A DA M N F I N E R E A D FOR N ORT H E R N H I G H S OCI E T Y
SUMMER 2017 £2.50 WHERE SOLD
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ON THE PLACES TO PLAY AND STAY THIS SUMMER
DESIGNER D E S T I N AT I O N S The HIPPEST hottest HOLIDAYS
AWARD WINNING HAIRDRESSING
Stepinto Summer Darlington 01325 468 994
Gosforth 0191 217 0217
Jesmond 0191 281 6714
Ponteland 01661 821 004
Wynyard 01740 644 690
www.hookerandyoung.co.uk Facebook/hooker&young Twitter @hookerandyoung
SUMMER 2017
LA DI DA MAGAZINE BUSINESS CENTRAL, 2 UNION SQUARE CENTRAL PARK, DARLINGTON DL1 1GL 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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LaDiDaMag
LaDiDaMagazine ©2017 La Di Da. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, artwork, advertising or photographic material while in transmission or with the publisher or with their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print.
W
e love summer here at La Di Da towers, it’s a season for fun and friends and lazy days spent in the sun with a glass of fizz somewhere beautiful. And, talking of which, we asked our friends in the know for their recommendations for the ultimate ‘A’ list holiday destinations so if you’re suffering post holiday blues, read on and plan your next grand adventure. But we also have oodles of things to do closer to home this
season from polo to nights spent under the stars at beautiful outdoor cinemas, hip festivals to celebrity cricket. We’ve also road tested the best places to play and stay - we’re nothing if not dedicated dear reader - so why not treat yourself to a mini vacay and enjoy fine dining, designer hotels and some of the region’s best spas. Have a fabulous summer. Chin chin x
Linda x
A DAMN FINE READ FOR NORTHERN HIGH SOCIETY
10-11 Playtime Fabulous things to do this summer
36-43 Dress to impress Statement looks for this season
50-52 Cutting a dash OUR COVER SHOT
Dapper gents of Durham
Photographer Jade Turnbull Mua Jo Leversuch Hair Joe Stoker Models Eva Rankin, Ryan Grier, Tyne Tees models
69-71 Star quality Top restaurants put through their paces
WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS B L A N C H L A N D
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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION AN AUDACIOUSLY FABULOUS NEW FESTIVAL WAS LAUNCHED ON A YACHT AT CANNES FILM FESTIVAL WHICH IS SET TO TRANSFORM THE PROFILE AND FORTUNES OF OUR REGION. LINDA JANE WESTPHAL MEETS PRESIDENT JACQUI MILLER CHARLTON AND CELEBRITY SUPPORTERS TO FIND OUT MORE...
W BELOW & RIGHT Iconic films shot in our region, Get Carter, Harry Potter and I, Daniel Blake
ith iconic celebrities of the screen world wide lined up to take part, Steven Spielberg expressing interest and 70 countries already involved, the Newcastle international Film Festival is set to deliver Hollywood to our doorsteps. The festival is a first for the city and the region. It was launched on a yacht at the Cannes Film Festival and instantly attracted world wide attention with over 1,700 entries from 73 countries already. Over 30 Oscar winners have already expressed an interest. It is set to put Newcastle and the wider North East on the global map with visitors flocking to the region from all over the world as well as the rest of the UK. The festival will run over four days from March 29th to April 1st at a host of exciting venues across the city and will have a carnival feel. Films will be shown around the City in fantastic locations and there will be lots going on for all the family as well as serious film buffs. “It will be lots of fun but it has a serious purpose,” explains President of the Newcastle international Film Festival, top entrepreneur Jacqui Miller-Charlton MBE. “We have a fantastic region and wonderful people and we need to promote that. We need to find ways to bring people into our region and spend money and generate business opportunities. summer
“The festival will showcase our region as an ideal location for films, encourage film production in the area and nurture our local talent. It will put the region at the very centre of the UK and the world and shine a spotlight on what we have to offer. The festival is above all about positivity and aspiration.” And when it comes to aspiration there is no shortage of that amongst the stellar team behind the festival. They held a very glamorous launch in Newcastle on their return to the city after Cannes. Hollywood stars, actors and film producers gathered in the sun drinking fizz on the rooftop of the Vermont Hotel, Newcastle for the event. Despite it being a breakfast launch, dress code was fabulous, of course, with ladies in evening gowns and gents in black tie. And this is only the start. Cannes may have palm trees and yachts but the Newcastle international Film Festival is determined to match it with the best of British.
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Feature President Jacqui Miller Charlton MBE
The event is going to be broadcast all over the world. It’s an ideal time to show our region off and we’re going to make sure we do it in considerable style... “We may not have palm trees but no one can do pomp and ceremony like we can,” says Jacqui. “The event is going to be broadcast live all over the world and millions will be watching, so it’s an ideal time to show our region off and we’re going to make sure we do it in considerable style.” The festival will include workshops, party events and a closing exclusive gala dinner with ‘A’ listers attending. Hollywood film star Caroline Goodall flew in for the Newcastle launch to support the team. Star of countless Hollywood blockbusters including Hook, Schindler’s List, Disclosure, Cliffhanger and The Princess Diaries, she has a house in L.A and the biggest names around on speed dial.With her family hailing from the North she is keen to support the festival. “We need to have a film festival which not only shows the extraordinary talent in the North but also brings world cinema here as well,” she told us. “I hope to be able to leverage some of my connections to help shine a light on the festival and support it in anyway I can.” Film,TV and stage star local boy Craig Conway agrees. He travelled up from London for the launch. “The region offers everything, in terms of location, in one spot.The festival will help our region be recognised for how much Newcastle and the North East in general has given the world as far as the arts are concerned.” “We are a region of great story tellers, now it’s time for our story to be heard.”
ABOVE AND LEFT Actor and TV star Craig Conway The NiFF’s Jacqui Miller Charlton, Kirsty Bell and Hollywood Star Caroline Goodall The team at Cannes summer
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A CARNIVAL OF WORLD CINEMA W
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“AN UNMISSABLE EVENT”
Newcastle Film Festival MARCH 29th - APRIL 1st 2018 S HIN IN G A SPOTLIG H T O N TH E N O RTH EAST TO FIN D OUT M ORE
enquiries@newcastlefilmfestival.uk | www.newcastlefilmfestival.uk |
@NCLFilmFestival
News
Diaries open…
PLANNING YOUR SOCIAL CALENDAR? WE CHOOSE SOME OF THE ‘MUST ATTEND’ EVENTS OF THE SUMMER
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty images
FERRARI S P E C TAC U L A R Salon Privé is one of the UK’s most prestigious luxury Classic and Supercar Show and Concours d’Élégance and returns to the opulent grounds of Blenheim Palace for the third year running in 2017 from Thursday 31st August to Saturday 2nd September. Salon Privé is dedicating its final day to Ferrari’s 70th anniversary on Saturday 2nd September. Concours Masters will present a ‘Tribute to 70 Years of Ferrari’, showcasing 70 Maranello marvels on the lawns of Blenheim Palace. Early entries include the oldest-surviving UK-based Ferrari – a 1949 Ferrari Tipo 166 Inter Coupe Touring, one
of only 11 built.The world-class entry will track Ferrari history right to the very latest 2017 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta. The three-day event incorporates the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Élégance, Boodles Ladies’ Day. • www.salonpriveconcours.com
MONSTER HIT GAME FOR GOLF Alan Shearer will tee it up in the Hero Pro-Am at this year’s British Masters supported by Sky Sports. He will be joining some of the biggest names in golf at Close House on Wednesday September 27. Hosted by former World Number One Lee Westwood, the British Masters returns to the North East for the first time in 45 years from September 28 to October 1, with Close House playing host for the first time in the event’s 71-year history. Tickets to watch him in action alongside some of the European Tour’s leading players in the Hero Pro-Am are now available via tickets.europeantour.com, along with tickets for all four days of the tournament. All proceeds from the day will go to the tournament’s Official Charity, the Graham Wylie Foundation, which was set up by Close House’s owner to inspire and educate children across the North East.
Legendary filmmaker and comedian Mel Brooks is bringing his new musical Young Frankenstein exclusively to Newcastle Theatre Royal ahead of its West End premier. The North East will be able to see the monster musical comedy and its all-star cast first before anyone else for two weeks only: Sat 26 August to Sat 9 September 2017. Comedian Ross Noble and screen stars Lesley Joseph and Hadley Fraser will lead the cast of the brand new all-singing alldancing extravaganza, which is based on the Oscarnominated smash hit movie of the same name. The show will run for two weeks in Newcastle as a ‘pre-West End’ season before it opens at London’s Garrick Theatre in late September. The pre-West End season of Young Frankenstein is at Newcastle Theatre Royal from Sat 26 August until Sat 9 September 2017. • www.theatreroyal.co.uk
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LA DI DA Loves
A ROUND UP OF OUR NEW FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO THIS SEASON...
Kynren Returns... Set against the magnificent backdrop of Auckland Castle, County Durham, the 90-minute show begins at dusk and ends in starlight, taking audiences on a journey through 2,000 years of British history, myth and legend at breakneck speed, encompassing the Roman occupation and both World Wars, with Viking and Norman invasions, medieval feasts, Tudor times, The English Civil War, the Georgian Renaissance, Industrial Revolution and Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee inbetween. Expect Hollywoodesque set and lots of pyrotechnics and special effects under new creative director Steve Boyd who has been responsible for creating the wow factor at a host of Olympic ceremonies. • www.kynren.co.uk
Boozy Afternoon Tea
Historic Lumley Castle is bringing a brand new afternoon tea experience after teaming up with Noveltea which delivers a new twist on how to take tea by creating delicious boozy brews infused with gin and rum. You can enjoy either a small bottle of ‘A Tale of Tangier’ - green tea infused with rum or ‘A Tale of Earl Grey’ - Earl Grey tea infused with gin alongside traditional sweet afternoon tea delicacies or savoury options. Afternoon teas are priced at £23.95. • www.lumleycastle.com FESTIVAL OF THE NORTH Lindisfarne Festival 2017 is gearing up to be an even bigger and better showcase of music, comedy, culture and creative arts than in previous years. If you couldn’t get tickets to Glastonbury, never fear as Lindisfarne will be showcasing a number of the same name acts at their Northumberland event including DJ Norman Jay MBE, Huey Morgan, The Showhawk Duo, Beans on Toast, The Pale
We love the sound of the latest wine experience from the uber stylish Hotel du Vin Newcastle. The hotel has teamed up with their neighbours at The Ouseburn Trust to offer a unique experience. The ‘Tipple in The Tunnel’ offers guests a guided mini-tour of the historic Newcastle Victoria Tunnels followed by a ‘blind’ wine tasting hosted its in-house sommelier David Burlton and General Manager Adam Green. The event is held monthly but Hotel du Vin is also able to accommodate private tours with notice. Contact Hotel du Vin or The Ouseburn Trust for future dates and further details. • www.hotelduvin.com/newcastle www.ouseburntrust.org.uk
White, Backyard Rhythm Orchestra and Little Mammoths. The 3-day camping festival will be held once again on Beal Farm, Northumberland from 31st Aug -3rd September 2017 overlooking Holy Island and will play host to recently announced Friday night headliner The View and The Fratellis who will be taking centre stage on Saturday evening. • www.lindisfarnefestival.com summer
Tipple in the tunnel
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News
TA PA S TIME This new gem, which has opened up on New Bridge Street, Newcastle, has been winning rave reviews for its authentic Spanish food - perfect to get over those post holiday blues. • www.kalturfood.co.uk
Bear necessities Newby Hall’s teddy bear exhibition makes for a lovely day out for adults and children alike. Dame Judi Dench’s much-loved childhood teddy bear is the most recent addition to the world’s largest collection of famous teddy bears which is on permanent loan to the Newby Hall Charitable Trust from broadcaster Gyles Brandreth. Other VIB ‘s (Very Important Bears) in the Bear House include the original star of the Paddington 1972 animated TV series, Muppet Show stalwart Fozzie Bear donated by Jim Henson himself and the original Children in Need’s Pudsey Bear. Dame Judi says Bear is delighted to be back in the North “Bear was my beloved childhood companion and went everywhere with me. He’s a little careworn after all this time but very excited to be going back to Yorkshire – I was brought up in York – and he’s been missing that part of the country.” • www.newbyhall.com
THE MAGIC OF CINEMA The most beautiful open air cinema in Yorkshire, gorgeous Middleton Lodge, has announced the return of its Summer Season of Film and Theatre, all set in the grounds of the Georgian Country Estate and we can’t wait for drinkies in the grounds soaking up a bit of culture. Located just on the outskirts of Richmond, North Yorkshire, Middleton Lodge will be hosting a six week open air cinema series this August, featuring a variety of films from cult classics, rom
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coms to sci-fi favourites. They include hit comedy, Anchor Man – The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Wes Anderson’s classic, Life Aquatic and recent Oscar winner’s, Lion and La La Land, plus many more. Not forgetting for the little ones, Middleton Lodge will be hosting afternoon performances of Wind In The Willows and Dogs Don’t Do Ballet, during the summer school holidays. Entry into The Coach House outdoor cinema is £6.50 per person. • www.middletonlodge.co.uk
T20 DERBY GAME...WITH A DIFFERENCE
COLLY PAUL COLLINGWOOD
GATES OPEN
SUNDAY 20TH
12 NOON MATCH
AUGUST 2017
STARTS 2:30PM
TEAM MANAGER: PETER REID
TEAM MANAGER: KEVIN KEEGAN
SUNDERLAND V NEWCASTLE EMIRATES RIVERSIDE STADIUM In partnership with
HOSPITALITY PACKAGES AVAILABLE: VIP INFINI’TIPI’ TICKET
Package includes: ground admission, BBQ served at 1:30pm, complimentary drink, private bar, Fosters beer garden, TIPI seating (unallocated seating, arrive early), after match party and DJ till 10.30pm with the players
£50
RIVERSIDE SUITE TICKET
Package includes: ground admission to watch from balcony seats, 2 course meal served at 1:00pm, private bar, Q&A with Colly and friends, access to the after match party and DJ till 10.30pm with the players in the VIP TIPI TENT
GROUND ADMISSION TICKETS:
ADVANCE TICKETS £10 ON THE DAY TICKETS £15 CHILDREN’S TICKETS £5 CONTACT BOX OFFICE FOR TICKETS ON: 0844 4994466 organised by:
£75 (tables of 10 £750)
FOR HOSPITALITY TICKETS CONTACT: maddie@maddieness.co.uk
www.colly40.com
Feature
CRICKET but not as you know it...
THE LEGENDARY CRICKETER PAUL COLLINGWOOD WILL BE SAYING THANK YOU IN STYLE THIS SUMMER WITH A STAR STUDDED MATCH FOR HIS SUPPORTERS. LA DI DA REPORTS...
PHOTO CREDIT: Photography by Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com
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o celebrate Paul Collingwood MBE’s testimonial year at Durham County Cricket Club, the three-times Ashes winner will host the first ever Sunderland versus Newcastle T20 cricket match at Emirates Riverside on August 20th. Donning his beloved red and white stripes, Collingwood will lead his star-filled Sunderland side into battle under the management of former Black Cats boss, Peter Reid while Newcastle’s squad will be coached by Magpies legend Kevin Keegan. Playing will be some of the finest, past and present, Durham and England cricket stars in a fun-filled afternoon at Emirates Riverside After 21 years of cricket for Durham and England, Paul Collingwood has made more appearances for his home county than anyone – 201 – and scored more centuries (22). He made his debut in 1995, scoring 91 in his maiden first class innings in 1996. In his testimonial year, he has a few stellar events lined up around the country but it’s clear when we meet him that Durham is a bit special for this local boy. “It will be a party atmosphere and I want to see plenty of kids and families there. It’s my way of saying thank you to the supporters as well as Durham Cricket Club. “ I am looking forward to competing against Newcastle. Although its fun, both sides will be strong sides, we’re sportsmen and competitors at heart and we want to give the supporters a good game so we’ll have lots of familiar names. Sunderland will have the best side, obviously,” he laughs. “As a Sunderland supporter I’ll be hoping for a big win.” The match - supported by Ward Hadaway, Infiniti Newcastle, M24Seven and Maddieness Events - is summer
also supporting and raising funds for the Graham Wylie Foundation that does incredible work to improve the lives of vulnerable children and young people across the region. Ground admission tickets are WIN WIN WIN £10 advance and £15 standard, with children’s tickets £5. To As media sponsor we have 10 purchase or for more standard tickets up for grabs. All information, contact the you need to do is email DCCC Box Office on editorial@ladida.co.uk with the subject line Colly and names 0191 3871717. will be selected at random to Riverside Suite packages, win tickets. Closing date is 12th available at £75, include August 2017. T&C’s at balcony seats, two-course meal, www.ladida.co.uk. Q&A with Colly and access to the after-match tipi party with live music and DJ. • For more information visit www.Colly40.com and for hospitality tickets contact maddie@maddieness.co.uk.
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s Join u
Garden Party
U l t ima e h t t r e o f
WORLD CLASS MUSIC, WONDERLAND CURIOSITIES AND BUTLERS SERVING AFTERNOON TEA. TRULY THERE HAS NEVER BEEN AN EVENT QUITE LIKE IT IN THE REGION. EDITOR LINDA JANE WESTPHAL TELLS US MORE...
B ABOVE Fascinators and hats are positively encouraged for the Garden Party... RIGHT Rockliffe Hall’s new garden will be the stunning setting for the Garden Party
rought up in Teesside, Soprano Annette Wardell has appeared in Vogue, performed at all of the Royal Palaces and regularly sings to audiences all over the world. Dubbed the ‘Kylie of Opera’ for her petite stature, Annette sang last year with Alfie Boe and this summer is performing with the National Symphony with Russell Watson as her special guest. Yet, until now, she has never performed in her native North East. Now, for one day only she will be coming to sing to her home audience as part of our Ultimate Garden Party, a fabulous charity event which will be held on the afternoon of Sunday 24th September and which is raising money for local brain tumour research and also brain injury charity Headway. Annette is performing in memory of her good friend, the magician Paul Daniels, a fellow teessider who returned to the region just before he died. The charity event had been planned with Paul when he was very ill with brain cancer to raise much needed funds and awareness for brain charities. Sadly he passed away before it could be held but it will now be held in his memory with wife Debbie McGee’s support. “Paul Daniels was a great friend to me,” says Annette. “We had a real bond as teessiders and had the same sense of humour. He was the kindest man, we miss him terribly. He was over the moon about the La Di Da fundraiser and was hopeful that other people could benefit from additional funds going to brain tumour research. That was the kind of man he was, he
was always thinking of others.” The Garden Party will be hosted outdoors at Rockliffe Hall and includes access to the fabulous wonderland Mischmasch garden, a wonderland of curiosities. It promises to be a jam-packed afternoon of entertainment for young and old alike. It will be an afternoon of flag-waving Britishness with gin pop up, champagne, food pop ups and Alice in Wonderland posh afternoon tea served by butlers, to name just a few of the wonderful things we have lined up for you. Annette will be supported by the acclaimed The Locrian Ensemble which brings together some of the most prominent string soloists in London led by National Symphony Artistic Director Justin Pearson.
Date and Time: From 12noon until 6pm on Sunday 24th September 2017. Dress code: British Garden Party – fabulous frocks for ladies and collared shirts for gents. Hats and fascinators not essential but absolutely encouraged, with prizes for the best dressed lady, gent, child and pooch. General admission tickets start from £45 per person, with family, platinum and VIP options also available. Full details are available at www.rockliffehall.com
LEFT Teesside born Annette is dubbed the ‘kylie of opera’ for her petite size and good looks BELOW The fabulous wonderland Mischmasch garden will surprise and delight adults and children alike
To find out more or to book your tickets please call 01325 729999 or email vip.event@rockliffehall.com
THE TELEGRAPH The Garden Party will be packed full of activities including the fabulous wonderland Mischmasch garden with live theatre performances and lots, lots more. Truly an event not to be missed, this will be an afternoon to remember whilst raising much needed funds for local brain charities in desperate need of support. Tickets are going fast for this unique, once in a lifetime experience. Prices start from just £45 and family and VIP packages are available. The VIP package includes VIP access, champagne brunch, access to the VIP after party within the Old Hall, overnight stay at Rockliffe Hall, breakfast and use of the award winning spa. Call or email Rockliffe Hall now to book and find out more about the social event of the year. Then all you need to do is grab a glass of champers, enjoy a decadent afternoon tea served by butlers and sit back and listen to world class music in beautiful surroundings. It will be an unforgettable afternoon, we do hope you’ll join us and the fantastic Rockliffe Hall and help us support our very worthy charity partners.
