking so much he gave her a thank you massage. Since then she has delighted diners at two foodie faves, The Rose & Crown in Romaldkirk and The Coach House restaurant at Middleton Lodge.

She has now set up Henny's Kitchen and caters for la di da dinner parties. Install her in your kitchen and you can guarantee a dinner with the wow factor, while you concentrate on looking fabulous and relaxing with your guests with a glass of fine wine. Definitely one to have on your speed dial.

TAS TI N G N OTE S www.hennyskitchen.co.uk

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Food & Drink

Chef ’s rather fabulous socks

Chef Phil Hase

A S TY L I S H C HE F A ND G O RG EOU S F OOD WH AT' S NOT TO LOVE ? W E H EA D DOWN TO H DV TO TA K E A LO O K . ..

WORDS LINDA JANE WESTPHAL

L

IMAGES WWW.CARROSTUDIO.COM

a Di Da spends rather too much time at Hotel Du Vin in Newcastle than is strictly good for us. That morning meeting too easily turns into lunch and that 4 o clock appointment? Well it would be rude not to try just a few of the amazing gins the hotel has on offer.

Hanging around this amazingly stylish hotel as often as we do, you get to hear the odd bit of gossip. Unfortunately we can't mention all the fabulous celebs that stay here in their jawdroppingly stylish rooms and suites, the team at HdV Towers are far too discreet for that. But what did attract our attention was the news that their chef, Phil Hase, always wore strikingly quirky socks over his chef's whites.

As you know dear reader, there is nothing more we like than a well dressed Gent and when he can cook the kind of sublime food that Phil produces, we instantly made a date.

We needed to see those socks in action.

On the day of the shoot Phil was resplendently attired in his finest stripey socks and was cooking up a storm at the Bistro so we couldn't resist shooting some of his mouthwateringly good dishes at the same time.

If you haven't tried the Bistro we urge you to go. Inspired by French home-style cooking with robust flavours and slow-cooked foods, Bistro du Vin's Gallic influenced menu has an undeniably British flavour and relies heavily on fresh, seasonal produce. We love their classic 28 days, dry aged on the bone steaks and Steak Tartare. Their new Spring Summer menu launches soon and is bound to be deliciously moreish, ideal for summer socialising. We're already booked in.

We also have a soft spot for their fabulous sommelier David Burlton. David is half Tasmanian and half English and is super passionate about wines and spirits and really warm and engaging. Ask him to recommend you something special to go with your dinner; spring

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he's bound to surprise you with something out of the ordinary and a little bit individual.

Very much like Hotel Du Vin.

TAST I N G N OTE S www.hotelduvin/newcastle 0191 389 8628

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Great Taste

Food & Drink

Sommelier David Burlton Clockwise from top right: Steak Tartare Classic Cassoulet HdV Burger, Pomme frites Tart au Citron Tuna Nicoise Salad

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S U N D AY LUNCH Sumptuous four course lunch £22.95 per per son

Book a table at HOTELDUVIN.com HOTEL DU VIN& BISTRO NEWCASTLE

0191 389 8628

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Food & Drink

S OHE, JESMO N D WORDS RIO BEADIE

G

ood Asian cuisine can be something of a rarity outside of Asia but Sohe in Osborne Road, Jesmond has built a reputation for seriously good Asian food and I’ve been dying to visit the super stylish restaurant for some time.

They have just launched a new menu and it’s packed full of yummy options so choosing what to have took some time. Menu choices include soft shell crab with pineapple nam jim dip, tempting Pad Thai, lots of delicious sounding Dim Sum and Sushi options and Balinese Whole Seabass.

We opted for Spiced Duck Pancakes (£7.10) to start, labouring under the delusion that we wouldn’t be too greedy. The flavoursome duck

YO LO, P O N TELAND WORDS LINDA JANE WESTPHAL

came in thick strips alongside the pancakes so that you could create your own pancake and there was plenty of it.

I chose Hokuto Chargrilled Sirloin (£23.50) for my main whilst my friend chose sushi.

My steak came with togarashi sweet potato fries, pak choi, roasted tomatoes and hakush and miso dips which perfectly complemented the meat and sweet potato.

The steak was perfectly cooked and was really tender. We couldn’t leave without trying one of Sohe’s famous cocktails. The waitress brought us two Watermelon margaritas which were just divine!

We had a fabulous night and next time, I’m going to try more than one cocktail!

Y

OLO is a glam new hangout in Ponteland Village which is already becoming a firm favourite with the Pont glitterati. The bar is stylishly decorated, all chandeliers and hip, attractive staff and it manages to combine a lovely chilled ambience with great service and an inclusive atmosphere. The bar menu is extensive and features dishes such as seasonal grazing platters, hanging kebabs, pasta, gourmet burgers and rare beef salad. Prices are very reasonable with Salt and Pepper Deep Fried Crispy spring

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TA S T ING NOT E S

Calamari with Garlic Aioli costing £6.95 for a starter with mains ranging from £8.95 to £19.95.

I opted for the Fish Platter which included salmon, crayfish tails, prawns and whitebait and it came with salad, Lebanese flatbread and a selection of dips. It was beautifully presented, tasty and a great healthy lunch option which I completely compromised by stealing some amazing Triple Cooked Chips. I couldn’t manage dessert but the menu offers lots of tempting treats which would appeal to adults and children alike.

These include mini doughnuts

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www.sohe.co.uk 0191 281 8161

served with cream and dipping sauces (£5.95).

YOLO transitions really well from family friendly hangout by day to glamorous, lively night time venue. Friday nights feature a resident DJ and some wickedly good deals on cocktails; you only live once after all.

TA ST ING NOT E S www.yolo.uk.com 01661 824 146

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Advertorial

AT L A D I DA , W E ’ R E NO S T RA N G ERS TO A RED C A RP ET SO W E WER E FIR ST IN L I N E TO C HE C K O U T T HE B RA N D N EW K IN G S B A R AT M ERC UR E DAR L INGTON, GRAZ I NG S HO U L D E R S W IT H T H E WH O’S WH O OF DA RLIN GTO N.

A TASTE OF ROYALTY FOR KINGS AND QUEENS

I

f you’re familiar with Darlington,

there is no doubt you will have taken note of the very grand, red brick building in the heart of the town.

Dating back to Victorian times, this striking property is home to the Mercure Darlington Kings Hotel.

Recently restored to its former glory, it boasts 83 bedrooms, conference and event facilities including the Kings Ballroom and a leading restaurant – Kings Grill – with unrivalled views.

The hotel has played host to important guests and glamorous celebrations over the years so the launch of Kings Bar was always going to be a lavish affair. The cocktail bar is a real hidden gem that has polished up beautifully with the latest refurbishment.

Serving up an impressive selection of international lagers, craft ales from the finest local breweries along with a guest ale. Cocktail Menus now offer a fine selection of Prosecco & Martini based drinks.

As a live jazz band played by dimmed lighting with a scattering of candles, guests sampled cocktails and canapés from the Kings Classic

Eight menu which features Black Sheep Ale battered haddock and chips, fennel coated salmon and roasted vegetable risotto.

We’re told live music is going to become a regular fixture in the bar by the hotel’s general manager Stewart Moss, who joined in December and is responsible for taking the venue in a new direction.

It’s safe to say, we’re already looking forward to returning for the Afternoon Tea with prosecco and cocktails… naturally!

What you need to know: • The Breakfast Menu has relaunched using the finest of County Durham’s local suppliers including Country Harvest butchers for the sausage, bacon and eggs.

• The Kings Afternoon Tea (priced at £9.95 per person or £18 for two) is available for up to 200 guests – a perfect way to celebrate any occasion in a choice of the function suites.

• Visitors can dine on the Kings Classic Eight dishes (priced at £9.95 each) anywhere they choose within the hotel – ideal for lunch or dinner. spring

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• Sunday lunch (£13.95 for three courses) and a seasonal menu of the week guarantees the very best of local produce.

• The Kings Grill will soon serve a selection of grilled meats.

• Conferencing space accommodates anywhere between 2-300 guests with the Kings Classic Eight lunches and energiser breaks in the morning offering the likes of granola pots. Parking is free and there will soon be upgrades made to the projection screens as well as the installation of permanent staging.

• A new gym and fitness suite with treatment rooms are set to open in 2016.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DARLINGTON’S PREMIER HOTEL, WEDDING AND EVENT VENUE OR TO FIND OUT ABOUT THE OPEN DAY IN APRIL, EMAIL EVENTS@ MERCUREDARLINGTON.CO.UK OR CALL 01325 380222.

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Food & Drink

Fabulous Food PAUL BUSSEY HEAD CHEF AT THE C LEV ELAN D TON TIN E

A TAST E O F S PR I N G

I

AV E I K A , N EWCAST L E WORDS LAUREN HILLARY

W

hen you arrive at Aveika on Newcastle’s quayside, the first thing you notice is the style and sophistication of the decor. A modern Japanese restaurant and late night bar, it is adorned with chandeliers and fabulous décor which gives an immediate wow factor.

I went with my best friend Fran. We had been on a photoshoot all day so it was definitely cocktail o’clock. I always try a Margerita wherever I go so I went for the Yuzu Margerita. It was fabulous and I loved the presentation, it arrived at the table housed in a small wooden box.

The food is a modern interpretation on traditional Japanese food serving a variety of sushi, grill food and teppanyaki dishes.

We chose the Shio and Kosho Squid – salt and pepper squid served with chilli, coriander and sesame and the Ebi with Nori – king prawn wrapped in nori, fried and served with wakame.

The food was served quickly and it was all presented beautifully. Both were fantastic choices. I’m not a fan of batter but the Ebi tempura was cooked perfectly and definitely a dish I would choose again.

When I have a Japanese I have to try the sushi because I love sushi! Ordering off the Aveika Special Maki Menu, I ordered the salmon and avocado roll and the spicy fried tuna. Both amazing! The tuna had a bite to it but it complemented it perfectly.

It was definitely my favourite part of the meal and I will definitely go back to try all the other dishes.

Already feeling full Fran and I decided to just order the chicken teriyaki that is served with rice and share it along with the Wagyu beef skewers from the grill (everyone had recommended the Wagyu to me) as a main. The Wagyu is just lightly cooked and not overdone at all so very tender and definitely one to try!

