Luxe July/August 2016

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ISSUE 41 JUL/AUG16

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ISSUE 41 JUL/AUG16

J ILL H A L F PE N N Y. Dr i ve. PICNIC P L ACES . Hazy d ays f as h ion. GIRLS FOR G O L D . Ou td o o r p l a y. S UM MER F OOD . Par t y peo p l e. NI CK I CHAPMAN. A r t l i f e . CO C K TA I L S. Sas s y mo t o rs. H IP H OTEL S . Bi g names. LU XE.

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WELCOME

contents 10>> Do This ISSUE 41 JUL/AUG16 Busy bees are we here at Luxe, on every level and in fact literally for this super sunny summer edition.

Yes, we’ve been getting outdoorsy big style - writer Jess donned her bee-keeper’s suit to discover more about nature’s real honeys in the Tyne Valley.

Having said that, you might not want the buzzy chaps by your side at the many picnics and al fresco events we’ve lined up for you - from outdoor cinema to seaside concerts.

If you’ve packed your rug or joined the glamping set we’ve got some spectacularly seasonal mouth-watering picnic and barbecue recipes for you, whatever your culinary skill level.

Your pals will be like bees around the honey pot for this lot.

For those of you who lust after cars and all things motoring, hope you enjoy our Drive magazine within this edition, as shiny as it gets.

So much going on - we wish you sunny days wherever the summer takes you.

Summer’s cultural happenings

20>> Charity times People doing good

22>> Garden haze Soft summer fashion

42>> Jill Halfpenny Actor’s life for TV’s Jill

46>> Bee calm The buzz about bees

52 >> Olympic hopes Who’s going for gold?

54>> Outside fun Familiar face from TV and stage, Jill Halfpenny appears on our cover.

Something of homebird, when not at the theatre, her luxe things in life include: “NEOM candles and room spray. My black Celine trousers and Golden Goose trainers.”

Outdoor events all summer

57>> Nicki Chapman Homes & hols for the TV star

58>> Social Diary 66>> Evoque cab Sassy summer motoring

72>> Garden gorgeous Cool outdoor looks

Hope you’ve had time to check out the new Luxe website at www.luxe-magazine.co.uk It’s a thing of beauty (we think) with regular updates, seasonal content from the archives and weekend suggestions for things to do and places to go.

And for a speedy check-in, don’t forget to join us every Thursday for our lively must-read Luxe Loves The Weekend email bulletin.

Sign up free at www.luxe-magazine.co.uk/theweekend

74>> Tontine time The iconic hotel’s new owner

87>> Picnic perfect Ultimate summer snacking

88>> BBQ time A fish and fire combo

Kathryn Armstrong, editor kathryn@remembermedia.co.uk Twitter: TheLuxeMagazine

THE LUXE TEAM Christopher March publisher chris@remembermedia.co.uk EDITORIAL Kathryn Armstrong editorial director kathryn@remembermedia.co.uk Jessica Laing jessica@remembermedia.co.uk Elysia Agnew SALES Lisa Anderson director lisa@remembermedia.co.uk Debi Coldwell director debi@remembermedia.co.uk

Some rock star luxe for us when we met up with Kaiser Chief Ricky Wilson recently. He divulged his luxe things: “TV. I always have to have it on even though I don’t really watch it.

Instant coffee. Enough said.

Sunglasses - I love them. I can’t tell you how many pairs I own.”

PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Auld chris@chrisauldphotography.co.uk Kevin Gibson info@kgphotography.co.uk Nicky Rogerson nicky@nrphotography.co.uk DESIGN Remember Media If you wish to advertise with us please contact our sales team: Lisa Anderson: lisa@remembermedia.co.uk / 07734 560565 or Debi Coldwell: debi@remembermedia.co.uk / 07910 918366

Remember Media Ltd, e.volve Business Centre, Cygnet Way, Rainton Bridge South, DH4 5QY remembermedia.co.uk All contents copyright ©2016 RememberMedia Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All information is correct at time of going to print, June 2016.

Andrea Thompson lives in Corbridge and is married to well known businessman Geoff Thompson.

She talks cars with us in Luxe Laps.

Her luxe things in life are: “Husband, family and friends, our home and my golf.”

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LUXE LIFE

JEN BARRETT Jen Barrett is Managing Director of This is Creative Enterprise (TICE), an award-winning North East social enterprise to support young people to get in to the creative and digital industries. Jen lives in Seaton Sluice, Northumberland and is incredibly passionate about creative collaboration. She is a lover of fashion, an associate lecturer in fashion and a complete and utter foodie.

LUXE PEOPLE >> My family and friends, a collective of some of the most inspirational people I know. My TICE mentors, an entrepreneurial creative bunch of simply lovely, passionate and motivational individuals.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > Paris, visiting friends, shopping and eating at Nos Ancetres les Gaulois on the Ile Saint-Louis. It’s a great experience.

A long holiday > I love to travel and love to go to new places.

So, not a beach holiday person at all. My ideal holiday would be spending a week or two in a city, suburb or province, learning about the culture, sampling great food, then onto the next…with Christmas bauble in hand (see favourite shop).

A treat > An extraordinary dining experience.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > My Dad’s seafood pasta – legendary.

Best wine > Bear with me, finding the best wine can take years so I’m dedicating time, money and energy on this research.

Favourite restaurant > Bouchon, Hexham. Gorgeous owners and fabulous food.

Perfect weekend > Christmas is my favourite time of year so I tend to dedicate an entire weekend to decorating the biggest tree I can find. It’s a ritual in the house whereby the annual movies are brought out, nice wine is opened, raclette ready on the table. It’s perfect.

Downtime means > Woodburner on, a large glass of red, our ‘picky bits’ and a film that my husband pretends to enjoy.

Best telly > At the moment, Vikings, I like Outlander, Game of Thrones.

Gutted that Downton Abbey has ended and still upset with the ending of Merlin! (yes, I realise it’s been years).

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > New York City, especially when that coincides with Restaurant Week!

Favourite shop > Christmas shops! I seek them out in any city I go to and get transported to the beautiful theme of Christmas. No matter where I go I manage to find a Christmas bauble as a souvenir. Our tree is therefore an eclectic mix of our travels.

Luxe retail treat > Always a good bag, good shoes… who am I kidding, seasonal shopping sprees in general!

Best buy > Recently my woodburner, the height of cosiness.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > Our TICE Final Show, each and every year we celebrate the achievements of young people who’ve achieved industry led projects in creative and digital fields. It’s incredible to see what they accomplish and a fantastic celebration for the students, schools, industry and educational supporters and of course the TICE team. Inspiration right there.

Perfect party > Family and friends and generally big get togethers.

Best dress > Sounds cheesy (but I love cheese so who cares) my wedding dress, not only for the day but some amazing friends helped me design it and made it, it was truly bespoke and beautiful.

It carries some very special memories in more ways than one.

Dinner date > My husband he’s pretty to look at and the conversation isn’t that bad.

YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> ...our home.

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LUXE LOVES

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DO THIS

Stay in >> go out >> enjoy Lots of arty and outdoor pastimes for you this summer as Elysia Agnew guides you through a cultural review of the region 12-14 JULY Celebrating the best of British farming, The Great Yorkshire Show returns. England’s premier agricultural show is held in Harrogate and exhibits the very latest in the industry. This year’s highlight is the exciting ring display, Bolddog Lings Motorcycle Display Team, with over 1,200 stands offering everything from country clothing to combine harvesters. The competitive classes have everything from prize-winning bulls to poultry and international show jumpers.

Enjoy regional food stalls and a gift hall. www.greatyorkshireshow.co.uk

12-16 JULY

5-9 JULY Jackie Magazine is back, hitting the shelves of Sunderland this summer. A growing up reference point for more than a few Luxe readers we suspect? Jackie the Musical recalls the days when there were no mobiles phones, no apps, no texting and no emails; a world where teenage girls waited beneath the letterbox for their weekly issue of Jackie Magazine. A funny and feisty musical with a soundtrack including the era’s best-loved hits including chart-toppers by David Cassidy and Donny Osmond. www.atgtickets.com

After 65 years, the Horrible Histories author Terry Deary returns to the Sunderland Empire with two brand new stage shows: Incredible Invaders and Groovy Greeks. The shows will bring back the ruthless Romans, the vicious Vikings and the savage Saxons.

Incredible Invaders follows the story of crazy Caratacus. But can he save the nation?

From savage Sparta to angry Athens, Groovy Greeks unveils the truth about growing up in Greece and competing in the first ever Olympic games. www.atgtickets.com

8 JULY During the Second World War, The Band of the Royal Air Force College performed in London, marching through recently bombed areas. They went on to play at the coronation of our present queen and during the 1960s the band gradually performed an increasing number of engagements. The Band of the Royal Air Force College still perform up and down the country, with all of their proceeds going to charities such as RAFA - the RAF benevolent fund. The band will be playing at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium in Yarm this July, with a truly inspirational and enlightening concert for the North East. www.thepaaonline.org www.newcastlegateshead.com

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9-10 JULY

JULY

The Incident arrives at the Richmond’s Georgian Theatre Royal ahead of its West End run this July. The production will take you on a journey of young singing, acting and dancing talents all the way from China and Hong Kong. In post-war Britain, two gangs of school kids put aside their differences to join forces to overcome their troubles, learning about life along the way. This is a gripping and passionate musical full of comedy, delightful scenes, dazzling dance routines and an incredible score. www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk

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FROM JULY 12 Acclaimed paintings by Stockton born Colonel Gilbert Ormerod Spence highlighting ‘the human side of war ‘ are exhibited at Preston Park Museum until October.

Spence: The Art of War, explores the remarkable story of the Commander of the 5th Durham Light Infantry (DLI), through a collection of his wartime watercolours painted at the frontline.

Born in Stockton-On-Tees in 1879, Spence took command of the DLI in 1910. He went on to fight during the First World War and was wounded in 1918.

Paintings of barren landscapes and blitzed towns are hung alongside soldiers at rest on the DLI’s journey through Northern France and Belgium.

Having survived the First World War, Spence was tragically killed in a car accident in 1925 at the age of 47.

Spence - The Art of War coincides with the anniversary of the Battle of the Somme in which Spence and the 5th DLI took part. www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk/events

15 JULY Live some Top Gear life as the NE1 Newcastle Motor Show, returns for its second show-stopping year. For two days Newcastle city centre will be home to what is believed to be the largest city centre open air, free motor show festival in the UK. The city will be taken over by more than 150 vehicles from the world’s most exclusive, unique and classic cars to showstoppers from leading dealerships including Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW and Jaguar who promise to polish up the best from their showrooms. Car buffs will be in their element and there will be lots to see and do for all the family and it’s all free to attend.

Last year’s event attracted over 100,000 visitors – this year, with more cars and more to see and do, organisers NE1 are expecting record crowds.

A heady mix of Newcastle’s famous architectural sites providing a backdrop for some of the world’s most beautiful cars is every motoring enthusiast’s dream come true.

Visit the website for more info www.GetIntoNewcastle.co.uk/motor-show

JULY

With a mix of music and film, Asunder marks one of the region’s major commemorations of the WW1 centenary.

Accompanied by contemporary music, the dramatic film brings together the stories and images of the past.

Because of its shipyards and munition factories, the North East was in the front line. Asunder is a portrayal of what life was really like on the home front, told by the people of Tyneside and Wearside. The film, using archive and newly filmed footage is backed by a soundtrack from the world famous Royal Northern Sinfonia, Field Music and electronic duo Warm Digits. A unique and truly inspiration piece of film and a must-see at the Sunderland Empire as we approach the centenary of the First World War. www.atgtickets.com

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>> Seated British soldier wearing a German helmet (Pickelhelm), September 1916

14-17 JULY A cheeky speakeasy is one of the events that form the fabulous Durham BRASS festival which brings the city alive for a weekend of feelgood sounds that are infectious, sassy and dance-along. Some world-class bands take part such as Hot 8 Brass, the more traditional Fairey Brass Band and loads of talented local bands playing in the streets. www.brassfestival.co.uk

The LGBT 5k will return to Newcastle’s Town Moor this July. The fifth annual race covers a flat route around the Town Moor and will be a UK Athletics licensed race with professional chip timing and a medal for all competitors, as well as prizes on offer for the first male and first female finishers. The LGBT race is the perfect athletic start to an exciting and music-filled weekend at Newcastle Pride.

The festival that follows will be headlined by 5ive and Heather Small. www.northernfrontrunners.co.uk

FROM 15 JULY Playgrounds were not always the highspirited run-arounds they are today – until the 1980s, they were places for risky projects, social experiments and places to showcase spectacular sculptures in the great outdoors. Architects and artists would gather to experience something new, with the focal point being education and childhood. The Playground Project, showcasing at the Baltic Mill this summer, will bring back forgotten playground initiatives and ideas. www.balticmill.com

JUL/AUG16

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DO THIS

WEALTH MANAGEMENT WITH JOHN DANCE

16 JULY

16 JULY This year’s Sunniside Live Festival is headed up by leading international jazz funk band, The Brand New Heavies.

Sunderland’s only city centre music festival plays host to the band who will entertain North East festival-goers ahead of their US tour. The Brand New Heavies will be joined by the likes of Smoove & Turrell and Dennis, along with special guests Alison Limerick and Shola Ama. Visitors can also look forward to food stalls, a pop-up cafe and a bar run by Bar Justice and Gin & Bear it, as well as a retro Pimm’s van and a bottle and spirits stall. There’s lots of festival and foodie fun to be had at Sunderland’s Sunniside Live Festival this year. www.sunnisidelive.co.uk

John Dance is CEO and Chief Investment Officer at Vertem Asset Management. The Gresham, 92 Osborne Road, Jesmond, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 2TD. Call 0191 341 0280 or email johnd@vertem.co.uk Visit www.vertem.co.uk

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16 & 17 JULY Newcastle Pride returns for its ninth year, and has a schedule packed with exciting events and entertainment throughout the weekend. Festival-goers can look forward to headline performances from boyband 5IVE and sensational soul singer, Heather Small.

Featuring original members, Ritchie Neville, Sean Conlon and Scott Robinson, 5IVE will be headlining the main stage on 16 July, while Heather Small will take the top spot the following day. Also there will be a host of additional activities, themed entertainment zones and more for visitors to get involved in. www.northern-pride.com

THE BIG SHORT – PATIENCE REWARDED With the ‘Brexit’ in/out campaign finally (and also thankfully) coming to its climax (by the time you read this the vote is likely to have occurred) there is very little else in the minds or focus of either investors or markets alike. You’ll be glad to know it’s a subject I have deliberately avoided here.

We recently wrote a blog on how Hollywood often profited from both the real life follies and also the perhaps less factual stereotypical image of Wall Street entities and characters. It reminded me that I had not seen the film ‘The Big Short’ yet, nor had I read Michael Lewis’s book by the same name and which inspired the subsequent motion picture. I soon put right the latter.

I’ll not spoil too much of it, but the book is a fascinating piece of non-fiction focusing on a select band of investors who, somewhat independently, predicted many elements of the 2008/9 ‘Credit Crunch’ and positioned their portfolios and funds accordingly to make fantastic gains during a period when everything around us fell in a very sorry heap.

They saw the bubble created in US Mortgage Bonds and subsequent exoticallycreated products as being unsustainable and went to great lengths to understand how and why investors were so in love with them. They discovered the various tricks lenders were playing on poor credit mortgage borrows, who were highly unlikely to afford repayments once teaser rates expired, and also the tricks investment banks employed to ‘con’ ratings agencies in to believing the deeply complex packages they were creating using mortgage bonds were secure. They knew that only marginal losses were required to create serious problems, but that the market in general was not anything like as diligent in its research and relied heavily on just the various credit ratings.

The real life characters in the book had to be incredibly patient, knowing (they thought at least) what was coming, but not knowing when it would eventually happen. They faced serious reputational damage (in many cases previously very well regarded reputations) as they lagged market returns for extended periods and suggestions they had ‘lost it’. Most were investing large portions of their capital in annual premiums on Credit Default Swaps, essentially insurance policies for losses on underlying bonds and products. Eventually, their patience and that of any remaining investors was handsomely rewarded, they made billions, in some cases multiple billions, in what were essentially very asymmetric bets.

While it took a long time to play out, they were rewarded for sticking by their guns, sticking to their views and not getting caught up on the bandwagon, philosophies all investors should probably take heed of and bear in mind. While often taking advantage of short term anomalies, sticking to our long-term guns is a philosophy we generally abide by at Vertem, stay independent of thought, be patient and allow events and markets to eventually rationalise. The patience is often hard for us and harder for investors, but is usually well rewarded in the long term.

I can’t recommend the book highly enough and cannot do justice to how interesting it is and at times amusing. Another you really must add to your reading list by the same author is ‘Boomerang’ which looks at the differing ways different countries and cultures either took advantage of or operated in during the credit boom and how life has changed since. You don’t need a particular interest in finance to enjoy it, again it is fascinating, eye-opening and at times so funny you may, like I, spit your coffee out in amusement.

Discover your inner author in an exclusive creative writing workshop with David Almond this July. The Live Theatre plays host to this unique and practical workshop where you’ll learn how to explore your imagination and put pen to paper while you create something special. Writers of all abilities are welcome to take part. www.live.org.uk

19-23 JULY “There’s a place for us”… and this summer, it’s Newcastle’s Theatre Royal. The classic American stage musical West Side Story, inspired by Romeo and Juliet, is set in the Upper West Side neighbourhood of New York City in the 1950s and follows the rivalry between the Jets and the Sharks. It’s the tale of two street gangs, and the tale of two lovers caught up in a conflict. West Side Story focuses on social problems of the era, combined with sensational music, spectacular dance scenes and a dark theme of love. Bernstein’s score includes classics such as, America, Somewhere, Tonight, One Heart and I Feel Pretty. The streets of New York are swapped for Newcastle this summer in a must-see production of the world-famous musical of love and rivalry. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

22-24 JULY The Sunderland International Airshow returns for another year this July. Visitors will gather at Seaburn and Roker seafronts to see this year’s spectacular show fly high above the North East. www.sunderlandlive.co.uk/airshow

22-24 JULY Celebrating the finest American music, SummerTyne Americana Festival is back this July. The feel-good festival presents a strong seam of southern soul, blues and gospel, alongside a sensational cast of country and rock. So round-up your friends for some SummerTyne fun, celebrating the best of music from over the pond. www.summertyne.com

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JULY

Ladies, it’s time to get dolled up for Collingwood Insurance Beeswing Ladies Day. The most popular race day returns this July an action packed event where racing and glamour collide to create something special.

The best dressed competition is up for grabs while you dance the day away to the live tribute band on the Grandstand Lawns. The most glamorous racing event of the year a must on the social sporting calendar. www.newcastlegateshead.com

JUL/AUG16

ADVERTORIAL

They think it’s all over.

It is now (20 years after the divorce!)

The case of Wyatt v Vince has, in the last couple of years, become perhaps the most infamous divorce settlement case in recent history. Legal action has been ongoing since 2011 when Ms Wyatt launched her claim for financial settlement against her former husband, Mr Vince.

Last year, the Supreme Court ruled that Ms Wyatt was entitled to bring the claim notwithstanding that the parties had been divorced for some 18 years at the time the action was commenced, confirming that there is no time limit for ex-spouses to apply to a court for a financial settlement following a divorce.

Despite the length of time since the couple divorced, they had never obtained a final Order from the Court dismissing all financial claims against each other. Like many others, the couple – being somewhat impecunious throughout their relationship – believed there was no need to obtain any Order in respect of financial settlement when there was nothing to divide.

Subsequent to the divorce, however, Mr Vince found wealth and recognition with a green energy business he founded and is now a multi-millionaire. By comparison, Ms Wyatt, who raised the couple’s son alone, continued to live in modest circumstances.

Mr Vince had sought to have Ms Wyatt’s claim struck out without ever proceeding to a hearing on the basis there was no foundation for the claim. Such a process exists in general civil claims (where it is known as summary dismissal), and indeed most legal actions are subject to a time limit in which to bring the suit.

The Judges hearing the appeal to the Supreme Court were unanimous, however, in ruling that applications for financial settlement following divorce are not suitable for a summary determination as to whether the application should be allowed to proceed. They were clear that any such application should be considered irrespective of whether there appears any real prospects of the claim succeeding, unless the application is not legally recognisable. This would include where a financial Order had already been made or the Applicant had remarried.

Finally, this month, the application was heard by High Court Family Judge, Mr Justice Cobb who determined that Ms Wyatt was “entitled to receive a modest capital award following the breakdown of this marriage” approved the settlement the parties had negotiated by agreement of a £300,000 lump sum payment to be made by Mr Vince to Ms Wyatt.

Mr Vince earlier labelled the decision to allow Ms Wyatt’s claim to proceed as mad. Had he sought legal advice at the time the parties separated, he would almost certainly have been advised to pursue an order dismissing his and Mrs Wyatt’s respective claims to prevent any such future application should his financial position improve.

This would have saved him not only the £300,000 lump sum awarded, but also the additional £325,000 he has paid (by order of the court) towards Ms Wyatt’s costs.

On top of that, of course, are his own legal costs which are likely to be staggering.

There is a strong and clear lesson in this landmark decision; parties should seek to obtaining a financial remedy order within the divorce proceedings irrespective

of their financial circumstances at the time. An Order simply dismissing each party’s financial claim (present and future) against the other (a “clean break” order), prevents a later claim like this one should one of the parties’ financial position change. A Decree Absolute is only evidence of the end of a parties’ marriage and does not bring an end to financial claims.

Joanne Major is the Principal at Major Family Law, the Divorce and Family Law Specialists, 12 West Road, Ponteland, Newcastle upon Tyne. T: 01661 82 45 82 www.majorfamilylaw.co.uk.

Twitter: @majorfamilylaw

Specialist divorce and family lawyers 01661 82 45 82

Do you need help at home?

enquiries@majorfamilylaw.co.uk www.majorfamilylaw.co.uk

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DO THIS

Have a fancy fiesta at Wynyard Hall this summer. Throughout July and August, tapas will be served on The Terrace, where guests can while away a sunny afternoon with a chilled glass of wine and some tasty Spanish dishes. And with stunning views across the lake, the Spanish sunshine comes to the North East this summer. www.wynyardhall.co.uk

26 JULY

If a trip to the seaside isn’t on the cards this summer, then look no further than the Discovery Museum. This July, the North East’s favourite science museum is getting off to a swimming start as the joy of the British seaside is brought indoors. Packed with a schedule of Punch and Judy Shows, sandpits, hook-a-duck stalls and plenty of holiday pastimes, you’ll feel just like you’re spending the day at the coast. What’s more, you don’t even have to worry about the unpredictable British weather, either. Life’s a beach. www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

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27 & 28 JULY Peppa Pig and friends are coming to town this July. Take your little ones along to a fun-filled stage show where the country’s favourite pig will embark upon a brand new adventure, live. Audiences will enjoy interactive fun, games and plenty of surprises along the way. Round up your little piglets. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

ALL SUMMER Strawberry cream tea and Pimms on the terrace is a good way to while away an afternoon at Wynyard Hall.

Guests can enjoy a glass of Pimms on arrival, followed by two freshly baked fruit scones, strawberry preserve & clotted cream served with a pot of freshly brewed tea. £15.50 per person.

Available from 12pm – 4.30pm, throughout the summer. www.wynyardhall.co.uk

JULY

It’s Friday night.

Are you watching weekend TV on the sofa? Or are you catching up with friends in the pub? Fancy a change? Cue the Life Science Centre. This summer, for one night only, the Life Centre is open after hours, inviting visitors to come and enjoy a fascinating talk from comedy performer and broadcaster, Helen Keen, whilst you get the chance to check out sci-fi films in the planetarium. You can even sneak in a drink from the bar and enjoy the music throughout the evening. A truly unique Friday night filled with comedy, science and music. www.life.org.uk

FROM 30 JULY The foremost glass engravers in the North of England are exhibiting at the Bowes Museum this summer. The Northern Branch of the Guild of Glass Engravers will inform and educate visitors about the art of glass engraving. The exhibition will showcase glass as a form of art, using modern techniques. The exhibition will comprise several different types of glass including coloured glass, vases, bowls and goblets.

Contemporary glass engraving is a new form of art which has expanded the possibilities of decorative engraving as a whole, allowing huge projects such as Church screens, windows and many other architectural subjects. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

UNTIL 25 SEPTEMBER

>> George Romney Emma Hart (1765-1815) oil on canvas. Private collection care of Abbot Hall Art Gallery Kendal

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Throughout summer, visitors of the Bowes Museum are invited to a celebration of the ‘English Rose’. The English Rose - Feminine Beauty from Van Dyck to Sargent, commemorates 400 years of society beauties and includes a Van Dyke portrait acquired by the Museum via Arts Council England, in lieu of inheritance tax from the estate of the Duke ofNorthumberland. Olivia, Mrs Endymion Porter is another painting by Van Dyck, portraying Mrs Porter, a lady-in-waiting to Queen Henrietta Maria.

This painting displays a ‘careless romance’, which is evident in many of Van Dyck’s artworks. Alongside the two fascinating Van Dyck paintings, there will be works by Gainsborough, George Romney, Reynolds, John Singer Sargent and Peter Lely. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

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THROUGHOUT JULY & AUGUST

BEACH PARTY AT THE >> SOUTH TYNESIDE FESTIVAL

10 JULY X marks the spot at South Tyneside Festival this summer as a host of X Factor stars grace the stage. Alexandra Burke, Reggie ’n’ Bollie and Ben Haenow will all perform live at Bents Park in a special outdoor gig. Their performances will be the first in a whole series of Sunday Concerts taking place as part of the South Shields based festival throughout July.

