La Di Da issue 18 by L J Digital Media

SUMMER 2018

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

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How to rock the season...

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SUMMER 2018

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 LAURA REID DESIGN WWW.LAURAREIDDESIGN.CO.UK

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wise lady once told me to never stay anywhere that wasn’t more fabulous than my own home, which is effectively why you’ll never see me camping. And having travelled the length and breadth of our region lately, I wonder why I go away at all. Few places can match the beauty of our home turf and the diversity of our landscape. We have breathtaking scenery, great cultural attractions, fab

restaurants and stunning beaches on our doorstep. So this summer I’m vowing to staycation, after all why eat burgers when you have steak at home. I hope you like the issue, as ever; it is bursting with everything northern and fabulous. Have a wonderful summer x

Linda x

A DAMN FINE READ FOR NORTHERN HIGH SOCIETY

4-6 Pimms o clock The hip new alternative to WI

8-10 Northern star

We catch up with Emmerdale’s Liam Fox in genteel Harrogate for tea and gossip

14-17 Ladies of Harley

Fashionistas in their 40s hitting the road...

OUR COVER SHOT Hannah Guy, Prom Shoot. Photography Tracy Kidd tracykiddphotgraphy.zenfolio.com

37-46 The F Word

Our ultimate guide to being fabulous

WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS B L A N C H L A N D

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Anyone for Pim

FEATURE

Forget about jam and Jerusalem, the North East’s hippest women’s group is all about cocktails and girl power. Mark Burns Cassell goes along to meet the fabulous founders… Photography Tracy Kidd Photography Tracykiddphotography.com

ttention, attention – this is an important societal announcement to the finest and most fabulous ladies of North East High Society – yes, glittering friends, that means you. For those of you not already in the know (where have you been, darling?) the North East has been hit by a storm; a fabulous one, natch – and it’s called Storm Pimm’s and Needles. This cult phenomenon, brain child of the sensational Charlotte Pyrah and Donna Feeney is captivating ladies of the North East far and wide, and we wouldn’t be doing our sacred duty without giving you the full scoop. Where else can tea, cake and the odd obligatory naked man be found in one place? What makes these fabulous groups so popular? The Pimm’s & Needles groups are all about bringing women together to escape the pressures of high society life – learning new skills and of course having a giggle, natch. The groups meet monthly across venues in the North East and so in demand new groups are popping up like caviar at House of Tides. Charlotte is a textile designer, maker, and all-round connoisseur; Donna is an upcycling queen and runs an amazing pop-up upcycling boutique called Totes Adore – if you have a scrumptious champagne scented candle that’s been made in an upcycled champagne bottle, we’d bet a Clarins Facial it’s been made by Donna. When this fabulous duo met they instantly discovered a shared passion for all things floral, vintage, hand-crafted and upcycled and this led to the birth of Pimm’s and Needles – a community interest company exclusively for women. Meetings seamlessly weave together fancy embroidery stitches, life drawing, salsa, belly dancing, ceramics, gin tasting, talks by local artisans, artists and industry experts alongside doubleentendres and lots of laughter – a potent mix that has the ladies simply hooked. Pimm’s and Needles is a scintillating space where ladies can forget the responsibilities of the outside world and enjoy learning new things in a fun way. Let’s fast-forward to opening night of the first ever class: let us picture a nervous Charlotte and Donna, teeth a-chatter, restlessly smoothing down vintage frocks along with the rest of the merry gang from sewing class, peering out of The Mustard Tree Café Doors in Hurworth Village to spy a huge queue of eager and excited ladies. After hearing about plans for the

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monthly meetings 75 ladies signed up to become members there and then and the group was full to capacity. Two and a half years later Pimm’s and Needles has rapidly expanded and Charlotte and Donna now organise eight groups in Darlington, Hurworth Village, Aycliffe Village, Barnard Castle, Northallerton, Durham and Yarm with over 600 fabulous members. New groups and more expansion plans are also in the pipeline. Members are regaled with all kinds of wild and wonderful meetings, some more tame than others and some involving more clothing than others. One of Donna’s favourites has to be the life drawing workshop with a male model centre stage; Charlotte giggles as she talks fondly about the sausage making session whilst telling us ever so earnestly about how difficult linking sausages really is. For the faint of heart, the ladies do also do some more sensible sessions such as Lindy Hop Dancing, cake decorating, making hanging baskets, mindfulness, chocolate making as well as learning DIY skills! “Lots of our ladies love the crafting activities and are always suggesting new ideas for projects, we’ve made Christmas door wreaths, dried flower hoop art, lavender bags, felt flower brooches and ceramic decorations. Donna and I often lead these sessions as it plays to our strengths,” says Charlotte. Donna and Charlotte are obviously passionate about planning the meetings and enjoy the thrill of finding new and exciting activities that their members will love. Singing, Murder Mystery (our members were the actors!), belly dancing and a quiz master in the buff (ladies, stay calm!) Their careful planning means that they offer activities that suit all ages and tastes. “We’re so lucky that we have members that are ready to trust in what we plan for them. They always rise to the challenge no matter what we throw at them and usually go out the door with a smile on their face and feeling accomplished, which is such a satisfying feeling for us,” Donna giggles. Car Maintenance and Belly Dancing are the next two hot topics on the line up. Two complete polar opposites but both challenging, liberating and most of all a really good laugh. “We’ve done D.I.Y activities before such as learning to tile, re-seal a shower tray and put up a shelf and our members have thoroughly enjoyed them and gone home feeling empowered and that’s exactly what we want!” Charlotte and Donna are massively looking forward to the Car maintenance workshop and even had a chance to test out their skills at Skipbridge Garage in Hurworth during our photoshoot. Their enthusiasm is catching and it’s easy to see why Donna and

Pimm’s and Needles is a new, edgy take on ladies social groups

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Charlotte work so well together. They share the responsibilities of the day-to-day running of the company, each picking up the tasks that are suited to their skills. “It’s so nice to run a company alongside someone else, we bounce off each other, share the same drive and ambition and keep each other going,” says Charlotte. Having visited a Pimm’s and Needles meeting it’s plain to see how much enjoyment the ladies get from the meetings. There is such a lovely positive and relaxed atmosphere within the group and the members are put at ease immediately and enjoy a catch up and cuppa with their friends. In this fast- paced world doing something for ourselves is often the last thing on the list; Pimm’s and Needles meets this need with all the expected panache of a high-class social. Pimm’s and Needles is a new, edgy take on more established ladies social groups, and darling, really – if you haven’t joined already, what are you waiting for? pimmsandneedles.co.uk

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SPONSORED

Middlesbrough steps into the SPOTLIGHT Perhaps known to some as ‘that place between Leeds and Newcastle’, Middlesbrough (or ‘Boro’ to those in the know) has really come into its own in recent years, and is ready to take centre stage in the North East and beyond.

ew visitors to Middlesbrough might be surprised by what they encounter: a buzzing town with a big city future and passionate people to boot. One woman, however, isn’t so surprised. Michelle McPhee has lived and worked in the area all her life and has witnessed first-hand Middlesbrough’s amazing transformation. Through her work at Middlesbrough Council, she has played a pivotal role in the development of the centre into a retail and leisure destination, and she’s on a mission to spread the word. “Middlesbrough has always been known for its friendly, ‘salt of the earth’ people, but there’s so much more to be found here. I think there are a lot of misconceptions about what we’re all about, but when people actually come here they’re blown away by what they find: art, performance, high fashion and fabulous restaurants, to name but a few things. Any town or city can offer high street brands, but Middlesbrough also has a thriving independent scene which brings the

area to life. We have fashion boutiques next door to cocktail bars, art galleries and artisan food markets, each with their own unique quirks. We don’t do ‘cookie cutter’ here, and we’re not trying to mimic other cities – we’re Boro, and we’re brilliant! Our independent credentials go beyond the leisure industry – we also have a strong digital sector with one of the highest number of digital start-ups in the UK. Many of these businesses are market leaders and at the forefront of innovation in their fields. Middlesbrough has been listed in the Tech Nation report for the past couple of years, which lists digital and tech hotspots across the UK. We’re really proud of our digital and creative industries, and the influence they’re having both in the UK and around the world.” Not content with UK domination, Middlesbrough is already on the global map thanks in part to an award by The Financial Times, which listed it amongst the top ten small cities in Europe for foreign direct investment strategy. The accolade was awarded at MIPIM – a prestigious property Summer

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development conference – in Cannes earlier this year, and recognises the wealth of opportunities in Middlesbrough, as well as the council’s commitment to supporting further investment in the area. Michelle is continuing to drive development in Middlesbrough. In her newly appointed role as City Centre Manager, she is responsible for the continued growth of the centre and the implementation of a city centre strategy. “Middlesbrough is a city in all but name, which is why we refer to ourselves as the city centre of the Tees Valley. I’m passionate about raising Middlesbrough’s profile and showing just what we can offer here because, actually, you don’t need to go to Newcastle or Leeds for great shopping or a night out with the girls – we have it right here, with a peppering of Boro charm. Our recently reopened Town Hall is yet another example of Middlesbrough’s unique personality. It’s a stunning building which has recently undergone a huge restoration; we’ve recovered many of its original features and it’s now the perfect mix of historic and modern. There’s a jam-packed schedule of events running, from major comedians to international orchestras – it’s a must-see when visiting. I could continue to describe the many delights of Middlesbrough, but above all I want people to come and discover it for themselves. You might be into vintage shopping or perhaps you prefer Versace; you could while away the day in mima (Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art) or head to The Nuthatch for a Hendricks and tonic. And if you fancy some country air, the North York Moors are right on our doorstep. Middlesbrough is on the verge of an amazing new chapter in its history; one that will make us a go-to destination in the North East.” Michelle will continue to uncover the many delights of Middlesbrough in coming editions. Until then, keep up to date with the latest news by following Love Middlesbrough on Facebook (@lovemiddlesbrough) and Twitter (@lovembro). For more information on being part of Middlesbrough’s story, please visit www.investmiddlesbrough.co.uk

antastic

Mr Fox Actor Liam Fox started out by delivering pizza to the stars of Corrie. Now famous in his own right for playing the long running role of Dan Spencer in Emmerdale, he is about to embark on a host of exciting new projects. We meet him to find out more....

Photography Jade Atkinson jadephotography-online.com

“To work with Victoria and that hugely talented cast was such an incredible opportunity to learn from the best,” he says. “They were all so lovely and encouraging. Celia Imrie said to me after we filmed, ‘Don’t worry Darling; I am sure you will be on again, you were marvellous.’ Hearing that from such a talented actress was a fantastic boost to my confidence.” Liam had always harboured dreams of being an actor but coming from a traditional working class family there were no spare funds for stage school. However he had received rapturous reviews for a role at the local Heald Green Theatre and encouraged, he then acted in anything he could, slowly learning his craft. “I had been the fat kid at school doing impressions to make people laugh,” he said, “so I learned from an early age how to entertain. It was my means of survival at the time but it’s funny to look back at how it helped me later in life.” He now divides his time between Leeds and Manchester, where his ex wife, Hollyoaks actress Nicole Barber-Lane, lives with their son Ben. Married for sixteen years, the pair are still good friends and their son Ben is on the shoot with us.

laying a main character for so many years on one of TV’s biggest soaps can be something of a poisoned chalice for actors. Luckily we are shooting at Hotel du Vin in Harrogate, where the people are far too genteel to ask for the obligatory selfies, so Liam only has to endure discreet double takes as he enters the hotel. “I have no star presence,” he laughs, “when I turned up to play a role in Dinner Ladies, Victoria Wood thought I was there to fix the photocopier.” Born in Manchester, Liam went to University in Salford with another famous Lancashire lad, comedian Peter Kay. He has the same quick wit and superb comic timing, an attribute which has served him well on the numerous big name TV series he has appeared in. He has played Dan Spencer since 2011 when he was initially contracted for just a few episodes as the estranged husband of Ali Spencer. Previously he had worked on all of the major TV hit shows including The Royal, Coronation Street, Cold Feet and Casualty. Not to mention Dinner Ladies, when Victoria Wood finally realised he wasn’t there to mend the photocopier. Summer

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FEATURE

Bright, articulate, funny and mature, he is still clearly close to his Dad. “Family and my roots are really important to me,” explains Liam, “I never wanted to do the ‘London’ thing. I am a northern actor and writer and I want to stay up here, close to my friends and family.” He is now in a long-term relationship with an old college friend who he admits he once had a crush on back in their college days. “We met up again and it just clicked, it felt like we’d been together forever,” he says. “Both Nicole and I have moved on but we are still really good friends, we still get together for the odd gin.” His character Dan Spencer has been less lucky in relationships. As the eight week contract kept being renewed, Liam’s character chalked up further failed marriages to Chastity Dingle and Kerry Wyatt. “Although I was only supposed to be in it for six episodes, I remember going home to Nicole and saying ‘this character could be more than it is right now’. Originally he was quite a miserable character on the page but over time I like to think I have added some quirks and humor to him,” he says. The decision to extend his contract paid off for the soap, with Liam receiving nominations for Most Popular Newcomer at the 18th National Television Awards and BAFTAs.

When I turned up to play a role in Dinner Ladies, Victoria Wood thought I was there to fix the photocopier.

Hair and MUA: Jo Leversuch joleversuch.co.uk Clothes: Woven of Durham Location: Hotel du Vin, Harrogate

“Emmerdale is the most special place to work,” he says. “It’s the nicest place on earth with the nicest people. It’s very chilled, you honestly couldn’t find anywhere better to work.” When you are speaking to Liam, his intelligence shines through so it’s no surprise that he is now ready and keen to explore other areas of his art including writing, movies and producing. He has recently played a dark character in an upcoming movie, totally against type and is also a talented children’s writer. A script he has just written, based on a childhood friend, is soon to be in production. “I was at school with this amazing boy, who called himself Mr Joyce. He was always really well dressed, an adult in a child’s body, as though he had been born 45,” Liam laughs. “We used to go to The Rex at Wilmslow to see the pictures and he was the first boy in school to get a video so he encouraged my love of film and TV. I’ve based my script on him as a character and it’s had a lot of interest.” Mr Joyce approves luckily. “I met up with him recently,” says Liam. “He arrived wearing a hat and carrying an umbrella and said, ‘Aha Mr Fox Old Chap’. He was exactly like he was as a small boy. He is just a tremendous character, and he could have been a very talented actor in his own right if he had decided on that path.” With a movie coming out, theatre, writing and producing, the future certainly looks bright for the fantastic Mr. Fox.” “It’s a long way from delivering pizza for Mike Baldwin,” he laughs. “I have been very lucky, but you also have to make opportunities happen for you, visualise what you want, don’t be put off by the people who say you can’t do it and just go for it.”

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C AT W A L K I N G : Fashion Through the Lens of Chris Moore 7th July 2018 – 6 January 2019 1993 John Galliano

uper excited about the news that yet another fabulous fashion exhibition has opened at the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle with the announcement of its latest summer fashion exhibition, Catwalking: fashion through the Lens of Chris Moore. This fabulous exhibition is an exclusive opportunity to see 200 original photographs, chosen by local photography icon Moore – ‘the king of catwalk photography’ - from his extensive archive, capturing the key moments at legendary fashion shows including those at Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior, John Galliano, Comme des Garçons, Christopher Kane, Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent and Vivienne Westwood. In addition, a selection of original catwalk outfits, as seen in the accompanying photographs, will be lent to the Museum by the world’s leading fashion houses in a unique collaboration.

Joanna Hashagen, Curator of Fashion and Textiles at The Bowes Museum, said: “Chris Moore is the eye that shows the catwalk to the world. Our exhibition charts the evolution of fashion in displaying clothes and accessories by the top designers that are captured in Chris’s photographs - Vivienne Westwood, Prada, Comme des Garçons, Giles Deacon and Jean Paul Gaultier, to name just a few! I’m excited and honoured to be working with Chris Moore and Alex Fury, as The Bowes Museum becomes home to an exclusive fashion exhibition once again.” The exhibition opens on 7 July 2018, running until 6 January 2019. www.bowesmuseum.org.uk

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2017 Comme des Garรงons

1977 Jean Patou

1974 Yves Saint Laurent

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1995 Vivienne Westwood

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LADIES

The Ladies of Harley headed for the Harley dealership rather than the Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Institute when they hit their forties, We meet them to find out more...

e hear the Harley Ladies before we see them as the distinctive deep roar of the Harley approaches. Hoving into view on a beautiful white and chrome bike is Sharon Thompson, all blonde hair and baby pink biker jacket. She makes a fabulous entrance as she pulls up at the Harley-Davidson Gateshead Dealership, her spiritual home and the venue for our shoot. By day Sharon is the responsible high powered bank manager but in her downtime she is a glam biker chick out with her five fellow Ladies of Harley having adventures in gorgeous biking country such as the Scottish Highlands.

FEATURE

HARLEY

“I hit my forties and, well, I’m not a WI kind of girl,” she laughs. “I fell in love with Harley and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.” Alongside Sharon are Dawn Beattie, Judith Holtham, Helen Nicolson, Caroline Longrigg and Sarah Williams, not to forget Harley and Larry the dogs. All the ladies hold responsible and stressful jobs and they arrive harassed and late due to a huge accident on the A1. How they must have sat in their cars longing to zip through the traffic on their Harleys. These ladies are firm friends with a sense of fun, when not cracking jokes with the team at Harley and other customers, all of whom they seem to

know, they are wandering between the bikes, cooing over their favourites and already planning their next jaunt. They are kitted out head to toe in Harley fashion and as soon as they enter the dealership, you can see them mentally shake off the stress of their working day and visibly relax. “It feels like home coming here,” says Helen. “We are all one big Harley family.” While they’re getting their hair and make up done by our team, they tell us their own personal stories of how they found their way to Harley and what a blessing it has been in their lives. Most of the women are in their forties and far from being ready to slow down, they want new adventures and challenges and most of all fun.

