Recipe - Cruise Fantasy
Sea Salt Chocolate Bark
Uncorking Romanian Passion
An interview with Claudiu
Optimise Your Body
Body Engineering Health
Breath Holding
Gail Biddulph
True Joy!
Dulux Colour of the Year 2025
Cyber Criminals
Insightful IT
A Walk Around Tattenhall
Quiet charm and history
Welcome to the All-New Chester + Cheshire South Local Magazine!
Summer is shining and so is our sparkling new premier edition of Chester + Cheshire South Local – a joyful celebration of local life, inspiring people, glorious food, and adventures near and far!
We’re delighted to spotlight some of the brilliant names shaping our city and its surroundings. Say hello to Mackenzie Jones Solicitors, where expert legal advice meets a friendly face – whether you’re buying a home, sorting out your will, or planning your next big move. And speaking of plans, we’re thrilled to feature Dan Lancaster, the talented architect and landscape garden designer breathing new life into homes and outdoor spaces across the region. You’ll also find plenty of interior inspiration throughout the pages, perfect for those summer spruce-ups and style refreshes.
As the warm weather lures us beyond the borders of Cheshire, join us on sea voyages packed with sun, salt air and – of course – food! From elegant evenings at the Captain’s Table to a rich, chocolatey feast fit for a first-class cruiser, we bring you flavours to savour.
Back on dry land, we return to Chester’s beautiful waterways – a true jewel of the city – before heading to the charming village of Tattenhall, where time slows down and the welcome is always warm. Pull up a chair at The Bear and Ragged Staff, where plates are hearty, and the stories are even better.
Here’s to long days, local gems and lazy afternoons. Chester, your summer starts here!
Enjoy a good read! Jacqui and the Chester Local team.
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Written by Martha Williams
The streets smell of sulphur from the gas lights and the echoes of ship horns vibrate in the air. Music and arts sweep the city in a flurry of orchestras and leafy boulevards. Early in the morning servants can be seen stoking the fires and preparing the breakfasts. Pianos just like me, were born in this city of thriving culture.
From the moment my lid first opened, I knew my purpose: to carry the emotion of those who sat before me. I moved from Hamburg, Germany to the centre of London in 1908. My player, Evelyn, was a quiet, determined young woman. I knew it was her when she came in the roomher delicate perfume was so distinctive - and the day before she was evacuated to North Wales, she cried and I felt the splash of her salty tears on my keys. Through the thunder of planes and whines of bombs, I remembered how we played and as the war ended, my sweet Evelyn returned to me.
We travelled to Wales, to a stone farmhouse in the hills near Llangollen. Life changed, but I adapted. Sometimes Evelyn’s children climbed over me, pressing a key in chaos or curiosity. I was part of Evelyn’s family, the beating heart of the household where laughter and loss were intertwined.
But even hearts can wear down.
Through the years Evelyn and I aged together. My once-rich voice thinned to a whisper. My body was scratched, my frame aching, and no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t sing like I used to. Evelyn died and the family felt empty; there was a bitter sweetness when I sang now.
I was too loved to be sold and too storied to be scrapped. My teeth chipped and dust gathered in the folds of my fallboard as the seasons came and went beyond the window.
Then, one day, amongst the blare of television and computers, I smelt Evelyn’s perfume come in to the room and felt a leap of hope.
A young, curious voice and the familiar clunk of my lid being opened. Evelyn’s granddaughter peered at me in awe. She’d grown up with stories about me but had never truly heard me sing. Luckily, she believed I could again.
That belief carried me to Wrexham, where a little workshop nestled behind a row of terraced houses took me in. It wasn’t grand, but it smelled of wood glue, polish, and quiet determination. That’s where I met Martha – a woman who didn’t see a broken relic, but a voice waiting to be heard.
She took me apart gently, every screw laid out with care. My strings were replaced, my teeth given fillings and my body massaged and finished back to my beautiful Rosewood. Carefully, piece by piece, Martha eased the stiffness from my aching joints and polished my case until my golden letters gleamed once more: Steinway.
And then, after weeks of tender care, I sang again. Deeper now, wiser. Full of everything I’d seen with my dear Evelyn and everything I still hoped to see with her granddaughter.
Now Evelyn’s grandchildren laugh around me and music returns to my heart and home. I am not young, but I am strong. I remember everything. And I still have so much to say.
“I came to Martha with a family heirloom that had been unloved for around 20 years and needed restoration. The piano is now sounding better than I’ve ever known, ready for me to hand down to my daughter in decades to come. I would recommend this experience to anyone.”
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Mark was a devoted father of two grown-up children. After losing his first wife, he found happiness again with Linda, and after three years together, they decided to marry. He was thrilled to have a new chance at companionship.
Mark had made a Will years earlier, leaving his entire estate to his children, including the family home, precious heirlooms, and his investments. Confident everything was in order, he never gave the Will a second thought.
Just a year after marrying Linda, Mark sadly died of a sudden heart attack. His children were left grieving – and then came the shock: the Will Mark had so carefully written years before was no longer valid. Under English law, marriage automatically revokes a Will unless it is made in contemplation of marriage. That meant Mark was legally treated as if he had died intestate (without a Will). Because there was no valid Will, his new
wife Linda inherited most of Mark’s estate, while his children received only a small share of what he had intended for them.
The family was torn apart by the fallout, with arguments and resentment overshadowing their grief. Mark had thought he was protecting his children, but he did not know that marrying again wiped away those wishes.
There was a much better way. A life interest trust could have given Linda the right to live in the family home or receive income from Mark’s investments during her lifetime, while making sure those assets ultimately went to the children. Linda would have been secure, and the children would still inherit, just as Mark had wished.
Marriage cancels your existing Will –unless you specifically make it in contemplation of that marriage.
Stepchildren get nothing under intestacy –only biological or legally adopted children inherit if there is no Will.
A spouse’s inheritance can override your children’s future –intestacy prioritises a spouse, even if your wishes were different.