The trio of X Factor favourites will be joined by several other entertainers throughout the event.

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JULY

This year’s Tyneside Festival is going for gold with an 80s star heading up the festival on Sunday 24 July. Tony Hadley, the Spandau Ballet frontman will perform for a North East audience at Bents Park. The singer has released five solo albums since 1990 and has been entertaining audiences across the world for more than 25 years.

The crowd can look forward to hits including Gold, Only When You Leave, True and Through The Barricades. www.visitsouthtyneside.co.uk

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JULY

As part of this year’s Tyneside Festival, reggae pioneers UB40 will be performing for audiences of the North East. One of Britain’s best-selling bands, UB40 have enjoyed international success for over 30 years. This performance will round-up a series of four Sunday concerts, with other headliners including The Proclaimers, Tony Hadley and X Factor stars. UB40, featuring original band members, Robin Campbell, Earl Falconer, Norman Hassan, Brian Travers and Jimmy Brown, have sold more than 100 million records and have achieved several Top 40 singles. Hits will include, Red Red Wine, (I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You and Cherry Oh Baby.

31 JULY Treat your tastebuds to a day out at Saltburn Food Festival this summer. The fourth annual food festival, organised by the seaside town’s Farmer’s Market team, will see Saltburn transformed into a vibrant venue of local food and family entertainment throughout the day.

The street market will feature more than 80 of the best independent producers and pop-ups of the area, and there will also be special guest chefs including Mark Greenaway from BBC2’s Great British Menu and Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch will be cooking up a live treat for visitors to devour. www.saltburnfarmersmarket.com

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AUGUST

The Stand Comedy Club is giving North East audiences the chance to preview comedian’s John Gordillo and Ben Van der Velde ahead of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this August. The exclusive comedy show presents John Gordillo’s ‘Love Capitalism’, discussing how weird and needy capitalism is getting, packed with comical examples, and Ben Van der Velde’s ‘Barbarians’, the story of evolution – big questions require big answers. And so long as you don’t equate big with accurate, you’re in for a treat. www.thestand.co.uk

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DO THIS

THROUGHOUT JULY & AUGUST Art lovers are invited to The Biscuit Factory throughout July and August to celebrate its brand new Summer Exhibition, bringing together an electric mix of contemporary art, craft and design work from over 200 exciting artists. Chris Forsey will be headlining the exhibition, with his new works exploring the beautiful Northumbrian landscape. He covers everything from light filled riverscapes, to dramatic coastal scenes, showing off the magnificent area in an incredible light. Other exhibition highlights include Richard Stainthorp’s intricate wire sculptures. www.thebiscuitfactory.com

1-13 AUGUST A nightclub singer, a double-murderess, and a cell block filled with sin. This is the story of murder, greed, corruption, adultery and treachery. Based on real life events in the 20s, Chicago tells the tale of Roxie Hart, who shoots her lover and joins a cell-block filled with female characters who fight to dodge a death row sentence. EastEnders and West End star, John Partridge is Billy Flynn, the smooth talking lawyer. Chicago’s sassy score includes, All That Jazz and Razzle Dazzle. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

4-7 AUGUST Stockton International Riverside Festival returns this August with a packed-out schedule of stunning street theatre, dynamic dance routines, breathtaking circus performances and many more family-friendly goings on. The 2016 opening show slot will be taken by Furious Folly, focusing on the conflicts of WW1, combining music, performance and mechanical creations. Furious Folly will be taking place at Preston Park on Thursday 4 August, with a repeat performance the following evening.

This will add to a busy programme of events and entertainment throughout this thrilling weekend on Stockton’s riverside. www.sirf.co.uk

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AUGUST

Blackfriars is encouraging foodies to get baking this summer. At this summer’s Artisan Bread Making Workshop, a master baker will help foodie pupils make up to four artisan loaves to take home, a perfect addition to a summer BBQ. The workshop is fun, relaxed and informative. www.blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk

AUGUST

The Crowne Hotel, Harrogate invites you to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the nation’s favourite storyteller. Roald Dahl experienced enough excitement to last a lifetime and wrote to his mother to tell his tales on a weekly basis. Sturrock - Dahl’s official biographer, had exclusive access to his letters, giving insight into his exciting life first hand. From flying as a World War 2 fighter pilot, to meeting presidents and movie stars, you will get to know Dahl in a light never seen before - in his very own words. An intriguing event that will tell you all about the incredible life of the celebrated author. www.harrogateinternationalfestivals.com

14 AUGUST

AUGUST 8-14 Loosen the buckle on your belt – NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week is back this August with more restaurants than ever taking part.

As the city’s restaurant scene expands with planned openings for over 20 new restaurants in 2016, Restaurant Week allows the city to celebrate its award winning restaurants giving foodies a great excuse to try out some of the city’s new eateries.

The winning formula of fixed price offer for only £10 or £15 per head is emulated in weeks held elsewhere in the country, but there is still only one true NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week.

The week is tremendously popular with restaurants booking up fast so reserve your table early to avoid disappointment.

Visit www.GetIntoNewcastle.co.uk/ Restaurant-Week in July for the full list of participating restaurants and offers.

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Nothing says summer like an all-singing, all-dancing, BBQ’ing afternoon on the terrace. This August, Rockliffe Hall invite you to join in on a sizzling summer BBQ celebration, making the most of outdoor dining. The BBQ will be served on the Rockliffe Suite Terrace and entertainment will be provided by Hayley McKay, an extremely talented local singer/songwriter. A fantastic foodie family day-out in the sunshine. www.rockliffehall.com

TEA-TIME

Throughout the School Holidays Wynyard Hall is delighted to welcome younger guests with their very own afternoon tea menu.

Available for children up to 12 years of age, the menu has been cleverly crafted to ensure your children enjoy the experience of afternoon tea at Wynyard Hall as much as you do.

Children’s Afternoon Tea served: 21 July – 31 August 2016 22 October – 30 October 2016 17 December – 31 December 2016 £12.50 per child www.wynyardhall.co.uk

10&11 SEPTEMBER The historic fishing village of Staithes throws open the doors of its quaint and quirky cottages to welcome visitors to its fifth annual Festival of Arts and Heritage. Over 100 artists will exhibit their paintings, prints, sculpture, jewellery, glass and crafts for sale in pop-up galleries all around the village.

After dark an outdoor cinema shows images and film footage of the village’s rich past with live piano accompaniment. Then, down on the beach to help light artist Mick Stephenson create the biggest and best glow stick installation in the world.... ever! Industrial sculptor Andy Shaw’s fire basket installations, including a flame-breathing Fire Dragon, will keep you warm if it’s chilly. The light generated will throw spectacular shadows onto the cliffs of dinosaurs created by sculptor Emma Stothard.

There are various workshops throughout the Festival, including a class with Teesside artist and Eton drawing master Ian Burke whose own work will also be on show. If all this makes you hungry and thirsty, all the better. As well as the excellent local hostelries you’ll find food and drink to suit every palate in pop-up tearooms, cafes and restaurants throughout the village. Chef Lisa Chapman, who established the Endeavour Restaurant back in 1989, is returning to her old kitchen for the weekend to delight a new generation of diners with her scrumptious fare. www.staithesfestival.com

<< SUMMER TRAILS >> A luxury tea and travel trail in North Yorkshire celebrates the best of Herriot country Can you remember the series All Creatures Great and Small? Sunday evening giggles and groans watching a gloved arm up a cow’s backside? The series followed the trials, tribulations and misadventures of vet James Herriot and his rural practice covering the Yorkshire Dales.

The Herriot stories were written by real vet Alf Wight who was based out of Thirsk.

This year it’s the centenary of Alf’s birth and so it’s timely that the first official Official James Herriot Trail Tour has been launched with the blessing of Alf’s son Jim and daughter, Rosie (pictured above). Whether you’re a fan of the series or not, the Herriot trail is a brilliant day’s journey into a beautiful part of God’s own country.

Yorkshire Chauffeur Company’s slick Range Rover, driven by tweed-clad Howard takes you on your journey. The scenery is epic and Howard enlivens the route with tales from stories in the Herriot books and TV series (Japanese and American tourists are addicts thanks to cable TV). The vehicles scoot through Leyburn to high-up Bellerby Moor and Grinton. If you watched the Tour de Yorkshire you will know the grand landscapes – the drive takes in the vertiginous Buttertubs Pass that was such a feature of the bike race.

Everything stops for afternoon tea in all its Yorkshire glory at Yorebridge House, the multi award-winning hotel in the heart of Wensleydale in Bainbridge. Tours cost £400 for one person and £495 for three or more. www.theyorkshirechauffeurcompany.co.uk

26-29 AUGUST Some of the world’s largest and most spectacular Tall Ships will sail into Blyth this August. The North Sea Tall Ships Regatta welcomes a fantastic maritime celebration to the region. The four-day event will attract thousands of visitors to the North East, who will get the chance to access the ships, enjoy spectacular live music and experience a Crew Parade, Eve of Sail celebration and Parade of Sail. With its first class amenities, which can accommodate the largest Class A ships, The Port of Blyth is the perfect destination for the Tall Ships. So set your sails for the Port of Blyth this summer, for what promises to be four-days of sea-fuelled fun. www.tallshipsblyth2016.com

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SEPTEMBER

Rockliffe Hall invites you to an evening of Bollywood dreams this September. You will be transported into another world with a delicious Asian buffet and a colourful Bollywood performance. You’ll even get the chance to try out some of the Bollywood moves for yourself at the disco following the meal. The event includes an arrival drink, a two course buffet, and an exclusive Bollywood performance. It promises to be a thrilling evening of Bollywood traditions, tasty food and dazzling entertainment. www.rockliffehall.com

JUL/AUG16

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JUL/AUG16

What to do if you don’t have a pre-nuptial agreement

An engagement, a wedding and all of the planning involved makes for an exciting time. It is however important to consider that the financial expense of a marriage might not stop at the wedding.

When a couple marry, the Family Court acquires the power to make a range of financial orders in any later divorce/ dissolution proceedings, including the payment of spousal maintenance, a lump sum, transfer of property and re-distribution of pension assets. There is no formula to determine who gets what, which in turn creates uncertainty and the risk of contested proceedings, which can be lengthy and expensive (emotionally as well as financially).

Before they marry many couples are now choosing to address how their assets should be treated in the event of marriage breakdown by entering into a pre-nuptial agreement (commonly referred to as a “pre-nup”), which should not be seen only as the preserve of the rich and famous. The approach of the Family Court is that these agreements should be upheld unless they are unfair. But what if there was no thought (or no time) to deal with such matters before the wedding?

A post-nuptial agreement (a “post-nup”) i.e. an agreement entered into after marriage should be considered. As with pre-nups

these agreements can be highly effective in ring-fencing non-matrimonial property and limiting future claims, as the Family Court will look to give effect to such agreements unless it would be unfair to do so. The following are examples of when a post-nuptial agreement could be particularly helpful: • There is no pre-nup or a pre-nup was entered into very close to the marriage; • There has been a change in circumstances, for example, the birth of a child, as a result of which there is a risk that the terms of a pre-nup may no longer be fair and it is appropriate to re-visit the terms of the same; • It is beneficial for some or all of a family business to be passed to the next generation and the family wish to take steps to prevent business assets falling into the matrimonial pot; • One party to the marriage is to receive money or property, for example from inheritance or a parent wishing to gift money as part of an Inheritance Tax planning exercise and they wish to ring-fence those assets by identifying them as non-matrimonial property.

Given the weight that the Family Court can now attach to post-nups, it is essential that anyone entering into such an agreement does so with the expectation that it will be upheld and therefore specialist and independent legal advice should be sought to ensure that there is a full appreciation of the terms and implications of signing a post-nup.

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GOOD STUFF

Sweet charity Doing good things in the North East, our charity round-up director, and had won awards for her work across the North East.

Last summer’s hit Geordie the Musical was dedicated to Jackie, who had been due to direct the show at The Customs House before her death.

To apply to the fund, please forward a CV and supporting statement as to why you should receive funding to lisa@customshouse.co.uk entitled The Jackie Fielding Fund.

ROCK N RAISE >> The first major fundraising event of the newly-formed Graham Wylie Foundation will see some of the leading names in music perform in the North East on the evening of the Great North Run on 11 September.

Taking place at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena, Rock n Raise will see rock giants, Kaiser Chiefs (frontman Ricky Wilson pictured), take to the stage in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust, Nordoff Robbins and Graham Wylie Foundation. Irish rock band, Kodaline, will also be performing and other acts will be announced in the coming months.

Launched by founder of Sage and one of the region’s most notable entrepreneurs, Graham Wylie, Graham Wylie Foundation is dedicated to giving 100 per cent of donations to a number of local, deserving causes, with Graham meeting all running, staff and administration costs to ensure every single penny raised remains in the region, helping to inspire and educate children of all ages.

Money raised from the concert will go towards the building of a brand new Nordoff Robbins music therapy school in Newcastle – the first of its kind outside of London – and help fund the ongoing work at the city’s two Teenage Cancer Trust units at the RVI and Freeman hospital.

Tickets start from £25. To book, call Metro Radio Arena’s booking hotline on 0844 493 6666, visit the Metro Radio Arena Box Office (from 10am) or log on to www.metroradioarena.co.uk

LASTING LEGACY >> A fund in memory of much-loved director Jackie Fielding has been set up to help young people follow their dream of going to drama school.

Jackie, who lost her life after suffering a brain aneurysm last May while working on her acclaimed show The Man and the Donkey at The Customs House in South Shields, studied drama at Manchester University before attending the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London.

More than £4,000 was collected at her funeral in her hometown of Barrow-inFurness in Cumbria and at a memorial event at the Mill Dam theatre last September.

Executive director at The Customs House, Ray Spencer, said: “In life often the saddest events can lead to a positive outcome.

Jackie would be delighted to know that her friends and colleagues have raised this amount of money to help young people make their first steps towards achieving their dreams.”

Jackie had worked on many plays at The Customs House, both as an actor and

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HITTING THE TARGET >>

ITALY DELIVERS >> Bella Italia Gateshead, which opened at intu Metrocentre in April 2016, has raised £5,266.01 for Hartlepool-based cancer charity, The Denise Taylor Cancer Trust.

The restaurant launched five days of ‘dry runs’, during which customers were given the chance to taste and test dishes from its brand new menu, with all money raised going to the charity.

The cheque handover event, which took place at the restaurant in June, saw the donation handed to Helen Hart - the daughter of Denise Taylor, who now runs and manages the charity together with friends and family members.

The Denise Taylor Cancer Trust helps those suffering from cancer and their families with non-repayable grants, easing the difficult and unavoidable costs that are associated with the disease, including travel, utilities, transport and childcare. www.denisetaylorcancertrust.org

GIRL POWER >> Margaret Watson, owner of Saks ear Whitley Bay, has marked her two-y partnership with women’s cancer charity, The Eve Appeal, by organising a unifying challenge that other Saks salons could participate in.

15 Saks salons, including branches in South Shields, Gosforth, Chester-le n, Street, Northallerton and Darlingto ity all came together to take the Veloc Challenge at Zip World in North Wales in May, braving the longest and fastest zip wire in Europe. s Participants hurtle head first acros the disused Penryn Quarry in Bethesda, near Bangor, reaching speeds of up to 120mph.

The ladies raised an impressive £7,612.33, bringing the Saks4Eve total to £60,119.66.

The Lord’s Taverners held its annual race day at Gosforth Park Racecourse at the end of May, marking the charity’s first event on the new all-weather track.

Privately hosted with a dedicated Tote and tipster, the charity raised in excess of £6,000 which will all go towards giving disabled and disadvantaged kids a sporting chance in the North East region.

Jamie Graham, chairman of the Northumberland and Durham Lord’s Taverners, said: “A big thank you to all those who attended and donated towards the raffle and table sweepstake so generously. Regardless of ability or background, we believe that all young people should be able to participate in sporting activities. The money raised will be wisely used to make a difference.”

For more information about the charity, or to become involved, contact regional chair, Jamie Graham on 0191 273 3311.

working so hard to make it a special evening and I’m sure it will be.”

Tickets are priced at £55 and are available from Willow Burn Hospice.

For more information, or to book, call 01207 523 900 or email fundraising@ willowburnhospice.org.uk

CHARITY AT THE FORE >>

HAVING A BALL >> A special fundraising ball in County Durham will take place this September to help raise money for two of the North East’s most well-known charities.

The Charity Ball at Beamish Hall’s Winter Gardens will support the work of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation and Willow Burn Hospice and promises to be an enchanting evening with plenty of entertainment, including a Michael Buble tribute performer.

Willow Burn Hospice treasures the lives of people with incurable illnesses, helping them to achieve the best quality of life in a friendly and supportive environment.

Money raised will also help continue the work of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, which is dedicated to helping find new and effective ways to detect and treat cancer.

The Foundation contributes to international research into the disease and funds projects that directly benefit patients across the North East and Cumbria.

Commenting on the event, Lady Elsie Robson (pictured) said: “I’m very much looking forward to this night. The fundraising team at Willow Burn are

Golfers from across the country braved the elements to tee off for charity at a special fundraising event – and smashed their £3,000 target.

Around 140 players took part in the PK Motors Golf Day at Matfen Hall Hotel’s 27-hole golf course in May and raised £5,000 for the Lily Foundation, a national charity set up to support children and families affected by Mitochondrial Disease, which prevents the body’s cells from producing sufficient energy and can lead to seizures, breathing difficulties, muscle weakness, diabetes and fatigue.

Teams teed off at timed starts throughout the day with prizes for the longest drive and nearest the pin and play was followed by a barbecue along with entertainment from a close-up magician.

Guests then bid for a variety of auction prizes, including a week’s holiday for four within a golf complex at the Costa del Sol, a Euro ’96 England shirt signed by Alan Shearer, a cricket bat signed by the Durham County Cricket Club team, a rugby ball signed by the Newcastle Falcons and a Sunderland AFC shirt signed by Niall Quinn and Kevin Phillips.

Paul Keighley, director of Swalwell-based PK Motors, which organised the event, said: “Despite the weather, it was a fantastic day from start to finish and I am very grateful to all those who took part.” www.thelilyfoundation.org.uk

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SEASONAL STAND-OUTS

TREND WATCH As AW16 pre-collections begin to arrive in the Fenwick French Salon, here’s my checklist of pieces that you’re guaranteed to love all season long

Bold neons and citrusinspired colours are popping up across the fashion landscape

32 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

NOVELTY PRINTS >> Novelty prints are big news this season, from Victoria Beckham’s cherry print dresses and jumpers (pictured) to Chanel’s emoji-themed jewellery. These statement pieces are a great way to inject a bit of fun into your wardrobe.

The accessories world has also had a Warholian style takeover. You’ll find that labels like Kate Spade and Moschino have created bags and even phone cases with a pop-art vibe. Kate’s Spade’s totally tropical banana-shaped clutch bag and purse are Instagram favourites – pair with anything navy to really make the clutch stand out!

The nineties >> Coat MaxMara, Jumper Victoria Victoria Beckham, Jeans See by Chloé, Bag Marc Jacobs, Slides Russell and Bromley.

CITRUS BRIGHTS >> For AW16 bold neons and citrus-inspired colours are popping up across the fashion landscape, from Jeremy Scott’s burnt-out yellow ball gowns and suits at Moschino to Karl Lagerfeld’s neon orange tweed dresses at Chanel.

To get the look, head to Sportmax. I’m in love with their bright yellow knitted sweater with black button detailing (pictured). It’s the perfect piece to throw on during this summer’s cooler days and it will ensure you’re on trend (and warm) when layered up throughout the winter. I also love Paul Smith’s bold orange rain coat (pictured), this piece is just so chic and versatile – it’s a total must-have!

Oversized bags >> Jumper Sportmax, Trousers Victoria Victoria Beckham, Bag Coach.

Citrus brights >> Coat Paul Smith, Top See by Chloé, Jeans Victoria Victoria Beckham, Bag Mulberry.

From citrus brights and novelty prints to thick knits and boxy denim, this year’s crop of AW16 pre-collections will take you right through the British summer and into the depths of winter in style. Here’s how:

THE NINETIES >> Nineties fashion is having a moment this season; from sportswear and platform trainers to crop tops and high-waisted trousers, the decade that bought us the Spice Girls, Supermodels and Brit Pop is back!

For AW16, sport-inspired footwear took over at some of my favourite runways: Céline, Fendi and Gucci. To work nineties style into your wardrobe take a look at Russell and Bromley’s gorgeous collection of luxury leather sneakers and slides (pictured).

Alternatively, go glam and be inspired by ‘the Supermodels’.

I adore Victoria Beckham’s beautiful pinstriped trousers (pictured), these stunning tailored pants in navy wool are reminiscent of Donna Karan’s original pinstriped power-suit which famously reigned supreme at the start of the nineties.

BOXY DENIM >> As per the return of the flare for SS16, AW16 too brings us a denim revival – this time in the form of a straight-leg or boxy style jean. This relaxed and easy-to-wear style is perfect for pairing with sandals and spaghetti strap tops this summer and will work equally well with a long line coat for autumn and winter.

See by Chloé’s gorgeous cropped high-rise jeans (pictured) exemplify this trend perfectly. I love the frayed detailing on the seams, copper buttons and the tomboyish turn-ups.

OVERSIZED BAGS >> Practical and stylish oversized bags are AW16’s most useful trend! From Mulberry’s reinvented Bayswater to Coach’s stunning tassel bag (pictured in navy) XXL bags are the statement piece your outfit needs.

If you’re looking for an investment piece go for Burberry’s Chancery Tote, this stunning derby leather bag comes in a soft pastel grey tone and will be the finishing touch to your AW16 look. Alternatively, go for Marc Jacob’s Recruit Hobo bag; this structured bag with a distinctive curved shape comes in black, nude and mink. It’s great for adding to your weekend look and will be the perfect addition to your business-wear wardrobe.

Visit the Fenwick French Salon on the First Floor to explore our SS16 collections in full.

Catherine Newton is Head of Womenswear at Fenwick Newcastle.

JUL/AUG16

PASTEL PERFECT

Dare we say that summer has finally arrived? Tempting fate I know.

We are just back from presenting a show in beautiful Porto Pedro in Mallorca and it simply just wasn’t long enough, although admittedly it was a very nice work trip.

We showcased some of our most recent work presenting beautiful summer colour which looked even nicer against a hot blue sky.

Our models from Tyne Tees Models looked absolutely gorgeous and really did us proud - and they even managed to get a cheeky bit of sunbathing in before being whisked away to the ‘flower power’ themed after party where we were all treated to cocktail and canapés.

Our gorgeous model pictured here is a beautiful pastel lavender blonde. Schwarzkopf Professional has just launched some amazing spray colour called ‘Blushes’ which can transform blonde into pastel in a matter of minutes.

Whether you fancy a bit of pale pink, powder blue or jade green you can transform your look so easily and the great thing is they only last a couple washes so they’re a perfect and fun go-to accessory for the summer. You could go powder blue on the beach, pale pink for the cocktail hour - the mind boggles at what you could achieve with these genius sprays.

Available as an in-salon service or a retail product to do yourself, I reckon they’re great, so colour up for summer.

Michael x Michael Young and Gary Hooker run Hooker & Young, with five salons regionwide. www.hookerandyoung.co.uk

hues 34 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

JUL/AUG16

AWARD WINNING HAIRDRESSING

Summer Loving Darlington 01325 468 994

Gosforth 0191 217 0217

Jesmond 0191 281 6714

Ponteland 01661 821 004

Wynyard 01740 644 690

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

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SUMMER READY

LIVE WELL WITH JILL RUSSELL

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Are you at the point yet where you dare to bare?

Every year there’s a crucial day on the calendar, where 70 denier opaque tights get assigned to the drawer, boots and shoes are put at the back of the cupboard and we cast a critical eye over what needs doing so we are ready for summer.

Although the weather hasn’t been the best, getting your seasonal beauty maintenance in place can give you a sunny disposition if nothing else.

Those pale toes that have been hidden from daylight for so many months are now out on show – and that for me means a pedicure to get rid of all that horrid dry skin, get those nails trimmed and a coat of the latest varnish.

Toe and finger nails that match always look great and at this time of year should be considered as much of an accessory as your new summer sandals.

We’re all aware of how ageing the sun can be but it’s not surprising that most people crave a tan. It makes you look – and feel – better and thankfully there’s plenty of ways to achieve this without risking your health.

Spray tans have come a long way since those days when you could have any shade as long it was orange and people of a certain age are bound to remember how many people ended up looking “tangoed” when they’d been to a salon.

Thank goodness those days are long gone and now false tans are much more sophisticated so you can get a shade completely right for your skin tone, giving you a realistic, long-lasting look without any of the dangers.

And, of course, as part of this prep work don’t forget to give your skin a summer glow, particularly as you may want to wear less make-up in the heat. A cleansing and moisturising routine and the occasional facial will prepare you to face the world – and don’t forget to tidy those eyebrows too!

At the Spa at Ramside we can help everyone get ready for summer with a whole host of packages and treatments to get you ready to face whatever part of the world you’re planning to spend your summer in, watch out for our exciting new tanning services!

beauty:update Summer beauty is easy and effortless; enter beachy hair, bronzy makeup and glowy skin ARM

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Jill is Spa Director at Ramside Hall Spa Ramside Hall Hotel, County Durham DH1 1TD. Tel: 0191 386 5282 www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk

36 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

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>> HIELD

Fine Food is a Fine Art Whether you’re a self-confessed ‘foodie’ or just a fan of trying great places, let award-winning chef Richard Allen take you on a culinary journey showcasing intricate and imaginative dishes of varying textures, temperatures and tastes in Rockliffe Hall’s flagship Orangery restaurant.

www.rockliffehall.com Hurworth-on-Tees Darlington County Durham DL2 2DU +44 (0)1325 729999 enquiries@rockliffehall.com

JUL/AUG16

www.luxe-magazine.co.uk 37

ALL CHANGE

MOUTH MATTERS WITH DR ONKAR DHANOYA

Dr Onkar Dhanoya is clinical lead at the award-winning Osborne Dental Group and is principal dentist at dental health and wellbeing practice Ponteland Dental, providing private treatments, cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics.