Great food and excellent service, it’s a fantastic place to spend the evening. And if you want to party the night away there is the late night bar serving up great music and drinks until the early hours.

We loved it – fashionable, stylish and fabulous, this is the place to be, any night of the week!

TA S TI N G N OTE S www.avieka.co.uk 0191 233 3732

T HE CLEVEL AND TONTINE 0 1 6 0 9 8 8 2 6 7 1

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t’s a new season and we’ve changed quite a lot at The Tontine in the last few months, so it’s been exciting times. We’ve improved the Afternoon Tea menu by adding fantastic classics such as Battenberg cake and Chocolate Eclairs. It’s delicious and great value for money. I have also updated the A La Carte menu, which offers classic French cooking, with my own modern English Yorkshire twist which celebrates all the fantastic ingredients our local area has to offer.

Spring is one of my favourite seasons and our new spring menu features Yorkshire Asparagus, the famous Yorkshire force grown rhubarb, wild Morrel mushrooms and wild garlic along with beautiful wild herbs and flowers. The new produce coming through is a constant source of inspiration for dishes.

It’s a very exciting time for me and my team. We love getting together and creating new dishes for the menu.

I have been working on a Surf and Turf dish which will feature on the spring starter menu which features homemade black pudding, native blue lobster and caramelised veal sweet bread with a Yorkshire pea puree, grown in our own greenhouse nasturtium leaves and lemon and caper beurre noisette. I will be keeping the Tasting of the Yorkshire rare breed pig on the menu because it’s one of our biggest sellers. I am just updating it a little to keep it seasonal and adding a braised pressed piece of shoulder to it and caramelised onion and cider puree with hisbi cabbage. Then, for dessert, one of my all time favourites, baked custard tart with poached force grown Yorkshire rhubarb and rhubarb sorbet. Lovely seasonal produce with fresh flavours, perfect for springtime.

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Food & Drink

RO SS O PO MO D O RO N E A P O L ITA N KI TCH E N A N D B A R , F I R S T F LO O R , JOH N L E W I S , E L DO N S QU A R E, NE WCA S T LE WORDS LIZ LAMB

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think I may have just eaten heaven on a plate. The apple and chocolate cake at Rossopomodoro is TO DIE FOR, one of the best I’ve tasted.

Delicious chunks of apple nestled in chocolate mousse and cream and finished with drizzles of chocolate sauce running down the sidesthis is food porn at it’s finest.

It was a welcome surprise too-I’d declined dessert after indulging in a starter and main course but the waiter said I couldn’t possibly leave without tasting this culinary masterpiece.

How glad am I that he changed my mind? I shared a slice with a friend and she fell in love with it too. It may be sinful-and loaded with calories-but who cares? A slice of this bad boy is worth the extra half a hour on the treadmill.

It’s the first time I’d ventured into Rossopomodoro which is located on the first floor of John Lewis. The restaurant is part of a chain that has eateries in all the best placesChelsea, Covent Garden, Oxford Street, to name a few-and it’s now made a home in Newcastle on the site of the department store’s former brasserie.

The brand was originally born in Naples-the home of pizza-and it has been creating Neapolitan food and sharing it with UK foodies ever since. They even boast that you won’t find a more authentic pizza outside Naples than theirs.

An ambitious statement but does the restaurant live up to it’s own hype? The answer is most definitely a yes.

Not only do they combine fresh ingredients with simple, non-pretentious dishes, but there’s a friendly atmosphere and a laid-back stylish decor to boot. Think white-washed wood pannelling, steel-topped tables and white wooden chairs interspersed with red wrought iron seating. A focal point is the huge goldgilded pizza oven in the middle of the restaurant. The eatery is also great for peoplewatching as it overlooks Eldon Square.You could easily while away the hours with a

coffee and cake (apple and chocolate, of course) and watch the shoppers below.

But back to the food-for starters my friend opted for pomodoro (£4.95)- a dish of chargrilled homemade bread, vine tomatoes, garlic, basil, extra virgin olive oil.

I enjoyed calamaro (£8.95). I always eat calamari when I visit abroad on holiday and I’m keen to see if it compares back home. This dish of fried calamari, courgettes with lashings of lemon dressing, was packed with flavours.

The lemon added a sweet zing to the courgettes and the batter and it was wonderfully presented on newspaper print paper with rocket on top for garnish.

As we waited for mains, we enjoyed a couple of very nice glasses of prosecco (£7.95) that had a fruity, apple flavour, The restaurant seemed to be a great meeting place-there was mums with babies catching up on the gossip, two ladies having a business lunch and a large family enjoying a celebration.

We got so caught up in the atmosphere and catching up on life that it only seemed like five minutes later that our mains arrived.

I’d been tempted by pizza but decided to go for a healthier dish of pan-fried fresh salmon in sesame seed crust, mixed salad, potatoes, broccoli, black olive & caper dressing (£12.95). I wasn’t disappointed-it was absolutely divine. The fish was wonderfullycooked and fell from the fork.

We decided we couldn’t come to the restaurant without tasting the famed spring

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Rossopomodoro pizza so my friend tucked into a verduretta-all in the name of research, of course. The veggie option (£11.45) featured plentiful aubergines, courgettes, plum tomato sauce, melted mozzarella and topped with basil and parmesan. It was a very generous size and could easily have fed two.

So you can understand why we then declined desserts……Thanks again to the waiter for insisting we ate cake. We’re so glad we did!

TA S T ING NOT E S www.rossopomodoro.co.uk 0191 261 1287 newcastle@rossopomodoro.co.uk

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18/03/2016 10:23

COME DINE WITH US...

WWW.BANNATYNE.CO.UK

Visit Maxine’s Restaurant for a fabulous dining experience at any time of day, taking in the ornate surroundings and original features, or even dine al fresco during the Summer months!

3 Course Dinner served 5.00pm - 10.00pm £16.95 Monday - Thursday £19.95 Friday - Saturday Early Bird served 12.00pm - 7.00pm 1 course £8.00, 2 courses £10.00, 3 courses £12 Monday-Saturday Sunday Lunch 12.00pm - 9.30pm 3 courses £16.95

Southend Avenue | Darlington | County Durham | DL3 7HZ T: 0 8 4 4 2 4 8 3 8 3 2 enquiries.darlingtonhotel@bannatyne.co.uk LaDiDaMag_Issue11_Section4.indd 68

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Queen of Teas magine our excitement then when we meet Luci Cowie. A fashionista with a range of delicious loose leaf teas, she not only knows how to make the perfect cup of tea but also how to combine them with Gin and Prosecco for a stunning cocktail. Our kind of girl!

Luci is one half of Easy Teasy, alongside her business partner Tom Webb.

Their huge range of 18 delicious loose leaf teas is now available throughout the region including Fenwick's Food Hall, a mark of the quality of the product.

They have a wide assortment that includes white, green, black tea and rooibos. Herbal and fruit teas include the lovely sounding Peach Sencha Green Tea and Orange Blossom Oolong. Orange Blossom Oolong is ideal for a morning drink with its zesty notes and orange peel, recommends Luci. Oolong teas can be reinfused. Different notes from the flowers will emerge with each brew. “In China they actually throw away the first infusion,” says Luci.

White tea is taking over from green tea as the preferred option of the tea drinking

cognoscenti. “White tea is really good for you because it's the first unopened buds that are just picked so they are full of anti oxidants,” Luci explains.

Easy Teasy also has a Tea infused chocolate which is not entirely guilt free but tastes divine. The ground tea is stirred into the chocolate for the ultimate indulgence.

Look out for their seasonal teas such as White Tea with Dragon Fruit and Pomegranate and Japanese Green Tea with Rosebuds and Strawberries which make delicious summer drinks.

These teas can even be popped in the fridge for a refreshing iced tea. Temperature is vital when brewing loose leaf teas. For green tea you shouldn't use very hot water. Boil the kettle and then turn it off and leave it for a while. If the water is too hot the tea will taste bitter rather than sweet.

And what about the gin and prosecco? Luci and Tom enjoy experimenting with combining gin and teas and even prosecco and say they have come up with some fantastic combinations. We’ll be trying them soon, with pinkies raised naturally, and will report back on all the best flavour combinations.

culture...

f you love culture but enjoy fine dining and cocktails and wine more than trailing around museums then we have the just thing for you. Head over to Bannatyne Hotel, in Darlington's West End, for a fabulous dinner safe in the knowledge that you will be sitting in the original family drawing room of Joseph Pease. Culture box ticked.

The railway pioneer, who was also the first Quaker Member of Parliament, used to own the stunning Grade II Listed Georgian town house as a family home. It is now owned by another entrepreneurial household name, Duncan Bannatyne, who can often be found at the hotel enjoying the delicious food.

The hotel was originally a town house, built in 1804 by Edward Backhouse. Previously there was a private boating lake and the remains of the boathouse remain in the corner of the beautiful garden.

Try a cocktail in the glamorous bar before heading through to the restaurant and enjoying a menu that includes a host of dining options that are wantonly indulgent and unlikely to have appeared on the Pease family menu.

We love the Tartare of Marinated Salmon with pickled cucumber and caviar which is sumptuous and the beautifully presented Melon with mixed berry and cinnamon consommé with edible flowers. The steaks are also seriously good here with Grand Reserve Beef. And, if you still have room, the Grand Marnier Mousse slips down nicely. Culture and a fabulous dinner, what's not to love?

WWW.BANNATYNEHOTEL.CO.UK

WWW.EASYTEASY.CO.UK spring

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T H E ET I QU E TTE OF A GOOD C U P PA I S A SU B J E C T THAT H A S B EE N H OT LY D E B AT ED AT L A D I DA TOW E R S FO R SO M E T I ME .

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ANGELA M ETCALFE IS TH E D RIN KS B UY ER F O R ICON IC D ELI LEWIS AND CO O PER AND EXPERT IN CH AM PAG N E, F I N E WIN ES AN D SPIRITS.

Drinks Ed @ W I N EB I TC H

Champagne

Darlings

When it comes to Champagne, as with fashion, there are levels. Ready to wear luxury brands are the equivalent of a non-vintage Champagne, their catwalk collections, the Vintages, but what about Haute Couture?