DREAM TEAM CREDITS: Photography: Jade Atkinson - jadephotography-online.com Mua: Jo Leversuch assisted by Meg Knox - joleversuch.co.uk Hair: Sami Nash vintagetwist.co.uk

La Di Da ladies playing with Harleys - Jo and Meg

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“I can still remember my first Harley,” says Dawn. “I rode it out of the dealership and we were stuck in traffic on the A1. My husband was in a car next to me as he had driven me down. I could hear this tremendous noise. I leant across and shouted to him, what’s that noise? And he said ‘it’s you’. That was my introduction to Harley,” she laughs. Sharon laughs and says “If you don’t want to be noticed, don’t buy a Harley. Everyone stops to look.” What about on the roads, we ask, do they suffer from aggressive drivers trying to out pace them? “No, everyone is lovely to us on the road,” says Sharon. “I don’t know if it’s the pink jackets or just that everyone loves Harley but we’ve always experienced drivers behaving really nicely.”

If you don’t want to be noticed, don’t buy a Harley. Everyone stops to look

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All ready for their close ups, we ask the ladies to channel the pink ladies in Grease with lots of attitude. Three attempts later and they are still bursting out laughing. “See, we’re just happy to be together,” says Sarah. “The Ladies of Harley ride again.” As the shoot closes, we hear that familiar roar start up in the car park. Yeah, we have to say, it beats the hell out of the Women’s Institute.

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The Horse

Whisperer Catherine Turner had always dreamed of owning her own horse since she was a child but that dream quickly turned into a nightmare. The experience led her to embark upon a journey that has become a life long vocation. Lea Eccleston meets her to find out more Photography Chris Montague chris-montague.com

FEATURE

s I approach the elegant wooden gates of Grace View Farm, in Great Broughton, North Yorkshire, the sweeping driveway leading to the handsome farmhouse in the distance, the hills rising powerfully behind, I am struck by a sense of beauty and serenity. Grace View is a far cry from Catherine’s childhood which was working class, and where the thought of ever owning a horse was at best a pipe dream. “I always had an affinity with horses, from a very young age”, explains Catherine. “My absolute dream was to be around horses. I was transfixed by them. I loved their smell, everything about them. I thought they were such magnificent beasts.” It wasn’t until the age of 26 that Catherine bought her first horse, Ellie, a full Irish Draft. “She was statuesque with hooves as big as my head but after a number of near death experiences, I was left feeling incredibly frustrated and upset. People suggested I should get rid of her or worse, that she should be shot. But I had a really strong feeling that she was here to teach me something,” she explains. “I started to ask myself why is she like this? What has happened to her to make her behave this way? It was at that moment that I opened Pandora’s Box and started a lifelong journey of research into horses and their behaviour. I began to understand that horses are the most spiritual animal and an example of nature in its finest form. A horse is effectively a mirror for what is going on for you.” Catherine began to develop an understanding of how to connect with horses. “I began to see that Ellie was an extreme example of a horse who had suffered a lot of ill treatment and abuse at the hands of humans. I would spend several hours with her every day connecting with her and slowly we began together building up trust and an unbreakable bond. Eventually I was able to ride Ellie bareback and bridle less, which takes an enormous amount of trust for both the horse and human.” Catherine then started to think about the other 22 hours of the day when the horse is away from their human and began to research how horses live in the wild.

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“I learned about the tracking systems used in the US, which enable horses to live in as natural a state as possible. There was only one other farm in the UK, in Surrey, which had a similar system. It was seen as something very radical because in the horse world, people are institutionalised into thinking horses should be looked after in a certain way. They should live in stables, they require certain equipment and should be treated a certain way. It became my dream to create a purpose built natural living environment in which horses can thrive.” Together with her partner Piers, Catherine bought an old dilapidated farm after falling in love with the stunning location and its breathtaking 360 degree views of North Yorkshire. The couple rebuilt the farmhouse and decided to create a purpose built Equine facility where Catherine could teach Natural Horsemanship and create a ‘one of a kind’ boarding facility for horses. “Grace View is pioneering in the sense that it breaks down the barriers of traditional horsemanship. Most people arrive frustrated and struggling with their horse and unsure of where to turn,” Catherine says. “They have generally exhausted all of the usual traditional methods of horsemanship. This forces a person to be more open minded which is a good thing for me because when people arrive on my farm I ask them to leave any preconceptions at the door. Part of the experience is spending undemanding time with the horses, building trust between the horse and their human, and realigning their energy. My training methods include breathing and visualisation techniques which branches off into meditation with the horses,” she explains. Her experience with horses has also led to profound changes in her own approach to self care and wellbeing which has led her to creating her own luxurious, natural skincare range, Tutti Organics. “I think my light bulb moment came when I was pregnant with my little girl Deia, who is now three years old. I became very conscious of what I was putting into my body as I was busy growing a baby, and by extension, what I was putting onto my body. Skincare was a natural progression. I made the conscious decision to live in a way which is best for my body. It came to me that wellbeing is really made up of three pillars… physical fitness, nutritional excellence and mental and emotional balance,” she explains. There are currently 52 products in the Tutti range and she is launching three new collections. “I wanted to create a company in which female employees would love to come to work,” she says. “I visualised a business which had the idea of wellbeing at its heart, where incredible women would start the day with a green juice and spend the day playing to their strengths. During my product research, I realised that many so called ‘organic’ or ‘natural’ products were in fact misleading the public and I started asking the right questions and from there, have developed products that I am incredibly proud of and which really do have a transformative effect on people’s skin.” Catherine is certainly the ultimate advertisement for her business. A woman who, quite literally, glows from the inside out, she is the epitome of wellbeing. What is her secret I wonder? “It’s all about balancing the mind, body and spirit and when all three are in alignment, the results are incredible. In my own life, I am constantly busy on the farm, working with the horses and I also work out. I try to eat as organically as possible. I am a big fan of Riverford Organics and generally use their Vegetarian recipe boxes and fruit and veg boxes for my daily fix of green juice.

A horse is effectively a mirror for what is going on for you

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“I meditate daily and dedicate 10 - 15 hours of self development work each week. I listen to great spiritual teachers like Abraham Hicks, Wayne Dyer, Oprah Winfrey, Marie Foleo and Tony Robbins. If there is one message I would give which would have the biggest impact on people’s lives it is the importance of meditation, because this is our means of connecting with our mind. This is the ultimate way to create space in our life, so that rather than your thoughts controlling you, through meditation, you become the ‘thinker’ and are able to make conscious decisions about your life. This is the most liberating thing we can ever do for ourselves.” Her ethos as the creator of Tutti is to help women look and feel extraordinary inside and out. “This may sound rather backward from the founder of an organic skincare company, but I am not in the business of selling face cream. Rather the whole journey of Tutti is about getting the message of self care and empowerment out there,” she explains. As part of this wellness ethos, Catherine has plans to develop Tutti into a wider wellness brand experience including retreats and spas treatments. “The intention is not just for people to have a massage and to feel relaxed, but to leave feeling deeply connected to their higher self. Imagine a treatment where a woman leaves feeling not just rested but empowered. How incredible would that be?,” she says. It’s fair to say that Catherine embodies in mind, body and spirit, her ‘Tutti’ brand. Tutti, in Italian, means everybody and as the great Eat, Pray, Love states ‘when you set out in the World to help yourself, sometimes you end up helping Tutti.’ Facebook/Graceviewfarm tuttiorganics.co.uk

FEATURE

TA L E N T S P OT In the first of a series of Q&A’s with top creatives we chat to photographer Chris Montague… Describe your dream shoot? Without doubt, it would have to be a Portrait shoot with Idris Elba. He just has to be one of the coolest guys alive. I mean, he just had his own DJ set at The Royal Wedding. He is an actor, a playwright, an all-round good guy, there’s just nothing this man can’t do! For me there is nothing more satisfying than capturing an amazing Portrait shot, and I imagine his would be incredible. We are three dimensional, not just in the way we look, but in the way we are. I just love the challenge of capturing a person’s spirit or essence on camera. It goes beyond their facial features, to the person within. That’s magic. It doesn’t need to be perfectly sharp or have the perfect backdrop, but you need to see a person’s story in one image. It’s a responsibility to tell the story of a person’s life in their face, but that’s why I love the lines, the blemishes, all those tiny parts of the fabric of a person’s life. This is partly why I enjoy wedding photography too. When you think about it, a wedding is

Where is your happy place? At home in my beautiful big kitchen. We have a huge skylight and I love sitting at the island with a good cup of coffee, listening to the rain pattering on the roof as I work on my latest project. I always have music playing in the background. Music can completely transport you and it’s a valuable tool which I bring to shoots, along with making clients laugh, to help them to relax and get into the mood.

basically one extravagant Portrait shoot. So many different faces, all with their own story to tell, from the joy of the marriage of those they love, to the heartache of missing loved ones. I feel privileged to be part of that momentous day in a couple’s life. What is your most memorable photography moment? It has to be at The Floating Market just outside of Bangkok, during my honeymoon with my wife Steph. All of these little narrow wooden boats had been turned into floating kitchens, with a hot plate and these guys, just preparing and cooking the most simple, beautiful dishes and selling them straight off the boat. I loved the simplicity of it all in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the market around them, and I captured some stunning shots. My ultimate job would be a travel photographer. I have a real passion for travelling, walking and food and all this combined with different cultures and capturing it all on camera would create quite a heady mix. Summer

Is there a style of photography that doesn’t float your boat? I am not as interested in heavily photoshopped images. I love raw, natural photographs which have a story to tell. Aside from photography, what are your passions in life? I would have to say life in general! After I lost my big brother Winston very suddenly, it was like a switch flipped in me. I understood immediately that you need to really cherish every single moment you have. Losing Winston really spurred me on to truly value life, so the fact that I’m still here is enough to make me jump out of bed in the morning.

2018

Favourite Northern spot? I think we are blessed to live in such a beautiful region of contrasting, breathtaking countryside. I adore The Cheviot Hills, heading towards Scotland. I just love the Great Outdoors. The openness, the trees, the lack of technology, ironically! It’s a chance to see nature at its finest, to check in with yourself and there is something very restorative about a long walk in nature. It’s my version of meditation because there is something about being in that vast open space which allows you to focus more on yourself, instead of something else. www.chris-montague.com photography@chrismontague.com christophermontague

LA DI DA Loves CHANEL’s latest fragrance launch Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense features the freshness of citrus peel and the ardent blaze of wood with notes of patchouli , Tonka bean and bergamot. Hollywood actress Keira Knightly is the face of the campaign £116 boots.com

BEAUTY EDIT

NEW LAUNCH

Style director Liz Lamb selects her essential Summer must haves.

Perfume as art KILIAN has launched a limited edition Miami Vice collection featuring two perfumes that will look stunning on your dressing table. Love The Way You Feel is an exotic scent with notes of neroli, ylangylang and bergamot. Love The Way You Taste recreates a Mojito cocktail into a fragrance with notes of lemon, peppermint and magnolia. Both are £185 and available at bykilian.co.uk

NEOM has launched a new range of body oils that are supercharged with vitamins to help protect, regenerate, soften and moisturise your skin. The light and ultranourishing oils, that feature 100% natural fragrances, come in four fragrance blends; Real Luxury (de-stress), Daily Superskin (happiness), Energy Burst (energy) and Perfect Night’s Sleep (sleep). They are priced £35 from neomorganics.com

AWARD-WINNER ESSE’s Nourish Moisturiser is a must for your skincare regime. The product has just won ‘Best Day Cream’ category In the Organic Beauty Awards. for its beneficial probiotic extracts that strengthens and moisturises even sensitive skin. Summer

2018

BEAUTY

One for the boys … BLUEBEARD’S REVENGE sea salt spray not only smells divine but it keeps hair perfectly coiffured. The award-winning grooming product is priced £9.99 bluebeards-revenge.co.uk

SPRING FEVER Luxury brand NARS has produced a stunning collection for Spring. We heart the liquid blush in Hot Tin Roof, the Wanted eyeshadow palette featuring 12 sumptuous shades and highlighting blush in Free Soul narscosmetics.co.uk

Summer

2018

The devil is in the detail

LEVERSUCH

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

BEAUTY

DISCO

This look has real wow factor, perfect for Summer Nights and Festivals. It’s all about the glitter with a stylish fashion forward vibe.

DIVA

o create this look I prepared the skin with Ren Skincare and used their Omega 3 Optimum Skin Oil to create a really gorgeous glow on the skin. Then I used Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick to create a perfect foundation finish to the skin to keep it looking natural and fresh. Then it’s all about adding glitter. With such a glowing, fresh, natural base, the glitter becomes the focus without looking overdone and giving a polished fashion catwalk feel. So grab your glitter, apply as required and just have fun… Summer

CREDITS: Photographer Lee Scullion leescullion.com Model Vera Munyangaju Savalasmodels.com Skincare: Ren Skincare Foundation: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick Eyeshadow: Kryolan Multi Gel Glitter Lipstick: Glitter Lips

2018

EYES RIGHT A groundbreaking new eye treatment is taking the world by storm. Younger, fresher eyes and skin without surgical intervention. Director of Queensway Skin Clinic, Dr Uzma Olbrich, reveals more about the fantastic new treatment and why it offers a real breakthrough to achieve A list looksâ&#x20AC;Ś

Summer

2018

HEALTH

On the treatment day, an anaesthetic cream is applied for approximately 30-45 minutes. When the treatment area has been sufficiently numbed, treatment can take anywhere between 10-40 minutes. Some treatments may be completed in one visit, and others may need anything up to three visits. Some heat can be felt during treatment, which may be mildly uncomfortable and may last for few hours after treatment. The positive effects of the treatment can be seen immediately, but the best results will be seen after about three weeks as the skin continues to contract for up to 28 days after treatment. Like all surgical and cosmetic procedures, the effects of the FELC nano plasma treatment are not entirely permanent, as it does not halt further ageing. However the positive results should last years as opposed to months. The FELC nano is a highly advanced plasma technology, and it has been shown to be a very safe treatment, due to its non-invasive nature. The majority of patients will experience some side effects in the seven days following treatment. There will be some brown marks that have the appearance of minor scabbing which are carbon crusts. They fall off after three to five days revealing new pink skin beneath. Some swelling will be seen but it is likely to last no more than three to five days at the most which definitely beats going under the knife. The demand for conventional plastic surgery is falling, as more of us opt for non-invasive procedures to achieve more natural-looking results. Sagging eyes - a thing of the past! What are you waiting for?

Loose skin around the eyelids has been notoriously difficult to treat without surgery or so we thought...

t last, a no-knife eye lift that actually works! Excess skin of the eyelids is one of the concerns most commonly expressed to me by patients over the age of 35 years. While it is possible to keep our bodies in shape and to reduce wrinkles with anti-wrinkle injections and skin tightening treatments, the crinkly loose skin that develops around the eyelids after a certain age has been notoriously difficult to treat without surgery. Or so we thought! A non-invasive treatment is promising to offer the same results as eye surgery (medically known as blepharoplasty surgery)… without a scalpel in sight. We at QSC headquarters are very excited to have this technology at our fingertips. Many patients are not aware that non-surgical treatments such as FELC nano plasma can be just as effective as surgery without the associated downtime. It is undertaken using only local anaesthetic cream without the need for cutting the skin of the eyelids and without the risks that surgery can lead to (Surgical complications can include blindness, eyelid dysfunction and unsightly scars). The plasma technology works by generating nano plasma between the needles tip and the patient’s skin, aiming to sublimate the superficial skin and to cause shrinkage of the excess skin tissue. In simple terms, it turns our wrinkly skin from a solid to a gas by bypassing the liquid stage. This makes it much more than a tightening treatment, skin is actually removed so the effects should last as long as they would with invasive surgery. The use of the FELC nano plasma technology can also be applied to other areas around the face and body. We can also treat • Smokers lines around the mouth • Acne scarring and pigmentation • Fatty deposits/lesions (xanthelasma) around the eyes • Marionette lines • Moles /warts • Mini face lifts • Neck sagging and lines • Tattoo removal Summer

To find out more follow Queensway Skin Clinic on Facebook or Instagram. www.queenswayskinclinic.co.uk.

Dr Uzma Olbrich Partner of Queensway Dental and Queensway Skin BDS (Ncl), Dip SED, KOIS Graduate ZO® Skin Health Clinician GDC Number: 71858 2018

Do your eyes age you? Suffer with hooded eyes, saggy skin, deep lines or heavy brows but donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want surgery?

A ground-breaking new treatment is taking the world by storm... FELC Nano Plasma soft tissue treatment is less invasive with less downtime BUT offers comparable results to surgery. It treats a range of ageing issues including: - Fatty deposits/lesions around the eyes - Smokers lines around the mouth - Marionette (nose to mouth) lines - Acne scarring/keloid scarring - Skin pigmentation /tattoo removal - Skin tag removal - Jowl and neck lifts - Stretch marks To book your free consultation call 01642 352 445 or visit www.queenswayskinclinic.co.uk New Queensway Skin Clinic now in Jesmond! Call 0191 281 5976 to book

Special introductory offer Located at Queensway Dental Clinic, 170 Queensway, Billingham, Teesside, TS23 2NT

We’re offering an incredible £50 off all plasma treatments for La Di Da readers – just show this advert at your free consultation.

THE NORTH EAST’S PREMIER SPA The Spa at Ramside is one of the North East’s premier Spa and health clubs, so whether it is fitness, relaxation or pure pampering you seek, you can be assured of the highest level of service and facilities.