Second marriages can bring enormous happiness, but they can also complicate your legacy. At Peaceful Heritage Wills & Trusts, we help families protect all their loved ones, with clear, robust planning that ensures no one is left out and your wishes are truly honoured.
If you have married again, or are planning to, reviewing your Will is essential. It costs nothing to have a conversation – but it could save your children everything. Don’t leave it to chance.
make sure your family is protected for the future.
Jacqui Priestley spends 5 minutes with Laura Corrigan, Conveyancing Solicitor at Chester based Mackenzie Jones Solicitors.
JP: What got you interested in conveyancing?
LC: My first experience with Conveyancing was when I actually did work experience with Mackenzie Jones in my second year of university. I was on a 8 week work based learning placement and at the end of the placement the firm asked me if I wanted to stay on until the end of the summer, which I did.
JP: Was there a moment when you knew this was the right path for you?
LC: I love the fast-paced environment that comes with property law, you have to be so on the ball and know where everything is up to at a certain point
and I feel like this really aligns with my personality of wanting to get things done efficiently and to the highest standard. I knew it was the right path for me pretty early on, I love dealing with clients and helping them with any queries no matter how big or small. Buying or selling a property is a massive financial and life changing event and I really love being with clients every step of the way on that journey.
JP: Why Mackenzie Jones?
LC: There are a lot of law firms out there and it’s so difficult to know which firm to use. I would say the difference between being a client of Mackenzie
Jones and another firm is that our clients are always the priority. The expert legal knowledge comes as a standard, but we really pride ourselves on our exceptional level of client care and naturally that lends itself to ensuring the transaction is completed to the highest standard taking into account all our clients requirements. We are just a down to earth, friendly and approachable firm who genuinely want to help our clients.
JP: What do you enjoy most about working in Chester?
LC: I LOVE Chester. I grew up in Altrincham and spent many years commuting to Manchester City Centre and it just wasn’t for me. I find that Chester is the perfect blend of ‘city life’ mixed with a rural lifestyle. Our office is located right in the city centre, but if you walk a few hundred metres you are on the River Dee and the Chester Meadows which is just gorgeous whether you’re on your lunch break or fancy an after work stroll. Chester also feels like such a supportive
community; everyone is so friendly and it’s a genuinely lovely place to be.
JP: Are there any local spots you always recommend to clients or friends?
LC: Oh, there are so many! Every time a client comes into the office, I feel like a tour guide promoting the local coffees shops on Bridge Street, the lunch spots, the beautiful walks. I am a massive fan of people watching with a coffee so you will usually find me sat outside Jaunty Goat or Bridge Street Coffee watching the world go by, I can always be tempted with cake too…
JP: How do you handle it when a property deal gets tricky?
LC: I would like to think that this doesn’t happen all too often if I am honest. The way I work prohibits this from happening for the most part, but there is always going to be one transaction that might not go completely to plan but there is always something we can do, we can find a solution and we sort it out.
JP: Do you have a go-to way of keeping clients calm when things get stressful?
LC: I always say to clients, “the transaction will only be as stressful as you make it”, which sounds harsh but I think there is this big, preconceived idea that moving house is a super stressful process, but when you have the right team around you, it should really be a walk in the park. If I am not stressed, my clients certainly don’t need to be stressed, that’s why they are working with me. I have a lot of experience dealing with all types of property transactions and I have seen it all before and whilst it might seem like a huge stumbling block for the client, in reality we can deal with it super efficiently. So, to answer the question, I am just open and honest with my clients and that keeps them cool, calm and collected throughout the process.
JP: Have you seen any changes in the local property scene, recently?
LC: The local property scene is always up and down, month to month you don’t really know what you are going to get, some months are naturally busier than others but the property market as a
whole is steady especially when you factor in significant changes with interest rates, stamp duty land tax, capital gains tax, there is a lot for people to consider nowadays.
JP: Do you think those changes are making it easier or harder for buyers?
LC: It’s a lot harder than it used to be, I think a lot of first time buyers don’t know any different so they don’t have anything to compare it to, but then you have those clients who move regularly who are trying to juggle new changes and stay on top of what they need to do and then you have other clients who havent moved in 20-30 years and they say it has all completely changed since last time they did it, on a whole, there is much more involved these days that does make it harder for buyers.
JP: What would you say to other women thinking about law?
LC: Just do it. It’s a fantastic career path, it is so rewarding, challenging and fulfilling and you certainly get out what you put in. The legal industry currently is a female dominated industry, there has been a
mammoth shift from the way the profession used to be to the way it is now and there is no better time to get involved if that is what you want to do.
JP: Is there anything you wish you’d known when you were starting out?
LC: There is so much I wish I’d have known. I think just knowing that you will get there is probably the biggest thing and it’s probably a super cliché thing to say once you’ve achieved what you set out to achieve but there is genuinely nothing you cannot do in this world and if you want to do something, do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
Your mind is such a powerful thing and you need to listen to it and have self-belief. Whatever it is you set out to do, just do it, just make a start, don’t think of it as a long journey with lots of obstacles, just think what is my next step, and keep taking little steps, you will be amazed how you thrive when you just focus on you, stay in your own lane, don’t pay attention to what others are doing or aren’t doing, just focus all your time and energy on yourself and you will get there.
JP: What do you do in your spare time?
LC: I’m actually training for Chester Marathon which is taking place in October and Chester Ultra Marathon in February so currently, most of my free time is spent plodding the streets of Chester, usually followed by either brunch, lunch, coffee and cake or dinner in Chester, it’s a great excuse after you’ve racked up some miles running. I also have 2 dogs, Buddy and Doug, so I’m usually out and about with them and trying to tire them both out.
Thank you very much for your time today Laura and we all wish you the very best for the future.
by Dan Lancaster
Garden landscaping is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging that reflect changes in lifestyle, technology, and environmental awareness. Whether you have a small urban garden or a sprawling countryside retreat, staying abreast of these trends can help you create an outdoor space that is both beautiful and functional. Here are the top ten trends in garden landscaping that can transform your outdoor space.