Haute couture is high end fashion that is constructed by hand from start to finish, made from high quality, expensive, often unusual fabric and sewn with extreme attention to detail and finished by the most experienced and capable sewers, often using timeconsuming, hand-executed techniques.

The Grande Marque Champagne houses have their own version of Haute Couture and it’s their Prestige Cuvée. All in all, prestige cuvée makes up a very small percentage of the total Champagne production, which makes sense considering they’ve been elaborated with the greatest care and are generally of outstanding quality. After all, the aim is to make the consumer feel extra special!

a long finish reminiscent of berry fruit.

Ruinart Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs 2004 The chardonnay is the very soul of Ruinart.

The grape, mainly harvested from the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims terroirs At first the nose reveals the sweet, gentle notes of chestnut, coconut and fresh bread. This biscuity side to the wine very quickly gives way to the aromas of flowers and citrus fruits.

Just beneath the surface is the most appealing minerality.

On the palate this vintage is initially direct but silky, sustained by mineral notes. spring

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he chardonnay is the very soul of Ruinart. The grape, mainly harvested from the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims terroirs At first the nose reveals the sweet, gentle notes of chestnut, coconut and fresh bread. This biscuity side to the wine very quickly gives way to the aromas of flowers and citrus fruits.

Just beneath the surface is the most appealing minerality.

On the palate this vintage is initially direct but silky, sustained by mineral notes.

Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2007

Laurent Perrier Alexandra Rosé 2004 In 1987, Bernard de Nonancourt, the late Head of House at Laurent-Perrier, expressly created a unique cuvée to present to his eldest daughter, Alexandra, on her wedding day. The eponymous vintage, Alexandra Rosé 2004, was the result.

Delicate, pale salmon pink colour. Persistent, very fine beading, forming a pretty ring of bubbles. Complex, with hints of wild strawberries and redcurrant preserve, followed by notes of candied citrus.

With its elegant finesse, Alexandra 2004 shows great minerality. Its soft, dry texture leads into

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ince its foundation in 1811, the champagne house Perrier-Jouët has crafted elegant, floral wines of rare finesse with a Chardonnay hallmark. The elegance of the cuvées echoes that of the Art Nouveau anemones adorning the Belle Époque bottle and offers moments of pure delight and beauty.

Crystalline & full-bodied, the perfect expression of the Perrier-Jouët style. This subtle wine is the fruit of an astonishing year marked by a very mild winter and an exceptional spring.

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Food & Drink

Bollinger Grande Anneé 2005

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n 1976, Bollinger Vintage became Grande Année; then, in 2004, “La” Grande Année… A name simple enough to illustrate its exceptional status. La Grande Année made its screen début two years later, in James Bond’s Casino Royale.

2005 was a temperate and generous year and revealed a champagne with a great aromatic ripeness A mature, supple and full wine with a long finish. A creamy effervescence; the subtle acidity of the finish adds freshness This beautifully crisp and fresh cuvée leaves a feeling of purity and fruitiness on the palate followed by beautiful flavours of green apple and lemon.

Get your garnish on!

H OW TO ACCESSORISE YOUR GIN.

A Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 2000

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he house of Krug has just released its rarest vintage yet. Clos D’Ambonnay 2000 is harvested from a tiny walled plot of Pinot Noir grapes, measuring only .68 hectares situated on the edge of the village of Ambonnay, which is located on the southeastern slope of the Montagne de Reims. The vintage is only the fourth champagne from this terroir; previous vintages released were 1998, 1996 and 1995.

This exalts the crisp purity of a single walled plot of vines, Krug’s Clos d’Ambonnay from the village of Ambonnay, and of a single grape variety: Pinot Noir, all from a single year: 2000. This latest vintage suggest tart tatin and crème pâtissière flavours with touches of caramel that evolve to a rounded fullness, followed by a slight lemony finish.

STYLING AND PHOTOGRAPHY ANGELA METCALFE

ccessories aren’t simply for going out, they can be extremely important when it comes to your G&T too. The days of a traditional ‘ice-anda-slice’ have been superseded with the advent of craft gins, which demand a little more thought.

The best way to determine your garnish is to first taste your gin neat, but don’t sip the stuff, you’ll be assailed by alcohol (and a lot of these babies have a fair bit), and be taste blinded to any subtleties. Pop a bit into a shot glass and dip your finger in. Between the glass and your mouth, the ethanol will have started to evaporate, leaving you with the true taste of the gin.

There are several styles of Gin, ranging from balanced, well-integrated Gin, floral, spicy, savoury and ‘shouty’.

Shouty Gins are probably the best to practice with as they have some big up-front flavours with which to play, so try to identify botanicals, then you can begin to experiment with your garnish. As an example, if you try The William Chase GB Gin, initial flavours are gingerbread, nutmeg and a touch of marmalade. We loved this with star anise, to plump up those spices, spring

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orange zest to add warmth, then rhubarb to add restraint and a bit of acidity.

Poetic License Gin from Sunderland, has a much more floral profile and we like to up this whilst keeping balance, with a scented geranium leaf, but you could always calm this aspect down with a sliver of cucumber and a raspberry.

A great favourite is Da Mhilé Seaweed Gin. While it doesn’t scream SEAWEED, it does have a light iodine quality and a quite floral tone.You can up the savoury with this one with a touch of sea-salt flakes and a mint leaf, but we love the balance given by a slice of watermelon.

These are ideas, we don’t all like the same things, the idea is not to stick to a strict regime of only garnishing with what the Gin producer suggests. Play! Have a party, get a garnish board made up, get your finger in and decide for yourself what works. The only must, really, is good tonic. I prefer a neutral one as I like to control my flavours with garnishes. Beware fake quinine and added aspartame. These give a confected flavour and, really, if you’re going to this much effort to make the perfect G&T, it deserves a great tonic.

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18/03/2016 10:27

Relaxing isn’t something you do, it’s something you feel

www.head l a mha l l .co.u k

Headlam Hall Headlam Near Gainford Teesdale DL2 3HA Tel: 01325 730238 reception@headlamhall.co.uk

Well-behaved people welcome too

The path less travelled. www.rose-and-crown.co.uk

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events TONTINE SAYS

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I do…

he fashion fabulous Cleveland Tontine has some good news for engaged couples, it’s opening its historic doors to couples who want to get married at the award winning venue.

Dating back to 1804, the unique inn has always been a popular venue for low key wedding receptions, thanks to its elegance and charm, but the new licence means it will now be able to offer couples the whole wedding experience.

Eric Kortenbach, General Manager, says the history of The Cleveland Tontine is a big attraction for making it the ideal setting for the perfect wedding.

“I believe the appeal of the Tontine is based on its rich history and on people knowing the

place and having very fond memories of the time they have spent here. We always get exceptional feedback about both the food and service and on top of that, the building, as it is quirky and unique.”

As part of the wedding service plans, a special wedding breakfast menu has been designed by The Cleveland Tontine’s highly acclaimed head chef, Paul Bussey and will be served as the sit down meal on the day. The hotel won The Best Restaurant with Rooms category at the Yorkshire White Rose Awards at the end of last year and is known for its fabulous food and quirky, beautifully decorated interiors.

As you would expect from such an individual hotel, each wedding will be bespoke to suit the needs of each couple.

he resplendent Jacobean delight that is Headlam Hall Hotel, nestling in the gorgeous Teesdale countryside, has had a swanky new addition to its fabulous facilities.

La Di Da was invited to a VIP reception at the hotel’s new Coach House Suite and we were officially impressed. It includes a new bar, contemporary new bathrooms, updated bedrooms and a complete makeover for the ballroom.

The ballroom retains its elegance but looks fresher with neutral cream walls that provide a stylish backdrop for a fabulous statement chandelier from Italy and two antique chandeliers from a Chateau in France for the ultimate wow factor. The elegant decor also boasts a dynamic lighting system which transforms the room and can change the mood of the room at a flick of a switch.

The ballroom plays host to hundreds of weddings a year as well as high society balls and its makeover makes the most of this beautiful historic space.

The opening saw ice buckets full of fizz on hand and sumptous canapes from chef Derek Thomson. Guests feasted on smoked salmon, scallop en croute, honey and mint chipolata and roasted red pepper and tomato tart, with many of the ingredients sourced from the hotel’s own garden.

WWW.HEADLAMHALL.CO.UK

WWW.CLEVELANDTONTINE.CO.UK spring

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YO U DO N ’T N E E D A M I L L I O N REA SON S T O CH O O SE A WE DDI N G PH OT OGRA P HER. YO U J U S T N EED T W O. CAR RO T HE D UO.

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PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.CARROSTUDIO.COM

AC K LA M H A LL IN M IDDLESBROUGH IS THE LAT EST LU XU RIOU S N EW VENUE ON THE T EESS IDE DIN IN G SC EN E A N D IT' S A CL ASS ACT...

DOWNTON

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e're always first through the door if there is a fabulous new venue opening and the recently opened Acklam Hall certainly meets our exacting standards.

Acklam is the only Grade 1 listed building in Middlesbrough and was home to the Hustler family for 200 years. It provides a very glamorous and sophisticated venue for weddings, events and fine dining. They even offer serviced offices if you want an office

with a wow factor.

No expense has been spared in the renovation. It looks and feels like a fabulous private club in London.

It boasts divine interiors which marry hits of colour and luxe furnishings with glorious historical features. The Hall retains many of the original architectural features dating back to the late seventeenth century and elegant additions from one of the finest architects of the early twentieth century, Walter Brierley.

It is the perfect backdrop for some seriously fine dining and you can enjoy Afternoon Tea or fine dining in The Dining Room or pop into The Salon for a brasserie style menu.

It also offers a host of beautiful rooms which are ideal for corporate or private events. It is also likely to be a very popular for weddings, with a gorgeous bridal dressing room with spring

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ensuite and three wedding function rooms.

Acklam also plans to resurrect a secret pathway through its grounds to St Mary’s Church, which was originally used by Sir William Hustler and his family. Now brides and grooms will get to play the part of nobility on their special day, very la di da.