OUR SPA EXPERIENCES FULL DAY SPA EXPERIENCES MAKE MY DAY

Personalise and design your very own spa day totally the way you want it.

TWO PEAS IN A POD

Designed for couples who want to catch up, all in the most stunning surroundings.

HALF DAY SPA EXPERIENCES WAKE UP & SPA

A great ‘pick me up’ which fits nicely into anyone’s busy morning!

MINI SPA

Short on time but BIG on relaxation!

EVERYTHING STOPS FOR TEA

The perfect combination of relaxation and tempting afternoon tea with a twist.

SPA MEMBERSHIP

TWILIGHT SPA EXPERIENCES TWILIGHT CATCH UP

Great for celebrating birthdays, winding down after work with colleagues or catching up with good friends or loved ones.

WEEKEND TWILIGHT

Wind down after the strain of a long working week with colleagues or catching up with good friends or loved ones at the weekend.

Effortlessly blend your fitness regime with pampering, dining and indulgent relaxation, for a healthier body, a healthier mind and a happier you!

Prices from as start little as £100 per pers o per mon n, th.

www.ramsidespa.co.uk | Tel: 0191 375 3088 | enquiries@ramsidespa.co.uk | The Spa at Ramside, Carrville, Durham, DH1 1TD

OUR SUMMER SPA PACKAGES From on £109 ly per pers on

HELLO SUMMER

Start the summer in style and enjoy a luxurious spa day at the Spa at Ramside. Your Spa experience includes:

Use of spa facilities between 9am - 5pm 55 minute personalised facial or aromatherapy massage Two course Lunch served in our Fusion restaurant Complimentary use of fluffy robes and spa flip flops Friday - Sunday £125. Valid until 30th September 2018

From on £149 ly per coup le

SUMMER TWILIGHT

Enjoy a few hours together to relax here at the Spa at Ramside... pure bliss! Your Spa experience includes:

Two course Dinner served on arrival from 5.30pm 30 minute treatment each or Mud Rasul Full use of spa facilities until 9.30pm Complimentary use of fluffy robes and spa flip flops Friday - Sunday £199. Valid until 30th September 2018

From on £225 ly per pers on

SUMMER SPA BREAK

From on £215 ly per coup le

BODY BLISS FOR 2

Enjoy an over night stay with full use of the spa facilities, 30 minute treatment and a delicious spa brunch Your Spa experience includes:

Enjoy a relaxing day together in the Spa to use the outstanding facilities Your Spa experience includes:

Suppliment applies Friday - Saturday. Valid until 30th September 2018

Friday - Sunday £235. Valid until 30th September 2018

Overnight stay in a Premier Room Spa Brunch (The following day) Full Spa Access from check in (3pm) until check out (11am) 30 minute treatment each

Use of spa facilities between 9am - 5pm 55 minute massage treatment or mud rasul Two course Lunch served in our Fusion restaurant Complimentary use of fluffy robes and spa flip flops

BOOK NOW

Tel: 0191 375 3088 | www.ramsidespa.co.uk | enquiries@ramsidespa.co.uk The Spa at Ramside Hall Hotel Carrville Durham DH1 1TD

The restaurant not afraid to call a jus a gravy.

With the rugged North Sea facing us and the glorious countryside all about us, we’ve the finest ingredients right on our doorstep. It’s why our seasonal menu is drawn from the region we love. Varied, tasty and a little bit quirky, just like the people. Relaxed and friendly dining with a difference. For reservations call 0191 516 1400. Seaham Hall, Lord Byron’s Walk, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 7AG

for land & sea food

HEALTH

With its own beach, apres ski bar, posh rooms and gorge spa, Seaham Hall is one of the most la di da places in the North. So of course we checked in to find out more…

HIP SPA REVIEW Mark Burns Cassell

eaders your attention, please. Some of the more perspicacious amongst you may recall having been regaled by my tales of wonderful men’s spa and massage treats from across the region in issues past. They say a change is as good as a rest, and following the Peach Bellini Incident last summer it was decided a new role for my thoughts and contemplations would be just what the doctor ordered, and for the good of all. Therefore may I introduce myself – newly re-incarnated as is the phoenix from the ashes,

your male spa ambassador and treatments correspondent for Seaham Hall Spa. As we all know, life for the modern gent is hectic. What with the inescapability of work thanks to email on our phones and SMS, the demands of social media, and the fact that Amazon Prime only stocks a very limited range of French reds, making time-consuming trips to Waitrose non-negotiable, we have a lot on our plates. We all need a little, and regular, down time for ourselves, away from mobiles and where we can re-connect with ourselves. My response to this pressing and important need for just a little tranquility and calm is to join Seaham Hall Spa. I now have my own little haven in a quiet spot perched high above the rolling North sea, surrounded by leafy trees and shrubbery, and fitted out with everything the modern gent needs in the pursuit of keeping a grip on his sanity amidst the pressures of daily life in 2018. So, what is at my disposal? First, a fabulous pool with water jets designed to pummel Summer

2018

tired and knotted muscles. Two wonderful outdoor hot tubs surrounded by greenery, two saunas, a hydro pool, ice fountain, plunge pools, eucalyptus steam room and, my personal favourite, a hammam, no less! The Spa has a gym equipped with all the essentials a gent needs to keep his biceps bulging, and the emphasis on classes is wellbeing. The spa restaurant serves delicious Asian fusion cuisine, with a new and tasty menu having been introduced since the spa’s new director Helen has taken the helm. Not to be forgotten is the spa’s Zen lounge – a perfect spot for a little post-sauna reflection on comfy ergonomic beds that overlook the softly moving branches and rolling greenery surrounding the spa site; perfected by the fact that a bottle of cool, crisp Tiger beer is always readily available to give succour to the parched lips of the well-steamed gent. There is a dynamism amongst the people who work at Seaham Hall. The character of the spa is moving increasingly toward meeting the real need for wellbeing. Classes cover off all the expected areas, of course – throwing yourself around with kettle bells, sweating yourself into oblivion on spin bikes – interestingly, however, and new to me, is the quantity of sessions devoted to pilates, meditation, aerial yoga – meditation, particularly, is a focus I don’t recall having seen before, and one I am all too keen to investigate. The place is filled with a sense of warmth and welcome that has truly captivated me. I look forward to sharing my stories of re-connecting with my inner Zen over the coming issues of Ladida. Until then, reader, I must return to the peaceful, calming pool within the Spa’s hammam; perhaps I might see you there. www.seaham-hall.co.uk

FASHION

In full bloom Treat yourself to a new fashion-forward designer handbag this Season. Anna Hope lusts after Gucci’s latest offering

Every season we all deserve a new addition to our wardrobe, right? So, what better way to welcome the summer socials than to invest in a showstopping handbag that screams SS18. This gorgeous Gucci Dionysus does just that. Priced at £1,690 at Gucci.com it’s perfect for summer and the bloom floral design perfectly emulates this year’s flowery vibes. It’s a statement piece, which looks great with Summer

subtle accessories such as a Soft pink MAC eyeshadow, some chic glasses, and the fresh, floral scent of Givenchy’s Live Irresistible perfume. Every girl needs a new book for the new season too so how about a new tome perfect for any fashionista’s coffee table; Alexa Chung’s It, Kate Spade New York All In Good Taste and Paris: Through A Fashion Eye by Megan Hess. Now, where’s the credit card…

2018

HEALTH

Tried

Tested

Loved by celebrities such as Taylor Swift, Adele, Blake Lively and Solange Knowles, Nars is one of the hottest beauty ranges around. Style Director Liz Lamb heads to the Newcastle counter to find out what all the fuss is about.

f you’re a beauty addict who always wants to be a step ahead when it comes to the latest must-have product launch, then you’ll be no stranger to Nars. The cosmetic brand, launched by make-up artist Francois Nars in New York in 1994, is adored by both celebs and beauty bloggers alike, who consistently coo over cult items such as the Nars Orgasm blush and the Velvet shadow stick. Luckily for make-up fans in the North East, the awardwinning brand is now available here, after Nars opened a snazzy counter in the centre of Fenwick’s bustling beauty hall at the end of last year. Since then it has proved popular among Newcastle’s beauty glitterati who can’t get enough of the Nars Orgasm blush, making it the counter’s top-selling product. Having built a reputation for producing beauty items that don’t mask the skin, Nars also sells fashionforward products with multiple-uses; perfect for those of us who are timestarved and cash-strapped. “It all starts with the skin,” Olivia tells me, as she removes the day’s grime and sets about working her magic. “I’m applying Aqua gel, as this hydrates the skin and is great for combination skin types as it is oil-free moisturiser.” A smudge of Total Replenish eye cream is applied around my eyes before Olivia applies Natural Radiant long-wear

foundation, a product that gives even coverage but isn’t heavy on the skin. Radiant creamy concealer in crème brulee is used under my eyes to hide my dark bags before my complexion is set with a fine, silky translucent powder using a Nars kabuki brush (another big-seller) to help blend effortlessly into my skin. To give my pale face a touch of colour, Olivia uses

the Laguna bronzer on my forehead, cheeks and chin. “You can use it all over your face or people often use it for contouring too,” she says. A liquid blush, in the Hot Tin Roof shade, is applied to my cheeks but only a small dab is needed as a little goes a long way. My face is finished with a touch of Free Soul highlighter to give definition to my cheeks. For my eyes, the make-up artist uses a shadow primer as a base on my eyelids to prevent smudging before applying shadow stick in Frioul (£21) which she pairs with a shade from the Wanted palette of eyeshadows (£55). “The stick can be used on its own all over the lid or under an eyeshadow to intensify the colour,” explains Olivia. A kohl eyeliner in minoroque (£18.50) and lashes of

LEAD UK MAKEUP ARTIST, LENNY ROYAL, GIVES HIS SPRING MAKEUP TIPS FOR LA DI DA READERS:

Summer

G lossy lips will be popular this season, use our new Lip Covers in this seasons spring shades, apply over a nude lip liner for the perfect pout. For glowy skin, start off by applying Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation with a couple of pumps in your palms over your favourite primer. Warm it up and then start centre of the face and applying it with your hand pressing it on to the skin buffing it outwards making sure it blended near the hairline.

2018

Audacious mascara in Jet Black finish off my eyes. Now for a challenge-my eyebrows are sparse and short but Olivia performs an act of wizardry with the Nars brow perfector in Kalamata to create brows to rival Cara Delevigne’s. For my lips the Precision lip liner is used for definition before a coat of semi-gloss lip cover in Under Arrest (£23) is applied. The gloss gives high pigment coverage without drying out the lips-something I often suffer from when using lipstick. My transformation is complete and it’s a triumph! So much so, that a Fenwick’s customer stops me in the beauty hall to tell me I look fabulous and to ask what make-up am I wearing. I dutifully point her in the direction of Nars-she’ll be in good hands there. A makeover at Nars, Fenwick, Newcastle, costs £40 but is redeemable against Nars products.

I feel by pressing really helps to set the foundation and really helps activate its natural longwear on the skin Add your concealer to areas that need perfecting and concealing and press that as well to blend into the skin. If you feel you need to set certain areas than use Crystal translucent pressed powder to areas that need it. Add some orgasm illuminator to high places of the skin to create that beautiful glowing skin.

HEALTH

R&R SPA The spa at Ramside with its state of the art features provides a little bit of cosmopolitan chic on the outskirts of Durham. We donned our robes and went in...

utdoor hot tub? Check. Poolside drinkies? Check. Divine treatments? Check. We said when Ramside Spa first opened, that we 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. Ramside has now become an established spa on the Northern wellbeing scene in its own right but it’s more than just that, it has become a social hub with its restaurant and bar offer and a state of the art gym alongside a spa that has cherrypicked the best features from around the world. For those who have yet to visit, 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 as well as the very

well equipped gym. It is also one of the few Wellness Cancer centres in the country. Facebook posts testify to its popularity as a venue for those ‘working from home’ who enjoy the wifi as well as the gym, pool and a juice bar where you can help yourself to flavoured waters or order drinks and smoothies. The rest of us go there to unwind, enjoy lunch with friends or pop in to get our nails done. 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.

For the ultimate treat, you can book you and a loved one (or a few friends) into their private spa within a spa area, complete with relaxation beds, an infinity-edge pool and order fizz and nibbles. Perfect for those special moments. Spa users and non-spa users frequent the stylish and buzzy Asian restaurant Fusion for coffee dates and cocktails, romantic meals or girlie lunches. Try the Asian Afternoon Tea, a decadent way to while away a summer’s afternoon.

you can judge a region’s fabulousness quotient by the quality of its spas

Summer

2018

www.ramsidespa.co.uk

THE

F WORD

How to channel your

INNER FABULOUS SPONSORED BY

B O DY

OF ART A top cosmetic surgeon who preaches that we should love our bodies seems like a contradiction in terms but Paul Baguley is more artist than surgeon. Linda Jane Westphal meets him to find out more... Photography Liam Baguley baguleypictures.com Shot on location at thebowesmuseum.org.uk

aul Baguley is a breath of fresh air in the beauty industry. His mission is to inspire people to be the very best version of themselves and he actually turns people away if he feels they are acting from a place of self loathing. In an industry which too often gets hijacked by marketing which seeks to focus on your apparent Summer

2018

imperfections, here is a man, who to borrow from Bridget Jones, says ‘you should love yourself just the way you are’. It’s an approach which less scrupulous surgeons in the cosmetic surgery field may disavow but Yarm based Paul Baguley is one of the most sought after surgeons in the UK, on the speed dial of local glitterati and regularly features on TV as a top cosmetic surgery expert. Raised in Manchester where his dad taught plumbing and his mum was an auxiliary nurse, Paul was the first in his family to become a doctor. He spent 14 years in Canada where he carried out cleft lip and palette operations and became a Fellow in Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children. Back in the

HEALTH

UK he became an expert in hand surgery at Leeds and was a Senior Registrar in Hull. He still carries out reconstructive surgery for NHS cancer patients and helps burns victims, which he finds immensely rewarding. But his private practice is busier than ever - albeit with more minor procedures rather than large scale surgery - such as his version of the one-stitch facelift called the Define L Lift where scars are hidden in the hairline. “Today the idea isn’t to look tighter, or necessarily to look younger. The idea is to look ‘better,’” he explains, “and that’s a very different thought process. Even a couple of years ago, people would come into my office and ask to look 10 years younger. Now they say: ‘I want to look good for my age’.” “Minimal is the goal now. Minimal changes, but different modalities, all adding up to a healthy, natural look that will make people not say, “that’s a tight face lift”, but rather “you look great, what have you changed?.” His clients come from all walks of life including celebrities and even “the odd plumber you wouldn’t expect to be worried about their eyelids”. But if he thinks you don’t need surgery, he’ll tell you straight. “If I feel that the patient has an unrealistic view of their appearance, I won’t go ahead,” he says. “Surgery is not the answer for them. Whatever procedure they undertake, they won’t be happy with the results because they have a distorted perception of what they look like. They will just keep on having procedures looking for the one that ‘fixes’ them. “If you come in expecting your life to completely change, it’s not going to happen. But your confidence level is certainly going to be boosted.” As well as a full range of surgical procedures, Paul has trained with The Marion Gluck Clinic in London which has been pioneering plant based Bio-Identical hormone therapies for many years. Weight gain, mood swings, lack of drive, poor sex life, depression and lack of energy are just a few of the symptoms that could mean your hormones are out of synch. The treatments aim to restore your body’s system back to its optimum balance, health and energy. The therapies offer treatments for a whole range of health issues from the menopause, premenstrual tension, post-natal depression, acne, depression, endometriosis, thyroid dysfunction and andropause, the ‘male menopause’. “Andropause can have a real impact on men’s lives and yet it isn’t taken as seriously as the menopause,” he says. “It is often dismissed as a ‘midlife crisis’ yet it can be a source of absolute misery for men.”

As well as the right bioidentical therapy prescription, patients are also advised about the correct vitamins and diet to follow. Paul suggests Vitamin D supplements, high potency multi vitamin B, evening primrose and magnesium and a good balanced diet without too many refined carbohydrates plus regular exercise, such as HIIT, for ongoing health and vitality. Plus an ample dose of self acceptance. “God gave us all pluses and minuses when we were made,” he says.” Either way you have a choice. Live with what nature gave you, or change it. Whatever you choose, be realistic and please take the advice of a professional. Listen to what is possible and don’t go chasing perfection. There are very few of us who are perfect, and fashion comes and goes. Whatever you do. Be safe!”

Today the idea isn’t to necessarily look younger. The idea is to look better

Summer

CHECK LIST www.baaps.org.uk www.bapras.org.uk Paul Baguley Define Cosmetic Surgery www.paulbaguley.com.Tel: 01642 794 150 www.definecosmeticsurgery.com. Consultant Aesthetic/Plastic and Hand Surgeon MB ChB BSc FRCSC Plas FRCS Ed Plas

2018

HEALTH

BODY beautiful Top fashion photographer Jade Atkinson on how learning to love her body changed her life...

s a fashion photographer Jade Atkinson spends her life photographing Images Jade Atkinson jadephotography-online.com beautiful people who don’t believe they are beautiful. She grew so concerned with the distorted perception people had about their own appearance that she spent a year working on a body confidence campaign to try to change people’s view of themselves. She shot hundreds of normal people in her home city of Durham for a series of body confidence photographic artworks to provide a conversation point on how people viewed the reality of their image. “The idea of the Body Confidence campaign is to show “But many people just cannot see themselves as they are or as others that everyone is different, and because we are all unique, that see them. I had a few people who took part in the shoot contact me make us all beautiful. The key because they were mortified because they were the ‘fattest people’ in message is that it doesn’t matter the photos. But actually they were not overweight and there were what shape or size you are, as long as you are plenty of people in the photos that were bigger than them but they healthy, happy and true to yourself, that is beauty,” just couldn’t see it.” says Jade. Jade used her own experiences as a model and photographer to inform the body confidence campaign.. “I became interested in the issues behind body confidence after I spent years of my teenage life hating my body and what I looked like. I couldn’t even look in a mirror and I wouldn’t go outside without a full face of makeup. It was crippling insecurity. “My perspective changed after I became a photographer. I have shot so many beautiful models who didn’t like something about themselves and who were insecure. It made me realise that everyone has issues about themselves and even though I thought they were perfect, they still couldn’t see how good they looked. I decided that I was going to love myself for who I was and stop trying to be someone else and trying to look a certain way for others,” she explains. “When I did this, my whole life changed for the better. I was surprised how much changed just from feeling confident in myself. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders. I could actually just be happy to be me. The difference it made to the way I felt, inspired me to try and help people overcome their own confidence issues. “I realised that the most beautiful thing you can be is to be the best version of yourself, not try to be the best at being someone else.”