Stan Seaton
Cellist Justin Pearson has been Principal Cellist of the National Symphony Orchestra, Guest Principal cello of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the English Sinfonia Orchestras. For many years he worked as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s solo cellist, in the original cast of ‘Phantom of the Opera’, ‘Evita’, ‘Whistle Down the Wind’ and ‘Bombay Dreams’. He was the solo cellist in the RSC’s production of ‘Matilda the Musical’ in London’s West End, and he performs on musical scores to BBCTV’s ‘Wolf Hall’ and soundtracks to films such as ‘Gladiator’ and ‘Harry Potter’. His versatility is such that he has also appeared live in concert with Oasis. “I am so excited to be performing on my home ground,” says Annette. “It means the world to me. And to be performing with Justin and the Locrian Ensemble will be amazing. They are incredibly talented musicians and I am delighted that we have the chance to work together to create something really magical for the Garden Party.” They will be joined on stage by the North East Northern Doctor’s Chorus, a group of 40 doctors and one dentist, whose performances have won rave reviews. Comprised of members who were Oxbridge Tenors, the Doctors will be supporting Annette and the Locrian Ensemble with a musical repertoire that will include Gilbert and Sullivan and prom classics. Also performing will be students from Yarm School who will be adding to the line up of North East talent showcased by the event.
Annette Wardell has the most enchanting voice of her generation
Garden Party DI DA A L
In association with Rockliffe Hall
JOIN US WITHIN THE GROUNDS OF BEAUTIFUL ROCKLIFFE HALL, HURWORTH FOR A FABULOUS AFTERNOON OF MUSIC, GIN, CHAMPAGNE, FOOD POP UPS AND POSH AFTERNOON TEA (SERVED BY BUTLERS OF COURSE!)
The Garden Party includes:
◆ Performances from star soprano Annette Wardell, favourite of the Royals and dubbed “The most enchanting voice of her generation” by The Telegraph and London’s acclaimed Locrian Ensemble ◆ Supporting entertainment from north east musicians including the Northern Doctors Chorus and Yarm School ◆ Posh Afternoon Tea Hampers available with personal butler service ◆ Raffle and silent auction to raise funds for our charity partners ◆ Fabulous food, craft ale, gin and champagne pop ups ◆ Family friendly packages and experiences available
The Garden Party will be hosted in aid of local brain tumour and brain injury charities and will offer a jam-packed afternoon of entertainment for young and old alike. The garden party will be hosted outdoors within the new ‘Mischmasch’ area of Rockliffe Hall, a wonderland of curiosities, and promises to be an afternoon not to be missed.
Dress Code: Garden Party Fabulous Tickets available from £45 per person, with VIP and family experiences available To find out more or to book your tickets please call 01325 729999 or email vip.event@rockliffehall.com
VIP PACKAGES
are available including entry to our decadent Mischmasch VIP after party in the Rockliffe Suite featuring private performances from the stars
Date and Time: From 12 noon until 6pm on
Sunday 24th September 2017.
Luxury Buy
SISLEY Super Soin Solaire Tinted Sun Care SPF30 40ml £109 Harvey Nichols Leeds harveynichols.com
Evoke relaxing memories of your summer hols with DIPYTQUE’s Le Sablier, a hourglass diffuser you can fill with one of six fragrances £120 Fenwick Newcastle
INNOVATE Radiance Reveal Peel £17.50 Marks & Spencer
Moonlight in Heaven parfum by KILIAN features a Mother of Pearl lid, from £110 Kilian at Fenwick Newcastle.
BEAUTY EDIT STYLE DIRECTOR LIZ LAMB SELECTS HER BEAUTY MUST-HAVES FOR SUMMER
SUN SMART Ultra Defence £12 Marks & Spencer YSL Volupte Tint In Oil 16 Prune Me Tend - £26 Harvey Nichols Leeds harveynichols.com
BALMAIN Argan Moisturizing Elixir £26 Harvey Nichols Leeds
LA DI DA Loves TOM FORD Soleil Hydrating Emulsion from £36 and Eau de Parfum from £65, Fenwick Newcastle tomford.com
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Beauty
CLINIQUE Pep-Start Eye Cream Harvey Nichols Leeds
LA DI DA Loves Philosykos parfum by DIPYTQUE Fenwick, Newcastle
MURAD City Skin Overnight Detox Moisturiser
Model Kirsten Stewart showcases the new Eyes collection by CHANEL. Ombre Premiäre in Rose Synthetique and Ombre Premiäre in Scintillance £25 Chanel.com
AUTOGRAPH Self Tan Prepare spray £8.50 Marks & Spencer
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Beauty
SHE HAS SHOT WITH ICONIC SUPERMODELS AND REGULARLY WORKS WITH BIG DESIGNER NAMES AT FASHION WEEKS AROUND THE GLOBE. WE CATCH UP WITH OUR RESIDENT BEAUTY QUEEN, MAKE UP ARTIST JO LEVERSUCH, TO FIND OUT ABOUT HER ‘GO TO’ PRODUCTS FOR GLOWING SUMMER LOOKS....
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o has been called the Queen of Skin and with good reason; with just a few strokes of her make up brushes skin is glowing, peachy and visibly radiant. It’s no wonder then that she is on speed dial for top fashion photoshoots in London and New York and, of course, in the North East where she is part of the La Di Da fashion and beauty team. “We all love creating glowing, natural looks throughout the summer months, making the most of that sun kissed skin and special glow that only summer bestows,” she says. “But these looks need to deal with everything the season throws at us such as heat, humidity, summer downpours and dips in the sea or the pool.” Jo has five essential make-up must haves that deliver long lasting, water resistant formulas making it ideal for partying in Ibiza, festivals and summer weddings. One of her essentials is Veil Cover Cream which she says is a hidden gem with a light texture so it doesn’t feel like a mask but at the same time delivering full coverage. “Veil Cover Cream is waterproof and I apply it with a Beauty Blender sponge to create a flawless finish,” she advises. “For eyes try Ariane Poole Eyeshine on the eyelids with your fingertips or if you require a stronger look, use a medium brush to apply and blend. During the summer months mascara can be difficult to keep on so why not treat yourself to the latest LVL Lashes which add a natural curl and enhance the eyelashes you already have.”
With eyebrows it’s still all about strong healthy brows. One of Jo’s favourites is Rodial GlamoBrow which is ideal to fill in little gaps and has a brow comb on the end of the pencil to keep those brows in check. Another waterproof product ideal for the beach she suggests, is Daniel Sandler Watercolour blusher which creates a flawless hint of colour on the cheeks. “This product can be used directly onto skin or apply after foundation.You can even use it for a pop of colour on the lips where it works like a lip stain, so it’s ideal for festivals where you want your beauty products to multitask. Just add a touch of a REN lip balm for a high shine gloss and to nourish your lips at the same time with vitamin E,” she says. Images by Helen McClafferty Illustration, Newcastle, showing our summer shoot at Seaham Hall with Jo making up model Eva Rankin from Tyne Tees models. For more of Helen’s work take a look at her facebook page @HVMillustration.
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Beauty
A cut ABOVE A FABULOUS NEW HAIR AND BEAUTY SALON HAS OPENED UP IN MONTE DARLO WHICH IS MORE PRIVATE MEMBERS CLUB THAN YOUR AVERAGE SALON. LA DI DA PAYS A VISIT...
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ecret parking, access codes to enter and hip interiors marks Forty7 out as a very special hair and beauty experience. And special is exactly how you’re made to feel as soon as you walk in. The welcome couldn’t be warmer, you instantly feel amongst friends. Forty7 has a special atmosphere which only comes when you have a group of women who are at the top of their game and who have been friends for over 20 years. Forty7 is about making women feel beautiful inside and out, it is a place of warmth and empowerment. So
alongside a range of top beauty and hair treatments, Forty7 offers massage, reiki and therapy with Julie Charge and photography with acclaimed photographer Tracy Kidd, who has her own stunning studio at the top of the historic townhouse. Elizabeth Gange Carrigan offers a range of fab treatments including Bio Sculpture, a very high end nail manicure that leaves your nails healthier and encourages growth. It comes in a gorgeous range of colours and leaves nails feeling stronger. Other treatments include pedicures and waxing. summer
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Charlotte McClean is a super talented, expert hair stylist and colourist who will leave you with the glossiest and glammest of locks. She has a great team that includes Nicole, who definitely delivers the best blow dry for miles around. Together all of these lovely ladies make you look and feel fabulous, the very best version of you. • Forty7, 47 Coniscliffe Road, Darlington, DL3 7EH.Tel 01325 240024. W facebook.com/forty7
Health
Water Babe AS AN EX MODEL AND BALLET DANCER, VALERIE COLLING HAS A PASSION FOR DRINKING LOTS OF WATER AND THE BENEFITS IT BRINGS, SO MUCH SO THAT SHE HAS NOW LAUNCHED HER OWN BRAND. LA DI DA MEETS HER...
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ven as a child Valerie was obsessed by water. While other children had to be persuaded to put down fizzy drinks and drink water, she was the opposite, turning into quite the water connoisseur even at such a tender age. There is a sense of destiny then that she ended up following her heart and creating a water brand that reflected her passion and beliefs with Love Tide Water. “I would take bottles to school with me,” she explains. “I didn’t like to drink tap water at school; I was quite sensitive to the different taste of different waters, even bottled waters, at an early age.” In an age where water sommeliers are all the rage, we have become accustomed to the properties and tastes of individual waters and it’s easy to forget how unusual drinking bottled water was on such a regular basis. “I seem to sense intrinsically that water was good for me. When I did ballet I used to drink a lot of water to keep me healthy and hydrated. Later as I went into modelling, drinking lots of good, quality water was an essential. I had developed a healthy habit for life,” she says. After years working at a high level in other people’s businesses, she decided it was time to follow her own dream. She set up Karma Water Company which reflected her own spirituality and belief system with Love Tide Water as the name of the water itself.Valerie does a lot of yoga and Tai Chi and wanted to imbue her water with messages and beliefs that nourished and cultivated positivity. “Water has a vibrational energy to it as we are all made up of water,” she explains. On the inside of the bottles are different secret messages. The glass water bottles bear the words ‘Be Love, Be Joy, Be Calm, Be You’ in hot pink. So when you look through the glass you can see the words shimmering through the water and sending a private
message to the bottle’s owner. The plastic versions have ‘Drink in the Good Karma’. It’s a lovely designer feature which reflects the specialness of the water inside and sends out positivity. Our fashion team fell in love with both the water and the bottles when it was provided for a recent fashion shoot and considerable time was spent capturing the words for the perfect instagram shot. Valerie has spent a long time looking for just the right water. “I searched the length and breadth of the country to find exactly the right one,” she said. “I wanted quite an alkaline water and then I found it, on a farm, on protected land, free from chemicals and contaminates.” Those values also carry through to the packaging. All of Love Tide’s glass is recycled and they also use BPA free plastic which is bio degradable. “It sounds crazy but minerals are actually taken out of a lot of waters,” Valerie reveals. “But ours are all kept in. The water has a lovely, soft taste. I get a lot of positive feedback from people who like sparkling water in particular, saying they love our sparkling water because of its soft feel and delicate taste.” • Love Tide is available in still and sparkling and can be found at places such as Rockliffe Hall and Mint Hobo in Yarm. Check out www.lovetidewater.com for further stockist information. summer
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Eat, pray
RENOWNED NUTRITIONAL THERAPIST KATE CHAYTOR-NORRIS JOINS LA DI DA AS A REGULAR COLUMNIST. WE STARTED BY ASKING HER FOR HER EIGHT HACKS FOR EXTRA ENERGY…
love
The Eight Energy
ESSENTIALS Keep blood sugar levels even It makes sense that if you want a good supply of energy you need an even supply of fuel. If your blood sugar levels are swinging up and down then this will not be conducive to good energy levels. To keep blood sugar levels even, make sure your carbohydrates are as wholegrain as possible – the nuttier and seedier and browner they are, the better. In addition make sure that you have protein at every meal or snack, protein is harder to break down and so the sugar release from the food will be slower and will last you for longer, meaning that you shouldn’t get blood sugar dips. It goes without saying that sugary foods will spike your blood sugar levels. Liver support The liver is the main detox organ and in our 21st century world there are a huge amount of toxins to deal with. When the liver becomes overloaded, it deposits toxins around the body which impacts our energy levels. To support your liver, eat foods like broccoli, kale, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, garlic, leeks and eggs, these all contain nutrients that support the liver detox pathways. Keep properly hydrated If your cells are dehydrated, nothing is going to work efficiently and the liver will not be able to detox properly. Drink water or herbal tea (be aware that some herbal teas have sugar added), coffee and normal tea do not count towards hydration. The formula for working out how much water you should be drinking for your body size is multiply your weight in kgs by 0.033 – this will give you the amount of water in litres that you should be drinking daily. If you are doing lots of exercise and sweating, you will require a bit more. Efficient digestion I meet so many people with digestive problems that just live with them. If you have cramping,
Breathing One of the first things to go awry when you are stressed is your breathing, it will become very shallow which says to the body that you are in a life-threatening situation. Taking a few slow breaths (in for four and out for seven) will help to calm your body and mind. If you feel stressed, make sure your breathing is the first thing that you check.
bloating, constipation, diarrhoea or acid reflux, it means that you are not digesting your food properly. If you are not digesting your food, then you can very quickly become deficient in nutrients which will then impact your energy levels. This is an area where you need to see an expert in digestive issues, long term digestive issues can lead to long term damage and chronic disease in the body. Address stress One of the biggest sappers of energy and vitality is stress, in fact that I would go as far as to say that stress is the single most damaging thing that you can expose your body to because it adversely affects all of your body systems.This is probably one of the most challenging issues that my clients have to deal with and it takes the most homework to rectify. Stress is a very complex issue and everyone has their different triggers. Sometimes the body can get switched into permanent fight/flight mode so you feel constantly wired and tired at the same time. It is important to try and stand back from your life and look at the sources of stress and how you can change them, or if you cannot change them, then you have to change how you perceive them. summer
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Perfectionism When it comes to health and happiness, perfectionism is a most unhelpful trait, not only does it drives us to put unnecessary pressure on ourselves, but we live with the fear of getting it wrong. Perfectionism is fuelled by society and social media, with people posting their perfect families, with perfect bodies eating perfect food and having a perfect time! A useful phrase to say to yourself in your daily life is ‘I Am Enough’, however I look, whatever I ate, whatever I did, that is enough. This boosts your self esteem and stops the mind focusing on the fear of not being good enough. Self esteem A robust self-esteem is something I very rarely find in clients, however successful they may be. Everyone has their own stories and experiences that chip away at their self-esteem and that little inner voice will always be there to give you a hard time. Be aware of what it is saying to you and ask yourself, would you speak to a friend this way? It is important that we treat ourselves with kindness and respect, negative thoughts have a profound effect on the physical body. Each day make a point of saying something positive to yourself that will boost your self-esteem.Try not to make it achievement based because at the end of the day ‘You Are Enough’, despite what you do or don’t achieve. • Further information can be found on Kate’s site at www.nutritionyorkshire.com.
Health
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TRIED& TESTED
Jet Set KISS THE MOON’S JO FOSTER OFFERS TOP TIPS FOR JET LAG Before you fly: Get a few early nights in before you set off on your travels. Sleep deprivation has a cumulative effect so if you step on to the plane well rested, your energy levels will be topped up enough to allow you to power through the journey if needs be. O n b o a r d : Turn your watch to the time zone of your destination in the departure lounge and do what you’d normally do at that time of day during the flight. If it’s meal time where you are heading to, then eat. If it’s bedtime settle down and get some sleep. Use earplugs, sleep masks and relaxing aromatherapy to tune out distractions and help yourself drop off.The sooner you can get your body in synch with the local time zone, the easier it will be when you land. O n a r r i v a l : Get out in to the natural light as soon as you can after your plane touches down. Our body synchs itself by sensing light levels. Blue light emitted in natural daylight tells us to stay awake and as darkness falls our sleepy hormones kick in. A stroll outdoors gives your internal clock chance to reset itself fully. Before bed have a massage or take a soak in the bath using aromatherapy oils. The family of sleep-inducing essential oils such as rose, neroli, lavender or jasmine, can rebalance brainwaves, helping us feel safe, calm and ready for sleep.
LA DI DA Loves Kiss the Moon’s CALM Inflight Beauty Sleep set, £30 from kissthemoon.com
The so-called facial... for your body REVIEW: LAUREN HEDLEY
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he all new Tri-Active body treatments have landed at Clarins Skin Spa in John Lewis Newcastle and with a well-timed holiday approaching, I was first in line to try them out. Opting for the Contour Shaper - a one hour, 10 minutes treatment time - I headed into town straight from work on a weekday evening. Being able to book a late appointment is one of the benefits that comes with a department store spa rather than having to squeeze in a weekend session when you have countless errands to run; another is picking up your holiday toiletry haul in one fell swoop across the beauty floor. Gemma, a therapist that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting before, was ready and waiting on reception to escort me upstairs to fill in a quick health check form and identify any particular niggles I had. I then made myself comfortable in a calmly-lit room, with atmospheric music playing, and on the pre-heated bed, where I would happily have stayed the night. The Tri-Active Contour Shaper has been designed as an intensive solution to sculpting and firming every inch of us – from our arms and bust to thighs, bums and tums. It works by applying a contouring massage to deeply drain away the excess fluid we retain and layering up a firming cocktail (of the non-alcoholic variety) which lifts, nourishes and preserves the skin’s elasticity. I’ve always loved the art of massage and at one point fancied myself a masseuse in the making so I’m sure to take tips whenever I get a proper treatment. In expert form, the therapist’s hands rarely break skin contact and the cream mask is warm, creating a melting-like substance and has a hint of lemon scent to capture the senses. The science: Bocoa plant does the firming while the Marjoram leaf in the accompanying oil lends its draining properties.
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My favourite part was the Thermo-Activated Contouring Mask from the ClarinsPRO range which Gemma applied to my legs from the knee up, wrapping it loosely and I immediately felt it kick in. It’s reassuring when you can feel something working and the zingy (yes, that’s a word!) effect certainly lasted. The gel-in-oil formula boasts hazelnut oil, aquatic mint, horse chestnut extract to promote microcirculation and quince leaf extract which has anti-cellulite qualities. This mix works together to target stubborn areas and that of newly-forming cellulite. The whole experience is incredibly indulgent and relaxing from start to finish and after a post-treatment chatter about engagement rings, I sashay out feeling silky, smooth and detoxified. Called Tri-Active for the number of treatment components, it ticks three boxes of mine meaning I get a massage, a wrap and a moisturising mask in one, saving myself the difficult decision of picking between them. After two treatments combined with an at home body contouring programme, clinical test results show a loss of 0.7cm around the thigh and a 9% improvement in skin tone. I’m a slave to ‘tried and tested’ and so have upgraded my Clarins daily routine with the Body Fit gel-cream, which gives a cooling sensation, as satisfactory as the caffeine hit from my morning latté. I’ll be booking my second treatment before jetting off to the Côte d’Azur later this summer.
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 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
01642 794150
in association with
PAUL BAGULEY IS A RESPECTED CONSULTANT AESTHETIC/PLASTIC SURGEON WHO PRACTICES IN THE NORTH EAST. MB CHB BSC FRCSCPLAS FRCSED PLAS. WWW.PAULBAGULEY.COM
Surgeons notes
Fab abs...
Abdominal Reduction This is also known as the tummy tuck. Excess skin and fat can be removed, abdominal contours and scars improved, and the muscles tightened. Different combinations can be used in the various procedures for a bespoke solution that addresses the patient’s individual needs and body shape. The Mini-Abdominoplasty In this procedure surplus skin below the belly button is removed leaving a low abdominal scar at the level of the pubic hair. The belly button is not disturbed but liposuction is usually carried out at the same time as the procedure to reduce the thickness of fat in the abdominal wall and any laxity of the abdominal wall is treated at the same time. The Extended Abdominoplasty In the extended Abdominoplasty surplus skin and fat of the loins and back are also removed so that the scar extends around the flanks onto the lower back.