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18/03/2016 10:27

FANTASTIC MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT SLALEY HALL Q Fairway - £375 for 100 points ‘The Hunting Course is back’ Use points on Golf, Buggies, Driving Range & Leisure – The most flexible membership out there!!!!!

Full Membership - 7 day ONLY £975 Enjoy unlimited golf on both Championship golf courses, private parking, members only lounge

Residential Golf Breaks - Golf dinner, bed & breakfast from ONLY £89 per person

Call:

01434 676 525 Visit: www.qhotels.co.uk/golf

Terms and conditions apply. 20% bar credit and prize table offer based on a minimum of 12 golfers. Subject to new bookings only

EXPERIENCE A SPA DAY FOR TWO, JUST £99 • 1 x 50 minute Spa Ritual ESPA per person • A light lunch • Use of health club facilities including state-ofthe-art gym equipment, indoor swimming pool facilities, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room

• • • •

Tranquil relaxation suite 20% off pre-booked additional treatments Award-winning and friendly service Robes and slippers per person

Book your spa day today! Call 01434 673 193

Contact: slaleyspa@qhotels.co.uk for further information and availability Terms and conditions: Weekday promotion. £10pp supplement added to weekend bookings. Quote: ‘LA DI DA’ on booking.

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Feature Travel

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ALKING into one of Newcastle’s newest hotels and you’re instantly struck by the stylish interiors and laid-back ambience.

The red brick exterior located on High Bridge, one of the city’s coolest streets, gives nothing away. Inside, Motel One is a cornucopia of luxury furnishings from chandeliers to Italian leather seats and velvet curtains mixed with Toon army stripes, Tyne Bridge murals and flashes of turquoise.

There’s a nod to the region’s industrial past with a large photograph of Stephenson’s Rocket in the bar, wooden signage and vintage wheels displayed on the walls.

There are also sections of the original old brick walls that have been preserved, which adds to the overall charm of the interior, and an eye-catching outside terrace where you can soak up the rays over a few drinks-a rarity in Newcastle city centre.

The hotel is part of an international brand that offers stylish stays for city travellers and this is its first venture in Newcastle.

You’d be inclined to think that a stay at this luxe pad would cost you the earth but you’d be wrong.

The jewel in the Motel One crown is that they offer luxury for less. It’s a formula that works-they already have offerings in Munich, Berlin, Barcelona, Austria, Switzerland and

WORDS: LIZ LAMB

METROPOLITAN

MAGIC

closer to home in Edinburgh, London and Manchester.

A stay in one of the double bedrooms in Newcastle and Manchester costs from £74, while London costs from just £113. All of the hotels are super-stylish but they have their own identity with interiors reflecting each city’s heritage and interspersed with the brand’s signature colour of turquoise.

Ursula Schelle-Muller, the group’s chief marketing officer, is a statuesque and stylish ambassador for the brand (she even wears a flash of turquoise for our interview).

“We want to lead the way in the budget design market,” she reveals on a recent visit to Newcastle. “It feels great to be here.

Newcastle is a wonderful city. It has historic architecture and a great nightlife.

“I love our facade here-it’s very romantic and Newcastle is popular for city travellers and has a good leisure market so it fitted with our brand.

As well as offering luxe stays for visitors and business travellers, the hotel also has a bar overlooking High Bridge which is proving popular with locals while the outside terrace is sure to be a hit with the city’s professionals during the summer.

“We wanted to create atmosphere and talking points which is why have so many references to the area like the black and white stripes, “ says Ursula. “It’s great to be here.”

MOTEL ONE, 15-25 HIGH BRIDGE, NEWCASTLE 0191 211 1090 MOTEL-ONE.COM spring

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Hotels

A BR EA K IN A GORGE OU S CO U N TRY H O U S E I S TH E P E RFEC T WAY TO CE L E BR AT E T HE S TA RT OF SPR IN G. SO W E S E N T JO NT JË C U NL I F F E- L I S T ER, HE R M A J AT HR H HOT ELS, TO T RY OU T T WO O F TH E M O S T FA B U LO U S A N D G I VE U S HE R VE R D ICT...

THE CAVENDISH HOTEL AT BASLOW

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can never resist a visit to the Chatsworth Estate – especially if it involves an overnight stay at The Cavendish Hotel in Baslow.

The Cavendish is steeped in history and oozes atmosphere. Owned by The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, it’s run exceptionally well by the very capable Philip Joseph.

The lounges and the dining rooms here are luxuriously elegant abounding with antiques that have previously spent their former lives up at the “big house”. Apparently the Duchess has a strong influence on the interior decorations. The views from the two restaurants - The Gallery Restaurant where you can indulge in fine dining or the less formal Garden Room with its’ all day menu - enjoy unspoilt views over the surrounding Chatsworth Estate pasture and parkland.

I plumped for The Gallery Restaurant and having mentioned to one of the staff earlier that I was on a diet, I was greeted in the bar with the menus and a message from the chef to say he would be happy to cook anything to my liking. No need ….. I had already checked out the menu whilst in my bedroom and some sensible (well nearly) options had caught my eye.

Service is friendly and unobtrusive. The restaurant is decorated in luxuriant hues of duck egg blue and pale silver with soft lighting and some interesting fine art. For starters I had Tandoori Scallop – with soft shell crab, avocado, chilli, mango and coriander – a perfect portion and exquisite flavours. The glass of Alsace Pinot Gris from the borders of France and Germany that

accompanied the scallops was also a good choice. As was the Sauvignon Blanc from Otago New Zealand that was recommended to go with my Pan Fried Fillet of Halibut with a tarragon crust, braised beef cheek and crispy tongue with a mushroom ketchup - a fabulous combination, all cooked to perfection. I reluctantly declined dessert despite the Mango and Rice Pudding Cannellini with passion fruit and bitter chocolate screaming at me from the menu to indulge - for once my willpower did not succumb! But other diners were clearly devouring their desserts with relish.

My bedroom in the Devonshire Wing was beautifully positioned with dual aspects over open countryside. I was in what they call a ‘standard room’ but it felt far from standard.

A very large double bed with crisp white bed linen and luxuriously plump pillows made for a very comfortable night’s sleep. I do like attention to detail and they certainly have that here in abundance.

I just wish I had had the day to myself so I

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could have meandered the 20 minutes or so across the fields to Chatsworth House. Oh well – a good excuse for me to return!

The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1SP T: 01246 582311 E: info@cavendish-hotel.net W: www.cavendish-hotel.net

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Food & Feature Travel Drink

SWINTON PARK, MASHAM

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ould I possibly find time in my hectic schedule to visit Swinton Park Hotel for a LaDiDa review? ….. just try stopping me! I had longed to stay at Swinton Park since it was officially opened by Dickie Bird MBE back in 2001 – but living so close by I never found a good enough excuse.

I have read many an article about Simon Crannage, Executive Chef at Swinton Park Hotel, a venison dish of Simon’s in The Caterer magazine had put Samuel’s to the top of my ‘Restaurants to visit list’. It is easy to see why Simon has retained 3 AA rosettes for the duration of his time at the Samuel’s helm. We opted for the Seven Course Extravaganza of Chef ’s finest dishes (as you do when you have been frantically dieting on the Slimming World diet since January!)

‘Gin Fizz’ with garden apple and sage proved a perfect palate cleanser, before a succulent Swinton Estate Trout served with charred leek, artichoke, pear and dill. Pan Seared scallop was to follow with squash, curry and sultanas – the flavours so delicate we savoured every morsel. I have to admit to being unsure about the Estate Venison Tartare served with Clementine, caper, raisin and buckwheat – worry not, as I was completely won over by this flavoursome plate and it had to be my joint favourite of the night. The other favourite was the

Swinton Estate Pheasant - a poached breast with foie gras, onion, wild mushrooms and truffles – put simply, a taste sensation. To finish the evening, desserts came in two forms – Swinton Honey with garden rosemary ice cream & cepe and Yorkshire Rhubarb with basil and white chocolate – both picturesque and equally deserving of a place on this stunning menu.

One would have thought that seven courses would have been enough but my husband could not resist the lure of the cheese offering – tantalisingly described as ‘a selection of local cheeses with their own garnishes – how could he resist? And I can guarantee that I will be pinching the idea of

serving blue cheese with a slither of honey comb to my next dinner guests – after all imitation is the highest form of flattery.

Obviously it would have been rude not to select the wine pairing that had been carefully chosen to accompany our signature menu and a fine choice it was too. Each wine complemented its respective dish perfectly.

The grounds of the Swinton Estate are simply stunning, full of different gardens, follies, lakes, waterfalls and fallow deer grazing nearby, the changing colours throughout the seasons in the woodlands and gardens and the views across the Estate and moors never fail to surprise.

The following morning we headed for the Masham Riding and Trekking Centre found adjacent to Swinton Park. This is a superb way of admiring the surrounding countryside and far reaching views towards the Druids Wood and the Swinton Bivouac and the surrounding parklands. We have already booked to return with our children for a family hack around the estate.

Swinton Park, Masham, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 4JH T: 01765 680900 E: enquiries@swintonpark.com W: www.swintonpark.com

JONTJË CUNLIFFE-LISTER IS MD OF HIGHLY RECOMMENDED HOTELS, SOME OF THE FINEST HOTELS IN THE COUNTRY. WWW.HRH.CO.UK

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Travel

Wine Wanderlust T R AVE L NOT E S WWW.THESINGULAR.COM WWW.VINAVIK.COM

E MALM AI S O N G M R I C H A R D LO CK STO N E ’ S T R I P TO S E E C H ILEA N WI N EMAK E R S E ND E D U P B EIN G A MAGI CAL ‘ M E M O RY B OX’ TRIP WIT H H I S FATHE R AC RO SS T HI S FA S C IN AT IN G S OUTH A M E R I C A N CO U NT RY. H E T ELLS US AB OU T HI S T R I P O F A L IF ET IM E… WORDS AND PICTURES RICHARD LOCKSTONE spring

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ven before getting the opportunity to explore the truly magical viticultural playground that is Chile, I always knew that it had more to offer in the world of wines than simply ‘cheap plonk’, but I simply hadn’t had the opportunity to try the best of what this country had to offer.

This was soon to be rectified when I heard that I had the chance to head to Chile on a one week wine trip, a reward for a sommelier competition that I’d taken part in last year.