The most beautiful thing you can be is to be the best version of yourself…

Summer

2018

Three ways to train your brain into believing youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a super hero/ine

Self TALK F

to adopt...

rom soldiers to athletes to top entrepreneurs, they all have a proven set of habits that keep them going through tough challenges and thrive under the pressure and they are surprisingly easy

LAUGH AT LIFE

Sounds like the worst kind of platitude right? But there is a whole slew of evidence out there which proves that changing your physiology changes your emotions and state. If you want to be mentally more resilient and able to face challenges more easily, try smiling. In Alex Hutchinsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great book Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance he explains: Summer

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HEALTH

“...known as the “facial feedback” hypothesis, an idea that can be traced back to Charles Darwin: just as emotions trigger a physical response, that physical response can amplify or perhaps even create the corresponding emotion. Related experiments have extended this finding to clusters of related mental states: smiling, for instance, makes you happier, but it also enhances feelings of safety and—intriguingly—cognitive ease, a concept intimately tied to effort.” The first thing we naturally do when we are exhausted is to grimace. But this makes you tired. So smile. You can trick your brain into thinking things are easy, releasing energy and creative thinking. Feeling good increases endurance and optimism gives you resilience to carry on. Be your own cheerleader. Put some music on that fires you up such as Survivor’s Eye of the Tiger and do a few laps around the room, whatever it takes to change your state. Leading Self Help Guru, Tony Robbins, champions instantly changing your state by disrupting your current state through physiology. Check out his videos on YouTube or his website. It turns out laughter truly is the best medicine. If you can laugh at yourself and what you’re faced with, you’re already a winner. In his book Resilience: The Science of Mastering Life’s Greatest Challenges Steven M Southwick quotes: “Substantial evidence exists for the effectiveness of humour as a coping mechanism. Studies involving combat veterans (Hendin & Haas, 1984), cancer patients (Carver, 1993), and surgical patients (Culver et al, 2002) have found that when humour is used to reduce the threatening nature of stressful situations, it is associated with resilience and the capacity to tolerate stress (Martin, 2003).” So if you want to cultivate resilience and endurance, truly laugh in the face of adversity.

GAME PLAY

Tiredness, it’s all in the mind, kind of. We have all worked against a looming deadline, looked at the clock and felt immediately exhausted. And we’ve all stayed up late partying or watching our fave netflix series without a care in the world. Apparently it’s not about how tired you actually are, it’s about how tired you think you are. This is called ‘perceived exertion’ where your brain is relying on cues from your body and environment to determine when you ‘should’ feel exhausted. If your brain’s perception is that you’re having a fine old time partying into the wee hours on holiday or is gripped by the next instalment of POWER, Summer

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If you can laugh at yourself and what you’re faced with, you’re already a winner then it decides it’s really not very tired thank you. So if you want the endurance level of Richard Branson then you need to make like him and turn everything into a game. Set challenges and goals for yourself, and compete against yourself and you can keep tiredness at bay and strengthen your mental toughness at the same time. The additional good news is that this helps train the brain. The longer you work each time, the stronger it gets.

PERCEPTION IS EVERYTHING

And talking of perception, when all else fails, grab a cup of strong coffee right? By now it will come as no surprise that yes, it’s all about perception. Researchers at Canterbury Christ Church University gave cyclists doses of caffeine before a series of time trials -- but they didn’t tell them exactly how much. The subjects that believed they had been given a moderate dose rode 1.3 percent faster. If they thought they had taken a high dose they were 3.1 percent faster. And those who thought they got the placebo rode 1.4 percent slower. But they had all been given the placebo. Their performance differences were completely due to their beliefs. So does caffeine actually give you a boost or is this just perception? Apparently caffeine doesn’t give you more of anything even though it feels like it does. It blocks Adenosine, a chemical in your body that tells you you’re tired so your brain never gets the tired message so essentially it reduces perception that you are tired. Personally as old school journalists who often burn the candle at both ends, we have no problems in believing that black coffee is a good thing...it’s all a matter of perception after all.

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re never too old to get in shape. Hollywood superstar Simon Pegg tells us how the big 40 and working besides Tom Cruise kick started a desire to get into the best shape of his life...

MISSION POSSIBLE

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HEALTH

TA K E T H E

imon Pegg is now a familiar face in Hollywood with roles in Star Trek and the Mission Impossible series alongside his cult British classics such as Shaun of the Dead and Spaced. And hanging out with besties such as Tom Cruise has clearly rubbed off, he doesn’t just have a whole new Hollywood career, he has the body to go with it. “When I turned 40 I looked into the mirror and thought you really are out of shape. I realised this was feeding into my general demeanour as a person,” he says. He started working out with personal trainer Nick Lower, who has now become a friend for life. “You need guidance. It’s about having direction and having someone to tell you where your form is dropping and give you help on nutrition,” Simon explains. Nick also helped him get exactly the right physique for his latest film Mission Impossible 6. “We focused on different things each day so Monday would be triceps and chest, Tuesday would be Torture Tuesday, where we did circuits and cardio. We made it very regimented which made it interesting and looked at it in a scientific way,” says Simon. “Simon responded really well to the training”, said Nick, “we kept it simple but we hit consistency and that’s where you have the most success.” The pair can be seen working out together on YouTube offering lots of top tips. Simon looks a world away from his famous Run, Fatboy, Run character, clearly loving the training and looking dapper in celeb fave sportswear Sundried activewear, which Nick is an ambassador for. Developed by top athletes, this fashion forward ethical range donates to charity with each purchase. But he isn’t a reformed man completely. “The meals on MI 6 were beautifully prepared, really nutritionally exact meals, so that we could be in tip-top shape,” he says. “Tom is on it - he will not break - but my co star Rebecca and I would be like, ‘Did you eat your chocolate on the pillow at the hotel last night?’ ‘Yeah, me too’.”

I looked into the mirror and thought you really are out of shape...

sundried.com Summer

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HIIT is still hot. The acronym stands for high intensity interval training. Think workouts such as an indoor cycling class, at home workouts in short bursts, and boot camp style workouts. Do an intense burst on a particular exercise with a short recovery time and then repeat. The reason why HIIT is still HOT is because it’s hard to get bored, it’s easy to get hooked and it works for almost anyone’s fitness level. Results are also said to come a lot quicker than longer workouts by mixing it up by adding in working with your own body weight, and equipment such as kettle bells. Short can be sweet. Sometimes less is more. Finding it hard to fit in quality exercise time? Don’t feel guilty, just exercise smarter. Work harder but shorter and try 15-30 minute workouts. We love YouTube Yoga. Put your latte down and step away from insta and search out a myriad of workouts on YouTube. Great for when you’re travelling or like to avoid getting your downward dog out in public. Exercise your inner geek with an app; it’s like a virtual fitness coach. Track your distance, average speed and energy burned. And a new range of wearable devices act as your own personal PT, nutritionist and inspiration station.

HEALTH

EAT, PRAY, LOVE

o-do lists; the all-so-familiar way to get things done. Checklists are the common practice when we need to get ourselves to do stuff; be it calls we are supposed to make, errands we are to run or work to accomplish. They give us a feeling, euphoria of some sorts, when we get to check items off of our lists. We feel accomplished, useful, and productive. However, we seem to crave that feeling over and over again so our lists get longer. When caught in this never-ending cycle, when do we pause to be open to positive opportunities and find fertile ground for growth? Today, in a world where competition is on the rise, doing more and accomplishing more has become the order of the day. It’s like a professional sport really, with the ultimate prize being checking the most things off our to-do lists. When we do not do something on the list, we feel like we have failed. We have fallen victim of the list, with every new dawn, we already have a list of what to do, everything planned out; each passing day, we are more overwhelmed by the checklists. We are enslaved by the to-do list so much that we forget to live our life, and pursue our goal of being what we want to be. As the mother of twins under four, a full-time employee and with a company to run, you could call me ‘busy’. From schoolruns to office work, I have the perfect definition of a full day. And remember I have a life of my own as a wife, friend, and daughter to live. So how do I cope with all that? It all boils down to what I want to be. I want to be happy and healthy. For example, if my focus is on being healthy it does not necessarily mean that I have to go to the gym X number of times a week or for a certain length of time. To me, for example, it is more about the food choices I make, and the intentional movement I make throughout my day. It is about setting healthy boundaries (hello, saying ‘no’) and finding time to manage how I respond to technology’s

Tired, anxious, stressed? Then you need to focus on to be rather than to do, says Wellbeing Authority, Carina Lawson...

unremitting alerts. That’s what healthy means to me. Today it may mean that I need to eat more iron-rich foods, next month it may mean I need to do more yoga to feel more centered. To you, it may be something totally different. This is what the To-Be list is all about. It is what you want to be, and what you need to do to be what you want; there’s something powerful and incredibly empowering about saying, I am, and I want to be. It creates your reality and keeps you aligned with your values. This way you don’t get to feel overwhelmed in an effort to accomplish a task. Instead, you live a fulfilling life because you can find space

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for meaning in what you do. It helps you to make decisions that aren’t motivated by a desire to ‘tick a box’, but to find space for considered connection that makes you feel authentic and alive. I still write Notes to Self so I don’t forget to get the milk from the supermarket but I find it helpful limiting the number of things I do in a day. Our lives are bigger than the things we do in a day, so there is no way that our day should be measured solely by milestones and tasks. Getting started with and practising your own to be list is very simple. All you need to do is first write down the things that you want to be in your life, for instance, “I want to be adventurous” or “I want to be a writer”. Once the list is done and you have understood what it means to you, put it up somewhere where you can see it easily. Every time you want to do something, ask yourself, “Is this what I want to be? Is it helping me be what I want to be?” By so doing, you will find that your actions will align with how you want to be. In the long run, you will end up being closer to what was once an aspiration than you ever imagined. So, ask yourself, “What do I want to be?” Carina Lawson is the CEO and Founder of wellbeing planner brand Ponderlily.com.

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.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;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.â&#x20AC;? Testimonial August 2015

01642 794150

L VE LONDON Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in lust with the high summer collection from Kurt Geiger London...

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FASHION

KURTGEIGERLONDON.COM Summer

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Springing Summer INTO

Award winning fashionista and owner of Vogue fave Have to Love Boutique, Kate Walton talks us through the SS18 trends and how to wear them...

CHECK MATE

And you thought plaids and tartans were just for the colder months. This season, checks are huge. From classic Chanel twin sets to Alexander McQueen check dresses. Our gorgeous Juliet Tweed Gucci style dress is perfect for all year round, styled with a clutch and heels in the warmer months and paired with tights and boots during the colder seasons. Kate Middleton killed it in this Gucci style dress, giving it a classy and smart style, whilst being right on trend. The fit of the dress gives a flawless silhouette and finishes just above the knee. The buttons highlight the dress, whilst the red and navy stripes give the garment a gorgeous outline and structure. Juliet dress £85, Lea trousers £54

FLORALS? FOR SPRING? GROUND-BREAKING. In the famous words of Miranda Priestly “florals for spring” again, but yes, they are everywhere this SS18. Havetolove have the perfect floral beach attire for you this summer with our Florence floral flares. Our White pants with navy and red stripe down the sides can be styled with a simple Cami top, perfect for holiday season and can be worn as a set with the Flo floral patterned shirt. The Flo Gucci style White floral-patterned blouse with navy and red stripe down the sides is the perfect summer blouse worn with denims, white trousers/flares or the matching Florence flares. These floral pieces are seen everywhere this season with Eva Longoria also stepping out with a pair of floral flares on. Flo floral patterned shirt £55, Florence floral flares £55, Mya bodysuit £46 Summer

GUCCI bum bag £765

THE IT BAG… Yes it’s the new It bag, the slogan bum bag… My mum had one in every colour to match her outfits in the 80’s. Models on the Balmain runway wore their monogramed bum bags over their body and fashion bloggers wore their Gucci bum bag as a belt. I dont think Il be swapping my back pack for one of these...

2018

FASHION

GUCCI GANG, GUCCI GANG, GUCCI GANG Throwback to the 1990’s to when branding and monograms were everywhere. Gucci, in particular is huge this season and we all want be in the Gucci Gang! We’ve got major Gucci vibes here at Havetolove. Queen Bey’s favourite, Beyonce has been seen in head to toe Gucci and fashion week SS18 saw no major brand leave their own branding alone especially on accessories. Our Zoey Gucci inspired tee is the perfect piece for a casual day out or lounging around. Looks gorgeous styled with loungewear, Jeans and trainers. Simple with a Stripe going across the chest. Our t-shirts are all one size and come in various colours. Zoey stripe t-shirt £28.99, Avery top £54

STRIPE IT WHILST ITS HOT… Stripes were everywhere on the runways of every Fashion Week, vertical, horizontal, diagonal, you name it! Burberry mixed bold rainbow colour stripes with checks and Dior mixed Parisian vibes with slogans and stripes. Valentino and Gucci relaxed striped loungesuits on the runway and bloggers cant get enough of them! The Gucci style tracksuit comes as a set in Red and Khaki. Slim trousers with hooded top, black and white Gucci style stripes down arms and legs. Katelyn Gucci style tracksuit £45, Bo Boho pom pom dress £65 KICK ASS, REPEAT...

10% OFF! Here’s 10% off for you- Enter LOVELADIDA at checkout online and in store. Visit us at www.havetolove.com

Amongst florals and sequins on the catwalk trainers were worn with everything. Bloggers and press are wearing clumpy trainers with satin pleated skirts. Comme des Garcons saw block heeled trainers and Louis Vuitton’s trainers paired futuristic with curved soles with almost every outfit. We love these Balanciaga style kicks at £39.99. Silver race runner £39.99

1-3 Hawthorn Road Gosforth Newcastle Upon Tyne NE3 4DE 0191 213 1155

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FASHION

HIGH STREET

HIT LIST Rock the season’s hottest trends without breaking the bank. The high street has a host of stylish looks inspired by the catwalk and better still you’ll have a few pennies left over for an extra bottle of prosecco or two. Chin-Chin dahlings!

GYM CHIC Follow the celeb lead and adopt the athleisure trend for everyday. Activewear does not have to be limited to working out and going to the gym but you can mix it up for the school run or just hang out with friends. Get the look with a red Ivy Park T-shirt with a black denim skirt and Ivy Park cap to create a casual yet cool look. Add a leather jacket for a more edgy vibe and team with white trainers to create a focus and draw back to the whole sporty vibe.

GOING OUT GLAM This chic look is perfect for going out and suits any occasion. The versatility of the outfit allows you to dress it up or down depending. The pink River Island jacket epitomises high fashion, paired with the white flared trousers and top both adding to this look giving it an essence of elegance.

B u y i t n o w Ivy Park Hat £5 and Ivy Park T-shirt £18, both Topshop at Outfit. River Island Denim Skirt £32 Adidas Stan Smith Trainers - Model’s Own.

B u y i t n o w Pink jacket £75, Top £30, and Trousers £40, all River Island.

M I X M ATC H STRIPES

DOUBLE DENIM

Mix stripes in different sizes and colours for a truly eclectic look. Vivid stripes can be styled together for a full-one look as long as you have statement accessories to finish off the outfit. B u y i t n o w Skirt £36 Warehouse Top £16 by Topshop both from Outfit, Boots £45 Next, and bag by Accessorize £16

If casual clothes are your go to, then this tomboy chic look will be perfect for you. With a splash of pink throughout the look it keeps your feminine side flowing, but don’t worry, you’ll still be comfy. ‘Jeans and a nice top’ is a phrase that’s been around for a while but there’s nothing to say it has to be a dressy top. This casual Au revoir t-shirt styled with double denim, from the jeans and the jacket, makes the outfit pop. B u y i t n o w Pink top Dorothy Perkins £12, Moto Denim jacket: Topshop £49, both from Outfit CREDITS: Thanks to: Outfit, River Island and Next, all Teesside Park, for the loan of the clothes www.teessideshopping.co.uk Model: Nicole Coates

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All styling by fashion journalism students at the University of Sunderland. To find out more about the course go to sunderland.ac.uk pr or visit fashion-north.com

GENTS

Grooming

With Mark Burns Cassell

GENT’S MANICURE

Seaham Hall Spa

ow dear readers, I have always considered myself a man of the world; a typical enlightened millennial gent. That being said, today I learned the fine and gentlemanly importance of a subtly manicured hand and discovered a whole new side of myself that for the last thirty years has remained as yet wholly undiscovered. Credit for this has to go to Helen Coulon, Seaham Spa’s dynamic new Spa Director. Helen is transforming Seaham Spa – as I type the diggers silently peck away at the rich rolling pastures that Byron once traversed, laying the foundations to a zen garden and outdoor hydrotherapy pool that promises to be spectacular. Helen’s latest masterstroke is a champagne nail bar and she offered me the chance to experience the unknown delights of a gent’s manicure I jumped for joy at the chance. The place is opulence personified; fresh

white and purple is the colour scheme, decked out with bottles of bolly ready to whet the whistles of thirsty clients. The place has barely opened and is already a great success with the ladies – however, men, you are missing a treat here. A men’s manicure is priced at a reasonable £30 for thirty minutes and with full membership, you’ll get an additional 20% off when you visit. Everything about the gent’s manicure is designed to restore the manly glory of hard-working hands: you’ll have the ladies at your feet before you know it. A gentle nail filing begins the ritual, followed by removal of nasty cuticle build up using cuticle oils and cutters to get your nails back to their best pain-free. After this comes my favourite part – the exfoliating hand and arm massage. All products are by Opi – fresh, zesty and zingy leaving your hard-working hands nourished and ready to get back into battle. Summer

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A dash of cuticle oil completes the treatment, leaving your hands and nails looking natural, clean, and perfectly formed. Everything about this treatment is designed to restore the gent’s hands neatly and sympathetically. The treatment ladies were assiduous in every detail, nipping off dry, dead skin around the nails and taking everything back to how it should be. Why, I’ve booked in for my return visit already. Better still gents, should you wish to call in for a subtle yet thorough going over of those poor hard-working mitts, I’ve managed to talk Helen into kitting you out with a fresh, crisp and ice-cold pint of Estrella beer while you’re having your treatment. Yes, yes, I know – you can thank me later. All you have to do is mention Ladida magazine when booking. Meantime, cheers to better nails for men! The gents manicure is priced at only £30 for 30 minutes. Over and out – MBC.