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PHOTO CREDIT: Istock
bdominal reduction surgery is rapidly becoming one of the fastest growing cosmetic procedures for men and women. Medical advances have given us a variety of solutions for issues around the abdominal area which just cannot be addressed through diet and exercise. The effects are life changing for patients, giving them back their confidence and allowing them to be the best version of themselves again but like any medical procedure, it needs to undertaken seriously and is not designed for those who could improve their abdominal area with exercise and an appropriate diet. So who is the surgery appropriate for? Anyone who has excess abdominal skin and fat may be a candidate. With women the problem is usually caused by pregnancy, but is greatly exaggerated by weight loss. Men are similarly affected by weight loss. Stretch marks (striae) are simply the scars which are left after extreme stretching of the skin. They are usually
Health
most apparent on the lower parts of the abdominal wall. There is no specific treatment for these stretch marks, but many of them are excised in an abdominal reduction and those that are left are tightened making them look less obvious. Patients that are unable to tighten the abdominal wall skin with exercise or wish to achieve a smoother, flatter abdomen will also benefit. There are a variety of procedures that can be used to achieve significant benefits. Below I outline just a few but a full consultation with a highly qualified, experienced surgeon will allow them to advise you on the exact type of procedure they recommend for your particular circumstances. summer
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What is an apronectomy? The apronectomy is a modification of the mini-Abdominoplasty for patients who have a large excess of skin and fat hanging down over the pubic area. In this procedure only the surplus skin and fat is removed. An alternative procedure which should always be considered instead is liposuction on its own. This reduces fat and causes just a little retraction of the skin. • Further information and expert tips and advice can be found on www.definecosmeticsurgery.com
If you’re thinking of having any cosmetic procedure, we recommend you research your procedure and surgeon thoroughly and choose someone registered with BAAPS, the British Association of Aesthetic plastic surgeons (baaps.org.uk) 020 7430 1840
Health
TRIED& TESTED
Hooker & Young, Darlington REVIEW: LIZ LAMB
Natura Bissé 3D Collagen Shock Facial, Wynyard Hall Spa REVIEW: LINDA JANE WESTPHAL
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s soon as news reached us that there were new Natural Bissé facials at the fabulously roccoco Wynyard Hall, we fired up the Aston and headed down to their spa pronto. This glam brand, beloved by A Listers such as Beyonce and Elle Macpherson, is perhaps best known for its luxury face creams featuring real diamond dust which instantly became cult products. I had an initial consultation with spa therapist Amy, she recommended the 90 minute 3D Collage Shock Facial, perfect for my dehydrated, tired skin which had suffered due to an excess of tight deadlines, late nights and gin fuelled shenanigans. The 3D is an intensive anti-ageing treatment which helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It includes thorough deep cleansing massage, stimulating heated gels, professional glycolic-acid exfoliation and nourishing face masks, leaving skin contoured, lifted and hydrated, for a sculpted, younger-looking appearance. The facial was created as a powerful, regenerative facial treatment and is based on three types of collagen which are designed to increase firmness, define facial contours, improve skin density and preserve moisture. The hero active ingredient to 3D Collagen Shock is the 3D Collagen Matrix. Exclusive to Natura Bissé. The smart combination of three types of collagen with different molecular weights (high, medium and low) is reportedly able to work on
different layers of the skin to offer an intensive lifting and redensifying effect. The treatment also included the Active Face Contouring Technique massage that redefines and sculpts the guest’s facial contours. Dear Reader, what can I say? It was heavenly and I emerged with a Beyonce like glow, all plumptious cheeks and dewy skin. Lines had diminished and most pleasingly of all, the deep lines that had emerged around my eyes in recent weeks due to too much coffee, central heating and lack of sleep, had disappeared. I didn’t even bother to apply make up all day and happily received lots of compliments. I cannot emphasise enough how much of a departure this is for me, me being the sort who always wears a full face for fear of frightening dogs and small children. The real test of any facial is how skin looks and feels days later. I can confirm this is a goody. Skin retained plumpness and glow and felt so good that I kept surreptitiously stroking it throughout the days ahead. Natura Bissé 3D Collagen Shock Facial 60 minutes is £90 and 90 minutes is £110. • www.wynyardhall.co.uk
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will shamefully admit that it’s several months since I had my highlights done. I’m usually a light, golden blonde colour with not a whiff of a dark root but after a hectic few weeks that didn’t allow for a trip to the hairdresser, I’d been trying to convince myself that the roots and lights ends was, in fact, DIY balayage. Cue a visit to Hooker & Young in Darlington. The hair salon, run by Lesley Charles, is situated in the des res area of Grange Road, nestled amongst hip bars, boutiques and coffee shops. After apologising for the state of my barnet to the lovely stylist Rebecca, she got to work. During my consultation she suggested chopping three inches off the ends, adding in layering and then running two to three highlights through my hair. Rebecca wanted to go for a softer, more natural approach by choosing colours that worked with my skin tone rather than going for my usual bright blonde. It would also make my roots less noticeable in a couple of month’s time. The session began with getting my hair washed. The night before I’d tested out a new oil-based shampoo and I’d been left with oily residue so Rebecca used an Oribe shampoo which contained volcanic ash that cleanses the hair and removes the oil. If you haven’t tried Oribe products then you are missing out. They are the ‘Tom Ford’ of the hair world with super-stylish packaging, divine aromas and your hair feels amazing after using them. After a couple of hours it was bye bye dry ends and hello sexy, new hairstyle. The colour looked fantastic and complemented my pale complexion and wasn’t as brazen as my usual blonde. Rebecca chopped off my ends and then layered throughout my hair with a shorter, layered fringe. My hair was then blow dried to give it lots of volume and finished with finishing spray. I went out that evening and received so many compliments on my new colour and cut. Next time, I won’t leave so long! •Hooker & Young, Grange Road, Darlington www. hookerandyoung.co.uk
Promotion Health
FACE
time
CREDITS: Photography Gary Walsh Photography www.garywalsh.co.uk, Hair: Deep Hairdressing www.deephairdressing.com, Make up www. makeupbyjo.co.uk
BEVERLEY AIREY STARTED TO HATE HER OWN REFLECTION AFTER FRIENDS KEPT TELLING HER SHE LOOKED TIRED. NOW AFTER A NON- SURGICAL FACE LIFT THE COMPLIMENTS ARE COMING THICK AND FAST. LA DI DA MEETS HER TO FIND OUT MORE...
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s Beverley Airey steps through the door of our photography studio looking stunning in a royal blue dress, it’s hard to believe that her looks had once made her so unhappy that she avoided looking in the mirror. Beverley has recently had the non-surgical face lift at Queensway Skin Clinic and as she sits in the make up artist’s chair, devoid of any make up, she looks at least 15 years younger than her 57 years. “I have lost over two stone in the last few years due to cutting out food that didn’t agree with me and I felt a lot better for it. I had more energy and felt really good,” she explains. “But people kept telling me that I ‘looked tired’. At first I shrugged it off but the comments kept coming. “I started to feel really down about it and lost a bit of my confidence. The final straw was on holiday. I had a tan and felt really relaxed and refreshed and I bumped into someone I hadn’t seen for a few years and one of the first things she said to me was, ‘Are you okay, you look tired?,’ and it just really got to me. I thought if before
after
I’m tanned and relaxed and people are saying this to me it must be true.” After trying lots of different face creams and make up with no success, Beverley resigned herself to not liking her own reflection in the mirror. “I didn’t want surgery and I just told myself that this was it now, this was something that happened with age, but I did feel quite down about it but I didn’t want to put the weight back on. I was healthier and felt better in my own skin” A trip to her dentist Queensway Dental Clinic changed everything. “I was sitting in the dentist and I saw a video on Queensway’s Skin Clinic and the results were amazing so I made an appointment with Dr Uzma Olbrich just to see if they could do anything. Dr Uzma was so lovely and did a thorough consultation, looking at my skin and bone structure, before recommending the non-surgical face lift. She explained every step to me, what would happen, what it would feel like, what to expect. There was no hard sell, just lots of advice and support. It felt like being treated like a friend, she was so gentle and reassuring. “ The non-surgical face lift is a technique using dermal fillers to create a more lifted, naturally youthful look. As we age, the summer
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essential structure of our face changes. The creeping years, gravity, sun, lifestyle and smoking all contribute to lines and volume loss.Volume loss tends to occur in the mid-face around the cheek-bones and eye areas leading to descent of tissue and increasing lines around the nose to mouth, chin and jowl areas. The lift enhances the face’s natural features, smoothes and tightens the skin, and re-contours the shape of the face using advanced non-surgical techniques. Beverley is delighted with the results. “I feel like me again. I get compliments all of the time about how good I am looking. No one can quite put their finger on what is different. They think it’s a new lipstick or hair style. I loved how discreet this treatment is because I didn’t want anyone to know that I had had it done. “But now I have so much more confidence that I’ve decided to come out and tell the world because I remember how hopeless and unhappy I felt. I didn’t know what to do or where I could turn, I just knew I didn’t feel like me anymore. I hope that if someone is reading this who feels the same it will help. It’s not about vanity; it’s about self esteem and your own personal happiness.” Dr Uzma is offering a free skin consultation. Contact Queensway for more information. • www.queenswayskinclinic.co.uk
A-List skin‌ discover our secret weapon
Restylane SkinboosterÂŽ treatments create luminous, smooth skin in a natural way, by gently and naturally smoothing the skin from the inside out. Injected as microdroplets deep into the skin, it offers outstanding results in the face, neck, hands and dĂŠcolletage with increased skin hydration, collagen and elasticity. At Queensway Skin Clinic only our highly trained medical professionals deliver this unique treatment. Call 01642 352445 or visit www.queenswayskinclinic.co.uk
Located at Queensway Dental Clinic, 170 Queensway, Billingham, Teesside, TS23 2NT Proud to be a Save Face accredited clinic
at ramside
SUMMER SPA PACKAGES AVAILABLE NOW AT RAMSIDE SPA
Summer Spa Day
Includes full spa access 10am - 4pm, lunch from our spa menu & 60 min treatment. Available Sunday to Friday. Only £99.00 per person
Twilight for 2
Includes full spa access 5pm - 9pm, dinner from our spa menu, & rasul treatment. Available Sunday to Thursday. Only £110.00 per couple
Overnight Summer Indulgence
Includes an overnight stay in a premier room, full spa access, spa brunch & rasul treatment. Available Sunday to Friday. Only £199.00 per couple
EXCLUSIVE OFFER
Book Now for a FREE glass of Prosecco! Quote: LA DI DA For further information and to book please call our Reservations Team on
0191 375 3088
The Spa at Ramside Hall Hotel Carrville Durham DH1 1TD www.ramsidespa.co.uk | enquiries@ramsidespa.co.uk
Advertorial
La Di Da Spa THE SPA AT RAMSIDE, RAMSIDE HALL, DURHAM
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e firmly believe that you can judge a region’s fabulousness quotient by the quality of its spas. And as we have some of the best spas in the country, that makes Northern High Society pretty damn fabulous. One of the newest is the Spa at Ramside, just outside Durham. With a team that scoured the globe searching for inspiration from some of the best spas in the world, we knew it was going to be pretty special but it has exceeded all expectations, becoming the place to hang out for the fine and fabulous as well as offering state of the art luxury facilities, treatments and gym classes. It includes 14 luxurious therapy rooms, where treatments from top names such as ESPA are offered, a 25m long pool, a hydrotherapy pool, a range of saunas and steam rooms and a Rasul mud chamber and a state of the art gym. It is also one of the few Wellness Cancer centres in the country. There’s been a real buzz about the Spa since it opened due in no small part to its totally different take on luxury socialising. The spa combines high end
bespoke treatments with a relaxed social space, providing a cool place to hang out whether you’re having a day spa, are a member or just having a one off treatment. Spa users and non-spa users frequent the stylish Asian restaurant Fusion for coffee dates and cocktails, romantic meals or girlie lunches. Try the Asian Afternoon Tea, a little touch of delicious decadence. Luxury is the order of the day at Ramside with a juice bar where you can help yourself to flavoured waters or order drinks and smoothies and a gorgeous spa garden built around an outdoor vitality pool with recliners, outdoor sofa area, or the wicker ‘cabin’ with two beds, for a snooze in the shade. Spa butlers are on hand to cater for your every whim. Upstairs are the quiet treatment rooms and the Beauty Snug where you can sip a glass of Taittinger while you get your mani or pedi. For sheer unadulterated relaxation, head into the low-lit Sleep Sanctuary which has high tech massage beds for post-treatment chilling. If you have a special occasion coming up, why not book their private ‘spa within a spa’ area, complete with relaxation beds and an infinity-edge pool. Just sit back, relax with your partner or friends, and enjoy your very own private spa. Fizz and nibbles are also available to purchase if you want to completely indulge yourselves. • www.ramsidespa.co.uk
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ABOVE Try the Fusion Afternoon Tea after a soak in the hydro pool
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Roof Top Spa Rudding Park Spa, near Harrogate, has launched the UK’s first Roof Top Spa and Garden complete with Hydrotherapy Infinity Pool and Panoramic Sauna to the Spa’s unique Mind and Sense Zones. The underlying ethos of the Spa is bringing the best of the outside in. Sauna infusions created with herbs from the kitchen garden, natural waters drawn from the grounds of Rudding Park and treatments inspired by nature reflect this concept throughout. • www.ruddingpark.co.uk
LOOKING TO PAMPER YOURSELF THIS SUMMER BUT NOT SURE WHERE TO GO? WELL DON’T WORRY WE’VE DONE THE HARD WORK FOR YOU WITH OUR ROUND UP OF ALL THE LATEST NEW OFFERS FROM THE REGION’S FINEST SPAS....
Cancer Touch The beautiful Serenity Spa at Seaham Hall, near Durham, has launched Cancer Touch Therapy into their award-winning spa in conjunction with the Made for Life Organics brand. “I’m really delighted with the training we have received from the Made For Life team,” says Spa manager Davina Hassell. “We feel confident that we are now able to open our spa doors to all our guests and have already been overwhelmed by the response from some people who are going through cancer, who have previously been turned away from other spas. “There was one recent incident where two sisters arrived at the spa, one of whom was undergoing treatment for cancer, who had not even bothered to book a treatment because she had been turned away every single time she had tried to book since her diagnosis. When I told her that she was welcome and that we could offer her a treatment, she simply burst into into tears, and so did her sister. That means so much to us here at Seaham Hall and we would very much like to spread the word to others who could benefit from these new treatments.” • www.seahamhall.co.uk
‘School’s Out Spa Day’ To celebrate the end of summer term and the start of the long school holidays, the Spa team at Rockliffe Hall has created a unique, indulgent spa day for teachers and parents alike. This tongue-in-cheek school-themed spa day features a timetable including: Assembly: which involves enjoying a refreshing welcome drink on arrival before getting changed into school uniform (robes and slippers). Double Art: or the art of relaxing in the spa and lazing by the pool doing reading homework. Playtime: guests will enjoy a mud rasul, the perfect way to relax and have fun with friends. Using self-administered salt scrub and Dead Sea mud to detoxify the body, relax the muscles and nourish the skin. Chemistry: experiment with lotions and potions as your therapist tailors a fabulous summer
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60 minute facial to suit your skin needs. Environmental Studies: a session in the Spa Garden where you can study the environment from the outdoor hydrotherapy pool or glass fronted sauna whilst enjoying complimentary drinks. Forget the school canteen! This package also includes a delicious two course lunch in the Brasserie. Cost per person: £130 including a 60 minute treatment, welcome drink, 2 course lunch, mud rasul, spa garden and full spa use. Available: Mondays to Fridays from 24th July to 31st August 2017. • Contact Rockliffe Hall on 01325 729999 or visit www.rockliffehall.com
Fashion
Accessories for our shoot, bag and shoes Moda in Pelle
#BTS
Photograpy Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography.com
IN THIS EDITION, WE SHINE A LIGHT ON THE VERY TALENTED LOCAL ARTISTS WHO COLLABORATE WITH US FOR OUR FASHION SHOOTS
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ccessories are an essential for our fashion shoots and as well as working with top brands, we’re lucky enough to work with some fabulous local artists and this issue’s shoot was no exception. Elaine Humble from Dimesso Designs near Newcastle has made us some wonderful millinery confections over the years from a Lobster and Alice in Wonderland Hats to stunning masquerade masks and even a tiara for a whippet. This shoot she created two looks which could be used to tie into the Dalmatian scene. One striking black and white hat and one bow with pink dots detail. She also created masks including one in deep blue and a glamorous clear mask for our model Eva to wear and a white net lace veil featured on our front cover. Fashion accessory designer Melanie Kyles creates beautiful one offs including luxury sleep masks. Her latest range of chokers and bracelets are gorgeous strips of luxury ribbons and fabrics with beautiful jewels and embroidery creating sassy slogans or even a personal touch. We decided to dress up our posh puppy using one and now Melanie has orders for a few cats from the fashionista cat people on the La Di Da team, who no doubt will look very la di da indeed in their designer chokers. • www.dimessodesigns.co.uk www. melaniekyles.co.uk Shoot accessories, shoes Moda in Pelle, handbag and hat John Lewis, Eldon Square
High SOCIETY
THE BRITISH SUMMER SOCIAL SEASON IS UPON US AND IT’S TIME TO DRESS TO IMPRESS...
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Fashion
EVA wears black and white Ralph Lauren, John Lewis Eldon Square Hat Dimesso Designs
EVA wears Red Ted Baker Red Deep Frill crop top and Daffnie Frill midi skirt, Psyche Clutch Ted Baker, Psyche Shoes moda in pelle RYAN wears suit, shirt and accessories Woven Durham
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Fashion Feature
EVA wears Folk off the shoulder, John Lewis, Eldon Square RYAN’S Suit and accessories, Woven Durham
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EVA wears Finery of London, John Lewis, Eldon Square Shoes moda in pelle
Fashion
EVA wears Phase 8 white dress, John Lewis, Eldon Square Natalia Feather Cape, John Lewis Eldon Square Headpiece Dimesso Designs RYAN wears suit and accessories, Woven Durham
EVA wears handmade mask by Dimesso Designs White top Ralph Lauren, John Lewis, Eldon Square
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EVA wears Finery of London, John Lewis, Eldon Square RYAN wears suit and accessories, Woven Durham EVA wears handmade blue mask by Dimesso Designs
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Fashion
EVA wears Forever Unique Grace Floral Dress, Psyche Lulu Guinness Pink Lips clutch Psyche Shoes moda in Pelle
CREDITS Photography: Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com Mua: Jo Leversuch www.makeupbyjo.co.uk Hair: Joe Stoker Dare Hair Design facebook.com/Darehairdesign Models: Eva Rankin, Ryan Grier, Tyne Tees models www.tyneteesmodels.co.uk Styling: Melanie Kyles, Elaine Humble, Emma Turnbull Bespoke pieces www. melaniekyles.co.uk www.Dimessodesigns.co.uk Shot on location at the beautiful and uber stylish Seaham Hall, near Durham. www.seaham-hall.co.uk
EN VOGUE
LUCINDA CHAMBERS, FASHION DIRECTOR AT VOGUE, CHOOSES HER SUMMER STAPLES TO LOOK IMPECCABLY ON POINT THIS SUMMER...
E
ver wished you looked like you worked at Vogue? With that innate ability to team up clothes in such a fabulously stylish and nonchalant way that whatever the occasion your looks are on point? Well we bring good news lovely readers, because the very clever peeps at John Lewis have managed to persuade Vogue’s Fashion Director Lucinda Chambers to put together looks especially for them so it’s like having the most fashionable friend ever picking out your summer looks. Lucinda spent time in John Lewis shops choosing timeless, quality items that can transcend seasons and together serve as the building blocks of any wardrobe. The selection includes universal pieces that can effortlessly be worked into wardrobes, from white shirts and floral dresses to statement earrings and shoes. British Vogue and John Lewis have collaborated to share stories of style with a curated selection of ‘Vogue Recommends’ looks in the womenswear department at John Lewis Newcastle. Shoppers will also be able to book in for a personal styling appointment in branch. To book a Personal Styling Appointment customers simply contact the branch on 0191 232 5000, book a time that suits and ask to be taken through the Vogue edit. The Personal Styling team at John Lewis Newcastle will guide shoppers through the ‘Vogue Recommends’ key pieces and advise on how to style the looks including: • ‘The Shirt’ Modern Rarity palmer//Harding Shirt, £130 • ‘The Bag’ AND/OR Tassel Cotton Hobo Bag, £59 • ‘The Earrings’ Toolally The Peacock Drop Earrings, £45 • ‘The Jacket’ Parka London Britt Jacket, was £175 now £87.50 The ‘Vogue Recommends’ selects include over 50 key pieces of clothing and accessories, which are available in branch and also online at www. johnlewis.com/vogue.
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Fashion
LUCINDA CHAMBERS, VOGUE SHARES HER TOP STYLING TIPS
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The key pieces There are certain pieces that work for everyone, regardless of age. For example, the bomber jacket makes a modern addition to every wardrobe and instantly smartens an outfit yet keeps it cool. John Lewis’s own-brand, Kin, provides a nifty navy number, while Parka London has a more contemporary khaki quilted option for a younger consumer. Other wardrobe staples include ankle socks, a white T-shirt, a Breton top, a biker jacket, wide-legged trousers and skinny trousers, not to mention a duster coat, white shirt and scarves.
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Customise a cliché A duster coat or trench coat may seem like fashion clichés, but remember you can play with lengths, swap the belt out for your own or customise the sleeves. Try buying a high-waisted skirt three sizes too big for a longer length if short isn’t your style or pair a Toast tunic with Whistles trousers if you’re over 50, while bright young things can leave the trousers out.
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Learn your foundations Whatever you want to invest in, there are always options. Make sure you pick a fabric, colour and neckline that suits your shape and colouring. Know which neckline flatters you and learn what your colours are for basics. One size and one colour does not fit all, so experiment and find what works for you.
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Shop smarter When buying, think about longevity. Do you love the piece? Will it become an old friend to you and something you will reach for in five years’ time when all else fails? If yes, buy it. Buy better; why purchase four cheap T-shirts when you can buy one soft and gorgeous Whistles one that will improve with every wash for the same price? Fabric is a wonderful decider, especially as we age. Good-quality fabrics will always stand the test of time and be a valid investment.
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Don’t be afraid of the washing machine This is where good-quality fabrics come into their own. The better the fabric, the better it will wash. Cut out dry cleaning by choosing a washed silk and purchase in a larger size so that you can pop it in the wash time and time again. Kin, And/Or and Modern Rarity all use high-quality fabrics that look better with every wear and each brand offers classic staples with a twist.
