Luxe Issue 46 May/Jun 2017

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ISSUE 46 MAY/JUN17

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www.luxe-magazine.co.uk ISSUE 46 MAY/JUN17

K AT E RO S E L I F E S T Y LE. Fo o d Tr ai l . CAROL MAL IA’S S UPER SLIM-DOWN. R a c e h o r s e k n ow-how. BUR L ES QUE B AKING . Gi n S cho o l . S TU NNING HOMES. So c i a l s a v v y. WR I T E RS IN TH E KNOW. Luxe L o cal R i c hm ond. DAZZLING VIL L A S . Lu xe l a p s . HIP H OTEL S . WIN a co o l Quays i d e weekend. LU XE.

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WELCOME

contents 10>> Do This ISSUE 46 MAY/JUN17

This magazine is full of lovely stuff. Mindful moments, inspiring people, wistful wish-lists and meaningful time-off fill the campaign trail we’re on.

We have the ultimate in nourishment with our Food Trail magazine that is so beautiful with mouth-watering dishes to try, as well as the low-down on places to head to for a summer taste fix that takes in indulgent, healthy and relaxed food suggestions. Enjoy.

Saddles & syndicates with Deb Smith Luscious summer style

38>> ZEN moment Rhona’s new fashion focus

40>> Carol’s inspiration Carol Malia’s slim-down

Then we get an election thrown into the mix.

Thanks but no thanks. Have any of us got the energy? Just the thought is exhausting, as though life is on ballot box hold.

By way of counter-attack, we’ve created the magical panacea to make it all go away. If you need an escape from the electioneering seeping through every channel, we have it.

20>> Owner’s enclosure 22>> Dress up

There we were, minding our own business, finishing the chocolate, mourning the prospect of no more of DCI Miller on Broadchurch and tempering it all with the thought of another Bank Holiday within reach.

Naturally, we’re all for democracy and happy to embrace it on the day, but election overload looms just when households are filled with either the mayhem of exams or the countdown to summer holidays.

Book now for summer

44>> Eat well Nutrition know-how

46>> Kate Rose Kate Rose is the brains behind the inspirational Tutti&Co jewellery and homewares business. She lives and breathes the lifestyle brand and is inspired by her coastal surroundings to create her covetable stuff.

Her luxe things in life?

“Family time – like a good long walk on the beach, whatever the weather; a slouchy, grey cashmere sweater; and my Tutti home!”

Tutti&Co founder ‘at home’

52>> Generation ageless Triathlon tension

54>> Design villas Artful summer pads

60>> Party people Social happenings

68>> Superdad Sergio’s Luna mission

72>> She sheds Garden getaways

80>> Luxe local

Make a friend of the Luxe website www.luxe-magazine.co.uk which is full of new thing bright and beautiful - and every Thursday prep for your weekend with our lively Luxe Loves The Weekend email bulletin.

Richmonds riches

86>> Vintage bakes Burlesque baker Charlotte White

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

90>> Clam up Get to grips with razor clams

94>> Gin thing We enrol at Gin School

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 elysia@remembermedia.co.uk SALES Lisa Anderson director lisa@remembermedia.co.uk Debi Coldwell director debi@remembermedia.co.uk Heather Spacey project manager heather@remembermedia.co.uk PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Auld chris@chrisauldphotography.co.uk Kevin Gibson info@kgphotography.co.uk Nicky Rogerson nicky@kgphotography.co.uk

Sergio Petrucci gets our Father’s Day vote for his efforts in raising cash for CHUF following daughter Luna’s life-saving surgery.

His luxe things? “A walk on Roker beach with fish and chips; family holidays - the sound of children’s laughter! And watching the sun set with a couple of espresso martinis!”

DESIGN David Stubbs creative director dave@remembermedia.co.uk 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 Heather Spacey: heather@remembermedia.co.uk / 07846 073584

Remember Media Ltd, e.volve Business Centre, Cygnet Way, Rainton Bridge South, DH4 5QY remembermedia.co.uk All contents copyright ©2017 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, April 2017.

Emma Handley runs Northern Juice, and you can find her in our Food Trail inside Luxe.

Her luxe things? “A cup of Clipper Organic Sleep Easy Infusion (or ‘bedtime tea’ to me), Neal’s Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm and our Hucklebuck + Cracked Wall Chlorella ‘shot’ for a pick-me-up.

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LUXE LIFE

LISA CHAPMAN Owner of The Skin Company on Yarm High Street, Lisa has run the salon for 14 years, recently adding the Dermalogica product and treatment range to the salon.

Lisa has been in the beauty industry since leaving school after A-levels. She has had a full and varied career in beauty from a first job in Harley Street, London to living and working in many different countries, from Dubai to Paris.

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > I love Staithes on the North Yorkshire coast. I love the quaintness, the beautiful coastline, walking for miles along the cliff or rocks (depending on the tide), and the fact it is still a fairly undiscovered gem of a place.

A long holiday > It would have to be Melbourne, Australia.

My twin younger sisters live there with their growing families. I’ve just become an auntie again, so it would be a holiday filled with special family time, cuddling my nephew and niece and taking advantage of some beautiful beaches near where they live.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > Going for Brownie points here, it would have to be my husband’s fabulous Sunday lunch with his amazing Yorkshire puddings - they are so good that we no longer get invited anywhere else!

Best wine > I am quite partial to a nice, smooth Shiraz or a super-chilled Sauvignon Blanc.

Favourite restaurant > I just love the Crathorne Arms, the staff, the ambience and of course the food.

Perfect weekend > Life seems so busy nowadays that my perfect weekend is some nice food, a few glasses of wine on a Saturday evening, a lovely long moor-top walk with my little dog, Captain Jack and Sunday lunch with family and friends. Throw in an open fire and I’m in heaven.

Downtime means > Time at home.

Best telly > I’m a film fanatic but also love Masterchef and at the moment The Last Kingdom (if you’ve watched it you will know why!).

Best theatre > Not strictly theatre, but The Classical Spectacular at The Royal Albert Hall is just as it says, spectacular! The performance, the place and the people I went with, all memorable.

Best book > Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts. An epic, extraordinary true story that draws you in and keeps you hooked.

Best sounds > My music choice is so diverse from one of my favourite albums of all time Alison Krauss with Robert Plant, Raising Sand, to French cafe music, with a bit of Edith Piaf.

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > Paris, this is not to sound flash, but I used to live in Paris and the shopping was just so unique.

Favourite shop > I don’t really have a favourite shop as it depends on what or if I am looking for something in particular or just shopping.

Best buy > Probably not what you are expecting but it has to be my little dog - I really wouldn’t be without him.

LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > This is a really hard one as there have been a few, but one that still makes me cry with laughter is one I shared with my dear friend Claire - and I’m sorry but I can’t tell you anymore, but she knows!

Perfect party > My perfect party would be a warm summer night with good friends and family, free-flowing wine and lots of laughter.

Best dress/favourite item of clothing > cashmere sweater and a pair of great fitting jeans.

Dinner date > Obviously my husband, but if the lead actor from The Last Kingdom was available…….who knows.

YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> My luxe thing in life would be to have more time, I never seem to have enough.

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MAY/JUN17

The Summer collection at Psyche Menswear combines

cool

contemporary

and

sports

luxe. Polo Ralph Lauren and Fred Perry has a strong focus on sports luxe, so you can breeze through the Summer in comfortable but trendy athleisure wear.

A first for Polo Ralph Lauren, devoted followers of the brand will be pleased to learn that their classic Oxford Shirt is now available in short sleeves.