FEATURE

LIFE OF HARLEY Iconic brand HarleyDavidson is celebrating its 115th anniversary this year and its success is down to the fact that its more lifestyle than product. Team La Di Da headed down to Harley HQ in Gateshead to get inducted into living Harley style... Words Linda Jane Westphal Photography Jade Atkinson www.jadephotography-online.com

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FEATURE

ever having been a biker kind of girl, I couldn’t see the attraction of these admittedly beautiful machines. But this was before I stepped through the doors of the beautiful home of Harley in the North East. We had arrived to do a shoot with some fab lady bikers at Harley-Davidson, Gateshead. Our fashion and beauty team pulled up at the Harley dealership, near Dunston, and unloaded our usual beauty paraphernalia under the watchful eyes of some Harley regulars, all headscarves and leather who were sitting enjoying coffee in the sun. We felt a bit like Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde when she arrives at Harvard with her girlie moving van in tow. That momentary feeling of not belonging soon changed when we went inside the dealership. Our jaws literally dropped, it was absolutely stunning. Black and white arty portraits hang on the walls showing the iconic Harleys and everywhere you look there are the most beautiful bikes. These are works of art in their own right, each carrying different insignia of the iconic Harley brand. Towards the back there was an extensive fashion collection that we fell upon immediately and which even included doggy couture and Harley-Davidson chocolate. This was our kind of brand. Photoshoot temporarily forgotten, our fashion team were soon trying on the clothes and posing on the bikes for the perfect instagram shots. The fashion offer is fabulous and sums up the maverick, cool ethos of this fantastic, historic brand. We ended up spending hours at the dealership. The award winning team at Harley Gateshead were the nicest people we have ever had the pleasure of working with on a shoot. Warm, chatty and friendly, we were already starting to see the sense of community that lies behind the brand. They bought us coffee, talked us through the bikes and looked so cool we couldn’t resist including them in some photos. Throughout the day Harley enthusiasts were popping in for a coffee and chat with the team and the other customers. Everyone seems to know everyone, and they regularly all go out on biking

trips together, sometimes camping overnight. Raising money for local charities features heavily in their events. These are nice people with heart and a sense of fun. When we found out that they even do a tweed run for charity, we were sold, very La Di Da. The bikes also start at surprisingly affordable prices. In fact some of the fashion team were on the verge of splashing out when suddenly we heard that distinctive Harley roar and a stunning chrome and white bike appeared with a blonde atop in a pink leather jacket. Our shoot was ready to begin. One of our favourite things we discovered was a bell in the centre of the dealership that is rung each time a new Harley has found its owner. And Harley owners have a small bell attached to their machines. These can’t be bought by the owner, but must be bought for them by a good friend. It neatly sums up the Harley-Davidson ethos, which has lashings of style but puts community at the heart of everything they do. jenningsharley-davidson.com

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Ever wanted to get in touch with your inner child? We have to admit that when we heard our fashion photographer Jade Atkinson had her own fairy studio for shoots including wings and crowns, we loved it. Allegedly itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supposed to be for children but why stop there? Jade is happy to photograph adults and even the odd pooch who wants to get in touch with their inner puppy. Jade has a selection of outfits and each session lasts around 35 minutes, the perfect way to keep those little ones, or not so little ones, entertained this holiday. Contact Jade on opulenceimagery@gmail.com for more info.

A FAIRYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

tale Summer

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CHILDREN

Little

madams

We have fallen head over heels with a fabulous empowering book for the little fashionista in your life, Ellie’s Amazing Outfits. We chat to the North East illustrator behind the book, Hayley Rachel Smith, about how it’s good for the soul to go to school dressed as a fairy pirate every now again....

llie’s Amazing Outfits is such a beautiful book, it’s like a coffee table book for little (and not so little) girls. Stunningly illustrated by artist Hayley Rachel Smith, the story is based on Ellie, a strong willed little girl with some fabulously crazy ideas. It’s a book with a big heart that observes the fabulous reality of having small children without false sentimentality. Ellie occupies a world where mummies and daughters sometimes get angry with each other and that is completely fine because they love each other to tiny bits. This book could be dedicated to every parent who has ever heard the immortal words “but I want to wear a FAIRY PIRATE WITCH DRESS RIGHT NOW!!!” three minutes before doing the school run. Ellie is a fashion forward toddler who does battle with her poor mummy every morning for the right to choose her own amazing outfits. Summer

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Mummy wants to let Ellie express herself but will Ellie go too far? Parents and children will love this hilarious and familiar tale of the struggle to get one headstrong little girl dressed in the morning. In the end Ellie is an inspirational hero as much as she is a complete nightmare. And secretly, we wouldn’t have it any other way! Written by Patrick Potter, it is gorgeously illustrated by North East Based Hayley. Hayley has a degree in textile design and you can see this love of textiles and patterns in every one of her breathtaking illustrations, whose intricacy and detail allow Ellie’s outfits to jump off the page. “The key message of the book is that it’s okay to be different, it’s okay to be you, which is such an important message to get in front of little girls,” says Hayley. The book is available through Amazon.co.uk or Waterstones.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Wine DINE

We head to Rockliffe Hall to put their food and wine tasting experience to the test with our unrelentingly snobby top champagne and wine expert and a gourmet chef in tow. We left five hours later humbled after experiencing an amazing immersive experience with a chef and sommelier at the top of their game.... REVIEW Linda Jane Westphal

o be honest, we can be a sniffy bunch. Having travelled the world dining in the best restaurants and training in France with top champagne houses, it takes a lot to

impress us. But sitting in the secret Rockliffe wine cellar, enjoying an extraordinary tasting with Sommelier Daniel Jonberger, whose stellar background includes the Samling and Holbeck Ghyll, our mouths fell open. Daniel had just dropped the rather fabulous bombshell that some of the wondrous wines we were surrounded with are only found at Rockliffe, no where else in the UK. Apparently he put a few posh noses out of joint at the most illustrious establishments in our fair capital when he secured them. If ever you need proof of how high Rockliffe punches, it is this approach to excellence. By now our ferocious winebitch, Angela was practically purring as she and Daniel compared notes and did a fabulous tasting with wine glasses perched on aged oak barrels while I sat and nursed my water as designated chauffeur.

I cheered up as we were led through to the bar before dinner. The excellent Rockliffe bar team served up wondrous bespoke cocktails and delish hors d’oeuvres before we were led into the beautifully renovated Orangery. After chatting to a few mutual acquaintances, scions of industry natch, we were seated for our tasting experience. Oh my days...what to say. Celebrated Executive Chef Richard Allen, he is the only chef to have been cited in Debretts as well as having presided over Michelin stars and all manner of fabulous awards and citations, takes you on a unique journey of textures, temperatures and tastes with his carefully crafted six or 10 course tasting menu experience, where every dish tells its own story. Many of the ingredients are sourced from Rockliffe’s own gardens and as usual Richard manages to mix light, fresh, clean cooking with divinely decadent taste sensations. At this stage we should really discuss every course and how it was constructed and how it tasted, yada yada, but to be honest, this dining experience was a work of art. To Summer

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deconstruct it down to its bare essentials would not do it justice. I can, however, tell you how it made me feel. Sometimes I was in positive awe, sometimes I was giddy like a child, sometimes I wanted to cry at the beauty of what was being put in front of me. Angela and I are fairly verbose by nature. We always chat nineteen to the dozen. I think it was the only meal I have ever had where we were silent for most of it, savouring the magic of what had been created for us, accentuated with just joyful wine pairings by Daniel. As usual the service was excellent, with that very Rockliffe mix of attentive discretion combined with warmth and friendliness. This place is an absolute gem. The food and wine experience is one I will never forget. Menus are changed daily so a great excuse for us to go back and experience more foodie adventures. And the prices are staggeringly good for the experience they deliver. A typical tasting menu costs as little as £80 with the wine flight at just £60. rockliffehall.com

nosh. Posh

ADRIANO’S Newcastle REVIEW Liz Lamb

alking into Adriano’s is like walking through the wardrobe in Lion the Witch and The Wardrobe-you have no idea of what lies beneath. We accessed the restaurant through the deli-a bustling haven offering a variety of Italian delights-which led us through into an outdoor courtyard (great for champagne in the summer) before revealing a large Georgianstyle townhouse at the rear that is home to the Adriano’s. It was a total surprise and the unassuming exterior of the deli shop revealed nothing of the stylish eaterie in the yard. D é c o r : Stylish, calming interior with a decorative old fireplace, muted tones, black and white photographs on the walls, olive trees and a glass atrium which lets in a flood of light. There is also a comfortable lounge area which is perfect for pre-dinner drinks. M e n u : Classic and more unusual dishes from the Mediterranean all feature. Choose from starters such as oven baked goat’s cheese, carpaccio of smoked salmon, and fresh mussels in a spicy tomato sauce. Mains include a variety of pizza, pasta dishes as well as steak, sea bass and prawn dishes. Desserts include chocolate praline, panacotta and tiramisu. O u r o r d e r : We dined on olives with bread and balsamic vinegar as we perused the menu. For starters we chose dishes from the Sardinian tapas menu, opting for calamari with spring onions and chilli (£5.95) and slow-cooked belly pork with chick peas and spinach. Mains were fillet steak served with grilled tomato and mushrooms (£22.95) and French trimmed rack of lamb cooked in a rosemary, garlic and red wine jus served on a bed of mashed potato (£19.95). All the food was delicious as it sounds and we really couldn’t

fault it. We declined desserts as we really couldn’t manage any more food. D r i n k s : We enjoyed a couple of glasses of Prosecco (Adriano’s does a great Friday Fizz deal-much enjoyed by the Housewives of Gosforth). A m b i e n c e : There was a buzzy atmosphere for a Friday lunchtime with couples, shoppers and a group of friends starting their weekend early. We bumped into owner Adriano Addis, who used to own the infamous Da Vinci’s in Jesmond, who chatted about opening the restaurant after coming out of retirement in Sardinina and returning to the less excotic climes of Newcastle, where he has made his home. S e r v i c e : We were greeted as soon as we entered the restaurant and shown to our table. Our waiter was friendly and attentative, though not over-bearing, and he was knowledgeable about the food on offer. Summer

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P r i c e s : Food ranges from £4.95 for starters, from £7.95 for mains and £5.95 for desserts. During Happy Hour Mon - Fri 12pm-7pm, Sat 12pm-6pm, Sun from 6pm you can enjoy three tapas for £15.95. There is also a special lunch and early evening menu offering two courses for 11.95 and three courses for £14.95. E x t r a i n f o : There is a private dining area upstairs, perfect for special celebration or a business lunch with clients. O v e r a l l v e r d i c t : Stylish surroundings, super-friendly staff and owner, and gorgeous food. We’ll be back-though we’ll be sampling Fizz Friday next time. TA S T I N G N OT E S adrianos.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

FILMORE & UNION,

JOHN LEWIS

Intu Eldon square, Newcastle

REVIEW Craig Wilde

’m on a diet! No it’s true, I head off on my summer vacation soon and I have an urgent need to reduce my chances of being mistaken for a stranded whale in the tropical sunshine. My reticence to become a food reviewer turned to delight when I was assigned Filmore & Union, the uber healthy Restaurant Cafe and Deli chain established in 2012 in York and now with eight (soon to be 10) across Yorkshire and the North East; including the most recent, and our destination today, situated in John Lewis in Newcastle’s Intu Eldon Square. Stepping through John Lewis into the Balcony Restaurant which overlooks the central Arcade of Intu Eldon Square, we were met with a calming pastel white interior, supporting pillars of green, traditional oak farmhouse tables and benches with neat wooden shelves displaying Filmore & Union’s range of in-house products. Florentines, granola, coffee beans, candles and more - all

available to ‘take away’ along with much of their freshly made meals, wraps, salads and cakes; the opportunity to take some of their healthy ethos into your own home. Drinks were the first order of the day, with both of us opting for one of Filmore & Union’s ‘Super Smoothies’; vain to the last I chose the ‘Collagen Berry Blast’, made with strawberry, blueberry, coconut milk, lemon, maple syrup and infused with actual Collagen. My dining partner Filipe, decided on the ‘Vegan Bench Press’ made with banana, blueberries, coconut water, vegan protein and granola. The menu of ‘Gluten free’, vegan, vegetarian and omnivorous options is crisp with healthy choices designed to quench your thirst, fill your belly, and leave you somewhat ‘guilt free’ by the end of the meal.

Kick-starting our healthy lunchtime jamboree, I opted for one of their delicious Goodness Bowls - the ‘Bench Press Salad’ made with quinoa, avocado, maple syrup, pecans, sweet potato, feta, hummus and mixed seeds and served with a coronation cashew dressing. ‘The Goodness Bowl’ comes with a choice of protein, from vegan options to meat and fish. I chose the ‘Peanut Butter Chicken Schnitzel’. Meanwhile my dining partner Filipe opted for a more traditional beef burger made with chorizo, smoked cheese and red onion marmalade, served with sweet potato wedges and raita dressing. Filipe opted for a side of the most beautifully cooked poached eggs I’ve seen in many years, whilst I went for a ‘Raw Slaw’ with almond and cashew dressing. Service was friendly, with a genuinely attentive team, headed up by Manager Jack Brown, who joined Filmore & Union back in January with the opening of this, the company’s flagship site. Jack is a seasoned hospitality professional with years of experience driving some of the region’s most prominent brands and it shows. Filmore & Union is in a class of its own in terms of destination restaurants, it’s menu feels like a ‘Gastro Spa’, a holistic approach to healthy nutritional dining that combines incredible flavours with fresh produce and expert culinary skill, to deliver first class cuisine for almost any time of day. From their luxurious ‘all day’ breakfast to a glass of vegan friendly Prosecco and an indulgent slice of Gluten free cake with friends, an epic Lunch, or a very early Dinner. Definitely a real find, go try it, you won’t be disappointed. TA S T I N G N OT E S www.filmoreandunion.com

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2018

a warm welcome awaits

The path less travelled. Tel: +44 (0)1833 650 213 www.rose-and-crown.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

FOOD KING

Chef Dave Hunter is cooking up a storm at gorgeous Teesdale pub and hotel The Rose & Crown. We catch up with him for a meet and eat... Words Linda Jane Westphal

Photography Jade Atkinson www.jadephotography-online.com

t was at the gorgeous coaching inn The Rose & Crown in picturesque Romaldkirk, Teesdale where it happened. A loss of control and professionalism that makes me blush today. It all started so well. Blue skies framed the sheep dotted fields and honey stoned walls as we drove through the staggeringly beautiful Teesdale countryside to Romaldkirk, a village 15 minutes from Barnard Castle. I had my photographer Jade in tow and we were all set to do an interview and food shoot with a guy that I had always found one of the region’s most interesting chefs, Dave Hunter. Same old same old. Nothing we hadn’t done a zillion times before. Cut to three hours later and as we staggered to the car, stomachs full with Jade clutching a bag full of cooked steak, all we could talk about was the food. I was still in a state of shock, I’ve worked with Jade for five years now on all day shoots and never seen her consume more than a can of full fat coke and a few roll ups. As I glanced sideways at her in the car, clutching her bag full of steak, she looked positively feral as she declared that she was going to sneak the steak into her house because she didn’t want to have to share it with her husband. This was a whole new side of Jade I had never seen before, Jade is the sweetest, kindest most generous human I know. What had bought her to this food guarding, determined gluttony? Summer

Well in short, it was Dave Hunter’s cooking. Hell this wasn’t even supposed to be a food review, just a photo shoot but the guy can seriously cook. Flavour combinations which blew us away, beautifully presented and touches of pure artistry with the freshest of locally sourced ingredients. And, seriously moreish. In fact, we basically sat down and fought over every dish, after we photographed it naturally. Dave popped in with more and more dishes,

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FOOD & DRINK

the poshest crab cake ever, so good I could barely remember my own name...