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Make it your own Once the building blocks are in place, idiosyncrasies come into play. From belts to scarves, hats, earrings and beads, everyone has something – or a few things – that will always make them feel like themselves. Pile it on, as it’s those touches that bring your style to the fore.
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e t u Ha
d n u o H UT O S TA N D O T S E IK L O G. OG WH DA P P E R D V E RY T H IN E A H E T V T A S H U J U IF YO H AV E L DOG ROW D, W E IN D IV ID U A , C Y E K H T IR U M Q O FR FERS OMAN HOUND OF MET THE W E W . S D A B S O LU T E N OU F O R H IP H .. . CO U T U R E C RO SS L IN G H A R A S IT B E H IN D
What made you set up Absolute Hound? “Well it wasn’t something I’d always wanted to do, I’m pretty sure I just wanted to be a Ninja Turtle when I was younger. However, I have always been able to sew, my mother being a seamstress I was taught from a very young age how to use a sewing machine. It took a fair few years working in the pet sector before I decided to set up Absolute Hound. By that point I’d been dabbling with sewing again and had developed a bit of a flare for pattern making, it just seemed like the perfect thing to start doing.” Te l l u s a b o u t y o u r doggie outfits... “I’d say the clothing I make is actually very similar to my own style, I don’t make anything I wouldn’t wear myself. I do share a few outfits with my dogs, and I’m normally the one who gets sent off to change when we clash. Absolute Hound is all about offering the sensible
Fashion
I do share a few outfits with my dogs, and I’m normally the one who gets sent off to change when we clash... option…and the not so sensible option. It’s good to stand out from the nylon clad hounds at the park. The products range from basic sweaters to faux fur snoods, and this is just the beginning.” Do you have pooches you try them out on? “Yes I’ve got my awesome little English Toy Terriers Lumen and Ludovic. They are a really old native breed and are currently listed as being vulnerable, meaning there are only a small number of puppies registered each year. A lot of work has gone into strengthening the breed numbers over the years and my aim is to help the best I can to promote them. Using these two as my brand ambassadors gets them seen by people who would have never heard of the breed. It also helps that Lumen is quite happy to be draped in pattern paper and goes on as if she’s been signed for the cover of Vogue as soon as you get a camera out. Ludo is only 12 weeks and he’s already getting the hang of things too.” What sort of dogs do you cater for in terms of size? “Everything, I’ve dressed six week old puppies in sweaters and I await a call from a Tibetan Mastiff on
his way to climb Ben Nevis. The aim is to keep everything practical as well as stylish, big dogs need coats as much as smaller ones do.” Do you offer bespoke doggie couture? “Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, that’s the main issue with getting well fitting coats. Unfortunately there isn’t a generic pattern that suits all breeds, so the idea developed to offer custom sizes in all of the Absolute Hound clothing.You send over the measurements and I sort the rest. I often get requests to make things that aren’t part of our usual stock too, such as allergy shirts and full body rain suits; it’s always fun working on those types of projects.” • www.facebook.com/absolutehound
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✈
Hola Hola
AWARD WINNING FASHIONISTA KATE WALTON HAS HER OWN BOUTIQUE HAVE TO LOVE, A VOGUE FAVOURITE. SHE TALKS US THROUGH HER SUMMER WARDROBE STAPLES…
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ummer might not have hit our weather forecast yet but it’s here to stay for a while at Havetolove! Holidays are fast approaching and we want our wardrobe to be summer ready! I have just recently flown in from Mykonos, my new fave place, so I thought I would share my Havetolove fashion holiday looks with you.
GINGHAM STYLE Where to wear: City break- Paris, Cannes, Dubrovnik. More mature and less preppy, Gingham is now more fashionable thanks to J W Anderson, Rosie Assoulin and Altuzarra. Wear Gingham dresses with heavy boots for an updated grunge look. House of Holland teamed fishnets under layers of gingham and Peter Pilotto rebelled Wizard of Oz gingham with grafitti and badges. Top Gingham picks… Gabby Gingham off the shoulder dress £45
ALL THE STRIPE MOVES Where to wear: South of France or sight seeing in Montenegro. Kendall Jenner oozed class as she was spotted on a yacht in Cannes, wearing a short striped top with white trousers and Audrey Hepburn style sunnies. Stripes are a trend which will never fade and an all time classic. Fendi paired horizontal with vertical nautical stripes and Ellie Saab turned nouveau technicolour dream with multicoloured striped maxi dresses. Top picks at Havetolove… Minnie beach dress £48 Lauren pinstripe corest shirt £55
BOHO ON THE BEACH Where to wear: St Tropez and St Barts. We all loved the fur pom pom beanies in winter and what better way to bring them into Summer than wear them on our clothes! Moschino is a rainbow of colour this season with pom poms on everything. The quirkier the better and bring them to the beach. Top pom pom picks… Lexy pinstripe shirt with pom poms £59 Tammy tassel smock top £48
SO SANDALOUS What girl doesn’t want to add to her shoe collection?! Wedges are the perfect shoes for holidays! This summer it’s all about the metallic wedges, complementing any outfit you may wear shorts or a summers dress. Top wedge picks… Valentine wedge £65 GIVE THEM THE COLD SHOULDER Where to wear: Dubai beach or Mykonos. Shoulders are the new cleavage and ‘cold shoulder’ is huge this season! A girl can never own too many summer dresses and Olivia Palermo is killing it in a white off the shoulder dress as she was spotted boarding a yacht in Ibiza with Valentino (lucky Olivia!!). Off the shoulder summer dresses are perfect as you can throw it on and it’s a complete look- taking you from day to night. Just add some wedges and a sharp clutch and you have the perfect look! Top off the shoulder picks… Dana off the shoulder dress £50 Shop our latest looks at www.havetolove.com
gent.
Photography Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com Model Ryan Grier Tyne Tees Models www.tyneteesmodels.co.uk Clothes Merc London by Woven Durham
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Gents
Gentlemen DURHAM The
of
WITH IT’S QUIRKY, STYLISH INDEPENDENTS, ELVET BRIDGE IN DURHAM IS BECOMING THE GENTLEMAN’S QUARTER FOR THE DISCERNING CHAP ABOUT TOWN...
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Gents
House of Gentlemen Located at the top of Elvet Bridge, The House of Gentlemen is Durham’s first luxury male groomers, offering barbers, refinery rooms and tattoos all under one roof. Described as a hybrid of British opulence and eccentricity, this is a renaissance of the Gentleman. House of Gentlemen offers everything that a modern Gent needs to keep himself dapper from moustache styling to barbering, haircuts and hair styling and even pampering with hot towels to cleanse skin, open pores and relieve tight neck and shoulders. The refinery offers a range of treatments including massage and waxing. There are several different massage treatments on offer including sports, hot stone, Swedish and the new bamboo massage, which is great for deep, tissue work. The refinery also offers back facial, body exfoliation and a range of facials as well as manicure and pedicure. There is also a tattoo parlour that offers ink for the edgy gentleman and collector. With all of these services under one roof, presented with serious style credentials, it offers the ultimate male grooming club. • House of Gentlemen, 10 Elvet Bridge, Durham, DH1 3AA. 0191 383 0437 www.hofg.co.uk
Woven Durham
CREDITS Suits Woven Durham Hair House of Gentlemen Photography Alex Poole media Instagram alexpoolemedia alexpoolephotography Facebook www.facebook.com/ alexpoole media Featuring Alan Die, Pete Lavery and Rich Stephens
We have long been fans of Durham’s Woven Gentlemen’s Outfitters, purveyors of some seriously stylish clothing for men. They offer floors of men’s fashion in their new store on Elvet Bridge and the lovely chaps are always on hand to give advice and guidance. Their best selling brands include suits by Remus Uomo and Gibson London with casual looks from the likes of Merc London, Gabicci Vintage, Bertoni of Denmark and footwear from John White. They have recently been shortlisted for three prestigious Drapers Awards, where the fashion world celebrates the best independent fashion talents nationwide. The shop has fought off competition from the best of the United Kingdom’s fashion retail summer
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sector to be shortlisted for: Best Customer Experience, Best Store Design and Menswear Independent of the Year. “It’s great to be recognised by such a big name in the fashion industry for what we do,” says owner Chris Hayes. “The whole team are like a family here at Woven and it is amazing for other people to appreciate what we are passionate about as a store. It is a massive honour to even be shortlisted for these awards.” • Woven Durham, 21 Elvet Bridge, Durham. Telephone: 0191 3741002 www.wovendurham.co.uk
Feature Gents
Ben Davis is a man so passionate about his gins that when he first met his partner Beth when he was working behind a bar he refused to serve her anything else until she grew to love it. Now he has the smallest gin emporium in the world with the Tin of Sardines on Elvet Bridge, Durham. The bar hit headlines nationwide when it was said to be the world’s smallest bar. Queues are regularly seen outside Tin of Sardines and he recently had 10 people from Hawaii show up after they had flown into London, read about it and decided they had to visit immediately. “They just hopped on a train from London,” says Ben. “They had a whale of a time.” The Tin has no ‘bar’ as such, just a wall of the most fabulous handcrafted gins, tonics, herbs and accompaniments Ben grows in his allotment which includes everything from black tomatoes to chillies and blue peas. He is assisted by fellow ginologist Connah Jarvis and between them they offer gin tastings and History of Gin sessions during the week
Photography Alex Poole media
Tin of Sardines
when the place is less busy. The bar has over 216 gins including some really rare collectibles such as different distillers cuts of monkey 47 which range from £280- £1300 a bottle. Shots of the rare gins can cost between £35-£75 a shot. The bar is licensed for 26 so prepare for a friendly experience. “We had so many in the other week we were literally crammed in like sardines,” laughs Ben. “We had to keep asking customers to pass us bottles of gin and glasses, they loved it.” • Tin of Sardines, 18 Elvet Bridge, Durham, DH1 3AA www.tinofsardines.co.uk
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Gents
Timeless Style THE ESSENTIAL ACCESSORY FOR EVERY WELL DRESSED GENT Breitling Avenger Hurricane Mens Watch £7,185 | Hugo Boss Men’s Stainless Steel Mesh Chronograph Watch £299 | Rado Centrix Skeleton Mens Watch £1,505 | Tissot Le Locle Gents Watch £375 ALL AVAILABLE WWW.GOLDSMITHS.CO.UK
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THE MUST HAVE ACCESSORIES FOR A MODERN MANCTUARY WITH SERIOUS STYLE...
Barker and Stonehouse
Smithers of Stamford
Barker and Stonehouse
CAVE
Smithers of Stamford
CHAP
Smithers of Stamford
Smithers of Stamford
Smithers of Stamford
Smithers of Stamford
Smithers of Stamford
Smithers of Stamford
Gents
ALL PRODUCTS AVAILABLE W W W. S M I T H E R S O F S TA M F O R D. CO M A N D W W W. B A R K E R A N D S TO N E H O U S E . CO. U K
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Hollywood in your home Switch-on offers a complete range of 2017 LED TV’s including 4K UHD, OLED and Full HD models, which transform your viewing experience and bring a cinema experience direct into your home. The exceptional HDR picture quality of the 4K range allows you to experience your favourite sports, TV programmes, netflix and games like never before while their sleek designs add a touch of style to your interiors whether it’s for the family room, home cinema or ‘man cave’.
We have over 30 years experience of electricals as an independent retailer and member of the respected Euronics group. Our experienced, expert and friendly team provide honest advice, support and help in choosing exactly the right product for you and your family’s needs. We offer free home consultations to advise which system would suit your home best.
Pop in for a chat or call us on 01388 607 216 to book your free home consultation.
W Facebook.com/SwitchOn
Instagram @switchonbishop
SWITCH ON, 155-157 NEWGATE STREET, BISHOP AUCKLAND, COUNTY DURHAM, DL14 7EN
Feature director at Switch On. “Once we can see the environment that it’s going into, how it’s going to be used and where it’s going to be placed, we can advise on the best system to suit the customer’s needs to ensure he or she gets the best quality in terms of sound and picture. “It can be a bit of a minefield. It’s not a product you should buy without expert advice,” he advises. “Too often people have walked out of stores with curved TVs, for example, that just aren’t going to work with their home set up because they’ve liked the look of them. Sometimes you can buy TVs from a shop that have particular settings switched on already. This can mean its great to watch sport on but when you have films on, it’s a nightmare. It can be really frustrating for a customer to try and resolve this yet it’s something that could have been rectified instore if the sales person had asked the right questions and done some homework.” A home visit includes looking at how the systems are going to be used by all the family, what they’re going to be watching, if they’re going to be playing games, watching Netflix and using the latest apps. The retailer needs to know as much as possible to advise on the right system and ensure it is set up properly. If the retailer doesn’t offer a home visit, it is very hard for them to assess what the environment is like for delivering the best picture and sound, says David. Just as a real cinema pays a lot of attention to the design and treatment of the cinema environment to ensure the best acoustics, the design of your home cinema will be a crucial factor for determining which TV and sound system will deliver the best experience for you. “Surround systems are really important in terms of delivering the best quality experience,” explains David. “You can have either wireless or wired systems. Generally we advise people to look at wired systems when they are renovating or redecorating. “The options for sound systems are endless, customers can have speakers up in their roof all linked to a tablet with one control for the speaker and music apps coming through into different rooms. TVs can be set up with surround sound and integrated speakers that work with TV, iTunes and the latest apps. It’s very much a bespoke product but when it’s done properly, it delivers in spades,” says David. “The technology is fantastic. Once you have a state of the art TV and surround system properly fitted, you’ll never want to go out again.”
How to
ACE HOME CINEMA OKAY SO YOU HAVE SOME COOL CHAIRS CHECK, A POPCORN MAKER CHECK NOW TO INVEST IN YOUR PREMIUM TV WITH SURROUND SOUND BUT WHAT TO CHOOSE?
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ove to have a home cinema but not sure where to start? Join the club. The technology behind TV and sound systems is moving at a rate of knots and electronic manufacturers seem to have no interest in demystifying the acronyms behind TV models such as 4K, UHD, and OLED. Even if you do know what they stand for it doesn’t help unless you have a highly developed inner geek. Organic, light emitting diode anyone? And asking Google really won’t help; you can easily drop a lot of cash and end up with a system that just doesn’t deliver in terms of picture quality or sound.This is very much an area for experts. We decided to ask the guys at Switch On, an independent retailer, a rarity in the electrical sector these days, part of the respected Euronics Group and one who has been in business for thirty years for their top tips. Far from being your average youth in an electrical superstore with daily sales targets, these guys have years on their side and have taken the time to learn every aspect of each model, system and all the potential snags and complications that can arise. Walking into their store and seeing the new 2017 TVs on display you can instantly get why they have become a designer ‘must have’. These aren’t your average TVs; these are immersive pieces of art with a vibrancy of colour and sharpness that is just mesmerising. Looking at them you can see why home cinema has really taken off. Watching films, sport, Netflix or gaming on these would be a completely mindblowing experience compared to your average TV. And they are beautiful to look at. OLED in particular are incredibly wafer thin and light. On stands they look like designer furniture, on the wall they look like a fabulous piece of art. Forget the gauche ‘monster’ TVs of yesteryear, these are sleek, contemporary pieces of technology that you are happy to have on display. But which to choose? “It’s vital to do home visits for home cinema systems,” explains David Rowland, a summer
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Grow your own
COCKTAIL GARDEN WITH SUMMER SOCIALISING AHEAD, WHAT BETTER WAY TO IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS THAN SERVING UP DELISH COCKTAILS USING HERBS AND PLANTS FROM YOUR OWN GARDEN? WE ASKED THOSE IN THE KNOW FOR THE LOWDOWN ON CREATING FABULOUS CONCOCTIONS...
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e don’t do manual work outdoors at La Di Da towers, natch, preferring to gently idle the day away with a cup of Earl Grey, watching the endeavours of a handsome gardener who has a way with roses. However the recent vogue for growing your own cocktail accoutrements has caught our eye with the fusion of foraging and mixology creating jawdroppingly good cocktails with taste combinations more akin to haute cuisine than your standard cocktail menu. With summer socialising ahead, what better way to impress your guests than serving up delish cocktails using herbs and plants from your own garden? Our first port of call was the marvellous chaps at The Botanist Newcastle. Known for its extensive menu of botanical blends The Botanist has shaken up its cocktail selection with a host of unusually tempting new additions with greenhouse inspired ingredients that we can grow and handpick for ourselves. Taking inspiration from phytology, the science of plants, its award-winning drinks menu has welcomed mixes designed to stimulate the senses with a tasteful combination of flavours, fresh fruit and herbs, as well as being visually pleasing – providing the perfect Instagram-able drink. Exciting new features include atomisers with floral summer
aromas which add an immersive experience to drinks such as the Passionfruit and Basil Crush; Lemon and Jasmine Collins; Blueberry and Passionfruit Martini, Poppy and Pomegranate and Elderflower and Lavender Fizz all served in the garden setting of greenery and foliage centred around the iconic nine metre tall sycamore tree at the centre of the bar. The memorable surroundings of the Botanist has also served up a selection of the new cocktails, including the herbal remedial Blackberry Mint Julep, which is garnished with a mint spring and blackberry in a quirky medicine bottle. At an exclusive event this summer, The Botanist partnered with Northern Wilds to illustrate the benefits of foraging for seasonal ingredients hidden in the countryside and those we can grow ourselves to create bespoke fruity drinks. Northern Wilds offers a unique way to explore Northumberland’s beauty spots sourcing, identifying and preparing edible foods through courses and experiences. The weather this time of year is perfect to head outside and discover something new to add to your homemade cocktails. The elegant elderflower plant can be found in woodland areas and hedgerows in the form of small white flowers that will later develop into purple elderberries towards the end of the season. Berries are the only edible part of the plant and can be used to enhance summer drinks with its sweet
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Food & Drink
The Botanist’s new Pear and Kiwi Cup
Gin Bar The Botanist
flavour. Simply bring a combination of elderflower, sugar, honey and water to the boil, add a touch of lemon to create a delicious cordial accompaniment to a prosecco-based cocktail. Nettles are described as a superfood as the leaves contain an abundance of vitamins and minerals that our body requires – perfect to include in an alcoholic drink, after all it’s all about balance! They can easily be identified by the jagged edges and ability to sting when touched. The leaves can be transformed into a refreshing syrup when brought to the boil, removing the natural sting and replacing with the subtle sting of vodka when used to create a clean, light cocktail. Other things to look out for include: blueberries, strawberries and raspberries on pick-your-own trails. Growing a selection of herbs and fruits at home, whether you have a garden or not, means key ingredients are to hand whenever you desire. The Botanist has identified a selection of favourable ones to try to grow for yourself. Basil is becoming a popular choice amongst mixologists as it matches well with a variety of flavours including pomegranate, plum and passionfruit and can be grown both in and outdoors
Sean Elliott Photography, Crown Plaza
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– good news for those with no access to a garden. A warm, dry environment is perfect to allow the herb to grow to its full potential. Lavender can not only add a splash of colour to your garden but also your tipple. The plant has a unique, fragrant smell that perfectly complements vodka and prosecco cocktails. For a botanical decoration, dried lavender mixed with sugar makes a makes a colourful sugar rim. If you’re feeling green-fingered, why not try growing: citrus fruits, cucumber, thyme and mint. Ben Davis, owner of Tin of Sardines in Durham, the world’s smallest bar, specialises in outrageously good gin cocktails. He grows a range of fruits and recommends trying chillis, blue peas, passionfruit, black tomatoes, gooseberries and lingonberries. Dry them out before adding to cocktails. The combination of fruit with spirits can also be used to whip up a very sophisticated breakfast martini, currently all the rage. We asked North Yorkshire speciality grower Herbs Unlimited who have been growing herbs, salads and edible flowers for the last 25 years, to come up with a special recipe you can follow to make the most gorgeous breakfast martini which can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Of course if you would still rather leave the cocktail accompaniments to the experts there are a host of fabulous bars where the mixologists have been experimenting with their own cocktail gardens. Malmaison in Newcastle has a range of cocktails which use fruit and herbs to delicious effect and if you want to have a go at learning how to pimp your gin for the ultimate gin and tonic, the Crowne Plaza at Newcastle now does gin boards. The gin arrives with a host of herb accompaniments, allowing you to play at being your very own mixologist. All you need to do is add creativity.
Sean Elliott Photography, Crown Plaza
The Botanist
Breakfast Martini Breakfast Martini with Three Fruit Marmalade and marigold To make one cocktail, you will need: •3 0 ml Yorkshire gin such as Whittakers Gin •3 0 ml Grand Marnier or Cointreau • ½ lemon squeezed •2 tablespoons of Fruity Kitchen Marmalade •P etals from one marigold flower head per glass (discarding the centre) • Splash of fresh orange juice to taste • Mix in 4 cubes of ice
3. Now place the Martini glass upside down in the egg white and half dip the rim. Then place this into the caster sugar and half dip thus giving a light frosting all over. 4. Add the swirl of ‘burnt’ orange or lemon or pink grapefruit peel spiralled around a wooden spoon handle once ‘burnt’ with the gas gun. Please make sure that when using a gas gun you place the peel on a metal tray and hold the gun a short distance away from the peel so it ‘burns’ quickly. 5. And serve, salute!