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I headed off in January thoroughly looking forward to the holiday and was soon blown away by what a wonderful country Chile is and how amazing many of their wines truly are.

Our first stop was the Singular Hotel in central Santiago. A small, boutique hotel, it delivered five star culture as well as finish. It is a total gem, even in this downtown Mecca of style. After a night in the blissfully comfortable bed, we were off on our first day of wine

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Feature Travel

tastings; Almavida, a first class, prestigious wine, a tour and tasting with the dedicated and passionate wine maker. Then onto our first lunch, at Concha y Toro; a 14 course tasting menu with 16 wines.

It was at this point I realised the trip was going to be more of a wine marathon rather than simply a tasting tour. The journey over the next few days very much continued in this fashion, amazing and beautiful vineyards, producing some lovely wines, and all very different. Our second night was

an overnight stay in Santa Rita, an old Spanish colonial building where clearly wealth was plentiful, so much so the owner had build a beautiful church next to the family home as a gift for his fiancé. Kind of makes it hard for the rest of the single population to compete with I thought!

The second afternoon we arrived at VIK, a winery near San Fernando.VIK is a new winery established in 2006 and one that none of us had really heard of before but it was unforgettable.

The wine maker, Patrick Valette, kindly took the whole afternoon driving us around the vineyards and showing us around the outstanding, award winning winery. Our accommodation, the VIK hotel, was the most sublime hotel I believe I have ever been to.

No expense has been spared and it featured a titanium roof, an infinity pool overlooking the vineyards and estate and 22 individual bedrooms which had each been personally designed by artists from around the world.

As you would expect the restaurant quality, both in terms of the food and service, were out of this world. If I were to recommend anywhere in Chile, it would be the Hotel VIK, a show stopping masterpiece!

After leaving this gem of a place, we felt that it couldn’t be topped and for sheer wow spring

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factor and elegance it wasn’t.

However, the next afternoon we visited Koyle, a family owned and run winery, From the moment we arrived we could tell that this was a labour of love.

After a long walk around the land we got to taste the wines and they were sensational. Our evening continued with fabulous Koyle hospitality back at the family home for a BBQ and lots more wines. After the grandeur of the day and evening before, this simple but lovely visit was perfect.

Throughout the tour we continued to experience great hospitality and savoured beautiful wines at every turn with many memorable highlights. On our last day we were extremely well hosted at Errazuriz, a pioneer in the Chilean wine world. Here a tour and tasting, followed by a lovely yet simply paired lunch finished the ‘wine trip’ off perfectly.

I felt that to fly all the way to Chile for one week was almost

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criminal so I extended for a second week, where I was joined by my father. Together we toured the south of the country, an area known as the ‘Lake District’, and roamed into northern Patagonia.

We spent the week driving from one place to the next, having to stop to take photos at more or less every bend in the road as the views and scenery were simply breathtaking.

Our week was filled with walking in the beautiful diverse landscape from forests to national parks dotted with waterfalls and even a recently active volcano. It was a fantastic week which gave my kidneys a well-earned rest from the previous week of wine consumption.

My two week trip to Chile was a truly inspirational trip and will definitely stand out as one of the best holidays of my life. It’s a truly magical place to visit and if you don’t get the chance, at least try the wines, they are as beautiful as the country itself.

TA S TI N G N OTE S HERE ARE RICHARD’S TOP RECOMMENDATIONS FROM HIS TRIP. VALUE KOYLE, SAUVIGNON BLANC WWW.THEWINESOCIETY.COM MID RANGE COYAM, EMILIANO, WWW.BOUTINOT.COM SPLURGE VIK, WWW.HENNINGSWINE.CO.UK

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The Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt Every Day: Free with Admission 19th March - 10th April

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Schools

School of

Life

WHAT ’S THE SECRET TO S UCC ESS ?

ACAD EM I C QU ALIFIC ATIO NS H EL P BUT CHAR ACTER EN SURES C H IL DREN G ROW I NTO HAP P Y YO UNG ADULTS WITH TH E WO R LD AT THEI R FEET. L IN DA J A N E WESTP HAL MEETS TH REE HEAD M ASTER S WH O ARE PUTTING P ER SO N AL D EV ELO PMENT FIRMLY AT THE CENTR E O F TH EIR S C H O O L S ’ CU R R I CU LU M . . .

Yarm School Day School

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ith its beautiful riverside setting and state of the art buildings - including an award winning auditorium that is designed like the Sydney Opera House, a music school and a stunning new boathouse - Yarm is progressive in its educational approach and works hard to ensure pupils have access to the very best facilities.

Unlike many other public schools, it was established fairly recently in 1978 by parents following the closure of Yarm Grammar School and it’s unique parent-led approach saw it grow rapidly from 60 pupils initially to 750 in the senior school, 300 in Prep School and 30 nursery pupils.

“We’re a lot smaller than the big state schools but big enough to offer a full curriculum and small enough that everyone knows everybody,” says Headmaster David Dunn.

David is only the second headmaster at Yarm and has headed up the school since 1999 but his passion for the school and its role in pupils’ lives remains undiminished.

“We look after many of the children from the age of three up until the age of 18,” he says.

“They start as tiny tots and leave as young

adults so it’s an important part of our role to bring children up in the broadest sense.

“We teach them the importance of good manners and personal appearance and build character by fostering qualities of resilience and self confidence. We encourage them to take part in activities which show them how to work collaboratively.

“These are important skills which will play a major role in their future success. If you don’t have emotional intelligence, leadership qualities and good interpersonal skills, you are not going to be a successful employee.”

The staff at Yarm are carefully chosen for their ability to work with children as individuals. All are specialists in their fields but they are also required to bring something else to the table, a passion for engaging one on one with each pupil. “It’s about finding that one key out of 1000 keys that is going to unlock the potential of that particular child,” says David.

“We make sure that we foster a positive learning environment, we celebrate success all of the time by encouraging children to try new things and activities. Achievement builds self esteem and once you have self esteem you can take a few knocks in life. If you find out spring

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you’re good at rowing or you’re brilliant in the school play, you will feel better about yourself and that confidence will breed further success in other areas.”

“Equally so trying something and finding out that you are not brilliant at it is also an important lesson. If you are taught how to deal with failure in a positive, safe nurturing environment then you can take the positives from it.”

The school’s impressive music, arts and sports facilities play an important role.

“If you involved in a play, dance or concert and are bringing it to production on stage you will be learning so much about yourself and other people,” David notes. “Or if you get the chance to pull on a school top and go out and play for the school with your mates, that gives you an immense feeling of pride, confidence and accomplishment. It’s important that all pupils get the chance to do these things.”

S C H O O L NOT E S www.yarmschool.org The website includes a drone video giving an impressive overview of the school, its setting and facilities.Yarm also has open days for parents and you can also make appointments to view the school at other times.

Call them on 01642 786 023.

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Schools

Durham School Day and Boarding School

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stablished in 1414 Durham School marries tradition with a nurturing, supportive academic environment under the guidance of Headmaster Kieran McLaughlin.

Central to this is its house system which provides an immediate ‘family structure’ for new pupils.

“We keep our houses very small and there is no pecking order; all of the houses are a microcosm of the school and have a good mix of pupils and abilities. It gives children a real sense of belonging,” explains Kieran.

“Parents want to know that their child will be known and valued and although we are a big school in terms of our grounds, we are a relatively small school in terms of numbers with 410 senior pupils and 130 prep. This means the staff get to know the pupils really well. Our tutor groups are deliberately kept small with 10-12 pupils so that staff can really focus on individual children and support them.”

The school has a buddy system for new pupils and also encourages prospective pupils to attend a taster day.

“Youngsters can experience lessons with their peers and get a good feel for the school. It works really well,” explains Kieran. “We lose very few pupils in the first weeks of school and we believe the taster days, small houses

and buddy system make sure that new pupils immediately feel a sense of belonging.”

Durham also offers boarding for children and also has flexible boarding options which have proved very popular with parents.

“Modern boarding is very different these days,” he notes. “The pupils see them as sleepovers. We are a boarding school in a city so we have pupils that live locally but also those who live a little too far to commute on a daily basis. Pupils can board weekly or on a nightly basis. A lot of our upper sixth have opted to board a few nights of the week to make the most of their studying time.

“Lessons finish at 4.30 then it’s time for rehearsals or sport with supper at six and prep in the evening. We open up the swimming pool and sports centre for a few hours so they have the chance to unwind and relax. “ Durham is known for ‘punching above its weight’ in sport with an excellent reputation for rugby and rowing in particular but it’s the academic side which has seen the school

S C H O O L N OTE S www.durhamschool.co.uk As well as holding open days Durham actively invites prospective parents to get in touch and visit the school anytime.

Contact them on 0191 386 4783. spring

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receive positive comments in the recent ISI report.

“We have focused on the academic side strongly in the last few years,” Kieran says. “We have some new, younger staff who are very passionate and enthusiastic; there is a real buzz about the place and an appetite to talk about our academic strengths and achievements.”

Pastoral care is also an extremely important element of Durham’s offer.

“We’re very mindful of the pressure youngsters are under now with career planning, academic work and the influence of social media. It’s a much more complex life now than when I was a child,” expains Kieran. “So we focus on building their confidence, exposing them to as much as possible that will help them develop the life skills they will need to flourish.

“It’s about keeping pupils grounded, getting them to respect and have tolerance for each other and building up their self esteem and confidence.”

Durham has many extra curricular activities that help foster these qualities in the pupils. As well as being known for their sport, they also have a strong music offer. Their choir performs in the Cathedral and each year there is a House Music event which sees all pupils perform together on the stage at The Sage.

“It’s a wonderful event, 1700 people singing their heart out,” says Kieran. “It’s activities like this, often ones the pupils may not have initially been drawn to, that helps them find their talents. We can then celebrate those talents which builds confidence which impacts on every part of their life.”

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Schools

Barnard Castle School Day and Boarding School

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arnard Castle School is set in 50 acres of land with stunning views across the Teesdale countryside. The school can trace its history back to 1229 and significant investment has taken place in recent years. The new facilities include a recently opened state of the art sixth form centre and it has just received a glowing ISI report.