growing ever more bewildered as he found us hunched over his food chowing down like terribly well bred corgis. “Don’t worry we’ve got the shots Dave,” I reassured him. “What’s that you’ve got there?,” said Jade as she stood on the table to get the ultimate food shoot before eyeing up her next feast. Everyone has their weakness, their food vulnerability, their Achilles heel. Mine turned out to be the poshest crab cake ever, so good I could barely remember my own name. Jade’s downfall was a plate of steaks, Fillet, T bone. Sirloin, Rump, Ribeye and flat iron steak, all from the incredible Teesdale butcher Joe Simpson whose meat is out of this world. More dishes followed. Ham hock and mustard fritter/croquette with chimmichurri mayonnaise. Crab fishcake with Bloody Mary gel, asparagus, brown crab emulsion and caviar , Goats cheese mousse and Bon Bon with pickled beetroot and pine nuts. Joe Simpson’s T-bone steak with portobello mushroom, plum tomato, triple cooked chips and peppercorn sauce, Joe Simpson’s fillet of beef with red cabbage, Baby vegetables and seared duck liver on the side with wild garlic pesto. All extraordinarily good. Fabulous, nuanced cooking at pub prices. Summer

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And, finally, the dessert was salted chocolate ‘falcon’ with Kendal mint cake ice cream, a vision of such beauty that we hesitated, for well, at least 20 seconds, before tucking in. The Rose & Crown is privately owned by the Robinson family who have farmed in Teesdale for four generations and also own and operate Headlam Hall Country Hotel & Spa, which is located 15 miles down the dale from Romaldkirk. The Rose & Crown has undergone extensive renovations and marries the charm of a fabulous hunting lodge with stylish country house interiors. The family’s farming heritage sits well with Dave Hunter’s passion for the freshest, best local ingredients. Dave has recently moved here from double michelin starred The Raby Hunt, but has worked with the family at Headlam for years and it was where he first started out. Working besides his friend James Close at Raby, the pair first met at Headlam, his wonderful cooking has developed a greater depth. “James is just a genius, there is no other word for it,” says Dave. “I learned so much working with him. It was a great experience but I love heading up my own kitchen here, and seeing what we can do with the amazing ingredients that turn up each day. “Our kitchen team create great tasting food that utilises the best of local produce and ingredients with excellent provenance. It’s about dishes that reflect our stunning rural location using both classical and contemporary cooking techniques with an eye for detail,” he explains. “Durham is a very rural county and Teesdale in particular is predominantly an agricultural area. This means we are spoilt with excellent local produce and suppliers on our doorstep and we take full advantage of this. For a chef it’s a dream. For the customer it means fresher ingredients, less miles travelled, traceability and supporting the rural economy.” rose-and-crown.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Rooms view

with a

REVIEW Linda Jane Westphal

OZONE,

Seaham Hall Spa

eaham Hall always feels a bit special. Arriving on a stunning day, the beautiful former haunt of Lord Byron stands in splendour set against blue skies and sea. The spa area is just beautiful. With eastern influences, crystals and divine scents, you feel serene just entering the space. I was with our fabulous fashion and beauty team who despite their whippet like good looks, do enjoy feasting on fine and fabulous fare so we decided to enjoy some tapas at the stunning Ozone restaurant. Ozone overlooks the beautiful gardens at Seaham and feels like a wonderful tranquil haven.

The serenity was soon to be disturbed however when we became a tad over ambitious with our ordering. It took us about half an hour to get to this point, as we basically wanted everything on the menu. All credit to the team there who took it all in their stride. The food was just exquisite. We feasted on Thai style beef salad, rare spiced beef tossed with a chilli lime dressing, mixed and vegetarian tapas, melt in your mouth Pork Char Sui steamed buns and spiced tuna

SIX,

Baltic, Gateshead

ix is the stunning restaurant on the top floor of BALTIC. With breathtaking panoramic views across the Newcastle and Gateshead skylines, it reminded me of one of my fave haunts when I worked in London, the Oxo Tower. The decor manages to be open plan and minimal without seeming cold, it feels warm, welcoming and with a real buzz and the views are front and centre which is how it should be. This relaxed city ambience is reflected in their approach to food which offers a small plate, large plate or small, large and pud if you’re having dinner. The menus are really good, sophisticated but using local, sustainably sourced cuisine in inventive

and interesting ways. They encourage guests to share dishes and this adds to the relaxed atmosphere and also prevents menu envy of which I am inevitably prone. We enjoyed dishes such as Dry Aged Steak of The Day, Parmesan Polenta, Duck Egg & Tarragon and Northumberland Elsdon Goat’s Cheese with Honey & Seed Cracker, Salt & Fire Mackerel, Smoked

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fishcakes with peanut and cucumber relish. Needless to say we didn’t finish it all but it was seriously good. We were highly tempted to ask for a doggie bag but as we were heading off for wondrous bespoke massages with the spa team, we decided not and tried to retain a semblance of dignity. Divine food, divine spa and divine team, we love it. seaham-hall.co.uk

Cod & Green Strawberries and Triple Cooked Chips with Vinegar Salt. All delicious and flavoursome, great cooking. Service was on point, helpful, friendly and can do, just what you need when you have busy people rushing in late for that high powered business lunch. Prices are good with some high end destination dining but also a good selection of very affordable day time eats. Six also offers a great range of vegetarian options. The dessert range is lovely and sadly I couldn’t manage the delicious sounding English Strawberries, Cucumber, Milk Ice Cream but I am planning a return solo date which consists of me, pud and a nice glass of wine. sixbaltic.com

FOOD & DRINK

Swinton’s ethos is that we generate our own beauty and wellbeing from within

PARK LIFE We had lunch and a business date with a gentleman cricketer but where to go to impress? North Yorkshire Country Estate Swinton Park of course....

alking about Swinton Park Country Club and Spa is always difficult. It’s not so much where to start as where to end. This superb country estate with its fantastic restaurants, including the fabulous Samuel’s, a beautiful fine dining destination, just offers endless possibilities. With its country castle aristo aesthetic and la di da spa we decided it was the perfect spot for our business date with a well known cricketing chum. It impresses on arrival, the grounds of the Swinton Estate are stunning. It includes a four acre walled garden producing over 60 varieties of seasonal fruit, vegetables and herbs along with an extensive flower cutting garden, follies, lakes, waterfalls and fallow deer grazing nearby. In all the estate is 20,000 acres offering country club pursuits as part of its well being offer as well as the exceptional spa. Summer

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Service was attentive but relaxed, always a good sign. We enjoyed a light and delicious lunch with a glass of bubbles and a bit of business chat before enjoying the spa where we both enjoyed bespoke treatments which were utter bliss. Set within the walled garden of Swinton Park, the seasonal menu for both the treatments and food is defined by the fruit, herbs and vegetables that are grown there. Using the natural ingredients that are known to cure and restore, Swinton’s ethos is that we generate our own beauty and wellbeing from within. The facilities in the grounds include glamping, a bivouac with its own restaurant as well as its own cookery school. You could spend a week here and still not be bored. Stay a while within the luxurious castle and then take time to indulge in the relaxation of the spa, enjoy a bird of prey display or join in with a falconry taster experience, fly fish on the River Ure, have a round of golf at the Masham Golf Club, pony trek, cycle, shoot, walk, bird watch and relax. We didn’t have the time to experience a fraction of what Swinton has to offer but we did indulge in a little retail therapy at their shop which offers spa, home and garden gifts. It was the perfect way to bring a little bit of that Swinton tranquillity back home. We will return. swintonestate.com

heaven

Spa in Helmsley

In need of some R&R? Head to the affluent North Yorkshire village of Helmsley where you can be pampered in style.

Words: Liz Lamb

ace and body caked in mud I’m cocooned in a small, private area of the Verbena spa, looking like an extra from a horror movie. I have several different types of mud smothered all over me. Charcoal grey mud on my legs, white on my face, and a mix of mustard and pale grey on the rest of my body. I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and give myself a fright. I don’t look my best but one must make sacrifices in the name of beauty-and thankfully there are no other guests around to witness it. The Rasul Mud treatment, at the Feversham Arms Hotel and Spa, is a traditional Arabian body bathing ritual that’s designed to detoxify the skin. I’d already used exfoliator to prep my limbs before applying the mud. It is then time to step into my own personal steam room. The space is dark and hot, with only a small crystal-style lamp to give some light to the room. Half-naked, eyes closed and with the temperature rising, I feel utterly chilled-out. There is no distraction, no noise, it’s just 30 minutes of absolute solitude. I can’t remember the last time I just sat and did nothing-it feels amazing and very zen. Just as I am about to nod off, I’m stirred back

to reality by a whirring sound and then jets of warm water transcend from the ceiling to wash the mud from my body. As I clean myself I notice that my skin feels unusually soft, all thanks to the multitude of muds I’d applied. The treatment leaves me feeling relaxed but I’m delighted that it has also worked wonders on my legs where I am prone to bouts of dry skin. As well as the Rasul chamber, the spa also has steam and sauna facilities and treatment rooms where you can indulge in facials and massages using Temple Spa products. It is to the outdoor area that I head next. Although it is a slightly chilly, overcast day the heated pool is lovely and warm.

I have the place to myself so I swim a few lengths before the outdoor hot tub beckons. This proves to be popular as several people come outside to enjoy the fresh air while keeping toasty amongst the bubbles. Everyone comments how great it is to still enjoy the outdoors even though the weather is bleak. After a 20 minutes soak I head to the spa bistro for lunch. The menu features a variety of salads, sandwiches and light bites such as fishcakes and Yorkshire beef burger. I opt for a delicious smoked salmon open sandwich that is served on toasted sourdough with bacon, cream cheese and mango chutney (£14) and comes with a garnish of salad leaves and crisps. After lunch, I decide to make use of the spa’s chill out area. The room overlooks the outdoor pool and is a quiet haven of cosy sofas, coffee tables and shelves filled with books. I spend the next half an hour enjoying a coffee while reading the latest glossies. For the final part of my luxury spa day I head to the sauna and steam rooms where I meet a mum and daughter who regularly treat themselves to spa breaks across the North. It’s the first time they’ve visited the Verbena and they are impressed with the intimate setting and upmarket feel. After a quick shower and change, it’s time to leave. I walk out of the spa feeling relaxed, stress-free and vowing to not leave it too long to return. The Rasul mud treatment is £60 for two people. fevershamarmshotel.com

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2018

VIP Drinkies Those Willy Wonkas of the drinks world, Durham Distillery, have unveiled a super posh whisky to join their divine drinks collection. They are also about to open a fabulous new distillery destined to be a must visit destination. We got a sneak peek behind the golden gates to see what they’re up to....

TOP TIPPLES VIP DURHAM GIN IN A GIFT TUBE Gin lovers assemble! Durham Gin is the product of a unique recipe of 10 botanicals including traditional flavours like juniper, and unique elements such as pink peppercorns, paired with locally-sourced spring water. 700ml bottle, £30 www.durhamdistillery.co.uk

VVIP ONE OF THE FIRST BOTTLES OF DURHAM WHISKY TO BE PRODUCED Durham Whisky will enter production later this year and whisky fans can be amongst the first to own and taste a bottle, as well as a 200ml bottle of new make, allowing the spirit to be sampled before and after maturation. The bottle will come complete with a limited edition label signed by the head distiller, and an information pack detailing the story of the whisky, which will be ready to drink three years and one day from laying down the cask. 700ml bottle, £100 www.durhamwhisky.co.uk

he fabulous peeps at Durham Distillery are known for fabulous gin and vodka products, but in a super exciting new move, will soon be producing the North East’s first whisky as they prepare to move into a brand new distillery in the heart of its home city. As fans of the occasional cheeky tipple, we’ve chosen our top recommendations from the distillery ranging from exclusive, to, well, very, very exclusive; the perfect gift for the discerning connoisseur. chin chin...

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VVVIP A PRIVATELY OWNED CASK OF DURHAM WHISKY To celebrate Durham and the North East’s first whisky distillery, the first 100 casks will be released for private ownership opportunities. Cask owners can determine the flavour profile of their whisky and choose between a 200-litre first-fill American ex-Bourbon cask made from American oak (Quercus alba), or 250-litre first-fill Spanish Sherry cask made from European oak (Quercus robur). All privately owned casks will be printed with the owners’ name and the cask number. Owners will also receive a unique owners’ pack documenting the flavour profile, images of filling and sampling, and a certificate of ownership, as well as receive invitations to exclusive events including tours, cask filling and bottling. 200 litre or 250 litre, Ex-Bourbon £2,750 or ex-Sherry £3,250 www.durhamwhisky.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

So Heavenly Parichat at Sohe is an Asian cuisine restaurant with award-winning Chef Parichat Somsri-Kirby at the helm, bringing her signature style and expertise to the Jesmond establishment to create a dynamic dining experience. Here she shares her recipe for Roasted Fillet of Halibut with Red Curry Sauce and Coconut Rice.

Ingredients: 2 x 200g Halibut fillets Salt and pepper Oil for cooking 100g butternut squash, peeled, diced 100g sweet potatoes, peeled, diced For the red curry sauce 1tbsp Thai red curry paste 2tbsp palm sugar 1tbsp fish sauce 440ml coconut milk 2 lime leaves, finely shredded 1 lemongrass stalk, crushed 1tbsp vegetable oil 2tbsp coriander leaves, chopped

3 spring onions, trimmed and sliced 100g sugar snap peas, cooked For the coconut rice 200g jasmine rice 30ml water 200ml coconut milk 1 lemongrass stalk, roughly crushed ½ pandan leaf (if unable to source, leave out)

Method: Halibut 1. Preheat the oven at 180°C 2. Heat a frying pan on a medium heat and add the oil 3. Season the halibut with just salt on the flesh sides and place in the pan and cook for 5 minutes on a medium heat 4. Turn the fish over and season the fish skin with salt and pepper and cook for a further 8 minutes in the oven

Butternut squash and sweet potatoes 1. Place the butternut squash and sweet potatoes on an ovenproof tray and season with a little oil, salt and pepper 2. Place in the over at 180°C for 15-18 minutes 3. When cooked, remove from the oven and allow to cool Red curry sauce 1. Heat a saucepan on a medium/high heat, add the oil and curry paste and cook it out for 2 minutes 2. Add palm sugar and fish sauce and cook for 1 minute 3. Add the coconut milk, lime leaves and lemongrass and bring to the boil for 5 minutes, then turn down the heat and cook for a further five minutes 4. Remove the lemongrass stalk and add the roasted butternut squash and sweet potatoes 5. Add sugar snap peas, spring onion and coriander Coconut rice 1. Wash the rice and drain well then place in a pan, add the water, coconut milk, lemongrass and pandan leaf 2. Bring it to the boil, stir to make sure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan 3. When boiled, stir well, turn down the heat to low and place the lid on top 4. Cook for further 15 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated 5. Place on a serving bowl and sprinkle with some toasted sesame seeds Plate up Place the halibut on two plates, spoon the sauce on top and garnish with lime wedge and sprinkle more coriander on top, serve with a portion of coconut rice on the side.

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Queen of Gin With a background in the drinks business, Michelle McLean has opened her dream gin emporium in the heart of Durham. As THE magazine for gin aficionados, we felt it was our duty to put her gins to the test... Photography Jade Atkinson www.jadephotography-online.com

he Ginstitute in Durham has a bit of a Harry Potter feel to it. Old sleeper shelves groan under the weight of bottles of potions in all shades of the rainbow while a beautiful copper Still gleams in the cute as a button front window which would look at home in Diagon Alley. If J K Rowling drank gin, this is what she would create. And a Sorting Hat would certainly come in handy, because trying to choose between 170 plus beautiful bottles of gin, not to mention over 70 tonics, is a dizzying task when you want literally everything. Luckily a Sorting Hat of sorts is on hand in the shape of fabulous owner Michelle McLean. Michelle is a wizard at finding out what you like and putting just the right tonic with just the right gin while telling Summer

you the story behind the gin. We loved Bertha’s Revenge, an Irish small batch gin which celebrates Bertha, Ireland’s oldest cow who lived to be 70. Bertha’s Revenge takes a grass to glass approach and is distilled from cow’s milk. There is even a hoof print on the bottle. “I didn’t even really like gin that much when I was younger,” says Michelle. “But I started working for a distillery and became fascinated with it and that’s where the dream of opening up an amazing gin emporium started. I wanted people to have the chance to see and try all of the fabulous gins out there.” Michelle has been busy ever since she opened the shop six months ago which is located at the bottom of Elvet Bridge, Durham.

2018

ADVERTORIAL

“I get a lot of people popping in to buy presents for the gin aficionados in their life. The Collagin gin has proved popular for women and I believe outside of London, we are one of the few places to stock it. We also have the biggest selection of Northern Gins and they always sell well,” she says. The Durham Ginstitute also has a fab online site so you can browse the huge range at your leisure and get it delivered to your front door, kind of like a fabulous artisan gin takeaway. Like kids in a sweetie shop, we have now moved onto sampling Parma Violet gin liqueur which tastes like alcoholic love hearts. The door opens and a group of hip Durham students come in, thinking it’s a bar. “We get that all the time,” says Michelle. “But we do gin tastings in the home like a pop up gin bar. It’s especially popular for hen and stag nights or for special birthdays.” Michelle also offers a two hour Interactive Gin tasting experience in the shop.

If J K Rowling drank gin, this is what she would create... “Customers come in, relax and enjoy their very own private gin tasting events with friends. Each guest receives a welcome drink and then we select four different gins, mixers and garnishes for them to taste. We talk you through the history of gin and the many names and stories associated with this glorious drink over the centuries. We have nibbles and score cards to record favourites and the guests receive 10% off any full bottles purchased on the night,” she explains. “It’s a really fun thing to do and everyone loves it.” The shop is about to close, so we head off into the night with gin bottles chinking away in our bags. Time to apparate and sample those fabulous goodies. The Durham Ginstitute, 5 New Elvet, Durham, DH1 3AQ durhamginstitute.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

A S L S

ACT If you fancy a stay in a fashionable, boutique hotel with bags of character and exceptional food, then head to the Tontine. Liz Lamb checks in.