This season has brought a wave of pink, khaki and grey to Psyche Menswear. To add those hues to your Summer style, make a beeline for Paul By Paul Smith, Hugo Boss, and Farah.

For beautifully constructed clothing that you can reach for every day, invest in timeless, contemporary staple pieces from J. Lindenberg and Dries Van Noten.

Pay a visit to the tailoring department at Psyche where you will be equipped with a dapper suit for any special occasions such as weddings.

Suit designer brands include Gibson London and Circle Of Gentlemen.

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ADVERTORIAL

Destination Newcastle

Summer 2017 The arrival of 350 tonnes of white sand at the Thomas Cook Airlines Quayside Seaside signalled that summer was on its way in Newcastle. The return of the pop-up beach on the banks of the Tyne - equipped with deckchairs, beach huts and palm trees - is a summertime staple that is always well received and is visited by over half a million people each year The Thomas Cook Airlines Quayside Seaside is one of many summertime attractions that make Newcastle a popular, Staycation location for the estimated 38.8 million Brits who will be holidaying at home this summer.

The Quayside Seaside made its earliest ever appearance at the beginning of April and will remain in place until October providing a free, family-friendly vantage point to enjoy the spectacular views of the Quayside and

a great spot to watch the events and activities on and around the river.

Newcastle is an even more attractive holiday spot this year thanks to its summertime events programme drawn up by the city centre’s award winning Business Improvement District company, NE1 Ltd. Designed to give people more reasons to visit and to stay a little longer, the events and activities will put Newcastle on the map for UK holidaymakers and inbound tourists and it all began with the beach’s arrival and the early sun in April.

>> Dacia Magic Weekend 20 and 21 May In May, Newcastle will be the destination of choice for thousands of rugby fans during a carnival style weekend when Rugby League’s Magic Weekend rolls into town. For the third year running NE1 Ltd and Newcastle City Council have worked with the RFL to bring the event back to the city and its adopted home of St James’ Park.

Supporters from all over the UK congregate in Newcastle for the fast-paced two-day rugby tournament, which enjoys as much action off the pitch as on with Fan zones, events and activities around the ground for fans and families to enjoy during the rugby extravaganza.

>> Northern Pride supported by NE1 Ltd 21, 22 and 23 July Newcastle Pride returns for its 10th year in July, celebrating the city’s LGBT community with 3 days of carnival-style festivities on Newcastle’s Town Moor including big name music acts, activity zones and a fun-fair.

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MAY/JUN17

ADVERTORIAL

>> NE1 Newcastle Motor Show 8 and 9 July The NE1 Newcastle Motor Show, the UK’s largest, free, open-air, city centre motoring event and one of the biggest shows of the year in the North, is returning to the city for a fun-packed weekend for all the family.

This year Lloyd BMW is on board as Dealer Partner.

Dubbed locally as the ‘Goodwood of the North’, the NE1 Newcastle Motor Show combines a unique formula of motoring exhibits, rare and exclusive vehicles with motoring themed events and activities.

This year, the show will increase in size by over 200% taking over more than two square miles of the city.

The two-day event turns the streets of Newcastle into a multi-million pound exhibition area with some of the world’s rarest motor vehicles on display.

There is truly something for everyone with fan zones, themed events, fun games, give-aways, open-air film screenings with ‘Screen on the Green’ and other fun activities for all the family.

For further information visit: www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/ne1-events/ ne1-motor-show

>> NE1 Restaurant Week 7 – 13 August Calling all foodies – one of Newcastle’s most popular and well-supported events is booked for its summertime return from 7 – 13 August. NE1 Newcastle Restaurant Week offers diners the chance to eat out in style on a budget at some of Newcastle’s finest restaurants.

>> NE1’s Screen on the Green 3 July – 3 September (TBC) NE1’s renowned open-air movie screen returns for even longer this summer, with deckchair seating and free film screenings of family favourites, new blockbusters and old classics, as well as other events including live opera screenings. www.getintonewcastle.co.uk/ne1-events/ screen-on-the-green

MAY/JUN17

NE1 has a whole host of other exciting projects up its sleeve so to make sure you don’t miss out on these, or anything else happening in Newcastle, register for updates at www.getintonewcastle.co.uk www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

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DO THIS

Stay in >> go out >> enjoy Elysia Agnew guides you through a cultural summer FROM MAY

18 MAY

Proper Food Festivals hit the region this summer - South Shields is the destination for one of the first feast-ivals (May 27) celebrating locally-produced food and drink.

The Proper Food and Drink Festivals will be heading to Whitley Bay, Gateshead, Blyth and Cramlington this summer allowing visitors to sample some of the delicious culinary delights provided by around 60 different producers.

Sample street food, stock up on chocs, meet the makers, sip a craft beer or just make it your mission to seek out the perfect artisan gin.

A smashing day out for foodies, families and anyone looking for a fab, free event. www.properfoodanddrinkfestivals.co.uk

Embark on the journey of ‘Another England’ when it takes to the stage at Arc, Stockton.

Telling the story of two unlikely companions, we are shown the life of Murphy and Rat as their diverse personas are forced to find common ground when they are erased to an empty house. A lively, funny piece incorporating projections as memories and predictions, the audience are walked through the production as though they are intruding on something currently happening. www.arconline.co.uk

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MAY

Porter-Nickerson are heading to Hutton Rudby Village Hall for a spectacular, one-night-only performance. The duo that like to embody what we love most about live music have released their album ‘Bonfire to Ash’ which has heart, grit and raw musicianship - guaranteed to transform listeners into fans. Their strong stage chemistry renders the musical conversation usually seen in a studio setting and their songs exposing ideas of hope, regret, love and loss are destined to be the makings of a great live performance. Get your tickets now! www.wegottickets.com

7 MAY Feel like dancing? Happy bunny Leo Sayer will be bringing his memory-laden box of hits to Yarm School this May. Best-loved for his army of hits which include Thunder in My Heart, Moonlighting, I Can’t Stop Loving You and You Make Me Feel Like Dancing, Leo promises a high-energy night of nostalgia. Don’t miss out on this dancing spectacular at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium - and don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes! www.thepaaonline.org

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Step back in time this summer as Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage is set to host a major new exhibition celebrating the cavalry regiments that once guarded the North West frontier from the mighty Roman Empire. Hadrian’s Cavalry explores the role and daily life of the Roman army’s cavalry forces in a unique wall-wide exhibition that stretches the full 150 miles of the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site area. The exhibition will bring together a unique group of Roman cavalry objects including ornate helmets, armour and weapons and will also feature one of the largest Roman Cavalry reenactments ever seen in the UK. The unique exhibition expands to feature in several different locations such as: Great North Museum, Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, English Heritage’s Corbridge Roman Town and Museum, Roman Vindolanda and English Heritage’s Corbridge Roman Town and Museum. Completing the Hadrian’s Cavalry exhibition will be a specially commissioned contemporary art installation at Chesters Roman Fort. www.hadrianscavalry.co.uk

8 - 9 MAY

10 - 14 MAY

Take That are about to embark on their tour ‘Wonderland Live’ and its set to bring fans their most exciting live experience to date.