1. Shake well with your cocktail shaker so the marmalade breaks down and disperses well throughout the mix. 2. Serve in a glass ½ frosted (tip, to frost a glass simply whisk a raw egg white until it breaks down into a frothy mix - not meringue!) only for a few seconds.
The Botanist’s new Velvet Green cocktail
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Food & Drink
Hip HOTEL THE LORD CREWE ARMS IN BEAUTIFUL BLANCHLAND HAS RECEIVED YET ANOTHER TOP AWARD, LISTED IN THE PRESTIGIOUS HOTELIERS’ TOP 100 HOTELS BUT WHY IS IT SO SPECIAL? WE TAKE A LOOK...
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e fell in love with the Lord Crewe Arms at Blanchland back in 2014 when we were given a sneak peek before it opened. Since then, it seems, so has everyone else. The hotel has amassed an unprecedented number of awards since it opened. Now, for the second year running, it is listed in the prestigious Hoteliers’ Top 100 Hotels. This comes hot on the heels of the Good Hotel Guide’s Editor’s Choice in Wedding Hotels category and the Sunday BELOW Enjoy a Times Ultimate 100 British Hotels for the third delicious meal consecutive year. The list of awards keeps going on after spending the and on. Best Sporting Pub, Inn of the Year, AA silver day exploring star award and many more. Just in case all the ‘noise’ has passed you by, the Lord Crewe Arms is on the Northumberland/County Durham border. It is in the heart of the picturesque village of Blanchland, nestling in a wooded valley and surrounded by breathtaking, undulating moorland and panoramic views. Sean Elliott Photography Built in 1165 as an Abbot’s summer
lodge, it still looks the part with its thick stone walls and huge stone fireplaces but the feel is totally 21st century with sophisticated styling subtly complementing its origins. Food here is key. It’s a place of refuge in which to discover generous hospitality and exceptional food, led by head chef Simon Hicks.You can relish the spoils of The Bishops Dining room or relax by a huge open fire in the Hilyard, perfect for those damper summer days. In the stunning medieval vaulted crypt is the Crypt Bar where you can enjoy a pint of the Lord Crewe Brew with a selection of Bar Bait, otherwise known as Northumbrian tapas. The glorious walled garden plays host to al fresco dining and barbeques in the summer months; Simon’s an Aussie so he knows a thing or two about delivering heavenly flavours from the barbie. The Crewe’s latest venture is The Gatehouse, a beautifully stylish and private dining space where Simon and his top chef friends display their talents with chef ’s dinners and cookery classes. Available for your own private event, it certainly delivers the wow factor.
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ABOVE Beautiful Blanchland is a chocolate box pretty village on the county durham and northumberland border
Entertain and be Entertained
The Gatehouse is our brand spanking new foodie haven. Here you can feast a-la-chef’s table, attend cookery demos or make it your own. Gather for business or pleasure, or even to say “I do.” With an open kitchen beating at its heart, you won’t find anywhere else quite like it in the moors. DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
3rd August 2017 @ 11:00am Lunch & Demo - Summer Picnic with Simon Hicks All about picnic nibbles, join Chef as he shows you how to create that perfect Summer picnic. Includes tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival, lunch and Chef’s recipes. Not one to be missed! - £36.75
12th August 2017 @ 3:00pm Crewe Garden Sessions - Faye Shearer Talented vocalist from Lytham, Lancashire, who is based in the North East. Has built up a repertoire of pop, soul and jazz, incorporating songs from the 60’s to the present day charts. Our Chef will be cooking BBQ treats too!
18th August 2017 @ 6:30pm Crewe Supper Club - Game Night From grouse to partridge, woodpigeon to venison, spend an evening in the care of our Chef. Arrive to nibbles by the fire and chats in the kitchen, before tucking into a 3-course feast, with a glass of wine or two, celebrating the Glorious 12th - £45.00
22nd August 2017 @ 6:30pm Sip & Supper - Come GIN with us! The Hepple estate is a sort of Gin Eden, set in the wild and remote Northumberland National Park. Join us for dinner and hear about the triple technique from Hepple Gin, double gold winner at the San Francisco Spirit awards 2017, with tastings too! - £25.00
2nd September 2017 @ 3:00pm Crewe Garden Sessions - John Gatenby Spend a relaxing Saturday afternoon in our garden complete with BBQ and in the company of John Gatenby. John is a singer and guitarist, with a repertoire that includes everything from 60’s soul to folk, dance and modern pop.
22nd September 2017 @ 11:00am Lunch & Demo - Perfect Pastry with Simon Hicks From hot water, to puff and short crust, to sweet, Simon will show you the techniques you need to create the perfect pastry for any occasion. Includes tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival and pastry treats! - £36.75
THE GATEHOUSE Gathering
+ Dining + Revelry
Lord Crewe Arms • The Square • Blanchland • Northumberland • DH8 9SP • T: 01434 677 100 E: enquiries@lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk • W: lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk • t: Lord_Crewe_Arms • f: LordCreweArmsBlanchland
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SOHE
Newcastle REVIEW: MELANIE KYLES
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e never miss an opportunity to indulge at Sohe in Jesmond, one of our favourite places to hang out for its stylish decor, inventive Asian flavours and delish cocktails so when we got the opportunity to review their summer menu we knew it would be a good night. Once settled into the elegant, stylish restaurant, we were served by Rachel who was very friendly, attentive and informative. While we perused the food menu, we ordered some cocktails with Simone opting for a ‘Kwai Royal’ (Kwai Feh, Chambord, Prosecco and Lychee) and I a ‘Strawberry and Elderflower Fizz’ (Strawberry Purée, Elderflower Liquor and Prosecco). Both were sublime and they came with a complimentary plate of prawn crackers with sweet chilli dip which was delicious and had a real kick. I settled on the ‘Mixed Vegetable Tempura’ whilst Simone went for the ‘Pork and Scallops’. Both were beautifully presented, and mine came with another helping of the sweet chilli dipping sauce. It was delicious, the tempura
semi-runny yolk, and the dish was surprisingly very www.sohe.co.uk filling, in fact I only managed to eat half of it, despite it being delicious. Simone was hardier and managed to nearly finish off her entire plate despite feeling fit to burst, declaring it too good not to finish. When it came to desserts our heads told us to opt for the sorbets, which came in a variety of tropical flavours but our inner gluttons was very crispy and the portion was generous, couldn’t resist the temptation of some seriously which required some restraint on my part as I decadent dessert options. I chose the ‘Lemon had another two courses to go. Simone Posset’ while Simone snaffled the last ‘Banoffee thoroughly enjoyed her pork and scallops, so Pie’ and we accessorised with matching much so that I couldn’t even get a photo cocktails on the recommendation of Rachel. before she started tucking into it. Everything tasted absolutely beautiful. The Next we ordered more cocktails (for ‘research’ gingerbread pieces that accompanied my purposes naturally). The ‘Sakura’ (Gin, Lime posset was an unexpected but very welcome juice, Cherry Gomme and Blueberry Syrup) for addition and the dessert was a triumph, the me and a ‘Keira Blossom’ (Gin, Rose Syrup, sharpness of the lemon softened with the Elderflower Liquor and Lime Juice) for Simone. deliciously creamy texture and the sweet layer Both were heavenly and the of raspberry. It was also, thankfully, quite light, eastern and citrus elements to the so I was able to polish off my plate. The cocktails enhance the flavours of banoffee pie arrived and was beautifully the food perfectly. presented, all ice cream, dusted raspberries and For mains, we both opted for chocolate swirls. In fact, it looked so good that the noodle bowls. I ordered the at one stage I was seriously toying with ‘Japanese Ramen’ whilst Simone overcoming my lifelong aversion to bananas chose the ‘Pad Thai’. Mine was and sampling a small piece, a thought process incredibly flavoursome, as the quickly brought to a halt by the speed with noodles, vegetables and soft boiled which Simone demolished it. egg were suspended in a delicious Sohe is a real gem of a restaurant, the food is salty, spicy and rich soup with the delicious and very flavoursome and the staff consistency of miso. The egg was are genuinely friendly and knowledgeable. The cooked to perfection with a cocktails are an absolute must!
TA S T I N G N OT E S
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Advertorial
Say hello to
JESMOND’S FIRST GIN FESTIVAL OSBORNE ROAD IN JESMOND, NEWCASTLE IS HOME TO A HOST OF FABULOUS RESTAURANTS AND BARS. NOW THEY HAVE COME TOGETHER TO CREATE A VERY SPECIAL GIN FESTIVAL. LA DI DA REPORTS…
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esmond is set to be full of spirit this August as seven venues from Osborne Road’s popular bar and restaurant scene put aside their friendly rivalry and unite for the very first time. This will see the lively suburb play host to a free to attend festival for the North East’s gin lovers to enjoy. Jesmond Gin Festival will run from Thursday 03 to Sunday 06 August 2017, bringing together over 30 brands including local and globally-recognised distilleries to offer ginthusiasts tastings and educational masterclasses, with an interactive map to complete. Gin lovers rejoice as local brands featuring include Lakes Gin and Alnwick Gin, as well as Kokoro, Bulldog, Moray, Fair, Daffy’s, Tanqueray, Portobello, JJ Whitley, Masons and Hepple. Led by Cairn Group, three of its Jesmond-
based venues will be involved in the four-day long event, including Asian-fusion bar and restaurant Sohe, gastro bar 97 & Social and Spy Bar. Whether you’re a gin novice or connoisseur, it’s no secret that it is the drink of the moment, whether enjoyed as a perfect serve or as the main ingredient within a tempting cocktail. To celebrate this, each of the participating bars will be offering special gin-based cocktails for festival goers to toast, as well a selection of tasty food offerings fit for the occasion. Amongst Sohe’s mixes will be a Singapore Sling – one of the best known Asian-inspired cocktails; 97 & Social will be paying homage to The Alnwick Garden with a refreshing blend and Spy Bar will serve the classic Tom Collins. Cocktails will be suitable for a variety of budgets with fixed price bands of £5.50, £6.50 and £7.50, with all venues adding their own style and individual twist. Other venues involved include Jam Jar, Billabong, Bar Blanc and Osbornes. Gin fans who register in advance will be able to collect an exclusive wristband and map summer
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showing the participating bars, which visitors can get stamped at each location over the course of the festival. For those who visit all seven bars, completed maps can be submitted via social media using the hashtag #jesmondgin, for the chance to win an exciting gin weekend break in the UK. A themed Snapchat filter will also be available at each of the bars to share your frolics with friends and followers. Although a free event, a charity donation box will be placed at the festival’s registration stand in aid of Jesmond Trust where visitors can make voluntary donations to benefit the local community. Jesmond Gin Festival will officially open at 4pm on Thursday 03 August, and run from 12noon each of the following days.Visitors can register online for the event now. • For more information on the full event schedule at Jesmond Gin Festival and to register visit www.jesmondfestival.com.
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YO L O TOW N H O U S E
TA S T I N G N OT E S
Newcastle
www.yolotownhouse.com
REVIEW: LINDA JANE WESTPHAL
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olo Townhouse is housed in a three storey townhouse in High Bridge Street, Newcastle. Sister to Yolo in Ponteland, this shares its hallmark good looks and ideal backdrop for the fine and fabulous to hang out over cocktails. With floors of gorgeous interiors and their trademark extensive cocktail menu,YOLO Townhouse is in an ideal location for dinner and drinks in the very heart of the city. We arrived to a lovely warm welcome and started with tasty bruschetta at £4.95. I had a mocktail which was so good I could happily convince myself it was something boozier so I didn’t feel like I was missing out too much
H OT E L D U V I N Harrogate REVIEW: LAUREN HEDLEY
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otel du Vin in Harrogate has long been on my dining hotspots wish list and a weekend trip to the picturesque town for some fabulous shopping presented the perfect opportunity to check in. Housed within a stunning Georgian, grade II-listed property, Hotel du Vin takes pride of place in the heart of Harrogate, sitting pretty in front of a grassy patch. On a sunny
when our stylist opted for an exceedingly delicious expresso martini. For mains we really liked the idea of the YOLO platters which come in a range of options. We both plumped for the seafood platter to avoid the inevitable menu envy. These are priced at £11.99 and £19.99. We had the larger platter and it arrived laden down with smoked salmon, whitebait, crayfish tails, prawns and Lebanese flatbreads, salad and dips. It was really a good mix of seafood, bursting with fresh flavours and with moreish dips and bread. In fact it was so filling that we passed on dessert but they have a great range for the
sweet toothed including doughnuts with cream and dipping sauces and Eton mess. Instead we opted for more cocktails, or in my case mocktails, choosing to imbibe our calories. It has to be said that Yolo does great cocktails. We had mojitos and a solero, which is Tanqueray Gin with peach liqueur and passionfruit and a dash of lemon. All of them were fabulous and made up for our self imposed dessert abstinence. Service was quick, efficient and very friendly, taking the time and trouble to explain the dishes and cocktails with us at length. We had a great time and we will be back but this time I won’t be drinking mocktails.
Saturday afternoon in July, we were shown to mushroom ketchup – complete with a our table in the walled courtyard which was gherkin on the side for good measure. The already abuzz with a few lunching parties. The combination of the juicy meat, crispy bacon al fresco summer menu has a well-balanced and the fluffy bun meant I couldn’t help but choice of starters, mains and desserts paired with polish the whole thing off which was no mean feat. And I haven’t even mentioned the chips. some fruity apéritif suggestions. Favouring the My dining partner chose the Normandy extensive wine list, I opted for the glass of chicken Cobb salad much to my envious stares Château D’Astros rosé to be transported away across the table. It comes assembled on the to Côtes De Provence, France with a nose of plate in a rainbow of colours displaying rows grapefruit and citrus. My guest sipped on an of roast chicken, Roquefort cheese, avocado, all-time favourite white, Picpoul de Pinet. For the entrée, we couldn’t see beyond the tomatoes, brioche croutons, soft boiled eggs watercress and spinach soup with a poached egg and pancetta, each seasoned faultlessly – a salad perched upon sour cream which was packed with a drizzle of dressing to be reckoned with. full of goodness, thus ticking my five a day… To round off, it had to be the treacle tart kind of. Next up was the presented cleanly and simply ‘Black and Blue’ burger – with a scoop of custard ice TA S T I N G N OT E S a 200g patty served in a cream which certainly hit black (yes, really) brioche, the sweet spot. sesame seed crusted bun Lunch al-fresco style at www.hotelduvin.com with Roquefort cheese, Hotel du Vin is £17.95 for streaky bacon and two courses £20.95 for three.
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H OT E L D U V I N Newcastle
THE BRASSERIE, ROCKLIFFE HALL
REVIEW: LINDA JANE WESTPHAL
Hurworth REVIEW: LINDA JANE WESTPHAL
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ining at Hotel Du Vin is always a pleasure. This stylish, historic hotel slightly set back on the quayside is a real class act. The TA S T I N G N OT E S staff are absolutely lovely and if you’re coming for dinner, definitely book one of the suites, www.hotelduvin.com they are absolutely breathtaking. We were here for a business lunch unfortunately so no chance of whiling away the afternoon sampling their fabulous perfection whilst the Carpaccio offered wines. Their brasserie has just been recently serious flavour and was paired perfectly revamped and has a lighter, more glamorous with the scotch egg. feel about it. Their fixed price menu is an For mains we opted for Rack of absolute steal with seriously accomplished Yorkshire Lamb with a pea, bean and goat’s cooking for £17.95 for two courses and curd salad which was the most expensive £20.95 for three, perfect for a business lunch. main at £26.95 and Roast Normandy We wanted to road test the new summer Poussin with Black Pudding Hash and fried menu so opted for the a la carte, starting hen’s egg at £17. This was outstanding with Severn and Wye Smoked Salmon with cooking with deep, rich flavours, tender, soft boiled quails eggs, and the Limousin juicy meat and elegant presentation. The Beef Carpaccio with Boudin blanc Scotch dishes were both real comfort food and the egg. Both were delicious and are under £10. lamb was perfectly cooked. The presentation was elegant with a touch We really wanted desserts as the menu of artistic flourish which added a real sense includes some great classics with playful of occasion. The salmon was smoked to theatrical touches but sadly, alas, we were stuffed. However, having sampled their desserts previously, we know they deliver a satisfyingly sweet, moreish kick. We also sadly couldn’t enjoy wine with our food as we were driving that afternoon but Hotel du Vin’s reputation for fabulous wine is par for the course as their name suggests. We will be back for dinner where we intend to indulge in the full decadent Hotel du Vin experience.
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e have enjoyed a few fantastic meals at Rockliffe but had never tried their brasserie which offers a more relaxed ambience and dining offer under Executive Chef Aaron Craig. You can have two courses for £20 and three for £28 and the clientele were a mixture of business people and spa visitors. The brasserie is based on the first floor so offers views across the grounds providing a lovely setting for lunch. We started with Black Pudding Scotch Egg with smoked bacon jam and brown sauce and Tartare of Tuna with Puffed Rice and compressed mouli. Both dishes were great introductions to the menu, with the Tartare delivering a clean, fresh taste cut through with some great flavours whilst the Black Pudding Scotch Egg was an absolute triumph of a dish, artfully combining powerful flavours so they complemented rather than overpowered. For mains we enjoyed Roast Spring Lamb with smoked aubergine puree added yoghurt and Pan fried Stonebass with Whitby crab salad and brown crab mayo. The lamb was beautifully tender and the aubergine and yoghurt added a lightness to what could have been a heavy meal. The Stonebass was perfectly cooked and the Whitby crab was well seasoned and add some bite to the dish. Desserts are classic options but we opted out after hearty starters and mains. Rockliffe Hall’s standards are always impeccable and the brasserie delivers to a high standard. A great place for a lovely lunch with a friend or a relaxed business meeting.
TA S T I N G N OT E S www.rockliffehall.com
Food & Drink
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QUEEN OF ALL THINGS GIN ANGELA METCALFE CHOOSES SOME NORTHERN FAVOURITES
@WINEBITCH
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e’re big fans of Poetic License, based at The Roker Hotel in Sunderland, so we decided to head out to the coast for a little visit for our latest road trip. Before the tasting commenced, we ate at the hotel’s Let There Be Crumbs tearoom, a cakery, tea room and gelateria with superb cakes made by renowned patisserie chef Andrew Blas. It offers a wide selection of food from breakfasts and lunches to Afternoon Tea which can come with a tipple courtesy of Poetic License of course. Suitably sated, it was onto the distillery to find out more about the award winning gins on offer. It’s well worth the visit, the guys at Poetic License are making some cracking gins. We met Luke, the head distiller, who explained their distilling process: “We use a 500 litre hybrid still and only produce 400 bottles in a batch using the ‘one shot method’ of production. This small scale production gives a better depth of flavour.” All of their gins start off life by being distilled as London dry gins, the Northern Dry is the flagship and basis for the other editions. Soft and floral but with a distinctive personality, I love this one with a scented geranium leaf as the garnish. The Old Tom is barrel aged in Sherry wood and has a lovely sweetness to it. Try this one on the rocks or as the base for a Tom Collins. The Strawberry and Cream Picnic Gin is steeped in strawberries after distillation to give it its colour and sweet aroma. Lovely with Elderflower tonic, a sliced strawberry and a mint leaf, this is a great alternative to the eponymous Pimms.
OTHER GINS TO LOOK OUT FOR... Sloemotion Hedgerow Gin Born and raised in the Yorkshire countryside, Hedgerow Gin brings together the nip of crab apple, grassy nettle leaf and sloe stones with the sweet tang of rosehip, cloudy elderflowers and heady wildflower-meadow hay. Hand-made in small batches at Barton-leWillows, near York, with locally foraged botanicals, this refreshingly stylish craft gin with its elegant but subtle fruit & floral notes is the perfect partner for a lighter style of tonic with a sprig of thyme & a slice of apple. summer
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Masham Gin The ‘Spirit of Masham’ Dry Yorkshire Gin is an Artisan Gin, created by Corks and Cases of Masham. The Gin is distilled in a small batch Alembic still using the botanicals from their own blend Masala Chai Tea and Hops. The cardamom really comes out in this fragrant and spicy Gin.You can play about with garnishes, but really, it’s not necessary.