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2018

oaring open fires, outstanding cuisine and a quirky yet stylish interior, The Cleveland Tontine is one of my favourite places for a weekend getaway. I love that it is steeped in history, (the building dates back to 1804), that there’s panoramic views over the Cleveland Hills and that it boasts a restaurant to rival any Michelin-starred establishment. I also adore the stylish décor-a mix of vintage 1930s and modern hipster-which is totally Insta-worthy. Having gained a national reputation back in the days when the McCoy brothers were in charge, it was THE place to be seen in. Fast forward a few years and it is now run by Provenance Inns & Hotels, who also own the West Park Hotel in Harrogate and the infamous Black Bull in Moulton. Any concerns I had that some of that Cleveland charm would be lost when it was sold have been allayed. The Tontine is still a place to cherish and apart from some positive upgrades (a new bar in the bistro and a noise-reducing exterior fence) it is, thankfully, largely unchanged. After arriving at the hotel I was pleased to discover we had been booked into The Coach House. The bedroom is my favourite in the hotel. I love everything from the eye-catching, book-lined wallpaper to the jet-black furniture and the upper floor that features a huge, luxury bathroom. It is here that I enjoyed a long soak in the roll-top bath before getting ready for dinner…but not before I had got those all important Instagram shots! Suited and booted, my husband and I headed to the lounge area for pre-dinner drinks in front of the roaring, open fire. Decorated in hues of dark blues and greys, the space has the air of gentlemen’s club about it. After a cocktail or two, we headed downstairs to the bistro, which features a cavernous, stone fireplace as a centre piece and intimate, circular tables decorated with crisp, white tablecloths. The mouth-watering menu features delights such as venison, Murton Grange pheasant and Yorkshire chicken and, as well as ala-carte, there is a market menu that offers two courses for a purse-friendly £21.95 and three courses for under £25. For starters we enjoyed Scottish salmon with garden beets, horseradish and caviar (£7.50) and wood pigeon breast, puy lentils and celeriac (£10.95). The salmon dish was art on a plate. The

attention to detail was astounding-tiny mouthfuls of fish were decoratively placed around the plate and garnished with carefullyplaced drops of jus and beet and finished with vivid, purple edible flowers. Though both dishes were flavoursome, it was salmon that had the edge thanks to the flavours that married well with the perfect presentation. Mains were just as impressive. I enjoyed the Tasting of Yorkshire pork, tender stem broccoli, apple and date puree (£18.95) while my husband tucked into the 10oz dry aged ribeye steak, twice cooked chips, confit of tomato, rocket salad and béarnaise sauce (£26.95). If I thought the starters and mains couldn’t be beaten, then I couldn’t be more wrong. The absolute show-stopper of the entire meal had to be dessert. I opted for Taste of Apple, which was an assortment of crumble, panna cotta, apple macaroon, mini toffee apple and ginger bread ice cream (£7.95). It was served on a large white plate with the crumble in a small, copper pan, a warm, apple-infused milk drink in a shot glass and the other accompaniments expertly dotted around (another Insta-worthy shot). The combination of ginger and apple crumble married well, and there was pops of flavour with each mouthful. This was a food porn at its finest and it tasted absolutely divine. It was the perfect end to an exceptional meal. Next morning we enjoyed a cooked Yorkshire breakfast in the beautifully decorated morning room with views overlooking the hills. If you haven’t been to the Tontine yet-where have you been? It really is first-class. My parents and at least two couples I know have been on my recommendations and they loved the place too. Great staff, amazing food and stylish surroundings too. What’s not to love?

The best dessert I’ve ever tasted.

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Five Star In need of a weekend of R&R, Style Director Liz Lamb checks into Durhamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ramside Hall Hotel for the ultimate pampering break.

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TRAVEL

he allure of a chilled-out, child-free weekend can never be underestimated. It rarely happens in my house but when it does, I often wonder why I don’t insist on a monthly ‘hotel stay’ as part of our family budget. It really is essential for both survival and sanity - a treat where you get to eat, swim and relax in peace without little ones making a multitude of demands and invading the parental bed. They are good for the soul, especially if you add delicious food and fine wine into the mix. For this very reason, I ended up at Ramside Hall hotel, in Durham, with my hubby in tow. The landmark hotel has always been a popular venue among locals who visit for the knock-out Sunday carvery, posh afternoon tea or to attend a wedding or a Christmas party. But the Adamson family, who own it, really upped their game when they invested millions in a luxury spa and fitness complex alongside upmarket bedrooms and suites. It’s easy to see why it is now a major player in the luxury hotel market. No expense has been spared in creating a luxurious retreat with inspiration taken from some of the best spas in the world. The amphitheatre sauna, for example, is modelled on a similar offering at the award-winning spa in London’s Corinthia Hotel. There is a swimming pool and a hydrotherapy pool, a herbal infusion sauna overlooking a herb garden, and four thermal suites. Of course, the spa was the first place we headed to after check-in. Though it was busy with couples and groups of friends, we had no trouble finding a lounger by the hydrotherapy pool. This was a perfect place to people watch while being served chilled prosecco without us having to move a muscle. I probably could have stayed there for hours but I eventually prised myself away to join my hubby in the pool. After a swim, we refreshed ourselves with a glass of orange-infused water, which is free for guests, and headed to the herbal sauna. We were the only ones in there so we made the most of it by lying down and breathing in the floral aromas in complete silence. It was while we were in here that we spotted the heated outdoor pool, which has become a popular spot for drinking bubbly under the stars.

Were we brave enough to venture outside in the winter weather wearing nothing but our swimsuits? Hell yes. And I’m so glad we did. After the intense heat of the sauna, it was refreshing to feel the bite of the cold air while our bodies were toasty and warm in the water. After a couple of hours relaxing we headed up to our bedroom to get ready for dinner. The Premier room, in the newer part of the hotel, was decorated in a palette of browns and greens and boasted a stunning view over the golf course. The bathroom was double the size of our own at home. Ramside has a choice of restaurants including Fusion, serving Asian-inspired dishes, to the infamous carvery and the Rib Room, which is where we chose to dine in the evening. The award-winning eatery features leather-clad dining booths, vibrant, busy artwork on the walls and prides itself on offering locally-sourced quality meat. We skipped starters and went straight to the main event, ordering whole chateaubriand (£62) to share. It was served on a wooden board with tomatoes, green leaves and our choice of Diane and peppercorn sauces. The meal was accompanied by a side salad and crispy handcut chips. The medium-rare meat was divine-perfectly pink and tender in the middle and packed full of flavour. We washed it down with a bottle of Pinot Grigio (£26.95), recommended to us by our friendly waiter, who told us that actor Chris Hemsworth, of Avengers fame, had dined in the same spot months earlier. We had no room for desserts but offerings include salted caramel tart, burnt lemon meringue and homemade sorbet, which all sounded delicious. We then retired to our room for a child-free, uninterrupted night of sleep. Next morning we tucked into a delicious cooked breakfast while sat next to a grand piano, very la di da. Ever keen to continue my R&R I headed to the fitness suite for a relaxing yoga session before we had to check out. It was a great session, one of the best I’ve been to. If you haven’t been to Ramside yet, you’re missing a treat. Fab décor, friendly, helpful staff, a stunning spa and great food. Well, if it’s good enough for a Hollywood star…

Well, if it’s good enough for a Hollywood star…

Summer

ramsidehallhotel.co.uk

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gem

Lakes

The Lake District is the perfect setting for the ultimate romantic staycation and it’s just on our doorsteps but where to stay? We checked into the Lancrigg Hotel and discovered a perfect hidden gem… REVIEW Laura Reid

ust 800 yards from Grasmere village, along a beautiful winding road, past chocolate box cottages and meandering through thick trees, you are led up a hill to the Lancrigg Hotel. You couldn’t ask for a more idyllic spot for a weekend away, sat overlooking the gardens and hills, it was the perfect place to sit and have a drink from the Poet’s Bar after our short drive over to the Lake District. The hotel has been newly refurbished to have a mixed style of modern meets traditional; I definitely had sofa envy in the stylish lounge and felt very much relaxed and at home. The rooms are all individually named and quite aptly for being in Grasmere, we were staying in the Wordsworth room. From our window seat I sat and

Summer

took in the same breathtaking views we were first treated to upon arrival. To my excitement, there was a nice big bathroom to spruce myself up in for dinner. The restaurant has a vegan menu which I imagine is quite hard to come by in such a rural location, the dining room was relaxed with soft music playing and big high ceilings, it felt like quite the intimate meal. To start I ate garlic mushroom bruschetta while my husband had baked asparagus wrapped in serrano ham. Followed by Cumberland sausage risotto with a duck egg perfectly perched on top and a tangy garlic puree on the side for me and pan fried duck breast with roast potatoes, caramelized onions and a sticky fig reduction for Daniel. After all that gorgeous food we just about had room to squeeze in a pudding, I opted for the cheesecake with a fruit puree and Daniel couldn’t resist the lure of the chocolate cake. Once we had finished our meal we went for an explore once again to the Poet’s Bar to hunt out a night cap and then retired to the lounge to have a

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look through some guides of the area to plan our next day. It turns out that there is a popular walk that goes straight through the hotel grounds which could be perfect for working off the sins of the night before! In the morning we were straight down for breakfast back in the dining room, where we were greeted by juices, cereals, pastries and yogurt on the sideboard to help ourselves to and then a menu to choose something cooked. Of course we both went straight for the full English with a round of toast and were not disappointed. We soon walked off the calories, enjoying the lakes gorgeous views before getting ready to head back. This is a heavenly little spot, ideal for a weekend stay or for a longer visit where you can use it as a base to explore.

You couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ask for a more idyllic spot for a weekend away...

www.lancrigg.co.uk Summer

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INTERIORS

Summer

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Notes from

The Cow Barn Lea Eccleston has created serious interiors envy with her Instagram account which features her beautiful home, a remote converted cow barn in the breathtaking Northumberland countryside. She lets us into her design secrets and how she created such a special place, room by room... Photography Sean Elliott www.seanelliottphotography.co.uk

“A room without books is like a body without a soul.”

t’s fair to say I’m a bit of a romantic at heart. Combine that with being a writer and it won’t take you long to guess that my favourite part of the barn is my library wall. It has been said ‘words are the most inexhaustible source of magic’ and having a whole wall dedicated to them makes me ecstatic. In fact, returning to my fully fitted bespoke petite library after my last jaunt to The Cotswolds, my fabulous joiner looked slightly embarrassed to see me do a little happy dance around the living room at first sight of his bespoke handy work. He even constructed a picture perfect leaning ladder, the final flourish to my slice of literary heaven. When attempting to create a cool country retreat, an experienced joiner is pretty much top of my must have list. Someone reliable you can have on speed dial and trust to go with your ‘creative’ interior design notions. My joiner is Elliot of Elliot Coyle & Son and so far he has whipped up the library wall in an unused living room alcove, constructed a beautiful boot room which has breathed life into a completely dead space, put together a folding wooden screen complete with the chicest fuchsia pink Barneby Gates Pheasant wallpaper, a cupboard to cover up the unsightly boiler in a fetching shade of Farrow & Ball Downpipe and, inspired by a certain Daylesford Farm, he is soon to start ramping up the texture on the downstairs walls with some stunning shiplap. Elliot painted the library wall an elegant shade of green known as Honed Slate by Neptune. I have both his word and that of my decorator Andrew Batey, that Neptune paint goes on like a dream. It

now blends effortlessly with the rest of the living room walls, providing a cosy, chic backdrop to the grown up living room I have always dreamed of.

“Words are the most inexhaustible source of magic.” The bonus of having wall to wall shelving is the array of opportunities it presents for accessorising. Pink complements the rich tones of Honed Slate superbly, so I incorporated plenty of tonal accessories along with the odd dash of soft pink alongside the books. Don’t discount the books themselves when it comes to accessorising. They can make rather eye catching items for display, and some of my favourites, like the stunning coffee table books from Soho House or The Rockett St George

Extraordinary Interiors books, provide a constant source of inspiration, much like little pieces of art in their own right. Think of your bookshelves as an interchangeable gallery wall and enjoy regularly moving your accessories and display books around. At the opposite end of the living room, against a giant slate wall, is my beloved log burner. The stuff of dreams, and my best friend on a cold Winter’s night, if there was one item I would recommend investing in to create the cosy home of dreams, it’s this. There is just something so utterly satisfying about building a fire and watching it crackle, preferably with a large glass of red whilst curled up on the sofa. My cute as a button kindling basket from North East creatives, Little Red Interiors and log basket from Dyvels Home are always on standby with supplies, and layer up the texture against the slate wall. The space between the log burner and the library wall is taken up with two sprawling grey sofas. I’ve made the mistake of choosing style over substance in the sofa department before but never again. I recall with particular horror ‘the cool as a cucumber’ woollen sofas I chose for our sleek apartment overlooking the sea in Athens, chosen for their perfect shade of aquamarine blue. They may have looked unique and on trend but the only way to sit on them involved impersonating a bean pole. When choosing a sofa, I would say don’t be afraid to have a good sprawl in the sofa showroom. In fact, take your favourite throw along and a have a good nap if you have to! Sofas need to be hardworking. A supremely squishy chair, regular bed, occasional office and private cinema seat all rolled into one, my advice is to always go for the squishiest you can afford (which means leather is a no no for me) with the deepest seat, and load it up with plenty of cushions and a chunky blanket for compulsory snuggling. Summer

“So please, oh please, we beg, we pray, go throw your tv set away, and in its place you can install, a lovely bookshelf on the wall.” My sofas face each other in a sociable central arrangement which makes conversation the focus of the room rather than the tv, which is often hidden in the corner by the eye catching Pheasant covered screen. TVs are such an eyesore in the modern home so finding a way to cleverly disguise them when you have guests over is worth the effort. Sockets installed in the floor allow for occasional tables either side of the sofa and oversized Neptune lamps in oyster pink inject much needed soft lighting. A living room should scream relaxation to both guests and yourself at the end of a long working day. Which is where my Harris Tweed oversized ottoman becomes invaluable. Go as large as you can, mine stretches almost the full length of the sofa. Another flexible piece of furniture, the ottoman has held many a

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Never underestimate the importance of putting your feet up in upping the ‘ahhhhhhh’ factor for both you and visitors. The engineered oak floorboards stay toasty thanks to underfloor heating which is the ultimate luxury for tootsies which are prone to the cold. A huge cream cable knit rug softens the floor and fills the space between the 2 sofas and holds the ottoman centrally. Complementing the ottoman is a giant oversized winged Harris Tweed armchair positioned in front of the library wall, making it the ideal spot to curl up with a bit of Jane Austen beneath the oversized copper anglepoise lamp. The type of armchair that once you sit in, it feels almost impossible to get back up. In keeping with the more sophisticated vibe of the living room, I have chosen less quirky artwork by Alexander Millar to complement the scheme. I have four of his pieces, all depicting the Tyneside ‘gadgie’ and a heartfelt reminder of my beloved Grandad, who was the kindest man I’ve ever met, the epitome of a working class Northerner and a miner for his local colliery. My favourite piece depicts The Angel of The North by a flatcapped gadgie holding a ladder across his back. Genius!

Diptyque candle and jugs of fresh flowers in anticipation of the arrival of guests, and doubles up as a very fancy magazine stand for displaying all of my copies of La Di Da (naturally). It has also been a low table for relaxed Big Fat Greek Feasts in front of the tv, has hosted the odd romantic carpet picnic and most importantly, is a place to rest weary feet after a hard day at work.

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Manorside North A1(M)

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Wynyard Village The Stables

FIND US AT

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INTERIORS

Look GET THE

LIVING ROOM PAINT: Neptune Matt Emulsion in Honed Slate, £38 for 2.5 litres. SOFAS: Try Loaf for similar loafing sofas with deep seats. The large Sloucher sofa in Flint brushed cotton is priced at £1725. OTTOMAN: The Harris Tweed Bowmore Stool in Bracken herringbone, £685 from Barker & Stonehouse ARMCHAIR: The Harris Tweed Mackenzie Chair in Bracken Herringbone with tan leather piping, £1529 and can be sourced from Barker & Stonehouse. BASKETS: The large log basket is from Dyvels Home in Corbridge, £50. The kindling basket with handle is from local online store Little Red Interiors priced at £43. Garden Trading sell a range of fireside baskets. LAMPS: The Iona lampshade in Gabriela oyster pink from Neptune, 14” are £42 each. The large copper anglepoise floor lamp is £159 from Barker & Stonehouse. ARTWORK: Alexander Millar, The Angel, limited edition, £399 from Castle Galleries. JOINER: Elliot Coyle & Son Joinery can be found on Facebook. Tel 07749 969619.