Sustainable gardening has become a cornerstone of modern landscape design. Thinking environmentally, more homeowners are adopting eco-friendly practices in their gardens - selecting native plants that are adapted to the local climate, composting organic waste, using rainwater harvesting systems, and opting for organic mulches and soil conditioners.
The trend of extending indoor living areas into the garden has gained significant popularity, with homeowners adding outside kitchens, lounges, and dining areas. Enhancing usability, outdoor living spaces offer a perfect setting for entertaining guests or relaxing with family, making your garden a true extension of your home.
Vertical gardening is an innovative solution for small spaces and urban environments where ground space is limited - with green walls and vertical planters allow you to maximise space by growing plants upwards rather than outwards. They not only add a unique visual element to your garden but also help moderate air temperature when it’s either very hot or on the cool side.
Vertical gardens are particularly useful for city dwellers looking to incorporate greenery into their limited outdoor spaces.
Combining beauty and functionality, edible landscaping is a trend that integrates edible plants into traditional garden designs. Instead of relegating vegetables and herbs to a separate garden area, they are incorporated into the overall landscape. This trend promotes sustainable living by allowing homeowners to grow their own fresh produce and is a practical way to make your garden not only beautiful but also useful.
Water features have long been a staple in garden design, and their popularity continues to grow. Ponds, fountains, waterfalls, and even small streams can add a sense of tranquillity and movement to your garden. Water features create a focal point, attracting wildlife and enhancing the overall ambiance.
Creating a garden that supports local wildlife is a growing trend among environmentally conscious homeowners.
By planting native species, you provide essential habitats and food sources for local birds, insects, and other wildlife. Wildlife-friendly gardens often include features like birdhouses, insect hotels, and small ponds. These gardens contribute to biodiversity and create a dynamic ecosystem.
Technology has made its way into the garden, offering a range of smart solutions to make gardening more efficient and enjoyable.
Smart irrigation systems can be programmed to water your plants at optimal times; garden lighting can be controlled remotely and automated lawn mowers and plant sensors can monitor soil moisture and nutrient levels are also becoming increasingly popular.
Modern garden designs often incorporate hardscaping materials such as concrete, metal, and glass, combined with sleek, low-maintenance plantings. This approach creates a contemporary look that is both stylish and practical.
Minimalist gardens are designed to be functional and uncluttered, providing a serene and orderly outdoor space. This trend is ideal for those who prefer a low-maintenance garden with a modern aesthetic.
Incorporating bold colours and varied textures is a trend that adds visual interest and depth to your garden. Using a mix of plants with different foliage colours, flower hues, and textures creates a dynamic and vibrant landscape.
Consider plants with contrasting leaf shapes, such as broad-leafed hostas and fine-textured ferns, to add layers of interest. Bold colour schemes, whether through plant selection or garden accessories, can create focal points and enhance the overall design.
In a fast-paced world, tranquil, meditative garden spaces offer a welcome escape.
Zen gardens, inspired by traditional Japanese design, focus on simplicity, natural materials, and a sense of calm. Elements such as sand or gravel raked into patterns, stone arrangements, and water features like small fountains or ponds contribute to the peaceful atmosphere.
Staying updated with the latest trends in garden landscaping can help you transform your outdoor space into a beautiful, functional, and sustainable environment.
Whether you’re looking to create a lush, wildlife-friendly habitat, a modern minimalist garden, or a serene Zen retreat, these trends offer inspiration and practical ideas. Embrace these trends if they deliver the experience you want, but remember only if that’s what you want. Remember you are creating a space that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.
dan-lancaster.com
by Carly Wise, Interior Designer and Co-Director at DOVE Interior Design
When planning a major home renovation or extension, most people naturally think the first step is to call an architect. While architects are essential for shaping the structural bones of a home, what many don’t realise is how vital it is to involve an interior designer from the very beginning.
Too often, clients contact an Interior Designer after their building work has started hoping to improve the layout, lighting, or functionality. By then, key decisions have already been made. Walls are up, electrical plans are set, and altering things becomes costly and disruptive. In many cases, a better result could have been achieved -more fluid layouts, more natural light, better storage- had an Interior Designer been involved in the planning phase alongside the architect.
This is especially important in the types of largescale renovations we frequently see in Cheshire: redesigning sprawling country homes, converting barns into contemporary living spaces or knocking down an existing property and starting from the ground up. These projects are a significant investment (financially, emotionally, and timely) and deserve a design approach that considers not just how the house looks, but how it lives.
So, what exactly is the difference between an architect and an interior designer – and when should you bring each into your project?
Architects design the structure of a building. They think in terms of walls, windows, roofs, planning regulations and ensure a building is structurally safe. Interior designers focus on how an internal space is used, experienced, and felt. We consider the flow from room to room, how light affects each area, where storage is needed, and how your lifestyle and individual needs fit into the design. Done well, interior design is not just about cushions and colour schemes (in fact, this is the very smallest part of the job) -it transforms how you live every day.
Engaging an interior designer early means they can contribute to structural decisions – such as wall placements, window sizes, ceiling heights, and lighting schemes -based on how you intend to use the space. For example, we recently worked on a complete knockdown and rebuild where the original plans positioned a master suite bedroom in the darkest part of the house. By reworking the internal layout before construction began, we were able to bring the bedroom into a brighter space with large garden views, dramatically improving the home’s day-to-day feel and value and switching the dressing areas and ensuite to better suit the natural light.
Interior design shouldn’t be a luxury you bolt on at the end. It’s a crucial part of the planning process that helps prevent design mistakes, avoid expensive changes further down the line, and create homes that work for the individuals who live in them.
If you’re considering a major renovation or new build, do your research first. Look for an Interior Designer who is registered with a professional body, such as the British Institute of Interior Design (BIID). Meet with them and see if you like them, for a large project you will have many encounters with this person and you will need to be able to trust them with your vision and ultimately your cash!