With 22 dates across the UK and Ireland, including two at the Metro Radio Arena, the now turned trio will perform their brand new album ‘Wonderland’ on a stage in the centre of the arena floor. Renowned for their incredible live shows and pushing the boundaries of live production, Take That are set to wow audiences in another spectacular night to remember. And bringing along 90s favourites All Saints as their supporting act, you won’t want to miss this tour. Take That are one of the UK’s most successful acts after a career spanning three-decades and selling 7.6 million concert tickets in their lifetime, the show is guaranteed to be a night you don’t want to miss. www.metroradioarena.co.uk

He’s at it again… the UK’s best-selling children’s author David Walliams is premiering a spectacular production this May at Sunderland Empire. From the producers of Horrible Histories, the story brings to life the crazy adventure of Ben as he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with his very own ‘Gangsta Granny’! A side-splitting stage show for the whole family. www.atgtickets.com

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11 MAY Celebrating his new album ‘The Wave’, Tom Chaplin has announced another 14-day tour for May. Accompanied by Ainslie Wills, Tom and his band are undoubtedly going to put on a good show after being seen on Later with Jools Holland effortlessly swapping instruments to recreate the album’s sound and atmosphere all while entertaining. A marvellous, musical spectacular at the Sage, Gateshead. www.sagegateshead.com

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MAY

Renowned Michael Jackson tribute artist, Navi, is bringing his incredible tribute show ‘King of Pop’ to the Sunderland Empire for one night only this May. Navi, widely regarded as the top MJ impersonator, once received a standing ovation from Jackson after performing a tribute at one of his lavish birthday parties.

Now Hollywood have snapped him up to portray Michael Jackson in an up-coming movie about the star’s life, expected to be released later this year. Ahead of the film’s release, audiences will have the chance to see Navi live on stage as he performs Michael Jackson hits on his UK tour. www.atgtickets.com

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THROUGHOUT MAY & JUNE

9 - 13 MAY See Michel Morpurgo’s novel, Running Wild, come to life at the the Theatre Royal this May. Presented by The Children’s Touring Partnership, the story is brought to life with extraordinary heart, vibrant colour and exceptional creativity guaranteed to wow audiences of all ages and critics alike. The production, based on the true story novel, tells an emotional and moving tale of love, loss, loyalty and of living for the moment. www.theatreroyal.co.uk

15 - 20 MAY The Pitmen Painters, a 1934 Lee Hall production comes to The Royalty Theatre in Sunderland this May. The play shows us the life of a group of Ashington miners and a dental mechanic who hire a professor from Newcastle University to teach an ‘art appreciation’ evening class. Although unable to understand each other, we see them embark on one of the most unusual experiments in British art, as the pitmen learn to become painters.

An unmissable, interesting experience for all.

FROM 18 MAY The Biscuit Factory is offering aspiring artists the opportunity to be part of another exclusive exhibition. With the criteria being: anyone working across various mediums, 35 years or younger and working in the UK. Following the success of last year’s ‘Open Contemporary Portrait Award’, comes the ‘Open Contemporary Young Artist Award’.

Open to established emerging artists across the region, this exciting exhibition aims to profile successful entrants and raise awareness of mixed contemporary art practices. Ten per cent of the sales made will be funded to the Biscuit Factory itself to facilitate opportunities for future artists. Not only can you showcase your amazing work but, if you win, there are prizes at hand. www.thebiscuitfactory.com

MAY

The fabulous Unthanks get ready to return to Arc, Stockton with ‘How Wild the Wind Blows’ - a musical memoir by Molly Drake in the 1950s. Being the mother of influential songwriter Nick Drake, the Unthanks aren’t the only ones who find the Drakes’ work extraordinary. With encouragement from the Drake musical estate and blessing from celebrated actress Gabrielle Drake (Molly’s daughter and Nick’s sister), the Unthanks bring the tour of her reimagined work accompanied by an album release of Molly Drake’s work. This is the latest in a growing line of intrepid projects by the group. www.arconline.co.uk

20 MAY Release your inner Stevie or Lindsey - rumour has it this will be a night to remember. Arc, Stockton presents an evening of Fleetwood Mac’s legendary album ‘Rumours’ performed by the Transatlantic Ensemble. The group are a 10-piece collective of musicians and vocalists and after their sold-out shows at the Jazz Cafe in Camden and Wylam Brewery of Arts in Newcastle, you won’t want to miss out. www.arconline.co.uk

MAY/JUN17

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Our Specialist Commercial and Private Client Lawyers based at our Wynyard office are ideally located to assist and advise you on all aspects of business and personal matters.

Shaping Futures // Hawthorne Terrace // Durham // DH1 4EL

0191 386 4865 W: www.shapingfutures.co.uk // E: Info@shapingfutures.co.uk

If you are in business, we can guide you through whatever issues arise, whether that be buying, leasing or developing premises, standard terms and conditions and shareholders’ agreements, expansion, restructuring, disputes, employment issues and best practice, brand protection, mergers and sales.

We also provide specialist advice in all areas of private client law for whatever life stage you are at, including matrimonial or child care issues, buying or selling your home, inheritance and tax planning, including wills, trusts and powers of attorney.

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Our Wynyard office is ideally located at Wynyard Business Park, just off the A19 and A689 junction, which is easily accessible from Teesside, Wearside and Tyneside and has ample free parking directly outside.

MONDAY 15th TO FRIDAY 19th MAY

Call to book a guided tour of our outstanding facilities, visit a range of engaging lessons and meet our well rounded pupils and inspiring teachers

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20 MAY You may know her as the voice of M People, you may know her by her amazing vocals either way, she’s an incredible talent and she’s coming to Rockliffe Hall this May! Book your tickets now for ‘An Evening with Heather Small’ set to take place in a special marquee event. The multi-million record-selling artist became one of the seminal British voices of the 90s with huge hits including, Moving on Up, One Night in Heaven and Search For the Hero. The black tie evening, hosted by Smooth Radio also comes with a three course menu and a disco all in aid of the Graham Wylie Foundation.

Get your gladrags ready for the most glamorous, glitziest event of the summer! www.rockliffehall.com

FROM 20 MAY Celebrate the life of Joséphine Bowes at an exclusive exhibition of her life held at The Bowes Museum from 20 May. With no diaries left behind and just one letter written, for the first time her true character is explored through her early life and her successes. See first-hand some of the theatre programmes she took part in, as well as the reviews.

Joséphine was known for many things - a wife, woman of fashion, artist and museum collector - and all of this will be explored alongside her ill health, early death and museum legacy. www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk

24 MAY Iqbal Khan returns to the Tyneside Cinema with RSC LIve: Anthony and Cleopatra. See real-time theatre on screen. Khan’s previous productions include Othello (2015) and Much Ado About Nothing (2012).

No doubt this show will set the same standard as the audience is taken through the life of Mark Antony and his mistress Cleopatra who are torn between love and duty. It’s a classic tale, told in a way that will stay with you forever. www.tynesidecinema.co.uk

27 MAY Take a walk into Wonderland with Ballet Theatre UK as they present Lewis Carroll’s tale of Alice in Wonderland. After tumbling into Wonderland, Alice goes on to meeting the astonishing characters such as the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts. It’s captivating, humorous, incredibly charming and is set to an eclectic soundtrack and joyful dance routines. The Middlesborough Theatre is host to a delightfully entertaining performance suitable for all ages. www.middlesbroughtheatre.co.uk

28 MAY If you’re into motors, head to Wynyard Hall this May for the Vintage Car Rally. Since being established in 2011, The Northern Bygones Society have built up an extensive and incredibly impressive vintage car collection. They will be rolling up to the gardens of Wynyard Hall this May, inviting both members and nonmembers to appreciate the unique, classic car collection.

This event is held just outside The Gardens. www.wynyardhall.co.uk

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JUNE

The award-winning, Austin Texas duo are set to arrive at the Live Theatre this summer for a one night event. Carrie Elkin and Danny Schmidt formerly known as solo singer/songwriters have joined together to debut their new duo material - which has already been enjoyed by thousands of fans at previous live shows.

