FOR THE NORTH EAST AND N O RTH YO R KSHI R E
WINTER 2016 £2.50 WHERE SOLD
W H Y B E A C O P Y W H E NS Y TO A YU CWLEARSES YB !O R o N nT B O u Br g E aAnNd yO R I G I N A L O s c a r W i l d e
Heavenly HOLIDAYS
I N S TA F A B U L O U S H I D E A W AY S
NEW YEAR, N E W YO U Unleash your INNER A-LISTER
High
ISSU I SSU E 14 14
WEDDING GUIDE
Destination
DINING The places to be seen...
WINTER 2016
LA DI DA MAGAZINE CLAVERING HOUSE CLAVERING PLACE NEWCASTLE NE1 3NG 0191 466 1028 EDITOR LINDA JANE WESTPHAL YOURMAJ@LADIDA.CO.UK EDITORIAL EDITORIAL@LADIDA.CO.UK ADVERTISING ADVERTISING@LADIDA.CO.UK SUBSCRIPTIONS SUBSCRIPTIONS@LADIDA.CO.UK WE ARE A FABULOUSLY FRIENDLY BUNCH HERE AT LA DI DA TOWERS AND WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU... FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM, TWITTER AND FACEBOOK FOR ALL THE GLITTERATI GOSS. PLUS WE HAVE ALL THE LATEST INSIDER INSIGHTS AND BEHIND THE SCENE ACTION AND VIDEOS ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.LADIDA.CO.UK. DESIGN CURIOUS 12 WWW.CURIOUS12.COM
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W
elcome to our Winter edition! It’s nearly the New Year so we’ve packed this issue with lots of 2017 inspiration. We’ve quizzed our experts for their best hacks on how to unleash your inner A-lister, researched fabulous ‘must do’ experiences and written about the most exciting holiday getaways, the perfect post festive pick me ups. And, talking of new beginnings, we have put
together a gorgeous wedding section for all of our loved up couples. It has ideas, inspiration, and real life wedding stories, so if you’ve had a special proposal this festive season, this is for you, with love. It just leaves me to wish you lots of happiness for 2017, may your coming year be filled with the very best type of adventures. Happy New Year! Chin Chin x
Linda x
A DAMN FINE READ FOR NORTHERN HIGH SOCIETY
5-7 Fashion Dahlings
Chatsworth’s jawdropping new expo...we have the inside scoop
28-31 Princess Party
We headed off with the La Di Da juniors for dress up and cake
34-35 Dapper attack
OUR COVER SHOT Photographer REBECCA ELIZABETH TATE Retoucher DANIEL ROIS MUA JO LEVERSUCH Hair JAMES REID Model LAUREN MARSHALL Stylist HARRIET MOISER Headpiece WHAT KATY DID NEXT
THE best presents ever for a stylish gent. Prepare to splurge!
67-79 Wow factor weddings We come over all romantic...
WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
winter
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2016
News & Goss
Spectacular
SHOW
t n e t l e g e i p S T he FOOD AND FESTIVE gifts will be on offer to shoppers at Darlington’s newest visitor attraction with the town’s gorgeous historic Market Square hosting a Spiegeltent. Events, gifts and foodie fabulousness will be on offer and there is even a bar to provide a quick pick me up cocktail when the shopping fatigue sets in. “The Spiegeltent really is a theatre of opulence,” said Alex Hirst, manager of organiser Distinct Darlington, “designed to showcase everything – and everyone - that makes Darlington special.” www.christmasindarlington.co.uk
TICKETS ARE NOW on sale for Season Two of the spectacular live action show ‘Kynren – An Epic Tale of England’. Opening night is 1 July 2017 with a total of 17 limited performances through to mid- September. The acclaimed show sold out in its first season and the second season is promised to be bigger and even better. Set against the magnificent backdrop of Auckland Castle in Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham, the 90-minute show takes each 8,000-strong audience on a visually stunning journey through 2,000 years of British history, myth and legend. www.kynren.co.uk
Whisky CLUB ATTENTION WHISKY AFICIONADOS! The Lakes Distillery Founders’ memberships, the limited edition whisky club, are nearly sold out. Members enjoy a 10 year whisky collection drawn from the first 100 casks produced at The Lakes Distillery. Over 80% of the memberships are sold out, says the distiller, so this is one of your last chances to own a little piece of English whisky history. www.lakesdistillery.com/ founders
Apres ski ALPINE BARS ARE very on point this festive season and one of our faves is the glorious Apres Ski Bar at fabulous Seaham Hall. Relax and enjoy a delish cocktail snuggled under a fur blanket overlooking the beautiful coastline – fabulously decadent. www.seaham-hall.co.uk
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2016
Feature
FASHION HOUSE WHEN WE HEARD THAT ONE OF OUR FAVE STATELY HOMES IS TO BE CELEBRATED WITH AN AMAZING AND VERY LA DI DA EXHIBITION, WE JUST HAD TO FIND OUT MORE. OUR PEEPS IN THE KNOW AT CHATSWORTH HAVE GIVEN US A COMPLETE LOWDOWN ON THIS UNMISSABLE EVENT…
Dowager Duchess of Devonshire, Stella Tennant, Chatsworth House, British Vogue, 2006 © Mario Testino
winter
5
2016
Feature
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6
2016
Feature
F
ollowing on from the incredible YSL exhibition at The Bowes Museum, the international fashion glitterati will once again be heading up north, this time to the very fabulous Chatsworth for an incredible exhibition in the spring. House Style: Five Centuries of Fashion at Chatsworth will chart the history of fashion and adornment at the iconic stately home. The exhibition will bring to life fascinating individuals from the Cavendish family, including Bess of Hardwick, one of the most powerful women of the 16th century; the 18th century ‘Empress of Fashion’ Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire; and Adele Astaire, the sister and dance partner of Fred Astaire. Deborah Devonshire and Nancy Mitford, two of the Mitford sisters; model Stella Tennant and John F Kennedy’s sister ‘Kick’ Kennedy will also be central to the show. Telling the rich history of both international style and the Devonshire Collection, the exhibition will demonstrate the power of fashion to illuminate these extraordinary characters. Sally Ambrose, Chatsworth’s Head of Visitor Services and Marketing, explains: “House Style is a landmark exhibition for Chatsworth that has been years in the making. Fashion is interwoven into the fabric of the Cavendish family history, and the house itself has been at the centre of international style for decades. It will give visitors the opportunity to see the story of Chatsworth, through the styles and fashions of the people who have lived and stayed here. House Style will stay true to the history and tradition of Chatsworth, whilst also including modern day concepts and designers, appealing to style aficionados, casual observers and those with an interest in heritage and culture alike.” Highlights of the exhibition will include personal family collections, including items Fred Astaire and Adele Astaire, Copyright Devonshire Collection, Chatsworth
belonging to the current Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, such as a Givenchy bolero worn on the Duchess’ wedding day. These pieces will be displayed alongside livery, uniforms, coronation robes and fancy-dress costumes, demonstrating the varying breadth of fashion and adornment from the Collection throughout the generations. The show will also include exceptional couture designed by Jean Phillipe Worth and Christian Dior, together with influential contemporary garments from designers such as Gucci, Helmut Lang, Margiela,Vivienne Westwood, Erdem, Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane and Vetements. Hamish Bowles, International Editor-atLarge at American Vogue, will curate this landmark show with creative direction and design by Patrick Kinmonth and Antonio Monfreda, the duo behind some of the most memorable fashion exhibitions of recent years. “To be let loose in the wardrobe rooms, the gold vaults and the closets, cupboards, and attics of Chatsworth, in search of sartorial treasures has been a dream come true for me,” says Hamish. “Chatsworth is a real treasure house and the characters of generations of Cavendish family members who have peopled its rooms and gardens and landscapes are revealed as vividly through their choice of clothing and adornments, as through the canvases and lenses of the great artists and photographers who have memorialised them through the centuries. In House Style, we hope to bring these compelling and fascinating people and the very different worlds they inhabited to life, through the clothes and the jewels that they wore.” “Chatsworth is unlike anywhere else in the world. A place full of charm, history and rituals. It is a piece of England, of Europe and the contemporary world, all at the same time. You can see history everywhere, yet everything is alive,” adds Alessandro Michele, Creative Director at Gucci, who are the principal sponsor. “This exhibition proves how much historical objects are an incredible source of inspiration for creating the present. Thus far the house has been speaking, now House Style gives a voice to the wardrobes of its inhabitants and guests.” Important artworks will also be on display, including rare costume designs from the 1660s by Inigo Jones, Surveyor to the King’s Works and one of the most notable architects of 17th century England. Contemporary artist TJ Wilcox will be showing his intimate filmed portrait of Adele Astaire, which contains the
Mistress of the Robes Coronation Gown, Painted Hall, Chatsworth, 2016 Photo by Thomas Loof, © Chatsworth
only surviving film of the star, found at Chatsworth in 2015. “The patina of Chatsworth House itself is one of the greatest treasures of the collections, and looking at the surfaces and materials of clothes worn over hundreds of years in these very rooms proves to be a novel way to rediscover both the house and the wonderful things in it,” explains Patrick Kinmonth. “Clothes and personal objects (especially jewels), in turn bring ghosts and visions of remarkable characters to the surface of the place, and we hope to conjure the presence of these remarkable men and women who have animated, loved and created this unique ensemble of great art, furniture and personal style in its many layers.” To coincide with the exhibition, Rizzoli will publish House Style: Five Centuries of Fashion at Chatsworth, a ‘must have’ for every fashion aficionado’s coffee table. It is edited by Hamish Bowles and content includes essays and texts by Hamish Bowles, Kimberley ChrismanCampbell, Charlotte Mosley, Sarah Mower, Diana Scarisbrick, and Lady Sophia Topley. It also features photographs by Mario Testino, Cecil Beaton, Bruce Weber, Steven Meisel, Tim Walker, Ellen von Unwerth, and many previously unseen pictures from the Devonshire personal photograph albums.
• The exhibition runs from 25 March to 22 October 2017, and is included in the price of entry to Chatsworth House. For full details of ticket types and to book, please visit: www.chatsworth.org/book-tickets-and-prices winter
7
2016
BURBERRY LONDON Thomas Bear Charm £95, Flannels, Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
DOLCE AND GABBANA Embellished Mary Jane Pumps £875, Flannels, Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
VALENTINO Rockstud 100 Ankle Strap Heels £620, Flannels, Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com Stirrup charm bangle £90 RENNE JEWELLERY, North Yorks, rennejewellery.co.uk
The Fashionista GIFT GUIDE
MCQ ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Crystal Trim Dress £385, Flannels, Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
SAINT LAURENT Monogram Kate Chain Bag £1350, Flannels, Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
JIMMY CHOO Miami Metallic Trainers £350, Flannels, Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
DOLCE AND GABBANA Feathered Midi Dress £2600, Flannels, Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
A GIRL SHOULD BE TWO THINGS, CLASSY AND FABULOUS
Coco Chanel winter
8
2016
OLIVIA BURTON £135 Fenwick, Eldon Square, Newcastle, fenwick.co.uk
Fashion
MULBERRY Lily Deep Embossed Croc Print Medium Shoulder Bag, Oxblood, £945, John Lewis, Eldon Square, Newcastle johnlewis.com
GUCCI Ghost Print Scarf £275, Flannels, Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
STUART WEITZMAN Highland Boots £665, Flannels, Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Watch, exclusive to boutique.Goldsmiths, £225 boutique-goldsmiths.co.uk
PIERRE BALMAIN Embroidered Neck Dress £540, Flannels, Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
JIMMY CHOO Romy 100 Heels £450, Flannels, Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
London Fashion Set faves, they’re northern, gorgeous and award winning Kissthemoon.com
DOLCE AND GABBANA Crown Bee Iphone 6 Plus Case £115, Flannels, Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
MULBERRY Heart Metal Keyring, Pale Gold, £75, John Lewis, Eldon Square, Newcastle johnlewis.com
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Jacquard High Top Trainers £240, Flannels, Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
winter
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2016
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SPELLBOUND SPA AFTERNOON It’s the perfect time of the year to spend a cosy afternoon in the spa with your friends. Enjoy our amazing afternoon tea with an Asian twist along with a few festive sweet treats to delight you.
MAGICAL WINTER TWILIGHT
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The Spa at Ramside Hall Hotel Carrville Durham DH1 1TD *The 10% discount offer applies to our Spa experience gift vouchers only and can not be used in conjuction with any other offer.
Beauty
TRIED& TESTED
Saks, N O R T H A L L E R T O N WORDS: LIZ LAMB
G
lowing skin and gorgeous hair is all a girl needs to look good on the dancefloor this party season. In desperate need of a glamorous new look, I headed to Saks Northallerton for a full top-to-toe makeover. Opened only two years ago the salon was recently a finalist in the national Professional Beauty awards for salon of the year so I knew I was in good hands. To start, beauty salon owner Kirsty Jewson carried out an advanced skin assessment and skin analysis. I don’t suffer from any major skin problems but my skin does get dehydrated and this was picked up during the assessment. Kirsty used a magnifying lamp to assess what was happening within the deeper layers of the skin that we can’t see with the naked eye. Following Kirsty’s advice I opted for the CosMedix Delux Med Facial, which integrates relaxation with advanced skin corrective ingredients to stimulate skin change within the deeper layers. The main objective was to soothe away redness and irritation whilst also fighting signs of ageing with potent antioxidants. Natural enzymes were used to melt away dull and dead skin cells to reveal a softer, younger-looking texture to the skin. To help me relax essential oils were used including rosewood for its rebalancing properties. The treatment was so relaxing that I soon forgot my everyday stresses. After the facial, Kirsty gave me advice on how I could help my skin at home with products and nutrition and applied make-up from the Youngblood cosmetics range so I didn’t have to leave the salon make-up free. Downstairs in the hair salon I admired my super-glowing skin in the daylight-the difference was noticeable. My dull, dry skin had disappeared and was now party-ready. All I needed was glossy hair to match my glowing complexion so hair stylist Natasha Rodrigues set to work transforming my mane of dark roots and frizz. Blonde highlights were applied and left for 45 minutes and then washed out using L’Oreal silver shampoo. A Kerastase treatment shot was then applied to nourish and strengthen my locks while I enjoyed a relaxing head massage. Nourishing conditioner was applied to combat my dry ends. Natasha then set to work cutting my hair-we opted for three inches off the length and a graduated fringe. The overall result was stunning-natural-looking blonde locks with a beautiful sheen and no more frizz. Now I feel like a new woman-party season here I come!
CHANNEL THE FUN 80’S FEEL SEEN ON ALL OF THE CATWALKS FOR SS17 AND MAKE SURE ALL EYES ARE ON YOU THIS PARTY SEASON. TOP MAKE UP ARTIST JO LEVERSUCH SHOWS US HOW…
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s the eyes and lip colour are strong in this look you want to keep the foundation light and fresh. I applied Estee Lauder Double Wear Light with the must have Beauty Blenders. To keep the look modern don’t wear a strong 80’s blusher but swap it for Rodial Instagram Compact Deluxe Bronzing Powder. The eyeshadow is one sweep of colour in a mono colour of skyblue and add the drama of black eyeliner by Illamasqua Precision Gel Eyeliner. Add a touch of shine with a clear gloss over the lipstick. F U L L C R E D I T TO T H E T E A M
•Saks, 84 South Parade Northallerton Tel: 01609 770885
S K I N C A R E O F F E R : new clients can book in for an advanced skin assessment and facial for £20 (normally £45)
winter
Photographer Rebecca Elizabeth Tate rebeccaelizabethtate.com Retoucher Daniel Rois MUA Jo Leversuch www.joleversuch.co.uk Hair James Reid Model Lauren Marshall tyneteesmodels.co.uk Stylist Harriet Moiser Headpiece What Katy Did Next http:what-katy-did-next.co.uk
12
2016
Beauty
LA DI DA Loves
Synthetic De CHANEL includes ARCHITECTONIC, an eyeshadow palette featuring five shades £46, rouge allure gloss in coral and nude £26, hypherblack eyeliner £25, nail vernis £18 and blush in hypherfresh £31
MICHAEL KORS gift set in Sexy Amber, Rose Radiant Gold or Glam Jasmine includes fragrance, body lotion and body wash £60
MURAD Party Perfect gift set features perfecting shield, ultimate moisture and eye lift cream £55, worth £79
ALL I WANT FOR
Christmas is... LIZ LAMB SELECTS HER BEAUTY MUST-HAVES FOR HIM AND HER THIS FESTIVE SEASON
ARAMIS Voyagernotes of ginger, exotic woods and aromatic spices £62
MOLTEN BROWN Juniper berries and lapp pine candle £39
his and hers MOLTON BROWN Re-Charge Black Pepper Ultimate Gift Set for him £75 (Worth £90) and Molton Brown Bathing Indulgences Gift Set £49, worth £60
LAB SERIES deluxe gift set includes cleanser, eye lift, serum and cream £150
winter
13
2016
Let Your Looks DEFINE You... Mr Paul Baguley of Define is one of the leading surgeons in the region with patients travelling from all over the country to be treated. He practices out of BMI and Nuffield hospitals as well as his private clinic in Yarm.
“I just felt the need to drop you a line to say how happy I am with the results of my recent surgery I cried tears of joy when I saw the difference in my appearance and could not ask for more. I also want to add that everyone I have encountered during the whole process has been wonderful, so friendly, helpful and informative every step of the way. I can honestly say this is the best thing I have ever done, I felt extremely well looked after and safe so thank you all once again.� Testimonial August 2015
Define delivers cosmetic surgical procedures which are tailored to your individual needs to the highest standards of patient care. Call now for details on the Define L Mini FaceliftTM
Call today for your confidential consultation 01642 794150 www.definecosmeticsurgery.com | admin@definecosmeticsurgery.com
in association with
Surgeons notes
Health
NEW
YOU
PAUL BAGULEY IS A RESPECTED CONSULTANT AESTHETIC/PLASTIC SURGEON WHO PRACTICES IN THE NORTH EAST. MB CHB BSC FRCSCPLAS FRCSED PLAS. WWW.PAULBAGULEY.COM
I
t has been a long road to get here, but at last the days of ‘tighter is better’ are over. The idea isn’t to look tighter, nor necessarily to look younger. The idea is to look ‘better’, and that’s a very different thought process. Even a couple of years ago, people would come into my office and ask to look 10 years younger. Now they say: “I want to look good for my age”. It isn’t even a case of filler is best, toxins are best, surgery is best, it is now a case of judicious use of all three gives the best outcome. Without question, surgery is not always the best idea, but with careful application of filler and toxins, then a subtle surgical procedure, the best results are achievable. Down time is important. Gone are the days of massive, invasive, complication led face lifts. Now the trend is for the minimal access mini lifts. Again using toxins and skin treatments to enhance the overall affect afterwards. However, there are some procedures that surgery is the only option for. The use of filler around the eyes, in my opinion, has been a disaster. It is usually not a problem with the product, but rather the misunderstanding of what a filler can actually do. Particularly for tear trough issues. Filler around the eye area can just lead to puffiness and heaviness that makes the face appear tired and dragged down. Similarly, the new trend of fat dissolving injections. What happens to the loose skin? This is an issue that isn’t addressed by cosmetic doctors who only have the injectables in their armamentarium. So as we head towards 2017, what is the message? Minimal is the goal this year. Minimal changes, but different modalities, all adding up to a healthy, natural look that will make people not say, “that’s a tight face lift”, but rather “you look great, what have you changed?”