Bringing an interior designer on board early isn’t just a design decision -it’s a strategic one that can help shape the long-term success, value, and liveability of your home.
by Nicole Charles, a local resident
There’s something undeniably unsettling about Chester Cathedral. On the surface, it’s a masterpiece of Gothic architecture – grand, majestic, dripping in medieval splendour. But linger a little longer, and you’ll start to sense it: that prickling at the back of your neck, the weight of centuries pressing in. This isn’t just a place of worship. It’s a vault of secrets.
The Cathedral stands like a stone sentinel in the heart of Chester – a city already steeped in Roman bones and Civil War ghosts. But the Cathedral has its own darker pulse. Originally founded as a Benedictine abbey in the 11th century, its walls have seen far more than prayers and psalms. They’ve absorbed whispers, confessions, even screams.
Step inside and the light shifts. The high windows filter sunlight through ancient stained glass, casting eerie patterns across the stone floor. Look up and you’ll see the grimacing faces of
grotesques – twisted creatures carved by hands long dead, staring down in eternal judgement. They were said to ward off evil, but one can’t help but wonder if they’re watching you, just a little too closely. The air is heavy with incense and something else – something older. The kind of silence that hums with memory. The Cloisters, once trodden by cowled monks, echo with invisible footsteps. Visitors often report feeling watched, followed. Others speak of sudden drops in temperature, the faint scent of candle smoke in empty rooms, a hand brushing their shoulder when no one’s there.
stonemasons, and you might get a different story.
The Choir Stalls are intricately carved – beautiful, yes – but stare too long at the misericords and their meanings twist. Demons cavort, beasts devour sinners, a man is dragged to Hell by his hair. These aren’t just biblical warnings. They’re a glimpse into a time when faith was fused with fear, and damnation was a real and terrifying threat.
Then there’s the bell tower. Towering above the city, it once tolled for the dead as much as the living. Legend has it that one bell – since removed –would ring of its own accord in the dead of night, just before someone in the parish died. The clergy called it “The Mourner.” Its clapper was buried in consecrated ground, but the stories persist.
bowed, hands clasped in eternal penitence.
Of course, it’s a place of beauty, music, and reflection. Chester Cathedral still holds services, concerts, and art exhibitions. But beneath the hymns and hallelujahs lies something darker. Not malevolent exactly – just old, and restless.
Visit by all means. Gaze at the stained glass, marvel at the organ’s roar, admire the craftsmanship of long-dead stonemasons. But don’t ignore that tingle down your spine. Don’t laugh off the sudden chill or the flicker in the corner of your eye.
Because Chester Cathedral is very much alive – with memory, mystery, and more than a few things that defy explanation.
There’s something undeniably magical about water – its gentle ebb and flow, the way it sparkles in sunlight, the hush it casts over even the busiest city corners. And in Chester, a city already dripping with Roman history, medieval charm and cobbled charisma, the waterways bring an added layer of delight to those lucky enough to wander alongside them.
Start with the Shropshire Union Canal, which ambles its way through Chester like an old friend who’s in no particular rush. Built in the early 19th century, this canal was once a busy route for barges carrying coal, bricks and cheese (this is Cheshire after all). Today, it’s a haven for narrowboats, ducks, dragonflies, and dog-walkers. The towpath is perfect for a gentle stroll or cycle – you might even spot a heron poised like a statue or catch the scent of wild garlic in spring.
Along the canal near Tower Wharf, you’ll find colourful boats moored up as if part of a floating village. It’s not uncommon to pass a boat-dweller tending to pots of geraniums on their roof, or offering homemade brownies and tea from a tiny boat-side café hatch. Add a sunny afternoon and a cone of ice cream from nearby cafes and suddenly you’re on a mini holiday without leaving Chester.
Then there’s the River Dee, older, grander, and with a bit more swish. It sweeps through the city’s southern edge, curving past the bandstand and the Groves promenade – a place where the energy of the city somehow slows to match the river’s tempo. On warm days, buskers strum guitars while children by Nicole Charles, a local resident
chase bubbles, and the open-air cafés clink with teacups and laughter. It’s all very postcard-perfect.
If you’re in the mood for a classic British experience, you can hop on a pleasure boat cruise. These lazy, looped river tours offer a scenic drift past willow trees, rowers in synchronised elegance, and the occasional waving dog on the riverbank. The commentary is always a charming mix of local history and cheerful banter, and on certain boats you can sip a glass of something fizzy as you sail –utterly civilised.
For those who prefer something a bit more active, there’s kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. On early mornings, mist hovers just above the water and the city seems to hold its breath – then comes the splash of a paddle and the ripples dancing across the surface. It’s peaceful and energising all at once.
Further along, the Dee Branch, a rarely noticed spur of canal, whispers stories of an industrial past — now mostly reclaimed by nature. Overgrown, quiet and beautiful in its own wild way, it feels like a secret garden, waiting for curious explorers.
And let’s not forget Chester Weir, where the river drops over a centuries-old man-made barrier.
Built by the monks of St. Werburgh’s Abbey, it’s still going strong, giving the Dee its characteristic two-level personality and providing a gentle roar that becomes part of Chester’s soundscape. There’s something so satisfying about standing on the nearby bridge and watching the foamy water tumble over the stone – like a nature-powered lava lamp for the soul.
Ultimately, Chester’s waterways aren’t just a backdrop; they’re a character in the city’s story. They’ve been here through Roman baths, Viking raids, and Victorian picnics. They reflect the cathedral spires and the city’s leafy fringes. They invite you to slow down, look around and take in the gentle rhythm of the place.
So whether you’re walking, floating, sipping, or simply watching the light ripple across the surface, the waterways of Chester offer the kind of joy that can’t be bottled – but it can be savoured, one splash at a time.
by Di Rhodes
by Nicole Charles, a local resident
Cruising represents incredible value for your holiday – whichever one you choose. From world-class dining and service to visiting multiple destinations without packing and repacking, cruising offers a truly unique way to travel.