Dr Dhanoya has more than 30 years of dentistry experience, sits on the board of the Faculty of General Dental Practice and holds a fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons (London).

BECOMING HONOUR HEALTH In this month’s column, I’d like to share with you our plans to make our patients’ experience even better, as we take the exciting steps to become ‘Honour Health’.

We’ve been looking after the oral health and wellbeing of the North East since 1986 at our three practices. In that time, we have learnt so much about how we can help patients to improve their health. We now know that there are bilateral links between dental disease and conditions such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, stroke and Alzheimer’s. Because of this, we believe that dental health should not be separated from general health, and this belief underpins the way we look after you.

That’s why we’ve decided to rebrand as Honour Health. We believe the name better represents the services we provide and the ideology we follow.

You’ll soon see changes to our website, our signage and our literature, but rest assured that it will be business as usual when you visit our practice, and you’ll be treated by the same talented team. You will benefit from our advanced approach to healthcare and we will involve you in every step of your journey to good health with us. Ultimately, we want you to smile more, live life.

Our comprehensive Dental Health Assessment will be at the very heart of the care we provide. You’ll receive a fully tailored health and hygiene programme based on your diet, oral hygiene routine, lifestyle and health status. Every time you return, we’ll show you detailed results so you can monitor your progress.

We also understand that how you feel about your appearance can affect your wellbeing. Everyone wants to look and feel the best they can, which is why, for more than a decade, we have been providing non–surgical treatments to soften lines and wrinkles and to rejuvenate the skin. At Honour Health, our experienced team will provide a broad range of bespoke, signature treatments for the brows, face, lips, neck, décolletage and hands, using the latest techniques to slow the signs of the ageing to a gentler pace.

We’re very excited about becoming Honour Health and embarking on this new chapter in our history. Watch this space!

To book an appointment, please call us on 01661 821 412 or email info@pontelanddental.com.

Ponteland Dental, 31 Bell Villas, Ponteland, NE20 9BD. Find Ponteland Dental on Facebook Visit www.pontelanddental.com

38 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

Beauty makeover Venture inside Fenwick’s Beauty Hall and you’ll see the beginning of what promises to be a ravishing revamp. And there’s lots to look forward to, as Jessica Laing discovers…

One of the (many) great things, I find, about losing a few hours (yes, hours) in Fenwick is the fact that I always end up in the Beauty Hall. Putting the fact that I’m a makeup magpie aside, there’s just something about the place that brings a silly grin to my face.

At 20,000 square-feet, it’s one of the largest Beauty Halls in Europe; a glossy, buzzy home to over 25 of the world’s most prolific beauty powerhouses, along with a state-of-the-art Clarins Skin Spa, Nails Inc station and Glow Beauty Bar for all your lash and brow needs. If luxury brands are your thing, or you’re quite partial to a bit of on-the-go pampering and preening, it’s the place to be.

And its glamorous good looks are only set to blossom throughout the remainder of 2016, as it receives a makeover of its very own in the form of chic new counters and exciting collections - some of which you won’t find anywhere else in the region.

So far, new arrivals have included a brand new Tom Ford counter, which made its debut back in March. What was once a petite counter is now a grand boutique-style space - one of the first of its kind in the country - armed with both beauty and fragrance.

Step inside and discover the brand’s renowned fragrance collections. Make your way through the entire Tom Ford perfume menu, sniffing out your favourites with the help of the counter’s friendly and knowledgeable team.

You’ll find all the best-selling Signature scents, including Black Orchid and Tom Ford Noir, plus the brand’s colourful range of Private Blends; a rainbow of glass bottles filled with a number of warm and citrusy fragrances to take you through the seasons.

It’s also the only counter in the North East to stock the brand’s full and fabulous line of cosmetics, including the new Soleil Colour Collection for summer 2016. The range is championed by the new Soleil Blanc Eau de Parfum, a creamy and exotic spritz for summer that’s already taken the beauty world by storm, plus coral-hued cream blushers, sandy bronzers and buttery, balm-like lipsticks.

Come June, the Beauty Hall welcomed a new and improved Giorgio Armani counter, home to the brand’s full colour collection and exclusive range of Luxury Armani Privé fragrances.

A new Estee Lauder will welcome Victoria Beckham’s limited edition beauty collection, VBxEsteeLauder, in October

JUL/AUG16

It is one of the largest Beauty Halls in Europe; a glossy, buzzy home to over 25 of the world’s most prolific beauty powerhouses

Created in tribute to the designer’s friends and family, each perfume is inspired by a feeling or personal memory, blended with rare ingredients for long-lasting and truly unique scents. The iconic Armani bottles, with their gemstone-inspired stoppers, add sophistication to anyone’s dressing table.

Heading into July, the Beauty Hall will see the launch of two brand new counters, stocked with exclusive collections, guaranteed to send the region’s beauty addicts into a frenzy.

The first is a new Estee Lauder counter, which will welcome Victoria Beckham’s limited edition beauty collection, VBxEsteeLauder, in October.

This isn’t the first time the Spice Girl-turned-fashion icon has entered the beauty world - she teamed up with Nails Inc to create a limited edition nail polish duo back in 2014 - but the launch will mark her first jump into the world of cosmetics.

Last, but certainly not least, July will also see the Beauty Hall’s current Jo Malone London counter transform into a sleeker, open-plan space, boasting smart black and cream interiors - the brand’s signature colours - twinkling spotlights, chandeliers and boutique-style displays.

Here, Jo Malone fans will be able to indulge in complimentary hand and arm massages and be given access to the brand’s entire fragrance collection, as well as its full range of bath and body products and luxury candles.

The new counter will carry the brand’s soon-to-be-released Rare Teas collection, of which Fenwick Newcastle will be the exclusive stockist in the area.

The unisex range showcases six delicate colognes, expertly infused with rare blends of tea from around the globe - flavours such as Chinese Oolong, Japanese Jade Leaf and Darjeeling from India.

For regular updates about Fenwick Newcastle’s Beauty Hall, visit www.fenwick.co.uk/stores/newcastle

JUL/AUG16

www.luxe-magazine.co.uk 39

TIME TO BREATHE

FITNESS! WITH LEILA BRAMWELL

Are you depressed, stressed, overworked, mentally exhausted or suffering from anxiety?

Mental health is a big issue, with depression being the number one reason people take sick leave.

People can be depressed for many reasons, from family life to illness and pressure at work. Our lives are so busy and stressful these days. We try and pack more into a day than ever before and it’s so fast-paced. It is very easy to lose awareness of the present moment as we become lost in our conflicting demands.

Our minds can become easily distracted, habitually getting caught up in the past and trying to anticipate the future. It can be easy to forget the good things in our lives while feeding self-critical thoughts. This leads to stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression and mental exhaustion.

This is when learning to just let go and unwind becomes very important so we can keep going. And why meditation classes are becoming increasingly popular.

We need to learn to switch off mentally - a bit like pressing the pause button on the TV. We need to stop. We can do this through mindfulness and meditation.

We can teach ourselves to pause and let go of all that is going on in our lives.

Like anything worth doing, it takes practice, however teaching ourselves to focus on the breath and let go of what is going on around us can result in a prompt reduction in stress levels, increased life satisfaction, fulfillment and wellbeing.

Mindfulness meditation is great for finding inner peace, but mindfulness can be active as well. Walking meditation is great for those who want to really notice the world around them.

Walking very slowly in nature, being mindful of the sounds you hear, the colours and things you see and the scent of nature.

You will discover you notice so much more than you ever have before. This type of meditation is great if you need fresh air and clarity.

Pranayama meditation is one of the most popular forms of meditation. It is breathing techniques used for inner peace and calming the mind.

Meditation does not need to be hours long - in fact, just 10 minutes a day can help dramatically with depression, stress and anxiety.

Many find it becomes a way of life and, after meditating, you can concentrate more on all aspects of life with a clear mind.

So try meditating for yourself and become a calmer and happier person.

In health and happiness Leila Bramwell Pilates teacher & back specialist www.shapingfutures.co.uk www.thebackclinicdurham.co.uk

40 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

When Luxe met Charlotte

Jessica Laing caught up with the world-renowned makeup artist during her first visit to her new counter at Fenwick Newcastle’s Beauty Hall If you’re into your makeup - and we mean really into your makeup - you’ll know that Charlotte Tilbury is the cosmetic world’s equivalent of Picasso. She is a true artist, followed and adored by legions of lipstick lovers and eyeliner addicts across the globe for her flawless, you-but-better makeup looks (created with her own line of luxury products no less), and famed for her army of a-list clients, including Kate Moss (also godmother to her son), Demi Moore and Penelope Cruz to name a few.

Her makeup line - which debuted back in 2013 and now extends to skincare in the form of an award-winning clay mask, a miracle-working cleansing balm and a ‘magic’ face cream - has earned her a cult-like following.

Sold exclusively at the world’s biggest department stores - the likes of Selfridges, Harrods and Fenwick here in the UK - and at her flagship Covent Garden store, her products contain some of the most expensive ingredients on the market, packing a real (and pricey) punch when it comes to helping women smooth and sculpt their way to sensational skin.

Makeup junkies are known to queue for hours at a time just to catch a glimpse of her new launches and her best-sellers - many of which took years to create and perfect - continue to fly off the shelves.

For us Northerners, Fenwick Newcastle is currently the only place to get your hands on Charlotte’s goods. Visit the Beauty Hall to see her counter (which opened in September last year) in all its gold and maroon glory and treat yourself to a makeover - your very own ‘Tilbury transformation’ - from its Makeup Revolution Menu.

Back in April, Fenwick held an exclusive beauty event in celebration of the counter’s success, during which Charlotte made a personal appearance, greeting fans and taking a special few (myself included) backstage for a personal introduction to her line.

Being in the makeup mogul’s presence was a pleasure indeed. Not only is she beautiful to look at, with her bouncy fox-red hair, porcelain skin and smoky, smudgy eye makeup (which she claims to sleep in), I can tell you that she’s great company too.

She’s exceptionally well-spoken and talks a million miles per hour - but in a good way. ‘Oh darlings, I could go on all day, just tell me to shut up when you’re bored of hearing me talk!’ she cooed, sharing with us her glittering career history and working her way through her most-loved products (there were a lot).

She has a naughty sense of humour that never falters and is so warm and tactile, everyone in the room soon became her new best friend. I’d only been in her company for half an hour and I had her massaging the backs of my hands with her sumptuous creams, stroking my ‘fabulous’ eyebrows and patting my lips with a mix of new lippie shades.

I was lucky enough to try out a few soon-to-be-released additions to her cosmetic line, including a brand new

lipstick collection - ‘Hot Lips’ - inspired by Charlotte’s most inspiring female celebrity friends and muses.

Launching on 1 July (it will be exclusive to Fenwick for four days), the collection features 12 new stellar shades, created by Charlotte’s own bare hands to reflect the women’s personalities, beauty and iconic style.

Described by Charlotte as ‘the ultimate all-female beauty collaboration’, the range will help raise awareness and funds for Women For Women, an international charity devoted to helping female survivors of war and violence. £1 of every Hot Lips lipstick sold within the first two months of launch will be donated to the charity.

Stand-outs include ‘Kidman’s Kiss’, a soft petal pink inspired by Nicole Kidman, ‘Secret Salma’, a smouldering rose plum number named after Salma Hayek and ‘Hel’s Bells’, a magenta mulberry shade in homage to the gothic glamour of Helena Bonham-Carter. Cindy Crawford, Kim Kardashian-West and Liv Tyler are all up there too.

“I really admire each of the women that inspired Hot Lips,” she tells me. “I feel like I’ve extracted their beauty DNA, mixing shades that I feel really embody their personalities, and I hope every woman will feel beautiful wearing them.

“All 12 celebrities will be asking everyone to join our #LIPSTICKCONFIDENCE social media campaign to help raise awareness of the work of this amazing charity. It’s all about girl power!”

Other new launches included a second mascara, a glowy, all-in-one face palette and a one-of-a-kind brow product that should be on counter by the time you’re reading this. Hint: it’s called Legendary Brows and it could be the best, most defining, eyebrow gel we’ve ever tried.

Get your mitts on one pronto.

The event came to a close with a live catwalk show, with a bevy of beauties showcasing Charlotte’s ten iconic makeup looks, created by Tilbury herself and her talented team of makeup artists. Lucky ticket holders got to mingle with Charlotte afterwards and received signed gift boxes to take them to makeup heaven and help re-create their new look at home. www.fenwick.co.uk/newcastle | www.charlottetilbury.com

JUL/AUG16

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CALLING THE SHOTS

Ballroom to babies, North East actor Jill Halfpenny’s stage life goes from glamour to grit. She talks stage and screen with Kathryn Armstrong

Jill Halfpenny’s moments in the spotlight go from one extreme to the other.

She famously flashed shimmering sequins and some dazzling dance moves to win TV’s Strictly Come Dancing.

She’s shown her face in all of the nation’s best-loved series and soaps - from Coronation Street to Eastenders, Waterloo Road to Vera.

But latterly we’ve seen her as beleaguered Diane in the BBC 1 Kay Mellor drama, In the Club, where she’s been up to her elbows in dribbling babies, nasty nappies and a criminal for a husband.

So is the real Jill the samba-sassy bejewelled dancing queen or the gritty put-upon mum?

Needless to say, neither. The day we speak she is heading for a luvvies first night at the Menier Chocolate Factory to see David Baddiel’s performance in My Family: Not the Sitcom.

Her actor’s life reflects an on-going love of live theatre in performance and as audience member.

That’s the side of the job she loves; “Theatre – I love seeing

42 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

As she likes it

loads of it” - recent theatreland favourites being The Suicide (directed by her good friend, Nadia Fall) at the National, and performances of The Father and The Flick.

So, jobbing actor first, celeb second – very much so.

The thought of a preening and pampering photo shoot is not Jill’s idea of fun but she’s happy to pose for ‘relaxed’ and unstyled shots.

Which gives you the measure of this down-to-earth Geordie actor.

She fiddles with tea-lights as we talk; “I’m better at talking when I’m doing something”, revealing a real-life reserve.

As a regular in soaps like Eastenders and Corrie over the years, Jill became a familiar TV face, hence the interest in her off-screen life and the clamour for the glamour of studio photoshoots.

“I wouldn’t say I hated them but they weren’t my greatest

It was a breath of fresh air not to have to audition for the role of ‘girlfriend’ or ‘wife’, all the characters are really well-written, challenging, complex and real

pleasure”, she concedes.

“Day-long shoots are things that some people love – getting dressed up and sitting in make-up for hours – for me that just feels like going to work.”

At 40, Jill is enjoying the challenge of her meaty role in the second series of In the Club, a gourmet dish for any actor coming as it does from the pen of acclaimed writer Kay Mellor – who, says Jill, is perfection when it comes to creating fine characters for women.

Whilst 40 is no age, the debate about inspiring roles for ‘older’ women is as pertinent in television as it is in Hollywood.

“In the Club was all about really strong characters and the cast was a lovely bunch of people to work with.

“It was a breath of fresh air not to have to audition for the role of ‘girlfriend’ or ‘wife’, all the characters are really well-written, challenging, complex and real.

"And it was good to be surrounded by women every day on set, too. One of the best things about the job is that we all got on really well.

“In her writing Kay doesn’t discriminate – she thinks women and men are as fascinating as they get older. Characters >>

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CALLING THE SHOTS

are strong and sorted – she removes the idea that people get less interesting as they get older, they are rounded people - and it’s great not being asked to play someone sensible or ill!

“That’s why I guess series like Last Tango in Halifax have proved so popular – a case of interesting people doing different things but who just happen to be older.

“That is to do with the networks accepting that it works.

The biggest TV audience is women aged 45-55 so if you write for them, they will watch.”

In the Club saw Jill’s character, Diane, finding herself at home with newborn twins, two school-age children and a husband in prison.

On top of this, Diane was forced to find work to keep a roof over the family’s head.

Her on-screen husband was actor Will Mellor and when they filmed the series in Leeds last year, the set was a scene of baby chaos.

“On set we pretty much had to look after the babies as if they were our own. There was a scene where my baby just fell asleep – that wasn’t in the script so we had to alter the lines as we filmed it.

“Being able to do that, working so closely with Kay and getting to know her was great – she really is inspiring”, says Jill.

Jill loves the fact that writers like Kay Mellor and Sally Wainwright – who wrote Happy Valley – are creating gritty and genuine roles for women on television.

“There is a lot of interesting British drama right now – and some complex female characters, it is new and exciting – I love the work of actors like Maxine Peake and Ann Marie Duff.”

Though Jill is based in London, where she is mum to eight-year-old Harvey, she’s regularly back home to visit family in Gateshead.

Her niece Chelsea Halfpenny has followed in her stage foosteps with her own roles in Casualty and Emmerdale.

And Jill also uses her profile as an ambassador for the anti-bullying charity Kidscape following her own experiences as a child.

“I have been working with Kidscape for many years now and have been lucky enough to see the amazing work they do.

I was especially fortunate to be able to attend one of their ZAP sessions which had a huge effect on me. I was able to watch the transformation in the children in just one day as they realised they weren’t alone and that other children felt the same as them. They suddenly had hope in their eyes and their faces began to smile as they realised it “wasn’t just them”. I was also given the honour of being able to listen to the parents’ stories and hear how incredibly painful it can be for families, because bullying affects loved ones too and it’s important for the parents to share their experiences with others so they don’t feel alone.

I know this feeling and if ZAP had existed while I was at school it would have been a true gift”, she says.

In another fund-raising role, Jill makes a regular pilgrimage

I loves the fact that writers like Kay Mellor and Sally Wainwright are creating gritty and genuine roles for women on television

North for the Sunday for Sammy Geordie gala when she loves the happy reunion of famous musicians, actors and comedians from the region who gather for a frenzilyrehearsed night of entertainment to raise funds to support creative talent on Tyneside.

“It is a great feeling reuniting with people – we spend Saturday rehearsing and it is such a great atmosphere to get together.”

Jill’s acting career started early in the BBC children’s drama ‘Byker Grove’. This was just the start, and after appearing in various television and theatre roles, she joined the cast of ‘EastEnders’ in 2002. She left the soap in 2004, and after taking part in Strictly Come Dancing, returned to the stage as Roxie Hart in the West End musical ‘Chicago’ and has continued to perform on stage and screen ever since.

These days Jill can’t take off for long periods because of Harvey – not that she’d want to. The ‘juggle’ of time spent away when filming can be tough.

“I can’t be away from Harvey for long. Mam-guilt is ingrained in you, even if you know they are happy and safe.

“When I was filming In the Club I was able to get back a lot because there was a big cast and time when you’re not filming.

“Then you get home once the filming is over and there’s a period of calm when I can be a mum, doing the school run.”

Has Jill thought of writing something herself, inspired by the likes of Kay Mellor and Sally Wainwright?

“I dabble! Kay was really encouraging. I often think about different characters and funny stories – but it is all about structuring them and making them work, which is the hard bit!

A huge fan of Newcastle writer Lee Hall – Jill toured in his show Cooking with Elvis – she would love the Billy Elliott writer to pen a TV series.

“He is a great writer, good at dark, black stories, I would love to do something with him.”

Left >> Jill with co-star actor Will Mellor in the BBC 1 series In the Club

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JUL/AUG16

BE PREPARED

The buzz of beekeeping Jessica Laing chats with North East bee fanatic, Jilly Halliday, about the art of beekeeping and how the region’s kids can help save our furry winged friends

Never underestimate the power of a mid-life crisis.

Yes, it can make you feel like throwing up your hands and surrendering to a life of giant knickers, anti-wrinkle cream and copious amounts of red wine, but it can also inspire you to treat your life to a little makeover, nudging you in new directions and pushing you to pursue buried dreams.

At least that was the case for Jilly Halliday who, four years ago, decided to up and leave the world of floristry in favour of homemade hives and honeycomb. Becoming a fullyfledged beekeeper has been a life-long ambition, she tells me, but it wasn’t until her eldest - her “first baby” transformed into a teenager and her 50th birthday came knocking that she finally decided to make the jump.

“I had reached a point in my life when I thought to myself, if I don’t do it now, I probably never will,” she says, affectionately gazing down at the bee-encrusted necklace around her neck.

“Suddenly, my daughter was old enough to babysit my youngest and so off I went!”

Jilly embarked on a ten-week beekeeping course at Kirkley Hall’s Agricultural College where, in the company of specially-trained bee boffins and fellow beginners, she was introduced to the fascinating world of bees through a range of lectures, demonstrations and fun practicals.

“It was such a great experience,” she enthuses. “You’re assigned your very own mentor - in my case it was a wonderful guy called Dr Dorian Pritchard - who basically shows you how to get started should you be lucky enough to bag yourself your own swarm. You’re given tons of support and the course is just magical - I’d recommend it to anyone.”

Today, Jilly can be found tending to her very own honey bee colonies - eight to be exact - which take pride of place in the back garden of her idyllic Stocksfield cottage. She

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knows and loves each colony individually - so much so that she’s become quite the pro at spotting their differing personalities and features. I find it remarkable.

“I like to think of mine as a friendly bunch - and they’re all pretty local too,” she tells me. “I like to keep bees that are as native to the North East as possible. Black bees - or ‘Geordie bees’ as they’re often called - are easier to keep.

You’ll find them up in the borders and they’re a lot gentler than your typical stripy, ginger bee, so I like to use them when breeding. They’re a calming influence - I don’t like bees that swarm.”

I see these calm and collected pollinators in action when Jilly somehow manages to dress me up in a head-to-toe bee suit later that afternoon. Sporting a pair of oversized wellies and looking like a cross between an extra from Ghostbusters and a somewhat awkward astronaut, I’m persuaded to peruse the hives with Jilly as my guide. We crack a few open to see how they’re doing.

“Any devoted beekeeper will tell you how fascinating these creatures are - they all have their own jobs and purposes,” she explains, pointing out the key players.

“For example, you’ll see that the older bees will guard the hive, while the females get to work - they’re the busy bees.

The fuzzy males, meanwhile, which have big eyes and no sting, are mainly there to mate with the queen - a hard life, I know!”

For those new to beekeeping - or too terrified to try it - I’ll tell you that the experience is nowhere near as hair-raising as I feared. I may be, quite literally, knee-deep in bees, but thanks to Jilly’s sprightly attitude and soothing, school teacher-like instruction, I soon feel like a pro.

I help ‘smoke’ out the hives (this helps calm the bees while we inspect their immaculate homes) and find relaxation in the humming that surrounds me, despite my back jerking every time one of the little blighters flies past my ear.

Jilly isn’t the only one to be stung by this sweet craze. The North East’s beekeeping community is thriving; more and

Above >> Jilly Halliday

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BE PREPARED

more research into the science of the creatures and the effects of chemical nasties, such as pesticides, is taking place right under our noses in the labs of Newcastle University, and Jilly tells me that many of her closest mates have now taken up the hobby.

A few of these friends stop by during my visit to her cottage. I watch as they nosey around her hives, swapping bee stories and congratulating each other on their recent buzzy triumphs (one of them has made the front page of the local paper) as they go, as well as filling each other in on the latest news from The Broomley Bee Project of which Jilly is a member.

Founded in 2014 and run by a committee of passionate volunteers, the small charity is devoted to promoting the delights of beekeeping, as well as educating children and their families about the importance of bees in the environment.

Jilly and co work closely with staff at Broomley First School in Stocksfield (the headteacher is now a fully-fledged beekeeper, thanks to the charity’s sponsorship), to help give its pupils a true ‘bee education’ through fun activities and interactive workshops in and outside of the classroom.

Things like arts and craft days, raffles and coffee mornings, bee-themed non-uniform days, the creation of a fully-

HOW TO BECOME A BEEKEEPER:

Jilly’s top tips Sign up to a really good course - Kirkley Hall’s Introduction to Beekeeping is a winner in my book and find yourself a trained mentor for support.

Buy your bees. A good course will tell you to buy local.

It costs around £125 to buy a colony.

Get in touch with your local beekeeping association for advice on where to shop and how to get started. Ours is Hexham, but Newcastle, Durham, Alnwick and Weardale have their own too.

Take time to really think about it. Beekeeping is more than a hobby and takes up a lot of your time - you really need to know your stuff!

If you decide to go for it, don’t give up. Losing bees is hard, but persevere and all will be well again.

Remember that they need us.

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functioning (and rather beautiful) Bee Garden and the hugely successful Bee Festival, which takes place at National Trust’s nearby Cherryburn Cottage.

“The Broomley Bee Project is my passion,” says Jilly, her face beaming. “Engaging young people about bees - and why we must come together to take care of them - is so important. The aim is to try to weave the art of beekeeping, and the science of bees, into the school curriculum so that the kids are constantly learning. Knowledge is power, after all.”

“We’re a self-sustaining charity in that we fundraise and apply for charitable grants in order to finance the running of our black bee colonies - two of which are at Cherryburn - and the work we do at Broomley. We’re also lucky enough to be supported by many local beekeepers and organisations who are always on hand when we need expert help and advice!”