Headmaster Alan Stevens says parents love the atmosphere of the school. “Everyone that comes here passes comment on the culture of the school. There is beautiful warmth to the children and staff; it is very much a family atmosphere. The boys and girls go out of their way to look after each other and the teachers really do go the extra mile with the pupils. I get very excited about it and I have been teaching for 25 years.”

The school takes pupils from 4-18 years of age and has a strong emphasis on pastoral care as well as academic and sporting excellence. It has 130 extra curricular activities for children to take part in including a strong Combined Cadet Force.

“We strive very hard to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the children,” Alan explains. “It’s not solely about passing exams, although of course they must do that. It’s about a holistic education that helps build the children’s self esteem. That success may come through mountain climbing or being part of a school play production. Success in one area will build confidence and success in other areas.

“Happiness is such an important word,” he adds. “If you have happy children you will have successful children. It’s important to be confident, but not arrogant, and have a sense of self and how you can contribute to society.”

Central to this self development ethos is

making sure the children have all the qualities they need to be successful in the outside world.

“Employers tell the pupils when they visit: ‘Qualifications will get you an interview but it’s whether we like you and we think we can work with you that count’,” he adds.

“Ensuring pupils have good social skills is vital.”

As well as the extra curricular activities which foster a sense of pride, and encourage team work, the school has also put in place other initiatives to ensure pupils thrive.

Members of the school’s sixth form have just completed a social skills course by expert etiquette teacher Belinda Alexander, who also teaches at Eton. This culminates in students hosting a dinner party for 12 fellow pupils and 12 strangers. Tuition focuses on topics such as making a good first impression, interview techniques, small talk and body language.

A major and very exciting initiative being championed by the school is ‘Growth Mindset’. Essentially it helps pupils challenge

S C H O O L N OTE S www.barnardcastleschool.org.uk The school encourages prospective parents to phone up and make an appointment to come and view the school at any time as well as also running open days.

Contact them on 01833 690 222. spring

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negative labels they may have placed on themselves and their capabilities.

“It is very powerful and it works across the entire school,” explains Alan. “It’s about looking at pupils as individuals and tailoring our approach to give them the support they need. The programme helps to challenge the way the children negatively label themselves and how these labels can limit their achievements. One aspect of this is the way they learn to look at failure.

“Our message is ‘it’s not that you’ve got it wrong you just haven’t got it right yet’. This promotes the attitude that if you work hard and persevere you can achieve great things. It provides a safe environment for them so they feel secure enough to take risks in the classroom in front of their peers and teachers and not be hampered by the fear of rejection.”

This approach is credited by many top athletes and entrepreneurs as being key to their success. The school has trained teaching staff on the concept and is collaborating with parents. It has been shown to have a significant impact on educational achievements.

“The difference it can make is stunning,” enthuses Alan. “We were working with a group of pupils on Growth Mindset and at the start and the end of the session asked them ‘if there was a pill preventing you from ever failing again would you take it?’. At the start of the session we had a lot of them say yes but at the end of it they were against it because they said ‘I need to get things wrong sometimes in order to learn’.”

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Interiors

Full of North East

Promise S H E R AN A R E COR D LA BE L IN LO N D O N A N D H A S R AIS ED M IL L I O NS FO R C HARIT Y. N OW AN G I E

JE NK I SON HA S R E T U R NE D TO H ER N EWC A ST LE ROOTS W I T H A NE W M I SS ION ...

L I NDA JAN E W E S T P H A L FI N DS OU T M ORE...

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ngie is very much a local girl made good. She has helped raised an incredible £20 million for the Teenage Cancer Trust over the last 15 years at their week of gigs at the Royal Albert Hall. Not to mention managing top music acts, running the famous Trident Recording Studio and being best friends with some of the most iconic music figures around.

She owns an amazing house by Lambeth Palace in London and a stunning apartment in Italy where she is surrounded by celebrity neighbours.

She was recently honoured with Campaigner of the Year at the Music Week Awards thanks to her work for the Trust which was presented to her by her friend Roger Daltrey.

Not bad for a working class girl from Shieldfield, Newcastle. Now she’s returned to her Newcastle roots and owns a fabulous riverside apartment (which she shares with her dog Sunny). Her home has already seen more than its fair share of stellar visitors including great friends Roger Daltrey and iconic writer Ian le Frenais who came over for dinner.

The apartment is impossibly beautiful, light and airy and stylish with eastern influences. A large outdoor sun terrace runs the length of the building where she sits and watches the ships go by on the Tyne.

“In the morning I can hear the captain of the South Shields ferry whistling,” she says. “It’s so great to be back home.”

Every piece of art or furniture in her home has a story to it. The walls are lined with artwork including album covers gifted to her and signed by her close friend Paul Weller.

Rare pictures of The Cavern have come from the recording studio she used to run, Trident.

A picture of the quayside in 1905 by local artist Mark Taylor Gregg was a housewarming gift from Ian le Frenais.

In the kitchen a large photographic print of fish hangs pride of place, a gift from friend Patrice de Villiers, a renowned photographer who took the shot for Selfridges. She gave it to Angie when she found out she was going to be living on the quayside. Her kitchen walls are plastered with her favourite vinyls.

Her most precious record? Happy Jack by The Who. “I used to jump up and down on the sofa to it when I was two, I loved it,” she says, showing us the slightly battered original record. “Roger has signed it for me and this record means a lot because that’s where my love of music really started from.”

By her dining table a funky light installation dominates the wall, originally part of the Scissor Sisters set.

IMAGES PAUL GULLIFORD PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.PAULGULLIFORD.COM APART FROM THE IMAGE OF ANGIE, IAN LE FRENAIS AND ROGER DALTREY spring

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Interiors Feature

The bedroom is surrounded by glass walls, which Angie has had specially made in North Shields and which lets her and Sunny fall asleep on her round bed looking at the stars over the Tyne.

The glass features a lovely image of our Lady of Guadalupe.

“I love her image and I love seeing the frescos in Italy,” she says. “There’s something about them which just makes you stand still and take stock.”

Angie has returned to the North East to work with Sage founder Graham Wylie on a new Charitable Foundation that will help, educate and inspire the children and young people in the region.

“I am really excited about it,” she enthuses.

“100% of all monies raised will be granted out, nothing will be spent on overheads, so for every pound raised, a pound will go out, it’s really quite unique.”

Much like the fabulous Angie herself.

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Interiors

My

house TOP S URG E O N PA U L B AG UL EY S H A RES H IS FA B U LOU S H ISTORIC HOME IN TEESS I D E W I T H A R E S I D E NT G H OST A N D A RAT H ER F IN E WIN E COL L ECTION. H E S H OW S U S A RO U ND… IMAGES LIAM BAGULEY

“We knew it was the house for us when we saw it. It has such character. It is a very old house; we think parts are nearly 400 years old. The house isn’t listed but it is described as a house of historical significance. We think there has been a house of some kind here since the 11th century.

It’s a long, thin farmhouse with rooms that are almost like a railway carriage. But it goes on

forever. We have four bedrooms, a dressing room, a bar room, a man cave, bathrooms, kitchen, office, TV room and utility room so it is deceptive from the outside. It used to belong to Thomas Bates (1775 - 1849) who was a world famous shorthorn cattle breeder.

Some believe it is built on a site of an original Hall and was lived in by Robert the Bruce!

One of the features we love is that spring

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it has walls over two feet thick in parts. I love the old small rooms with low ceilings and lots of beams. It’s ideal for a little guy like me at 5 feet 9 but a real tester for our taller friends.

Two of the doors are “painted doors” with a real wood effect this was a real art a hundred or more years ago - a real feature!

There is also a ghost in the long downstairs corridor that shows

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herself in footsteps and doors opening every now and then but we cohabit quite happily.

I love the sun room - the only new part of the building. It’s got a log burner in there so it’s gorgeous and warm. The dogs love it too. We converted the old wood shed to a gym and cinema room for me. It’s my ‘man cave’ with a cinema screen projector for my rugby – heaven.”

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IN T ERIORS ROYA LT Y UNVEIL FA B U LOU S N EW S A LON...

A commercial project fit for a Princess...

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t’s been a busy few months for us at George Bond Towers. New commercial projects, fabulous interiors for private clients and my own TV series Behind Closed Doors aired so Ray and I have had a very exciting, if a tad exhausting, time.

While George Bond Design is more renowned for private residences, it’s always exciting for us to work on commercial projects. The Salon, based on the outskirts of Newcastle, commissioned us to refurbish their new premises last October with the salon opening

windows, which works beautifully in the adjoining waiting area. Whilst the main hub of the salon has six stations for hairdressing, the manicure and pedicure areas are situated in a more private area within the salon, as the owner required. Two therapy rooms continue with the white and pale grey theme, providing the serenity that clients crave during a relaxing body treatment.

With the salon complete, the official launch party kicked off with champagne and canapes.

However, who would have thought that The Salon would get the royal seal of approval,

I have ju s t had the wonde rful opportuni ty of v i s i ti ng s ome am azi ng prope rtie s for a re cent T V s e r ies . planned for January. Bearing in mind the two week Christmas break, this project demanded a swift turnaround with concise planning.

However, we relish a challenge, cracked the whip and watched the interior come to life!

We were very much given a free reign with the only stipulation being for the area to flow with a light, airy feel.

With a whole wall of windows allowing natural light to flood in, we decided upon a predominantly white and pale grey concept, albeit with a flashes of black and red injected throughout. While many waiting areas have flat screen TV’s, we opted for a silver, flat screen wall mounted water feature. Think contemporary, wall mounted fireplaces but placed higher, giving a very calming and chic effect. Lighting is of the utmost importance, particularly in a salon environment, which requires a very different effect to that of a private residence.

We invested a great deal of time planning exactly where the downlighters should be placed and are delighted with the result.

Talking of lights, the stairwell’s chandelier is very much a wow factor for clients we are informed!

The mirrored wall behind the reception desk reflects the natural light streaming through the

right here in the North East?

HRH Princess Katarina of Yugoslavia, the London-born daughter of Prince Tomislav second son of the King of Yugoslavia - is a fellow judge of the Northern Design Awards.