“The earth without art is just ‘eh’.” The quirkiest piece of artwork is reserved for the statuesque central staircase which acts as a rather grand room divider for the downstairs living space. Anyone ascending the stairs is greeted by an enormous canvas of Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia c1600, which I fell in love with from a collection from The National Portrait Gallery. I am a big fan of the Royal family and also have a thing for period dress so once I set eyes on Queen Elizabeth’s gown and jaw dropping standing collar, I was sold! Sitting boldly against a rich grey wall of Farrow & Ball

Plummet, creates quite the statement as you make your way upstairs. I love the marriage of traditional and modern with the cluster of industrial cage lights which hang down the centre of the wrap around staircase, illuminating the space beautifully. Ultimately, when it comes to creating the perfect living space, no matter what your style, the fundamental aim ought to be for it to feel welcoming, cosy and oh so slouchy. Somewhere your guests feel like they want to kick off their shoes and kick back in the warmth and softness of their surroundings, and when they have stayed way longer than expected, which happens so often at The Cow Barn, you will know that all of your hard work in designing the perfect cocooning space was worth it! Lea Eccleston is an interior stylist, writer and founder of Instasistas, an organisation empowering women across the North East. Follow her journey on Instagram @thecowbarn and @instasistas. Summer

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DECORATOR: Andrew Batey & Sons www. andrewbateyandsons.com, tel 01661 842700

STAIRCASE PAINT: Farrow & Ball Plummet in Estate Emulsion produces a chalky matt finish suitable for all interior walls. £43.50 for 2.5 litres. ARTWORK: Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia, The National Portrait Gallery from online store Surface View, 1200mm x 1600mm, £335 LIGHTING: Cluster of industrial open cage lights with oversized bulbs, Fenwick’s, £135

Claridge Art Deco Round Mirror, £625

Gatsby Taupe Velvet Curved Four Seater Sofa, £2,247, Pleated Cappuccino Leather Occasional Chair, £1,372, Blue Velvet Shell Chair, £950

With its sleek metallic accents and tactile velvet finishes, the art deco revival is perhaps one of the our favourite emerging trends. We take a look at some of our favourite pieces for recreating this look in your home

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INTERIORS

Set of 2 Decadence Gatsby Stainless Steel Shelving Unit, £2,999

Claridge Circle Link Console Table £729

Platonic Gold Tray, £99

Gatsby Taupe Velvet Curved Four Seater Sofa, £2,247

W W W. T H E L I B R A C O M PA N Y. C O . U K

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Wynyard Park Marketing Suite Manorside North A1(M)

A689 Wynyard Village

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WEDDINGS

Royal Station Hotel, NEWCASTLE

It’s a right

royal affair

The Cairn Collection’s dreamy regal wedding venues where you can say “I do”

his year it’s hard not to get caught up in the royal wedding bubble, and if you’re engaged, you’ll no doubt be dreaming of planning your own regal ceremony and soirée. Although exchanging vows in Windsor Castle may not be an option for most of us, tying the knot in a venue just as beautiful and still with royal roots can be; taking inspiration from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s big day. We have chosen some of our favourite settings where you and your wedding party will be made to feel like royalty. Both of them come complete with oh so fabulous features from sweeping staircases for that all-important entrance, to picture-perfect gardens where you can pose for your first photograph as Mr and Mrs. But which gorgeous option will you choose…

The Majestic Hotel, HARROGATE

This grand Victorian property isn’t just majestic by name. It can be found in the quaint spa town of Harrogate, and dates back to the 18th century. No stranger to royal occasions, the hotel has hosted a number of esteemed guests from Prince Henry of Prussia to the Maharajah of Patiala, as well as Russian grand duchesses. Set amidst acres of photo-ready landscaped gardens, your wedding guests will be impressed from the moment they arrive, continuing through to the venue itself. Ceremonies for up to 300 guests can be accommodated, with a selection of function rooms for more intimate occasions also available, including an open air terrace. All weddings are catered by the hotel’s award-winning Majestic Restaurant, as the first meal as a married couple should be memorable for all of the right reasons, which is why you can shape your own predesigned and bespoke menus fit for a king and queen. An additional perk is the hotel’s spa, where prior to the big day the bridal party can take time out to enjoy some treatments in the serene Orchid Room – bliss! Summer

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This romantic and historic city centre property was officially opened by Queen Victoria in 1858. Since then it has been visited by celebrities and VIPs, from Laurel and Hardy to professional boxer Muhammad Ali. Brides will love the glimmering statement chandelier which sits above a focal staircase, presenting the ultimate backdrop for that show stopping final photograph as a Miss. The hotel’s opulent suites can cater for wedding parties of varying sizes and are licensed to hold civil ceremonies, meaning the whole day can take place under the roof of one spectacular venue. From smaller, intimate gatherings to large, grand events, a dedicated wedding planner can help you to shape the perfect day. You’ll have the option to tie the knot in one of five function rooms depending on your preferences and party size. Our favourite is the Victoria Suite located on the ground floor, which can cater for up to 130 guests for a wedding breakfast or meal, and up to 200 guests for the wedding reception, complete with its own bar and dance floor. The Cairn Collection www.thecairncollection.co.uk

What a Day. ww w.he a d l a mh a l l . c o. u k

H e a d l a m H a l l H e a d l a m N ea r G a in fo r d Tees d a l e D L 2 3 HA Te l : 0 1 3 2 5 7 3 0 2 3 8 r ec ep tio n @ h ea d l a m h a l l . c o . u k Photograph by Stan Seaton Photography

WEDDING

Touch of

CLASS

The 17th century Headlam Hall offers Jacobean splendour and contemporary chic for a truly special wedding setting. We take a look.

estling within the beautiful countryside of Teesdale, is the hidden gem that is 17th century Headlam Hall and Spa. This stunning four star Jacobean manor stands in acres of quintessentially English walled gardens, with elegant lawns, ancient beech hedges, gorgeous herbaceous borders and a picture perfect ornate bridge straddling the stream which runs through the gardens. Sweep up the gravel drive and the classical manor house opens up to reveal a super stylish contemporary spa, complete with outdoor hot tub and brasserie, which perfectly harmonises with the beautiful ivy clad exterior of the hotel and the rolling landscape which offers panoramic views.

The elegant grounds also include a nine hole golf course and outdoor gazebo built on the Hall’s terrace for outdoor ceremonies, perfect if you’re arriving by horse drawn carriage as guests will witness your very stylish arrival. There is a choice of stunning ceremony and reception rooms, including the recently refurbished Coach House. This is a private building which features the light and airy Stable Lounge and a gorgeous adjacent room with private bar. The centrepiece of the Coach House, however, is the amazing ballroom. Featuring fantastic period architecture, the room has an incredible arched glass ceiling which floods the room with natural light. It’s a dazzlingly beautiful room which includes a real wow factor

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statement chandelier from Italy. Wedding guests can also enjoy the award winning Spa with its beautiful design, therapeutic benefits and indulgent spa therapy. Voted one of Trip Advisor’s Top Ten Hotel Spa’s in Europe, it’s the ideal spot to unwind and enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of wedding prep. The food at Headlam is award winning and marries classic cooking with the freshest of ingredients. Couples can choose a three or four course wedding breakfast featuring dishes such as Loch Fyne Smoked Salmon, Roasted Chicken with truffled mash potato and wild mushrooms and a dessert menu offering such tempting delights as Lemon Pannacotta with pistachio icecream and meringue. The choices include canapés and an optional cheese course featuring some fabulous local cheeses. If you would like something a little different, the hotel offers a lovely and very elegant Afternoon Tea reception as an alternative. For the evening, you can choose from their fantastic traditional buffet or opt for something more informal such as the Hog Roast Buffet, cooked on the terrace under the stars. The happy couple can then retire to the ‘Gainford Suite,’ a stunning suite for the Bride and Groom complete with a spacious sitting room and four-poster bedroom looking out over the main lawn. The suite also has the most beautiful bathroom with traditional slipper bath; just add champagne for the perfect romantic soak. headlamhall.co.uk

The Alnwick Garden

Your Story, Your Love, Your Garden

Winner for the most romantic wedding venue in England at the English Wedding Awards 2017 W: www.alnwickgarden.com E: weddings@alnwickgarden.com Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/weddingsatthealnwickgarden

WEDDING

JADE TURNBULL & DARREN ATKINSON Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not often we can write a real wedding piece where we actually attended the wedding in question but we are delighted to be able to write this one, as it was the wedding of our gorgeous fashion photographer to her sweetheart Darren Atkinson, who has modelled for La Di Da. Jade and Darren got married at the stunning new barn at South Causey Inn which is just breathtaking. Jade wore a vintage style dress from Intuzuri which was altered for her by Pressed Prom and Bridal. She wore a bespoke Bride headpiece designed to reflect elements of her dress by Elaine Humble of Dimesso Designs. Her hair was beautifully styled with wild flowers by top stylist Kara Scott whilst her make up was by mua to the stars Jo Leversuch. The bridesmaids looked beautiful in Little Mistress dresses whilst the groom and his party wore Woven of Durham. The wedding breakfast was held in the stunning reception room adorned with blossom trees for a truly romantic backdrop. Jadeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hardest choice was finding the right photographer to capture their perfect day. She chose photographer Naomi Kenton and is delighted with the photos. We wish the happy couple all the love in the world. Photography - www.naomikenton.com

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The social calendar is awash with Race Meets, Shoots, Fashion Launches and Music Festivals; but with a break from the ordinary, a new event to the region is set to become THE annual ‘must do’ every August.

PHOTO CREDIT: Shutterstock

he North East SoapBox Challenge on Saturday 18 August, hosted in the shadow of the Penshaw Monument at the beautiful Herrington Country Park, will see over 70 Soapboxes race downhill. More Wacky Races than Formula 1, these cars come in all shapes and sizes, from Flying toasters to Sausage rolls, taking their design inspiration from almost anywhere, TV Shows to Movies, Food, Nature or Sci Fi. Over 15,000 are expected at the event, which opens its gates at 9:30am and goes until 8pm. La Di Da will be on hand, hosting as Media Partner at the VIP Marquee; expect ‘High Class’ drinks with the ‘creme de la creme’ of Gin, Ciders Beers, Cocktails and Bubbly, keeping everyone hydrated whilst Newcastle’s ‘Sloppy Joe’s Grille’ keeps everyone fed with a 4 Star BBQ. Petrol Heads will enjoy eyeing the Supercars set to adorn the lawns, as spectators catch the Soapbox cars as they whizz past the finish line overlooking the

park’s stunning lakeside. The ‘Live music’ stage hosted by fellow media partners Sun FM, will keep everyone dancing and provide the soundtrack for what promises to be a fantastic day. The Craft Market, Street Food and gigantic Funfair ensures that this family day has something for everyone. The Soapbox race is being hosted by our own Craig Wilde, who’s taking time out from his busy schedule of TV Host, Movie Producer, Voice Artist and Creative Director to ensure the event goes without fault. Joining him is the fabulous Soraya Vivian, chart topping Pop Diva and international TV Presenter. Craig and Soraya make for a crazy double act so truly anything can happen, and probably will. The event is being masterminded by Event Producers Martin Tulip and Malcolm Smyth of Hot Event Solutions; Martin has a long history of successful events in the region, and is something of a serial entrepreneur most recently delivering the highly successful Blyth’s Tall Ships festival Party. Malcolm is a Summer

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showman through and through and he and his family have been delivering spectacular events for generations. We’ll be on hand throughout the day to marshall a sea of celebrities from Realty Television to Football to Fashion; expect to see La Di Da favourites Andrew Dyke and Alan Lee Ogden - TV’s ‘The Property Boyz’ and Celebrity Big Brother’s ‘Queen of Clean’ Kim Woodburn’ amongst many others set to join us in the VIP Marquee. General entry to the event is free, parking is from £10 per car in advance via the event website or Eventbrite, VIP Tickets are £35PP and include Private parking, a welcome drink and food item from the BBQ, Posh loos, Private Bar and much more.

SOCIETY

Maddie’s

Madeleine Costigan is a freelance tv Stylist, events organiser and girl about town. She gives us the inside goss on her glam life

WORLD

y life has been on quite a foodie journey lately. I have been sampling the delights of various restaurants from Edinburgh across to the Lake District, finishing in good old Newcastle. First stop Edinburgh and a fabulous trip with my girlfriends. We dined at The Ivy on the Square. My lunch of Tuna Carpaccio and Chicken Milanese was delicious. No train journey is complete without a bottle of prosecco and some sparkly plastic glasses. It’s fair to say the journey home finished on the same note, as we returned laden with shopping bags. The Ivy in York also threw open its doors in December so I was intrigued to see how York’s new gourmet friend was settling in. The atmosphere was buzzing and the food was equally as delicious. I enjoyed visiting my favourite childhood place in the Lake District. The Langdale estate is so beautiful and I was excited to try out the new Brimstone Spa. Wow is all I can say…what a stunningly serene place to relax with its outdoor heated plunge pool complete with roaring fire. Even better was randomly sharing a steam room with non-other than Jason Orange of Take That. It’s fair to say I was extremely uncool, non-discreet and left feeling like Baby in Dirty Dancing quoting in my hand ‘I carried a watermelon!’. One day my brain and gob will engage at the same time before my mouth decides to speak! Story for the grandkids right there… The day ended with a dining experience at the recently refurbed The Samling in Windermere. It was disappointing on a Friday night to see the place so quiet especially when the food was so good. We enjoyed eight courses of divine dining including Samling’s

Mangalitsa pork with smoked eel and Cumbrian beef with braised leek and mushroom jam. The portions were large for a tasting menu so I left stuffed (and not in need of a takeaway on the way home as I often do with small plates). Back to my home city in Newcastle I couldn’t possibly leave out a visit to my favourite North East haunt Peace & Loaf for a business meeting – any excuse! As usual it was fabulous. I was particularly excited to see Steps in Newcastle which I had bagged front row tickets to after frantically clicking refresh on Ticket Master during a PT session at the gym. My PT was less than impressed…sorry Pete! The concert was superb and ‘tragically’ I knew the words to every single song. The highlight of my year so far has to be going to the gala performance of ‘The Last Ship’ written and produced by our fabulous North East legend Sting. The performance raised over £70,000 for The Graham Wylie Foundation which has contributed towards a music therapy centre in the North East which will help change lives. I got to meet the main man himself after an intimate gig of some of his classic tracks at Summer

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Wylam Brewery. The play was spectacular and Sting even made an appearance replacing one of the cast who was unable to perform. Sting even did a happy birthday message for Louis on my Iphone from ‘Uncle Sting’ as he put it. The event had a star studded line up and I was also lucky enough to meet Mr Ricky Wilson of The Kaiser Chiefs. I wore a tassley black and gold jewel emblazoned dress from ‘A Star is Born’ ASOS, black shoe boots and ultraglam make up by my favourite make up artist Amanda Bell. I have been super busy with work. Lots of exciting TV shoots which has seen me down in London for Barker and Stonehouse filming in the actual ‘Dragons Den’ which was incredible and it was the advert I ended up featuring in. Life is still super busy, I have various projects on the go including designing and styling the interior of a property in Bamburgh and also a new exclusive menswear shop called ‘Mr Grey’ in Durham. I’ll be helping with the launch …so watch this space. Until next time…

Check out my blog maddieness.co.uk

Society S E X & T H E C I T Y C AT WA L K & A F T E R N O O N T E A Seaham Hall Seaham Hall and LA DI DA joined forces to host a Sex & City Catwalk and Afternoon Tea. With cocktails galore and a fashion tea including such delights as Battenburg handbags, a glorious day was had by all. The event included stylist advice from John Lewis (Eldon Square) personal stylist, the incredible Josta Wood who had devised the looks for each character to show how to personalise your look. She was aided by our fashion expert Lea Eccleston who introduced and hosted the event. Celeb make up artist Amanda Bell, who has recently opened a stunning make up studio in Norton, did a fantastic masterclass. Then we retired to the bar in true SATC style to peruse the pop ups from John Lewis, mini spa treatments from Seaham Hall Spa and make up by Bobbi Brown. Our models wore clothes from John Lewis and shoes included Kurt Geigerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest looks.

CREDITS Photography Chris Montague Photography chris-montague.com Blossom Trees Wild and Wonderful Orchids Dodsworths Make up Bobbi Brown (John Lewis) Hair Joe Stoker Stylist Styling Josta Wood, Lea Eccleston. Real Life models Jade Atkinson, Loren Perry, Shona Harper Wilkes, Helen Coulon

Society S E X & T H E C I T Y C AT WA L K & AFTERNOON TEA Seaham Hall SATC cocktails and fabulous fashion cake was on hand at our recent SATC catwalk with Seaham Hall along with our catwalk and fashion pop ups but it was our Throne and Tiara station that really caught our guests imagination. Well who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be a Queen or a King for the day? Bespoke Tiaras courtesy of Elaine Humble at Dimesso Designs. Photography by Jade Atkinson jadephotography-online. com Throne Seaham Hall

SOCIETY

Society LA DI DA NEXT FASHION POP UP We teamed up with the lovely peeps at NEXT in a unique collaboration to celebrate their fabulous new INTU metrocentre store. La Di Da held its first ever live fashion shoot in the front window of the store. Top celeb make up artist Jo Leversuch and her team were on hand to do makeovers using NEXT make up, whilst TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hair stylist Joe Stoker created some amazing looks for customers. Our stylist team were on hand to help and styled customer Jenn Clark in a fabulous grey prom dress from Lipsy. Fashion photographer Jade Atkinson shot Laura McLaughlin and Angeliki Ioannidi from Savalas Models modelling NEXT whilst top model booker Terry Costello from Savalas scouted for new talent.

SOCIETY

Society L A D I DA N E X T S E C R E T V I P PA RT Y LA DI DA collaborated with NEXT to hold a secret VIP party in the warehouse of their new store at INTU metrocentre. Guests were given a secret code and smuggled in through the warehouse which had been transformed into a secret speakeasy using NEXT interiors. Guests feasted on food from The French Oven, drank divine gin concoctions from the gin goddesses at Durham Gin out of vintage teacups and danced the night way to the sounds of DJ Stevie Love. Then they were allowed to choose a gift from the store (anything but the sofa) before heading into the night in the metrocentre childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s train which we had converted into a gin train. Huge thanks to Joanne our lovely train driver.

Harley Hounds Photography: Jade Atkinson jadephotography-online.com