Your Summer Escape awaits... Retreat, escape and relax in the luxurious comforts of Seaham Hall. Retreat to your deluxe suite and dine on the finest food in the North East. You may even have time to take a dip in our award winning spa during your stay. Seaham Hall is just a short drive from the City of Durham and sits on a striking cliff top overlooking the Durham Heritage Coastline. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it? Suites from £190 based on two people sharing*
Seaham Hall Hotel, Lord Byron’s Walk, County Durham, Sr7 7Ag Tel: 0191 516 1400 Email: reservations@Seaham-Hall.com www.seahamhall.co.uk
Food & Drink
Four of THE BEST
THE NORTHERN FOOD SCENE JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER. FOODIE MADDIE COSTIGAN REVIEWS FOUR OF THE REGION’S MOST ACCLAIMED DINING EXPERIENCES AND PUTS THEM THROUGH THEIR PACES…
MAN BEHIND T H E C U R TA I N Michael O’Hare (Leeds) 1 star 10-14 courses (sequences) - £90 per head
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t’s nigh on impossible to get a table at short notice here, my wait was nearly nine months after patiently pressing redial many times to get through to the booking line. It apparently boasts the longest waiting list in Europe though. But is it all hype? The service seemed at times robotic, although I appreciate that with that waiting list and a full schedule that the service has to be super slick service. The restaurant sits on the top floor above Flannels on Vicar Lane, Leeds and you have to meander through the store (escorted by a bouncer) until you get to the lift that takes you on your journey. The atmosphere was cool but quirky. Art plays an intrinsic part of the experience both with the setting and the way the meals are presented. The room is minimalistic with graffiti and art adorning the walls. The food was pretty amazing. It was described as ‘Carte Blanche’ so was essentially it was a blank sheet of paper for chef patron Michael O’ Hare to create
whatever he wanted that particular evening. I love a tasting menu (or a repertoire in sequences as they call it), and even more so when it’s a surprise. It’s quite difficult to place Michael’s inspiration and style of food, but whatever it was it was good. I had dishes ranging from hand massaged octopus (which I was told the chefs do for two hours in the kitchen), salt fish, black cod, spider crab, ox cheek to veal sweetbreads, Iberico pork and roasted prawn head. All were presented in an eclectic fashion and on different surfaces. The highlight for me was the dessert (or one of them). A violet mousse served with potato and vanilla custard, beetroot puffed rice and silver sprayed chocolate. It was delicious and very moreish. We finished off with an edible passionfruit cupcake (wrapper and all). The final verdict – my husband’s opinion was ‘style over substance’ but I enjoyed the whole experience from start to finish. There is a rumour about a new location which will be double the size, so I will be keeping an eye out and will hopefully pop back soon. • www.themanbehindthecurtain.co.uk summer
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PEACE & LOAF Dave Coulson (Newcastle) 3 courses – approx. £35-40 per head (set lunch menu from £20)
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first experienced Dave’s cooking when he was the former head chef at The Castle Eden Inn; during the time he took part in Master Chef the Professionals where he came second. I was delighted to hear Dave would be fronting a new restaurant in Jesmond a few years back and it’s fair to say the place has been busy ever since. I have eaten lunch and dinner here many times, as well as attending special events. The staff are always extremely welcoming. The snacks that are presented before the meal are influenced by Dave’s nostalgia for his past and come with a playful touch. I particularly enjoyed his mini ‘donner’ kebab as well as the more sophisticated
HOUSE OF TIDES Kenny Atkinson (Newcastle) 1 s t a r 7 courses - £70 per head, £55 wine pairing
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am a big fan of Kenny’s cooking. Having been lucky enough to actually cook with him in the HOT kitchen (charity auction prize), I always enjoy pretty much every mouthful of his food. I like that Kenny is a hard working North Eastern lad who has worked hard to achieve his level of success and he is hands on, which is refreshing given the number of high profile chefs who simply give their names to places and class themselves as ‘executive chefs’, and don’t do any cooking. I took some clients there a few weeks ago, who had never been before, so they were intrigued to try it out. Admittedly our guests were not ‘foodies’, however they were surprised at how much they enjoyed it and tried dishes they would never normally touch.
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luminous green pea and mint macaron. The presentation of all the dishes was incredible, absolute artistry on a plate and full of colour and texture. As usual the food was seriously good. My roasted cauliflower starter, beef main and salted caramel and popcorn dessert were all definite ten out of tens. And, unlike some other fine dining experiences, you never leave with the slightest pang of hunger. You’re given plenty of warm crusty loaves with a flavoured ‘dripping’ to mop up any sauce left on your plate. The only downside was not being able to enjoy Dave’s Boozy sorbet of the day (complete with popping candy). I was the designated driver. But at least it gives me an excuse to go back for dinner very soon. Hopefully it won’t be too long before Mr Coulson gets a well deserved star. • www.peaceandloaf.co.uk
The menu was ‘a journey up the River Tyne’.The snacks (canapes clearly aren’t the in thing anymore) included smoked cod’s roe and squid ink cracker, Kenny’s signature mackerel and gooseberry and Lindisfarne oyster with cucumber, ginger and caviar.Top marks all round. Most of the dishes we had were fish including fantastic seabass with lemon verbena and artichoke and flavoursome Orkney scallops with Yorkshire rhubarb.We then enjoyed a change of pace with a good piece of beef; the fillet was perfectly cooked, which worked well with asparagus and turnip. No Michelin starred meal is complete without two desserts so we finished with an English strawberry pannacotta and an indulgent dark chocolate and hazelnut delice. I didn’t have the wine pairing, but our guests loved it.The sommelier was knowledgeable, the staff were warm and welcoming and, even though I was totally stuffed, I still managed to find a little room for deliciously decadent oozing caramel chocolates. • www.houseoftides.co.uk
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Food & Drink
THE RABY HUNT James Close (Darlington) 2 stars 11 courses - £95 per person (Fri/Sat), £85 wine pairing
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hat an amazing journey James Close has been on. A self-taught culinary genius whose philosophy is ‘taste everything and keep it simple’. I have visited The Raby Hunt a few times now, before he received his first Michelin star and then after both his first and second star award. James has always had an extremely sophisticated palate even before the stars, but I have seen huge changes in the service which has definitely gone up a level. After their recent exciting £400,000 redevelopment and extension to the kitchen, I was looking forward to
going back and seeing how the little pub in Summerhouses, near Darlington had changed. Our dining experience was perfection. As usual I didn’t partake in the wine flight, although half of our table did and they were very happy. We had approximately 11 courses (some came in two parts) and the highlight for me was the raw beef, nasturtium and basil but every single course was divine. The menu describes each course in one word; cod skin, scallop, taco, potato so each dish is a surprise and is beautifully presented. We had a lovely evening with friends. The upgrade to the dining area has definitely given the place more atmosphere, the service was slick and informative and the food was exceptional. • www.rabyhuntrestaurant.co.uk
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Hotels
FANCY A SUMMER SOJOURN WITHOUT SPENDING HOURS ON THE MOTORWAY? OUR MAJ AT HIGHLY RECOMMENDED HOTELS AND VENUES, JONTJË CUNLIFFE LISTER, VISITS TWO NORTHERN STARS WHICH PROVIDE THE PERFECT CLASSY GETAWAY....
The West Park, Harrogate
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o wonder Harrogate is one of the ‘happiest places to live’. Who can resist a meander through the picturesque Valley Gardens or a shopping bonanza in the towns fashionable boutiques? And a visit to the Turkish Baths is a must! Our recent visit took us to The West Park Hotel, Brasserie and Bar overlooking the beautiful Harrogate Stray, an open area of 200 acres of parkland right in the centre of this historic spa town, this contemporary boutique hotel has been transformed from the original Victorian coach house into 25 spacious and luxurious bedrooms and suites. Our double room was spotlessly clean with a super king size bed with crisp white Egyptian cotton bed linen. The bathroom had underfloor heating, monsoon shower and a bath tub complete with a rubber duck! Added luxuries of L’Occitane products, a Nespresso machine and delicious little gingerbread men show that the owners, Provenance Inns, have gone the extra mile to ensure you have a relaxing stay.
The West Park is dog friendly and whilst we don’t have our own four-footer – it created a delightful homely atmosphere to see two golden retrievers relaxing with their owners in the bar. The West Park offers the perfect spot for some people watching and as we sat out enjoying a bottle of Pinot Grigio we spotted well-heeled ladies and gents popping in and out of the designer boutiques that are situated along West Park including Lynx, Georgie’s and Whites. A group of young car enthusiasts gathered later in the evening with their classic cars parked outside to admire whilst they all enjoyed a soft drink before heading off in convoy.
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Dinner at West Park was exquisite – with all of the best locally sourced produce from Yorkshire suppliers. We enjoyed Seared Scallops with black pudding to start, followed by a Prime Grand Reserve Chateaûbriand – cooked to perfection and served with a Roasted Plum Tomato, Proper Chips, Onion Rings, Rocket & Parmesan Salad accompanied by both a Peppercorn and a Béarnaise sauce.You would have thought that there would be little room for a pud – but who could possibly resist the ‘Pudding Plate to Share’? Utter heaven on a plate! Sticky Toffee Pudding, Crème Brûlée, Chocolate Gateau, Baileys & White chocolate mousse, Ice Cream and popping candy… Wow! With a dinner like that I can guarantee that we will be going back very soon. Breakfast was equally good with an impressive wide selection of offerings. My husband opted for Salt Beef with Homemade Hash Browns with onions, Worcester sauce & fried egg and I chose to return to my childhood and enjoyed Two soft boiled ‘Dippy’ Eggs with white toasted soldiers. The service and hospitality that we experienced throughout – from the receptionist, to the bar staff and the waiters was top notch. But then we are in Yorkshire… and we’re renowned for being a friendly bunch! West Park Hotel, 19 West Park, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 1BJ Telephone: 01423 524471 Email: enquiries@thewestparkhotel.com
Travel
Northcote, Llangho, Blackburn
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orthcote is renowned for Obsession, the hugely successful gastronomic event that takes place there each year and has done for the past 17 years. It is an event not to be missed but sadly I did this year, so I didn’t think twice when asked to visit to see their eight new bedroom suites and to sample their incredible Michelin star cuisine. The eight new suites are located in a brand new bespoke building ‘The Garden Lodge’. Situated within the Northcote gardens just across from the Manor House, our room was none other than the Master Suite – this vast suite with its sumptuously contemporary décor comprised an en-suite bathroom larger than my sitting room! Complete with large feature bath, separate double shower and twin basins – along with all the Temple Spa products a girl could wish for and the very softest cotton bathrobes. The super king-sized bed had crisp white
Egyptian bed linen and the separate lounge had a welcoming fire, Bose wave radio, CD and iPod dock, smart TV with all the Sky, BT and ESPN sport channels along with complimentary WIFI throughout. Leading from the lounge was a balcony, the perfect spot to enjoy a chilled glass of Louis Roederer champers whilst admiring the spectacular views across the Ribble Valley. In short, everything you could possibly want to ensure you have all you need for a relaxing stay. Northcote’s Michelin starred restaurant is renowned for the finest cuisine and Nigel Howard, Chef Patron, serves traditional Lancashire recipes with a modern twist, created from local produce. To add to the experience, the Chef ’s Table, in the kitchen, offers insights into how the kitchen really operates, and the Cookery School provides a unique and intimate experience where you can learn new skills and dishes in a Michelin star kitchen. Our Dinner in the Michelin starred restaurant was an absolute taste sensation. We opted for the 7-course tasting menu (£95 per person) along with the bespoke wine flight (£75.80 per person). It included Juniper Fern Cured Wild Sea Trout, Wasabi, Pickled Radish Shoots, Wild Herbs, paired with Sancerre Rose, André Dezat, Loire
Valley, France, 2014, Sticky Veal Sweetbread, Morrels,Verjus, Thyme Flowers paired with Encruzado, Quinta dos Roques, Dao, Portugal, 2014 and Herdwick Lamb, Sour Onions, Nasturtium, Whey Reduction paired with Pinot Noir Block 5, Felton Road, Central Otago, New Zealand, 2013. It ended with Lemon Meringue Pie which was exceptional (certainly not your run of the mill LMP – this was something truly spectacular!) Breakfast was the hearty Lancashire Full English that we had anticipated – the sausages were the BEST I have ever tasted. I contacted the hotel to find out who is the master of their banger of choice… they are from Cowman’s Butchers in Blackburn. I shall be stocking up on a bag of those the next time I am in the area! All in all a fantastic experience from our arrival to rather reluctant departure. I would thoroughly recommend an overnight stay at Northcote, for its fantastic rooms, wonderful service and Nigel’s incredible Michelin starred cuisine. Oh and let’s not forget, those sausages! Northcote, Northcote Road, Langho, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB6 8BE Telephone: 01254 240 555 Email: reception@northcote.com
J O N T J Ë C U N L I F F E - L I S T E R I S M D O F H I G H LY R E C O M M E N D E D H O T E L S A N D V E N U E S W W W . H R H . C O . U K
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Middlesbrough
CALLING
WITH ARTISAN EATERIES, ART GALORE AND THE ACCLAIMED ORANGE PIP MARKET, THERE IS A BUZZ GOING ON AROUND MIDDLESBROUGH. WE ASKED LISA HOLT, MD OF THE CREATIVE ALCHEMIST, A BRANDING AGENCY BASED IN BOHO ONE, FOR HER INSIDER GUIDE TO THE BEST THE TOWN HAS TO OFFER…
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s someone who was born and brought up in Middlesbrough, I couldn’t be prouder to be a Teessider. Throughout the years I’ve travelled and spent my time living in London, Newcastle and Manchester to study and work, but my heart has always brought me back to the hustle and bustle of my home town. I’m proud of Middlesbrough’s heritage and industrial background. William Gladstone famously dubbed the town ‘an infant Hercules’ in ‘England’s enterprise’ and Captain James Cook, one of the greatest explorers the world has ever known, was born here. Fast forward to today and this once industrial north-east town is becoming better known for its bevy of hip independent businesses that include micro-pubs, cafes, specialist restaurants and creative start-ups. There is a real appetite to be entrepreneurial summer
and create something a bit different and this is resulting in a huge shift in the town’s vibe. Here’s my take on the best things to do in this great town…
EAT Middlesbrough is bursting with a whole host of unique independent eateries, perfect for any time of the day. My favourite is The Curing House - one of the newer independents right in the heart of the town centre on the reinvigorated Bedford Street. Once a street of terraced houses it has now been transformed and features an array of bars and restaurants and The Curing House is a gem. Owned by Peter and Sarah they took the bold step to open the town’s first charcuterie restaurant which offers a tasty selection of air dried hams such as Iberico and Serrano, chorizo and salamis along with complementary cheese and chutneys. Everything on the menu is made from scratch including curing their own bacon, baking their own bread and stuffing their own sausages. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner.
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ABOVE Have a bite to eat at Orange Pip Market BELOW Take in Tea at Acklam Hall
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The Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art is a great day out too. The contemporary art gallery holds various exhibitions throughout the year, and The Smeltery, which is the cafe within MIMA serves up delicious food.
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LEFT AND BELOW The Curing House ABOVE Acklam Hall
Just round the corner from The Curing House is The Fork in the Road as well as a great place to eat the purpose behind it really is inspiring. It’s a social enterprise where awesome food helps to change lives. Last year I took part in the CEO Sleepout to help raise funds to get the project off the ground. The restaurant was launched by businessman and charity leader Andy Preston to give ex-offenders, recovering addicts and the long-term unemployed a second chance through employment, which in my opinion is very admirable and worth supporting. The food is amazing, and the staff are some of the best you’ll find and it’s receiving rave reviews on Tripadvisor. In fact The Curing House and The Fork in the Road jostle between them for top spot!
PEOPLE WATCH Although I’m not a big coffee drinker myself, the trend for coffee has really taken off locally. I have been known to get out of the office to hide away in a coffee shop for a few hours to get through emails during a busy day at the office! Bedford Street Coffee House is my favourite, set-up by Dave Beattie his passion for coffee shines though. Every coffee bean they roast is from a sustainable source and they roast speciality coffee which is driven by the world’s seasonal coffee harvests. As a tea lover The Olde Young Teahouse is a big hit with me, this gem of a place serves up specialty teas and some amazing home-made cakes and I love its vintage vibe.
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Acklam Hall photography www.carrostudio.com
The night life in Middlesbrough has really come to life in recent years thanks to the addition of Baker and Bedford Street. Micropubs line the streets of our town - one of the first was The Twisted Lip on Baker Street, a pub clad in Victorian decor that serves a range of unusual real ales and posh pub grub like camembert bonbons and ‘gourmet’ scotch eggs. It’s a real hidden gem in a busy town centre and the perfect place to wind down on a Friday night with a craft ale. If you’re a cocktail connoisseur, The Nuthatch is the place to go for a tipple. From the moment you step into the bar, you know you’re going to be well looked after by the staff and served up the most delicious cocktails. It’s definitely a welcome addition to Middlesbrough and somewhere not be missed if you’re in the area.
One of my favourite things to do in the town without a doubt has to be Orange Pip Market. Held the last Saturday of the month on Bedford and Baker Street the market is proving to be a cultural hotspot filled with a diverse range of artisan food and drink, live music and arts and crafts. Orange Pip was born out of an idea by Middlesbrough Council to create a market for food lovers and it has taken influences from a range of world-class markets such as Borough, Maltby Street and Broadway in London, Brooklyn Flea and Smorgasburg in New York City as well as being inspired by the amazing food producers we see at farmers markets throughout the region. One year on and it has been a raving success. It’s a great place to meet up with friends, sample the mouth watering food and soak up the upbeat atmosphere. After its extensive restoration last year, Acklam Hall is also becoming the new ‘go-to’ place for a number of occasions and events including weddings, business conferences, private events, dining and my favourite - afternoon tea! The luxurious 17th century mansion holds its status as Middlesbrough’s only Grade 1 listed building, and if you’re a fan of tea and scones, it needs to be on your list of places to visit.
LEFT Orange Pip Market stall
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A rgen t i ni a n Affai r WINE AFICIONADO RICHARD LOCKSTONE VISITS SOUTH AMERICAN WINE HOT SPOT MENDOZA TO EXPLORE THEIR HOST OF FABULOUS WINERIES AND FELL IN LOVE WITH THE SCENERY, THE WINES AND THE PEOPLE...
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he name ‘Mendoza’ is becoming increasingly well known to even the greenest of wine drinkers, synonymous as it has become with Malbec. Although the Malbec grape variety derived from France, it has flourished in Mendoza due partly to the high altitude vineyards which help to expresses this variety so well. Closer to Santiago, Chile than the capital of Argentina, Mendoza nestles close to the Chilean border, the rising heights of the Andes providing the perfect backdrop for its vineyards. My travels started in Mendoza city where I arrived by overnight luxury bus from Cordoba city, in the north. A quick and easy pick-up of a rental car and I was off. The first stop was an hour south of Mendoza, to the Uco Valley, a relatively new part of the wine
ABOVE The Wine Vault at Catena RIGHT Casa La Azul
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growing regions of Mendoza and expanding. Here I stayed at the most hospitable of family guest houses, La Azul. This definitely rates as my most peaceful and relaxing stay in the world to date. The setting was green, spacious and tranquil and the family treat you as one of their own while the food and wine are both first class. That night I enjoyed a steak barbeque paired with their own ‘Reserva’ blend, where Cabernet Sauvignon had been well integrated with Malbec for a truly fantastic wine. This was only the first night and the bar had already been set exceptionally high. The next day allowed for some exploration of the local wineries but be warned reservations to get into the majority of wineries are the norm. Luckily I had booked a lunch at the newly built, boutique property Casa de Uco. With its modern and art deco design, outdoor pool and 360° surrounding vineyards, this was a lovely find for lunch or to spend a night. The Uco valley has a number of great restaurants and expansive wineries and is a must on any wine trip to Mendoza. Next I drove back towards the city to explore the wineries closer to the centre of Mendoza. Here there are two main regions; Luján de Cuyo south west of Mendoza and Maipú south east. There are a number of wineries that I particularly wanted to visit in the Luján de Cuyo region so I headed off to explore this part of the region. I didn’t actually have any accommodation booked prior to arrival so I picked up a selection of free wine maps from local tourist information offices and set off to explore. I ended up at the gated Terrazas winery where I had heard they have rooms. I was shown the Casa Terrazas, the wineries guest house, which was an absolute find; not really advertised as a ‘hotel’ but a perfect place to stay
Food & Drink
ABOVE Argentinian Empanadas RIGHT Vineyards at La Azul
when exploring the Luján de Cuyo area. As no other tourists were staying, I had complete free rein to the beautiful house; dining room, outside seating areas and the strategically placed stashes of wine around the property. Here I found my favourite sparkling of the trip, Baron B, Chardonnay & Pinot Noir, traditional method, made by the Chandon estate (part of the Terrazas group). I enjoyed it whilst sitting out on the patio in the evening with a dinner of meats, cheeses and breads and it made for a perfect evening. If you’re going to explore the wineries in the Luján de Cuyo area try Casa Terrazas, it’s a fantastic place to stay and is centrally located, ideal for exploring the rest of the region. One of the wineries I was most looking forward to visiting was ‘Catena’, the winery of the Catena family and pioneers in the Argentinian wine world. It was now headed up by the fourth generation Laura Catena, a highly regarded and important figure in Argentina. I am familiar with some of Catena’s wines having tried a number in the UK so I was excited to visit their iconic Mayan Pyramid shaped winery and enjoy a guided tour of the cellars and tastings with some of their amazing wine. A trip to Catena was as expected; a treat and well worth the time, a must visit winery for any wine lovers trip to Argentina. What fascinated me most about Mendoza was the space. It is an area of huge desert plains dotted with vast and architecturally stunning grand wineries. Over the whole of the experience I was spoilt for choice for great food; amazing wine and boutique places to stay with excellent hospitality and great service all at a relatively good value. Mendoza is a wine region that we know and love as the home of Malbec but this amazing region has much more to offer and visiting this spot on the New World wine map is a great addition to anyone’s ‘to-do’ list.