I invited HRH Katarina as a VIP to check out the new-look venue and to perform the ribbon cutting.

HRH Katarina loved it. “Being on the Northern Design Awards judging panel, the judges see a vast array of commercial designs.

I must say, this salon is exquisite and I am delighted to be here.”

If you’ve ever wondered what’s behind closed doors of the most fabulous properties in the region, I have just had the wonderful opportunity of visiting some amazing properties in Northumberland, County Durham and North Yorkshire for a recent TV series.

From the magnificent Auckland Castle to a property with its very own chapel in Barnard Castle, Lartington Hall, I have been on an incredibly interesting journey with Made in Tyne and Wear and loved every minute. If you missed it, you can find it online.

Yes, it’s been a thoroughly enjoyable and busy couple of months and we have more exciting news coming soon. spring

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GEORGE BOND AND RAY WATKIN DIRECTORS AT GEORGE BOND DESIGN WITH THE TEAM AT THE SALON

HRH PRINCESS KATARINA LOVED THE INTERIORS AT THE SALON

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Motors

Me and my

fabulous

car(s)

T V ’S DAVI D HA R P E R T E LL S L A D I DA A L L A B O U T H I S FA B U LO U S C AR S W HICH INC LUDE A BE A U T IF U L N E W M E RC ED ES E C L A SS ES TATE , H I S RA RE 1 9 7 1 RO L L S ROYC E S ILV E R SHA D OW A ND 1 9 9 6 M E RC ED ES 6 0 0 V1 2 CO U P E . . .

It c an reve r s e par k i t s el f … wh ich i love ge t t i ng i t to do whe n pe ople are watch i ng !

IMAGES BY CARRO WWW.CARROSTUDIO.COM spring

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Feature Motors

Tell us about your fabulous new car!…

“I bought my Mercedes E class estate new two and a half years ago. It was the first new car I’d bought in many years and it was a shock to be honest how brilliant it was!”

Why did you fall in love with it?

“I’m a big fan of Mercedes and have run them for 20 years (second hand). They’re always distinctive, incredibly smooth and easy to live with and generally bomb proof. I think the estate car is the most sophisticated of them all…I use the estate a lot carrying antiques and my paintings, but even if I didn’t need the estate, I’d have one anyway as I think they look uber cool!”

What’s your favourite feature?

“It can reverse park itself…which i love getting it to do when people are watching!

Eventually all cars will have this feature and it won’t look so strange someone parking without holding onto the steering wheel!”

Have you done any long journeys in it so far? What’s the verdict in terms of performance?

“It does a lot of long journeys, up and down the country filming in London and the south coast. Its an amazing vehicle for a long road trip and I actually look forward to a massive drive. Its a peaceful time listening to the radio, thinking and I find a long drive quite relaxing.”

Favourite driving music?

“It all depends on the mood, but just before filming, I like it when there’s a drive involved from the hotel as I can blast some Foo Fighters or similar to wake me up and get me going…

I also have Roger Whittaker’s greatest hits for a long journey!”

What was the first car you ever drove?

“A very horrible Vauxhall Viva.”

You love your classic cars, tell us about them…

“Yes, classic cars have always been a big part of my life. They’re works of art on wheels. As a kid, they were always around in the family.

Old Jags, Rolls Royces and Mercedes were favoured. A lot broke down of course and that’s something that hasn’t changed but my interest started very early and now my business handles them for clients. I’m helping Theo Paphitis put together a very nice collection and I’m selling at the moment on behalf of a local client the best Jaguar XK140 I’ve ever seen in my life.”

When did your passion for classic cars start?

“From as early as I can remember. In fact one of my earliest memories is my Mum holding me up to the drivers window to wave goodbye to my Dad who was off to work in his Austin Healey 3000…I must have been about three.” spring

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As a top antiques dealer do you see them as investments or fun or a bit of both?

“Oh blimey, classic cars have gone through the roof in value over the last seven years. The values have to calm down at some point and even if they dip a bit, as a long term investment and for fun, I can’t think of anything better. £10,000 gets you a very good classic car.You can insure it for less than £100 a year and when you come to sell it in five years, you’ll either make a few thousand pounds or at leat get you money back…that’s not bad going.”

If you had to choose one car out of all of your cars as your absolute favourite which would it be?

“Out of the cars I have at the moment, it would have to be The Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. There is something indescribably fantastic about driving an old Rolls or Bentley.

The smell, the way they float, the shape of the bonnet through the windscreen, the walnut, the nods of appreciation you get from passers by (you don’t get it with new ones!) it’s just an experience way beyond driving a normal car and once you’ve experienced it, you can’t go back!”

WWW.DAVID-HARPER.CO.UK

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La de Da march 2016 add.qxp_Layout 1 2/25/16 2:02 PM Page 1

Beautifully Placed Aston Workshop Servicing, parts, accessories and category A approved crash repair.

Aston Workshop Red Row, Beamish County Durham DH9 0RW Tel: 01207 233525 Fax: 01207 232202 astonworkshop@aston.co.uk www.aston.co.uk

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Here at Aston Workshop we pride ourselves on our service and extensive knowledge of Aston Martin cars, which means your car will be in experienced hands.

Book your Aston in now as for a limited time we are offering a complimentary lunch to you and a friend at the famous Black Horse Gastro Pub so come and visit us in the beautiful Beamish conservation valley.

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Money

INV ES TIN G IN A NT IQU E S C A N N E T REA L RETU RN S F OR T HOSE WIT H T HE INCO M E TO P L AY W I TH . M ARK COF F EY, MA N AGING D IR E C TO R O F OA K , TH E H I G H NET WO RT H IN SU R A NC E S P EC I A L I S TS , LO O K S AT WHAT ’S HOT F OR 2016

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rt Deco jewellery ‘The Downton Abbey’ effect has resulted in a year on-year increase in the value of Art Deco jewellery pieces since the series begun.

These pieces are often very glamorous yet wearable, beautifully crafted and appeal to all ages. Any vintage examples signed by Cartier, Van Cleef or Arpels are particularly sought after because their pieces were of exceptional quality. Be on the look-out for pieces by Boucheron and Tiffany, with rings and earrings being the most popular settings for jewels and brooches being the least.

Oriental Ceramics Over the next decade the values of Oriental Ceramics has been predicted to increase from between 50% to 80+%. These items are often small in size, making them more desirable as they are generally easy to store, display, move and can be kept in the investor’s own home.

Jewellery Coloured stones, especially diamonds, really are a ‘girl’s (and an investor’s) best friend’ with a dramatic rise in popularity amongst the top end jewellery collectors. A pink diamond set a new world record in 2015, achieving a hammer price of nearly £55 million (and that particular Sotheby’s sale was the highest grossing jewellery sale ever!).

Watches Move over Rolex and even Patek Philippe, today’s top time pieces are bespoke - as a Bermont or RW Smith. Limited editions related to movies or special events (for example, the link up between Jaguar and Bremont) are highly sought after and therefore seen as great investments.

Paintings Expressionist art, especially by the ‘top six’ (Amedeo Modigliani, Frances Bacon, Pablo Picasso, Edvard Munch, Andy Warhol and Alberto Giacometti) are the most sought after and highly prized pieces. All these artists are modern, western, figurative artists. The popularity of such works has continued to soar, with a new auction record being set in November 2015 with the sale of a painting of a nude by Modigliani for £113 million.

Taxidermy Surprisingly the popularity of this art form has seen a recent resurgence, with the influence of artists such as Damien Hirst (with his pickled cow and shark in formaldehyde) creating a new following for this art from and it is now enjoying a ‘avantgarde’ cutting-edge image that has sent the value of top collectibles rocketing, with items increasing by up to 1,000% within the last decade.

Clothes Vintage pieces, especially high end evening dresses, have increased dramatically in spring

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popularity over the last few years. With the most desirable, hence the most valuable (and wearable!) being by Yves St Laurent, Balenciaga, Dior and Chanel. Likewise new and vintage Hermes and Chanel bags and Hermes scarves are often purchased purely as investment pieces.

Cars Classic cars are still very popular with the high net worth client, and it attracts a very passionate sort of collector, with vintage sports or ‘funky’ smaller cars such as the original Fiat 500 being especially popular. Investments over the past decade have seen returns of up to 450%.

Wine A new record for the most expensive lot of wine sold at auction has also been set in 2015, with 114 bottles of Burgundy (Romanee-Conti) selling for £1 million at Sotheby’s in Hong Kong. More high net worth clients are investing in (known as ‘laying down’) wine, especially popular is wine ‘in bond’ which is stored in a UK Bonded warehouse, where no tax is payable. As fine wine matures it improves with age.

A very limited amount is produced every year and whilst the rising interest in this particular type of investment continues to grow, the supply of the top end wines cannot be increased.

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Society Feature

G ER I BUC KL EY IS T HE NORTH EA S T REG ION A L OF FICER FOR B A S C A N D C U RREN T BR ITISH A IR P ISTOL C H A M P ION NEW TO CLAY SHOOTING? OUR EXPERT COLUMNIST GIVES THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SHOOT ETIQUETTE… Annie get your Gun! With warmer weather just around the corner, Spring is a great time to get outdoors and try a new sport. If you’ve never been Clay Shooting, this could be your next challenge. Although I have been shooting since a child, it is only in recent years that I started Clay Shooting more often. With my busy competition and work schedule, I find nothing more therapeutic than taking time out to blast some clays whilst enjoying the fresh air and seeing my friends.

The North East has a wealth of Clay Shooting grounds and fantastic coaches; you’ll find that getting started is easier than you thought.

Where can I go?

Get on Google and find a shooting ground close to you. A few great places to start would be Bywell’s in Northumberland, Oak Lodge in Hartlepool or Park Lodge in East Yorkshire; all have great facilities and a warm club house.

Essentials The most important thing when shooting is safety, listen to your coach and you won’t go wrong. Before you start shooting, make sure that your coach checks your eye dominance and that your gun fits you properly as this will make a great difference to your success and comfort.

Always be honest and ask any questions if you are unsure. Trust me, they will have heard them before and I have asked a few myself!