Presented by Jumpin’ Hot Club in association with Live Theatre, fans are guaranteed a good show - celebrating something new and exciting! www.live.org.uk

9 JUNE 27 & 28 MAY Celebrate the finest Yorkshire produce and cooking this spring with Malton Food Lovers Festival. Set across the streets of Yorkshire’s food capital, this year’s event is set to be the biggest festival yet. If the delicious street food and stalls aren’t enough, Levi Roots, the new Great British Bake Off judge Prue Leith and other celebrity chefs with be giving demos and cookery lessons alongside craft beer and cider, live music and family entertainment.

Held in the Inntravel Cookery Theatre at the Milton Rooms, there will also be the NFU ‘Kitchen Question Time’ with a celebrity guest panel. Exciting, educational and truly delicious from start to finish! www.maltonyorkshire.co.uk/foodlovers-festival

FROM 27 MAY BALTIC galleries welcomes ‘Shot Him in the Face,’ by American artist Adam Pendleton.

The exhibition is set to occupy the ground floor of the galleries with one large-scale gesture which features a wall diagonally cutting across the exhibition space. The first sentence from the poem Albany by Ron Silliman functions as the exhibition’s point of departure. The wall is expected to feature layers upon layers of the artists work in a consistent black-and-white aesthetic. www.balticmill.com

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Experience the 1987 classic Dirty Dancing this summer at Wynyard Hall.

But there’s something different about this screening, it’s not in the cinema, it’s not just at home on your sofa, it’s an exciting, outdoor cinema screening.

Sip cocktails and swoon over Swayze - guests will receive a complimentary cocktail voucher and the chance to watch the old time favourite on the big screen while the sun goes down.

It’s the perfect summer evening. www.wynyardhall.co.uk

10 JUNE Rated one of the best farmers’ markets in the country, Saltburn Farmers’ Market isn’t one to miss this June. With a tasty mix of popular stalls and special guests, expect to see a wide range of locally produced meat and game, fresh fruit and veg, wild and garden herbs, artisan bread, handmade cheese and much, much more. With a family friendly atmosphere, the market offers the chance to buy good local food that’s hard to find elsewhere. A lovely little family day out in the beautiful seaside town of Saltburn. www.saltburnfarmersmarket.com

10 JUNE Be lost in Neverland this June as NT Live present Peter Pan at Arc, Stockton.

Captured live at the National Theatre, a recorded performance of JM Barrie’s much-loved tale screens in cinemas this summer. A delight to watch for children and adults alike, the wondrously inventive production will tell the story with a riot of magic, music and make-believe. www.arconline.co.uk

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JUNE

Back by popular demand, Billingham Forum Theatre presents Someone Like You - The Adele Songbook. The show celebrates one of the best-loved singer-songwriters of our generation. Hand-picked by Adele herself, Katie Markham has the showstopping voice and captivating charisma to deliver all your favourite hits. The show recreates the magic of the three recordbreaking albums 19, 21 and 25. www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk

JUNE

If you go down to The Gardens this summer, you’re sure of a big surprise…

This June, The Gardens at Wynyard Hall will be transformed into a children’s wonderland, playing host to a fabulous Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Bring along your own picnic or simply buy one on site to enjoy a day full of fun and entertainment. www.wynyardhall.co.uk

FROM 1 JULY - 16 SEPTEMBER Planning and preparation is in full swing for the second season of ‘Kynren – an epic tale of England’ – to deliver a show that is even ‘bigger, better and brighter’. Following the success of the show in its first season, which was experienced by more than 100,000 visitors, Eleven Arches’ new creative director Steve Boyd is focusing on enriching each of the 25 scenes in the show. Visitors can expect to experience extra layers of detail, more special effects and larger cast numbers, while the soundtrack has been evolved with augmented audio effects.

Nathan Stornetta, the award-winning composer of Kynren’s spine-tingling original score has been back to evolve and extend his acclaimed arrangement with additional music compositions to accompany a completely new scene. This sees the arrival of Britain’s iconic Celtic leader, Queen Boudicca, who makes a dramatic appearance. Boudicca is not the only new character to feature in Kynren 2017; audiences will be treated to Augustine of Canterbury, Prince Bishop Bek, Bishop Trevor – and Henry VIII’s ‘fixer-in-chief’, Cardinal Wolsey.

With a significantly larger cast, including a new team of 70 teenagers who have joined the Kynren team as volunteers, Steve is able to add extra depth, scale and pageantry to each scene. Even the the animal cast hasn’t escaped scrutiny. Not only will visitors experience extraordinary displays of horsemanship, the performance of the horses themselves will be even more impressive. The horses will be joined on stage by fleecy, furry and feathered friends; such as an augmented flock of Texel sheep and a larger than ever gaggle of geese.

Visitors will find themselves integrated with the action. And to ensure Kynren’s second season starts with a bang, extra surprises have been planned exclusively for the enjoyment of visitors attending the premiere on 1 July. However, these are being kept secret until then the only way to find out what they are is to be there… www.kynren.co.uk

MAY/JUN17

GOURMET NIGHT SPECIAL Sparkling wine & petit fours in your room upon arrival.

3 course evening dinner, bed and breakfast.

£135-£165 PER COUPLE

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N.B. Gourmet Nights are available Monday to Saturday. This package will be available throughout the year, though exceptions do apply please ask for availability upon booking.

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chaptershotel @chaptershotel Chaptershotel.co.uk | enquiries@Chaptershotel.co.uk 27 High Street, Stokesley, North Yorkshire, TS9 5AD | 01642 711888

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 which was recently recognised in the Sunday Times Top 100 Restaurants.

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

MAY/JUN17

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DO THIS

30 JUNE

9 JULY

Join Daisy Chain at Rockliffe Hall this June for a special charity celebration of all things food related. With a menu set by all three of Rockliffe’s restaurants, each team will showcase a dish from their menu, but which will be your favourite? And if an evening packed with delicious dishes isn’t already enough… don’t forget to bring along your dancing shoes for the disco that will take place afterwards. www.rockliffehall.com

Scottish musician KT Tunstall will lead a list of stars heading to the North East this summer as the South Tyneside Festival Summer Concerts return. The Suddenly I See singer will take to the stage in Bents Park to launch this year’s concert series, which will be held over four consecutive Sundays. She burst onto the scene in 2004 following a lucky break on BBC TV show Later…with Jools Holland. Having been asked to perform with just 24 hours’ notice, she appeared as a one-person band with a guitar and tambourine and was an instant hit. Shortly afterwards, her debut album ‘Eye to the Telescope’ was re-released and sparked three hits – Black Horse and The Cherry Tree, Other Side of the World and Suddenly I See. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected for the Sunday concert - make sure you’re one of them this July! www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk

30 JUNE - 2 JULY Prepare to be blown away this summer when the North East Chilli Festival returns. It’s a fabulous, three-day event guaranteed to blow your head off!

Now at a bigger and better venue, the line-up includes some of the UK's leading chilli aficionados and some top street food vendors. As well as the chilli treats, there will be a line-up of bands including 80s icons Heaven 17, Baghdaddies, Smoove and Turrell, Nick Pride and The Pimptones, Dennis, SoShe and the Monster Ceilidh Band.

There is also a stand-up comedian, cabaret, disco and a special kids zone - so it’s one for all the family! www.chillifest-ne.co.uk

1 JULY The National Youth Dance Company return to Dance City this summer to perform a brand new creation by NYCD. After establishing a reputation for producing performances with dancers who are expressive, brave and shaping the future of dance, it is guaranteed that NYCD won’t let this performance slip. After hosting sell-out shows every night, extra seating has been added so as many people as possible can witness the stunning dance act. www.dancecity.co.uk

16 JULY Busted fans don’t have to wait until the Year 3000 to see their heroes again – the boyband favourites are heading to the North East this summer to headline an outdoor concert.