By the time you’re reading this, the charity will have already enjoyed a bumper bee conference at Ovingham Middle School which, with the help of the charity and its expert friends, will soon begin its three-year transformation into a ‘dream’, five-acre pollination site.

The conference will be packed with 36 exciting workshops, all led by local organisations that are happy to give up their time in the name of bees. Everything from soil testing and surveying, to talks from the region’s best bee bloggers and how-to classes on treating stings and allergies from the local ambulance service.

So what does the future hold for Jilly and her fuzzy friends?

“To keep going! Beekeeping is so much more than a hobby,” she enthuses. “You have to be dedicated and willing to face up to all the failures that come along with it. You’re up against so much here in the UK, with our wet climate and environment, and when you lose bees you really do feel the grief.

“But it’s up to us to keep these beautiful creatures safe.

The best thing the public can do is plant all year round, stop spraying chemicals and embrace their dandelions the bees love them! And to anyone afraid of bees, I’d say get yourselves suited up and get stuck in - give it ten minutes in a pair of overalls and you’ll feel invincible.”

And with that, I’m off for some more suit action. Conquering your fears really is the bees’ knees.

To anyone afraid of bees, I’d say get yourselves suited up and get stuck in - give it ten minutes and you’ll feel invincible

The Broomley Bee Project will be hosting a free Bee Festival at Cherryburn National Trust on 10 July. For more information, visit www.broomleybeeproject.org

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XXXXXXXX BIGGER LUXE

WELCOME!

Lilo love and cool treats... summer is finally here!

So, what’s new in the world of Little Luxe? Well, the summer is officially here – hooray! Sports day, carnivals, strawberries and cream, the smell of sun lotion and summer holidays are all just on the horizon.

But that’s not the big news. Oh no. The main headline in my world is my eighth birthday! I celebrated my big day with a roller disco with my friends. I now also have a new love in my life – my mountain bike. It has 18 gears and I’m thoroughly enjoying trying them all out while my dad runs along behind…

with Nina Robinson

Little Luxe x

Katie’s Garden in Sunniside, Sunderland >> What to do on rainy days during the summer? Looking for something that appeals to the grown-ups as much as the little people? Katie’s Garden is what you’ve been dreaming of! This vintage-inspired craft and tea rooms is packed from ceiling to floor with fun things to make, do and eat! I popped in to try it out the other day and ended up staying until closing time – there was so much to do! The idea is to pick what you’d like to make from the dozens of instant craft packs that fill the shelves and hang from every available space! There’s everything from masks to mobiles and desk tidies to dinosaur tails.

Then the lovely ladies of Katie’s Garden help you to get stuck in! All the paint, glue and sparkles you could need are available, as well as a whole selection of yummy treats to keep your creativity fed! Even the food is garden-themed, my toastie was served on a trowel, with salad in metal bucket and an astro turf plate! There are lots of clubs and sessions held throughout the week – for grown-ups as well as little crafters! katiesgardenuk.com

Nappy days >> Keep baby trendy while they tread water with Bambino Mio’s award-winning reusable swim nappies. £8.75. baminomioshop.co.uk

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Add some Zap! Pow! Boom! to your summer with DC comic super heroes at intu Metrocentre. Join DC Comics super heroes Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman and become a super hero with fun-filled activities all year long. Visit intu.co.uk/metrocentre for further details. >> BATMAN VISIT: SATURDAY 30 JULY >> WONDER WOMAN VISIT: THURSDAY 11 AUGUST >> SUPERMAN VISIT: FRIDAY 26 AUGUST For more information on how to book your place to see DC Comics super heroes, Batman, Wonder Woman and Superman, please visit intu.co.uk/metrocentre >> METROGNOME SHOWS: MONDAY 1 AUGUST – BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 29 AUGUST Monday – Friday: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6.30pm Saturday: 11am, 1pm, 3pm and 5pm Sunday: 12pm, 2pm, 4pm *Bank holiday Monday there will be no 6.30pm show.

For further information and times on this summer’s Metrognome shows, please visit intu.co.uk/metrocentre

N i n a : lo v e s

Simply Small >> The Simply Small Company is a new North East-based online boutique selling lovely things for little ones.

This ditsy print smocked dress is just like the styles often worn by princess Charlotte of Cambridge and at just £21.99 you won’t need a royal bank balance to afford one.

It’s available in 12-24 months and there’s an equally gorgeous matching romper for baby girls. thesimplysmallco.com >> Luxe readers can get 10% off their first order by using the code LUXE10 at the checkout

>> Cath Kidston apron £20.00 at Cath Kidston store

Lobster lilo >>

Sweet treats >>

This giant-sized lobster lilo is a claws for celebration. Not only will he hold your mocktail while you float along, his complexion will remind you to keep your sun cream topped up while enjoying the rays. £19.99 totally-funky.co.uk

I love these deliciously fun ice cream honeycomb decorations. Hang them and scatter them to add a shot of sweetness to summer parties, picnics and afternoon teas! £7.50 sistersguild.co.uk

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WORK WITH US AS WE PREPARE TO OPEN, WE ARE LOOKING TO RECRUIT FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, KITCHEN TO GARDEN, BAR TO SPA AND RECEPTION. SO, IF YOU’RE EXPERIENCED IN HOSPITALITY AND WANT TO WORK SOMEWHERE DETERMINED TO OFFER GUESTS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE, EMAIL YOUR CV TO WORK@WALWICKHALL.COM

SET IN 100 ACRES OF STUNNING NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTRYSIDE AND PLACED ON HADRIAN’S WALL, WALWICK HALL BLENDS THE COMFORT AND ELEGANCE OF AN ENGLISH COUNTRY RETREAT WITH A DISTINCTIVELY MODERN SPIRIT TO BRING GUESTS A UNIQUE, LUXURY EXPERIENCE THAT’S A WORLD AWAY FROM THE NORM.

WWW.WALWICKHALL.COM

LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Tears of joy Eye-wateringly pretty teardrop pendant from the Whispering Collection by Fei Liu, 18ct yellow gold with 0.65ct of brilliant cut diamonds ÂŁ1,625. www.davidsonsthejewellers.co.uk

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JUL/AUG16

Spa at Ramside Award Winning

Live the Lifestyle this Summer EXCLUSIVE OFFER

Treat yourself to a summer spa experience and receive an exclusive gift bag with products tailored personally to you worth up to £40.00*.

Why not enjoy that summer feeling all year with a lifestyle membership.

Not just a gym, it's a whole new way of life! *Available to book until the end of July 2016 – Quote ‘LUXE SUMMER SPA’ when booking. Must be a summer offer and cannot be used with any other offer or voucher.

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

ROAD TO RIO

GO girls

The Olympics in Rio get underway in August. We talk to two North East hopefuls heading for Brazil

Marathon runner Alyson Dixon, 37, has secured a place in Rio after becoming the first British woman to cross the line at the London Marathon. From Sunderland, she runs with Sunderland Strollers. Bailey Spray talked to her about the Rio dream.

How did it feel to not only be the first British woman to cross the London Marathon but to also secure your place at Rio? The London Marathon was absolutely amazing. I knew I was in good shape going into the race but the marathon is such a long event that anything can happen and all it needs is for you to not be 100% on race day and it’s all over before you even start. Luckily for me, everything went to plan.

I ran the race exactly the way I wanted to. Once I turned the

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last corner into The Mall I saw my family in the grandstand and that was when I finally realised that I had done it.

Emotions took over and I celebrated as I crossed the line.

I don’t remember much about the actual finish but there was a huge feeling of delight, relief and even a little bit of disbelief rolled into there. Going to the Olympics is something I have dreamed of for 25 years.

Did you face any difficulties training for the London Marathon?

Maybe the weather in the last few weeks. I did come down with a bit of a cold about four weeks before the marathon, but it coincided with me going on an altitude training camp in Font Romeu in the French Pyrenees. Because of this I was having an easier week of training anyway so I only ended up missing one run which wasn’t too bad. But being based 1,800m up a mountain did mean that we woke up to quite a bit of snow some days.

The biggest danger when training to try and make an Olympic team is attempting to do too much. A lot of people think that more is better, but at times it’s often the opposite and less is sometimes more. You’ve got to train hard but smart to make sure that you’re doing the work needed but not over-doing it as that can risk injury, illness and burn out.

You finished in front of fellow Brit Sonia Samuels who also qualified for Rio following the London Marathon. Now you’re both team mates, how would you describe your relationship?

I’ve known Sonia for many years through being on teams with each other and being on training camps together. We get on well enough, but once we are out on the road in a race there is no love lost. We’re both high level athletes so of course there is a competitive element. This is the same for everyone. Even when you’re team mates, you still want to beat the others and finish as high as you possibly can so there are no friendly favours!

prepared as well as I should have been back then. My training wasn’t what it should have been and because I had missed a lot of running after breaking my foot six months beforehand. I tried to play catch up and over did it.

How did it feel narrowly missing out on a Team GB place for London 2012?

In reality I didn’t narrowly miss out on the 2012 Olympics. I ran what we call the B qualifying time, but so did a number of other girls. We all knew that you needed to run the A time to make the team so I was really a long way off. I wasn’t

Did you ever think of quitting?

There have been a lot of times over the last four years when I have seriously considered calling it a day. I decided to keep going and have a crack at making the England team for the Commonwealth Games in 2014. I managed to do that, but had to pull out of the race with injury at mile 14. This made

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ROAD TO RIO me determined to prove to everyone that I was capable of more so I vowed to keep going and give 2016 my best shot.

I did encounter a lot of down times over the last 18 months and again very nearly called it a day after a dreadful performance at the Edinburgh cross country race in January 2015. Luckily, while on a training camp in Kenya, Paula Radcliffe persuaded me that I was in good shape and I should keep going. I entered Berlin marathon later that year, ran a PB and that all important Olympic qualifying time and the rest, as they say, is history!

Swimmer Aimee Wilmott, 23, from Middlesbrough first showed her skills at London 2012. She is part of the new swimming club based at the London Aquatic Centre (Olympic Park) in Stratford.

Elysia Agnew caught up with her.

How does your running club, Sunderland Strollers, support you?

My club mates have been a great influence on my running.

They make sure that I keep my feet firmly on the ground and don’t get too agead of myself. They are a social club, but the members still want to do as well as they can. As I finished in London, Steve Cram said on the BBC that Sunderland Strollers would be cheering me and he was right, they are my biggest supporters.

You currently self-coach yourself in training, how does that work?

The biggest danger is knowing when to push on and when to ease back. I’m an athlete who doesn’t need someone to tell me to do more, but a lot of the time I do need reassurance that taking a step back is the correct thing to do. Because I have such big goals I don’t need other people to motivate me, they are motivation in themselves. I am very lucky in that I have a great mentor/advisor who helps me out with planning and to bounce training ideas off. She knows when I am feeling down after a tough workout or a bad race and knows exactly what to say to pull me back up.

The same going into a race, she knows the positive words to say to me to raise my confidence.

How will your training change to help you get into PB shape?

Training will pretty much stay the same. I am still in good shape so we will just build on that rather than trying to increase the training load. It’s now about looking at the little things like making sure I do all the strength and conditioning sessions I need to and get the weekly massage/physio to make sure that my body is in shape to be able to absorb the training. I plan on basing myself out in Font Romeu again in the build up to Rio. The weather there tends to be quite good this time of year so it will help me to acclimatise for Rio. Your father used to run track and road races. How much influence has he had on you?

At one point it actually totally put me off. I remember going down to watch Dad run the London Marathon and witness someone collapse in front of me. At this point I firmly declared that I was never going to do a marathon! When I first joined the athletics club I quite fancied myself as a hurdler or a long jumper, but those days were short-lived when I fell over a hurdle and hurt my ankle and the long jump coach told me I was too small!

You joined the Sunderland Harriers when you were 11 just to go to Flamingo Land - is that right?

I went to the club a few times with a school friend, but then lost interest until she told me that they were having a trip to Flamingo land during the summer holidays. For insurance purposes you had to be a member of the club to go on the trip so I went along again and joined up. I made a few more friends at the club and eventually it became a part of my social life - my circle of friends were mainly those from the club. As we got older most of them left the club, but I stayed there until I was about 23 when I left to join Chester Le Street AC. Is the dream for gold in Rio? Winning gold would be an absolute dream! However, I am realistic with my aims, I know where I stand in terms of rankings and all I aim to do in Rio is finish as high up in the race as possible. If I finish in the top 20 it will be a fantastic result for me. As long as I can come away knowing that I have done my very best then I will be happy.

What will success mean for the North East and Sunderland Strollers?

A medal of any colour would be a huge impact, not just on the North East and the Strollers but on the country. It proves what can happen if you work hard and never give up. But like I say, I’m realistic with my goals and I know that a medal is most likely out of my reach.

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Image: FUNKITA swimwear

Tell us a little bit about your background?

I was born, raised and lived most of my life in Middlesbrough. I went to Ormesby Primary school and then continued on to Nunthrope secondary school and Sixth Form. I swam at Middlesbrough Swimming Club from the ages of 8-21 and then moved to London to train at the London Aquatic Centre Performance Programme after the Commonwealth Games in 2014. This reunited me with former coach at Middlesbrough, Lisa Bates. I am studying a sport and exercise science degree at the University of East London.

Where did your love for swimming come from?

My dad was an Olympic swimmer, representing Team GB at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, so from a young age both my mum and dad taught me to swim.

I was like a fish to water - they couldn’t get me out of the pool - so I guess that’s where my love for the sport came from.

And was it an instant love for the sport?

I have loved swimming for as long as I can remember, so yes! Ever since I can remember, I wanted to be an Olympic swimmer. And knowing my dad did it made the goal more achievable as I received a lot of help and support. I loved racing at a very young age as I always wanted to win, so I was always competitive with it. Nothing has changed now, I still beat myself up when I don’t perform as well as I had hoped for.

and that excites me. As they say, you’ve got to be in it to win it. I’ve been training really well and I have a few competitions to get ready for Rio. But ahead of the games, I’m enjoying training more than ever and can’t wait to get to Rio. How do you find London life?

I love London but I will always be a Boro girl.

Middlesbrough is where I started this incredible journey so I am very grateful for that.

I don’t get to come home as much as I would like but I’m always busy either training or at University so it’s hard.

What do you get up to when you’re back in the North East?

When I come home I always make sure I’ve got time to visit friends and family as thats what I miss the most about living aways from home. My favourite place to eat out is Alforno’s Italian in Middlesbrough - me and my best friend Emma make it a must when we are both home at the same time.

Do you feel like you missed out on your teen years?

Not at all. I got to travel the world and do so many amazing things that all of my friends didn’t necessarily get the chance to do. So when I look back and think of all of the things I’ve achieved already in my career, it’s not a huge sacrifice when you miss a party or a sleepover.

How did you find the London 2012 Olympic Games?

Completely amazing! London was everything I had hoped for - and more. Swimming in front of a home crowd was something very special and not very many people get to experience it. I was so lucky to say that my first Olympic Games were held in my home country.

And how do you think Rio will be?

I have this image that Rio is going to be the carnival games and I’m really excited to race there. I don’t just want to swim average in Rio, I’d like to do well and prove that I earned my Olympic spot by making it to a final. Once you’re in the final, anything can happen,

What do you get up to when you’re not in the pool?

I spend most of my spare time sleeping - if I’m not at university that is! I need as much rest as possible during the week to make sure I am fit and able to train at my best. On a weekend I love to explore what London has to offer.

What are your hopes and ambitions ahead of the Olympic Games and for the future?

The first step is Rio, of course. I’ve worked so hard to compete in this competition, so I guess I will worry about everything else once the Games are over.

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PICNIC PERFECT

It’s the season to pack your picnic so make it memorable.

We’ve found some go-to places to stay a while

Picnics, movies and more Northumberland

Visit Northumberland has some great ideas for picnic spots and inspiration to eat appropriately while you’re there.

We know the coastline is stunning and picnic-perfect with so many unspoilt views, golden sandy beaches and breathtaking castles.

Coastal paths are well signed and beaches remain relatively uncrowded, even during peak holidays.

Tasty stuff: Seahouses smoked Salmon Fresh Crab Craster Kipper pâté Catch in season: Lindisfarne Oysters – hand gathered from the shores around Holy Island Local Asparagus Northumberland Mussels Sweet somethings: At the seaside there just has to be ice cream! Local producers such as Coxon’s, Morwick and Doddington make loads of yummy flavours, some are even unique to the region.

Visitors at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, Northumberland. ©National Trust Images/John Millar

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Quenchers and tipples: Fentimans Dandelion and Burdock or Lemonade Lindisfarne Mead – honey wine made to a traditional Holy Island recipe. www.visitnorthumberland.com/food-drink/picnic-heaven

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PICNIC PERFECT

Castle Howard

Newcastle Quayside

Flag-waving a definite at the Proms 2016 spectacular.

Picnics, bubbles, fireworks and the ultimate rousing sing-alongs. 20 August. www.castlehoward.co.uk

One of NewcastleGateshead’s most iconic spaces is transformed into a seaside paradise, complete with deckchairs, palm trees, beach huts, volleyball net, golden sand and a kids’ climbing wall. For 2016, Riley’s Fish Shack will be serving visitors to the pop-up beach from a pop-up restaurant

Alnwick Castle Where better than to watch some Harry Potter on the big screen than the movie location itself?

Harry Potter & the Philosopher’s Stone will be screened

by Luna Cinema. 31 August. www.alnwickcastle.com

Lindisfarne The Lindisfarne Festival is a unique and special music and cultural festival based opposite Holy Island in North Northumberland. Now in its second year, acts will include the likes of Reef, British Sea Power, the Cuban Brothers, Beardyman, Little Comets and Katherine Tickell, alongside a whole host of other acts from the North East and beyond. 1-4 September. www.lindisfarnefestival.com

Wallington Hall Summer Nights Film Festival. Bring a blanket, a picnic and your friends, and enjoy the splendour of the great outdoors, along with films to stimulate your senses and create the perfect cinematic experience you will never forget.

Watch Dirty Dancing (2nd) or Lady in the Van (3rd).

2/3 September. www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington

Coach House Outdoor summer cinema in the grounds of Middleton Lodge near Darlington during August and early September brings Jane Austen, Moulin Rouge, ET and more. www.middletonlodge.co.uk

Jesmond Dene Enjoy a summer performance of The Importance of Being Earnest at Jesmond Dene house.

22-24 July www.heartbreakproductions.co.uk

Preston Park Celebrate Shakespeare this summer. That brew of magic and mischief, a Midsummer Night’s Dream is the perfect Shakespearean comedy to be enjoyed on a moonlit summer evening. Pack a picnic and head down to Preston Park near Yarm this summer for a series of ‘not-to-be-missed’ outdoor theatre performances in the Bandstand Garden. Presented

by Illyria. 29 July. www.prestonparkmuseum.co.uk/events

Views to behold The perfect picnic to enjoy in the celebrated landscapes of Capability Brown has been devised by the café team at his birthplace, Kirkharle near Ponteland to mark the designer’s centenary this summer.

Picnic on the farmyard at Cherryburn, Northumberland

©National Trust Chris Lacey

Traveller’s baskets are a joy to look at and their contents just as tasty. Each contains soda bread, cold meats, botanical elderflower presse, lemonade or ginger beer drinks. There will be a ‘Tynedale’ pasty, pork pie or Scotch egg, a ‘clouted’ scone (scone with clotted cream and jam), vegetable crisps and fresh fruit in season.

Kirkharle’s Kitty Anderson says: “We have sourced food and drink which approximates to that which a client of Capability Brown might have enjoyed as they strolled round their estate, enjoying the landscapes designed by the great man.

“Our Coffee House chef, Alexis Moore, and her team enjoyed putting the menu together and we are sure the picnics will be a real hit with visiting families, and something different to experience.”

The traveller’s baskets - the contents of which will feed a minimum of two people - will be available in July and August.

Visitors should order their basket in advance by calling Kirkharle Coffee House on: 01830 540 362.

Perfect places National Trust destinations in the region make perfect spots for posh picnics.

Our pick of the best include the country-garden cosiness of Cherryburn, rugged forest escape at Allen Banks and Staward Gorge or lakeside grandeur at Cragside.

For details see www.nationaltrust.org.uk In Cumbria, the charity Eden Arts runs Picnic Cinema in hideaway villages and towns which make cool locations for a movie moment. Pitch up at a Goblin Gathering in Muncaster for example. All income raised from Picnic Cinema helps support Remote, a Rural Touring Cinema project that enables rural communities to put on cinema screenings in their village venue. www.picniccinema.co.uk

Stay cosy A very chic picnic essential. We love this herringbone blanket with its carry strap. £119 at www.plumandashby.co.uk

Belsay Castle & Auckland Castle

Gibside

Chapterhouse Theatre Company bring Regency wonderment for picnic pleasure as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood make their first forays into the exquisite world of eighteenth-century society in performances of Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility. 30 July – Auckland Castle, 3 August, Belsay Hall. www.chapterhouse.org

Family Open Air Theatre: Peter Pan Chapterhouse Theatre Company are delighted to present the unforgettable story of Peter Pan, the boy who wouldn’t grow up. Saturday 6 August 2016. www.chapterhouse.org

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XXXXXXXX PEOPLE-WATCHING PARADISE

TOP OF THE WORLD Hip hotels with Debrah Dhugga The Algarve is perfect for a golf and glam getaway and as you’d expect, Deb tracks down the ultimate people-watching location a light and healthy meal. The POP Bar lounge has a spillover area extending to the outdoor terrace. It’s a lovely place to head late afternoon for pre-dinner cocktails or a taste of Portuguese tapas with an incredible view of the colonnade of palm trees and infinity pool, very romantic.

TREATS >> Asian Spa therapies at Portugal’s first Elements Spa by Banyan Tree, which is the prestigious brand of the Thai company, Banyan Tree.

Once I arrived to the hotel’s top floor, I was immersed in the finest of Oriental traditions, in a magnificent private setting, at a retreat that blends serenity with the exotic. After a day on the fairway, the spa was the perfect wind down.

The hot stones massage was fabulous, as you all know I am a spa junkie and this did not let me down.

We felt so fresh and relaxed after our treatments. In short, it’s a luxury spa concept and simply beautiful.

PORTUGUESE PARADISE >> If you fancy a beautiful hotel and gorgeous surroundings, The Tivoli Victoria Vilamoura in the Algarve ticks every box. It’s a work of art and just oozes sophistication. It’s a great base whether you’re going active or poolside. My husband is a keen golfer he loved the golf courses as much as I loved the spa. It really is somewhere special.

DESIGN >> Inspired by concepts of timelessness and style, the hotel has been designed to meet the needs of the most demanding of guests when it comes to golf, leisure or business.

From the amazing rooms to the panoramic views out over the beautiful fairways of the Oceânico Victoria Golf Course, (designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer), the surroundings of this 5-star resort make a stay a wonderful experience.

LOCATION >> The hotel is 20km from Faro International Airport. A transfer service is available from the airport.

HOTEL >> With an ideal location in Vilamoura on the popular Algarve coast, the Tivoli Victoria is the perfect choice for anyone looking to combine a relaxing stay with some great golf. The Tivoli Victoria is within walking distance of three golf courses: the Victoria Golf Course, the Millennium and Laguna.

The Tivoli Victoria meets the needs of the most demanding golfer by offering a good choice of golfing facilities; we just had to ask at the Golf Desk.

FOOD >> The EMO Gourmet restaurant is on the ground floor with direct access to the hotel gardens and is open from breakfast until dinner. It has a modern, informal

atmosphere. Serving buffet meals and show-cooking, the style is international but with a Portuguese feel. The Bartini Bar, a sophisticated and modern bar with an amazing view of the golf course, is an inviting spot for tea or coffee, gourmet snacks or perhaps something from the beautiful cocktail menu.

Next to the outdoor swimming pool, I loved the infinity pool, a top spot to enjoy

Bar Sete on the marina front, is an obligatory cocktail stop - it is co-owned by superstar footballer Luis Figo

Factbox... www.hoteltivolivictoria.com Av. dos Descobrimentos 8125-309 Vilamoura, Portugal Tel: (+351) 289 317 000 Email: htvictoria@tivolihotels.com

Nightly rates start from €153/£122 in a Deluxe Twin Room with Garden View at Tivoli Victoria-Vilamoura on a B&B basis.

Nearest airport: Flight to Faro International Airport direct from Newcastle.

THE AREA >> For pure leisure, this hotel is near to the beach, perfect for a nice sun and sand afternoon. Around the hotel you can find a range of entertainment including beaches, Vilamoura Marina, bars, restaurants, golf courses, Vilamoura Casino and shopping centres.

THRILLS >> ‘Bar Sete’ on the marina front, is an obligatory cocktail or beer stop for visitors to this area – it is co-owned by superstar footballer Luis Figo, and my recommendation for some people spotting!

Vilamoura can get quite busy but remains a really peaceful area to stroll around. It gets livelier at night, with everyone ready to eat and try out some of the bars, but maintains a laid back atmosphere.

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JUL/AUG16

LUXE LIFE

NICKI CHAPMAN Nicki Chapman is presenter of the hugely popular Escape to the Country and Wanted Down Under TV programmes. She’s a regular on Radio 2 and heads up coverage of the Chelsea Flower Show. Her career in the pop industry started as a promoter and she went on to be a judge on Pop Idol with Simon Cowell. She will be speaking at the NELD charity day in September.

LUXE PEOPLE >> Jane Austen is someone who fascinates me. A strong, independent woman, creative with a sense of humour. I would love to spend some time in her company! I have been watching Springwatch and am always impressed by Chris Packham and his real enthusiasm for what he does.