After over 30 years of cruising on virtually every major premium and luxury cruise line, I’ve learned what really matters when it comes to choosing the right cruise. Whether you’re brand new to cruising or already a fan thinking about upgrading to a more refined experience, there’s something out there for everyone — and it might just surprise you how accessible and rewarding it can be.
Because here’s the truth: not all cruises are the same. Once you find the one that fits you, you may never want to holiday any other way again.
One of the things I love most is the feeling of “coming home” to the ship after a full day exploring. Your clothes are unpacked. Your space is yours. You’ve met new people and shared amazing
experiences – and yet you get to refresh, change for dinner, and enjoy a night of entertainment and exceptional dining… all without getting in a car or taxi.
Then you wake up the next morning in a brand-new destination, ready to explore somewhere completely different.
It’s effortless, it’s exciting, and in my view, it’s one of the most relaxing ways to travel.
Cruising is a bit like choosing a hotel — there are boutique-style ships, larger resort-style options, ultra-luxury vessels, and everything in between. The key is finding the right fit for you.
1. Space Ratio – Comfort Is Key
Forget about how many people are onboard. The real luxury is how much space you have. Look for the ship’s space-to-guest ratio – it tells you how uncrowded your experience will be. Higher ratios usually mean more open areas, quieter lounges, and easier access to facilities. Unsurprisingly, this often comes at a higher price point – but the comfort level is absolutely worth it for many travellers.
2. Who’s Travelling With You?
The best cruise for a romantic couple’s escape might be completely different from one ideal for families with teens. Some ships offer brilliant kids’ clubs, waterslides, and casual dining – perfect for active families. Others focus on adults-only sophistication, quiet luxury, and fine dining. Consider who’s coming and what they’ll enjoy most.
3. What’s Included – and Do You Want It?
Many luxury and ultra-luxury cruise lines include excursions, premium drinks, gratuities, and speciality dining. If those things matter to you, they can represent amazing value. But if you prefer independent exploring, don’t drink alcohol, or like to keep your days free, you may be paying for extras you won’t use. Always weigh what’s included against your preferences
I always recommend arriving at your embarkation port at least one day early. Not only does it take the pressure off any potential travel delays, but it lets you start your cruise feeling refreshed and relaxed. I can help you organise pre-cruise stays and transfers
as part of your holiday planning –it makes a world of difference to your experience.
Cruising offers something very few holidays can: the chance to explore the world with ease, indulge in incredible service and food, and wake up to a new view every morning – all from the comfort of your floating hotel.
Whether you’re dreaming of the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, a Disney Cruise or something more adventurous like Alaska or Asia, there’s a cruise that’s perfect for you.
Aboard a cruise ship, the Captain’s Gala Dinner is more than just another evening meal – it’s a floating fine-dining spectacle. Passengers arrive dressed in black-tie glamour, dining rooms glow with candlelight, and the ship’s officers make their rounds to greet guests with polished smiles and Champagne in hand.
The food reflects the occasion: a curated selection of the ship’s finest. Alongside the usual lobster tail and caviar options, other favourites include beef Wellington, duck breast with cherry glaze, baked sea bass, and herb-crusted lamb rack. Starters are often delicate and rich — such as goat’s cheese soufflé, crab timbale, or a velvety wild mushroom bisque.
For vegetarians and those looking for lighter fare, options like ricotta-stuffed courgette flowers or butternut squash risotto often feature, plated as elegantly as their meatier counterparts. Desserts may include floating islands, mille-feuille, or a flambéed crêpes Suzette.
Fancy a taste of cruise glamour at home?
Try this elegant main that wouldn’t be out of place on any captain’s menu.
Ingredients:
● 2 beef fillet steaks (approx. 180g each)
● 1 sheet puff pastry
● 200g chestnut mushrooms, finely chopped
● 2 slices prosciutto
● 1 egg, beaten
● 1 tsp Dijon mustard
● Olive oil, salt, pepper
Method:
1. Sear steaks in hot oil (1 min per side). Let cool.
2. Cook mushrooms in a dry pan until all moisture evaporates. Cool.
3. Lay out prosciutto on cling film, spread mushrooms on top, place steak in centre. Roll into a tight parcel. Chill.
4. Roll pastry, unwrap steaks, and encase in pastry. Brush with egg.
5. Bake at 200°C for 20 mins (medium-rare). Rest before slicing.
Serve with dauphinoise potatoes and wilted spinach –and toast your evening like you’re aboard a luxury liner.
Ah, the midnight chocolate buffet –one of cruising’s most indulgent and delicious traditions! It’s not just a dessert spread… it’s a chocolate wonderland at sea, and it usually takes place on one very special night of your voyage.
Picture this: it’s late. The stars are out, the sea is calm, and guests in smart-casual eveningwear are tiptoeing into the ship’s grand dining room… drawn in by the irresistible aroma of warm, velvety chocolate.
Tables are dressed like theatre sets –elegantly laid with mountains of glossy chocolate-dipped strawberries, intricately crafted truffles, chocolate fountains cascading like edible waterfalls, mousse towers, macarons, fudge, éclairs, sculpted chocolate art, and more.
There are chocolate sculptures so ornate you’ll think twice before biting into them (but do it anyway), shot glasses of chocolate liqueur mousse, and even white chocolate cheesecakes shaped like tiny ships.
Some cruises add an extra layer of magic – think live jazz, soft lighting, and waiters gliding past with silver trays of warm chocolate lava cake.
It’s not just about taste – it’s a visual feast, a celebration of creativity, and a moment where grown-ups become wide-eyed children again.
This is perfect for capturing a bit of that cruise ship indulgence at home – and it’s ridiculously easy!
Method:
● Handful of chopped pistachios or almonds
● A few dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries
● Flaky sea salt
Bonus Tip:
Add edible gold leaf or a touch of cinnamon for cruise-style drama!