Charlie Simpson, Matt Willis and James Bourne will take to the stage at Bents Park, South Shields as part of the South Tyneside Festival.

Famed for hits including Air Hostess, What I Go to School For, Crashed the Wedding and Year 3000, the double Brit-winning pop-rock trio returned to the spotlight last year following an 11-year break releasing their third album Night Driver and returned with single On What you’re On, as well as enjoying a UK tour.

Busted will be joined at Bents Park by local acts The Understudies, Call on Sunday and Sonny. www.southtynesidefestival.co.uk

BOOK IT NOW…

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28 JULY

18 AUGUST

3 - 8 OCTOBER

Taste Tynedale festival will return to Hexham this summer showcasing the region’s finest food, drink and music. The event is being held at Abbey Park and will have an array of gourmet treats, craft beers and drinks and activities for all the family to enjoy. Local chefs will be there to put on cookery demonstrations and, throughout the day and into the evening, bands will perform in the beer tent.

Plus there’ll be plenty of prosecco and wine flowing.

In its first year Taste Tynedale attracted 7,000 visitors with 40 traders taking part and the aim is to build on this success. www.cnevents.co.uk

80s ska band, Madness are set to make a return as they take to the stage at Hardwick Hall Hotel, Sedgefield on 18 August, setting the stage for the return of music festival Hardwick Live the following day. Throughout their career the band have had huge success with their hits such as: Our House, House of Fun and Baggy Trousers.

After putting on a star performance at last year’s X Factor final, the band are about to embark on a world tour making a stop at Hardwick Hall for a one night only performance. www.hardwickhallhotel.co.uk

Lose your head in the magic this October when Disney On Ice returns to Tyneside.

In a fun-filled tour of the imagination, Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure. An exciting journey where families are invited to travel through the most memorable destinations with their favourite Disney characters and get swept away by classic tales that have captivated the world. Audiences will explore the African Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa, voyage deep under the sea to Ariel’s mystical underwater kingdom and tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy, before flying to Neverland to meet up with Tinkerbell. Guests will also be whisked away to a wintery wonderland for an extraordinary adventure with sisters Anna and Elsa and everyone’s favourite snowman Olaf, as they journey to discover that true love is the most magical power of all. www.metroradioarena.co.uk

1 - 5 AUGUST

9 SEPTEMBER

This August, the Sunderland Empire plays host to the award winning production LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, with ex Eastenders star John Partridge and American TV personality Adrian Zmed taking on the lead roles.

Setting out on its first ever UK tour, this brand new production produced by Bill Kenwright and choreographed by Olivier award winning Bill Deamer, features one of the West End’s most revered leading ladies, TV star and recording artist Marti Webb.

Based on the 1973 French play of the same name by Jean Poiret, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES was an instant smash hit when the original broadway production first opened in 1983. You should expect to hear songs such as: The Best of Times, Song on the Sand and the iconic I Am What I Am, which have all been recorded by musical legends Gloria Gaynor, Shirley Bassey and Tony Bennett. www.atgtickets.com

Multi-platinum selling, Oscar, Golden Globe, and Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter John Legend will return to Europe to embark on his biggest tour yet. He is set to wow audiences at Newcastle’s Metro Radio Arena this September for one night only! The news of the tour comes as John announces Surefire - the second single to be lifted from the album Darkness and Light. Since the release, John Legend has co-executive produced and starred in La La Land, which has gone on to win seven Golden Globe Awards and six Academy Awards. He also performed the title track to the recent remake of Beauty and the Beast with Ariana Grande.

So head down to the Metro Radio Arena this September for a real treat and an outstanding night not to be missed. www.metroradioarena.co.uk

18 NOVEMBER After topping the charts and releasing a platinum selling album, James Arthur is set to return to the North East - where it all began. He’ll be gracing the stage of the Metro Radio Arena on his nine-date tour in November. It has been an extraordinary six months for the singer after returning with his single Say You Won’t Let Go. Now he returns with the announcement of his first arena tour supported by Ella Henderson. Billed as ‘the comeback of the year’, James Arthur’s run of success shows no sign of slowing down through 2017. So book your tickets now and support our amazing North East talent as he takes the stage yet again. www.metroradioarena.co.uk

MAY/JUN17

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GOOD STUFF

Sweet charity Doing good things in the North East, our charity round-up HIGH DAYS & HANDBAGS >> Children’s charity CHUF will be hosting their debut afternoon tea event at Hilton Hotel Newcastle Gateshead on May 14 to raise vital funds for children’s cardiac care across the region.

‘Hearts & Handbags’ is a ticket-only event which will be held from 2pm-5pm. Guests will be welcomed with a sparkling reception and will have the chance to indulge in some shopping - and bid at a special handbag auction.

Parents and medical staff will share their stories and experiences of the charity, before CHUF’s heart heroes and their families take to the catwalk to showcase some of the hottest summer trends for 2017.

Tickets are £35 per ticket, or £350 per table of ten. For more information or to book, please contact events@chuf.org.uk www.chuf.org.uk

LUNCH LOVELY >> North East Ladies’ Day is a biggie in the charity calendar, bringing together more than 600 women for a day of friendship, networking and fun, with fundraising at its heart.

This year’s event at Hardwick Hall takes place on Wednesday September 20 and NELD has announced details of the charities to benefit.

They are Butterfly Giving - a charity dedicated to fighting teenage cancer - and Family Help Darlington CIO Women’s Refuge.

Last year’s lunch raised money for Cleveland Motor Neurone Disease Association and charity respite charity, Sara’s Hope.

Both charities were recently presented with cheques for £10,500 each raised by the NELD lunch.

Tickets for the 2017 ladies’ day are available now – see the Facebook page North East Ladies Day.

L to R: Lynn Waterman, Lindsey Rivington, Graham Wylie, Angie Jenkison, Martin Robinson at Divas&Diamonds launch

CHARITY HIGHS >> Staff at intu Metrocentre and intu Eldon Square have been breaking in their walking boots and focusing on fitness in preparation for a charity trek up Ben Nevis this spring.

On May 20 a team of nine from each centre will be embarking on the 16km trek up the tallest mountain in the British Isles to raise invaluable funds for their charities of the year.

The hardy explorers from intu Eldon Square, led by general manager Phil Steele, and intu Metrocentre, led by general manager Gavin Prior, will be scaling new heights to raise money for Hadrian School and St Oswald’s Hospice.

The trek should take approximately eight hours, though this is dependent on weather conditions and fitness levels. Even in May the summit is still likely to be covered in snow.

The centres aim to raise £1,500 each. To make a donation, head to www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ intumetrocentre-Ben-Nevis and www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/intuEldonSquare Caption: (L-R) Gavin Prior, general manager of intu Metrocentre and Phil Steele, general manager of intu Eldon Square.

WALK TALL

Divas and Diamonds will take place at Hilton Hotel Newcastle Gateshead for the eighth time this autumn, bringing together hundreds of women for the ultimate girly night - all in the name of charity.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Graham Wylie Foundation, set up by the regional entrepreneur to help educate and inspire vulnerable and underprivileged children across the North East.

Divas and Diamonds was the brainchild of a group of local business women who wanted to create a women-only ball, raising funds for a chosen charity.