FORMER PROFESSIONAL HORSE RIDER TURNED AUTHOR AND FITNESS TRAINER JODIE MCGREGOR TALKS TO LIZ LAMB AND SHARES HER SECRETS…
The idea isn’t to look tighter, nor necessarily to look younger. The idea is to look ‘better’… winter
Plan Grab a note pad and pen; look at your diary and workout when you can fit in your training sessions. Be realistic with your time; if you are most energetic in the morning get a workout in at the start of your day. If that’s not going to work for you, take your gym bag with you and head straight to the gym after work, before you have time to even think spending the WHOLE night on the sofa. Prepare Preparing your meals in advance makes such a difference to your work out. Cook a stir fry of an evening and have the leftovers for lunch or pop natural yoghurt and frozen berries in a tub to avoid that afternoon slump to avoid moments of weakness. Nourish Not Punish My favourite mantra is ‘Nourish Not Punish’ so rather than starting an extreme diet, start by introducing fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat and natural products into your diet.Your body
needs vitamins, minerals and nutrients from your food so start from scratch to get the most from your meals. Don’t look for the diet ready meals, make your own and freeze in batches. Baby Steps Workouts don’t have to mean hours in a gym. Introduce 15 to 20 minute workouts into your daily routine to ease your body into it. HIIT sessions (high intensity interval training) at home are great for getting the most from your time. Start to increase the difficulty of your workouts, add different types of training or invest in a small set of dumbbells, but remember to keep gradually upping your game to keep seeing a difference. If budget allows, book yourself a personal training session to give you those extra training ideas. Be yourself Work on being the best version of YOU rather than a version of someone else!
• Jodie has been working with Hollymoor House offering luxury fitness retreats.To find out more visit www.jodiesfitformula.co.uk
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2016
New Year Resolution… • • • •
Refresh Rejuvenate Restore Reinvent yourself
Bespoke facial rejuvenation, precisely and discretely delivered. Using a combination of injectable techniques we will enhance your natural features, smoothing and tightening the skin, and recontouring the shape of your face‌.. Anti-ageing at its best. Timeless darling! To learn more book a complimentary consultation with Dr Uzma Olbrich or Dr Rebecca Hierons Visit us online at www.queenswayskinclinic.co.uk
170, Queensway, Billingham, Teesside TS23 2NT 01642 352445
Skin
TIRED, STRESSED SKIN? OUR SKINCARE QUEENS DR UZMA OLBRICH AND DR REBECCA HIERONS SHARE THEIR EXPERT TIPS ON HOW TO RESTORE YOUR RADIANCE…
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season full of society balls, fashion parties and glittering social shindigs, is it any wonder that we develop stressed skin just when we want to be looking our most fabulous and radiant?
S T E P A W AY F R O M T H E G & T S Don’t panic we’re not recommending total abstinence but moderation is important. Alcohol dehydrates your skin. Too much can leave your skin looking lifeless and can deprive it of vital vitamins and minerals. Swap every other G&T or glass of wine for a glass of water and try to drink two litres of water every day. winter
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2016
FAC I N G FAC T S Those in the know always have a good face wash. We’re not talking a quick twenty second splash with an ill thought out cleanser. When you wash your face the most important things are getting rid of the dead skin cells, reducing excess oil and removing impurities to purify your skin. This process takes 60-90 seconds to do well. Use a medical skincare range, as advocated by reputable skin clinics or dermatologists. If you want effective skincare that works, products bought from beauty halls just don’t cut the mustard and can add to your skin problems.
WE LOVE
If you suffer with oily skin we recommend ZO Oilacleanse Cleanser, a great cleanser, it removes impurities, targets excess oil and helps prevent and clear acne. If you have dry skin try ZO Normacleanse Cleanser which has been specially formulated and is packed full of a peptide/collagen boosting complex, helping to firm, nourish and calm whilst removing impurities.
Photograph: Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com
Princess
Health Promotion
V I P P ROT E C T I O N Get a good night’s sleep, so your skin can repair and regenerate. Don’t smoke! Pollutants from smoking are big risk factors for premature ageing, sallow and dull looking skin. Wear SPF! Yes even in winter. We’ve all heard about UVA and UVB rays, but even more harmful are high energy visible (HEV) rays. These penetrate deeper into the skin and can cause more damage. Unfortunately they are present all the time regardless of cloud cover. Always chose an SPF with HEV cover too.
your skin is oily and the misuse of products such as moisturiser has affected the skins ability to repair and hydrate itself, leaving you with dry patches in places. Get away from moisturisers and look for hydrating creams that have the ability to repair and regenerate your skin from cell level outwards. Most commercially available, department store anti angeing creams and serums don’t work. So don’t buy into the hype. There is only one product that has a solid history and reputation for reversing fine lines, and that is retinol. Also sold under the name ‘vitamin A’, these creams or serums penetrate the skin and increase skin cell turnover. Multiple studies have shown them to be effective at treating acne, reducing fine lines and reversing the effects photo-ageing or sun damage. Retinol or Vitamin A cream sold in a department store or over the counter will not have the potency required to sort out your lines and wrinkles.
WE LOVE
We swear by ZO Smart Tone Broad Spectrum SPF 50. It contains an exclusive 12-hour release antioxidant complex which guards against UVA, UVB and HEV rays. It also features a universal tint of colour designed to match any skin colour so it gives you a lovely healthy glow and is a great base for make up.
Most commercially available, department store anti ageing creams and serums don’t work. So don’t buy into the hype…
G L A M M I N G U P… Many make up ranges contain an abundance of chemicals that can cause skin irritability or acne cosmetica. This is a common form of acne which is characterised by blocked pores and reddened bumps on the chin, cheeks and forehead, and occurs when oils from your makeup collect in and clog up your pores. Excess oil in your skin can also be prematurely ageing. Makeup containing parabens, talc, fragrance and preservatives can increase your risk of developing damaging skin conditions, like eczema and dermatitis - not quite the dewy look we are after during the festive season! Contrary to popular belief, it’s okay to wear makeup daily. Look out for ranges that are mineral based, talc free and have non-comedogenic properties (oil free and packed with ingredients to minimise acne and blocked pores).
WE LOVE
ZO Advanced Radical Night Repair Serum 60ml. This is a high concentration of slowly released retinol. Get yourself a hotline to your skincare expert for this amazing wonder product. An absolute hero product for addressing the multiple signs of ageing.
CELEB SPEED DIAL Skincare isn’t just for Christmas. With skincare you need to have a proper skin regime. A good daily skincare regime is a must all year round, but gains even more importance as the weather changes and winter sets in. The art of looking after your skin on a daily business isn’t easy as the sheer number of products on the market can make this process very confusing. A medical grade skincare programme is a big step in the right direction and allows you to address the concerns you have with your skin in a clinically proven fashion. R E C O M M E N D AT I O N At Queensway Skin Clinic, we love the multi award winning ZO Skincare Range so much we have decided not to stock any other skincare products. It is the Ferrari of the skincare world. Developed by renowned dermatologist Zein Obagi, and used by industry skincare leaders world wide, this is a range with a wide spectrum of daily skincare products alongside therapeutic products and treatment protocols that can be tailor-made to create and maintain healthy skin just for you. Bespoke skincare is a must for ensuring you have a fabulously glowing complexion fit for any season. And the best tip for A-list looks? Borrow the ultimate insider secret of celebrities and models and get a medically trained skincare expert on speed dial, then just sit back and prepare yourself for all the compliments.
WE LOVE
Glo Mineral Makeup Range. This is an award winning makeup range designed for skincare professionals and their clients. We love it because it delivers great coverage, great colour, fabulous glowing skin (all the diamond technology they use) and it allows your skin to breathe. We know it is working for our skin, not against it, and it has UV and environmental protection with antioxidant complexes. It is talc free, paraben free, preservative free, and non-comedogenic (less spots). It really is a clinically advanced mineral makeup that covers, corrects and protects all at the same time. Oh and it looks truly fabulous on our skin. B U S T T H E B E A U T Y M Y T H S Moisturiser is the bad boy sitting on your bedside table. Unless your dermatologist has clinically diagnosed you with dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema on your face it is unlikely your skin type is dry and needing moisturiser. Moisturisers will sit on the very top layer of your skin, providing a greasy barrier and clogging pores. There is no such thing as ‘combination skin’. Chances are
Have a fabulous new year all x • Dr Uzma Olbrich and Dr Rebecca Hierons practice at Queensway Skin Clinic. www.queenswayskinclinic.co.uk winter
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2016
LA DI DA Loves A ROUND UP OF OUR NEW FAVOURITE THINGS THIS SEASON...
C O C K TA I L O C L O C K … We loved the launch of the new The Botanist in York. If you’re shopping or partying in this fabulous, historic city, you can now stop off and enjoy one of The Botanist trade mark botanical cocktails - we loved The Plum and Thai Basil Mojito and the Cinnamon and Oregano Old Fashioned - or huge range of craft beers. Their food is deli platters, rotisserie and BBQ style dishes and the bar also hosts live music including lazy Sunday afternoon sessions.
fabulous
• The Botanist, 15-19 Stonegate,York
READER OFFER
R Tarta BOU R BA
n Collar
Haute Hounds As the wintery weather sets in don’t forget to keep your pooch warm and cosy. We love the Barbour Tartan coat and matching collar from Fenwick, totally on trend natch! Accessorise with this wonder balm from Newcastle company Mrs Mills, So Soft Doggy Nose Balm. It was developed by Nikki Irvine to soothe her bulldog’s dry nose after she couldn’t find anything that helped and it’s now sold all over the world to keep doggy noses healthy even in harsh weather.
Throughout the frost, The Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland is inviting all its guests to bundle down to their favourite Scandi crush: Hygge. A danish concept that celebrates all the gorgeously comfy things that just MAKE winter; firesides, cashmere socks, best friends and good food of course...they love it so much they just have to share it. An exclusive treat for La Di Da, stay any night from January 2nd until the end of February 2017 for just £129 in any of their gorgeous rooms and get a cream tea for two and a glass of bubbles by the fire on arrival. JUST QUOTE: HYGGE. To book please call The Lord Crewe Arms on 01434 677100 or e-mail enquiries@lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk
• Fenwick.co.uk mrsmills.co.uk
*Please note Valentines day is excluded.
B A RB OUR Tartan Coat winter
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2016
News
LEEDS LUST There is more champagne drunk in Leeds than any other place in the UK but then the fine people of Leeds have plenty to celebrate. As well as fabulous hotels and restaurants, they have, in our opinion, the best shopping around outside of London. Now the glittering and very fabulous Victoria Gate has opened, bringing another 23 upmarket stores and seven new restaurants to the luxury Leeds Victoria shopping centre. Fab brands such as Aspinal of London and Hackett join the likes of Harvey Nicks and Louis Vuitton to create England’s largest luxury shopping and leisure destination...fizz, fashion and foodie fabulousness...what’s not to love? • victorialeeds.co.uk
www.kissthemoon.com
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Main image | Pinecone Decorations £6 | Faux Fur Throw £60 | Decoupage Baubles (pack of 8) £8 | Silver Decorations (pack of 50) £10 Deer Tealight Holder (set of 2) £12
| Chrome Lantern £20 | Oriana Tealight Holder (set of 3) £14
12 Piece Bianco Dinner Set £18 | Hartford Painted Bench Set £599 This page | Afternoon Tea Set £12 | Antler Table Lamp £60 | Tonal Stripe Faux Fur Throw £60 | Large Noel Lit Letters £60 Wood Effect Christmas Bunting £10 | Lit Berry Garland £25 | Dipped Glass Table Lamp £60 | Wood Advent House £35 All available from N E X T.CO . U K
Queen
STYLE AWARD WINNING FASHION BUYER AND OWNER OF VOGUE FAVE HAVE TO LOVE BOUTIQUE, KATE WALTON, GIVES US HER INSIDER KNOW HOW FOR LOOKING ON POINT FOR ALL THOSE FASHIONABLE FESTIVE OCCASIONS…
HENRY HOLLAND, HOUSE OF HOLLAND
RUFFLE MY FEATHERS... 80’s inspired ‘Prince’ ruffles are everywhere. As an eighties baby I love the era and with homage to my Rara skirt, think ruffles and metallics with varsity jackets. Henry Holland gave us grown up Rara metallic skirts, Saint Laurent had one shoulder ruffle dresses with wide waist belts, Chloe toughened up their romantic ruffle boho dresses with biker boots and Gucci had scrunched knitted ruffled capes over brocade dresses.
LACE ME UP... Burton mixed galaxy inspired patterns with lace ruffles that fell off the shoulders and lace bralettes were part of a dress or worn under oversized tuxedo jackets. Burberry styled lace slip dresses as outerwear over pyjama style shirts. Celine, Dries Van Noten were all big on smalls this season! Think old school Dolce & Gabbana slip dresses, velvet tuxedo jackets and lace bras, less cleavage though! Too provocative for you? Then slip a lace cami under an off the shoulder knit or wear knits with lace details. winter
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Fashion DRESSING DOWN is the New dressing up! Derek Lam AW16 was all about dressed down partywear; knitwear under a luxe metallic party dress and heavy flat boots. As ‘dressing down is the new art of dressing up’ try metallic knitwear or a sequin top with boyfriend jeans or a slogan tee (a fave with all bloggers) and throw on a metallic bomber to finish. Throwback to the original rock chick, Isabel Marant mixed knits, leather look trousers with zips or leather minis. Balmain styled metallic skinny pants with ruffled knits. A trend that makes going from the office to the party much easier, don’t forget to add on a velvet choker to accessorise.
CRUSHING ON VELVET... Reworked away from its previous dark gothic undertones, this A/W sees velvet with a vibrant hit of colour. Luxurious jewel tones of red, green and gold sit alongside classic black teamed with romantic hints of pleats and ruffles. Gucci, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana all coveted the black velvet dress, a must in your party season wardrobe this year. Gucci teamed with voile sleeves and pink pussy bows whilst D&G contrasted with peek-a-boo black lace. But props go to Prada for vamping up their velvet with metallic embellishment.
You don’t have to do this trend head-to-toe, velvet can be dipped into with accessories, Alexander McQueen showed encrusted round toe court shoes and Gucci took it back to the old school with double G logo velvet bags. The must have accessory this season are chokers, and are a perfect outfit enhancer in black velvet. This trend has a Kardashian/Jenner clan following along with new it Victoria Secret it girl Bella Hadid. Closer to home, British fashion favourite Cara Delavigne is an avid velveteer.
PARTY LIKE ITS 1999... Take inspiration from Moss the Boss (Kate Moss) in the 1990’s and her slip dresses worn under fur coats. Whether it be a bomber jacket, fur coat (opt for faux if you prefer), or a puffa coat dress down your party dress with an oversized coat. The Alexander McQueen fall catwalk saw a ‘blanket dress’ that can only be described as a blanket draped over a dress. Balanciaga’s puffa coats were oversized and Chloe saw coats worn over floaty feminine ruffle nude dresses. So wrap up, good news for us Northern gals!
A homage to Saint Laurent and Dolce & Gabbana, leopard was seen on almost every catwalk of AW16. I have a vintage leopard cape, a shirt, shoes and a bag that I can bring out nearly every season. My must-have leopard print accessories this winter has got to be the Givenchy studded leather ankle boots at www.netaporter.com
FOLLOW @HAVETOLOVEKATE FOR DAILY FASHION STYLE AND TRENDS AND CHECK OUT HER BLOG: WWW.KATEHAVETOLOVE.WORDPRESS.COM
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Feature
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Fashion
WHEN PA R I S MET ALICE TOP FASHION PHOTOGRAPHER KAT CARRUTHERS COVERED UBER GLAM PARIS FASHION WEEK FOR LA DI DA. SHE GIVES US THE INSIDE TAKE ON SURVIVING LIFE ON THE PARIS FASHION SCENE WHILE DEALING WITH HER OWN LITTLE MADAM... All photography by Kat Carruthers and www.carrostudio.com
A
s parents we are more than accustomed to accepting the foibles of our affectionately termed ‘little darlings’. That said, attempting to maintain poise and decorum entering the Paris Fashion Week ‘Hotel de Vendome’, accompanied by a dribbling ‘angry at the world’ two year old toddler, was not what I had in mind. I attempted to keep my inner fashionista head held high, ignoring frequent Peppa Pig demands, whilst a patient concierge collated my couriered fashion-week diary. Our Paris Fashion Week adventures were definitely a tale of two halves. Part one was as one would expect from a Parisian jaunt. I spent a fabulous 24 hours, sans child, in Paris with my husband (also with foibles, albeit less publicly displayed). This involved a decadent whirlwind trip of catwalks, cocktails, winter
obligatory (sorry-not-sorry) selfies and a dinner of fillet steak and vino in the city of lights. Part two on the other hand, entailed three days with Alice and eating cereal from the box. Do not get me wrong, I love my little Madam, but retracing steps to find a lost shoe as she unsuccessfully attempts to hop was not my idea of bliss. Neither was accidentally stopping outside the Congo embassy carrying a black industrial strength, unmarked photography case and monopod in long black casing that sadly drew some unwanted police attention (fizz was required following this). However, as a full time working mum we can have it all and I am exceedingly proud of her. She certainly redeemed herself by stopping individuals (by this I mean catwalk models and those of FROW fame including Karlie Kloss) in the street and declaring ‘selfie’ whilst adjusting for the correct angle. And stop they did, ignoring the circling barrage of press paparazzi. Alice is a natural. What I have learned is that ‘Parisian Chic’ is not just a cliché. Presentations took place in sumptuous hotel ballrooms with gold and duck-egg blue detailing. Women dressed in exquisite tailoring, cashmere knits and wide-leg trousers. Understated and elegant. Shows were awash with champagne and the regular addresses began ‘Palais de’…yes, Palaces. Notable highlights beyond the expected Chanel included Paskal, Liselore Frowijn, Andrew GN, Leonard Paris,Valentin Yudashkin, Ingie Paris and YDE Paris. Despite returning home whilst counting down the weeks until AW17 in Spring, I did not have to wait long before more fashion festivity presented itself. Firstly, the Newcastle High School For Girls produced an accomplished charity fashion show including local boutiques such as Love Niche and Have to Love. We also shot at the Christmas Party Catwalk held by superb new boutique Christian Alexander at the Wynyard Hall Marquee. Alice also had her own mini fashionista moment in La Di Da’s Children’s fashion feature shot at Matfen Hall. As Christmas and the New Year approaches and you begin to make your New Year’s resolutions, I hope you will raise a mulled wine or two in hoping I can share many more fashion seasons with my little diva whilst trialling a Parisian look of a fabulous black roll-neck jumper and camel wide leg trouser. Eat, drink and be merry… Chin Chin! • Kat Carruthers www.carrostudio.com www.nonamemagazine.com
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2016
LA DI DA
dahlings
OUR FAVOURITE THING IN THE WORLD IS HEADING TO A FABULOUS COUNTRY ESTATE AND INDULGING IN A RATHER SPECTACULAR AFTERNOON TEA. SO WHAT BETTER WAY TO CELEBRATE THE FESTIVE SEASON THAN TREATING OUR LITTLE LA DI DA DAHLINGS TO A GORGEOUSLY GIRLIE DAY AT THE DIVINE MATFEN HALL HOTEL FOR LASHINGS OF CAKE, FASHION AND ARISTO CHIC... Photography by Carro Studio www.carrostudio.com
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Fashion
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Feature
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Fashion
Pajamas and night clothes courtesy of John Lewis Eldon Square www.johnlewis.com All other clothes available from NEXT Metrocentre and www.next.co.uk. Photographer www.carrostudio.com Children: Ella Leven, Alice Carruthers and Connie McGlasson. Shot at Matfen Hall Hotel www.Matfenhall.com The children ate Matfen's new Children's Afternoon Tea. winter
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2016
Fashion FASHIONISTA KATIE MOULDING IS THE CEO OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS AGENCY AND MUMMY TO FASHIONISTA IN WAITING CONNIE. SHE OFFERS HER INSIDER KNOW HOW ON SUPER STYLISH TOTS...