LUXE PLACES >> A weekend > I am just back from Oslo. I was really impressed by the place and it has made me wanted to explore Scandinavia more – people tell me Stockholm is great.

A long holiday > I love Sydney and I adored Vietnam and everything about it - the places, people and food. I would like to go to Machu Picchu.

A treat > One of those white sand places like the Maldives or Mauritius with palm trees, diving and snorkelling.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > I like Thai and Japanese and fusion food - that meld of fresh flavours. I love sushi, maki and pad thai.

Best wine > I don’t drink wine, but I’ll have a Kir Royale or a Bellini thankyou!

Favourite restaurant > I eat out a lot with work. We’re often on the road with Escape to the Country and the places I love are those unexpected gastro pubs you find off the beaten track – the ones only the locals know which look like nothing from the outside, but then blow you away with great food!

Perfect weekend > At home. I’m usually away Monday to Friday, so I love Friday night to wind-down with my husband with a Thai takeaway. On Saturday, I go riding with a friend in Richmond Park, then the rest of the time is spent chilling with friends - maybe the comedy club. I live in West London and there are great things to do in walking distance.

Downtime means > Normality – see above!

Best telly > I am a box set woman! I’m really enjoying Madam Secretary and loved The Tunnel.

Best book > In the middle of All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. My reading material is usually a script!

Best sounds > Tom Odell at the moment - I love his music. I work for Radio 2 and so I usually listen to the radio for its diversity.

LUXE SHOP >> Favourite shop > I am a fan of Moschino for my outfits. I have some dramatic suits that I wear for Chelsea. But I love the high street too – particularly LK Bennett, Hobbs, Jigsaw and good old M&S Luxe retail treat > I just bought a beautiful black dress by Maje.

Best buy > I bought a beautiful suit from Moschino for this year’s Chelsea Flower Show, with a fitted jacket and matching dress – I interviewed Prince Charles in it.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > It was a day and night. My husband Shacky is the manager of Iron Maiden and they played at Donnington, which we watched in wellies and raincoats, then we went to Oslo in their private jet. We had dinner, a cruise around the fjords with the musicians and their families, who we’ve known for years – it was the ultimate day!

Perfect party > I presented the Party at the Palace for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and we were invited inside to the after-party.

Dinner date > With my husband Shacky – we have been together 23 years and married for 17. Our jobs mean we are apart a lot, so I’m happy holding his hand, walking down our high street and popping in to a quiet restaurant – simple!

YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> My job! I am really, really fortunate. I left school at 16 with no real plan.

Someone once said, the harder you work, the luckier you are. I didn’t have a career plan, but I had opportunities and took them.

Nicki will be guest speaker at this year’s North East Ladies’ Day at Hardwick Hall which raises money for local causes.

For details of the event see Facebook North East Ladies Day or for tickets, £45 contact Shirley Gate on 07542 153457.

Email: neld2016@outlook.com

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In association with: XXXXXXXX

luxe:looks Tony Hadley Concert for Alan Shearer Foundation, Rockliffe Hall, Hurworth

Break out the fizz. Time to get down to some people-spotting as we bring you our social snapshot of happenings across the North East. Eyes and teeth time!

The Lobster Charity Ball for Daisy Chain, Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield Below > Kaine MacDonald, Cheryl MacDonald

Below > Steve Agnew, Aitor Karanka, Tony Hadley, Steve Gibson, Gary Gill

Above > Leanne Radford, April Lord Above > Tony Hadley

Above > Sarah Cantelo, Mike Cantelo

Below > Faye Kelly, Jill Brinsley, Julie Kelly

Below > Lavinia Hughes, Liam Glorney

Below > Mark Haisman, Catherin Haisman

Above > Steve Colman, Clive Warren, Eamonn Elliott Below > Ken Maughan, Tracey Maughan

Above > Carly Crawford, Glenis Woods

Below > Sue Chaudhry, Saleem Chaudhry, Tony Hadley, Jamie Lee, Nigel Simpson

Above > Louise Hanson, Claire Harris, Sarah Austick, Wendy Gravett Above > Steve Gibson, Katie Gibson

Above > Sabedw Ajvazi, David Hanson, Julian Austick, Jack Austick, Michael Watson

Newcastle High School for Boys, 10th Anniversary Ball, Discovery Centre, Newcastle Below > Paul Burke, Emma Burke, Amanda McDonald, Ali McDonald

Below > Jo Phillips, Caroline Tinker, Victoria Snowdon, Tracy Dodds

Above > Andrew Barratt, James Walker, Jonathan Smith Above > Mark Roberts, Karen Roberts

Above > Alison McGowan, Alex Finnegan

Above > Susan Froggatt, Tom Gray

Lookers, the new name for Benfield The same exceptional service with new opportunities 58 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

JUL/AUG16

SOCIAL LIFE

Moorbenhall Charity Ball, Ramside Hall, Durham Below > Fran Scott, Ashleigh Harn, Toria White, Jody Enguita

Below > Andrew Benn, Michael Short, Calvin Moor

Below > Lucy John, Natalie Everitt

Above > James Pearson, Yasmin Agar, Jemma Blackett, Brian Horton, Benita Horton, Above > Garry Martin Wells Whitworth, Joy Whitworth

Teesside Philanthropic Foundation Ladiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Lunch, Wynyard Hall Below > Zoe Franks, Tracey Surtees, Karen Eve

Above > Jessica Binns, Melanie Nicholson, Jayne Hepple

Above > Dadia Fenwick, Adam Fenwick

North Air Ambulance Service Ball, Hilton NewcastleGateshead Below > Andrew Dunn, Victoria Dunn, Geraldine Hebburn, Craig Hebburn

Above > Sharone Robinson, Tanya Bullock, Donna Smith

Above > Diane Walker, Pam Royle

Below > Helen Lyne, Emily Bentley, Claire Todd, Joanne Regan, Mandy Shields

Below > Sonia Brown, Melanie Waters

Above > Jayne Hepple, Janice Auton Above > Chris Gray, Sam Moralee

Above > Peter Hodges, Andrea Hodges

St Michael & All Angels fund-raiser, Coach House, Middleton Lodge,

Below > Mac McDiarmid, Colette McDiarmid

Below > Chris Meek, Carol Beesley

Above > Paul Bingham, Jennifer Bingham Above > Diana Donnison, Thelma Marshall, Pauline Atkin, Isobel Botts, Mary Parker, Pru Allison, Florence Millar

Above > Audrey Willis, Stella Birch Below > Miriam Ingledew, Audrey Taylor, Shirley Sargent, Jackie Wilson

Below > Janette Howell, Stephen Howell

Below > Andrew Wood, Christine Wood Glynis Ramsae, Allen Ramsey

Below > Maria Thexton, Alison James

Above > Tish Bloom, Jacquie Hornshaw

www.lookers.co.uk JUL/AUG16

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SOCIAL LIFE

Wylam Brewery Palace of Arts Launch, Exhibition Park, Newcastle Below > Matt Boyle, Dave Stone

Below > Gary Day, Phil Ternent, Stewart Scott, Nick Brown

Below > Gary Graham, Julie Campbell

Bond Dickinson Charity Clay Shoot for The Princeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trust, Lambton Estate, Chester-le-Street Below > David Dale, Steven Spry, Philip Thomason, Wayne Lynn

Below > Kevin Jobling, Sean Bromley

Above > Laura Jobson, Oli Rickett, Todd Rayner

Above > Rebecca Walls, Francis Everett, Alice Storey, Ailsa May

Below > Chris Lee, Ben Wilkinson

Above > David Armstrong, Anne Armstrong, Marguerite Fatkin, Theresa Frankish, Jan Ryles, Ann Lambert

Below > John Marshall, Chris Beer

Above > Graham Sutherland, Andrew Mason, Greig Wilson, Rebecca Hughes, Peter Simpson

Northumbria University Graduate Fashion Show Reception, BALTIC, Gateshead

Above > Angus Collingwood Cameron, Helen Butler

Above > George Lyall, Keith Pattinson

Tilly, Bailey & Irvine LLP Afternoon Tea for Hartlepool Hospice, The Grand, Hartlepool

Below > Paul Shriek, Douglas Maclennon, Matt Fox

Above > Susan Martin, Khristine Ferguson, Laura Jaimeson Below > Sarah Monkrow, Lucy Winskill

Below > Samira Chaudhury, Nosheen Akhtar

Above > Pamela Hargreaves, Apolana Wilson, Gillian Taylor Below > Sandra Britten, Carolyn Tilly

Above > Margaret Lowrie, Val Middleton

Below > Patricia Bestford, Tracie Bestford, Sheila Nicolson

Above > Emma Howe, Lois Sleightholme

Above > Sandra Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor, Annaliesse Barber

Above > Mike Henry, Chris Sayers

Over 10,000 new and approved used vehicles from over 30 manufacturers 60 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

Above > Emily Corser, Nicola Spindloe, Louise Corser, Helen Hart

www.lookers.co.uk JUL/AUG16

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Toast to Stephen Tompkinson Evening, Variety the Children’s Charity, Crowne Plaza, Newcastle Above > Ray Crawford, Daphne Thornton, Jackie Marston, Tony Thornton Above > Julie Reader, Stephen Tompkinson, Ken Reader

Below > Stephen Tompkinson, Ray Crawford, Denise Welch, Lincoln Townley

Above > Lee McCabe, Shelly Atkinson, Dave McKnight, Steve Atkinson

Above > Vin Welch, Stephen Tompkinson, Deborah Topping

Summer Exhibition Launch, Biscuit Factory, Newcastle Below > Rachel Brown, Chris Forsey, Jane Allerdyke

Above > Ellie Murdoch, Kay Murdoch

Above > Jenny Gibson, Sue Wilkinson Below > Evion McChlery, Diane Brannigan

Below > Darren Mundy, Sam Knowles, Sheene Morrison

Above > Avi Levan, Neil Levan, Val Levan

Ornulf Opdhal Book Launch, Jesmond Dene House Hotel, Newcastle

Below > Gina Candler, Malcolm Watson

Below > Peter Chandler, Mara Helen Wood, Ornulf Opdahl

Manufacturer trained technicians using an extensive range of approved parts.

You’re in safe hands

Above > Margaret Philips, Howard Philips, Jim Bullock

www.lookers.co.uk Above > Catherine Whinfield, Mona Juul, Susan Winfield, Joan Westwood

Below > Clara Lannefrance, Yve Straughan

Above > Christine Upright, Fenwick Kirton-Darling, Ian Bennett, Jenny Cozens

Let’s see you! If you would like your event featured on our Luxe:Looks pages please supply images with full captions (We Transfer or Dropbox is best) to: kathryn@remembermedia.co.uk

JUL/AUG16

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FUN IN THE SUN

LIVING IT UP

with Alok Loomba and Varsha Sehgal Our style duo have travelled, tasted and partied hard these past few weeks...

Alok

Varsha

THRILLED BY >> New acquisitions to my summer wardrobe. I particularly enjoy investing in new swimwear. I like to try and pull off the best version I can of ‘beach/poolside chic’ and a well-designed piece of swimwear can make you feel like you are dressed to impress.

My favourites are the perennial offerings of the swim-wear collection from Orlebar Brown. This fashion house specialises in all things summer and will have you decked out for the whole range of summer activities, no matter how lazy or exhilarating they may be.

My favourites are the supremely classic swim shorts with the signature steel side clips.

These swim shorts are expertly tailored and are based on the traditional 17-piece pattern of a pair of suit trousers. They look sleek in the pool, but are also smart enough to wear away from the sun lounger. Definitely a ‘brunch to beach club’ item.

While cut on the same tailored basis, these shorts come in four different lengths Dane (longest), Bulldog (mid length), Setter (short length) and Springer (the shortest you will need to do a few ‘leg days’ at the gym before attempting these!).

My personal favourites are the short length Setter in bright red. At £145 a pair these are expensive swimwear but, given their versatility, they are an investment that I can promise you won’t regret making as they will last for years and you’ll be surprised how much you wear them on holiday. While outside the budget of most of us, OB also have a bespoke service and will design you a pair of shorts with your own print. However, £395 per pair is a very high price to pay for exclusivity around the pool!

Available at Fenwick Newcastle and at www.orlebarbrown.co.uk.

THRILLED BY >> Summer! Following as it does from no-gym, comfort food and curl-up winter, it is no surprise that the biggest challenge of summer is getting ourselves holiday-ready.

Being the foodie that I am, I don’t do diets and it is impossible for me to refuse good grub - pasta, wine and chocolate being my undoing.

Since there is no substitute for hard work, I have over the years overcome three pregnancies and my gluttony to maintain a size 6 frame with the help of Phil Earley.

Training with him is by no means a walk in the park, but because of his incredible knowledge of fitness and nutrition and passion to deliver, he is always devising new ways to better the results safely. He is the man responsible for bringing kettlebells and the Amazing 12 to the North East and now runs his own gym, ITS Fitness.

OUT AND ABOUT >> The summer events season is well upon us. I am looking forward to a mixture of black tie dos, summer garden parties and race days. Let’s just hope the British summer comes through. So far I have attended a black-tie business awards dinner in Gosforth, a garden party at Wynyard Hall and have been to the first race day of the year at Gosforth. It promises to be a good season.

I am particularly looking forward to a trip to Puerto Portals in Mallorca in early July to celebrate the wedding of two very good friends, which promises to be a very smart and spectacular affair.

TEMPTED BY >> With summer upon us, it’s very important for us gents to make sure we are protecting our skin. Our female counterparts tend to be much better at this than we are, but we need to look after our faces. There is no point in having a delightfully tanned and perfect beach body with a face that looks like the leather on a 30-year-old belt! I intend to spend a little more on my sun care this year, particularly for the face. I always opt for a minimum of factor 30. My top picks are as follows; Mineral Sunscreen Fluid from Clinique. This one won’t clog your pores, leading to unwanted blemishes. It contains zinc and titanium oxides, which act as physical UV blockers so it won’t lead to any build up. If you have troublesome skin, or are prone to breakouts, this is the one for you. £22 for 30ml.

Sugar Sport Treatment by Fresh. This comes in a compact push up stick format and is very light and easy to apply. It’s sweat proof, which is handy and is made with natural beeswax. £20 for a mid-size stick.

Super Soin Solaire Tiente by Sisley. For those who like to ease themselves into the tanning process and not go straight from pale to lobster, this is the one. Sisley have combined SPF 30 with a hint of tint. There are four shades to suit varying skin tones. It’s a lovely product, the advantage being you can already looked a little sun-kissed while topping up your tan. At £131 for 40ml this is one to apply extremely sparingly, but it’s a nice treat!

TRIED ON >> Summer means that it is acceptable to send your fashion in a nautical direction. Grab your deck shoes and aviators and embrace the sea-faring look.

One of the best pieces that I have tried on is the basket weave sweater from Joseph. This label isn’t usually associated with menswear, but I have long been a fan of the classic understated and stylish appeal of Joseph Menswear.

The textured crew neck is in a dark navy and has white accents at the neck, waist and sleeves. It’s simple, elegant and classic. Perfect for summer evenings. Available at www.joseph-fashion.com.

62 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

TRAVELLED TO >> Having gone through the slump of the recession and being snubbed as a destination for wannabe celebrities, tacky hen/stag dos and a growing lager-lout culture, Marbella has recently made earnest efforts to clean up its act.

Hoping to get some downtime together, my husband and I found ourselves in Marbella. Despite having stayed at the Villa Padierna several times before, it continues to blow us away with its beauty. Built like a grand Tuscan villa, it has an excellent golf course and spa. Conveniently located, it is in close proximity of our favourite hotspots: If you’re planning a trip to Marbs, here’s our must-dos: Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square) > unmissable for its windy cobbled streets, quaint little souvenir shops, bevy of traditional restaurants and a crumbling old chapel in the middle of the square.

Ocean Club Marbella > Champagne spraying and hedonistic parties are the order of the summer here.

Suko Thai > No one does Thai food better in all of Marbella and having bumped into Giorgio Armani here, I know my choice has great endorsement.

Villa Tiberio > It would be sacrilege to not make an evening of this beautiful Italian restaurant.

Cafe Del Mar > A beachside restaurant in a league of its own with bountiful supply of fresh paella, grilled fish and fresh pasta and a superb selection of wines. The chocolate desserts are not to be missed.

Suite Restaurant and Lounge > Inspired by a Middle Eastern Souk, this is a fusion restaurant at the Puento Romano better known for being a happening club.

Olivia Valero > Paying homage to the debauched hedonism of Babylon this club/sushi bar is no stranger to hot celebs and royalty. An adult’s playground that comes alive only after 1:30am.

Aurora Beach > This is a beachside restaurant where the locals eat and I think that is always the true test for any eatery. The pil pil shrimps, paella and grilled monkfish are exquisite.

Picasso > The endless queue is a testament to its popularity. The pizzas beg to be washed down with the devilishly-good milkshakes.

Los Bandidos > In my opinion, the finest restaurant on the marina - the menu truly lives up to its hype.

La Creperie > Tucked away on a side street behind the marina, it is almost impossible to get a table here and when you do, it is always a tight squeeze but the divine food more than makes up for it.

Pangea Club > Known for its late night clubbing under the stars, jaw dropping views and music by international DJs, this is a great choice for a few drinks and a holiday vibe.

Puro Beach > I would highly recommend booking a cabana by the poolside and a table for lunch. Do not miss the Miami Seabass here!

TASTED >> Whether you are dining alfresco under warm blankets in the courtyard, tucking into delectable pastries and fine champagnes in the lobby bar, or simply enjoying excellent food in the brasserie, at Chiltern Firehouse the sense of being in a private haven is very real. It has a homey charm which make it incredibly easy to forget the madness that exists beyond its fences.

TEMPTED BY >> Kaftans. This year I am feeling the bold and vibrantly colourful prints, with an end to the bling overkill.

THINKING ABOUT >> Disney’s Broadway smash hit, Aladdin has now arrived in London. I am seriously thinking about booking tickets, getting my brood together and making a trip to the capital.

JUL/AUG16

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In the land of the supercharged male fragrance Giorgio Armani brings you roses – in the form of Les Eaux rose Alexandrie edt, £105, 100ml House of Fraser

Thinning locks? Aveda Invati Men is a simple, quick and easy two-step system specifically designed for men to address one of their biggest hair concerns - thinning. Use every day to thicken locks and keep scalp healthy and smooth.

On sale at Aveda counters, Fenwick and John Lewis. Shampoo from £7, revitalizer, £45.

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BeoPlay A1: With up to 24 hours of battery life - the A1 is a portable bluetooth speaker that packs a punch well beyond its weight and size. £199 www.petertyson.co.uk

Boardies multi-colour print swim shorts, £45 House of Fraser

ler thoughts. Harland Mil Lie back with your is. it as it tell airs limited edition deckch teria.com £400. www.othercri

JUL/AUG16

Remy Nagelmaeker’s leather Macbook holder is designed specifically for travelling light and in comfort. The carry-on handle is a cool and easy way to pick up and carry your Mac. Gun-metal trim and leather outer adds some style.

119 Euro. www.mujjo.com

Dress like a pro for the outdoor barbi e session.

Mitts and apron se t, £29.95 John Le wis

Bose Quiet Comfort 35: The latest and best noise cancelling & bluetooth headphones, £289.95 www.petertyson.co.uk

ANDREA THOMPSON

LUXE LAPS

Andrea Thompson is married to well-known North East businessman Geoff Thompson. They live in Corbridge and are in the process of building a new home in East Lothian in Scotland. Andrea is retired and spends her time playing golf, being at home and walking the dog, Turkish, on the beach. The couple have four kids between them and recently became grandparents to little Max. CHILDHOOD CAR CRUSH >> Triumph Stag in red. I used to see one driving around and fell in love with it - or a Beetle convertible. I did eventually buy an old red Beetle convertible which I absolutely loved.

WHATS IN THE GARAGE NOW >> My husband Geoff has a few cars so mine won’t even fit in the garage!

YOUR DREAM CAR >> I’m lucky enough to have my dream car. My Bentley Bentayga, its very luxurious and has plenty of room for golf clubs and trips to the beach with Turkish.

64 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

CAPTAIN SLOW OR JEREMY >> Slow definitely - I have too many points. I was only doing 35 mph and was caught twice by a mobile camera.

The speeding tickets arrived within a week of each other.

I was scared to go to the post box after that in case another one landed Pretty annoying as I’ve had a clean licence for 33 years.

WHO’D BE GOOD FOR TOP GEAR >> Brian Johnson (ACDC). He’s good fun, a Geordie and knows his stuff. I know my son Philip would absolutely love the job. He loves cars and is a huge fan of the show.

TRACKS OF YOUR TYRES >> I listen to Smooth Radio and Capital. I also love Motown, jazz, and a wide range of music. I do like to sing along, especially to the oldies.

DREAM ROAD TRIP >> Driving the Amalfi coast in an old classic car. The roof off, and some great music playing with my husband Geoff and Turkish. I will never forget doing promotion

work in my early twenties and had a job dressed up as a giant bunny for Easter. I drove to the venue with a friend in my Beetle convertible with the hood down. We put the whole outfit on and our ears were flapping about all the way there!

WHAT’S IN THE GLOVE BOX >> Instruction manual, perfume, dog treats, ear plugs for Geoff when I’m singing - and sweeties.

HOW CLEAN IS YOUR CAR >> Very (I get into trouble from Geoff if it’s not!) I do like to keep it clean myself but sometimes it’s quite difficult as it is used for golf and any trips we do including taking Turkish out.

SCARY CAR MOMENTS >> I was driving in the fog on my way home from work one evening and ended up in the middle of a roundabout which was under construction. I was driving my mam’s brand new BMW and ended up going home in a recovery vehicle.

Thankfully no injuries (until I arrived home that is).

JUL/AUG16

Porsche recommends

Please leave the roundabout at the 37th exit.

and

Porsche Centre Newcastle Silverlink Park Wallsend Newcastle upon Tyne NE28 9ND 0191 295 1234 info@porschenewcastle.co.uk www.porschenewcastle.co.uk

The new 718 Cayman. For the sport of it.

Discover more: porsche.co.uk/718

Official fuel economy figures for the 718 Cayman S in l/100km (mpg): Urban 10.7-9.5 (26.4-29.7); Extra Urban 6.5-6.0 (43.5-47.1); Combined 8.1-7.3 (34.9-38.7). CO2 emissions in g/km 184-167.

The fuel economy and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated test results, are provided for comparability purposes only and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

3928-10572 PAdv_NEW 718 Cayman 157x216_Newcastle.indd 1

20/06/2016 13:04

The new Infiniti Q30

THE FIRST EVER INFINITI Q30 Born to Challenge

infiniti.co.uk #BornToChallenge

With its sleek and unique design and assistive technologies, discover how the new Infiniti Q30 stands out.

PCP Representative example: Infiniti Q30 1.5 DCi SE 36 monthly payments

On the road cash price

Customer deposit

Deposit contribution

Total amount of credit

Duration of agreement

Optional final payment

Total amount payable

Rate of interest P.A. (Fixed)

APR Representative

£249

£17,061

£249

£4,439

£16,812

36 months

£10,147

£19,396

5.73%

5.73%

Based on 8,000 miles per annum

Infiniti Centre Newcastle Middle Engine Lane, Silverlink Business Park, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear NE28 9NZ Phone: 0191 295 8686

www.infinitinewcastle.com

Official fuel economy figures for the model shown in mpg (l/100 km): combined 42.2 (6.7) to 68.9 (4.1). CO2 emission: 156 to 108 g/km.

Finance provided by Infiniti Financial Services, Eagle House, 78 St Albans Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD17 1AF. Subject to status. Guarantees and indemnities may be required. You must be at least 18 and a UK resident (excluding the Isle of Man and Channel Islands). Terms and conditions apply, please visit your local dealer for full details. Offer based on 8,000 miles per annum, excess mileage 8p per mile. Offers not available in conjunction with any schemes or other offers. Vehicle price includes first registration fee and 12 months’ road fund licence and delivery costs. Infiniti Europe Division of Nissan International SA, Zone d’Activités La Pièce 12, 1180 Rolle, Switzerland. Terms and conditions apply. Finance subject to status.

CO2/MPG figures based on EU regulated laboratory testing, and may not represent real-life driving results (which vary depending on driving behaviour, conditions and other factors). *Model shown is an Infiniti Q30 1.6 SE FWD OTR price £20,550. Prices exclude optional glass roof at £500, metallic paint at £670 and 19” alloy wheels at £700.

INFINITI CENTRE NEWCASTLE

LOOK AT THIS !

AT THE WHEEL Bob Arora gets to grips with some meaty motors Sassy, sporty and truly on-trend, the Evoque convertible is a sure-fire winner

Hat’s off to Evoque I was very lucky to be invited to the UK launch of the Evoque convertible in Christchurch, which has to be one of the most beautiful places in England. I was there with fellow journalists who all write for lifestyle magazines, so imagine me representing Luxe and rubbing shoulders with the writers for Red magazine, Town & Country etc and you have the gist.

We all met the car’s designer and the gentleman who planned the Evoque’s excellent sat-nav and infotainment system.

We were also given a talk about Land Rover’s involvement in the America's cup.

Sorry guys but I must admit I nearly fell asleep through this section as I have no interest in sailing at all - although I do wish Land Rover good luck trying to bring the cup back to England.

The Evoque was launched back in 2012 and it became the fastest selling Range Rover of all time. Victoria Beckham was brought on board to design the interior although I'm not sure what her input was at all. I was one of the many people who bought into the Evoque. Although it started off being quite reasonably priced, by the time you started adding in spec, the car became very expensive indeed. I went for the 5 door diesel Dynamic HSE, despite wanting the coupe I was advised to buy the 5 door for resale.