This year’s event on October 14 has been named ‘Saturday Night Diva’ and the organising committee will soon announce some of the top name performers taking to the stage on the night. Table prices vary from £700 for a table seating up to 12 guests, with special ‘Diva Sparkles’ tables priced at £750.

Limited Diamond VIP packages are available for £1,250. www.divasanddiamondsnewcastle.co.uk

>>

The Lantern Walk launched last year by St Oswald’s Hospice, Newcastle returns on July 1 at The Rising Sun Country Park. Holding a paper lantern, walkers will light the way along the 5k course, as the sun sets, in memory of their loved ones.

Participants aged 12 years and over can register to take part and will receive a St Oswald’s t shirt, a coloured lantern and a battery-operated candle. Participants are asked to aim to raise £100 each towards the hospice’s work, through sponsorship from friends and family. For those unable to make the walk, donations can still be made in memory and supporters will receive a thank you letter with a photo of the lantern display, including one placed in memory of their special person.

Registration for the lantern walk is now open. Adult registration is £15 and children aged 12-15 can register for £10. Participants can book their place online at www.stoswaldsuk.org/lantern-walk, call 0191 246 9123 or email fundraising@stoswaldsuk.org

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SPARKLING >>

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GARDEN GRACIOUS >> Lord Ridley is opening the doors to Blagdon Hall in June as part of the Open Gardens scheme with all proceeds going to HospiceCare North Northumberland.

Blagdon Estate is a family-run estate owned by the Ridley family since 1700. The grounds form an arboretum with woodland walks, lake and follies including features designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.

It’s also home to a charming quarry garden containing unusual plants from all over the world.

See the oldest ‘tree’ slice through a fossilised trunk, found in Durham in 1998, which is said to be around 310 million years old.

For more details, see www.hospicecare-nn.org

CHARITY CHEER >> Rockliffe Hall’s Chief Executive, Eamonn Elliott, presented a cheque for £11,837.27 to the Chief Executive of Butterwick Hospice Care, Graham Leggatt-Chidgey, at a special Afternoon Tea event at the five-star resort.

Butterwick Hospice Care was the nominated charity for Rockliffe Hall in 2016. The luxury hotel’s staff raised money through a range of activities, including the Great North Run, and guests were also invited to make a voluntary donation to the charity when they checked out.

The cheque presentation took place at the start of a Victorian Era-themed Ladies Afternoon Tea in The Rockliffe Suite, at Rockliffe Hall.

For 2017, Daisy Chain has been named as Rockliffe Hall’s charity of the year.

The local charity helps children with autism and their families, predominantly at The Daisy Chain centre itself, which includes an outdoor sensory play area, soft play area, sensory rooms, an animal barn, agricultural and horticultural opportunities and nature trails.

Daisy Chain helps more than 1,700 families in the Tees Valley, supporting 581 children each week, and provides parents, carers and siblings with support and a resource library.

Rockliffe Hall hopes to raise funds for Daisy Chain throughout 2017 by hosting a range of events, staff fundraising and by including a voluntary £1 donation to Daisy Chain on check-out.

One of the events will be a Come Dine With Us feast on June 30.

The menu will feature food from each of Rockliffe Hall’s restaurants; The Orangery, Clubhouse and The Brasserie. Each team will showcase a dish from their menu, but which will be crowned the favourite? There will be fundraising activities throughout the evening and a disco.

Details at www.rockliffehall.com

MAY/JUN17

LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Getting the blues Feeling blue never felt so good. Make a statement with this dazzling silver and blue topaz choker set with cubic zirconia. From the Shooting Star collection by Fei Liu. ÂŁ650 www.davidsonsthejewellers.co.uk

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MAY/JUN17

ADVERTORIAL

If you don’t say “I Do”, will you be left out in the cold?

Marriage isn’t for everyone: statistics show that in the past 10 years, the number of couples choosing to live together without marrying has more than doubled from 1.5 million to 3.3 million, and indications are that number will continue to grow.

“So what?” you may think. “People have a variety of reasons for choosing whether or not to marry, there’s no shame in living together these days”. And whilst that’s true, what is potentially scandalous is the distinct lack of knowledge and understanding amongst those who choose to cohabit of the legal distinction made between spouse and civil partners on the one hand and cohabitees on the other.

The law governing divorce and issues ancillary to divorce such as financial arrangements gives courts wide powers to decide in the absence of agreement how available assets should be divided between the parties, taking into account whether there are any children involved and with whom they will live, but this is not the case when cohabiting couples separate, whether or not they have children together.

A popular phrase amongst cohabitees is to refer to their partner as their common law wife or husband. Some even believe that they somehow acquire additional legal standing and rights once they have lived together for a certain length of time. Unfortunately, the term common law wife or husband is a misnomer. There is no such thing within our legal system in reality, and no enhanced status or rights are acquired by virtue of a long-standing relationship.

The rights and entitlements of cohabitees remain the same whether they have lived together for one month or 50 years, but it seems that very few are aware of this or what

indeed their entitlement would be should they separate.

For instance, a recently commissioned survey showed that more than a third of cohabiting couples were unaware that a jointly owned property is typically divided equally between the parties, regardless of how much each contributed. This is particularly alarming given that only half of those surveyed contributed equal amounts to the deposit for their home and only 42% made equal contributions to the monthly mortgage payments.

The situation is even more precarious where any assets whether property, bank accounts, or other are held in the sole name of one of the parties only. Unlike divorcing couples, there are no legal provisions for awarding the non-proprietary party all or part of the asset except in very specific circumstances which generally involve the non-proprietary party being able to prove they made a specific and material financial contribution to the purchase and/or maintenance of the property or asset.

The law surrounding cohabitation can result in terribly unfair results and cases are often complex, lengthy and expensive. There appears to be little indication that this will change any time soon and in the meantime, the best protection cohabitees can afford themselves is to get sound and timely advice, whether that be at the point they decide to cohabit, or when they make subsequent significant purchases.

It’s not enough either to assume that appropriate advice will be given during the house purchasing process because studies have shown that this is rarely the case. So what can be done to protect cohabitees’ financial position?

Whilst most people have never heard of a cohabitation agreement, these documents, when properly effected, are legally binding and relatively easy to have drawn up.

They set out who owns what and in what proportion and provide for how assets will be divided should the

relationship break down. The agreement can also be used to set out how day-to-day finances are to be managed during the course of the relationship, such as how much each contributes to rent or mortgage and bills.

The simple advice is that every cohabiting couple should have a cohabitation agreement and it’s never too late to make an agreement, no matter how long you’ve lived together.

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

MAY/JUN17

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XXXXXXXX LIVE THE DREAM

ON THE HOOF

Ever fancied taking your place in the owner’s enclosure?

Equestrian columnist Deborah Smith talks saddles and syndicates Every so often I’ll get into a conversation with someone about horses and they tell me about, “so and so, he has a share in a racehorse, aye there’s a syndicate down the pub…. costs him an arm and a leg!”

As a keen racegoer myself, when I heard about a new North East racing syndicate being formed by Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, I thought I’d get a view from the other end of the syndicate spectrum.

Highclere is the crème de la crème when it comes to racing syndicates.

Formed back in 1992, its success speaks for itself with over a quarter of its syndicates producing Group 1, 2, 3 and listed race performers, which in layman’s terms means running at the likes of Royal Ascot, Epsom, York and with the best of the best. Highclere has established itself as one of racing’s success stories and brings owning a top-class racecourse within the reach of a whole new generation of owners.

The attraction is an obvious one. Racing has a magical quality. It’s known as the sport of kings but there can be few sports that week in, week out attract such a large number of spectators. Last year I visited that most

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exclusive of venues, the Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, where there is free general admission on racedays – it was heaving!