Fashion
talk
I
write this with bags the size of a Louis Vuitton carry all under my eyes, a can of Red Bull in my hand and the engine running on the car in the effort to keep my little lovely asleep after many failed attempts over the past week. A slightly different dress hunt for my mini beast has been on the cards the last couple of weeks. The hubby and I decided to get married, with just nine weeks to arrange it! You’re mad I hear you say and well, now it’s all over and done with, I would strongly agree. It took me all of 20 minutes to choose my dress, that was the easy part. I saw it, loved it and bought it. I only tried one other dress on and even that was under duress. Connie’s dress on the other hand is a totally different story. There are many important factors to take into consideration, I wanted it to be as close to mine as possible but this was harder than I thought especially as mine is sweetheart neck with huge box pleats, pockets and a slight train. Not really appropriate attire for a bubba, so back to the drawing board. I looked in the usual shops everyone recommends for the occasion dress, Laura Ashley, Next, M&S and so
I had found the perfect dress, it isn’t crazy frilly but is pretty and beautiful just like her... on, I even looked online in Selfridges at Baby Dior and such like (frill and bow overload!) Needless to say none of these met my requirements which if I’m honest even I wasn’t sure what they were but I was confident that as soon as I saw the right dress for her I would know. Over the following weeks between desperately trying to find a florist to supply us with 26 white rose button holes (this is an impossible task it seems as not just one but four florists turned us down) and trying not to slip up and mention it to anyone that has been winter
The perfect
invited (we simply sent out invitations asking our nearest and dearest to join us for a special occasion so no one actually knew that it was to be our wedding day!). I was starting to panic about finding not just a dress but the right dress for my mini fashionista. After all these pictures will be looked back on for ever, she had to look her best but this isn’t an investment piece, it doesn’t have to be durable as she is only wearing it once and for a few hours, she just needs to look pretty (this isn’t hard as she is adorable, but still!). I was having a little wander one rainy day (I was supposed to be food shopping but there are so many more fun things to do other than that!) and there it was, hanging there looking just perfect, I had found the perfect dress, it isn’t crazy frilly but is pretty and beautiful just like her. It has little matching knickers and small roses delicately placed around the waist band. She looks just delightful in it and after all my hunting would you believe where it is from...George at Asda!!! My little lovely still looks super chic, just without the expensive price tag this time, after all it’s about what you look good in not what the label is, right?! Granted our designer rags are better quality and often an investment that last and last, wear after wear and wash better (I could go on and on) but just this once I make an exception. • www.thelittleblackdressagency.co.uk
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dress for Co
nnie!
Feature
NIGHT IN THE
MUSEUM
GIN TASTING WITH SIPSMITHS, DINNER AND DINOSAURS ARE ON THE MENU AT THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM’S ADULT SLEEPOVERS. ANDREW SMITH INDULGES HIS INNER CHILD BUT DRAWS THE LINE AT WEARING A DINOSAUR ONESIE…
NATURAL HISTORY PIX CREDIT: © Trustees of the NHM, London
L
ondon’s South Kensington is known as an adventure playground for the rich and fabulous but until now it hasn’t been associated with people dressed in dinosaur nightwear. However, while I refused to diminish my sartorial standards and slip into a ‘onesie’, I did relish a night of adventure in The Natural History Museum, one of London’s most stunning buildings. The Natural History Museum has of late begun to open its doors, on a quarterly basis, to Dino-Snores, a night long adventure within the museum. It also regularly hosts children’s nights but this was all about indulging your inner child, particularly your inner child who is partial to some good gin. We were welcomed to the cathedral like Hintze hall where we could choose to gaze up to the gleaming canopy of masterpieces that comprise its ceiling or sleep under the world famous Dippy the Diplodocus. The sleeping experience is intimate – although not in that way – and you need to bring your own pillow but it’s a cornucopia of experiences ranging from the Dino-Onesie attired harpist, to the carefully curated lectures. We enjoyed a three course meal, before beginning our evening jaunt, vino in hand. The lectures were informative, witty and
interactive. They included a fun science lecture, a discussion on the history of gin and a tasting hosted by a Professor of Botanicals and Sipsmith’s as well as a frankly hilarious stand up routine delivered by a Biology Professor. All of this was great fun, taking us to
NORTHERN NIGHT We’re very excited to report that the first Night in a Museum is to be held at the Great North Museum: Hancock on Saturday 4 March 2017. The event will be their first ever adult sleepover with fun activities, hot buffet, a quirky bar from NickyNoo, live music from the Cornshed Sisters, late night snacks and a late night DJ in the main Living Planet gallery. Breakfast is also included as well as the unique opportunity to bed down next to their most famous exhibits including the t-rex and mummies. The price will be £75 per person and you have to be 18 or over. Tickets and details at www.greatnorthmuseum.org.uk
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midnight when we were then let loose, wine in hand to gallivant like five year olds around the rest of the exhibits, unhindered by the usual masses. Hardcore enthusiasts can stay up all night mooching around the exhibits and dipping into the all night monster movie marathon (which includes midnight snacking on insects) but we eschewed this for a surprisingly good gin induced sleep. All in all it was a cracking night of fun and one where you can saunter out in the morning after enjoying breakfast, doing the ‘walk of smug’, knowing you’ve had a fun night that few would ever be able to replicate. Dippy is going on tour next year including the Hancock museum in 2019 but visitors will be able to stay in the Earth Hall under a Stegosaurus so all is not lost. The Natural History Museum is hosting a very special new year’s eve party to bid Dippy farewell. For more information check out the website at www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/dinosnores-for-grownups
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BAXTER OF CALIFORNIA Boxed Shaving Kit £75, Psyche, Middlesbrough www.psyche.co.uk
The Gentleman’s GIFT GUIDE
FRED PERRY Bomber Tipped Gloves £34.99, Psyche, Middlesbrough www.psyche.co.uk
BOSS TAILORING Sintrax Wool Coat £400, Flannels Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
Dandy
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1. A MAN WHO AFFECTS EXTREME ELEGANCE IN C LOT H E S A N D M A N N E R S ; A F O P.
PAUL SMITH New Multi Stripe Cufflinks £89.99, Psyche, Middlesbrough www.psyche.co.uk
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD men’s low top trainers £220 exclusive to Flannels and Cruise. Flannels Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
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PAUL SMITH Mayfair Fit Wool Suit £575, Flannels Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
Gents
PAUL SMITH Reversible Stripe And Polka Pocket Square £50, Flannels Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
GUCCI Web Detail Loafers £440, Flannels Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
Bloodline Belts are exclusive and are handmade in London by northern British luxury brand ALWAYS WEAR RED £260 www.alwayswearred.com
DOLCE AND GABBANA Horseshoe Encrusted Shirt £475, Flannels Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD MAN Tonic Tuxedo Jacket £830, Flannels Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com TAG HEUER Premier League Special Edition Aquaracer Watch £2,150 boutique-goldsmiths.co.uk GIUSEPPE ZANOTTI trainers £505 exclusive to Flannels. Flannels Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
GUCCI Gg Running Leather Wallet £210, Flannels Metrocentre, Sunderland and flannels.com
BARBOUR Tartan Scarf And Gloves Set, £58.99, Psyche, Middlesbrough www.psyche.co.uk
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Expressions is an exclusive rum created by specialist North East rum company, the OLD MAN RUM CO. It is an exclusive, limited edition run, with only 250 bottles available. Retailing at £1,800 a bottle it is a 100pc pure pot still rum, a unique blend combining seven rums aged from between 25 to 33 years old from distilleries based in the Caribbean. Three of the distilleries have since closed, so Expressions cannot be replicated again. www.oldmanrum.com
Grooming
WITH MARK BURNS CASSELL
SPA REVIEW
Rockliffe Hall Spa
I
t’s been a gruelling week at the former chez MBC, gents – I prefix with ‘former’, as I’ve spent every waking hour at the end of my high-thread-count tether in the middle of half-packed boxes and a furious race against the clock: yes, you guessed it, I am doing that most unenviable of things – moving house. Therefore I admit that it gave me great pleasure to cast aside my antique portmanteaus bursting with cravats in exchange for a gentleman’s spa pampering sesh at the fabulous Rockliffe Hall. Rockliffe is of course a country house hotel, and the spa captures this feel perfectly. Bright, airy and calm spaces abound – from the Spa Garden overlooking breathtaking verdant vistas to the indoor swimming and hydrotherapy pools. Why reader, I half expected to see Jordan
Belfort himself lying recumbent on a high quality sun lounger. Dotted alongside both pools are an almighty number of relaxation rooms – the usual suspects are all present of course – sauna, tepidarium – though I was delighted to see a caldarium, which we learned lots about in Roman history at school, as well
as an ‘igloo’, a cold room with a great dish of ice at its heart, proving to be an exhilarating way of cooling off after a sweaty steam sesh. After spending a longer while than I would care to commit to paper delighted and with my mouth agape I noted the time; tearing myself away from this tranquil oasis I trotted
I’ve had more spa treatments over the years than we’ve had day trips out in the family Bentley back to reception to report for duty: a De-stress Total Body Performance 90 minute treatment. Reader, given my current state of abode-moving affairs, could a better spa experience review have landed in my lap? It was as if the Goddess of Serenity herself took pity on one of her most devoted acolytes and had a quiet word in the ear of Fate. I positively dashed into the treatment room, noting the fabulous rich colours and sumptuous lighting en-route. Karen was the lady appointed to the task of making me feel like a new man, and crikey did she embrace it. Originally hailing from Halifax, Karen’s petite frame belies her inbuilt Yorkshire Lass strength. My very ITBs quivered at her handshake, knowing the going-over they were destined for. There was of course a consultation, my little toes quietly submerged in a basin of fragrant warm waters. As you’d expect from a Five Bubble Spa, the treatments at Rockliffe are all bespoke, and I was given the choice between a relaxing treatment or a sports massage. Puffing out my chest and lowering my voice to as manly a grunt as I could muster, I exclaimed that the deep tissue sports massage would be winter
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Gents
just the ticket. Karen skillfully selected a skincare range infused with delectable scents of vanilla, palma rosa and citrus and guided me to a massage table piled with fluffy towels. For all I had the option to turn down the heat on the pressure being applied at any given point, I decided, out of devotion to my work as diligent reporter to you, dear reader, to bite my lip and let Karen work her magic. I tell you, I had to be helped down the stairs. The treatment was a marvel. In fact, I’ll tell you what, all caution to the wind here, I will go so far as to say that this was the finest deep tissue massage I’ve had at any spa – and as my mother will tell you, I have had more spa treatments over the years than we’ve had day trips out in the family Bentley. This heaven sent treatment closed with a cleansing facial followed by a back, neck and shoulder massage then an Indian Head treatment. After the rigours of the deep tissue session this was exactly what the doctor ordered, and I confess I fell asleep at the touch of Karen’s fingers to my scalp – I am like putty
in the hands of anyone who will stroke my hair, you see. My recommended products were a Sacred Nature Body Oil, Sacred Nature Milk, Arnica cream and a NEOM de-stress kit, which seemed highly appropriate given my current tumultuous state of being between country pad and townhouse. After regaining the use of my legs, I took up Karen’s recommendation to let the oils absorb into my skin for at least half an hour. I opted to do this in front of a dish of steak sandwiches and salad in the spa’s brasserie. I sat out in the sunshine on the outside terrace overlooking the rolling lawns and meditated at length on the fact that life isn’t perhaps so bad after all, so long as there are spas like Rockliffe. The steak deserves special note, and thus it shall have it – cooked to perfection and full of flavor, evidently from the finest cuts and topped with a touch of onion chutney and wilted greens. I took a moment to applaud the chef, before chasing it down with iced Belvoir Raspberry Lemonade. Full-bellied and rejuvenated, a return to winter
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poolside was definitely in order – what better way to complete a day of bliss? Reader, I basked there like a contented seal in the sunshine, not a care in the world and all thoughts of moving home banished, at least for now, far from my mind. I reviewed Rockliffe’s Man Space De-stress Total Body Performance treatment, priced at £120 for 90 minutes. For lunch, the Spa Brasserie’s steak sandwich at £13, and hand cut chips £4. Spa membership is available, priced at an excellent value £110 per month for single membership (£250 joining fee), or £97.50 per month per person for a couple’s membership (£150pp joining fee). There is currently a waiting list to become a member – and this comes as no surprise.You may, however, indulge in the delights of Rockliffe Spa by booking one of their fantastic spa experiences combining treatments, lunches and spa time. • For reservations call 01325 729999 or visit www.rockliffehall.com
ENEKO
One the Aldwych, London WE HAVE LONG BEEN ADMIRERS OF CHEF ENEKO AXTA SO WHEN WE HEARD HE WAS OPENING A LONDON RESTAURANT WE COULDN’T WAIT TO TRY IT AND SENT TOP CHEF GILLY ROBINSON TO CHECK IT OUT…
E
neko Axta forged his stellar reputation for innovative modern Basque Cuisine at his restaurant Azurmendi, near Bilbao, Spain. Awarded three Michelin stars, Azurmendi has been consistently rated one of the world’s 50 best restaurants and it currently sits 16th in the list. Heading in on a cold wet night, the stylish cocktail bar and two very welcoming staff members made it a lovely start to the evening. We were guided down a very beautiful staircase to the restaurant which is housed in the basement of stylish hotel One Aldwych. When Eneko isn’t in town the kitchen is headed up by Head chef Edurne Martin Belgado and the menu was exciting and promised great things. The food is innovative and contemporary and the menu featured some very clever ideas with a wonderful use of ingredients. The menu is short and to the point but I loved the sound of every single dish and making a choice was difficult.
We both went for the Txerri Boda pork festival and it was terrific. Little milk buns of Iberico ham, black pudding and chorizo, it packed flavour, particularly the chorizo. The main course of salmon was fabulous with a really fresh, chive emulsion and just the right amount of durum wheat (risotto style). The star of the show, however, was the Oxtail; I have not had better anywhere. Slow-cooked oxtail with mushroom emulsion, very rich and very moreish perfect wintery fare. The flavour was second to none. The sweet trolley came into view and this had to be seen to be believed, a true work of art and we couldn’t resist. It is great value for money for really accomplished cooking. The starters vary from £9-£12 and mains are all around £15 with puddings at around £7. I can’t wait for an excuse to go back to London and revisit this wonderful restaurant; it was a truly lovely dining experience. • www.eneko.london
COT TO N S R H U M S H A C K A N D R E S TA U R A N T Notting Hill Gate
WORDS: MICHELLE GUDGEON
C
ottons is a fashionable contemporary Caribbean Restaurant and Rhum Shack, just a short walk from Notting Hill Gate tube. Once inside the décor is light, bright and transports you to your own little part of paradise. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and explained the menu in detail and made some great recommendations. The menu was varied with plenty of choice. We started with cocktails, a Mai Tai and a Smokey Hot, which came with its own smoke, adding a nice bit of tableside theatre. The Mai Tai was out of this world and the Smokey Hot certainly lived up to expectations, delivering a spicy BBQ flavor that packed a real punch. As I was trying to be healthy I went for the ‘lighter options’ of Scallop Ceviche (£7) and Trinidadian steamed Red Mullet (£17), while my partner decided on the Spiced Coconut Seafood Lemongrass Broth (£8) and Pan Roasted Guava Glazed Duck Breast (£14). winter
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The starters came promptly and the presentation of the dishes was excellent. The scallops were perfectly cooked and the soup declared by my partner was ‘the best I’ve ever tasted’, being perfectly spicy and fishy. This restaurant isn’t just about the food experience, they also have a rum menu with 350 different varieties. Once again the waiter demonstrated his excellent knowledge, although as we found out later, he had tried every single one! I opted for another excellent cocktail, a My Fair Lady, which looked very elegant and was disarmingly fruity and very moreish. The main courses came quickly. The red mullet still had bones in, but the waiter had explained that it was not filleted but it was perfectly cooked. The salad was extremely fresh and tasty. The duck was again perfectly cooked to order. It would have been rude not to sample a pudding, even on the ‘lighter choice’, so we chose the Gingerbread Tulip & Iced Peanut Butter parfait. The Gingerbread Tulip was a trio of sorbets, very refreshing and cleansed the pallet nicely, and the Peanut Butter Parfait was delicious, buttery and very mellow. Overall the food and ambience of the restaurant were great. The décor left you feeling like you were on holiday, a feeling that was quickly dispelled when we stepped back outside into the cold London air! • Cottons-restaurant.co.uk
STAR
Food & Drink
MAN THE RABY HUNT IS THE FIRST RESTAURANT IN THE REGION TO BE AWARDED TWO MICHELIN STARS AND ONE OF ONLY A HANDFUL OUTSIDE LONDON. LINDA JANE WESTPHAL CHATS TO CHEF JAMES CLOSE ABOUT FOOD, CELEBRITY AND LIFE AS A TWO STAR CHEF... winter
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henever you’re having a bad day you might want to imagine being the local cookery lecturer who told the North East’s only two Michelin starred chef that he wasn’t up to scratch and needed to start with a NVQ level one in basic cookery. Apparently he didn’t hold his knife correctly when he was asked to cut carrots the French way. Their paths have crossed again but he is far too discreet to reveal if he went down the whole Pretty Woman route and uttered the immortal line ‘Big mistake. Big. HUGE’. We somehow doubt it, he is far too modest for that and anyway he can let his clutch of prestigious awards and accolades do the talking for him. Apart from the mere matter of two Michelin stars, the only restaurant in the region to hold two, last October the Raby Hunt became the first in the North East to be included in the respected Sunday Times 100 Top Restaurants list. And it did so in considerable style, going straight in as a new entry at number 26, ahead of the Fat Duck at 29. This year has seen yet more honours including chef of the year by the Good Food Guide. The Raby may have two stars but James certainly isn’t resting on his laurels. He is hoping to expand the kitchen and add a chef ’s table. “I want to create a real wow factor with the restaurant,” he says.