Melt the dark chocolate gently in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (or in the microwave in short bursts).
Pour the melted chocolate onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and spread it into a thin rectangle with a spatula.
3. Quickly sprinkle over the nuts, dried fruit, and a good pinch of sea salt.
4. If using white chocolate, melt it and drizzle over in zig-zags.
5. Pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes or until set. Once firm, break into shards like treasure.
So whether you’re sailing under the stars or just dreaming from your kitchen, a little chocolate can always take you somewhere magical
by Jacqui Priestley
Deep in the rolling hills of Romania, where the soil is rich with history and the vines tell stories older than many European capitals, Claudiu is bottling something extraordinary. His label, Passion Wines, is making quiet waves in the UK – and we just had to find out more.
JP: Claudiu, what inspired you to start Passion Wines – and why the name? Is there a personal story behind the passion?
C: When I was growing up, my grandparents had a vineyard in a rural area of Romania. As kids, we loved to help harvest the grapes when autumn was coming. Everything was hand-picked, and we even loaded the grape press. Now, as a grown person, all the memories have been brought back after my wedding. We had a photo shoot at Cramele Recas in Romania and were enchanted by the history of the place, which dates back to 1447.
JP: Romanian wines are still something of a hidden gem to many in the UK – what makes your wines stand out, and what should our readers know about Romanian terroir and tradition?
C: Romanian wines are a hidden gem on the market. The weather and types of soil provide a solid foundation. At Cramele Recas, since 1991, when the company became part British and part Romanian, the Romanian tradition has been combined with innovation. With winemakers in the top 100 in the world, the passion and hard work behind them have resulted in wines well known in International Wine Competitions and even Mondial Competitions.
JP: Can you tell us about one bottle that truly captures the heart of Passion Wines? What’s its story?
C: Don’t get me started, I can talk about wine all day, of course with a glass of wine.
Let me tell you the story of Selene - As the sun sets and shadows stretch across the vineyard, nature works its quiet magic. Selene, our signature red, is named after the mythic moon and made when the grapes reach their perfect ripeness beneath the stars.
Expect bold structure, rich aromas, and a taste that lingers like a secret, a wine that is getting matured for 6 months in Dargaud&Jaegle French oak barrels, taste that will give you flavours as: Blueberries/ Cardamom/Strawberries/Nutmeg/Plums/Figs/ Vanilla/Raspberries and everything stands out with elegance, body, and intensity. Created by Nora Iriarte – winemaker (top 100 in the world)
JP: What challenges have you faced bringing Passion Wines to international markets like the UK, and how do British wine lovers respond to Romanian vintages?
C: Like any business, a start-up creating and bringing a new product to the market comes with big challenges, firstly, becoming an importer and distributor required many resources that it took us two and a half years to launch Passion Wines Ltd. Where passion, commitment, and hard work, everything is possible, and we have always had in mind that people deserve quality. With Cramele Recas we have quality guaranteed and backed up by awards and experts in international competitions such as: Vinarium, Mundus Vini, Concours Mondial Bruxelles, WineLovers, Decanter and many more.
JP: Passion Wines feels very personal –do you see yourself more as a winemaker, a storyteller, or a guardian of Romanian heritage?
C: Passion Wines is very personal, every moment is remembering about my childhood, family and the most important, my wife’s hometown of origins is Recas, where Cramele Recas are and has made a huge impact on generations. We take the story to the UK wine lovers to present a wine with soul since 1447, to protect the future, and not forgetting to create moments and memories with loved ones, and is there a better fit for this than a good wine that seals that event, that day, that moment in our minds?
C: We are looking to connect with businesses that want to differentiate themselves from the competition. We currently import 19 wines. As we grow, we hope to expand our full range, which includes sparkling wines and collection wines. We are based in Reading, Berkshire, and plan to host a Romanian Wines Night, featuring three selected wines accompanied by charcuterie boards.
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By Gail Biddulph, The Barefoot Leadership Strategist
There’s something quietly happening across boardrooms, kitchen tables, and back-toback Zoom calls. It’s not just stress, or burnout, or even anxiety. It’s something that comes before symptoms. It’s more primal, very subtle and even more dangerous in its silence. We’re holding our breath! And we don’t realise we’re doing it.
Scan the posture of any high-functioning leader juggling tight deadlines, client demands as well as a team and the chances are you’ll see tense shoulders, shallow chest breathing, or jaws clamped tight. You might not notice it as first, but pause and look again and you’ll see the neurological cues our bodies give us.
Holding your breath is the body’s way of saying: “I’m bracing for impact.” Our nervous systems cannot differentiate the threat of a sabre toothed
tiger from when we roamed The Savannah or the daily flood of emails, silent pressure of expectations, or the weight of being everything to everyone.
In my book How Your Brain Blocks Your Business, I share that your brain is hardwired for survival 250,000 years ago, not for pressure meetings or overflowing inboxes.
Your body is doing its best in a world it hasn’t evolved for. And breath holding, well that’s the first sign of overwhelm.
Our ancestors farmed, sang, birthed and grieved with breath. It was a natural regulator that was life affirming.
Then in the 1950s fluorescent lights replaced fresh air. Deadlines replaced deep exhales and we industrialised our work and our nervous systems reacted piling on what we now call stress.
Most people now live from the neck up, running on thought and performance. Sadly, conscious breath was made redundant.
In my work with impact-driven leaders, I’ve found women are especially prone to breath holding. This is not by choice, but expectations to be calm, competent and in control.
In the name of strength, many women have learned to contain everything, including their breath. Men are not immune. Many suppress their breath to match the culture of “push through at all costs.”
Either way, as we’ve forgotten how to breathe consciously, our nervous systems are stretched impacting wellbeing, productivity and profit.