LEFT Richard in a Wine Shop, the wall of Argentinan Wines BELOW Lunch at Casa de Uco
WINE NOTES TOP PLACE TO STAY: Finca la Azul, http://fincalaazul.com.ar/en/ TIPPLES: Best Value: La Azul Reserva, www.ruta40.com Something different: Chandon Brut NV, www.majestic.co.uk Splurge: Catena Zapata Malbec, www.velvetbull.co.uk
• Richard Lockstone is General Manager of Malmaison Newcastle. summer
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Travel
BADGER LAKE LUXURY LIVING
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e recently enjoyed a stay at new luxury lodges at the exclusive Badger Lakes development, located near Haggerston Castle Holiday Park, an historic castle grounds in the beautiful Northumberland countryside. The sophisticated range of contemporary lodges is set on a private lake, where owners can fish, enjoy water sports or just relax by the water’s edge. Each lodge comes with a fully fitted state of the art kitchen with built in appliances including a dishwasher and wine cooler. Tastefully decorated and featuring bespoke furniture throughout, the lodges are a perfect retreat for those looking to escape from their busy lives as well as those seeking to explore the local area. The community consists of eight two and three bedroom lodges, with prices ranging from £175,999 to £279,999. • www.lodge-retreats.co.uk
WIN WIN WIN
WIN A NIGHT’S STAY WITH DINNER, BED AND BREAKFAST IN ONE OF THE SOUTH CAUSEY INN’S FABULOUS LUXURY THEMED SUITES... One of our favourite places has just got even bigger and even better. The fabulous The South Causey Inn in Beamish oozes personality and has to die for luxury individually themed private cottages and suites with their own hot tubs, just add champers dahlings. Naturally with so many good things going on, South Causey has become a top wedding venue and is so in demand they have had to open another fantastic wedding venue The Old Barn. The former equestrian centre has been transformed into an opulent 9,000 square foot venue which will hold between 150 and 250 guests. To celebrate the new opening, the lovely peeps have given one of our readers the chance to win an overnight stay in one of their new gorgeous suites. You will have your pick of one of the eight luxury, themed suites which include staying in a London Bus! All boast their own private courtyard, dining area and hot tub, as well as en-suite bathrooms with Jacuzzis and waterproof televisions. The lucky winner will receive a glass of fizz and canapés upon arrival, served in their room where they can relax and unwind. Dinner will be served in the restaurant, where you can choose from their extensive menu. All you have to do to enter is email editorial@ladida.co.uk with South Causey in the subject header and a winner will be chosen at random. Closing date is 1st September. Check out our website www.ladida.co.uk for terms and conditions. • www.southcausey.co.uk
Gent about town
ACTOR, TV PRESENTER AND VOICE ARTIST CRAIG WILDE TELLS US ABOUT HIS TRAVELS TO THE BIG APPLE
New York just isn’t New anymore…
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have a confession to make, despite having travelled the globe, until March of this year, I had never been to New York. So when a group of friends and I boarded the plane, I was looking forward to seeing ‘the concrete jungle that dreams are made of ’ that Alicia Keys and Jay Z sang of, grit and glamour in equal measure. The seedy bars of the ‘Meatpacking District’ and the rooftop glamour of the ‘Upper East Side’, with the show tunes of Broadway tapping away in your head. But it appears that when Mayor Giuliani cleaned the streets of Manhattan in the 1990’s, he washed away much of the grit that gave the City its soul. It’s so sanitised that it feels like a Universal Studios back lot and less like a living, breathing city. True the Broadway shows are as big and beautiful as ever, we caught the Sunday matinee of ‘Kinky Boots’ and it lived up to every five star review and then some. Sure, the buildings are shiny and the cabs still yellow and the traffic terrible. Grand Central is still grand and the Chrysler Building is still my favourite building in the world. But on the Staten Island ferry I see the real New Yorkers for the first time, they don’t live in Manhattan, the rapid
gentrification of the world’s great western cities has de-populated the cities of the great characters that built them and kept them ‘New’. They now sleep their lives out in the suburbs priced out of what once was their city. Like the City of York it was named after, New York has become a living museum, a monument to a great empire. But whereas London has embraced its past and constantly chases reinvention, New York seems suspended in aspic jelly, no longer ‘New’. Standing in Times Square, taking in the LED and the 4K digital commercials for Coca Cola, Netflix and Chanel, surrounded by friends, I finally catch a glimpse of the ‘new’ New York on one of the giant screens, and realise it’s no longer here anymore, it’s thousands of miles away, it’s Shanghai or Tokyo. Hope still lives in this City, it will have a glorious renaissance soon enough. Sure we will be back to this shining place, sure we will soak up its bars and bright lights, show tunes and shopping again. But, as I pack for Shanghai and Tokyo, I will nod to the New York postcard on the dressing table and remember that without ‘Lady Liberty’s backyard, there would be no ‘New’ Shanghai or ‘New’ Tokyo to visit. • www.craigwilde.com
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Travel
Rockstar HIDEAWAYS WANT TO HOLIDAY LIKE AN ‘A’ LISTER? WE REVEAL FOUR OF THE MOST LUXURIOUS DESTINATIONS FREQUENTED BY THOSE IN THE KNOW...
African Safari, Lion Sands Reserve
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BELOW Lion Sands Treehouse
AFRICAN SAFARI, LION SANDS RESERVE This resort includes four luxury lodges and three fabulous treehouses in both the Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. It’s the only private reserve to feature lodges both in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve and Kruger National Park and there is plenty to do to keep you entertained, with morning and evening game drives in open safari vehicles, bush walks, bird watching, river walks, hippo tours and local village tours just a few of the experiences available. There is a wide range of accommodation available which includes the 5 star River Lodge, a spacious family-friendly lodge complete with two pools, a gym and an indulgent spa for the ultimate in luxury. Each of the 12 thatched Luxury Rooms features an en suite, mini bar and outdoor wooden deck, the six Superior Luxury Suites offer additional space, open-plan bathrooms and outdoor showers with some interconnecting, making them perfect for families. The 5 star Tinga Lodge is located on a private concession within Kruger National Park and offers the perfect opportunity to spot the region’s most breathtaking wildlife. Again it features expansive suites, outdoor shower and wooden viewing decks and private plunge pools. The 5 star Narina Lodge is settled beneath a 100-year-old canopy of trees overlooking the beautiful Sabie River. Built in the style of a luxurious treehouse, the nine private suites offer a spectacular view that can be enjoyed from your own private plunge pool or from the comfort of your bathtub. The evenings can be spent with a glass of Champagne, listening to the sounds of the bush and enjoying the Milky Way dancing across the blackened canopy. Price from £6,133 per person based on two people sharing for 6 nights in the Lion Sands River Lodge and one night in the treehouse including meals, drinks, game drives, transfers & flights with BA & South African.
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SHANGRI-LA’S VILLINGILI RESORT & SPA, MALDIVES Set on a 30-acre island of towering Banyan trees with coconut palms, three natural lagoons and one and half miles of white sandy beaches, the resort sits in the far south of the Maldives, south of the equator and even runs on its own island time so that guests can enjoy an extra hour of sunshine. Huge luxurious villas are secluded in the tropical vegetation, on the beachfront, overwater and even perched in the treetops. The villas have been carefully dotted around the jungle and beachfront so guests feel secluded and each comes with bicycles so it’s easy to get around. All rooms have an island host, state of the art facilities and glorious ocean views. Overwater villas have steps straight to the ocean while the on-island villas have their own private plunge pool. The resort also features the gorgeous CHI, The Spa, as well as the Maldives’ largest 9-hole golf course and guests can also enjoy trips to four local islands where they can visit villages and farms with a local guide. There’s also world-class snorkelling and diving with incredible coral reefs and nearby dive sites including the British Loyalty shipwreck. The resort has three restaurants which offer international dishes as well as specialities from the South China Sea, the Indian Ocean and Middle East and local produce from the ocean and neighbouring farms. Three bars include the stylish M-Lounge, the perfect beachfront venue to enjoy sundowners to the sound of chilled tunes. Price from £2871 per person based on two people sharing for 5 nights in a Pool Villa including breakfast, economy flights on SriLankan Airlines from London Heathrow and group transfers.
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ABOVE Beach dining at Shangri La Villingili BELOW Treehouse and overwater villa
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ABOVE Six Senses Ninh Van Bay
SIX SENSES NINH VAN BAY, VIETNAM Nestled in tranquil Ninh Van Bay, this exquisite resort blends sustainability with an island hideaway feel. This luxury resort is an eco-friendly masterpiece of modern design that blends harmoniously with its natural setting. Worlds apart from Vietnam’s buzzing beach resorts, you feel as though you have stumbled upon the country’s best kept secret. Follow winding paths, roped walkways and steps through the forest accompanied by the sound of birdsong. Signs point the way to hiking trails and stepping stones lead to the renowned Six Senses Spa. Each villa is equipped with bicycles so you can explore the beautiful grounds at leisure. The resort’s spectacular setting means that all meals come with stunning views. Enjoy 360º views from the top floor of the Dining by the Pool restaurant; Vietnamese and international cuisine at Dining by the Bay; and fine dining with fusion set menus using western cooking techniques and fresh local produce at Dining by the Rocks. The natural wine cave offers an intimate setting for special meals or why not treat yourself to a private barbecue on the beach with your own chef and waiter? The beautiful thatched villas blend with the dramatic rocks that stud the coastline with wooden shutters opening up to incredible views. Each boasts a dedicated Guest Experience Maker (GEM) who is on call 24 hours a day, a private plunge pool, outdoor shower and Wi-Fi. Hilltop Pool Villas offer incredible views while the Beachfront Pool Villas and two-bedroom Family Villas offer direct beach access. The Rock Pool Villas have a remote and secluded setting while the stunning Water Pool Villas with Rockery offer direct access to the sea meaning that you can start the day with a private morning swim. Price from £2396 per person based on two people sharing for 5 nights in a Hilltop Pool Villa including breakfast, economy flights on Vietnam Airlines from London Heathrow and group transfers.
TRAVEL NOTES
VICEROY, BALI This intimate resort is on the elevated verdant outskirts of Ubud and is breathtaking. With just 25 pool villas secluded in lush greenery, it is secluded and feels like you’ve stumbled upon a secret hideaway. The Viceroy combines elegance and luxury with the warmth and hospitality of a family-owned business. The Australian owners are on site each day to ensure that all guests have a memorable and personalised experience. Overlooking a striking ravine, such is its beauty that the Viceroy Bali has been featured in magazine shoots and television adverts around the world. It offers a completely tranquil bolthole to relax and escape from the world. Sink into traditional Balinese balés by the infinity pool that appears to float mid-air with a glass of wine and unwind as you take in the breathtaking views over the valley. Fine dining comes as standard here. High in the treetop canopy, the award-winning CasCades Restaurant serves tempting French cuisine with an Asian twist and is one of the island’s best-loved eateries. The Viceroy Bar is the perfect spot to enjoy cocktails and fine wines while watching the sun set over the Petanu River. The spacious villas all have a beautiful marble bathrooms, private pools and terraces with wonderful valley views. The tropical Pool Suites have a semiindoor heated plunge pool. Terrace and Deluxe Terrace Villas have an outdoor heated pool and small Balinese pavilion perched above the pool and over the valley. These villas can be paired to create a twobedroom family villa while the two individual Vice Regal Villas and the two-bedroom Viceroy Villa have a spacious outdoor area with garden and larger pool. Price from £2202 per person based on two people sharing for 5 nights in a Garden Villa including breakfast, economy flights on Qatar Airways from London Heathrow and private transfers.
All holidays are from Kuoni www.kuoni.co.uk or see one of their travel advisors at Kuoni metrocentre or at John Lewis, Eldon Square, Newcastle.
ABOVE Inside a Viceroy Bali Villa BELOW Sunset over the pool
Advertorial
Wedded Bliss
at Redworth Hall Hotel’s New-Look Great Hall GRAND COUNTRY HOUSE REDWORTH HALL HOTEL HAS UNDERGONE AN IMPRESSIVE TRANSFORMATION OF ITS GREAT HALL JUST IN TIME FOR SUMMER BRIDES-TO-BE TO SAY ‘I DO’
PHOTO CREDIT: Focal Point Photography
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ating back to the 17th Century, the striking property can be found in County Durham surrounded by peaceful grounds, yet a short distance from the buzz of the nearby city centre. Owned by premium hotel group Cairn Group, the historic hall has been sympathetically renovated to restore its former glory and enhance its offering as a stunning weddings and events space. Elegant changes include refreshed décor from floor to ceiling with decorative wall panels and traditional wallpaper together with luxurious feature curtains lit by beautiful crystal and gilt chandeliers. The original oak floor has been fully restored and the huge stone fireplaces cleaned to create a beautiful focal point.
The romantic room is a fantastic setting for nuptials in particular as the Great Hall can host 110 guests during the ceremony and wedding breakfast, and up to 150 guests as part of the evening celebrations. Brides-to-be can be inspired and explore the venue with a glass of fizz in hand, at an upcoming open evening on Thursday 03 August. The hotel’s team of wedding coordinators will be on hand on the day to give tours and answer any questions about the packages available, and a variety of local suppliers will be showcasing their services. For couples looking for a last minute venue for a summer 2017 wedding, there is limited availability to be amongst the first to tie the knot in the impressive new-look venue. Redworth Hall Hotel is a 143-bedroom property, meaning wedding parties can enjoy summer
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an overnight stay as part of the special day. Meanwhile the hotel’s picturesque setting within 26 acres of enchanting woodlands and gardens provides the perfect backdrop for wedding photographs to make lasting memories. Spa facilities are also available to relax before the big event as well as a British-European eatery – 1744 Restaurant. Other events including birthday and anniversary celebrations can be hosted in the Great Hall, as well as charity functions and corporate affairs. • For more information on Redworth Hall Hotel’s Great Hall and its wedding open evenings, call 01388 770 600 or visit www.redworthhalldurham.co.uk.
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Hotel
Inspector WE SENT OUR HOTEL INSIDER IN TO CHECK OUT HOTEL DU VIN HARROGATE… REVIEW: RICHARD LOCKSTONE
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love to travel, be it a 13 hour flight across the world or a couple of hours on the train exploring somewhere new. But despite having lived in the North East for a few years now I have seen very little of Yorkshire so I decided to treat myself to a night away at the Hotel du Vin Harrogate and a treat it certainly turned out to be. Louise, my partner, and I were in no hurry so we decided to get the train instead of driving. A quick change at York and we’re on the 35 minute relatively slow train which normally would have frustrated me but the train ride was like a trip back in time and became an adventure in its own right. The beautiful scenery unfolded before our eyes and crossing the railway bridge at the picturesque town of Knaresborough felt like stepping into a magical wonderland. Arriving at Harrogate station it was just a short walk to the Hotel du Vin, ‘Hotel of Wine’… Yes definitely my kind of place! A friendly receptionist quickly checked us in and showed us to a lovely room with stunning exposed wooden beams, a roll top bath and an enormous double walk-in drench shower, wow! The whole room wasn’t much smaller than my own two bedroom flat. Later that evening we wandered down into the bar and started the evening summer
by enjoying the great service from LeeRoy the bar tender. He was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about their local gin and he carefully prepared two beautifully big bulbous glasses of gin and tonics with added pink grapefruit and black pepper which were fantastic. We moved into the Bistro for dinner and had a first class meal from their classic French twist a la carte menu. I ordered the steak frites; well it was a mini holiday. And to pair, we very much enjoyed the wine as recommended by the Sommelier, Kieran, he recommended a multi varietal Chilean blend called Caballo Loco produced by the Valdiveso wine group, an amazing wine at a very affordable price. The excellent quality of food and great service was on display again in the Bistro for breakfast the following morning where, despite every intention to stick to a healthy option, the ‘Full Breakfast’ was too tempting for both of us. Overall a wonderful stay in a beautiful hotel with lovely, friendly staff who took time to go the extra mile. Located in a small town only a short journey away from home but with a real feeling of being in another world; Harrogate was a very welcome break in a busy world. • www.hotelduvin.com
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Society Wedding
DANIELLE WOOD AND MATTHEW SQUIRES Danielle and Matthew were married at St Cuthbert’s Church, Elsdon, Northumberland on the 1st July and then celebrated at the beautiful Le Petit Chateau, Otterburn. Danielle looked stunning in a white lace custom dress, Florence from House of Mooshki, accessorised with Electric Blue Jimmy Choo Shoes and handbag. Her gorgeous bouquet was from Bel’s Flowers. Hair and make up was by Lisa Jones. The bridesmaids looked beautiful in navy dresses while the groom and best man wore dapper suits from Master Debonair. The rings were from Rox. The couple arrived in a stylish Classic Jaguar E-Type from Northumbria Classic Car Hire and also had a blue VW campervan in attendance from Go Retro Vehicle Hire for the wedding party. After the wedding ceremony guests were driven to Le Petit Chateau and dined on a sumptuous wedding breakfast that included an incredible 12 foot Dessert Buffet from The Master Cakesmith. The entertainment included singer Jess Avison, music by Livewire and a Snaparazzi photo booth was on hand to capture guests' special moments. Everything was organised by Danielle and Matthew described it as truly unforgettable. The couple then travelled to stylish Santorini for their honeymoon. Congratulations Mr and Mrs Squires, we wish you every happiness. Photography by Jamie Penfold. www.memoriesandemotions.co.uk.
N G I K OF COMICS
SIMON DONALD STARTED VIZ WITH HIS BROTHER CHRIS IN A BEDROOM IN JESMOND, NEWCASTLE AND ACCIDENTLY BECAME THE VOICE OF BRITAIN’S YOUTH CULTURE, LINDA JANE WESTPHAL CATCHES UP WITH THE LEGENDARY COMEDIAN.. .
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o, a lunch date with Simon Donald was a really bad idea. Every time I take a mouthful of food, Simon launches into yet another hilarious anecdote so preposterously funny that I can barely breathe, let alone swallow. He still describes himself as a lavatory humourist and long may he revel in that description. In reality he is super bright as well as very funny. Aware, compassionate, non judgmental, it’s hard to believe that this man fathered the likes of Sid the Sexist and a legion of other iconic VIZ characters, but if you go to see him do stand up, you’ll see that he still has that wonderful eye for the absurd and the ridiculous that made VIZ such a joyously funny read. It’s hard to believe that the iconic magazine started out being a few scrappy pages of comic strips and jokes typed out on an old typewriter by three teenagers in a bedroom in Jesmond, Newcastle. It was sold in their local pub. A few short years later,VIZ went onto become an iconic part of youth culture in the late 80s and early 90s, outselling every magazine in the UK, bar the Radio and TV Times which people had to buy for the TV listings. As his brother Chris, co founder, said: “We didn’t make a national magazine, we made a Newcastle magazine that went national.” “We had just come out of the Newcastle post punk era and the big thing you took from the punk movement was that you had a voice,” explains Simon.“It was very important from our point of view that it wasn’t a business model, it was something we loved to do.” The magazine was initially sold through independent record shops and student unions and quickly became a cult hit. It didn’t take long for the London publishing scene to take note.
“We got called down to London to meet the very posh, elderly board directors of this big publisher. They didn’t get it and kept trying to change everything,” recalls Simon. “I remember I got a worried phone call telling me that Sid the Sexist was a chauvinist and I said ‘the clue’s in the name’.” Shortly after this they ended up with John Brown Publishing via a stint at Virgin and the magazine took off, becoming a household name. “John didn’t get VIZ but he knew other people got it and that’s all that mattered so he gave us complete editorial freedom,” says Simon.“The only thing he asked for was to make it ‘less bottomy’ and in the next edition I introduced new characters,The Bottom Inspectors,” he laughs. Success was very much on their terms.The guys resisted becoming less ‘Geordie’ and advertisers were told clearly and forcefully that they would be lampooned in the magazine and would like it or lump it.They chose to like it, knowing VIZ was one of the most influential magazines in the country. The massive success meant celebrity fans and fame but the guys got very little time to enjoy it. “The deadlines were constant so we were working all the time. Eventually Chris left and then I left because something we loved to do had become a job. It wasn’t fun anymore,” Simon explains. Over his career Simon has acted, managed bands, written TV scripts and still does stand up comedy to rave reviews. He lives in Italy for six months a year which helps with his multiple sclerosis and arthritis. Looking at him, very slim and dapper in his Northern Soul T shirt, you wouldn’t know he had a health condition. He looks fit and well and has been enduring long runs up Italian hills in searing heat training for the Great North Run. summer
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He is running for the Graham Wylie Foundation which helps vulnerable and disadvantaged children in the region. Simon has a lot of admiration for Graham Wylie, who funds the costs of the charity completely out of his own pocket.“If ever there was a lesson in how you should behave when you have that level of financial success it’s Graham,” he says. “He doesn’t just look after his own family, he looks after the wider community and he supports the weakest, the poor, and the needy. “He deserves to have this particular act noted on the conscientiousness of everyone. He is inspiring people. Let’s all be a Bill Gates or a Graham Wylie.” Simon also does a lot for charity and the community, including being patron of Dyslexia North East. He struggled with dyslexia as a child and he says it still has an impact on him. “Even though I did really well in my career I still have confidence issues around reading and writing. Hopefully as awareness grows we will be more accepting of each other’s differences rather than judging people by them,” he says. He also has big plans in the pipeline. After the success of his book, Him Off The Viz, which charts his amazing journey, a film script has been developed which tells the VIZ story. We went to a private reading at the Gosforth Hotel, where it all started for VIZ when they sold their first copies.Written by Andrew Barnden with input from Simon, the script was acted out by young north east actors. It’s an incredibly gripping, funny and inspiring story that deserves to be told and they are currently looking for investors to make it a reality. • If you want to sponsor Simon on the GNR check out his website for more information. www.simondonald.com.