It spoils it if you’re always chasing stars
“We’ve taken food to the next level now it’s time for the restaurant and service to be taken to the next level also. “We’ve managed to get two stars in seven years in a tiny kitchen but we need to expand so we can make the experience even better. We want perfect service, it’s good now but we want to keep raising our standards.” Since the Raby Hunt was awarded its second star people have been coming from all over Europe to eat there, says James. “It has gone crazy. We are now considered one of the best restaurants in the UK which is great news for the region.” He is delighted with the support he has had from North East foodies. “It’s exciting to see how interested in food everyone is now in the North East. The TV shows have really helped with this. People up here are now really getting into good food,” he explains. So can we expect to see him on our TV screens soon? He has already been inundated with offers. “If something interesting came along, like me going to my favourite restaurants in the world and talking about them, I would do it,” he says “but I am not a fan of some of the shows on TV like the Great British Menu, it feels a bit like the X factor, it’s not for me.” As ever James is his own man, it will take something really special to lure him away from his kitchen. For the moment he is just concentrating on dealing with the huge increase in bookings as a result of the second star. “We’re really busy this year; a third star is not even in my thought process. It spoils it if you’re always chasing stars. For me it’s about enjoying what we do and improving all the time, that’s what really drives us. All I want to do is get better as a chef and make the restaurant even better.” • The Raby Hunt, Summerhouse, Near Darlington, DL2 3UD www.rabyhuntrestaurant.co.uk
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ABOVE James stood outside of The Raby Hunt
Food & Drink
DIVA
IF YOU WANT TO THROW THE DINNER PARTY OF A LIFETIME HEAD BACK TO SCHOOL... COOK SCHOOL. FOODIE MELISSA KIRBY HEADS TO THE VERY FABULOUS MALTON COOKERY SCHOOL TO TRY OUT THEIR DINNER PARTY MASTERCLASS FOR INSIDER INSPO...
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drive to Malton is never a chore and this beautiful Yorkshire town is the ideal setting for a cookery school, it’s a foodie paradise with some great shops and restaurants. As a keen cook and a total glutton I was excited to be spending the day learning from a top chef how to up my dinner party game. I arrived at the school, which is in a converted chapel and is very stylish inside, like your dream kitchen but bigger, to be greeted by head of the cookery school Gilly Robinson. Gilly is wonderful and warm and she introduced me to the other students who were all very friendly. We started the day having a natter over a couple of cups of Yorkshire tea, getting to know each other a little and getting a run-though of the day by Gilly and her assistant Mel. Cooking commenced with the making of soda bread. This is ready to eat within an hour so when we’d popped that in the oven, we did some butchery, learning how to get the loins off a rabbit and trimming the most tender cuts of venison I’ve ever tasted. The first course was sushi, guaranteed to start your dinner party with the wow factor, and Gilly offered lots of clever tips and hints. This was followed by rabbit and goats cheese Parma ham roulades for our second course, these were just to die for, I absolutely loved them. The main was seared venison with a rich blackberry jus and the best gratin dauphinoise potatoes I’ve ever tasted. For dessert we created rich, fruity poached pears with a cinnamon syrup and mastered chocolate winter
fondants with a tulle biscuit to decorate. The fondants especially were absolute perfection, cutting in with your spoon for all the molten chocolate to ooze out…yummy. The whole day was so laid back and generally delightful, we were sipping wine throughout the day with a couple of coffee breaks and the day ended with us indulging in the entire four course dinner we had been preparing. I’m pretty sure I waddled out of the door at the end of the day. All of the little tips and nuggets of information and skills acquired were invaluable and it truly was a fantastic day, very relaxed. I left with not only some doggy bags full of leftovers but some new friends. • Malton cookery school offers a wide range of courses including children’s. To find out more go to Maltoncookeryschool.co.uk
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Feature
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Literary
L I B AT I O N
SIR JAMES AYKROYD HAS BREATHED NEW LIFE INTO A HISTORIC LIQUEUR WHICH CELEBRATES THE BRONTE�S, A FAMILY WITH CLOSE LINKS TO HIS OWN. LA DI DA WENT TO MEET HIM AT HIS STATELY HOME TO FIND OUT MORE
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he Brontës have been inextricably linked with Sir James Aykroyd Bt’s family for a hundred years and for many years he still had the key to their parsonage, bought by his great grandfather and which he donated to the Brontë Society in perpetuity. Sir James’ great-grandfather, the industrialist Sir James Roberts, was born in Haworth in 1848, and as a boy Sir James Roberts knew Charlotte Brontë. He was later part of a group of local businessmen who invested in Sir Titus Salt, Sons and Co in Saltaire. Within eight years Sir James became the sole owner and the business prospered. winter
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The present day Sir James lives in a beautiful stately home outside Harrogate. With panoramic views of the stunning countryside, he is a proud Yorkshire man and it’s this love of his county and its history which has fired his passion for continuing to protect the Brontë legacy. The Brontë link was revived through a quirk of fate which saw Sir James discover a Brontë Liqueur 40 years ago while on business as a drinks exporter in Paraguay, South America. “I was in a hotel when I saw this old bottle of Brontë liqueur in the back bar. It just jumped out at me, it looked so out of context,” he explained. At the time he was enjoying a high level career in the drinks industry and travelling the world and it was only years later that the thought of reviving the liqueur and celebrating the Brontë name came to him. “The original recipe would not have appealed to modern tastes so we decided to rework it,” he explains. “We wanted it to reflect its Yorkshire roots so we developed a drink with blackberries and sloes and a hint of jasmine. It mixes perfectly with champagne, prosecco and with mixers to make a refreshing cocktail. It also works really well with chocolate.” Brontë Liqueurs has also launched a new limited edition liqueur Charlotte’s Reserve to mark the bicentenary of Charlotte Brontë’s birth this year. A bramble and creamy caramel liqueur sweetened with wildflower honey and jasmine, it complements its existing Brontë Liqueur drink. It is beautifully housed in an exclusive presentation box reminiscent of an 18th century leather bound book, making it a perfect present for Brontë aficionados. “As a Yorkshireman, I am fiercely proud of my great grandfather’s role in securing the Brontë family home for posterity and in the continuing historic connection between my family and Haworth,” says Sir James. A percentage of all sales of Brontë Liqueur will be donated to the Brontë Society to help ensure the enduring legacy of the Brontë family. • Charlotte’s Reserve retails at £19.99 (RRP) and is available at independent retailers throughout the county or via the website www.Brontëliqueur.com.
Photography www.jadephotography-online.com
Food & Drink
Food & Drink SIMON HICKS IS HEAD CHEF AT THE FABULOUS LORD CREWE ARMS IN BLANCHLAND. HE HAS A STELLAR PEDIGREE INCLUDING HEAD CHEF AT THE ACCLAIMED HIX SOHO. HE SHARES ONE OF HIS FAVOURITE WINTER RECIPES…
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Ne’er cast a clout till May is out…
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here’s nothing better than walking into a kitchen to the sound of bubbles and clatter, and the sweet smell of spiced pudding steaming merrily away on the stove. The recipe for our take on a festive pud was first published in 1747 and remains ‘slightly’ unchanged to this day. The Clootie (or dumpling) is a pudding that many a young Scot would have fond memories of; watching in anticipation, whilst Grandmother prepared it especially for Christmas time. Getting its
name from the cloth or cloot that the fruit pudding is steamed in, it has all the hallmarks of your typical Christmas pudding but its lighter and not as rich to eat, as well as having a simple ‘pop it all in a bowl’ method to prepare. The recipe which we have ‘tweaked’ from the original, removes the bread crumbs to lighten the dish up a little, we also steam in plastic pudding mounds sometimes which I guess means we could call the pudding cloutless?
INGREDIENTS 475g of plain flour 10g of bicarbonate of soda 10g of ground cinnamon 10g of ground ginger 175g of caster sugar 175g of soft dark sugar 240g of suet 200g of sultanas
150g of currants 250g of chopped dates 2 grated apples 80g of black treacle 2 eggs 350g of buttermilk
Photography carrostudio.com
METHOD 1 Warm together the treacle and buttermilk and then whisk in the egg. Add all the other ingredients and place into your steaming cloth (clout) or pudding basin (cloutless). Steam for an hour. • www.lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk
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2 If using the cloth, the trick we use in the kitchen is to dip the cloth in water, then ring the excess out. We then throw in a knob of butter and a sprinkle of sugar to stop it sticking. When tying, make sure you leave room for the expansion of the pud.
GENEVA calling FANCY A SHORT BREAK WITH WONDERFUL SCENERY, FOOD AND WORLD CLASS WINE? THEN WHY NOT FLY TO GENEVA? OUR WINE AFICIONADO RICHARD LOCKSTONE CHECKS IN AND CHECKS IT OUT…
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or a short break which delivers an out of this world experience, Geneva has it all. Breathtaking scenery, great hotels and just a short drive from fabulous French wine country. Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland, after Zürich, but geographically is almost completely surrounded by France so the next step in my adventure planning was a no brainer. The Rhône Valley, a famous wine region that I had not yet visited and only a couple of hours drive from Geneva. When we arrived at Geneva airport, after only a two hour flight, we picked up a hire car and drove the short 40 minute journey to the lake side town of Annecy. Here we stayed at the outstanding 5 star boutique art-deco ‘Les Clos des Sens’, where all rooms come with Jacuzzi pools and swanky modern designer furniture and amazingly comfortable beds. The next day after a walk around the town we stayed for ‘lunch’ which consisted of an 11 course ritual of fine dining food in the 2 Michelin star rated restaurant. Every table was taken and the food and service as well as wine pairings by the Sommelier were simply world class. Our favourite course was barbecued Pike with foam butter paired with ‘A Contre Courant Blanc 2011’ by Domaine Guillaume Gros, a blend of Grenache gris and Sauvignon from Maubec in Provence. winter
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Aurelia Gillet, an English speaking waitress looked after our table and guided us through the meal marathon. Much of this was sourced from the three local lakes, so fish was a key part of this amazing menu. A tasting menu, lunch or dinner costs between €110 & €180 per person; it’s a culinary delight and a once in a life time experience so worth every penny. Talk to the head Sommelier, Thomas Lorilval, about the wine pairings, his knowledge, especially about local wines and his way of guiding you through the wine and food pairings is exceptional. After lunch we took a few hours to cruise south and spent the night just east of the Rhône wine regions. The Rhône valley is broken down into two main wine regions; the northern Rhône, which is a thinner strip of wineries on the west side of the river starting just 30km south of Lyon, here the big (and only permitted) red variety is Syrah. Arguably the best quality Syrah in the world comes from the many prestigious northern Rhône estates. The southern Rhône is a larger and more spread out area and includes villages like the famous Châteauneuf-duPape. Here Syrah is still grown but along with a 2016
Food & Drink number of other varieties and blending is much more typical. A number of white grapes, such a Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne are also grown in the northern Rhône and are made into various styles of white wine. These white varieties are also sometimes blending with the Syrah in small quantities to help add floral notes and soften the tannins. We stayed at the Chateau les Oliviers de Salettes near Charols. The castle had been bought by Robin Leyssens, a Belgium gentleman who had purchased the derelict property in 2010 and spent three years converting it into a boutique hotel with amazingly luxurious bedrooms with a traditional feel. He told us all about the refurbishment with great pride over a glass of wine by the fire which was followed by a superb rich venison steak in the hotel’s small and intimate stone caved ceiling restaurant. His story, the surroundings and the fabulous food added up to an amazing day. The next day we set off early to explore the wineries in the heart of the Northern Rhône Valley by car and by foot. Our highlight was spending a few hours climbing up to the ‘Chapel’ of Paul Jaboulet Aîné winery, a small chapel nearly at the top of the vineyard which their top wine is named after. Take a picnic and a good bottle of wine and enjoy an incredible lunch at the top complete with simply breathtaking views over the vineyards of Hermitage, the river and hills of the Rhône. We then had the very real pleasure of dining at Paul Jaboulet’s wine shop and bistro. Serving great food paired with their lavish wines, this was yet again another superb dining experience. I would recommend you book in advance for a table as it is nearly always fully booked. Leaving full but happy, we continued north at a leisurely pace, stopping to enjoy the views with a few planned wine tastings. The next day we were ready for stage two of our trip, into the mountains. After a couple of hours driving through some beautiful scenery, we crossed the border into Italy at the Tunnel du Mont-Blanc. It’s a bit pricey for permission to drive through a tunnel but does allow you to quickly reach the Italian town of Aosta, surrounded by mountains in every direction. A local ‘taverna’, a scrumptious pizza and possibly more wine than we should have enjoyed made this place a perfect Italian 24 hour encounter in the Alps; and well worth the detour! We then headed north under the Great St Bernard Pass into southern Switzerland. The drive between Aosta and the Swiss boarder is simply incredible and you find yourself stopping at every opportunity to snap the view which seems to get better and better stop after stop. The Great St Bernard Pass brings you into a very winter
TA S T I N G N OT E S DRINK: Paul Jaboulet Aîné, Crozes-Hermitage Rouge, Domaine de Thalabert, 2012 (approx £25/bottle). EAT: lunch at the Clos Des Sens, Lac d’Annecy. www.closdessens.com STAY: Chateau les Oliviers de Salettes, Charols. www.chateau-lesoliviers.com
rural area of Switzerland and driving back via Louisane and north of the lake. This route takes you through the wine regions of Valais AOC, Lavaux AOC and La Côte AOC a network of weaving vineyards that run up the bottom of the mountain slopes and along the northern shores of Lake Geneva. They are well worth a stop for a tasting or just some great photographs and strolls in the valleys if you have time. An hour or so further round the lake and your back to the glitz, glamour and fabulousness of Geneva. Geneva is definitely worth a day or two exploring. We stayed at the newly opened Fraser Suites, perfectly located right in the centre of town which provided spacious modern suites with fitted kitchenettes and lounges, some overlooking the shopping streets below. Our trip had come to an end after five days, three countries and a wonderfully excessive amount of great food and wine. If you’re looking for a short break where you can enjoy good food, fantastic wine tasting and stunning views of snow-capped peaks, then Geneva is well worth a trip. With its drop dead gorgeous scenery and the interesting mix of three countries all merging and blending together, it’s a really unique and wonderful place to visit and the perfect gateway for wonderful wine adventures. • Richard Lockstone is General Manager of Malmaison Newcastle and hosts wine dinners throughout the UK for the hotel group.
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Advertorial
J A PA N E S E CUISINE A fine art to master
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nd one you must constantly practice to refine your skills, so says Asian-fusion restaurant Sohe’s new chef, Wai Pang, a specialist in Japanese food. We were lucky enough to meet Wai, better known as Walter, for an exclusive chat about his extensive and colourful career in the industry and what he has in store for the Jesmond dining favourite. Originally from Singapore, Walter dreamt of becoming a pilot but acknowledged it would mean a big sacrifice both time and cost-wise – an ambition which was quickly replaced after taking up his first job in the small town of Narita, near Tokyo. While working in a restaurant there, he discovered he had a passion for Japanese cooking and saw an opportunity to make a better life for himself by taking this direction. At the age of 19, Walter began his training; dedicating sixteen hours a day over six months to learn the craft and build an understanding of the cuisine. He was soon rewarded with an offer which whisked him a few thousand miles away on a plane to a Japanese restaurant in Miami. Despite not being able to speak English – or American-English as he now refers to his twang – the then 24-year-old knew the bold decision to move to the States could be his big break. It wasn’t long before Walter realised that being able to talk to his fellow workers was less of an option and more a necessity. So a determined young individual used his imagination to solve the problem. He sat himself down to watch Grease, the current movie screening at his closest cinema, and recorded the entire thing (which was of course legal at the time!) with the intention of playing it back over to teach himself how to communicate the American way. And, believe it or not, it did the trick! Walter has come a long way since then. He is now multilingual, fluent in five languages and he tells us that he has still had the pleasure of travelling the
world – pilot or not – with roles in prestigious restaurants from Toronto and Zurich, back home to Singapore, to London and finally settling in Newcastle. Some of the top names to mention include Nobu and Aqua Kyoto. We were interested to know why England, and in particular the North East, was where he chose to end up 30 years on. Walter explains the reason he loves the region so much is because it’s peaceful and fast-paced in equal measure. He enjoys simple luxuries and traditions like the rest of us, visiting his local fish and chip shop twice a week to order an extra-large portion of freshly-landed cod! The excitement in his voice is palpable and certainly something which hasn’t waned with experience. Once a high-end delicacy that has taken the world by storm, the way in which Walter describes his perception of why Japanese cuisine is so in demand is inspiring. He very convincingly reveals that we eat it for two reasons – to maintain a healthier lifestyle and to promote a longer life, which he also points out are both intrinsically linked. Walter hopes to educate Sohe customers even more about the complex nature of Japanese dishes beyond sushi, and plans to introduce the ‘perfect’ recipe that satisfies all five of our senses at once. His new menu will be based around the four areas of his expertise to reflect the four seasons – a combination of Japanese kitchen, pan-fried, deep-fried and dessert sensations each with the ultimate purpose of making people happy. And that, he signs off, is what it’s all about. Well, we for one can’t wait! winter
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Quayside, Gateshead
CAFFÉ VIVO Newcastle WORDS: LINDA JANE WESTPHAL
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oused on the Gateshead side of the Swing Bridge, Riverbeat is garnering quite a reputation and recently beat quite a few big hitters to secure Best Restaurant in the Made in Tyne & Wear TV Lifestyle Awards. The restaurant owned by top chef Andy Drape, offers a fabulous take on Asian Tapas.With a large terrace overlooking the Tyne, this place offers stunning views across the river and very cool interiors with a stylish cocktail bar upstairs. The prices are seriously good, £6 per tapa or three for £20 and there are gourmet tapas for slightly more. Our dishes included the Pink Salt n Pepper Squid which came with plum and tamarind dip, with Twice Cooked Red Braised Pork Belly with hoisin sauce,Tempura King Prawns, Pork Nam Prik, Panko Breaded Salmon and Apple Cakes and chill jam and 24 day Salted Togarashi Spiced Beef and Tempura Prawn with Pineapple. Each dish was a triumph, the perfect blend of sweet, salty, sour and spicy, the flavours danced across your tongue. The concept of Thai Tapas goes back to Thai roots which is based on sharing and it creates a lovely dining experience - there was no menu envy here, we were all tucking in with gusto, ooohing and ahhing over every new taste experience. The staff are great here, really friendly and
WORDS: LINDSAY GILL
knowledgeable and happy to talk you through the menu and recommend dishes to suit all palates.They do a great Kids menu too which includes dippy egg with chips and mac n cheese so family friendly dining isn’t ruled out. We’re not normally dessert people but we couldn’t resist the Peanut Butter Tart with lime jelly (£5.30) and Dark Chocolate + Cherry Kirsch Torte with vanilla pod ice cream (£5.80). They were just heavenly, in fact I am still dreaming of Riverbeat’s desserts. Deep, unctous, rich, velvety flavours that were incredibly moreish, we couldn’t choose a favourite, just glorious. Riverbeat offers Asian beer and a good selection of wine but we love their cocktails so we ended the meal with a round of the restaurant’s stunning Vietnamese Expresso martinis. Sitting by the river, sipping martinis with friends, I couldn’t think of a more fabulous end to a lovely evening.