A terse email, or a too long task list sends our sympathetic nervous system spinning into fight, flight or freeze mode. And, over time, this chronic bracing leads to:
• Poor sleep
• Brain fog
• Reduced immunity
• Emotional exhaustion
• Burnout disguised as “just busy”
I’ve spent over 25 years helping leaders, founders and brilliant business minds regulate their nervous systems through breath to uplevel their performance. I don’t teach breathwork to help people relax. I teach breath to help them lead better.
When you breathe well, you:
• Make sharper decisions
• Exude calmer presence
• Speak with clarity and authority
• Reduce stress in others through your own system regulation
Breath is the fastest way to reset your internal state and elevate your external results.
Let this be your moment of reset for calmness, clarity, influence and more energy.
Every breath you make consciously is a step for sustainable success. It’s the leadership edge no one’s talking about yet, but everyone feels when you have it.
If you’re curious how your breath could transform your leadership and business results, remember breath is free, but ignoring it is expensive.
Gail Biddulph
Say hello to True Joy – Dulux’s dazzling Colour of the Year for 2025. And honestly, what a name! Just saying it makes you smile. This zesty, sunshine-filled yellow is like a burst of pure optimism bottled up in a paint tin. It’s cheerful, energetic and just the kind of vibe we’re all craving as we look to brighter days ahead.
Inspired by the idea of “Going for it” (yes please!), True Joy is all about throwing caution to the wind, embracing creativity and surrounding ourselves with colour that makes us feel alive. This isn’t a soft, whispering pastel. This is a full-on, arms-wide-open kind of yellow – bold without being brash, playful without being childish.
Dulux’s global colour experts didn’t just stop at the main event though. They’ve created three deliciously curated palettes to complement True Joy in whatever way suits your style.
First up is the Bold palette – think vibrant blues, fiery oranges and punchy contrasts. It’s perfect for spaces where you want to feel energised, like a home office, a playroom, or anywhere you need to bring the buzz. Then there’s the Human palette, all soft, earthy tones inspired by clay, natural wood and handmade textures. It’s grounding and warm, perfect for kitchens or cosy living rooms. And finally, the Proud palette – a gorgeous, heritage-rich mix
Inspired by the idea of “Going for it” (yes please!), True Joy is all about throwing caution to the wind, embracing creativity and surrounding ourselves with colour that makes us feel alive. This isn’t a soft, whispering pastel. This is a full-on, arms-wideopen kind of yellow – bold without being brash, playful without being childish.
Dulux’s global colour experts didn’t just stop at the main event though. They’ve created three deliciously curated palettes to complement True Joy in whatever way suits your style.
First up is the Bold palette – think vibrant blues, fiery oranges and punchy contrasts. It’s perfect for spaces where you want to feel energised, like a home office, a playroom, or anywhere you need to bring the buzz. Then there’s the Human palette, all soft, earthy tones inspired by clay, natural wood and handmade textures. It’s grounding and warm, perfect for kitchens or cosy living rooms. And finally, the Proud palette – a gorgeous, heritage-rich mix of deep greens, russets and moody neutrals. Great for spaces that want a little drama,elegance and comfort all at once.
So where does True Joy work its magic best? Picture it lighting up an accent wall in your hallway or kitchen – like a morning ray of sunshine that doesn’t rely on British weather. It also works brilliantly in smaller hits: think cushions, throws, or even a painted shelf backing that brings a subtle pop of joy without the full commitment.
Children’s rooms? A dream. Creative spaces? Absolutely. That spare room you’ve been meaning to jazz up? This could be the moment.
And the beauty of True Joy is how easy it is to pair. Want to keep things soft and dreamy? Team it with off-whites, blush pinks or powder blues. Craving a richer, more grounded feel? Try it with olive green, burnt terracotta or warm chocolate tones. Feeling fearless? Go big with navy or charcoal and let the yellow sing.
There’s also something undeniably summery about this shade. It feels like gelato on a warm day, or the fizz of a prosecco picnic. And it brings a
natural warmth to rooms, even on greyer days –which let’s be honest, is a serious win in the UK.
Bonus points? It’s part of Dulux’s more ecofriendly paint range, with low VOCs and up to 70% recycled packaging – so you can freshen up your home and feel good about it too.
So if your space is crying out for a little joy –real, honest-to-goodness joy – you know where to start. Paint it. Frame it. Accent it. Just add True Joy.
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by Jarek Borgul of Insightful IT
Is your business a sitting duck for Cybercriminals? Here’s what you can do about it.
Think cybercrime is something that only happens to big corporations? Think again.
A shocking 43% of all cyberattacks target small businesses, yet only 14% are properly prepared to defend themselves. In the UK, the average cost of a data breach for an SMB now tops £4,200 –and that’s just the financial side. The real impact? Loss of customer trust, legal consequences, disrupted operations, and the kind of reputational damage that’s hard to come back from.
Worse still, 60% of small businesses that fall victim to a cyberattack shut down within six months.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be this way. With a few key steps, you can dramatically reduce your risk and sleep a little easier at night.
“We’re too small to be a target” –said every hacked business ever Cybercriminals love small businesses. Why? Because they often don’t have the same defences in place that larger organisations do. That makes them an easy win.n The real question isn’t IF you’ll be targeted – it’s when.
3 cyber threats that could already be in your inbox
1. Phishing Emails – The #1 Way In Disguised as genuine invoices, urgent HR requests, or even emails that look like they’ve come from your own director. Example: A London-based accountancy firm lost £50,000 after an employee clicked a fake “client payment” link.
2. Ransomware – The Business-Killer Malicious software that locks your files until you pay a ransom. Reality check: 75% of affected small businesses pay up — but only 19% get all their data back.
3. Outdated Software – The Silent Weak Spot
Running old, unpatched systems is like leaving your back door wide open. Remember the NHS’s £92 million WannaCry disaster? That all started from an unpatched Windows vulnerability.