PHOTO CREDIT: Mark Pinder
Feature
I got a worried call from the London publishers pointing out that Sid the Sexist was a chauvinist. I said to them, ‘the clue’s in the name’... summer
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Business
The
Alchemist N
ever has a man been more aptly named than Mr Gold. Not only is responsible for investment in a host of North East businesses, but he also champions the region’s entrepreneurs to the City of London’s investment community, literally bringing riches to the region. Originally a chemist working with precious metals, a move into international business development led to Jonathan Gold heading up some of the North East’s most important investment funds, and now sees him working on bringing £50m in private capital to the north, to make investments beyond the seed stage. A Londoner, he ended up in the region through working on the business plan for NStar, an investment company backed by One North East before joining the board. Now he owns Rivers Capital (alongside two other partners) which started management of the North East Angel Fund in 2010 and the North East Micro Loan Fund in 2014. He works hard to bring investment into the region for the North East’s entrepreneur community and it is something he is clearly passionate about.
“The North East often gets a bad press. It’s not less entrepreneurial than the rest of the country as such, even though it’s true to say there are fewer start ups and businesses per head of population than the rest of the country. But there is no less ambition and drive. There is less capital here than in many parts of the country but the entrepreneurs in the North East are very entrepreneurial.” He has been trying to match up the right investors down south with appropriate entrepreneurs up here. It can be a win, win situation, he says, with the market overheating in London due to high prices. Entrepreneurs in the North East need capital and investors are lined up with potentially good investment opportunities. “It’s a case of finding the right business for an investor in London,” says Jonathan.” Money won’t naturally walk here; our population is small compared to Leeds or Manchester, so we need to work hard at finding opportunities to make the right match. We have to drag the money up here; we have to make the case for why they should invest.” Rivers Capital bills itself as the entrepreneurs’ fund manager. Their board all summer
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have significant business experience, so they know what to look for when investing in a business and what advice and support the businesses invested in needs. As well as growing other people’s business, he is also growing his own. Rivers Capital is predicting strong growth over the next few years which is certainly good news for the region’s entrepreneurs. Jonathan says he gets a lot of personal satisfaction from seeing the businesses he has helped and supported grow and prosper. “It’s very rewarding seeing someone realise their dream business.You get to see the journey, the hard work, the disappointments and the successes so it’s wonderful to see how investment can turn companies around and give them opportunities for growth and expansion. As a business owner myself I can identify with their journey. And I like to think that every business success up here will act as inspiration for the next generation of entrepreneurs.” Luckily Jonathan has no plans to head back down to London, he is happy to stay put in his adopted Newcastle home, which is great news for north east entrepreneurs, who always need an angel in their corner.
PHOTO CREDIT: Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com
JONATHAN GOLD WENT FROM WORKING WITH PRECIOUS METALS TO BRINGING RICHES TO THE REGION AS A VENTURE CAPITALIST.
Business
Channel your
INNER ELVIS CHRIS BARÉZ-BROWN IS A TOP BUSINESS CONSULTANT, BEST SELLING AUTHOR, TEDX INSPIRATIONAL SPEAKER AND FOUNDER OF THE UPPING YOUR ELVIS CONSULTANCY WHERE HE TRANSFORMS PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES. WE CAUGHT UP WITH HIM TO FIND OUT MORE....
Who’s Elvis around here? means who’s the maverick who gets things done...
“W
ho’s Elvis around here?”, was Bono’s signature question, meaning who here is a bit of a maverick, breaks the rules and gets stuff done?”, explains business author and guru Chris Baréz-Brown. Chris certainly doesn’t need any help channelling his ‘Elvis’; he has a stellar reputation. He was once described by Cocoa Cola chiefs he worked with as a ‘prophet’ and by The Guardian as a ‘a long haired, twinkly eyed cross between Richard Branson and a Wizard’. The Harvard Business Review has written about him, he pens a column for GQ magazine and he works with every major power brand you can think of. Indeed, he has even written a book on how to channel your inner Elvis, called ‘Upping Your Elvis’, helping you to channel that maverick genius that’s gently sleeping inside you. After a super successful career in brand management and subsequently innovation and leadership development, he left to establish the Creative Leadership Consultancy Upping Your Elvis in 2010 and works with his business partner on their mission of unlocking individuals’ innate creative genius. Clients include Nike, Unilever, Britvic, Diageo, The Guardian, Mediacom and ITV. “When you learn how to reconnect with your inner genius, you have the skills to make good stuff happen.You will feel more confident, energised and alive. All in all, it delivers a shinier, happier version of you. More creative, productive and inspired,” he says.
Chris has also written the bestselling books ‘How to Have Kick-Ass ideas, Shine: ‘How to survive and thrive at work ‘and ‘Free: Love your work, love your life.’ In 2016 he launched his latest mission: The Great Wake Up! Wake Up! The app launched in October 2016 and his latest book ‘Wake Up! Escaping a life on autopilot’ was published in January. And this is no ordinary app. It has a multitude of great stuff which is literally life transforming, not to mention connecting you to a community of like minded people, vital in a society heavily dependent on media with a fear based agenda. “People get addicted to consuming news and it’s a terrible waste of a life,” he says. “The media is making people more fearful and negative, fear sells. It’s specifically written to create those emotions.You can stay on top of what’s happening in the world without consuming this type of media and being corrupted by it.” Apps such as Wake Up! help you feel happier and more connected with your ‘inner child’ and the effects are transformative on every aspect of your life from your personal life to your business life. summer
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“It’s important to connect with what made you happy as a child,” says Chris. “Sometimes we forget what it feels like to be happy and the years pass and we’re on autopilot.” If this all sounds too ‘woo woo’ for your business, think again. It gets results and fast. There is a reason top brands such as Cocoa Cola venerate Chris’s skills in transforming their staff, culture and mission. “It may seem fluffy but the brands I deal with don’t do fluffy. I am brought in to get results fast and I do. Within a month they see a 10% return on their investment,” he explains. “Business has completely transformed in the last few years,” he says. It’s not just a few outliers now that are looking at their mission and what they do for the common good. How you define yourself and your brand is what is going to show up. Every touch point of your brand has to resonate with your audience. If you define yourself by your product or your transaction and don’t ask the question ‘what is our higher purpose?’ then you are not letting your team be extraordinary and you are not going to win.” • Check out more information on Chris’s books at www.barez-brown.com.
La Di Da VILLAGE
IMAGINE THE SECURITY AND UNADULTERATED LUXURY OF BEVERLY HILLS COMBINED WITH THE STYLE AND AMENITIES OF A HIP COTSWOLD VILLAGE, ALL SET IN ANCIENT WOODLAND, AND YOU WILL START TO COME CLOSE TO THE INCREDIBLE UTOPIAN VISION THAT IS WYNYARD PARK.
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et amidst 885 beautifully cultivated parkland acres, recently the preserve of nobility, Wynyard Park is a new settlement to the north of the A689, the start of a brand new community located opposite Wynyard Village. It is under different ownership and is quite distinct from Wynyard Village, indeed Wynyard Park is a completely unique vision. From serenity walks to yoga in the village hall, to a fashion fabulous food hall and deli for your local shop and a stylish gastro pub for Sunday lunch, every single aspect of this village vision has been thought out to the eighth degree. They have hired a team of summer
carefully vetted staff to cater for your every need from cleaning and gardening to dog sitting and even have a special storage area so their concierge can sign for your Net a Porter or Amazon deliveries until you are ready to collect them at your own leisure. It takes the best from village lifestyle and combines it with every conceivable feature of a luxury resort. Wynyard Park has its own exclusive Concierge service, which provides a team of on-site professionals with mobile patrol and 24/7 CCTV monitoring, selected areas with private gates which are accessed by your own security code, Concierge service and excellent wifi. The stylish range of houses available has been
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Property
carefully thought through to attract a range of ages from starter homes to bungalows and family homes to replicate a village feel. There is also a small number of very special pockets of land reserved to become exclusive communities of self-build homes. Made up of between 12 and 30 spacious plots, each of these developments has its own gated entrance and is landscaped to offer you your very own piece of rural countryside. You can build the home of your dreams using the best materials and workmanship at much less than the price of buying the equivalent on the market. Whether traditional, contemporary, grand or eco-friendly as long as the design and build is compatible with the Design Guide and the stunning surroundings, you can be as creative as you like. We took a look around some of the self build homes already established by residents and they are beautifully designed but all are individual. The design guide is merely there to ensure that each householder is not overlooked and enjoys a generous plot of land for that ultimate ‘living in the country’ feel. Wynyard Park is unique in being both a greenfield and a greenleaf development. Its encircling belt of rich woodland is on your doorstep with tracks for jogging, cycling or simply walking the dog. A serenity garden has already been established and the village is peppered with benches and natural meeting points, allowing for a friendly chat with the neighbours and fostering a sense of community. Wildflowers, planted gardens, the woodland and stunning artworks
summer
on wildlife themes add to the feel of living within a beautiful country park. Residents will also enjoy easy access on foot, by car, bike or a new Shuttle Bus to the whole Park’s growing amenities. These include leisure, eating, medical facilities, a nursery and school. It’s ideally located for commuters with both the A1 and A19 within easy reach and Durham and Middlesbrough a short drive away. Unsurprisingly the first of the self-build developments, Manorside, has sold out off plan and the latest releases are proving very popular. This unique development is so much more than a rather fabulous housing development; it is the creation of a utopian way of life that perfectly deals with the needs of 21st century society. It is village life reimagined and perfected in the grounds of a beautiful country estate. • For more information you can visit the team at the marketing suite at Rose Garden Lane, Wynyard Park, TS22 5FS or email selfbuild@wynyardpark. com or call 01740 667000.
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Located within 885 acres of fabulous parkland, we have reserved a number of exclusive pockets of land to become communities of self-build homes. Made up of between 12 and 30 spacious plots, each of these developments has its own gated entrance and is landscaped to take advantage of the rolling, natural setting. You can become the proud owner of your own slice of rural England.
Wynyard Park Marketing Suite Manorside North A1(M)
A689
Teesside A19
Wynyard Village The Stables
A different vision for living
Tel 01740 667000 or Email selfbuild@wynyardpark.com www.wynyardpark.com
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
What’s so extraordinary about Wynyard Park? YOU CAN TELL it’s going to be very different as soon as you arrive at the imposing entrance just off the A689. It’s just a couple of miles west of the A19 junction. But a world away from the ordinary. Drive in past the Concierge’s lodge and extraordinary possibilities unfold.
THE EXTRAORDINARY LOCATION You’ll find yourself amidst 885 acres of fabulous parkland which was until recently the preserve of nobility. Here we have reserved a small number of very special pockets of land to become exclusive communities of selfbuild homes. Made up of between 12 and 30 spacious plots, each of these developments has its own gated entrance and is landscaped to take advantage of the rolling, natural setting. You can become the proud owner of your own slice of rural England.
AN EXTRAORDINARY HOME The home of your dreams. If you can’t find the exact one in the property pages, individuality, quality, value for money – selfbuild gives you the opportunity to create the home of your dreams using the best materials and workmanship at much less than the price of buying the equivalent on the market. Traditional, contemporary, grand or eco-friendly – so long as the design and build is compatible with our Design Guide and the idyllic surroundings, you have the freedom to be as creative as you like.
EXTRAORDINARY PEACE OF MIND What’s it worth to enjoy a quiet and undisturbed lifestyle? You can relax in the knowledge that Wynyard Park’s exclusive concierge service provides a team of on-site professionals with mobile patrol and 24/7 CCTV monitoring. They will also take
delivery of your on-line orders and store them in the lodge. All part of the service.
EXTRAORDINARY BY NATURE Who doesn’t wish for a graceful home in a setting that brings you closer to the natural world? Wynyard Park is unique and extraordinary in being both a greenfield and a greenleaf development. Its encircling belt of rich woodland is on your doorstep with tracks for jogging, cycling or simply walking the dog. Here and there you’ll come across artworks on wildlife themes, most notably the sculptures of deer which once roamed in herds 400 strong.
AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFESTYLE The leafy self-build neighbourhoods will have a secluded, away-from-itall feel.
Residents will also enjoy easy access on foot, by car, bike or our new Shuttle Bus to the whole Park’s growing amenities. These include leisure, eating, medical facilities, a nursery and school. Wynyard Park is fast growing into a secure, sustainable settlement to live, work and relax, complete with shops, pub, restaurants and community hall. Although within easy drive to and from Tees Valley centres, here you will feel
you’re in a different dimension. It’s more than a place to live. It’s your place for life. That’s what’s so extraordinary.
AN EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY Seldom does a country estate become available for building homes of distinction in the North East or any other region. This is truly a once in a generation opportunity. The first of the Selfbuild developments, Manorside, has sold out off plan and the latest releases are proving very popular. So there couldn’t be a better time to visit our Marketing Suite and discover an extraordinary future. Come and be inspired. Wynyard Park – a world away from the ordinary. Call us now on 01740 667000, email selfbuild@ wynyardpark.com or visit us online at wynyardpark.com
Society
Summer SOCIALS THE SEASON IS UPON US, IT’S TIME FOR TAILGATE PICNICS, HATS AND SUMMER DRESSES AND GENTS IN TOP HATS. TO CELEBRATE ALL THINGS SUMMER AND FABULOUS, COUNTRY EDITOR NICOLE ABDUL HEADS TO THE POLO...
watch whichever we liked. Even when there was a break in chukkas you could spend the time admiring the stunning ponies. Unlike a lot of Polo events, this was more relaxed, so there was no need to worry about getting a Loub stuck in the mud! We also had superb weather so a lot of the spectators had brought a picnic complete with their favourite tipple to enjoy whilst watching the chukkas. What’s more, even if Lady Luck didn’t produce at Royal Ascot, events like this won’t break the bank with only a £5 parking charge (the proceeds of which went to charity). Toulston is one of a few polo clubs in Yorkshire and a lot of them do let the general public come and watch play, just search on the Internet for your local club. For a slightly more relaxed yet very enjoyable weekend, try watching some chukkas at a ground near you - just don’t forget the picnic! summer
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ABOVE Ladies in hats epitomise the start of the summer season
Photography Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com
U
s Brits have to admit, when it comes to the summer, we are all a bit eccentric. I’m not referring to ladies putting on a frock in the off chance ‘it may warm up later’, or even attempting a BBQ in the rain just because ‘its August’. Where else in the world would you find the most fabulous of guests in their finest clothes, attending a string of lavish events in a variety of fields.Yet, strange as it sounds come rain (most often), wind or sunshine, ladies in their Stilettos and men in their top hats can be found throughout The Season at events such as Royal Ascot Races, Cartier Queen’s Cup and Henley Royal Regatta. The truth is, we love these events and the chance to get dressed up, no matter what the weather. If after attending all the events of The Season you are still looking for more, there is in fact an abundance of fabulous outdoor spectator sports to get involved in. Polo is a particular love of mine. I can’t play but I do love watching the high speed, high-risk sport with all the immaculate ponies on pristine lawns. Of course, Guards Polo Club in Windsor Great Park is host to some of the most prestigious of polo events, but here in glorious Yorkshire there are some excellent clubs as well. I went along to Toulston Polo Club in July to watch their Summer Cup, which comprised of lots of teams from around the UK taking part in the tournament. Despite never having been to this Polo Club before it was well signposted on the day and as soon as we arrived we were made to feel very welcome.Various chukkas (polo games) were taking place on the two polo lawns and we were free to
Society
Maddie’s
MADELEINE COSTIGAN IS A FREELANCE TV STYLIST AND GIRL ABOUT TOWN. SHE GIVES US THE INSIDE GOSS ON HER GLAM LIFE...
world
T
ime flies in La Di Da land. When I last signed off I was in the middle of planning an exciting event for Audi in Hereford. It was for the launch of their new dealership under the Vertu plc umbrella. After the success of Glasgow Nissan I was asked to work on this project too. The feedback from the last event was ‘world class’ so how do you top that. I decided to book Richard Jones (the magician who won BGT last year) as the headline act alongside an amazing electric string quartet. Richard was such a lovely charming guy and his act was simply mesmerising. As well as other entertainment, great food and drinks, we also did a one off auction item of an Audi painting and raised £8,000 for the local hospice. It was a successful night all round. Richard was starting his tour not long after, so I took my son Louis along and he ended up on stage, he loved it! I visited Ireland for the first time with my sister. We had a mini break to Dublin and enjoyed all of what it had to offer. We took a tour of the Guinness factory and tried my first proper pint of the black stuff which was actually ok. Apparently it tastes completely different over there. We particular enjoyed the traditional Irish pubs and listening to the music. After a few proseccos one night, I did happen to fall into some Irish dancers shoes and have a little go, after a few drinks of course I thought I was Michael Flately, watching the video the next day it was evident I wasn’t. I hosted a charity Easter fun day over in Middlesbrough for the lovely Safe Families for Children with the help of the ladies Tickle the
Tastebuds, who I also volunteer with on the Christmas hamper scheme. As usual seeing all the smiles on the children’s faces made all the hard work worthwhile. We had 100’s of Easter eggs and crafts donated again, my house turned into Willy Wonka’s factory! I am always so grateful for the donations from all the kind people in the North East. I have been busy working on various TV and photo shoots, mainly set dressing and fashion styling as well as street casting for models. My son was cast in an advert for Neville Johnson (the beautiful staircase company) and we had to travel down to Poole. I had no idea where Poole was, but after six hours and three trains later we arrived. Louis loved the whole adventure. Look out for him in the advert later on this year. I was also asked to model for one of my favourite shops, Christian Alexander, for their new magazine. I am love with their clothes and cannot stop buying dresses. It was such a fun day modelling with the other lovely ladies up at the gorgeous Lartington Hall, which I adore. The waistline needs a bit of TLC after eating out at all my favourite North East restaurants and drinking too much prosecco (standard). I tried The Patricia in Jesmond summer
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which was very nice. The menu is limited but I had the most delicious Brussel sprouts starter and the atmosphere was buzzing. A lot of my time over the last few months has been planning Paul Collingwood, the England cricket legend’s Testimonial event at the Durham ground in August. As well as being on his committee, I am managing his North East event. The fabulous La Di Da are the media sponsors for this event so hopefully we will see lots of the lovely readers there.You don’t have to love cricket to have a great day out. School holidays are looming and I have eight weeks to fill to entertain my over enthusiastic seven year old! We are lucky enough to have purchased a holiday home in Bamburgh so we will be busy enjoying what the coast and beautiful Northumberland has to offer. I am enjoying spending time styling and designing all of the interiors which is a project in itself, so that’s keeping me out of trouble! There is so much to do around the area so I think the eight weeks will fly by.
• Check out my blog www.maddieness.co.uk
Feature
Society MAL LIFE... LA DI DA was delighted to attend a fabulous soiree at one of our fave hotels Malmaison Newcastle to celebrate their glam new look for their bar. The quayside was lined with top of the range sports cars, as VIP’s flocked to the city’s destination bar. Guests were welcomed with Mumm Rose Champagne, G&T’s and BrewDog Beer. Live music added the soundtrack to a host of foodie and drink experiences including blind wine tasting, cocktail making, a BrewDog station and a Gin and Tonic station. We feasted on the new a la carte menu including seared Cornish scallops with chorizo and spinach puree, tempura calamari and king prawns, 21-day aged chateaubriand and more. Desserts included yummy rhubarb trifle and Valrhona chocolate pave alongside a cheese station, with a ‘cheese sommelier’. The stylish new bar area features suede and leather seating and low tables to form ‘mini lounges’, adding an intimate, relaxed feel to the venue, while stunning, crown-shaped feature lighting creates a more modern vibe.
Posh Puppy
Photography Jade Turnbull www.jadephotography-online.com
Posh Puppy We fell in love with this gorgeous dalmation puppy, Poppy Horner, when she took part in our fashion shoot. Poppy was a complete natural and loved modelling the hand embroidered jewel studded dog collars made especially for her by fashion designer Melanie Kyles. We think she is so la di da.
summer
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can we tempt you
The path less travelled. Tel: +44 (0)1833 650 213 www.rose-and-crown.co.uk