TA S T I N G N OT E S www.riverbeat.co.uk
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truly can’t believe it has taken me so long to visit Caffé Vivo, particularly as its sister restaurant, Broad Chare (just next door), may as well be my second home. There were three of us dining and with such an attractive menu, decisions of what to order were a joint effort, compounded by the fact that on offer was the option to include truffles with any dish you desired. Oh my lord. With locally sourced fish available we opted for two lots of Seared King Scallops with Pumpkin, Truffle Sauce and Lemon Dill Dressing, as well as a Tuna Carpaccio with Tomato, Black Olives, Capers and Rocket. It was unanimously agreed that the scallops were the best we’d had anywhere in Newcastle. Tails on (I just don’t understand why anywhere would take them off), they were tender and subtle, with the pumpkin puree a perfect complement to their flavour and the lemon dill dressing a gentle underline to their taste. The Tuna carpaccio was an equal triumph. A fresh dish with a bright tang of lemon, it was Mediterranean to a fault. One Red Wine Braised Beef with Olive Oil Mash, Cavolo Nero, and Horseradish Gremolata, one Char-Grilled Lamb Chops with Salmariglio and Rosemary Roast Potatoes and a Wild Roast Duck with Truffle Mash and Cavolo Nero ensued. The braised beef was a grandmother’s comfort of rich flavours and buttery fat, whilst the lamb was simply the perfect chop. The duck was luxurious soft and pink, sporting a gorgeously crisp layer of fat that paired excellently with the garlic hinted truffle mash. I ordered Torta Della Nonna for dessert, a ricotta, lemon and pine nut torte. The fluffy lemony ricotta and light pastry were a gentle finish to the meal and the pine nuts lent a great contrast in texture. A blackberry sorbet tasted like a great big fat summer blackberry fresh off the hedge. Caffé Vivo also offers a great selection of good drinking wines (nothing too heavy) and the first TA S T I N G N OT E S dessert cocktail I’ve seen on a menu. And they’ll even nip next door to www.caffevivo.co.uk the beloved Broad Chare for ale on draught.
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THE KINGS DA R L I N GTO N M E RC U R E H OT E L Darlington
WORDS: LINDA JANE WESTPHAL
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he Kings Grill restaurant is based in one of the most iconic buildings in Darlington, the Mercure Hotel. A lovely old Victorian building, its beautiful windows offer great views of the town. The menu is contemporary with a few classics and all the food is locally sourced. Starters included some great seafood including Whitby Crab Tartare (£8), Moules Mariniere (£7) and Seared King Scallops. We opted for the Baked Camembert and Oak Smoked Cured Salmon, the portions were generous and both came with freshly baked bread. The salmon was lightly smoked and came with cream cheese, rocket and a citrus chilli dressing, the flavours worked perfectly together with the acidity cutting through the cream cheese. For mains there are a variety of steaks on offer including Hanging Steak, Fillet, Rib Eye and Sirloin as well as poultry and fish options.
T H E S M E LT E R Y mima, middlesbrough
WORDS: LINDA JANE WESTPHAL
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he Smeltery, based in the Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art, describes itself as a socially conscious gastronomic cuckoo and what a fabulous cuckoo it is. The cafe is a slow food restaurant and ongoing art project headed up by artist Luke Harding from the award winning restaurant The Waiting Room. A lot of imagination has gone into the feel of the place as befits its raison d’être.
comfort food for a cold and wintery night. The Mixed Grill was impressive. A huge plate I choose the oven roasted Lamb Rump (£14) of great locally sourced flavoursome with garlic and olive oil mash and creamed ingredients. Half way through my dining spring cabbage. My dining partner chose the companion reluctantly admitted defeat but the Kings Mixed Grill which included a 10 oz staff were lovely enough to make up a doggy Hanging Steak, locally sourced pork sausage, bag for the Jack Russell, who had been left griddled chicken breast and sulking at home. sunny side egg (£24). We were far too full for The lamb was lovely and desserts but they looked TA S T I N G N OT E S seriously good. We will be cooked perfectly, with a rich back and next time we are flavour enhanced by the www.kingsdarlington.com definitely going to try creamed spring cabbage and olive oil mash. It was perfect those puds.
We particularly loved the cork dining tables with bonsai trees planted into them. We popped in for a Sunday lunch on our way to see Santa. Starters included Roast Squash, Tomato and Thyme Soup (£4.50) and North Sea Fish Pancake in Thermidor Sauce (£7). We plumped for mackerel pate with roast beetroot pate on Rise Sourdough Toast with mooli dressing (£6). It was delicious; the dense mackerel flavour was perfectly lifted by the sweetness of the beetroot pate on crisp sourdough. For mains we opted for Roast Organic Topside of Beef with vegetables including cauliflower cheese and Yorkshire puds (£12.50). The Sunday menu featured chicken, pork and lamb as well as sea bream, all locally sourced, and a couple of
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really imaginative vegetarian options including Field Mushroom and Smoked Cheddar Cashew Plait with Red Wine Sauce and Horseradish Creamed Turnip (£10). The beef was gorgeous, tender and really flavoursome and came with a big bowl of slow cooked wintery veg, impressive Yorkshire puds and homemade horseradish sauce. We couldn’t manage desserts but they included Sticky Toffee Pudding and Lime and White Chocolate Cheesecake and Doddingtons Dairy ice cream to keep the little ones happy. Great food, great people, great interiors, we loved it.
TA S T I N G N OT E S www.visitmima.com
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LE PETIT CHATEAU IN OTTERBURN HAS BEEN CREATING A REAL BUZZ AND WITH GOOD REASON...IT’S JUST BREATHTAKINGLY FABULOUS. LA DI DA CHECKED IN AND FELL UTTERLY IN LOVE...
h my days! How to describe somewhere so completely romantic, magical and fantabulous and do it justice? This was the first thought that sprang to mind after checking into our incredibly beautiful, glamorous and decadent suite. Well, after we stopped screaming in delight, bouncing on the bed and immediately updated all of social media so we could make our friends ridiculously jealous, natch. winter
We knew it was going to be good as we are huge fans of sister hotel Newton Hall. And we’d heard lots of insider chatter which mainly consisted of ‘you really need to see it, no seriously; you really NEED to see it.” A quick look at some photos and their beautiful video on their website told us that we were going to be transported to the south of France via Otterburn but even that didn’t prepare us fully for how amazing this place is.
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Photography Sean Elliott Photography
WORDS: LAURA REID
Travel
When we arrived we were led up to our room which was jaw dropping, twice the size of the flat we used to live in in London. It was completed with a private terrace overlooking the Mediterranean gardens and a giant bathroom with beautiful blue tiled sinks and a walk in rainforest shower. But the best part was, of course, the copper bath in the bedroom, big enough for two and perfect for warming up after a cold day. We started with pre dinner cocktails and the staff happily made my husband a very good Old Fashioned which wasn’t on their cocktail menu. The menu was fabulous which made it hard to choose but I plumped for the Venison Scotch egg, the yolk was beautifully runny and it came on a bed of pearl barley. My husband had a delicious black pudding with peas, bacon and a crispy egg. For mains I choose the Stone Bass served with dauphinoise, peperonata and a samphire kale salad which provided the exact right tang to complement the palate. My husband went for the ribeye steak, it was cooked to perfection. We took a breather and enjoyed a glass of Pinot Grigio before commencing with dessert. I was intrigued by the coconut rum soufflé and it didn’t
disappoint, it was gloriously light and fluffy, textured with coconut and served with coconut ice cream which melted in my mouth. My husband went for the classic sticky toffee pudding with butterscotch sauce and vanilla bean ice cream, which he loved. The staff were outstanding, just the right balance of attentive and friendly. The morning brought sunshine and the views from our terrace were spectacular to wake up to. We overlooked the French inspired chapel with its storybook style thatched roof and the stunning gardens and fountain, on a warmer day I really could believe I was in the Cote d’Azur. We had the most spectacular stay at Le Petit Chateau and left immensely jealous of all the brides and grooms who would get to experience their special day here but vowed to return soon. • le-petit-chateau.com
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24 hours in
LONDON NO TIME FOR A HOLIDAY BUT WANT A QUICK FIX OF FABULOUSNESS? UZMA OLBRICH SPENT 24 HOURS IN THE CULTURAL CAPITAL INDULGING IN A WANTONLY CHIC HOTEL, SECRET SPEAKEASY, BALLET AT THE OPERA HOUSE AND, OF COURSE, LOTS OF FIZZ… SHE TELLS US ABOUT HER ULTIMATE ‘DAYCATION’…
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single indulgent day and night in the world’s most exciting city with husband, Tom. With all the delights London offers it was hard to settle on one location, but on a gloriously crisp, sunny autumnal weekend, it had to be Covent Garden. Covent Garden is one of my favourite pockets of London. No matter what time of day or night, it’s edgy and buzzing with plenty to see and do. The cobbled streets, little boutiques interspersed with independent art galleries, theatres, funky eateries, and street theatre, it really does have its own unique vibe in a bustling metropolis. Lunch at Dishoom Covent Garden 12, Upper St Martins Lane A slice of cool Bombay living in the heart of the West End, inspired by old European style cafes in Mumbai, there is always a long snaky queue of young trendy, Central Londoners waiting for a spot at this swish Indian brasserie. Filled with retro design features, chequered floor tiles, a multitude of low level lighting, Dishoom serves a up a glorious, admittedly small, tasty menu of fusion Indian street food. Served up with a large helping of charm we tipped our gorgeous waiter a little extra and left feeling happily satisfied but not overly full. Shopping haven Whether you want hip fashion, unique gifts, designer handbags, one of a kind artwork, or handmade jewellery, Covent Garden has it all. After a mooch in Burberry and Kate Spade I walked away happy with a new shirt from Hoss Intropia, an obligatory Chanel lipstick, a
pair of silver block heel Mary Janes from Kurt Geiger and a pair of the best running pants (ever) from Lululemon Atheltica. (Did I mention these are the best running pants ever… ‘All The Right Places II’ running tights. Liposuction in an instant! My third pair!). Early evening repast and drinks at Champagne + Fromage 22 Wellington Street, Covent Garden Not sure I want to shout too loudly about this little gem, it’s pretty difficult getting a table at the best of times. Rustic French décor, relaxed atmosphere, a vast menu of independently produced champagne, over 50 varieties of artisan French cheeses, alongside tartines, fondues, charcuterie boards… Heaven! I may book a return train journey with girlfriends just to spend a day eating, drinking and having a laugh in this mini haven. Ballet at the Royal Opera House Royal Ballet, Royal Opera House, Bow Street Nothing feels more like London, than a trip to the Royal Ballet. The Royal Opera House, home to the Royal Ballet is truly magnificent - with five levels of galleries and wonderful ornate architecture. The Paul Hamlyn bar, with its high vaulted ceilings and huge ornate arched windows is a fabulous place to enjoy a glass of Ruinart champagne. We watched a production of the Macmillan ballet Anastasia starring Russian dancer and principle ballerina, Natalia Osipova. Ballet dancers fascinate me.The effort it takes to dance a full ballet, the demand on the body, so physical, and requiring herculean endurance for hours. Somehow, they make their art look achingly winter
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effortless and graceful. Love it, although not too sure Tom enjoyed it as much as I did! Late night drinks at the Blind Spot 45 St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden Look for the golden hand in the wall; it is in fact the door handle to this Covent Garden speakeasy. We decided a nightcap was in order, and we couldn’t have picked a better spot. Full of a stylish trendy crowd in the ‘know’, behind the hidden door is a bar with very low tables and even lower lighting (hence the name blind spot). Once our eyes adjusted to the light (or lack off), we had a look at the fab cocktail list. I chose to end my evening on a Buttered Cinnamon Daiquiri and Tom had the aptly named Tommy’s Margarita. Both delicious, but I think the Daiquiri took the prize…just. Catch some zzz’s in the St Martin’s Lane Hotel 45 St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden This is high concept design, meets Alice In Wonderland, making for a wonderfully playful charming interior complete with oversized chess pieces. With super efficient, stylishly clad all-in-black staff, this hotel is not for the classic seeking, traditional appealing folk. This hotel is all out modern boutique. Tom and I loved it. ‘Do you mind if we give you an upgrade’ we were asked on arrival…an upgrade to the apartment suite no less. One hundred square meters of clean white lines, floor to ceiling windows, luxurious velvet green upholstered chairs, sumptuous floating bed, Malin & Goetz toiletries. Ummm…no we don’t mind an upgrade, and thank you very much.
Nea l’ s y a rd
Cham pag ne + Fro m age
An a sta si a , P hotog rap hed by Tris tra m Ke nt o n
D i s ho o m
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Travel
F LY I N G H I G H JONATHAN TURNER ALWAYS WANTED A TREEHOUSE AS A CHILD SO WHEN HE TOOK OVER BOWCLIFFE HALL, ORIGINAL HOME OF AVIATION PIONEER ROBERT BLACKBURN, WHAT MORE FITTING TRIBUTE COULD THERE BE THAN A TREEHOUSE SHAPED AS AN AIRCRAFT WING.
Photography Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com
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he Blackburn Wing, the recently built award winning treehouse that is shaped like an aircraft wing, is a sight to behold. The stunning structure was built to honour the legacy of aviation pioneer Robert Blackburn. It blends beautifully into woodland in the grounds of historic Bowcliffe Hall near Wetherby, which was Blackburn’s original home. Once inside it is a spectacular state of the art conference and event space. Featuring furniture and fixtures and fittings engineered out of old aircraft parts, everything has been created to the highest specifications and the result is jaw dropping. “Robert Blackburn and his wife Jessica, who was one of the first women to fly a British monoplane before the First World War, played a significant role in the UK’s early aviation history,” explains Jonathan. “His achievements include founding an aircraft manufacturing company in 1909, which later became part of Hawker Siddeley and then British Aerospace.” Blackburn was heavily influenced by the airborne antics of Orville and Wilbur Wright, and completed his first flight in May 1910 in a monoplane that he
designed, piloted and crash landed on a beach near Saltburn. Jessica was equally as enthusiastic, soaring over Roundhay Park in test flights of her husband’s new craft and becoming one of the best known personalities in early aviation. The Blackburn Wing certainly does them justice. It’s 2,060 sq. ft of meticulous attention to detail and state of the art technology. Fashioned out of copper and glass, it offers a gleaming, spectacular and classy space with panoramic views of the Yorkshire countryside. It even has its own terrace for drinks amongst the trees, definitely the poshest treehouse in the land. • bowcliffehall.co.uk
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dubai INSIDER A REGULAR ON THE DUBAI SCENE, LAUREN HEDLEY TELLS US WHAT YOU NEED TO SEE AND WHERE YOU NEED TO BE SPOTTED IN A CITY OF SUPERLATIVES, SO OFTEN MISCONSTRUED…
STAY You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to pretty much everything in Dubai – and where to reside during your time there is no exception. If you’re looking for a beach-front base, The Palm is the place to be; the first of a man-made group of islands (archipelago, if you’re asking) stretching out to sea in the shape of a palm tree. A hot bed for hotels with the iconic Atlantis resort at the crest and millionaire mansion plots lining each of its fronds. For the full effect, stay at Rixos situated on the end of the crescent, almost bringing you back to shore. With an assortment of views out to sea, inward to The Palm and across to the Dubai skyline, it’s a sun-worshipper’s paradise with fantastic board options at its Turkish-Mediterranean restaurant,
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brimming with good food. You can even get a swim-up room which links to the main pool. Hop onto the free daily ferry to mooch around the mainland. The Waldorf Astoria is in close competition, oozing Gatsby-esque glamour with clean, white marble-clad interior and chic chandeliers. To be more in amongst it, Jumeirah Beach Residence, stylishly-known as JBR, is a cosmopolitan district packed with trendy eateries and often hosting entertainment hang-outs. Check in to nearby Grosvenor House where its ‘glittering twin towers’ overlook the Marina and you get the best of both worlds with free access to beach-side Le Royal Meridien. Or opt for city living in Business Bay adjacent to Downtown, home to Dubai’s most famous landmark. My personal favourites are The Oberoi from the Delhi-headquartered group which guarantees an all-round flawless stay. Highlights include the snapshot opportunity of the Burj Khalifa through the surrounding skyscrapers, rooftop bar Iris and Indian speciality cuisine at Ananta, where you may catch a glimpse of the UAE’s only-licensed masterchef preparing the deadly ‘fugu’ pufferfish in the show kitchen. The second is JW Marriott Marquis – the world’s tallest hotel at 76 stories and a stunning showcase of Dubai development. Dine at Prime68 for the ultimate steak dinner and slurp cocktails in Vault, a seriously cool, dimly-lit sky bar with bank safe-style doors.
SPLURGE You’ll no doubt have heard of Dubai Mall but did you know it was once reported a man got lost inside for 13 months? If it wasn’t so ridiculous, we might believe it! While the likes of Victoria’s Secret and beauty stalwart Sephora flank the malls, seek out the quieter areas reserved for the most decadent of shopping trips. The Fashion Dome is where you’ll find Chanel and Hermès boutiques, and Level Shoes is a unisex concept dedicated to footwear from heels to super-sneakers – spy Louboutin, Giuseppe Zanotti and Northampton-born bespoke shoemaker The Cobbler. Then onto the jewellery quarter where you can choose from all the biggest players in the watch and diamond arena: Harry Winston to Hublot, you name it.
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Rest your feet at French café Markette with fresh juice and a Crêpe Claudette (salted caramel, banana and vanilla ice cream, yes please). For something more substantial, The Cheesecake Factory, as well as being an obvious choice for its namesake dessert, is the ideal place to refuel wings, tortilla or pasta-wise à la Americana. Go all-out and leave your diet dreams behind because even the skinny menu leaves you feeling guilty. Locate both opposite the enormous fish tank-come-mall aquarium with real life sharks and rays.
DRINK & DINE Not many tourists are aware of DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre) that you could refer to as the Canary Wharf of Dubai. This may not mean much as far as your holiday is concerned until you discover it houses a hive of fine dining outlets; a playground for the wealthy. Top picks are Zuma for late night drinks and Japanese dishes, Gaucho – a familiar brand on the London circuit, and Firebird Diner by Michael Mena. Dubai Marina also serves up some exciting restaurants such as The Scene at Pier 7 from English chef Simon Rimmer. Sit out on the balcony deck and enjoy hearty British pub classics... and they mean it: think chip butty as a starter, which I’m a little embarrassed to admit was my selection. The Walk @ JBR has a number of casual all-day dining venues.Veer off from it slightly for a buildyour-own burger at high end fast food chain The Counter, sample Parisian bakery delights at Ladurée or if lobster is your thing, get stuck in at Aprons & Hammers. Come nightfall, a chilled beer on the beach with a relaxed vibe is a welcome end to the day at Barasti. By contrast, book into new spot Gold on 27 set within the recognisable sail silhouette of the seven-star Burj Al Arab for a bit of luxury and liqueur presented impeccably. And don’t forget, when in Dubai we brunch, so be sure to set aside Friday for an indulgent session of eating everything in sight and sipping bubbles.