As most Evoque owners know it is a lovely looking car but I only kept mine a week as it was way too small. The story does have a happy ending though as I managed to swap the car for a nearly new Sport. I

66 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

suppose I shouldn't have mentioned that!

The convertible Evoque is a totally new niche for Range Rover being a truly premium drop-top SUV. During the war most of the Jeeps and Defenders had the roofs chopped off for machine guns and such and were very much workhorses with no luxury at all. Nissan chopped the roof off the Murano a while ago but it wasn't a sales success as it just looked odd. The Evoque convertible is nicely in-between style and function. It looks really good with the roof up or down and Instead of using a metal roof the designers decided to go with a fabric roof. The main benefits being weight saving and the fold away roof

The Evoque convertible is nicely in-between style and function. It looks really good with the roof up or down

of room or enough room for a few overnight bags or a trip to the supermarket for a weekly shop.

Owners have two trim options and they are either HSE Dynamic or HSE Dynamic Lux, with a fully-spec car costing up to £52,000.

Both engine choices are 2lt engines and despite the diesel being economical the petrol engine is the best choice all day long.

The petrol engine produces 237bhp and it gets to 62mph in 8.6 seconds and its top speed is 130mph. The best-selling engine will be the diesel which produces 171bhp and it gets to 62mph in 10.3 seconds getting to a top speed of 121mph.

As with any Range Rover this car excels off-road even if most owners will never venture that way. Even if they do it is generally mounting the pavement outside of the school. The car is fitted with sophisticated four wheel drive and it switches to front wheel drive when cruising and also features a 500mm wade capacity.

I’m guessing it wouldn't be good for people who sadly suffered in the recent floods this year, but it might be interesting to go

through shallow rivers or the like.

As with other Evoques the convertible is fitted with hill descent control and all-terrain progress control which would get most owners out of tricky conditions. Once you step inside the car you are greeted with a very nice interior as the leather and piano black trim just ooze quality. The heated seats are a nice touch, with self-parking and the rear sensors essential as the rear window is tiny.

I drove the orange coloured car and coupled with the black alloy wheels it really looked very smart. The infotainment system is much better than the previous Evoque's with the dash dominated by a 10.2 inch screen and the use of Google maps making for a much better system overall.

It was very easy to pair my phone to the system and everything was very user friendly.

I'm sure this Evoque will sell like hot cakes as it has no competition at the moment.

You have the practicality of a four-wheel drive car with the option to drop the roof whenever we get our Great British ‘summer’.

so there is a decent amount of boot space.

The roof can be folded on the move and it lowers and raises in 20 seconds.

Despite the roof being axed the Evoque was still very rigid with no scuttle or rattles in the cabin at all. This may have been due to the extra weight of the under-body reinforcement and the suspension has been strengthened which adds over 300kg over the coupe Evoque.

Despite the extra weight it was still great to drive at speed and it savoured corners and winding roads. The boot has 251 litres

JUL/AUG16

Certified Pre - O w n e d

DRIVE IN COLOUR

Boxing clever Boxster A ‘smile as you drive’ kind of motor, Porsche’s 718 Boxster is back in the driving seat

I was feeling the love recently when I was invited to four separate Porsche garage launches for the 718. I decided to go to our local Porsche garage at the Silverlink and it was really great to see some of the old team - yes I’m talking about you Sid! I’ve always had a soft spot for the Boxster as it was my introduction to the Porsche family. I remember the deal as if it was yesterday from start to finish. I bought a copy of Top Marques and saw this Boxster for sale in Edinburgh. A week later I was picking it up.

When I started the car up for the first time the noise made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. The engine is behind you and with the noise from the exhaust, it made for a truly memorable drive home especially with its exemplary handling.

After seeing the 718 being launched I really couldn’t wait to get my hands on the keys and take it for a drive. A trip to York was on the cards and the weather was great so I had the perfect car for the day.

As I’m lucky enough to get to drive different cars most weeks, it’s interesting when I get some feedback from people. I think the colour of the car and its red roof just made it look really amazing indeed. Normally no one even comments on the car, but the 718 was getting a few enviable looks, with people commenting on just how beautiful the car looked.

The Boxster has always been the benchmark for two seater sports cars so the 718 has a great deal to live up to. It has two engine choices like the previous Boxster. The difference now is that both engines are not only smaller but are both turbocharged.

68 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

You can choose from either a 2.0lt engine or a 2.5lt engine getting to 62mph in 5.1 and 4.6 seconds and top speeds of 170mph and 177mph respectively.

In the right hands the car should return around 35mpg and not surprisingly, whilst I had the car I managed to average around 20mpg! As I’ve said, the engine is mounted behind the driver so not only does that help give the car perfect weight distribution it also gives you two boots – one behind the engine and one at the front. As the engine powers the rear wheels all the front wheels have to do is the steering. The feedback from the handling is brilliant and I for one am a fan of the electric steering.

Unlike some I’ve tried recently, Porsche has nailed it with excellent feedback through the wheel.

The cars subtle design tweaks really look great but inside the car looks just like the 911 with the dash and multimedia system lightyears ahead of the previous model.

The system comes with Apple Play so it’s much easier to link your iPhone and to access music and media via the touchscreen display.

The optional Porsche adaptive suspension lets you choose from normal or sport mode.

This is more at home on a race track as you feel every imperfection in the road and we all know how bad our roads are here!

Owners will really relish driving this car down some country roads as it really feels planted to the road and there is virtually no body roll at all.

Put the car into sport mode using the new dial on the GT steering wheel and the engine really comes to life. From the popping and rasping noises from the exhaust, you really want to downshift all the time just to hear the symphonies from the engine.

The 718’s roof can be opened and closed on the move, despite being a cloth roof the wind and road noise isn’t that bad at

all, you can quite easily hold a conversation while driving on the motorway.

The rear visibility isn’t excellent though and I found myself needing to use the rear parking sensors all of the time.

As with all Porsche cars it’s very easy to go mad with the spec sheet.

The car comes with air conditioning as standard, part leather upholstery, digital radio, parking sensors and heated seats.

For me the car needs large alloy wheels and the excellent PDK gearbox.

They are priced from £42,000 for the base 718 with the S coming in at £51,000 - but believe me when I say they can become really expensive once you start ticking the options on the spec sheet.

If you are looking for a well-engineered two seater convertible the 718 is still the best car by miles and you can’t help smiling after every drive.

Car supplied by Porsche Newcastle

JUL/AUG16

ADVERTORIAL

The luxury of driving progress The new BMW 7 Series embodies the contemporary yet future-focused interpretation of exclusive driving pleasure. Generous levels of space, exclusive, modern aura, exquisite materials and precision workmanship The Highlights >> LET YOUR HANDS DO THE. Progress is motion – as demonstrated by BMW Gesture Control, which recognises pre-defined movements of your hand.

Adjusting volume, for instance, simply involves a small rotation of your index finger. There is also the touch function of the BMW Control Display as well as a new-generation voice control system.

All of this combines as a holistic operating concept that maximises convenience and safety.

SIMPLY POINT AND PARK. If you wish, the new BMW 7 Series can do the parking for you: courtesy of the Remote Control Parking function. Simply centre the vehicle ahead of a space, step out and use the BMW Display Key to manoeuvre the BMW into a tight parking space – without being inside the vehicle. The Welcome Light Carpet is another high point: when entering or exiting the car, the areas next to the doors are illuminated with an elegant carpet of light, creating a truly unique appearance.

AS A PASSENGER. Lean back and relax as a passenger in the Executive Lounge, you enjoy an altogether different class of travel. The seat behind the front passenger has several adjustment options and features an extendible footrest, so it’s left to you to decide on the most comfortable position. This, along with an enormous amount of legroom and unique all-round visibility, promises an exceptionally agreeable travel experience – time and time again.

WHERE MOTION IS EMOTION. Relaxation is your constant companion in the new BMW 7 Series. At ease in the Executive Lounge, you can sink into the high quality Nappa leather seats and stretch out your legs, or work in the exclusive atmosphere. There’s also BMW Touch Command, which gives you control of a host of comfort functions and settings from the rear. And if you want to enjoy a particularly tranquil ride, the Sky Lounge panoramic glass sunroof ensures the perfect mood: more than 15,000 light sources create an extraordinary, five-star plus ambience.

The BMW 7 Series is pure luxury. To book a test drive or for more information call Lloyd Newcastle on 0191 261 7366 or visit www.lloydnewcastlebmw.co.uk.

THE NEW BMW 7 SERIES. DRIVING LUXURY.

The new BMW 7 Series

The Ultimate Driving Machine

The new BMW 7 Series is designed to enhance the experience for drivers and passengers alike. It incorporates exquisitely crafted design, enhanced levels of comfort and an extensive range of pioneering technology, which truly asserts it as the most innovative car in its class. Among its highlights are BMW Remote Control Parking, using the unique Display Key, and BMW Gesture Control. Lloyd Newcastle are BMW Retailer of the Year 2015.

LLOYD NEWCASTLE

Barrack Road Newcastle Upon Tyne NE2 4LE 0191 261 7366 www.lloydnewcastlebmw.co.uk Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 7 Series Saloon range: Urban 24.8-51.4mpg (11.4-5.5l/100km).

Extra Urban 45.6-67.3mpg (6.2-4.2l/100km). Combined 34.9-60.1mpg (8.1-4.7l/100km). CO2 emissions 189-124g/km.

Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

JUL/AUG16

www.luxe-magazine.co.uk 69

OPEN AND SHUT CASE

TREND WATCH with Chris Stocks, Pol Kefton Premium Design A transitional approach to kitchen design

There are many areas to explore in kitchen design but a popular one within Pol Kefton is a transitional approach.

Transitional is simply a cleaner, more minimul take on traditional. Colours are more muted and detail simplified. In our studio in Sanderson Arcade Morpeth, this type of design is emphasised within the exclusive Charles Yorke collection with two painted, in-frame kitchens. Traditional and transitional design can be approached from several angles but to get it right it’s the small details that make a big impression.

USING THE HEIGHT >> Make the most of your height.

If you are fortunate enough to have a high ceiling (like the kitchen below), take advantage of this. Bespoke furniture will allow you to create cabinets as high as you like. We like using the space above appliances for wine storage.

SIMPLE FRAMED DESIGN FOR A CLASSIC LOOK IN THE 21ST CENTURY >> A classic and versatile look created using a simple framed door with narrow rails, this is our most common style, (right).

Playing with contrasting colours and materials can give stunning results; surrounding a dark painted island with lighter coloured units really draws the eye and makes a statement in the centre of the kitchen. Introducing a detail of illuminated glass wall cabinets can give you that secondary lighting detail. Adding a ‘nod’ to modernism by introducing the detail of a carefully chosen handle can make or break the design, we recommend a handle in either chrome, pewter or brass. Why not create a real focal point by adding an unusual piece of stone or quartz to the island top: It will always be a talking point for whoever visits. We believe lighting is everything, so hanging a fabulous pendant over a breakfast bar which is carefully matched in colour and finish to your handle choice, adds another layer of ambience and shows that your kitchen has been carefully designed by someone who knows what they’re doing.

<< THE DETAILS It’s not all about the door, there are many elements to consider with this type of design, pilasters, cornicing, storage details.

As you will see in this project (left), many of these details have been incorporated into this design.

To ensure that you are still in keeping with tradition it is imperative to use the cornice detail, this really finished the kitchen off. In some instances we would advice gaining the impression of height by increasing the height of the tall cabinet by adding cornice detail to the top, if possible finishing

Pol Kefton Kitchens Unit 1 Coopies Field, Coopies Lane Industrial Estate, Morpeth, Ne61 6Jt Telephone: 01670 503869

70 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

at ceiling height, you could then also continue the coving detail around the rest of your room to give you complete continuity.

OPEN & CLOSED STORAGE >> Using open storage solutions to create a contrast as well as acting in a functional manor is important. As you can see in the project, we have detailed an open plate storage facility with an oak inner detail.

CURVES >> Curves create a good way to take the ‘edge’ off a design. They can soften

Morpeth Bathrooms Unit 6B, Coopies Lane Industrial Estate, Morpeth, Northumberland, Ne61 6Jn Telephone: 01670 517638

and allow the design to flow more easily and can create a great working area for preparation where space is an issue. For the same reason they can be useful for creating seating areas whether formal or casual.

SKIRTING PLINTH >> Continuing your skirting around your base units finishes off that traditional built-in furniture feel. This works particularly well on islands. However, we would always place recesses to allow for your feet in high use areas such as the sink, hob or preparation area.

Pol Kefton Unit 16 | 17 Sanderson Arcade, Morpeth Ne61 1Ns Telephone: 01670 503749

JUL/AUG16

It’s your Heritage We have brand new exciting Heritage displays on at all of our four Megastores with some really exciting luxury bathroom ideas including the NEW rose gold taps & showers, metallic baths, plus fitted furniture. We have more Heritage displays on in our stores than anyone in the UK. s We give you the opportunity to touch feel and get into your choice of shower, bathroom or kitchen before you buy it, with each showroom having over 150 bathrooms & 35 kitchens you’re sure to see what you are looking for.

With a team of talented designers to offer advice and FREE computer planning & design, plus installation support on a larger project, you are sure to achieve your dream bathroom or kitchen.

Plus selected kitchens have FREE granite or Silestone worktops.

Norham Road, North Shields, NE29 7TN. Tel: 0191 2576511 Ryhope Street, Ryhope, Sunderland, SR2 0AB. Tel: 0191 5238164 Portrack Lane, Stockton-on Tees TS18 2HG. Tel: 01642 670 100 Tecaz Echo house, Pennywell Ind Estate SR4 9EN. Tel: 0191 534 7733

Tecaz www.tecaz.com

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 9am - 6pm Saturday: 9am - 5pm Sunday: 10am - 4pm

SUMMER SPACE in association with

INDOORS OUT I love the idea of extending your home style into your garden and this Sambala two seater lounger from Lombok is a beautiful piece designed for both indoor and outdoor use. The hand carved luxurious design and solid natural teak wood means no two pieces of this Indonesian furniture are the ever the same. You can enjoy the lounger in the garden during the summer months as the cushions shown are specifically for outdoor use, then bring it back indoors for the winter ready for a Christmas cushion makeover!

Sambala two seater lounger with cushions from Lombok, £2,195

www.greatlook.co.uk

BY CANDLELIGHT Lanterns always have been, and always will be, a staple accessory for the garden to create an inviting atmosphere. I like to splash out and update my lanterns each year as they soon look weathered after a harsh Yorkshire Dales’ Winter. Last year I was all about wicker, this year I am opting for oversized (inspired by recent Greek holiday) and contemporary industrial. These Vega lanterns from notonthehighstreet.com, made from blackened zinc and glass, are at the top of my list. Vega Lantern from notonthehighstreet.com from £62

HANGING AROUND This cooler than cool Indoor Outdoor Hanging Chair from Cox and Cox is an impressive feature piece for any home or garden, perfect to curl up in with a good book and a large glass of wine on a balmy summer’s evening. Made from durable materials that look just like light rattan, the chair has been intricately woven around a strong metal frame in a smooth egg shape and comes with a sumptuously filled cream seat cushion and headrest that are easily removable for storage and washing. Bring it indoors as winter approaches and it will make a contemporary, funky addition to any room in the house.

Indoor Outdoor Hanging Chair from Cox and Cox, £350

Summer luxe It’s the season of alfresco entertaining..

Charlotte Reilly gets your garden twinkling

ICE COOL ENTERTAINING Impress your BBQ guests with this fabulous garden table that doubles up as a trendy ice bucket! The St Mawes Drinks Planter Coffee and Dining Tables from Garden Trading are made from chunky reclaimed teak and complement any garden with their raw and weathered finish. The integral galvanised metal ice trough in its centre is ideal for serving and storing drinks, while entertaining, or alternatively can be used as a herb or floral planter to create a centrepiece with a difference.

St Mawes Drinks Planter Coffee Table

by Garden Trading, £580

HOT STUFF I love the juxtaposition of the two steel finishes within this contemporary Fire Pit design. The bowl of the Yanartas Fire Pit from notonthehighstreet.com is sanded to ensure natural rust forms over time, while the legs are hand-finished using the highest quality stainless steel. This fire pit takes its name from a Mediterranean land, which has been burning for at least 2,500 years and its shape is a reflection on nature’s eternal recurrence with a central element of fire.

You can also purchase a BBQ grate to go with the Fire Pit and have the legs inscribed with a personal message.

Alternatively, what about Jamie Oliver’s Dome80 Leggero Wood-Fired Oven? This pre-assembled wood-fired oven makes light work of cooking up crowd-pleasing, beautiful food outdoors, whatever the weather.

Personalised Yanartas Steel Fire Pit at notonthehighstreet.com £219 and Dome80 Leggero Wood-Fired Oven

by Jamie Oliver £2,000

HAPPY DAYS Yorebridge House is adorned with string lights throughout and I never tire of admiring their prettiness and the atmosphere they create. I believe string lights will remain a garden staple for some time and it will be lots of fun seeing all the fab and funky new designs appearing on the market as designers aim to step away from the traditional styles. I personally love these quirky coloured solar lightbulb strings that will give any outdoor space a cool urban twist and keep us all in a summer party mood. In the words of Russ Abbot, “I love a party with a happy atmosphere”!

Solar light bulb string lights by London Garden Trading £19.95

Charlotte’s Little Black Book >>

lombok.co.uk notonthehighstreet.com jamieoliverovens.com or available at John Lewis, Eldon Square, Newcastle. coxandcox.co.uk gardentrading.co.uk farrow-ball.com. Also available at Fred Williamson & Sons stores across the North East. ellajames.co.uk londongardentrading.com

72 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

Charlotte and husband David, own the five-star, three-rosette Yorebridge House, a multi award-winning boutique hotel and restaurant in the Yorkshire Dales.

After graduating from Winchester Art College with a BA Honours degree in Textile Design, Charlotte launched Reilly and Emmerson Interiors, which she ran for ten years alongside friend and business partner Kate Reilly, who still runs the business today.

In 2006 Charlotte and David followed their lifelong dream of buying and renovating a beautiful historic building and created their perfect hotel, which Charlotte designed from the ground up. In the nine years since opening, Yorebridge House has earned many awards in recognition for its interiors, restaurant and service and attracts visitors from all around the world.

JUL/AUG16

Exciting new products!

Visit our newly extended/refurbished 10,000sqft showroom and let us make your dreams come true.

If you are looking for flair and innovative design it doesn’t matter what part of your home you want to improve. We can achieve what you are looking for and beyond, all under one roof. No need to visit showroom after showroom, it’s now all here!

Come and see all of our actual-size fabulous displays and discuss your ideas with one of our experienced designers.

• Kitchens • Bedrooms • Bathrooms • Orangeries • Guardian Roofs • Windows • Doors • Bi-Fold Doors • Replacement Roofs

10th Avenue West Team Valley Gateshead NE11 0HL Opposite Retail World

www.greatlook.co.uk 0191 4913836

A GROWING SUCCESS in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

As new owner of the iconic Cleveland Tontine hotel, Chris Blundell plans a hands-on approach that includes food on the plate from his own kitchen garden. Kathryn Armstrong met him

Sow much

pleasure 74 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

Chris Blundell has long had an affinity with soil. From days getting grubby in the gardens as all small boys do, to overseeing one of North Yorkshire’s most impressive gardens.

From breeding prime cattle and grouse to subtly shaping the nation’s food habits in his role as a director of supermarket Morrisons, a business started by his uncle, Sir Ken Morrison.

He knows food, he knows farming and, in a role as trustee with the Royal Horticultural Society, he knows growing.

At his home, Mount St John, near Thirsk, Chris has created one of North Yorkshire’s finest formal gardens with uninterrupted views for 50 miles.

And it is also where Chris oversees a remarkable garden that feeds the kitchens of the hotel group of which he is chairman – Provenance Inns.

Chris and business partner Michael Ibbotson have just bought the well-known Cleveland Tontine Inn, which perches by the A19 near Stokesley and Northallerton.

It becomes the ninth acquisition for the pub and hotel group, which also owns the West Park Hotel in Harrogate, the Carpenters Arms at Felixkirk and the Black Bull at Moulton near Darlington as well as The Punch Bowl Inn, Marton-cum-Grafton and The Durham Ox, Crayke.

The Cleveland Tontine is an exciting project admits Chris: “We have lots of plans – there are opportunities to extend and create more bedrooms – we would like to have 20-plus. The building overlooks the hills and is a fine setting and there is already permission granted for some of the expansion.

“It is a fantastic building with lots of interesting spaces within. There is the iconic bistro of course and lots of scope for private dining and events.

“Good food is at its heart and our business, as the name suggests, is all about provenance; where we source food is important.”

Chris is the perfect man at the helm of such things. He bought his home, the Mount St John estate, some 16 years ago and set to work on revitalising its kitchen garden.

The first customer was The Star at Harome and Michelin-starred chef Andrew Pern.

“We’d head up there if we had a glut of produce from the garden for them >>

JUL/AUG16

LUXURIOUS HAND-CRAFTED KITCHENS designed with you in mind.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OAKSTONE DESIGNS PLEASE VISIT,

www.oakstonedesigns.co.uk Follow us on Pinterest and Instagram @OakstoneDesigns

A GROWING SUCCESS in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

to sell in their shop”, he says.

Chris has had a long involvement with the food industry with both Heinz and Morrisons (on the marketing side). At the time he was there, Morrisons was the country’s fourth biggest food retailer and second largest food manufacturer.

“I always wanted to get involved in the hospitality side of things – there is an obvious transference of skills from a multi-outlet operation, be that in property acquisition or food production.

“I had been director of wines and spirits with Morrisons too, so we put that into practise in Provenance with good wines by the glass as well as our focus on well-sourced food.”

The Cleveland Tontine has built an excellent reputation over a number of years and we are delighted to have the opportunity to build upon this

In the Mount St John vegetable garden we catch up with kitchen gardener, Fiona Slight who is tending the polytunnels, encouraging the cut flowers and nurturing her micro-herbs.

She explains: “We call the chefs at our restaurants on a Monday and let them know what will be ready for them later in the week so they can tweak their menus.

“We supply the Carpenter’s Arms with all their rhubarb and of course, the autumn apples are always in great demand”, she says.

This summer’s beds are flourishing with florence fennel, broadbean monica, pest-beating nasturtiums and chefs’ favourite, sweet Sunbelle tomatoes.

A rainbow of salad leaves and micro herbs

are shimmering in the day’s sunshine and there’s excitement over a cucamelon, which tastes like a cucumber but looks like a watermelon, used for garnish in salads.

In the glasshouses, figs and apricots are weaving their way along Victorian brick walls waiting for a late-summer harvest.

As well as the growing, at Mount St John there’s also game from the estates nearby.

Mount St John is very proud to have strong links with chefs Brett Graham from MIchelin-starred The Ledbury and Mike Robinson, from Fulham’s MIchelinstarred Harwood Arms. Both shoot on the estate. Mike is a renowned expert

on preparing and cooking game.

“Our game will certainly be on the menu at The Tontine”, says Chris.

Mount St John Sporting, through Yorkshire Game also supply the Provenance Inns hotels and pubs with their venison, grouse, partridge and other game from the shotting estates nearby.

Game is provided to Marks and Spencer and the estate also has an Aberdeen Angus beef suckler herd providing beef for Waitrose, together with a sheep enterprise.

Chris’ accumulation of a lifetime of knowledge – in and around soil on every level – means the message is a heartfelt

one reflected within the group’s businesses but also proudly demonstrated on the plate.

“The provenance of food and where we source it is very important and we actually practise it in the business and will bring that to the Tontine”, says Chris.

“The Cleveland Tontine has built an excellent reputation over a number of years and we are delighted to have the opportunity to build upon this. We will be underpinning its standing as a fine-dining establishment by offering our own seasonal and locally-sourced produce and we are committed to delivering the best possible experience.”

>> New owners of the Cleveland Tontine, Chris Blundell and Michael Ibbotson in the iconic bistro

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JUL/AUG16

Perfect shower set

half price

£395 Grohe’s RRP

£790

Our business, as the name suggests, is all about provenance; where we source food is important

working model on display in showroom

10 Stirling Court, Eleventh Avenue North, Team Valley, NE11 0JF

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www.luxe-magazine.co.uk 77

DIG THIS

PLOT

with Darren Crichton-Jones, owner, Bradley Gardens, Wylam Explore the lush, blooming grounds of Bradley Gardens this summer stands in its original state and serves as the Glasshouse Cafe. Originally it would have housed the like of pineapple hot beds and many exotic fruits and plants.

Not to be missed is the Vitis which, today, dominates the interior of the far right glasshouse extension. Its magnificent foliage, draped in fruiting looms, devotes its success to the perfect conditions created by the glasshouse.

As we enter midsummer, August seems certainly a more relaxing month for the gardener. Of course a keen watchful eye for the infamous aphid and other pests just waiting for that opportunity to rear its ugly head is a must – the slightest sign and let warfare commence! But on the whole, one can sit back and admire both foliage and flowers with the occasional ‘dead heading’ to keep plants looking fantastic and at their

July and August are the perfect months to visit, enabling you to witness the transformation of a garden which, until recently, was threatened with disrepair No garden is complete without the contribution from it natural inhabitants being both bird and wild mammal. While walking around the gardens you are quite likely to hear the resident Green Woodpecker almost ‘laughing’ as it forages beneath the trees.

Step inside the Victorian walls of Bradley Gardens and let your senses come alive.

July and August are the perfect months to visit, enabling you to witness the transformation of a garden which, until recently, was threatened with disrepair.