Leaning over the rails gazing into the paddock before the start of a race as the stunning horses parade around, it is like looking in on a very special world.

I’m sure I can’t be alone in wondering what it would be like to be on the other side of the fence, within the select groups, as those last few instructions pass between trainer and jockey, the pat from the owner as the lead rein is slipped off and with a final nod from the jockeys to trainers the horses canter down to the start. It is pretty magical.

David Croft agrees. The former MD of Yorkshire TV and director of Tyne Tees TV, he is a syndicate owner with Highclere with a horse at the Mark Johnston stables in Middleham and one with Kevin Ryan’s Rio Olympic syndicate in Hambleton.

Racing wasn’t in his blood, he’s the first to admit.

“I’m not someone who grew up in an equine environment but twenty-five or so years ago I got into horse racing when a friend at work had a small share in a horse and I ultimately joined with him to form a small syndicate. It was unsuccessful – we never came anywhere close at the finish!

“But I suppose I got the bug; for me it’s very much about flat racing and the summer – I’m not so keen on going racing in cold with driving rain!”

David left it a while before joining another syndicate where one person knew something about horses.

“This horse was probably the most successful I’ll ever own - Artic Owl - he went on to win the classic Irish St Ledger, what a memorable day! Then he ran in the Melbourne Cup in Australia and we went over to watch the race.

“It was surreal for me waiting with Sheikh Mohammed, who also had a horse running, for the race to start”, he laughs.

But then David became frustrated by being a ‘small’ owner and the lack of feedback and involvement.

It was when he was invited to the annual yearlings’ parade at Highclere Castle that his interest was sparked once again.

Highclere pedigree is impressive. It is a syndicate that wins with horses that are, by any measure, up there with the best. And that is what having a share in a racehorse is all about – the prospect of thrilling races and wins.

Their formula is simple: buy top class horses, train them well, ride them well and look after your owners.

Syndicate owners pay £5,000 to £40,000 to own a share of a horse and all costs are covered. I get the sense it’s very much a community: a fine club where you can watch your horse on the gallops, visit Newmarket, go to the races, see how your horse looks

running in your personal colours and, I’m sure, have a flutter or two.

Harry Herbert is chairman and MD of Highclere, and tells it as it is: “We are a luxury goods business really.

People from all walks of life become owners.

“You don’t need experience, just a love of horses. People who are ‘new’ do get pulled in. It’s glamorous, it’s fun, it’s magical and it’s all about the emotion. Naturally people form friendships with fellow owners, they come to see the horses on the gallops and visit the trainers’ yards. They engage with the character of the different horses and the horses really get under their skin.”

For Flat horses the syndicates own the horses from the yearling sales through their first year of racing as two-year-olds. Some may go on and race as three-year-olds.

“There’s more competition now than when we first started”, says Henry.

“But we have some of the best people in the business involved. With John Warren (bloodstock advisor to The Queen) buying the horses and Rolph Johnson as our handicapping expert and then a whole string of top-flight trainers: Michael Stoute, Richard Hannon, Charlie Hills, Middleham’s Mark Johnston and many more.”

John Warren’s ability speaks for itself with

It’s glamorous, it’s fun, it’s magical and it’s all about the emotion. People form friendships with fellow owners, they come to see the horses on the gallops and engage with different horses MAY/JUN17

LIVE THE DREAM

90 runners to date at Royal Ascot and a 40pc success rate in coming home in the first four places. That’s an amazing track record.

There’s a wide ‘menu’ for syndicate owners who can buy in from £5/6,000 to £40,000.

Sometimes people start small then move up and sometimes people buy for partners and family members for birthdays and anniversaries.

“I’m the eternal optimist”, he confesses but there are always highs and lows.

They roll off his tongue with ease: “We bought Petrushka for 110,000 Irish Punts. It was a lot of money but John (Warren) was determined to have her. There was a lot of excitement as she had a great pedigree. Yes, she was difficult to break.

A tricky filly, but we had Sir Michael Stoute and he always felt she had star quality.

“She was the first syndicated horse to win a classic taking the Irish Oaks in 2000 and winning four times from seven starts

including Group 1 races in three countries.

“Then there was Lake Coniston bought for 22,000 guineas and later sold to the Coolmore stud for £2.4 million. Trained

by Geoff Lewis he was the best British sprinter of modern times.

“Then Harbinger, bought for 180,000 guineas as a yearling; this was one John was excited about from the very start.

“Another horse trained by Sir Michael Stoute he took Ascot’s King George and Queen Elizabeth stakes in 2010 winning by a very impressive 11 lengths ahead of a top-class field and was crowned World Champion that year.

“Down at other end we have wins at lower level…it captures the essence of what we are all about - the feeling owners have when their horse wins.”

This on-going expertise is what attracted David Croft.

“They’re very skillful at what they do and very well connected, with John Warren

being involved. It appealed to me to be part of a syndicate where horses are selected by people who really know what they’re doing and to be able to buy into a quality of horse that with mates down the pub I simply couldn’t aspire to – and horses of a calibre I otherwise couldn’t afford.”

“My wife takes an interest and we go to see the horses at their trainers and meet other members of the syndicate – you sort of build up a camaraderie. Highclere are ambitious for their horses so they go to prestigious meetings like Royal Ascot.

“With mine they’re both youngsters and you need to be realistic – they may not run as two-year-olds. Horse ownership is an expensive hobby but with Highclere the good thing is you pay for the horse and the two-year-old training costs and then you know exactly what you’re in for; there’s the initial pain but no bills dropping on the door mat every month.

“The reality is I do it for the fun, I enjoy racing, I don’t expect to make a return but they make things easy for you as an owner.

They don’t use lots of jargon – racing is surrounded in mystique – but Highclere has their people at the races to tell you what’s happening and you’re treated just like you’re a single owner.

“We always make a day of it and have a whole lot of fun.

“I get anxious and wear my lucky socks and ties! I keep the badges and mementoes from the day, I really get into the whole experience of having an involvement however small.”

And there speaks a true business person.

It’s a far cry from the syndicate in the pub, and certainly will cost you more, but as David conveyed so strongly – the Highclere model is not an investment but is about having ‘a whole lot of fun’ – and that’s surely a winning formula!

For more information contact +44(0) 1488 669166 enquiries@highclere.co.uk www.highclereracing.co.uk 01488 669166

Members of the Highclere Syndicate at Mark Johnston stables in Middleham, North Yorkshire

Beautiful and stylish lighting

01642 704104 Southside Retail Park, Portrack Lane, Stockton, TS18 2TA

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Full Bloom

As spring slowly melts into summer, lighten up your wardrobe, bringing it back to life with sunny blooms and rosy hues, garden- party-gorgeous dresses and floaty fabrics for easy-breezy days

Gather Needle & Thread Dragonfly Garden Mini Dress, ÂŁ325, Fenwick Newcastle

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MAY/JUN17

SUMMER LOVELY

Flourish High Knit by Claire Campbell Caboodle Zip Dress, £445, Jules B Yarm; Kendall + Kylie Ariela Espadrilles, £135, Jules B Yarm

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Bloom

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Burberry Anthia Dress, £550, Fenwick Newcastle

MAY/JUN17

An exciting Summer collection has hit Psyche Ladieswear

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offering

provides a pop of colour from Silvian Heach and Bourne with vibrant fuchsia pinks and the warmth of primrose yellows.