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CULTURE It’s no secret that the Emirate isn’t steeped in the same history you may stumble across on your other travels but that doesn’t mean you won’t be kept busy. Activities are endless: skydiving, hitting the indoor ski slope at Mall of the Emirates and paddle boarding are just some examples of what you can get up to if you have a sense of adventure. If not, visit Kite Beach for some lazing by the waves where you don’t have to stroll far for a light lunch. Grab a slider from Salt or eggs on toast at Park House. To break away from the modern backdrop, journey up to the old town to explore the gold, perfume and spice souks and cross the Creek on a boat ride. A desert safari gets the adrenaline going with quad-biking and dune bashing. Alternatively, spend a night away at nature reserve and signature spa destination Banyan Tree Al Wadi in Ras al Khaimah (a 90 minute drive from Dubai). It takes the meaning of a peaceful escape to the extreme with canopied villas and your own infinity pool for a private plunge. Keep an eye out for the Arabian gazelle passing by in the morning. winter
Meanwhile back in the heart of it, don’t miss the fountain and light projection show at the Dubai Mall lake where people gather on the hour in the evening. And afternoon tea in At.Mosphere, 122 floors up the Burj Khalifa is a must; negating the need to queue and pay for the same view with the ‘At the Top’ experience. Delay ordering to capture the sun setting over the sandpit that is Dubai and on your return to the bottom, take a moment to appreciate the construction itself – an architectural, mind-bending masterpiece that leaves me in awe every time. • Lauren Hedley, Account Director at O Communications, www.opr.co.uk
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Northumberland
HAMPTONS
BEADNELL HAS BECOME THE BEACH RETREAT FOR THE FINE AND FASHIONABLE. LA DI DA CHECKS OUT ONE OF THE FINEST PROPERTIES IN THE NORTH boasts six bedrooms, five bathrooms and lots of EAST’S VERY OWN HAMPTONS... different living space, so you can bring all your
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he Hamptons is known for being the New York media moguls’ beach escape. The fashionable ‘East End’ of Long Island’s famous enclave, it’s home to expensive real estate, glorious beaches and a collection of upmarket village shops. But if you want somewhere rather closer to home, Northumberland is the place to go for the scions of the fashion industry, media dahlings and well, anyone who is anyone in British Society. And Beadnell is rapidly becoming our version of the Hamptons. Ideal for a fabulous break, you’ll need to ensure that you ‘holiday’ in style naturally, after all, you never know who you’ll run into and want to invite back to your des res for a glass of fizz and some uber classy socialising. One of the most enviable properties - and channelling Hamptons chic in fine style - is Tamar House in Beadnell. A luxurious, contemporary home and just 100 metres from the stunning beach, it has its own private access path, natch. The impressive property sleeps 12 and it
most fabulous friends. We love the ‘wow factor’ split level design and stunning glass and oak staircase. Open plan and making the most of those stunning views, the house provides the perfect location for luxurious family getaways and stylish entertaining. Two balconies offer picturesque sea views,
across the dunes to Dunstanburgh Castle and the Cheviot Hills to the rear. Spend your days on the beach and then stroll back and enjoy lunch in the beautiful private outdoor space with seating area and BBQ. At the end of the day, climb into the hot tub, relax and watch the sun go down over the hills with a glass of bubbly. Tamar is situated at the glorious Beadnell Bay, a beautiful, sandy crescent, backed by impressive dunes which naturally lends itself to sailing, surfing, wind surfing and scuba diving. It’s easy to see why Beadnell is so popular. Not only does it have charming scenery, it is easily accessible and surrounded by fabulous places to explore. This beautiful stretch of the Northumberland coastline extends for over three miles south all the way to Newton-bythe-Sea and it is just a short drive from Seahouses. The market town of Alnwick with its famous castle and gardens is only 10 miles away and nearby cities of Newcastle and Edinburgh offer great days out too for shopping and the theatre. • Tamar House is available to let through www.cottagesinnorthumberland.co.uk Prices start at £1715 for four nights.
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Korean adventure KOREA IS BECOMING A SOUGHT AFTER DESTINATION FOR THE ADVENTUROUS. RICHARD LOCKSTONE FINDS OUT WHY…
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hen I first told people I was going to take a trip to Korea, the resounding questions that more or less everyone asked me were “South, right?” Followed by “why?” At this point the answer to the why question was easy to answer; I simply hadn’t been there yet! We think of ‘Korea’ and it associates with war, political division and nuclear missiles. We may not immediately think of natural beauty, modern cities, fascinating food and a multicultural mix of nationalities and languages. But this is exactly what my two week trip discovered. I landed in Seoul, the capital of South Korea and enjoyed three nights acclimatising to the eight hour time difference and humidity. Over winter
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the three days I explored the parks, palaces, towers and interweaving metro system of this modern and highly affluent city. Seoul is the largest city in Korea and the second richest city in Asia (after Tokyo in Japan). On the third day I took a trip to the North Korean border, just one hour by bus and expected to find a rather dark and hostile environment, instead I discovered a sea of tourism and coach parties, it seemed this rather unlikely of places had become a highly popular attraction for tourists both nationally and internationally! I then spent the next 11 days exploring the rest of mainland South Korea, with my fairly basic back pack and travelling by trains, buses, boats and even a random bicycle, I sussed out the four corners of Korea and these are my top recommendations!
Travel
LEFT A house in the UNESCO city of Hahoe
TOP CITY Busan, a cross between Sydney and Shanghai, a city like nowhere I have visited in Asia, with its beaches, highly modern business districts, international cinema complex, home to the annual Asian film festival, and some of the best sashimi I have ever had, three days in Busan flew by and it’s only two and half hours by high speed rail link to Seoul, despite being literally the opposite end of the country. Busan is a city not to be missed. TOP ATTRACTION Korea is absolutely full of amazing temples, palaces, heritage sites and fascinating places to visit. During my limited amount of time I can’t even pretend to have seen a high percentage of the ‘sites’, but I definitely mopped up some of the most well known and best rated. The palaces around Gyeongju were definitely up there in my ‘best of ’ list, but they were just topped by the historic and beautifully preserved village of Hahoe, just 20 miles from the lovely town of Andong in the middle of the country. Hahoe, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a truly stunningly preserved traditional village and what made this place even more special for me was that I managed to get there and spend a couple of hours exploring and walking the small cobbled streets in the early morning before the day’s tour buses arrived and filled this peaceful village with bus loads of tourists! If you enjoy feeling like you have been sent back in time this is a ‘not to miss’ attraction.
TOP MARKET Korea is a market lover’s dream, from fish to food, clothes to furniture, all Korean cities have a bustling market for it! I was less interested in the inedible options; but the food and fish markets were right up my alley. All were throbbing with a vibrant energy of Koreans going about their business buying fish for their restaurants or a social bite to eat after with friends. Out of the many I got to roam and explore my top market was Gwangjang market in eastern Seoul, which becomes a hive of bustling activity with locals and tourists gorging on local dishes cooked in front of them by the efficient and energetic market vendors. Well worth a wander and a bite to eat day or night! TOP MEAL This is a no-brainer, Busan, the second largest city in South Korea, is a fish lover’s paradise. Their speciality is ‘hoe’ raw fish, and the local starter of raw octopus sliced into small bites and still wriggling as its swallowed with their local vodka ‘soju’ is a Korean delicacy. Whilst my western taste buds were simply not brave enough for the octopus, I did get to feast on the gorgeous sashimi style dishes at a couple of the many restaurants in this modern yet very Korean city. The Sashimi was world class and the best dish of the trip award goes to a restaurant called Izakay two minutes’ walk away from exit 7 of Nampo station. TOP ADVENTURE My top adventure started and finished in the city of Gyeongju, located next to the amazing grass covered hill-like tombs of Tumuli-gongwon. After a quiet night in a Korean style guest house (a thin foam mattress on a heated floor in a wooden decorative building), called a Syeobul, I set off to explore the Bulguk-sa Temple site, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage listed area of amazing temples, gardens and lakes. The site is approximately 20 kilometres east from the town and I decided to do this on a dilapidated rental bike, before I was aware that the journey winter
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there was predominantly uphill. The ride was exhausting partly due to the limitations of the bike only having three working gears, partly due to the terrain ascending all the way there and partly due to the heat, my physical capability not even coming into question of course! This journey was definitely the greatest ‘adventure’ and well worth the hard work, the site is amazingly beautiful and due to the location a little less touristy than some of the others in the area.. well worth the trip! • Richard Lockstone is General Manager of Malmaison Newcastle and hosts wine dinners throughout the UK for the hotel group.
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LA DI DA SKIING CHAMPAGNE, PRIVATE CHEFS AND INSTA FABULOUS INTERIORS DELIVER THE ULTIMATE WOW FACTOR AT THESE LUXURY SKIING DESTINATIONS...
Rockstar chic
CHALET M, MORZINE If you’re looking for great snow, fantastic skiing and bags of style then look no further than Chalet M; a brand new contemporary escape with a commanding position overlooking the pretty resort of Morzine. Interiors are cosy yet seriously sleek, with sink-in sofas, plush fabrics, focal-point fireplaces and impressive light installations. Sleeping up to 16, each of the five bedrooms boasts a rainfall shower, plus there is also a cinema and games room, spa area and ski room to boot. The food here has a great reputation with each evening dinner paired with an excellent ‘wine flight’ personally crafted by the in-house team. Belstar Prosecco is also served on-demand throughout your stay. TRAVEL NOTES: From £900 per person per week based on 12 adults sharing, including private chef, daily breakfast, afternoon tea and 5 course evening meal 5 times per week - plus unlimited prosecco, evening wine flights and a premium beer and spirits bar.
Style Scene
CHALET JANLUKE, LES 4 VALÉES This contemporary masterpiece sits in the peaceful resort of La Tzoumaz, just an eight minute cable car from Verbier’s bustling après scene. Impressive inside and out, the chalet expertly blends the modern with the traditional; elegant timberwork sits against polished concrete walls, bright, contemporary furniture in front of huge, romantic picture windows. Sleeping up to eight adults and two children, each of the four bedrooms have en-suites with two-metre walk in showers as well as Apple TV. The rental price includes daily breakfast, afternoon tea and evening meals, plus unlimited wine and a daily champagne aperitifperfect for enjoying in the outdoor Jacuzzi on the large private terrace. TRAVEL NOTES: From £750 per person per week based on eight adults sharing, including private chef, meals (as above), unlimited evening wine and daily Champagne aperitif. winter
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Family Affair
CHALET JUPITER, VAL D’ISÈRE Located in Val D’Isère’s exclusive Le Petit Alaska estate is Chalet Jupiter – a cosy four bedroom family chalet for up to six adults and two children, that doesn’t scrimp on luxury. Interiors mix typical chalet styles- think exposed wood beams and stone fireplaces- with modern, bright furnishings, sink-in leather sofas and quirky artwork. The amenities are fantastic, from the private hammam on the ground floor, to the outdoor terrace complete with dining table and hot tub.Your own private chef will prepare breakfast and a delicious four-course evening feast daily, plus unlimited access to a well-stocked Champagne and spirits bar on six evenings per week. TRAVEL NOTES: From £1,580 per person per week based on six adults sharing, including private chef, breakfast, evening meal and paired house wines and unlimited access to Champagne and spirits bar on six evenings per week.
The Ultimate Party Pad THE HEINZ JULEN LOFT, ZERMATT
If you love stylish interiors, you can now rent renowned designer Heinz Julen’s own private residence for a taste of Manhattan style luxury on the slopes. This ultra-contemporary loft style apartment in the heart of Zermatt is now available for luxury-seekers to have as their very own ski party pad. This is a chalet like no other- a 300m² space crafted from steel, textured concrete, wood and huge expanses of glass. All of the furniture was designed by Julen himself, including chandeliers and a suspended dining table, and there’s even a baby grand Steinway piano for the musicallyinclined. Sleeping up to six guests, the property comes with two members of staff who will prepare your food and serve Champagne and canapés with your four course evening dinner. There’s an open-bar, too, with a fantastic selection of wines, spirits, beers and soft drinks on tap. TRAVEL NOTES: From £1,600 per person per week based on six sharing, including staff, breakfast, afternoon tea and four course champagne evening meal six nights per week; plus access to open bar throughout the week.
ALL CHALETS CAN BE VIEWED AND BOOKED AT WWW.ALPINEGURU.COM PLUS LOTS OF OTHER FABULOUS CHOICES ARE AVAILABLE.
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WEDDINGS
Photography: Carro Studio www.carrostudio.com
La Di Da
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LAURA ARKLE AND LIAM RUSSELL Laura and Liam tied the knot on the 17th of September, the date of Laura’s birthday for a truly special day. The couple first met when they were younger and then they ended up studying at the same college. Over time they became good friends and then one day realised they had fallen in love and have never looked back. The couple chose Ramside Hall for their venue. They wanted a marquee paired with an amazing venue and Laura and Liam had visited the spa before and were really impressed with the service and facilities. Laura’s dress was by Mori Lee and purchased from Dobinsons of Darlington. The dress featured intricate lace with a glamorous V back and buttons with a hint of sparkle on the belt. The bridesmaids wore floaty chiffon dresses in lilac also Mori Lee from Dobinsons. Liam wore a suit from Woven in Durham. He wanted a suit that would stand out but fit in with the theme of the day and he choose one containing blue tones that complemented the lilac theme, paired with a variation of the tie worn by the groomsmen to bring the look together. The couple chose a rustic country party theme which was reflected in touches such as the real dried flower petal confetti, lawn games outside and table centres with logs and a lantern containing flowers with flowers and bouquets from Flowers with Fleur By Amy. The roof of the marquee was covered with hanging lanterns for a romantic rustic effect which looked magical going from day to dusk.
Photography: Fyzal Kirk (Fyzal Photography) www.fyzal.com
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KALLUM WATKINS AND SOPHIE ROBINSON Kallum and Sophie met through a mutual friend who used to play for the same professional rugby league team, Leeds Rhinos, as Kallum. Kallum proposed in June last year and the couple married at the gorgeous Castle Howard in North Yorkshire this summer. The couple wanted a big castle wedding and fell in love with Castle Howard and its breathtaking interiors and stunning views. The Castle only chooses to do a few weddings a year and is very exclusive but it provided the perfect fairytale setting for the big day. All of the arrangements were handled by wedding planner Jane Nordli. Sophie and Kallum chose an ivory and champagne wedding theme with black tie dress code for the guests as the couple wanted everything to be simple, classic and elegant. Sophie’s beautiful Galia Lahav ceremony gown was from Brown Brides in London and she chose a Hayley Paige gown for the evening while the bridesmaids wore Porticia & Scarlett and the groom’s suit was from Moss Bros. The flowers and bouquet were from Castle Howard’s in house florist. The bride carried a fabulous bouquet, a big ball of perfect ivory roses. The day also featured a dove release with the children releasing the doves from a basket while Kallum and Sophie hand released the birds. A beautiful string quartet and pianist added elegance to the day with a DJ for the evening reception. A fabulous 10 tier wedding cake added another touch of theatre.
Photography: Carro Studio www.carrostudio.com
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venues
Le Pe ti t Ch a te a u
Weddings
SHOW STOPPING
The magical Newton Hall is a Georgian boutique hotel in spectacular coastal Northumberland, a short distance from the beach, with amazing rooms and totally fabulous décor throughout, quirky but gorgeous. The beautiful boutique hotel suites come with outdoor roof terraces, four-poster beds and stand-alone baths. Think of it as your very own country manor by the sea. newton-hall.com Sister to Newton Hall is the new and jawdroppingly fabulous Le Petit Chateau. We enjoyed a stay here (see page 52) and were absolutely blown away. It’s a luxury French, country manor hotel dropped in the Otterburn countryside. The accommodation is super luxurious with four-poster beds, private roof terrace gardens and the whole place has lashings of style. Le-petit-chateau.com
The Alnwick Garden is one of the most unique wedding destinations in the country. It’s played host to the royals and has held some of the finest society weddings.You can get married in the Pavilion room with its panoramic views of the garden and then enjoy an evening reception overlooking the Grand Cascade, followed by dancing under the stars in the Pavilion Atrium. The Grand Cascade is lit up at night for you adding wow factor. Up to 200 can be accommodated for the marriage or civil partnership and 500 for the evening function. Or opt for the simply glorious Treehouse, impossibly romantic and quirky this provides an enchanting woodland canopy for a magical day. The Garden’s striking panoramas provide the perfect atmospheric backdrop to your day and guests can wander and soak up the surroundings. alnwickgarden.com
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Th e Al nwic k Ga rd e n Pav i lio n
WANT SOMEWHERE WITH THE WOW FACTOR FOR YOUR WEDDING? WE CHOOSE SOME OF OUR FAVES…
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The Alnwick Garden Treehouse
For a real life fairytale
Stowed beneath our enchanting woodland canopy, The Alnwick Garden Treehouse offers intimate ceremonies and elegant dining for your storybook wedding.
alnwickgarden.com/treehouse winter
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Lord Crewe A r ms
Th e A lnwi ck Ga rd e n - Tre e h ouse
Weddings
Hotel Du Vin, Newcastle is housed in a beautiful Edwardian building on the banks of the River Tyne with many of their amazing suites overlooking the river with views to die for. Seriously stylish, Hotel du Vin’s reception rooms are just stunning and you can even hire the hotel exclusively. This is the hotel many of the international ‘A’ listers check into when in town with drop dead gorgeous interiors, a fabulous courtyard and a bistro renowned for its excellent food and wines. Both of HdV’s elegant private rooms, The Shipyard and The Bridge, as well as the bistro, are licensed for civil ceremonies. hotelduvin.com/newcastle Sweep up a gravel drive to the beautiful ivy clad Jacobean country mansion of Headlam Hall set in four acres of stunning walled gardens for a very classy backdrop for your big day. The hotel has a number of different rooms for weddings including the stylish Coach House Suite, a stunning room with arched glass ceiling and antique crystal chandeliers. Headlam also has a luxurious spa, a picturesque 9 hole golf course and fabulous bridal suite as well as both contemporary and traditional bedrooms. headlamhall.co.uk
Few places can boast the setting of the Black Horse at Beamish. The fashionable gastro pub and restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored 300 year old building set in 33 glorious acres of rolling countryside. Full of rustic character with low slung beams, open fires and flagstones, The Black Horse is spacious with lots of different options for your wedding. A stunning marquee features its own bar, beer cellar, kitchen and gazebo. Plans are underway for outside seating, a hot roast and BBQ area overlooking the orchard. Surrounded by fields of lavender, the marquee has amazing views making it a truly romantic venue for weddings. The marquee can accommodate up to 300 guests for a sit down event or up to 500 standing. blackhorsebeamish.co.uk winter
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B lac k H o rse at Be a mi sh
A stunning venue in gorgeous Blanchland, the Lord Crewe Arms just oozes style. An Eleventh Century Abbot’s Guest House with vaulted rooms, flagstone floors, roaring winter fires and glorious summer gardens perched perfectly on top of the North Pennine moors, it can even be hired for ‘private use’ for the ultimate house party. Smaller parties can enjoy a lovely intimate event in the beautiful Dorothy Forster room. This place has a fantastic wine and food offer under acclaimed chef Simon Hicks. We love the idea of a fabulous feasting menu with guests sharing for the wedding breakfast, something a little different and very Lord Crewe. They also have the 12th century abbey just next door to say your ‘I do’s’. lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk
The Redworth Hall Hotel is a beautiful Jacobean Manor House, near Newton Aycliffe, surrounded by 150 acres of landscaped gardens that provide a fabulous backdrop for weddings. It has four function rooms to choose from including the Great Hall with its own Minstrels Gallery, private bar and stone replaces. Other rooms include the atmospheric Prince Bishop Suite, the Surtees Suite with private bar and lounge and the Kelvington Suite. The hotel also has a health club with swimming pool, beauty rooms and a salon. thehotelcollection.co.uk
great personal reward. To create a collection of diamond jewellery is an extension of my desire to create beautiful, timeless designs which will become part of someone’s history.”