5 things you can do right now to stay safe
l Train Your Team. Human error causes 95% of breaches. Run training sessions or speak to your IT provider about simple, free templates to help staff spot threats.
l Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). It adds an extra step when logging in — but blocks 99% of automated hacking attempts.
l Patch Everything. Ask your IT support to enable automatic updates across all your systems and devices. No excuses.
l Back Up Your Data (Properly). Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 backups, 2 different formats (like cloud + USB), and 1 stored offsite.
l Get a Cybersecurity Health Check. A quick audit can highlight hidden weaknesses. Many providers, like Insightful IT, offer these for free – and they only take around two hours.
Most small businesses either think they’re too small to be noticed, or assume that proper cybersecurity is too expensive. But here’s the truth: being proactive costs far less than recovering from a breach. At Insightful IT, we work with small and mediumsized UK businesses to provide affordable, enterprise-level protection. Whether you need 24/7 monitoring, staff training, or help recovering from a hack – we’re your IT safety net.
Don’t wait until it’s too late Book your FREE Cybersecurity audit today We’ll pinpoint your vulnerabilities and show you exactly how to fix them –no strings attached. Email us at: enquiries@insightfulit.co.uk
The first 5 businesses to get in touch will also receive a FREE Dark Web Scan –we’ll check if any of your passwords are already circulating online.
Secure your business today. Because cybercriminals aren’t waiting.
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01244 668302 l MONDAY - FRIDAY FROM 9:00 TO 17:00
by Jacqui Priestley
Winding gently through the Cheshire countryside just eight miles south-east of Chester, the village of Tattenhall is one of those places that doesn’t shout, but rather hums with quiet charm and history. From the moment you step onto its main street, there’s a sense that this village has stories to tell – and if you’re patient enough to wander, you’ll soon find yourself drawn into its narrative, one cobblestone at a time.
Let’s begin, shall we?
The name ‘Tattenhall’ is thought to derive from Old English, with ‘Tata’ being a personal name and ‘halh’ meaning a nook or remote piece of land. So, we are quite literally in ‘Tata’s nook’. And what a pretty nook it is. Records date back as far as the Domesday Book, where Tatenale was mentioned as a small agricultural settlement – a few holdings, plenty of sheep, and even then, no doubt, a sense of community. Over the centuries, Tattenhall flourished
slowly, never seeking the limelight but instead cultivating its own distinct identity – rural, resilient, and quietly proud.
Today, the village centre is a pleasing blend of red brick and timber-framed buildings, with Georgian and Victorian touches that speak of past prosperity. There’s a sense of preservation here – not in a frozen-in-time kind of way, but rather as if each
building is still doing exactly what it was always meant to do. A bakery still smells of fresh loaves. A post office still bustles with locals chatting over the counter. The butcher’s window gleams with homecured delights, and children still skip to the village school just as they did 150 years ago.
Walking down the High Street, your eye can’t help but be drawn to one building in particular –The Bear and Ragged Staff. There’s something almost theatrical about its black-and-white timber frame and old mullioned windows, as if it should be the setting for a Tudor tale (and perhaps it once was). But don’t let the whimsical name distract you –this place is no novelty.
The Bear and Ragged Staff (now known as the Bear Tattenhall) is steeped in history, believed to have stood here since the 16th century. The name itself has regal connotations, thought to be linked to the heraldic badge of the Earls of Warwick, whose emblem combined a bear with a staff draped in cloth. It’s said to symbolise strength and endurance
– fitting indeed for a building that has seen monarchs rise and fall, wars come and go, and countless villagers through its doors.
Inside, the pub retains all its rustic charm: low-beamed ceilings, roaring fireplaces, and nooks just perfect for plotting adventures or
nursing a pint of local ale. Ask the landlord nicely and he may even recount the tale of the supposed ghost who walks the upstairs corridor – a welldressed gentleman from the 18th century who never quite checked out. Whether you believe in such things or not, it certainly adds a frisson to your lunch.
Speaking of lunch, the food is no afterthought. Expect a menu that reflects the region – hearty,
seasonal, and generous. Perhaps a delightful Rigatoni pasta served with slow cooked lamb shoulder, pomegranate molasses, confit shiitake mushrooms, tzatziki emulsion & Grana Padano espuma, or slow-braised beef brisket served with burnt shallot purée, sage sweet potato fondant, broad beans, roasted fennel & tomato red wine jus. Everything is served with a smile and a story if you’re lucky. The pub is a favourite with walkers, cyclists, and locals alike, and it’s easy to see why.
Stepping back out into the sunshine, it’s worth taking a short detour through the little lanes that spread out from the centre. There’s the pretty St. Alban’s Church, a handsome sandstone structure with its own fascinating history – the tower dates from the 16th century, but the site itself is far older. The churchyard is dotted with ancient gravestones, some now leaning at whimsical angles, whispering secrets of generations past.
Just beyond the village lies the Ice Cream Farm – a delight for families and anyone with a sweet tooth. It’s said to serve over 50 flavours, from the classic vanilla to the utterly outrageous ‘bubblegum bonanza’. But even if ice cream’s not your thing, the walk through the open fields and along the Shropshire Union Canal towpath is worth the trip –with views that stretch out over Beeston Castle and the Peckforton Hills on a clear day.
As you wander back into the heart of the village, there’s a feeling that Tattenhall hasn’t just survived – it has quietly thrived. It’s a place where time slows down just enough for you to notice the little things. A curtain twitching in a bay window. A scent of honeysuckle over a garden wall. A hand-painted sign pointing to someone’s honesty box full of homemade jam.
In a world that rushes ever faster, Tattenhall offers a rare kind of luxury: the chance to pause, to reflect, and to walk – not just through a village, but through layers of time.
And if you find yourself finishing the day back at The Bear Tattenhall, raising a glass to whoever Tata may have been, then you’ve truly done Tattenhall justice.
Crafting environments that are connected, purposeful, and truly reflective of each client’s vision with a holistic approach that goes beyond four walls to the landscape outside – taking on projects that are a mix of architecture and garden design (or either of those disciplines) depending on the needs of the client resulting in the perfect combination of style and setting.