People always say that first impressions count. Well, what waits behind the inconspicuous, rustic doorway leading up from the car park will certainly leave a very long lasting impression, one certainly to impress and not disappoint.

The gardens immediately emerge from a quaint entrance and open into a series of both woody and herbaceous flower beds.

The finery of Astilbe in quantity with its feathery plumes, clothed with a multitude of flowers is dwarfed by a spectacular display of towering Aruncus (goats beard) and dominates one of the many mature borders just waiting to be explored.

The garden boasts a very impressive

78 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

best. As the garden relaxes in the summer sun, it is non-stop for the Glasshouse café, which is housed in the original glasshouses and nearby in the potting sheds are the Bradley shops where you can buy everything from garden ware, home accessories or a gift for the budding cook in the family.

specimen of Cornus Kousa ‘Chinesis’ which has flowered slightly early this year. Its mass of ovate cream bracts engulf the foliage and provide a display to behold.

Its aspect in the garden is well suited to its habitat and is thriving in the moist but well-drained loam soil.

Venture a little further and be met by the splendour of Asparagus officianalis. Widely cultivated as a vegetable crop, it was once classified in the lily family (Lillyacea) but is now Asparagaceae. The young asparagus spears have over 10 years developed into a border hedge. This herbaceous hedge graces the garden as its fern like mass sway effortlessly in the breeze turning a golden colour in the autumn.

A shady border displays a striking variety of the shade loving Hosta. With its diverse leaf shape, size and colour, the different textured leaves provide excellent ground cover and help suppress the constant fight against unwanted weeds.

The most impressive aspect of the garden has to be the 1850s Glasshouse, which

JUL/AUG16

LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES

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Fresh herbs and punchy aromas guaranteed thanks to beautiful reconditioned, old wooden handled herb choppers - both mezzaluna and square shaped blades available. £26. www.re-foundobjects.com

BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN

A huxmar summer house will add a touch of style and luxury living to your outdoor space For more information or to discuss your requirements t: 01665 710474 ¦ e: info@huxmar.com ¦ www.huxmar.com

JUL/AUG16

www.luxe-magazine.co.uk 79

LUXE LOCAL

Corbridge What was once a bustling supply base for Roman troops is now one of Northumberland’s most affluent and celebrated villages - you’ll be hard pushed to find anyone with a bad word to say about it. Steeped in history and rich in culinary and fashion flavour, it’s the perfect place for historians, foodies, arty types and shopaholics alike

PROPERTIES >> Pretty stone cottages aplenty - some aged, with lovely scuffed character and original features and others smarter, boasting whitewash, just-built good looks, contemporary interiors and very posh price tags indeed. Count how many enchanting, multi-coloured doorways you can find as you stroll the winding streets.

Chic courtyards, home to luxury apartments and penthouses, are dotted about if you’re in the market for a slice of the high life, while bigger family homes, scenic semis and Edwardian terraces can be found on the outskirts.

CONNECTED >> The village is served by Corbridge railway station (found on the Tyne Valley Line, which follows the course of the River Tyne through Northumberland), allowing leisurely

shoppers and day-trippers to hop on and off from Newcastle all the way through to Carlisle.

A visit from the Toon will take you around 40 minutes on the tracks, while a trip to buzzy Hexham lasts less than 10.

Travelling by car? It’s an easy journey from the north via the A69, but the roads can prove busy if you find yourselves on the A1 (via the A695) or A68. Looking for somewhere to stay? Look no further than The Angel of Corbridge - it offers stellar accommodation and phenomenal food.

SHOP >> They say good things come in small packages and we know this to be true when it comes to Corbridge’s shopping scene. You’ll be surprised at how many independent gems you’ll stumble upon while wandering the pretty high street and market square.

If fashion is your passion, Norma James is

a must-visit. It’s been going strong since 1970, evolving from a smart occasion wear store to the village’s go-to for big labels, from Joseph Ribkoff to Barbour.

Katie Kerr is nice for more quirky finds it stocks a carefully-chosen mix of stylish, lesser-known brands from Europe and the US. The small and super friendly team seek out trusted favourites you won’t find in the

indulge in some pampering. It’s called The Ritual Rooms and offers top-of-the-range Elemis facials and fab Jessica manicures.

Green-fingered shoppers will love Corbridge Garden Room for outdoor nick-nacks, but for cool, arty homeware and textiles, it has to be RE. Run by Jenny Vaughn and Simon Young, it’s a treasure trove for homey trinkets, retro furniture and recycled

You’ll be surprised at how many independent shopping gems you’ll stumble upon while wandering the pretty high street and market square department stores. The team have a second store just up the road devoted entirely to shoes and accessories.

The village is also home to one of the North East’s most coveted bridal boutiques - The Wedding Dress Company - and a sumptuous beauty salon and spa for those wanting to

goodies. An hour of digging around in there will feel like five minutes.

Forum Books is heaven on earth for young bookworms and Saunders & Pughe is the place to be for contemporary, handmade jewellery. Here you’ll find one-of-a-kind pieces and precious items from leading British and European designers.

EAT >> Grants Bakery is known and loved for its spectacular confectionary creations. Owned and ran by award-winning patisserie chef, Andrew Cotterell, this beauty of a bakery is stocked with everything from continental breads and fresh-from-the-oven scones, to towering cakes and sweet treats of all shapes and sizes. Drool at the shop front a window of pastry and patisserie - before nabbing a table and devouring a slice of cheesecake.

Il Piccolo is the village’s best-loved local for authentic Italian grub and an exciting

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JUL/AUG16

LUXE LOCAL vino menu. It’s run by Sicilian-born chef, Manuele Orto, and home to a great deli and Gelateria. Enjoy a tasty tapas-style lunch with Sinatra oozing from the stereo, or visit in the evening for a slap-up meal.

For fancy brunches - or just a cuppa with your feet up - The Corbridge Larder is a great little spot. Kick back with a spot of Afternoon Tea in the Heron Cafe or snap up some locally-produced, artisan goodies in the premium Food Hall.

STROLL >> The hills of Northumberland surround you as you stroll around and explore the secret streets and courtyards. Past the village lies Aydon Castle and Corbridge Bridge stretches along the Tyne and offers truly breathtaking views. Embark on a tranquil, riverside walk along to Hexham if you have time (and the weather) on your side. Four miles of peace, quiet and Instagram-worthy sights guaranteed.

PROPERTY WATCH WITH DUNCAN YOUNG

LIFE AFTER BREXIT

my local Nick Oliver is part owner of both Katie Kerr stores in Corbridge. He lives in the village and has been selected to stand in next year’s county council elections.

Three good things about living here >> Beautiful surroundings; historic buildings, open countryside and riverside walks.

It’s the place to bring up children, with excellent schools and sports clubs and a friendly community. Fantastic independent shops!

Three places you take visitors >> Corbridge Roman Town – a site of major historical importance. Walks along the river.

A first XV game at Tynedale Rugby Club.

An ‘in the know’ secret >> There is lots to see and do in the main streets, but off the beaten track there are some gems too. Il Piccolo restaurant and deli, homeware retailer RE and the Dyvels Inn Beer Garden. It’s worth taking the time to explore!

property: three to choose Chic cottage A grade II listed property that has been extensively renovated to provide a bright, spacious and flexible space for those who like a project. A beautiful blank canvas with a generous private courtyard and garage.

£950,000 www.finestproperties.co.uka

Village appeal A charming, three-bedroom house in a central position within the village. Boasts a stunning, south-facing terraced garden with several outdoor areas for entertaining and panoramic views over the river and beyond

£495,000 www.rightmove.co.uk

Terrific townhouse A modern family town house, located in one of Corbridge’s most desirable estates.

The spacious build has five bedrooms and private landscaped gardens.

£395,000 www.onthemarket.com

JUL/AUG16

Writing this one week before the vote on whether the United Kingdom stays in the European Union, I hope by now that the decision is known and we can hopefully relax in the knowledge that we are firmly remaining in the European Union.

If the vote has gone the other way, then no doubt there will be an aftershock as perceived concerns come to reality.

The interesting facts are that, six to seven weeks before the European vote took place, the housing market cooled and we saw a very clear indication of peoples’ concerns.

Understandably, when statements from the treasury indicated house prices may reduce by 10-18% over the next two years, prospective buyers most likely thought ‘let’s wait until after the vote is known’. It is ever more surprising in this world how quickly the media focuses on extremes of what may or may not happen. This is clearly indicated from the Brexit vote, but also, the first half of last year was by the general election and then later in the year 2015, fears about China and about oil caused uncertainty in the economy.

The reality is that since 2007 the housing market has seen considerable turbulence, mainly due to the lack of confidence in the economy and the uncertainty about income, cost of living and jobs. In 2014 we saw the first year of confidence and a rebound in the optimism of the house buyer. The majority of estate agents throughout the country reported confident sales and a marketplace that was returning to some kind of normality, with equal supply and demand of property. In 2015 the market wobbled again because of the election, China and oil fears.

In 2016 we traded well from January to April, but then May and June saw the impact of the referendum and the fears once again returned.

I hope that, reading this in July, we have remained in the European Union and we are returning our economy to stability and the confidence in the housing market is rebounding.

We can, in the North East of England, still buy a property for less than what it was worth in 2007 in the majority of areas. However, there are clear indications that for many people the supply of housing is low and in popular areas, especially the suburbs of Newcastle and coastal areas of Bamburgh and Tyne Valley and villages like Corbridge, demand is outstripping supply and the stock levels are running low; therefore prices will rise.

We need to build more new homes, we need to increase the stock levels and we need to keep the confidence high so that buyers can find a home to live in and the age of people buying their first home drops once again. It is quite frightening to see that the age of people buying their first home now has risen to an average of 31 years of age.

The deposits required have also dramatically increased, with the average house price for a first time buyer being £211,000. Assuming a first time average deposit of 17%, this would leave a mortgage of £175,000. At four and a half times salary requirements for most lenders, it requires the first time buyer to have an average yearly earning of £38,917 and yet, for the majority of the first time buyers, this is completely unaffordable.

It is only by increasing the housing stock and building purpose targeted housing for first time buyers, at reduced market level prices, that we can give these young people the opportunity of living in their own homes.

Planning departments and councils throughout the country have recognised this demand and have granted planning permission for many new homes to be built. In this region we have seen tremendous examples of that, especially in Morpeth where well over 1,200 units have been granted planning permission for construction in the next five years.

Life after the referendum is a more confident one I hope, providing greater aspect and outlook for home owners and of course continuing with the opportunity to rent as well as own your home.

Our region has a lot to be proud of. We remain throughout the country a very competitive area to live in and our average house price is considerably below that of the national average. The region shows great opportunity and a willingness to expand, with a labour force keen to learn and change. Our geography, our coastline and our fabulous rich history creates a magnificent area for leisure and enjoyment, so that the opportunity to work hard, play hard and live long remains very strong.

Duncan G Young Dip.Est.Man.FNAEA, Managing Director, Sanderson Young duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk 0191 223 3500

www.luxe-magazine.co.uk 81

SELLING THE REGIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FINEST HOMES

RUNNYMEDE HOUSE RUNNYMEDE ROAD, DARRAS HALL

PRICE GUIDE: PRICE ON APPLICATION

Runnymede House, one of the finest mansion houses within its area, is a stunning property in a fabulous mature garden site. Supervised by the owner in its construction in 2007, the gardens have beautiful walkways, elaborate planting and superb lighting. The interior is outstanding with state of the art home automation system from Crestron giving control of all audio visual, mood lighting and security systems; the alarm system is enhanced by police quality CCTV.

Stunning reception hall with solid oak staircase | Cloakroom and separate wc | Outstanding kitchen and breakfast room, incorporating a family/TV room, with doors to terrace | Dining room | Home cinema with magnificent audio/visual capability | Drawing room | Garden room with doors to terrace | Four luxury bedroom suites | Fifth bedroom | Family bathroom | Gymnasium with sauna and steam room | Large entertainment/games room with external roof terrace | Garaging for three plus cars with area above with potential as a self contained apartment | Extensive parking | EPC: B

From Sanderson Young ALL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRIES TO 0191 223 3500 OR EMAIL: DUNCAN.YOUNG@SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK | WWW.SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK

SELLING THE REGION’S FINEST HOMES

THE WEST WING ANGERTON HALL, HARTBURN, MORPETH

PRICE GUIDE: £750,000

This fabulous country home, with gardens of 0.75 acres, offers quality period accommodation with stunning views from its elevated position. The Hall, built by John Dobson in the 19th Century, was divided into two wings in the 1950s. The West Wing was purchased by the current owners in 2013 and has been renovated to an extremely high standard with quality interior design, beautiful high ceilings, stunning plasterwork, marble fireplace and working shutters.

Hall | Drawing room | Conservatory/dining room | Kitchen/breakfasting room with Aga | Utility/boot room | Cloakroom/wc | Ground floor shower room/ wc | Cloaks/store room | Barrel vaulted cellar providing good sized TV room with study area | Second utility | Luggage store/boiler room | Ground floor master bedroom with sitting area | Three first floor double bedrooms, one with dressing room and en-suite | Family bathroom | Gardens with open lawns Stunning courtyard | Private driveway | Double plus garage | Outbuildings | Dog run to side of woodland | EPC: F

From Sanderson Young ALL CONFIDENTIAL ENQUIRIES TO 0191 223 3500 OR EMAIL: DUNCAN.YOUNG@SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK | WWW.SANDERSONYOUNG.CO.UK

local, regional, national and international specialists in property marketing

THE STABLES, WHITE HOUSE FARM, INGLEBY BARWICK

£445,000

One of just five homes created from barns at White House Farm by a multi award-winning developer, The Stables benefits from an elevated position that gives panoramic countryside and river views.

16 PARK AVENUE, WYNYARD

Contact: 0191 384 2277

£529,999

An imposing residence occupying a prime corner plot in Park Avenue, Wynyard. Recently extended exceptionally well to provide additional bedroom and family accommodation, and with planning permission for further development in place.

GREYSTONES, SEAHAM

Contact: 01740 645 444

£1,175,000

A calming coastal retreat, an exclusive boutique hotel or a unique home for several generations, the opportunities of this exceptional grade II listed former rectory are limited only by imagination.

Wynyard 01740 645 444

Tyne Valley 0845 459 6000

Contact: 0191 384 2277

Newcastle 0845 459 6000

Durham 0191 384 2277

Cumbria 0845 872 5453

residing@fineandcountry.com

info@durhamfineandcountry.co.uk info@wynyardfineandcountry.co.uk residing@fineandcountry.com cumbria@fineandcountry.com

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THE OLD FORGE, WITTON PARK, BISHOP AUCKLAND

£329,950

A home with history, the peace and tranquility that surrounds The Old Forge today contrasts sharply with the noise and activity that would once have been daily life at the village blacksmiths.

10 WELLINGTON DRIVE, WYNYARD

£750,000

Wellington Drive occupies a prime location in one of the most sought after streets in exclusive Wynyard Village.

Its whitewashed exterior makes it unique in this collection of prestigious, detached homes.

18 MANOR FIELDS, WYNYARD

Northumberland 0845 459 6000

sales@fineandcountry-lakes.co.ul

info@durhamfineandcountry.co.uk

Contact: 01740 645 444

£525,000

Manor Fields is already an excellent five-bedroom family home but with the advantage of extended living space with open plan kitchen and dining is to be found on many wish lists of the ideal home.

Lakes 01539 733 500

Contact: 0191 384 2277

Contact: 01740 645 444

www.fineandcountry.com Head office: 121 Park Lane, Mayfair, London WIK 7AG.

DAV I D DA L E

LUXE LIFE

David Dale heads the private wealth team at Bond Dickinson. He joined the firm 16 years ago and advises high net worth individuals and their families, including business owners and is recognised as a trusted commercial adviser.

LUXE PEOPLE >> My family and in particular my late father. I am very fortunate having met a number of inspirational people, Peter Ustinov and Stephen Fry to mention two, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the visionary Leonardo da Vinci, sadly never met in person!

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > Home is North Northumberland, truly God’s country. I see no better place to relax. We have it all, stunning countryside, beautiful beaches, history and eateries to die for.

A long holiday > I am passionate about Cuban cigars, so my first choice would be a week in Havana, touring the famous cigar factories and then time to relax on the coast, perhaps Varadero, enjoying my newly acquired Cohiba’s and a rum!

A treat > A day’s clay pigeon shooting with my two sons and an early evening dinner with my long suffering wife, Jackie, and of course her choice of restaurant.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > I prefer red meat over fish so I have to say beef, medium rare.

Best wine >…My preference is red and I enjoy Rioja, for white I would favour a light chardonnay. These days I find my wine is best enjoyed with good friends creating great memories.

Best restaurant > We are spoilt for choice in the North of England but looking further afield, I would say La

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Chevre D’Or, near Nice. We stumbled across this with good friends on a trip to Monaco. Good food, wine, a fabulous location with good friends - a perfect menu for success.

Perfect weekend > My weekend usually starts late Friday evening with a drive home enjoying a cigar. Saturday morning brings an early swim. Weather permitting, my gardening involves a significant amount of time repairing our garden machinery and if I’m lucky I get to play in my workshop. After 20 years my steam garden railway is nowhere near complete! We have three dogs and two cats and the coast is only a few miles away.

Evenings often consist of a client dinner, people who, by now, are usually very good family friends.

Downtime means > Selfishly I would say time in my workshop. The combination of problem solving and engineering a solution is most satisfying.

Best telly > Normally this is in the form of catch up or Netflix. I’m a Breaking Bad convert and I’ve just found Bosch. Although in truth I’m still a Sherlock Holmes fan…

Best book > My reading material is wide and varied but The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci stand out.

Best sounds > I enjoy a wide selection of music, including my two sons ‘mixes’ as they see themselves as budding DJs. In my car I tend to play classical, Handel top of my list. The real beauty of music is hearing my gas engine running smoothly….knowing I am producing electricity for our off grid home!

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > Without doubt Singapore. I am a gadget freak and Singapore is made for me. I think it would be fair to say that it even keeps my family happy with a vast array of designer shops - not to mention the widest selection of handbags.

Favourite shop > Really I have two. Holland & Holland British gun maker and JJ Fox as Cuban cigar importers, both based in London and very close to each other!

Retail retreat > Custom doggie treats for our Jack Russell’s from Holy & Lil. Percy and Alfie are worth it.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > My eldest son, Adam’s 21st.

A surprise party at the Shard on the 32nd floor with our own cocktail waiter. Fantastic food to share with his close friends and family until the early hours.

Unforgettable.

Perfect party > Bond Dickinson’s Christmas party bringing fancy dress a new meaning. Yes, I was Batman.

Perfect night out > Great food, wine and conversation with close friends to remember and create future memorable moments.

Best outfit > I should say my Versace or Prada pinstripe suit but I like to think it is my Paul Smith shorts and t-shirt.

Dinner date > Obviously my wife. Even though I say so myself, I cook a great steak and we always have a Rioja at hand. Sadly Jackie won’t share my Cohiba VI (Cuban cigar) with me.

YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> This is easy as my wife informs me, on a regular basis, that she will cite my workshop, in particular my milling machine and lathe in a divorce! My workshop has taken many years to build and one day I will find time to finish my many projects…. not forgetting my garden railway. Well, after all one can’t hurry matters and at least it may be completed for future grandchildren.

www.bonddickinson.com

JUL/AUG16

GET OUTSIDE

eat

Picnics & playdays

Ingredients

Summer is made for laid-back outdoor eating and to get you in the mood for some very posh picnicking, Gareth Rayner, head chef at The Coach House, Middleton Lodge has devised these impressive outdoor recipes

A selection of Heritage tomatoes Buffalo mozzarella Aged balsamic vinegar Basil/basil cress Mayonnaise Olive oil

Basil Mojito >>

Method

Fruit scones >>

Ingredients

Method

Ingredients

Method

4 wedges of lime Sugar syrup Soda water Large handful of basil

Add the lime wedges to a glass and muddle (crush) Add roughly 25ml sugar syrup Beat the basil, by clapping it between your hands, and add to the glass Add ice to the glass (preferably crushed ice) Garnish with lime zest

250g plain flour 45g butter 45g sugar 65g sultanas 15g baking powder 125ml milk 1 egg

Pre heat your oven at 160oC. Mix the flour and butter together, until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the sugar and baking powder to the mixture. Add the milk slowly and fold in, until soft dough is formed. Finally, add the sultanas.

Flour a board and roll out your dough to the desired thickness and cut with your chosen pastry cutter.

Evenly place on a baking tray with grease-proof paper. Egg-wash the scones and bake at 160oC for approximately 15mins, dependent on size.

Beef burger >> Ingredients

Method

THE BURGER 1kg mince steak 1 onion 2 clove garlic crushed 1 egg 100g breadcrumbs 1 tbls chopped parsley 1 tbls chopped tarragon 2 tbls tomato puree 4 tbls soy sauce 4 tbls tomato ketchup 1 tsp salt

For the burger, mix all the ingredients together in a larger bowl, until fully incorporated. Knead for about two minutes. Shape into balls, then flatten to desired thickness. Cook on a chargrill for about 10 minutes.

Once cooked to your desired time, layer up the brioche buns. Starting with mayonnaise, tomatoes, beef burger, coleslaw, gem lettuce. Then tuck in.

At The Coach House we serve the beef burger with a kimchi coleslaw a Korean-spiced coleslaw to help cut through the sweetness of the beef burger.

THE FILLING AND BUN Brioche/burger buns (toasted) Gem lettuce Mayonnaise Tomatoes Coleslaw

JUL/AUG16

Heritage tomato salad >>

Start by roughly slicing the heritage tomatoes into different shapes and sizes – keep it informal and relaxed in style.

Drizzle over a little olive oil and leave at room temperature (tomatoes are better at room temp) for about 20 minutes.

Pull apart your mozzarella, shred the basil and mix into your mayonnaise (at The Coach House we first make a basil flavoured oil, then use the oil to produce our homemade mayonnaise).

Arrange the tomatoes on a plate with the basil mayonnaise dotted around.

Add the mozzarella drizzle over the balsamic vinegar (in the restaurant we make a balsamic vinegar gel, by using a product called agag agar, but drizzling the vinegar will give the same flavour).

Sprinkle over the basil, or basil cress if available.

You can add also some bread crisps, if desired, for texture (we use puffed wild rice for that extra texture and crunch.)

“Our heritage tomato salad, washed down with a basil mojito is delicious for an al fresco lunch.

The sweetness of the tomato works well with the strong basil flavour, there’s definitely a feel of the Mediterranean with this dish” www.luxe-magazine.co.uk 87

FIRED UP

Fish course goes outdoors WITH TERRY LAYBOURNE

You can’t beat seafood cooked outdoors so forget the meat, fire up the barbie and impress your family and friends with Saltwater Fish Company’s healthy recommendations for the BBQ this summer When the sun is shining thoughts naturally turn to cooking and eating al fresco because let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a barbecue? As evocative of an English summer as strawberries and cream but all too often us Brits favour meat over fish on the coals. Steamed, grilled or pan-fried, fish is always a delight but introduce it to fire and the outcome is truly magnificent - it’s time we made more room for it on the barbie.

Whether you’re barbequing during the week or at the weekend these two recipes are simple, light and sure to satisfy.

Something for a school night – king prawns are made for the barbecue – easy to marinate, which gives them an extra kick of flavour, and quick to cook. If you’re barbecuing mid-week, king prawns with Indian spices are just the ticket lovely served with warm naan bread and a salad of sliced tomatoes, red onion,

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cumin and fresh coriander.

Something for the weekend? Whole grilled fish is a summer favourite in the Mediterranean - the skin protects the flesh of the fish whilst the bones help to add flavour and moisture. If you’re planning a barbecue for two or are entertaining at the weekend, whole sea bass with fennel, black olives and oregano served with salsa verde is a real joy.

For more recipes, visit Saltwater Fish Company in Fenwick Food Hall.

Grilled Whole Seabass >> SERVES 4 Ingredients 1 Whole sea bass, around 550-600g 1 /2 Small fennel bulb 2 tsp Thyme leaves 2 tsp Oregano leaves 75g Small black olives, stoned

Method Rinse the fish, pat dry and then remove the fins from the fish with kitchen scissors.

Trim the fennel bulb, cutting out most of the core but retaining the leafy fronds.

Shave the fennel into very thin slices using a mandolin and then transfer to a bowl with the thyme, oregano, olives and fennel fronds – season with salt and pepper.

Stuff the fish generously with the fennel mixture and secure the cavity with a cocktail stick.

Preheat the BBQ and oil the bars. Brush the fish with olive oil and place on the hottest part of the grill.

Cook without attempting to move for 4 minutes, then lift and turn through 90 degrees so you get nice grill marks and cook for another 4 minutes.

Turn gently and repeat the procedure on the second side, checking that the flesh is opaque.

Transfer carefully to a plate and allow to rest for 5 minutes.

Fillet the fish and serve each fillet with some of the stuffing on the side.

Barbequed King Prawns with Indian Spices >> SERVES 4 Ingredients 12 extra-Large king prawns, in the shell 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper 1 tsp Flaked Sea Salt Juice from 1 Lemon

Spice paste 1 tbsp Fennel seeds 1 tbsp Coriander seeds 1 tbsp Cumin seeds 25g Ginger, roughly chopped 6 Garlic cloves, chopped 4 Large red chillies, seeded and roughly chopped 2 tsp Paprika 1 tsp Turmeric Juice from 1 lemon 175g Greek yoghurt

Method Make two cuts, using kitchen scissors, on the underside of the prawns, either side of the legs. Then remove the strip of shell with the legs attached.