Jenny Packham Gloria Necklace, £1,200
Do you have a favourite piece from the collection and why? “I am desperate to have a piece from the collection but I couldn’t decide on just one! However, I love the Aurora ring for its timeless simplicity and unabashed sparkle.” Why do you think the topic of love is so significant in jewellery? “We give jewellery to those we love, as a symbol and a reminder that they are loved.”
BELOW Jenny Packham Aurora Earrings, £1,440
Fa sh io n
ROCKS
ICONIC WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER JENNY PACKHAM HAS DESIGNED A RANGE OF BRIDAL JEWELLERY EXCLUSIVELY FOR GOLDSMITHS. WE CATCH UP WITH HER TO FIND OUT ABOUT HER INSPIRATION FOR THE COLLECTION… What’s the first piece of jewellery you can remember wearing? “Like most women I have a strong attraction to jewellery - its beauty and symbolism. I am particularly drawn to ancient jewellery; its history and the idea that the jewellery links us to the past. Rings in particular are so personal. Associated with love and hope, they form an integral part of a woman’s history. “My mother loved jewellery. When I was growing up I’d play dressing up games in her bedroom, delving into her boxes of chains, rings and earrings. She had one bracelet with a locket, which she always told me was priceless. For years I wondered its worth and why she referred to it in this way. On my wedding day I wore it for the first time. I opened the locket to discover layers of miniature photographs of
my mother’s family, and I understood its pricelessness – jewellery creates your history.” Tell us about your bridal collection? How did the idea come about? “I really cannot remember who initiated the idea but I remember when we met there was a feeling of excitement. Like Jenny Packham, Goldsmiths is a British brand with integrity and heritage. Both accessible and contemporary, the synergies between the two brands made it the perfect collaboration. The combination of established quality and the Jenny Packham design aesthetic has been inspiring, resulting in a collection both beautiful and desirable. I had dreamt of this project for years. Designing bridalwear has always given me winter
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From the golden ages of cinema to the natural wonder of the Aurora Borealis, your new collection is inspired by stars. Tell us about the concept behind it? “It was a natural that our collection of diamond jewellery would reflect our attention to detail, dedication to quality and my love of embellishment. The idea of ‘star’ as inspiration has a dual interpretation, reflecting my interest in both the cosmic and cinematic star. Inspirationally it gave us unlimited sparkle allowance!” Is the new Jenny Packham collection for brides to be only? “There are many pieces that I would personally wear and therefore I think the collection will appeal to women at all moments in their life from beautifully delicate suites of necklaces and bracelets to statement cocktail rings.” What celebrity is your style inspiration? If you could dress any celeb, who would it be? I would have loved to have designed for Marilyn Monroe. • www.goldsmiths.co.uk
Jenny Packham Aurora Ring, £4,800
Isab el Zap ard i ez
Sassi Ho lfo rd
Sassi Ho lfo rd
Photography: Carro Studio www.carrostudio.com
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ALL OF THE LATEST SS17 TRENDS FROM THE WHITE GALLERY AND BARCELONA BRIDAL FASHION WEEK TO ENSURE YOU LOOK THE PART FOR YOUR FASHION FABULOUS WEDDING
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Weddings
Je nny Pa ck ha m D i xi e
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P ro nov i as Sab ri na
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Weddings
MIA SPOSA weddingdressesnewcastle.co.uk
POPPY BRIDAL poppybridal.co.uk
Wedding
The
WEDDING RULES
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IF YOU’RE PLANNING A HIGH SOCIETY WEDDING YOU NEED TO ENSURE EVERYTHING IS ON POINT. WE ASKED ARTHUR PISZCZ, WHO HEADS UP THE SUPER FABULOUS THE ALNWICK GARDEN PAVILION, FOR HIS GUIDE TO THE CORRECT ETIQUETTE FOR THOSE TRICKY WEDDING QUESTIONS
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What is the correct etiquette concerning guests’ mobile phones? We would prefer that people didn’t take photos throughout the service or upload pictures to social media but we don’t want to risk offending our friends? “Tech free weddings are becoming increasingly popular lately so it is not unusual request. There are three ways of doing it. First and the most popular, is to mention ‘no mobile phones during the ceremony’ on your invitations. Second and my personal favourite is to come up with a funny sign. Old school cheekiness is very much now. The third way of doing it is to ask the venue to announce a no mobile phone policy.
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TIP: Every premium wedding venue should have a Master of Ceremony, so don’t be afraid to use them to make announcements that would feel uncomfortable saying.
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We would rather not have young children at the ceremony but is this seen as unreasonable? “Not at all, remember it is your big day so you make the rules! Children are a blessing and we all know that, so cute in their little dresses or suits but on a wedding day they can spoil things for you; cake everywhere (god forbid your dress!), crying and even that beautiful, at first, laughter that after a while becomes a ringing bell! So it is your decision, and you might find quite a few couples would throw a hissy fit but secretly love a day/ night off when they can truly enjoy themselves.
What are the do’s and don’ts of wedding decor? “Successful wedding decor needs to reflect three things; venue, your personality and taste. Incorporate those factors and you shall be THE Queen B! The major thing you need to consider is the venue you have booked. When meeting the venue manager ask them what worked and what to avoid, if you are lucky and the person responsible for organising your wedding is honest, they will tell you what works the best. Once you know what works best for your venue, it’s time to input your personality and taste into your decorations. Make sure when your guests come in they go ‘wow’...and then ‘this is so her!’ TIP: when the supplier asks you what your vision is, do not say vintage! This actually means any era between 1920’s and 1980’s and that’s a lot of styles! So be specific with your vision.
How should we manage the relationship with our wedding venue? “Booking your venue is the first step in organising your wedding and you need to think is this the place I want to spend the happiest day of my life at? You have to love it, if you need to see it five times that means it is not for you so move on and look elsewhere. The first time you see it fall in love with it, the second discuss the logistics. Then there is another very important thing that many miss. Ask if the individual you are talking to will be organising your big day or just the sales person. Booking a venue is like buying a perfect outfit, so you have this beautiful dress (venue) but does the bag (organiser) go with it? You need to feel you are on the same page, that you could trust them and you are comfortable in their presence, as you will spend a lot of time together. When it comes to the relationship itself, be friendly but do put across what you want. This rapport has the same simple rules as any other. Speak to them as you would expect to be spoken to. Kindness and politeness will take you so much further than attitude and demands. When dealing with a venue, try to be the main point of contact. There are many situations when I received completely different information from the bride compared to what her mother asked me to do, this can cause a lot of confusion. TIP: When you feel there are some important details you would like to discuss, write an email rather than call, you do want everything in writing.
Q
We have parents attending who have split up and married other partners and tensions are running high - how do we manage this with the top table? “Two words…Sweetheart table! The setup of just you and your fiancé on the top table is coming back big time…so you will be at the top of wedding trend and everyone will be happy! TIP: Ask for two round tables to be set on each side of the sweetheart table, place your mum on one and your dad on the other.
TIP: If you can’t get out of it, a kids corner does the trick. Few beanbags, some games... and oh the bliss!
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Feature
YORKSHIRE BUCCANEER HE HAS HIS OWN TREEHOUSE, A SEAPLANE, RALLIES ALL OVER THE WORLD AND OWNS A DELOREAN. MEET JONATHAN TURNER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE BAYFORD GROUP winter
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Business
Main Photograph by Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com
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e has been described as the swashbuckling entrepreneur and it’s easy to see why. Charming, charismatic and full of fun, his mantra is to play at life and business and make the most of every moment. We meet Jonathan at his ‘office’ the beautiful stately home, Bowcliffe Hall, just off the A1 at Wetherby. He has just celebrated his 50th birthday and shows us one of his gifts that he is particularly taken with, a copy of Playboy from the week and year of his birth. “Isn’t it a brilliant idea? he says, “I’ve started buying them for all of my friends.” This quirky, playful sense of humour is evident everywhere at Bowcliffe Hall, from Alice in Wonderland signs in the gardens to a garden gnome and a cannabis box in the Gents toilets. But it’s all done in the best possible taste. Bowcliffe has been beautifully renovated and boasts an exclusive private members club, The Drivers Club, an opulent ballroom and an award winning treehouse shaped as an airplane wing, in honour of the hall’s previous owner aviator pioneer Robert Blackburn. The ballroom is stunning with a ceiling gilded with 23.5-carat gold, state of the art multi-functional bar, dazzling chandeliers and speakers hidden behind the (very expensive) wallpaper. Jonathan has been personally spearheading the restoration of the 200-year-old hall to the delight of Robert Blackburn’s family. In the beautiful grounds sits an original tiny family chapel which has played its part in more than a few weddings over the years. Bowcliffe still hosts the occasional society wedding as well as blue chip events.
Jonathan took over Bayford, which has its headquarters at Bowcliffe, after conducting a family management buyout and the company has gone from strength to strength. “I wanted to make my own way in the business world,” he explains. “I didn’t want to inherit anything other than an opportunity.” He studied business at Newcastle polytechnic, now Northumbria University and has always been a natural entrepreneur. “Being an entrepreneur rather than working for a business is like being a pirate instead of being in the navy,” he says. “Being a pirate is more fun but you haven’t got the security. Entrepreneurs tend to be born not made.” Despite the heavy workload, he doesn’t get stressed. “Rallying taught me that. I have had guns in my face in both Russia and Pakistan winter
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and after that you can handle anything. It puts everything into perspective.” “My approach to life is to make a difference and have fun. Have fun and make money in that order.” He has his own charitable trust and is also an ambassador for the Archbishop of York helping with youth projects. We imagine he is quite a hit. Not only inspiring but genuinely enthusiastic. As we get ready to go, we are shown one of his favourite acquisitions. We are expecting to see one of his beautiful, historic cars from his collection but instead the original milk float from Eastenders sits on the gravelled drive. It neatly sums up the magic of Bowcliffe, classy, fabulous and a bit bonkers in the very best possible way.
HIGH SOCIETY
THE PRIVATE MEMBERS CLUB AT BOWCLIFFE HALL, NEAR WETHERBY, IS NOT ONLY ONE OF THE MOST EXCLUSIVE CLUBS AROUND, IT IS HOME TO ONE OF THE UK’S LARGEST COLLECTIONS OF MOTOR MEMORABILIA. LA DI DA WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE INVITED TO SPEND THE DAY SO WE DONNED OUR BEST TWEED AND WENT IN…
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he sign at reception ‘No Riff Raff ’ and a rare 3D portrait of the Queen are early indicators of the fabulousness that awaits us as we are ushered into one of the most exclusive private members clubs around. But owner Jonathan Turner is no snob. The only people he can’t abide are those without a sense of fun. A lifelong motoring aficionado, Jonathan has raced all over the world. Trophies are dotted around that he has won from the legion of races and rallies he’s participated in with his own vintage cars. They include the first 3L Bentley to race at Le Mans, and a blue D Type Jaguar, in which he raced and won the Orient Express across Europe in 2012. His favourite period in motoring history has always been the stylish 1920’s, the ‘Golden Age of Motoring’, when it was dominated by the Bentley Boys, a group of dashing British motorists who raced Bentley sports cars to victory at Le Mans and Brooklands in the 1920’s and 1930. The Drivers Club takes its inspiration from this elegant era and has a distinct Art Deco 1920s feel to it. Jonathan has collected or commissioned everything on display and every piece has been chosen because of its importance to motorsports and the story behind it. Above the entrance to the briefing room is a stunning leaping Jaguar. The leaping Jaguar figure, so
synonymous with Jaguar cars, was created by Frederick Gordon Crosby, an automotive illustrator whose work celebrated the glamour of motorsport in the 1920’s. Unusual numbered light fittings in each corner of the Drivers Club have been commissioned by Jonathan. Each light fitting is inscribed with a different number which directly correspond to the number on a selection of winning Bentley cars driven by the Bentley Boys. The Drivers Club has one of the UK’s most important collections of motoring art. Rare artworks and photos line the mahogany clad walls including winter
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Main Photo: Jayson Fong http://formandfunctionintl.com, other photos Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com
Motors
Gordon Crosby, Gordon Horner and paintings of one of the Bentley Boys, Jack Dunfee, created by the iconic pre war illustrator, Bryan De Grineau. Everywhere you look, the attention to detail draws the eye. The dark brown leather banquettes are modelled on the back seat of an Mk 7 Jaguar, complete with pull-down armrests that reveal a box for wine bottles. Tables have a central pedestal made to look like the radiator grille of a particular manufacturer. In amongst this is the occasional photo of Jonathan and his friends taking part in rallies and races. Despite some hair raising moments his love of rallies remains undiminished. He recently hosted The Benjafield’s Racing Club at Bowcliffe, of which he is a member. They gathered for the Yorkshire Buccaneer rally, bringing 41 historic cars to the Hall worth £35 million. One of his most dangerous adventures was the 11,000-mile, six-week Peking to Paris rally in 2007, in which he and a friend drove a 1907 Itala complete with wooden wheels, no windscreen and no doors. The two men roped themselves together in case one fell out. “We broke down as we crossed the Gobi Desert, but we persuaded a truck to take us to a place in Siberia where the engine was replaced by one from a 40-year-old Volga,” explains Jonathan. “Then later a
wheel fell off and we repaired it using roofing nails.” Whatever he does, he does in style. He did the Le Mans in his 3L Bentley and won a standing ovation from the 120,000 crowd by starting the race with the hood pulled up, the first time it has been raced like this since the 1920’s. A 24 hour pre war race, which saw pre 1939 cars raced for 24 hours, the first time since 1938, saw him dispense with the usual race suits in favour of a handmade jacket. “I raced a 1926 Bentley and a 1933 8C Triumph with some fellow Yorkshire nutters. I said to the organisers ‘They never wore race suits before the war’. They said it’s up to you so I wore a special Union Jack jacket.” We feel sure the Bentley Boys would have approved. • bowcliffehall.co.uk winter
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HAVE YOU BEEN GOOD? THEN WHY NOT POP A LITTLE SOMETHING SPECIAL ON SANTA'S LIST THIS YEAR? OUR MOTORING EDITOR GRAHAM COURTNEY GIVES US HIS EXPERT TIPS FOR THE HOTTEST SLEIGHS AROUND...
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SANTA sleighs D id you know that kids in Canada can send Santa a letter by simply using the postcode HOH OHO. Ah yes, it’s the time of year when we all like to dream of Santa stuffing something rather special into our stockings. It’s been a year of surprises with Brexit and Donald Trump, so surely it only has to be a matter of time before the Lottery drops into your lap. Here’s a few ideas on how to spend your g’zillions. Ho ho ho.
JAGUAR F-PACE
Fancy a sports car that you can head into the hills with? Look no further than the F-Pace. Prices start at a shade over £35k for the 2.0 litre diesel model which is a bargain. If you want AWD, add a couple of grand. Want an auto box (it’s brilliant, ultrasmooth 8-speed…go for it), sling another £2000 on the table. All three models will hit 60mph in around 8.5 seconds. Top speed is 129mph. Economy is a not unreasonable 54mpg. It’s comfortable, roomy and handsome. Terrific all-rounder.
ASTON MARTIN DB11
TESLA MODEL S P100D
La Di Da is one of the first magazines in the country to drive the new Aston Martin DB11. Not a pre-production model…the real thing. The ‘Launch Edition’ costs a healthy £167,000 and we reckon it’s worth every penny. Power comes from a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged 600bhp V12 engine which gives you shattering performance. 0-60 takes under 4 seconds and the top speed is 200mph. You’re looking at what rates as the best GT (Grand Tourer) in the world.
Now for something rather sensible, that’s if you call a 0-60mph time of 2.5 seconds and £114,000 sensible. It is a fully electric car which uses two electric motors and 4-wheel drive. Tesla might be a tiny company, but they’re showing the big boys how to do it. Range has often been the killer for electric cars but, with the Tesla Model S, you can cover over 300 miles. Add in the fact that it’s comfortable, roomy and cheap to run, especially for company drivers, and you can see why it’s a hit.
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Motors
MAZDA MX-5 RF Here’s a left-field suggestion. The RF stands for Retractable Fastback. In a nutshell, it’s a coupé version of the Mazda MX-5 but with a hard top that divides and slides back into the remaining coupé area. It takes a shade over 10 seconds to perform its trick. The starting price is likely to be around £22,000. Everything else is much the same as the MX-5 roadster. Power comes from a 2.0 litre petrol engine which is good for a 7 seconds 0-60 time.
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1. Aston Martin DB11 2. Mazda MX-5 RF 3. Jaguar F-Pace 4. Tesla Model S P100D 5. BMW M2 6. Bentley Continental GT Speed Black Edition
BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT SPEED BLACK EDITION
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If you’ve got a few spare quid and fancy a blast down to the south of France, then this is the way to do it. Bentleys like this waft along in near silence. They are spookily smooth and effortless to drive. The GT Speed is the fastest production Bentley ever, with a top speed of 206 mph. 0-60 takes 3.9 seconds which, let’s face it, is amazing for such a large, heavy car. Each model takes 110 hours to build. The engine takes 12 hours to build. This is a bespoke beauty. Prices start at £168,000.
BMW M2 You can’t beat a small car that goes like a rocket. Throw in the fact that the BMW M2 is not only quick but also surprisingly comfortable and easy to live with, makes it a sure fire winner. It’s the best of BMW’s M range, proving that you don’t need to be a huge muscle car to provide immense enjoyment. Okay, £44,000 is steep for a small coupé but it’ll retain its value like a limpet. The 3.0 litre six cylinder engine is a peach with a lovely exhaust note. 0-60 in around 4.5 seconds.
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Feature
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Property
HOT PROPERTY
THEY HAVE AN IMPRESSIVE PROPERTY PORTFOLIO, THEIR OWN TV SHOW AND A FLOOD OF MEDIA OFFERS ON THE TABLE BUT ANDREW DYKE AND ALAN LEE OGDEN AREN’T LETTING IT PHASE THEM. LA DI DA MEETS THE COUPLE WHOSE NORTHERN CHARM HAS MADE THEM CULT VIEWING...