Ensure you take with you (or most grounds will provide for you), eye protection, ear protection and a cap. Along with protecting your eyes from any falling clay fragments, it can be bright looking into the sky to see the clays; sunglasses and a cap can give you an advantage. I personally prefer to use my Oakley cycling glasses and have personally fitted ear protection for comfort from Hearing Electronics. When you call to book, check what the ground conditions are like (is it paved, gravel, grass etc.) and wear appropriate footwear, particularly depending upon the weather.

Make the firing point your catwalk Essentials aside, now we can turn this new hobby into an excuse to indulge in our one true love- shopping! We are spoilt for choice with luxury British country outfitters whose clothing will wow on and off the shooting line.

My must haves for shooting this year are the Fairfax and Favor Imperial Explorer Boot and a Holland and Cooper Tweed and Fur Cape.

These brands will take you effortlessly from town to country with contemporary elegance. I am loyal to British brands and try to support those in our region. South Shields is home to the iconic Barbour brand and with a rich heritage in country clothing, their staple wax jacket will never go amiss. Who said shooting was all about stuffy tweeds?

If you are serious about clay shooting, I would buy a clay shooting vest to give you added shoulder padding and purpose made large pockets to carry cartridges.You can pick and choose your colour and style from Castellani or look to Musto for their clay shooting range.

With head turning tweed, wax and leather goods a plenty to choose from, Clay Shooting is waiting to become part of your life, and part of your wardrobe!

ABOVE HOLLAND AND COOPER RIGHT TWEED AND FUR COAT, HOLLAND AND COOPER spring

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Society

Maddy’s World

M ADEL EI N E CO S T I GAN IS A F REELA N C E T V S T YL IST AND GIR L A B OU T TOWN . S H E GIVES US THE IN SIDE G OSS ON H E R GL AM L IFE...

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hew! It’s been a busy few months since this whirlwind last reported on her antics. I have had the honour of attending some great events and meeting some amazing people.

In November I attended a fab event at the Hilton, Park Lane for the annual Sports Aid Ball, it was a sporting star studded event with the likes of Victoria Pendleton (dress envy) and the sporting legend Stephen Redgrave CBE which I managed a cheeky picture with.

Another excuse for a new dress, a lovely NARS make over and a visit to the blow dry bar in Selfridges, I was glammed up and ready to schmooze. I was excited to wear my stunning Forever Unique beaded dress with the most amazing feather detail on the bottom! I was malting feathers all night and leaving a trail everywhere I went…you certainly couldn’t lose me!

It was just a brief trip to London but I managed to squeeze in a lovely dinner at the swanky steak restaurant Cut at 45 in the Dorchester and a few cocktails in Novakov with an old Southern friend. I had an early train home but needed my Topshop Oxford Street fix before I departed so the taxi did a little detour on the way to Kings Cross. I spotted the fabulous Lulu shopping for hats so I cheekily asked for a selfie! She was lovely and wow she looks fab for her age, super sassy lady!

At the back end of the month one of the events I have been working on for a while came to fruition which was a VIP intimate dinner at House of Tides with Kenny Atkinson and Jonathan Edwards CBE. We had exclusive use of the venue and Kenny devised a special menu just for the event. It was super

healthy and absolutely delicious! (lots of pics and more info in the society pages).

The highlight of November for me was attending the regional finals of The Prince’s Trust Celebrate Success which I am also honoured to be invited to, it’s so inspiring to hear the stories of how the young people have overcome so many challenges and fulfil their dreams with the support of the trust. I had a sneaky suspicion there was going to be an extra special guest this year and I wasn’t disappointed when the fabulous Cheryl spring

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appeared to present the last award, it was a spine tingling moment seeing the winner’s face! Of course Cheryl looked super sassy, what a fab surprise! Having seen Girls Aloud 7 times (and in fact auditioned for the band back in the ‘Popstars’ days before ‘X factor’ was born, so you could say I’m a big fan!). Next stop is the ‘red carpet’ national finals at the Palladium in London which I will be reporting back on next time.

Christmas party season was looming after this and I had a couple of tables at the Middleton Lodge Winter Wonderland Ball, another fab night of glamour, champagne, delicious food and great company.

I’ve also been super busy on the styling front for various national TV adverts. January started off crazily busy with a few productions being filmed in my house so it’s been hectic…but my favourite has been the new Barker & Stonehouse advert which was great fun to work on…the creative team behind the concept are very talented and the actors who delivered the script were fab, I can’t wait to see it on TV. Watch out for the 1950’s styling, very quirky and looked great on camera! It’s so much fun working behind the scenes and seeing all the hard work coming together. I however now want to redecorate my whole house after seeing all the lush new collections they have in stock!

Righty ho, I’m off to plan my outfit for the Palladium, need to look the part just in case I bump into HRH Prince Charles ;)

Love Madeleine

@wynyardredhead

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Society

Society

TV GLITTERATI...

The stars were out in force at The Royal Television Awards at t he Hilton Hotel, Gateshead this month with Managing Director of Virgin Trains East Coast David Horne one of the headline sponsors at the glittering event. Acclaimed actresses Brenda Blethyn and Melanie Hill rubbed shoulders with some sparkling young talent and the region’s best known broadcasters. The BBC’s Steph McGovern hosted the evening.

Images by Crest Photography.

Society

SPORTING HEROES A VIP event with Olympic gold medallist Jonathan Edwards MBE and Michelin starred chef Kenny Atkinson raised awareness about the work TASS are delivering in universities and sports and celebrated the North East’s newly nominated TASS athletes for 2015/6. Attendees included pro-vice chancellor of Northumbria University Lucy Winskell OBE and chief executive of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative (NGI) Sarah Stewart OBE . The guests tucked into Whitby cod cheek, watermelon, heritage tomato and sauce vierge at Kenny’s House of Tides restaurant. The main was lamb, broccoli, mint & grelot onion and finished with a very naughty dark chocolate pave, kumquat, coffee and nutmeg.

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Society

Society

HOTEL STARS The hotel industry’s brightest stars were honoured at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Around 400 employees from hotels across the region gathered for the fifth annual North East Hotel Excellence Awards 2016, at Hilton Newcastle-Gateshead.

The awards, organised by the North East Hotels Association, celebrate staff members who have provided outstanding service and shown potential in 10 categories.

Society

BEAUTY & BUBBLES La Di Da staged a takeover of the John Lewis Beauty Retreat in Eldon Square for a very special evening for our readers. Decleor, Elemis, Espa and Jessica offered free mini beauty treatments and a host of special offers on the evening. Our guests enjoyed pink fizz and delicious canapes and music from the uber talented David Ball, a La Di Da fave, before leaving armed with a goody bag containing a host of luxury beauty treats.

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Society

SOCIETY GIRL LAUREN HILLARY SHARES HER FABULOUS LIFE… GIR LIE G ETAWAY

LU X TRA D ER

The year kicked off to a great start with a girly getaway in Amsterdam! We (my bestie Fran and I) took ourselves to ‘The Dam’ a great place for canal trips, dinner, shopping and best of all staying in Hotel De L’Europe. The hotel is the best place to drink, dine and be central for all the sights. We also went to Supperclub one night, which is the place to be seen for the young and fabulous on a Saturday night in Amsterdam.

I heard about this new business from a friend of mine and it’s a place where you can send your designer bags and accessories and trade them in for cash. Well, me being the hoarder of designer bags, I needed to have a January clear out and I was happy to get some cash back to spend on my next designer purchases.

WINE G LIT T E R AT I The La Di Da Burns Night at Hotel Du Vin, was nothing short of fabulous and always would be.You can always expect a great group of people and magnificent food and what a night it was, with a sommelier taking us through the various wines that complemented the food of the evening perfectly. Since then, wine dinners are definitely a new favourite of mine with Hotel du Vin and Malmaison both running them. They are a great way to meet new people, have a fun evening and learn all about wonderful wines.

BEAUT Y & F IZZ In true La Di Da fashion, there is never an event without fizz, canapés and fab beauty treatments. I went along and invited my mum and her friends to the La Di Da takeover of the spa ‘beauty retreat’ in John Lewis for a beauty evening. Little did I know how spacious the spa was and what they offer. We sampled massages, facials and Jessica manicures.

My mum swears by the Jessica manicure counter in John Lewis and says it’s the best she has had! So after seeing it for myself I’m now all booked in for my hands to be pampered!

N EW A N D FA B U LO U S I was invited to the launch of Aveika on Newcastle’s quayside and it did not disappoint! The new place to be for a night out or to enjoy gorgeous Japanese food, once you step inside you can lap up the luxury and have a great night.

FA M I LY T IM E

H OTE L S TA RS The number one event in the North East hotels calendar, the North East Hotels Association Excellence Awards, is a night that honours staff

I have been all over the North East with my mini me Ella.

We’ve visited some great child friendly places that are a lovely day out for adults too; Whitehouse Farm, Brocksbushes, Lane 7, Kirkley Hall Zoo and Seven Stories are all firm favourites with Ella and I. We go everywhere together and are now planning our Easter girly getaway!

See you in the summer!

Love Lauren xxx

Princess Faves MASSAGE MALMAISON LE PETIT SPA FULL BODY MASSAGE

INTERIORS SILVER CROWN TEALIGHT HOLDERS FROM Y&L, ON BRENTWOOD AVENUE, JESMOND

BLOW DRY HOOKER AND YOUNG PONTELAND – STYLIST REBECCA

TOPAZ VELVET THROW FROM IBBI (IBBIDIRECT.CO.UK)

FACIAL HOOKER AND YOUNG DERMATUDE FACIAL

MANICURE JESSICA IN JOHN LEWIS SKIN PRODUCTS ESPA CLEANSER AND MOISTURISER

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from the region’s great hotels. It was held at the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead and I was invited along. It was a night of fun, laughter, inspirational awards and we were served amazing food by chefs, from three North East hotels.

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FASHION SPOTTEDONCELEB.COM RESTAURANT AVEIKA PLACES TO GO SANTORINI

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Fashion Hound

SUNNY

‘ROCK N ROLL’ JENKISON

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ashion pooch Sunny is rocking his fabulous biker jacket in his favourite chair at his mummy Angie's stunning riverside apartment overlooking the Tyne...

PHOTO BY PAUL GULLIFORD WWW.PAULGULLIFORD.COM spring

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