Nick the prawns, with the point of a sharp knife, in three or four places then toss together with the cayenne, salt and lemon juice – set aside for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, grind the fennel, coriander and cumin seeds with a pestle and mortar (or spice grinder).

Place the ginger, chillies, paprika, turmeric and lemon juice into a food processor and process to a puree. Add the ground spice mixture and process further.

Stir into the yoghurt, then toss the prawns into this mixture and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Thread three prawns onto each of four metal or pre-soaked bamboo skewers.

Place the skewers onto the hottest part of the barbeque and grill for 4 minutes on each side.

JUL/AUG16

ADVERTORIAL

Shopping guide Meet the passionate producers bringing the best food and drink to the region

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Durham Distillery is a small-batch craft distillery based on the outskirts of historic and beautiful Durham City. We handcraft spirits of genuine integrity using traditional methods, at the heart of which is our 400 litre copper pot still, ‘Lily.’

Each small batch produces a few hundred bottles at a time, which are bottled and labeled by hand to make sure that it is of the best quality when it gets to you, the drinker. Durham Distillery is dedicated to the core spirits we have always offered and include gin, vodka, and seasonal specials such as our Summer and Winter Fruit Cup, and our very special Cask Aged Gin which has been matured in an American Bourbon Cask. www.durhamdistillery.co.uk, info@durhamdistillery.co.uk facebook.com/drhmdstllry, @DRHMDSTLLRY

JUL/AUG16

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EAT UP

Sunshine on the menu for a seasonal supper club at Matfen Hall

Supper Club: Matfen Hall Tapas on the terrace? This is Northumberland, so when the sun shines it’s a case of strike while the iron’s hot.

The Luxe Supper Club hosted by Bernard Bloodworth, managing director at Matfen Hall, managed to be a very summery celebration thanks to evening sunshine that makes a place like Matfen Hall the very essence of English country glamour.

Fizz or a ‘mock-hito’ in hand takes some beating when you sip whilst looking out over sunshine-bathed lawns which roll into dramatic views towards the Tyne Valley.

It is a splendid sight to behold.

The evening’s menu for invited guests, served in the dramatic surroundings of The Print Room, was devised to showcase seasonal produce, inventive dishes and ideas from a kitchen headed up by Matfen Hall’s 2014 Great North Menu winner Paul Blakey, who is renowned for pioneering Northumbrian food.

“We’re passionate about using local produce,” said Paul, “but not just because

we want to support the local economy but because the quality is just so high.”

Chefs at award-winning Matfen Hall Hotel’s Library Restaurant have devised dishes designed to highlight the vast range of meat, vegetables and dairy produce available in the county.

Many of the ingredients featured, such as vegetables, eggs and lamb, are grown or reared on the Matfen Hall Estate, while other items, such as cheese and fish, have been locally sourced.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have a vast range of meat, fish, vegetables and dairy on our doorstep – and a host of very skilled growers and food producers – so it makes sense to showcase it to our diners.”

The evening was one for informality, so sociable sharing platters were scattered across the table, inviting people to dip in, try new tastes and flavours.

Northumbrian oils and breads for dipping were served alongside a platter which included tempura haggis (a nod to the Border neighbours), ham hock

terrine, and chunks of sweet, juicy glazed belly pork.

Salmon rillettes were a favourite alongside a spiky hot chilli squid.

Wine served with the meal was a wellchosen variety, suited to summery flavours, among them the perfectly flinty-dry Whispering Angel Provence rose.

Red wine for the evening was Legato nero ‘D’Avola from Sicily, a cheery, rich red with cherry-juice aroma with rich, ripe dark fruit flavours. This was a perfect friend for the beef to follow.

Also to Italy for the white of the night, a Tuffalo Gavi. A fresh, sharp white, even a bit sherbet-like and a fine partner for turbot.

Main dishes were brought for the table, looking impressive and fit for a healthy gathering.

Rib of Northumbrian beef looked bloody, mighty and majestic piled high on its platter and accompanied by its army of footsoldiers – a brigade of Yorkshires, a team of buttery chateau potatoes and some tall asparagus bound by ribbons of Bayonne ham. A fragrant, punchy jus of horseradish and

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thyme added some herby bite.

For the fish lovers (and those who couldn’t make up their mind and tried both), Paul had pulled out all the stops with a whole braised turbot served with a classic creamy sauce with savoury hints of capers, dill and onions.

This masterful fish is given added depth of flavour by being cooked on the bone: the result, a succulent, delicious piece of fish.

Dessert was a huge baked Alaska – a casing of flamed meringue revealing the nursery favourite ice-cream, neopolitan, a perfect combination of the squidgy meringue, chilled ice-cream then indulgent fudge sauce.

From our starting point of summery tapas we had moved firmly to traditional British ground. In the midst of the EU referendum it showed a Brit-euro alliance on the table at least.

To make a reservation at the Library Restaurant or for more information, call 01661 886500 email info@matfenhall.com or visit www.matfenhall.com

JUL/AUG16

TOP TASTEBUDS

Chef’s table

Food wanderings with James Close from The Raby Hunt

ON MY TRAVELS >> We spent a few days over in northern France and Paris checking out restaurants – and admittedly, checking out Disneyland Paris (dining disaster in many ways, though at least eating at the Rainforest Café doesn’t feel like ‘work’).

Mindful that some Luxe readers might be heading over the Channel this summer, I thought I’d do a cook’s tour of some decent places to stop off if you’re taking the other A1. We went to the town of Lens. It’s the location of what’s essentially a regional branch of the great Louvre gallery. My eye was on food not paintings, however –

though it is a spectacular and visit-worthy gallery. L’Atelier Marc Meurin is the eye-catching restaurant, bearing the name of the two Michelin-star chef who runs the kitchen team and who was born in Lens.

The building itself is a sight to behold.

A curvy, glass-walled space; airy and stylish.

It serves up a brasserie version of the chef’s three more traditional establishments elsewhere. Expect French classics – a tuna with beurre blanc was standout – lovely raw in the middle tuna. The man is famous for his marshmallows too!

We went to the races in Chantilly – this year’s Prix de L’Arc de Triomphe is being staged there instead of Longchamp for one year only. The town is a horse-mad one – there’s a great horse-racing museum.

We stayed at the five-star Auberge de Jeu de Paume in the centre of the town and ate at the brasserie. And yes, ate Chantilly cream – no ice-cream in this town!

In Paris we dined on fabulous langoustine with a curried sauce, sounds boring but it’s a classic. The place was L’Ambrosie, a very stylish and traditional three-Michelin-star restaurant. Their grand claim is to produce the world’s best chocolate tart – admittedly it was rather special, so velvety and light – so who am I to argue?

Mexican tostada. It’s on pork skin rather than a corn tortilla and brings together that base with a zingy, flavourful salsa with lovely ingredients from Ken Holland’s veg patch – radishes, tomatoes as well as anchovies and avocados – a definite taste of summer.

BIB GOURMAND WITH HARRIETT CLOSE >> Life has been very sugary sweet the past few weeks. Dad has mentioned my fabby birthday party but I have also acquired a taste for posh Chantilly cream in France and Michelin-starred marshmallows at Marc Meurin. It means my teeth-brushing has to be up to scratch too!

TASTING >> The Amalfi lemon – maybe that’s worth another holiday drive? This luscious fruit is a favourite at Raby Hunt at the moment. In the kitchen Ryna has created a ‘doughnut’ with Amalfi lemon curd – tastes as good as it sounds. We’re also serving my take on a

SOME FUN >> It was Harriett’s third birthday and I definitely lay claim to the title ‘world’s best dad’ when the bells of the traditional ice-cream van came round the corner to her party.

Credit to the great team at Scoops ‘n’ Smiles who bring their traditional ie-cream van to parties and events.

They serve up great ice-cream, lollies, tubs and loads of toppings for a perfect party sugar-fest. Brilliant – best party ever, even though I do say so myself!

TEA, CAKE, FIZZ!

Relax and indulge in our beautiful lounges or on the terrace overlooking the evocotive Durham Heritage Coast.

Afternoon Tea £22 per person Champagne Afternoon Tea £32 per person Why not treat someone special? all our Afternoon tea packages are available as gift vouchers...the perfect present!

Seaham Hall, Lord Byron’s Walk, Seaham, County Durham, SR7 7AG Call: 0191 516 1400 Email: byronsrestaurant@seaham-hall.com

JUL/AUG16

So Socia l!

@seahamhallhotel Seaham Hall @seahamhall

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FRESHEN UP

Off duty WITH DAVE COULSON

This light and sophisticated dish serves up some seriously fresh flavours. Perfect for summer suppers and alfresco dinners

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Carrot Melon Feta >> Ingredients

Method

200g Feta cheese 2 (each) Yellow, orange, purple, and baby carrots 100g Butter 50g Flour 4 x Egg yolk 100g Panko breadcrumbs 100ml Vegetable oil Wild garlic Handful Parsley 100ml White balsamic vinegar 1/2 Watermelon Micro herbs for scattering

Put vegetable oil, wild garlic and parsley into a thermomix and blend until dark green. Pass the oil through a chinois and a J-cloth.

Slice watermelon and vac-pac. Wait 20 minutes then cube.

Cube feta and save half to crumble later. Pane the feta cubes with the flour, egg yolk and Panko. Fry off just before serving.

Peel the coloured carrots and save the orange ones. Create fine strips, vac-pac with white balsamic vinegar and set aside for at least two hours.

Quarter the baby carrots lengthwise. Finely chop orange carrots and add to a pan with a block of butter. Season and let cook until completely soft. Blend in thermomix until smooth and pass it through a chinois.

Swipe carrot puree on a plate, roll up the pickled carrots.

Place watermelon, quartered carrots and fried feta on swipe and crumble feta on top.

Add green oil and micro herbs.

JUL/AUG16

JUICY FRUITS

Summer cheer

We’re all about picnics and that luscious blend of light and lovely summery food with a glass of something fizzing or perfectly pink.

How about a food journey with hints of Paris, Provence, Australia – and the English countryside?

WILLIAMS CHASE PROVENCE ROSE, FRANCE MAGNUM - £28 / 75CL £13.99 >> A crisp, elegant and fruity rose from the Luberon in Provence. The magnum is perfect for sharing with friends and makes a great statement on the table. Wonderful with cured meats and salads – this is the perfect alfresco dining wine

NYETIMBER ROSE ENGLISH SPARKLING £45 >> Nyetimber, having won many blind taste competitions, is regarded as one of the top English sparkling wines. Hailing from West Sussex, this exceptional sparkling wine is produced in the classic Champagne method from estates grown grapes.

This blush rose is a very elegant choice for toasting and the fine mousse will cleanse the palate from the fat content of the meats.

MOSCATO, INNOCENT BYSTANDER, AUSTRALIA £8.99 >> Light, fruity and with a fine mousse, this is the perfect accompaniment to fruit based desserts and a great way to round off a meal. We love it with the Mason + Rye raspberry and rose macaroons.

(Also available to drink in by the glass/bottle in Mason + Rye, Fenwick)

Charcuterie, olives, bread and cheese from the deli at Fenwick Food Hall Wines from Fenwick Wine Shop and macaroons from Maison + Rye in Fenwick Food Hall www.fenwick.co.uk/stores/newcastle

JUL/AUG16

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DINE TIME

Grand dining days Wynyard Hall’s Wellington Restaurant is one gracious place with food more than a match for its surroundings. Kathryn Armstrong eats, tastes, loves...

The Wellington’s walls must be holding on to some fabulous secrets.

Generations of scandal, intrigue and politics, so many juicy stories.

It looks and feels stately and so historic, yet the food being served up is about as contemporary as it gets, which comes as a bit of a surprise.

Since I last visited, the grand restaurant has had a relaxed makeover with calming, buttery colours and a mixture of seating styles. Still grand but somehow less formal.

The menu offers up two courses for £28,

summery and light salad of organic feta, melon and pomegranate.

At the table the bread and butter scenario was an event in itself – four bread choices included: parmesan (gluten-free), treacle and oats, pumpkin and thyme. They were warm, moreish and flavoursome with their accompanying butters of Whitby seaweed (so much effort!), and pancetta butter.

Presentation was lovely with butters sitting on flat stone plinths.

We had mixed feelings about a ‘palate cleanser’ of spiced ponzu tea broth, served warm in a glass tea pot and shot-style glasses.

three for £35, which seems great value.

We like the friendly wine list too – which has a light tone of ‘if you like so-and-so, then try these’ with a listing of two or three less obvious choices at good price points.

We had a Spy Valley sauvignon blanc, which was appropriate (and very good) given that in a private room elsewhere in the hotel there was a Spy Valley wine tasting going on.

Cheery Liam is at the helm in the restaurant and as we pondered the menu talked us through a canapé which arrived looking like an egg yolk. It was in fact a mango and lemongrass puree of sorts which oozed just like an egg yolk when tapped with a spoon. Alongside it was a very

With savoury broth flavours and oriental spices vying for the tastebuds we couldn’t decide if it was sweet or savoury, or indeed palate-cleansing, especially alongside our wine.

But it was a prelude to a starter which included my Rioja-braised octopus risotto, poached cod and fennel. You might or might not have encountered octopus slow-cooked in red-wine. It’s lovely, I first encountered it in Venice. It loses any rubbery texture and gains a depth of flavour that really works in a risotto. A neat chunk of cod added another texture and portion size was just right – risotto can be a scarily filling starter!

My chum had ras el hanout (a Moroccan ‘top of the house’ spice blend) lamb loin with sumac, coriander pesto and pomegranate. It

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looked a picture of summer with pink lamb and the vibrant green of the pesto. Lovely fresh flavours balancing sweet and heat.

To main courses and mine was Gressingham duck breast with wasabi pea and samphire.

I was intrigued to try that ‘of the moment’ combination. I think if green had a taste of its own it would be samphire, the salty, ferrous seaweedy tang. Hitting on punchy wasabi alongside the sweet duck breast, it was intense, fresh and impressive. I would eat this again any day.

Chum opted for aged beef fillet with clay baked potato and truffle sauce.

The plate would not have been out of place in a gallery with its artful splatter of truffle sauce framing the solid chunk of beef within. Bet they had fun in the kitchen with that. A beautiful piece of meat served juicy-bright pink and well-judged portions.

Next, not being pudding types we were treated to a sneaky pre-dessert’ of wonder before our shared cheeseboard.

Theatrics in order as huge ice bowls were delivered to the table. They sat on a bed of what looked like pot pourri before liquid nitrogen was poured around and beneath the bowl to bubble, fizz and create a vapour cloud, all very dramatic!

Within the ice-bowl itself was a tiny green ‘apple’ made from apple parfait sprayed with green cocoa butter with a little chocolate stem. Apple gel and sherbet adding to the mix. It was a fabulous and tangy little taste, very amusing to behold. Maybe not one for the shy and retiring diner.

How could a cheeseboard compete with that? It did well. Five slithers of different styles, grapes and good biscuits. Chum runs a cheese factory. She knows her stuff and rated it well.

We have to give mention to young waiter Alistair, who seems born to the job for one so young. Loads of energy and knowledge, not least with his cocktail-making skills – post-dinner his blueberry amaretto sours went down a treat (and on a school night).

Interesting, unexpectedly fun, and good value dining. A modern menu twist in a place of history and more food for thought for those ancient walls.

Theatrics in order as huge ice bowls were delivered to the table. They sat on a bed of what looked like pot pourri before liquid nitrogen created bubble, fizz and vapours

www.wynyardhall.co.uk/dining

JUL/AUG16

GET COOKING

Veg patch WITH KAREN PHILLIPS

July and August in the garden are a time for relaxation; the majority of the gardening jobs have been completed and the hardest task of the summer is what to cook with all the produce from the allotment – a decision best contemplated with a cocktail in hand

RICH PICKINGS >> Mint: If, like me, you heeded the advice and planted your mint in a pot and then sunk it in the ground, you may already be besieged by escapee mint all over the plot. Instead of getting irate, I have taken the approach of ‘the more I pick the less vigour the plant will have’ making removal easier at the end of the year. So, cocktails are the order of the day: Mojitos, Hugos and Pimm’s are regular sundowners. Moro’s recipe of Fried Marrow with Caramelised Butter, Yoghurt and Mint has me yearning to find an overlooked courgette.

Peas: One can be inundated with peas at this time of year so it’s good to find some new recipes. Pea and Green Herb Hummus is a delicious recipe from my favourite new cookbook: ‘A Modern Way to Eat’ by Anna Jones. If you’re a veg grower this book is a godsend and has even made my meat-loving son unaware that the recipes are vegetarian!

Radish: Aesthetically you cannot beat this sliced finely on the mandolin into wafer thin red-rimmed discs and mixed with white cabbage, chives, mayonnaise and poppy seeds for coleslaw with a bite; the perfect accompaniment to the Southland’s Farm Pulled Dexter Beef Brisket in home-made milk buns (pictured).

Raspberries: Having grown all varieties mid-summer, late-summer and autumn I now just concentrate on one variety: ‘Autumn Bliss’. I planted several canes in a large 35-litre plant tub thinking that they would then be ready to transfer to the farm; roll on two years later and they have rooted through the tub and into the ground but they produce an abundant crop in a very small space. All books say to cut autumn fruiting raspberry canes to the ground in late winter – I cut half and leave half uncut and have raspberries from late June ‘til

October. A small tub can be picked most evenings and used for dinner or popped straight into the freezer for use in winter breakfasts of berries, yoghurt, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, flaked almonds and ground flaxseeds; it’s not often that something so healthy tastes so decadent.

JOBS OUTSIDE >> Now that the longest day (21 June) has passed, spinach, pak choi, Florence fennel and Swiss Chard can all be sown without fear of the young plants bolting.

Continue sowing short rows of lettuce, radish, turnips, rocket, and coriander for a continuous supply throughout summer.

Harvest ‘early’ potatoes when they are the size you like – scoop some earth away from the side of one plant to check the tuber size and then dig up, or pull off, just the amount required for your evening meal – leaving the rest to grow on. Water ‘maincrop’ potatoes when flowering stops to increase tuber size.

JOBS INSIDE >> Watering and harvesting are the jobs of the day. On very hot days, temperatures in the greenhouse can easily reach 40 degrees plus and unless you’re growing cacti your plants will suffer. Things like tomatoes can cope with high temperatures if it is humid, but they literally stop growing if it is hot and dry i.e. arid, desert conditions; either paint shading solution onto the greenhouse windows or water benches and floors in hot weather to raise the humidity.

Any trained tree forms in the greenhouse, such as figs, peaches, nectarines and apricots, can be given a summer prune, back to three to five buds above last year’s growth, to reduce the amount of leaf available for photosynthesis and thereby keep their vigour in check. Do not prune vines at this time of year or they will bleed profusely.

Feed tomatoes, chillies, tomatillos, peppers, aubergines and cucumbers weekly with a high potash feed or with liquid comfrey manure.

Leave the greenhouse windows open at night: high temperatures at night waste the plant’s food reserves on excessive respiration.

HUGO >> A Tyrolean cocktail for lazy summer evenings ‘Muddle’ a large handful of mint leaves in a large wine glass.

Add lots of ice and five blueberries.

Pour in 20ml elderflower cordial/elderflower liqueur.

Add 150ml Prosecco.

Top up with soda water.

LOOKING AHEAD >> Next time, we’ll be picking Perilla, potting up Persicaria odorata (Vietnamese coriander) and pickling radishes.

Karen is moving Widehaugh House cookschool and gardens, to Linnels Farm, Hexham – for regular updates of the progress visit www.widehaughhouse.co.uk

JUL/AUG16

UPCOMING EVENTS @ WIDEHAUGH HOUSE >> MASTERCLASS: SEED SAVING >> THURS 15 SEPTEMBER

THE VIRGIN GARDENER >> THURS 22 SEPTEMBER

Join us for this half-day workshop and discover delights of seed collection: plentiful plants for free! We’ll wander through the gardens (weather permitting) collecting seeds along the way, becoming familiar with terms like stratification and scarification and, finally sow a small collection of seeds. Depart with seeds sown and seeds collected.

10am – 1pm £35

First house / first garden – daunted?

Don’t be. This intensive course will give you the confidence to start a garden from scratch or adapt an inherited one to suit your style.

10am – 3.30pm including morning coffee/cakes and a 2-course lunch. £80

CHUTNEY

& CHILLI JAM >> FRI 16 SEPTEMBER

Worked hard all summer and want to preserve a little bit of that sunshine for the cold winter months? On this practical workshop you’ll learn the art of making jams, chutneys, preserves, liqueurs and relishes and depart with jars of your handmade goodies at the end of the day.

10am – 3.30pm, including morning coffee/ cakes and a 2-course lunch. £95

GROW YOUR OWN CUT FLOWERS >> WED 21 SEPT Tubs of tulips, goblets of gladioli and buckets full of blooms - this course provides all the info needed to start growing your own cut flowers at home or on an allotment. The course culminates in a demonstration by florist, Hannah Price of ‘Wildflower’, of practical ways to showcase your wonderful harvest.

10am – 3.30pm, including morning coffee/ cakes and a 2-course lunch. £90

PRETTY ROSE CUPCAKES >> WED 28 SEPT Join us for this workshop with Gold Award winning cake designer, Bernadett Szucs, from Dreamworld Cakes in Newcastle. You will learn to decorate with butter cream, make sugar roses and leaves and ultimately achieve the perfect finish.

Depart with recipes and six of your own creations.

10am – 4pm. Including morning coffee/ cakes and a 2-course lunch. £95

ANNUAL BULB SALE >> FRI 30 SEPT & SAT 1 OCTOBER Spend a relaxing morning over coffee and cake at Widehaugh House while choosing which beautiful bulbs will adorn your garden in spring - will it be stripy tulips, delicate narcissi or towering alliums? Planting advice on bulb choice and colour combinations is readily available.

Time: 10am – 1pm.

Email info@widehaughhouse.co.uk for further details.

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FRUITY MOMENTS

Eat Seasonal WITH ANDREW WILKINSON OF ARTISAN

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrate that perfect British fruit, the strawberry, a superfood all its own

Chilled strawberry soup, buttermilk panna cotta and meringue >> Summertime is all about those sweet treats and lazy afternoon indulgences.

And with an abundance of fresh fruit on our doorstep, we can all get creative in the kitchen and create some truly stunning desserts using the simplest of ingredients.

The British summer staple - the strawberry - takes centre stage in this recipe, complemented by a luscious buttermilk panna cotta infused with vanilla. Dainty meringues add subtle texture to the dish, working beautifully with the smooth strawberry soup.

Let the ingredients sing from the plate by keeping the presentation simple and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be sure to wow your guests.

For more summertime foodie inspiration, why not join us for our allotment harvest themed Seasonal Showcase tasting menu on 3 August.

For more information visit www.artisannewcastle.com or follow @artisan_NE on Twitter.

Ingredients STRAWBERRY SOUP >>

BUTTERMILK PANNA COTTA >> Best done 1 day ahead

500g strawberries (hulled) 125g caster sugar 250ml water 250ml dessert wine 1 vanilla

In a pan, bring buttermilk, cream, sugar and vanilla up to 85 degrees. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes, meanwhile soak gelatine in cold water. Pass and whisk in gelatine, pour into moulds and set.

BUTTERMILK PANNA COTTA >>

STRAWBERRY SOUP >> Best done 1 day ahead

250ml double cream 250ml buttermilk 2 gelatine strips 100g caster sugar 1 vanilla pod

STRAWBERRY SORBET >> 200g fresh strawberry puree 100g caster sugar 100ml water

MERINGUE >> 4 egg whites 125g caster sugar 125g icing sugar Pinch of salt and squeeze of lemon

MACERATED STRAWBERRIES >> 12 strawberries hulled and halved Dusting of sugar icing

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Method

Serves 8

In a large mixing bowl, place strawberries, sugar, water, vanilla and dessert wine and place in a bain marie. Leave until all of the natural sugars have come out of the strawberries (roughly around 2 hours).

STRAWBERRY SORBET >> Make a stock syrup with the caster sugar and water by bringing the two to the boil.

Add the strawberry puree and take off the heat. Add lime juice to taste and churn.

MACERATED STRAWBERRIES >> Half the strawberries and place in a small bowl. Add a pinch of icing sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice and leave to marinate for 5 minutes.

TO ASSEMBLE >> Place as pictured and garnish with mint or wild wood sorrel and enjoy!

MERINGUE >> Pre-heat oven to 110 degrees.

Place egg whites and a squeeze of lemon juice in a kitchenaid fitted with a whisk attachment. Whisk egg whites until they create soft peaks, then slowly add the caster sugar. Once all of the sugar has been added, whisk for a further 5 minutes. Add all of the icing sugar and incorporate in to the meringue mix. Place the glossy mixture in to a piping bag fitted with a piping nozzle.

Pipe the meringue on to a lined baking tray and bake for 40 minutes.

JUL/AUG16

BROWSING

live it luxe all day every day

A new and stylish corner of the Internet, filled with the best bits from the North Eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most celebrated lifestyle magazines. Browse our website at:

luxe-magazine.co.uk

PARTING SHOT

Green daze>> Luscious leaves captured by Nicky Rogerson in the grounds of Scampston Hall near York. Read more in our September/October edition www.nrphotography.co.uk

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JUL/AUG16

Jacket Victoria Victoria Beckham

Dress Boutique Moschino

Bag Kate Spade New York

SCREeN ON THE GREeN FREE MOVIES AT OLD ELDON SQUARE 25th JULY- 4th SEPTEMBER

For film listings and further information visit:

Delivered by

getintonewcastle.co.uk #NE1ScreenOnTheGreen

getintonewcastle.co.uk