Photography by specularworld.com
The Boys looking TV fabulous wearing their favourite Cavani suits
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f you haven’t seen the Property Boyz in action you soon will do. There are several major TV shows lined up for these two northern entrepreneurs not to mention a queue of brands who want their endorsement. When we caught up with them the multi million property moguls had been in discussions over spin offs from the TV show which made their name, Britain’s Benefit Tenants. Running parallel to this, a recent brand affiliation with a prominent British fashion house will see them feature in an international advertising campaign which will be shot on the shores of the Catalan super-city, Barcelona, at the end of January. It all seems a long way from Goldthorpe in Yorkshire, but the boys are never likely to stray from their northern roots. Warm, engaging and down to earth, it’s easy to see why they became cult viewing as they tried to help their tenants deal with the vicissitudes of the benefit system. “A lot of tenants on benefits just can’t find somewhere to rent,” explains Andrew, who started investing in properties as soon as he left school. “There is a stigma attached to it but these people just need help and some hope that things can get better and if you work hard you can make something of yourself. Alan and I are the proof of that.” Andrew is passionate about getting the message across that you don’t have to settle for a life you don’t want. “I was always told that you won’t get on if you don’t go to university,” he explains. “It used to really worry me but my parents didn’t want me to go, they wanted me to settle down and get a house.” “When I bought my first house and realised I could make £300 in rent it was a revelation to me. I realised if I had four houses I could have £1200 a month income. I got my spread sheets out and started planning. I wanted 72 houses because that was the year of my birth that was my goal. I realised I didn’t need to go to university; there were other routes to the life I wanted and that’s something we try to get across to our tenants. We try to educate them financially. winter
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That was the start of 2 Let 4 Sale. They now have a portfolio of over 70 properties and manage in the region of 600 plus lettings with a yearly turnover of several million pounds. They employ seven full time workers in the sectors of management, administration and maintenance and have even opened an office in London. “It was hard at the beginning,” says Alan. “We were working 70-80 hour weeks and we couldn’t afford builders or furnishings so Andrew learned how to fit kitchens and I made the curtains and did the interiors.” The TV show came by chance when Andrew was in a property seminar in London and the TV team discovered he was in the top percent of buy to let owners. It hasn’t always been easy though to transition from TV personalities back to their every day life. “I didn’t open the curtains for the first two weeks,” says Alan, “it was awful, and we were just left to deal with it. People you didn’t know wanted to be your best friend and people I knew really well just walked past me in the street and ignored me. “ The couple are now used to their celebrity persona but are determined that the opportunities that are being offered to them won’t change them. “I don’t care what anybody’s got or hasn’t got,” says Alan. “If they say ‘Alright Love’ to me I’ll say it right back. If it all ended tomorrow and we lost all of our money we’d still be okay. We’d find a job, rent a house, we’re survivors.” Charming, warm, honest and funny, there’s no chance of this fabulous couple disappearing from our screens anytime soon, they’re guaranteed TV gold. • www.thepropertyboyz.com
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WYNYARD PARK MARKETING SUITE
MANORSIDE A689 NORTH A1(M)
WYNYARD VILLAGE
TEESSIDE A19
THE STABLES
Living in a home of distinction, close to nature but well connected…
how different would that feel?
For a life less ordinary
Society
SAX Appeal GLAM SAX PLAYER LOUISE EVANS HAS PERFORMED AROUND THE GLOBE AT F1, FASHION WEEK AND FOR EUROPEAN HIGH SOCIETY BUT SHE REMAINS A TEESSIDE GIRL AT HEART… LA DI DA FINDS OUT MORE
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ouise – or Lady V as she is known - turns up to the interview at Rockliffe Hall looking every inch the fashionista. Petite and pretty, it’s hard to imagine this tiny girl producing such a fabulous sound. But produce it she does. Louise has had everyone from Cartier to Formula One book her and her diary regularly sees her jetting around the world. To be extremely talented at one thing is fortunate, to be talented in two separate fields shows how willing she is to work hard and push herself. Louise was a semi professional athlete when she was younger and had a place at Durham University but chose music and ended up studying at the prestigious Sir Paul McCartney’s Performing Arts Institute in Liverpool instead. “It was lots of fun, very like Fame,” she says, “the dancers were always practising in the corridors and Sir Paul used to come in and watch us play at lunchtime sitting on the floor eating his salad. When I graduated it was a huge thrill for my mum to see him on stage with us, she was the biggest Beatle fan.”
It was lots of fun, very like Fame... Sir Paul used to come in and watch us play… Both her parents were into soul so she was surrounded by music as she grew up. At Egglescliffe School she was encourage to play the violin but didn’t take to it. “My teacher Mr Kennedy played the sax and I wanted to have a go. I think he thought I was too small but once he saw me play he was winter
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really encouraging. We even had a band in school so we got used to performing and the school was really supportive,” she says. Since she graduated she has had some fantastic experiences. “Singapore F1 was incredible,” she says. “I love Formula One so for me it was such a great thing to be involved with. Performing for Cartier in Monaco was fabulous and very glam, I was surrounded by jewellery and watches worth millions.” One of her most incredible gigs was performing on top of a jeep on top of a stage in Mexico on the Hed Kandi Tour. “It was amazing, the DJ had a Treehouse and I was on top of a jeep, I just wanted to freeze that moment in time forever.” As well as performing Lady V has recording credits on Toolroom Records, Fierce Angel Records and Proof Recordings and regularly plays at the very stylish Avieka in Newcastle. “I love the guys I perform with there,” she says, “they’re at the top of their game and it’s always a good night.” • www.ladyvsax.co.uk
Feature
Society THE ALNWICK GARDEN OPENS NEW CENTRE La Di Da attended the opening of The Stuart Halbert Elderberries Drop In centre at The Alnwick Garden which was launched by The Duchess of Northumberland. Maureen Halbert, wife of the late Stuart Halbert, officially opened the centre which is staffed by volunteers. The event was attended by local dignitaries and supporters including Sir John Hall. The centre provides a cosy place where elderly people can drop in, have homemade cakes and coffee, play board games, watch TV and chat with others. It is aimed at helping social isolation amongst elderly people. The Duchess explained that the initiative was aimed at the large percentage of older people in Northumberland who are left without family in the area due to people moving away to find work. The Alnwick Garden also celebrated its 15th anniversary. It has generated an extra £236 million for the region through its lifetime. Photos by Paul Norris.
Designer homes in WYNYARD BUILDING YOUR OWN HOME IS EVERYBODY’S DREAM SO IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT LUXURY SELF BUILDS HAVE BECOME THE MOST FASHIONABLE SECTOR OF THE PROPERTY MARKET.
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house built to your own aesthetics and designed to suit your family’s needs, now and in the future, really is living the dream but up until now many opportunities for self builds have been located in remote country areas. Picturesque but less practical when you have to commute to work, do the school run and need access to decent local shops. Now a unique opportunity to have the best of both worlds is being offered by Wynyard Park. Wynyard is known for its luxury housing and great winter
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location and now a small number of very special pockets of land have been made available for exclusive communities of self-build homes. Made up of between 12 and 30 spacious plots, each development has its own gated, security monitored entrance and is landscaped to take advantage of the rolling, wooded setting.You will have the freedom to create your own home, designed and constructed by your own team, and using the materials and fittings of your own choice. • wynyardpark.com
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Feature
Society FASHION QUEENS... LA DI DA swapped the London catwalks for an event closer to home with Newcastle High School for Girl’s first charity fashion show. The school’s 6th form Charity Committee had organised the fashion fundraiser to raise money for the school’s adopted charity, the Rainbow Trust, which provides care and support for families with a child with a life threatening or terminal illness. The brilliant event was organised and managed entirely by girls in Year 13, who also modelled the clothes and jewellery from seven fashion brands including the award winning fashion boutique, HavetoLove; high end designer store Love Niche, Salisa, Peak Boutique, Twenty Six and vintage boutique, the Yesterday Society with accessories from jewellers Stella and Dot. Photos by www.carrostudio.com
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Francesca Walker and Jacqui Miller MBE
Ann Cue and Helen Miller
Society
Victoria Miller Charlton and Francesca Walker
VIP SHOPPING La Di Da was invited to a secret and very fabulous VIP shopping party. With designer goodies AND fizz on offer how could we resist? The very swanky Michael Kors in Newcastle opened it’s doors one evening for one of its top VIPs, Jacqui Miller MBE so she could have a private shopping session with her friends and family. Hotel du Vin Newcastle attended with its team including tweed clad waiters and their sommelier to serve fine wine, fizz and gorgeous canapes. Music was provided by the fantastic David Ball and the Molton Brown team were on hand to give the ladies arm and hand massages. The ladies shopped till they dropped, assisted by the lovely Michael Kors team who were on hand as personal shoppers. Photos by chris-gray.me Michael Kors team Jacqui and friends
Jacqui Miller MBE David Ball
Doreen Miller
Molton Brown massages
Tracy and Francesca Walker
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Hotel du Vin on hand with fizz
Victoria Miller Charlton
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Society THE ART OF BEING A GENTLEMAN La Di Da and Hotel du Vin Newcastle hosted a luxury VIP business evening which saw Hotel du Vin transformed into an exclusive Private Gentlemen’s Club. The evening included an exclusive fashion presentation and pop up boutique by Vivienne Westwood, classic luxury cars including Aston Martin and Morgan Motors from Aston Workshop and Carbarn Beamish, and a collectors watch pop up from Goldsmiths Jewellers. Malmaison hosted a Gents Spa alongside luxury beauty brand Kiss the Moon and Stu Art Aviation showcased their bespoke and highly sought after handcrafted aircraft furniture in an exciting aviation pop up. Guests feasted on a decadent and very luxurious artisan spread and then enjoyed cocktails at Hotel du Vin’s Gentlemen’s Cocktail Lounge pop up held in the stunning penthouse suite with its fabulous views of the Quayside. Guests supped negronis and old fashioneds whilst enjoying an acoustic set by the talented David Ball. Mini masterclasses in Champagne, Gin, and Wine were held throughout the evening by Hotel du Vin’s top sommelier and La Di Da Drinks Editor and world class champagne and gin authority, Angela Metcalfe. For information on how to attend La Di Da’s 2017 exclusive luxury VIP men and women’s events go to www.ladida.co.uk or email VIP@ladida.co.uk. Photos by www.carrostudio.com
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Society C H R I S T M A S FA S H I O N I S TA S North East ladies attended the ‘Christian Alexander’ Christmas party fashion show held at The Grand Marquee, Wynyard Hall. Almost 300 ladies enjoyed a night of fizz, fashion and a spot of Christmas shopping as well as supporting Cash for Kids TFM. The event, sponsored by Infiniti Newcastle and Harrowgate Hill Dental, raised over £2,000 on the night for the charity. Photos by www.carrostudio.com
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Feature Society HAVING A BALL Over £15,000 was raised for the Alzheimer’s Society after Primula hosted its first ever charity Cheesy Ball. The event, which took place at the Newcastle Gateshead Marriott Hotel MetroCentre was held in memory of former warehouse manager Dean Elliott, who was a big supporter of the Alzheimer’s Society and sadly passed away last year. The Oh So Cheesy Ball, which was hosted by Heart North East presenter Tom Campbell, featured an auction and tombola as well as a three course menu created exclusively for the occasion. Guests dined on a deli plate of eggs, cheese, prawns, smoked salmon, savoury choux pastry & smoked ham, oven roast chicken and smoked pancetta and vanilla cheesecake with lemon scented meringue and raspberry coulis.
Society INSPIRING LUNCH LA DI DA was in attendance for the fabulous Children North East ‘Inspiring Lunch’ at The Biscuit Factory. The event featured a fantastic talk by actress Denise Welch, a fashion show from Love Niche and attendance by local glitterati including Pam Royal. Guests feasted on a delicious menu which included heirloom tomato, asparagus & pea salad, young shoots and crumbled feta, followed by roast chicken supreme, wild mushrooms, baby onions & smoked bacon with seasonal vegetables and dark chocolate ganache, white chocolate brownies and mini apple crumble tarts. Photography by Gren Sowerby.
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Society
Maddie’s
MADELEINE COSTIGAN IS A FREELANCE TV STYLIST AND GIRL ABOUT TOWN. SHE GIVES US THE INSIDE GOSS ON HER GLAM LIFE...
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LOVE the run up to Christmas and all the exciting things it brings. I get rather excited to put my Christmas tree up, always popping to a local farm to choose it together with my family, there is nothing better than a real tree! I have had another hectic few months as usual, I don’t ever seem to stop and I have an abundance of energy so I like to put it to good use…life is for living! The summer ended with my little boy Louis taking part in the Mini Great North Run with his pals, it was a fun day (I even managed the 1 mile run) and we raised £1,700 for The Stroke Association which was superb. We also went to the launch of the newly opened Wynyard Hall ‘Edible Garden’ and ‘Glasshouse’ and enjoyed a cheeky bit of their homemade cake. It was my first time at the ‘Annual Oyster Festival’ at Hardwick Hall in September. I have to say it was a fantastic day. We had a girls table with free flowing Pimms and a delicious selection of fresh seafood to enjoy. The entertainment included 80’s teen idol Paul Young who looks pretty good for 60! He belted out some of his famous hit singles and invited me onto the stage for a dance to ‘Every time you go away’. Maybe if I was a girl back in the 80’s it would have been a dream come true! As a true Westlife fan (back in my uni days) I was delighted to be invited to see Shane Filan on his live solo tour in Newcastle in October and I also got to meet the man himself. He was a lovely chap and we were treated to a private performance with a handful of other guests before the main show. The guy can really sing and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the night (especially the old Westlife classics).
After squeezing in a family holiday for some winter sun in Rhodes I was straight back into work mode! I have been working with the lovely Charlotte who owns Norton based fashion boutique Christian Alexander, my new favourite shop and a must visit if you’re looking for a party dress amongst other beautiful clothes. I organised a fashion show for the brand which was held in the ‘Grand Marquee’ at Wynyard Hall which attracted 300 lovely ladies from Wynyard and the local area. The event raised £2,000 for Cash for Kids from a luxury raffle which was an amazing effort. November ended with the annual ‘Sports Ball’ in London which raises funds for Sports Aid. The event is attended by over 600 people including various Olympic legends and the sporting talent of the future. The event raised in excess of £100,000 through auctioning some fab money can’t buy prizes. One of which was a trip to Vegas with a winter
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meet and greet with Britney Spears before her show! I was pretty jealous of the winner of this one. I got a quick selfie with the legend Mo Farah and also Louis Smith. The celebratory atmosphere after the Team GB success in Rio was brilliant and I even got to hold one of the Rio 2016 Olympic torches. I have been working on lots of exciting TV adverts in the run up with Christmas. My favourite was The Alnwick Garden shoot which featured a proposal and a wedding. I love weddings and it was good fun dressing the bride in a beautiful dress from Kathryn Trueman in Morpeth and the groom looked dapper in clothes from Hotspur 1364 in Alnwick. Louis was cast in the new Barbour 2017 Autumn/Winter campaign, the day involved lots of wellies, Barbour jackets and cute dogs. I can’t wait to see the final shots next year...super proud mummy moment. December brings lots of Christmas parties so I must dust off my elf costume ready for some festive cheer! Merry Christmas and until next time… • Check out my blog www.maddieness.co.uk
Society
Princess o f
Ponteland
CALIFORNIA The City of Angels beckoned and Ella and I were off to LA to celebrate her 5th birthday and me turning the big 30! We went to Disney California for Ella’s birthday which she just loved. I have visited the Florida one but this one seemed much better for small children. We spent my birthday at the Mondrian Hotel, located right on the sunset strip, which has an amazing restaurant that looks over LA and a rooftop bar and pool. This is the place to stay, dine and party and a ‘must visit’. L.A is shopping heaven and we shopped till we dropped in Beverly Hills, The Grove and Santa Monica before spending relaxing days at Venice Beach and Santa Monica so we could enjoy some beach time and check out the famous pier. Our favourite places to eat were Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills, the Mondrian Hotel and, for a quick bite, you have to try Shake Shack (not to Ella’s taste) but you can get an amazing burger and crinkle fries with wine for around $10, it’s like high end fast food! I feel like we did all the city of L.A has to offer. Next time I definitely want to go further afield and visit San Fran and Newport Beach, but I think Ella would just be happy going back to Disney!
SOCIETY GIRL LAUREN HILLARY SHARES HER FABULOUS LIFE...
DUBAI
SCOTLAND
Dubai is one of my favourite places for a family holiday. We stayed at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, a family resort, with its own waterpark and lots of pools and activities on the fantastic beach. At night we went between all the other Jumeirah hotels including the Madinat with its very own souk. There are plenty of restaurants, all easily accessible by golf buggy or water taxi. We loved the water taxis which make you feel like you are in Venice getting dropped off for dinner by boat and Dubai is absolutely beautiful at night. The resort is perfect, the malls are bustling filled with every designer name imaginable, it really is a shopaholic’s paradise. I loved the Dubai Mall where you can shop till you drop, then visit the fountains in front of the Burj Kalifa, which is magical when it is all lit up at night.
I’ve spent many weekends in Glasgow recently and I’ve been visiting some great new places. One of my favourite’s is Scotts at Troon. A vibrant bar and restaurant right on the harbour, it is full of atmosphere and a great place for a night out with friends. The lobster and langoustines are to die for! Another favourite is Blythswood Square Hotel. A historic hotel with modern touches, it’s fantastic for a spa day or just to pop in for a glass of fizz.
LAKES It was time to pack the fizz, frocks and tiaras as I was off to Ullswater for my friend’s hen do. There were 12 of us staying in a fabulous house called Waternook right on the lake with its very own boathouse. The house had everything you needed for a party – cinema room, hot tub and its own spa, bar, everything was state of the art and every little detail had been carefully thought through. We had a private chef while we were there so were thoroughly spoilt. Some of the girls went shooting, some had spa treatments and then we all got dressed up for an evening of fizz, games and lots of fun. I would definitely recommend it! www.waternookonullswater.com.
Princess faves
F O R CH RIS TMA S DAY White Company Fragrance Luxury Crackers, available thewhitecompany.com FOR HER Mulberry Bayswater Double Zip Tote Bag, Dark Grey F O R H IM Creed Aventus F O R KIDS Myweeteepee F O R TH E PO O CH Barbour dog collar and lead All available from www.johnlewis.com (unless stated).
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Posh Pooch
Photography Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com
Posh
POOCH
Meet Pele, the fabulous working cocker spaniel owned by Sir James Aykroyd. As a country dog, Pele Aykroyd doesn’t stand for any of this urban posh pooch dressing up shenanigans but he certainly isn’t camera shy. He quickly became the star of our shoot, posing happily for our photographer by the fireside of his stately home. winter
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R E S TA U R A N T • R O O M S • P U B
l o rd c r e w e a r m s b l a n c h l a n d . c o . u k
TA K E A P E E K
Lo rd C r e w e A r m s • T h e S q u a r e • B l a n c h l a n d • N o r t h u m b e r l a n d • D H 8 9 S P T: 0 1 4 3 4 6 7 5 4 6 9 • E : e n q u i r i e s @ l o rd c r e w e a r m s b l a n c h l a n d . c o . u k