Ted Baker’s High Summer collection offers a new take on floral with their recognisable botanical prints in flattering silhouettes. For the most glamorous event in your social calendar, you can rely on Forever Unique who are renowned for their stunning eveningwear and unique style that will turn heads the moment you walk into any room.

The luxury designs by Foxiedox, Little White Lies, and Novo London this season will ensure that you look amazing on holiday.

However, if the classic and effortless style is more up your street, take a look at the Summer designs by Michael Kors, Barbour Heritage and Joules range for pieces you can add to your capsule wardrobe.

ONLINE

IN-STORE

LINTHORPE RD, MIDDLESBROUGH

MOBILE 01642 888333

SHOP ONLINE AT PSYCHE.CO.UK

SUMMER LOVELY

Crisp

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Charli Sarai Cropped T-shirt, £119, Jules B Yarm; Charli Stripe Culottes, £155, Jules B Yarm; Peparosa Coloniale Bianco & Botota shoes, £125, Jules B Yarm

MAY/JUN17

Self build your dream

WYNYARD PARK MARKETING SUITE

MANORSIDE A689

Located within 885 acres of fabulous parkland which was until recently the preserve of nobility. Here we have reserved a small number of very special pockets of land to become exclusive communities of self-build homes.

NORTH A1(M)

WYNYARD VILLAGE

TEESSIDE A19

THE STABLES

Living in a home of distinction, close to nature but well connected‌ how different would that feel?

Made up of between 12 and 30 spacious plots, each of these developments has its own gated entrance and is landscaped to take advantage of the rolling, natural setting.

You can become the proud owner of your own slice of rural England.

Self build your dream Tel 01740 667000

Email selfbuild@wynyardpark.com www.wynyardpark.com

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Clear The Blue Shirt Shop Blue Watermill Shirt, £165, Jules B Yarm; Peparosa Floranil Pearl Lunar shoes, £125, Jules B Yarm

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MAY/JUN17

12.96ct amethyst silver pendant with 18ct gold details

Celebrating 17 years of fine hand crafted, precious jewellery.

Celebrating 16 yearsMarianne of fine Saunders and Robert Pughe create beautiful ranges hand crafted, precious jewellery. silver, gold and platinum.

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Pughe create beautiful ranges in fine diamonds and Specialising rare coloured gem stones, gorgeous in silver, gold and platinum. pearls and Danish watches.

Specialising in fine diamonds Showcasingand an extensive range rare coloured gem stones, gorgeous of British and European designers. pearls and Danish watches.

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18ct gold Orbit stacking rings set with lilac sapphire and diamond

Swinton Country Club and Spa The multi-million pound Swinton Country Club & Spa, due to launch summer 2017, is a new concept for UK spas. Spacious, contemporary and reflecting every bit of its’ 20,000 acre environment and Yorkshire heritage.

Relaxing spaces, stunning facilities, inspired dining, outdoor activities and spa treatment expertise will ensure a memorable experience for spa days, spa

12.96ct amethyst silver pendant with 18ct gold details

Celebrating 16 years of fine Opening Soon

hand crafted, precious jewellery.

Marianne Saunders and Robert Pughe create beautiful ranges in silver, gold and platinum.

Specialising in fine diamonds and rare coloured gem stones, gorgeous pearls and Danish watches.

Showcasing an extensive range of British and European designers.

breaks and country club activities.

Platinum 0.70cts diamond ring

01765 680900 enquiries@swintonpark.com www.swintonestate.com

MAY/JUN17

Swinton Park, Masham, Ripon, North Yorks, HG4 4JH

www.luxe-magazine.co.uk 29

SUMMER LOVELY

Float

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Intropia Lace Trim Dress, £225, Fenwick Newcastle

MAY/JUN17

Photography Kevin Gibson, www.kgphotography.co.uk

Makeup Victoria Forshaw, www.pinspetalspowder.co.uk

Models Victoria Boaden and Kate Glasgow, www.tyneteesmodels.co.uk

Assistants Hollie Scorer and Kelsie Campbell

Stockists Fenwick Newcastle, www.fenwick.co.uk/stores/Newcastle Jules B Yarm, www.julesb.co.uk

Location Seaton Delaval Hall, The Avenue, Seaton Sluice, Whitley Bay, NE26 4QR Designed by Sir John Vanburgh, the architect behind Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard, Seaton Delaval Hall is a breathtaking National Trust gem. Whether you’re taking in the sweeping landscape, complete with stunning sea views, admiring the arts collections in the furnished West Wing, soaking up the fire-scarred grandeur and atmosphere of the Central Hall or relaxing in its rose gardens, there’s something very special to discover at this 18th century coastal house. It’s had its share of twists and tragedies throughout its history, but what remains today is a grand and welcoming place, perfect for families, weekend strollers and historyloving day-trippers.

Learn more and plan your visit at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/seaton-delaval-hall

MAY/JUN17

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TIME TO SHNE

STYLE SWIPE

Get ready for the summer season with stand-out occasionwear that will ensure you’re on every best-dressed list SS17 is all about dramatic dresses in luxurious fabrics; from delicate lace to floating silk, occasionwear dressing has never been so much fun. The labels to look out for include Needle & Thread, MSGM and CSM alumnus Han Chong’s collection, ‘Self-Portrait’; the last of these are stealing all of the fashion headlines this season!

Ruffles and frills, cinched-in waists and asymmetry are the key trends that have been spotted at fashionforward events this year. Think

of a refreshed 50s silhouette and finish your look off with a bold red lip and boxy accessories.

I’ve styled this stunning Self-Portrait midi dress with Russell & Bromley silver sandals and a gorgeous navy Mulberry bag; the silver hardware and chain handle complement the sandals perfectly. This dress is expertly-crafted from leaf guipure lace which is typical of the SelfPortrait label. The spaghetti straps tone down the intricate lace fabric and the hand-cut raw hemline updates the overall look.

Finally, add a pair of Dior shades and pack a compact into your handbag for any last minute touch-ups during the day.

Catherine Newton is Head of Womenswear at Fenwick Newcastle.

>> Dress, Self-Portrait £290 >> Bag, Mulberry £495 >> Heels, Russell & Bromley £295 >> Sunglasses, Dior £250 >> Compact, Dior £42.50 >> Lip Gloss, Dior £27.50 >> Magazine, Dior - Complimentary with the purchase of any La Collection Privée Christian Dior Fragrance in the Fenwick Newcastle Beauty Hall.

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MAY/JUN17

AWARD WINNING HAIRDRESSING

BE GORGEOUS 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

LIGHT FANTASTIC

The sassy silvers

A new generation of women is showing the world that it’s sassy and sexy to live life in the grey lane.

We’re seeing the rise of the inspiring older woman who is confident, clever and with a style all her own.

The over-50s are setting the scene. 50 is the new 30 – and a beautiful hairstyle can be a crowning glory that reflects the fact that there’s never any need to hit a certain age then morph into a dull, boring version of your original self.

More than ever before, women of all ages are embracing life with a fresh attitude and a new found confidence that proudly proclaims; “I love myself!”.

Your personal style needs to be the right fit for you and it definitely isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach: in fact, far from it!

Yes, your look should be age appropriate but that doesn’t mean you have fewer options, you just need to make the right choices.

A combination of sophistication and elegance are the key to portraying an inner confidence that looks strong, sassy and stylish to the watching world.

For many women, dying roots and shying away from their grey hair is a thing of the past and women are now embracing it.

Grey is really having a moment as a hair colour of choice – you’ve even got the twentysomethings crying out for it – that’s how cool grey has become!

But even if you don’t feel able to go all-out grey, don’t fear, as colouring your grey just got a whole lot easier.

As women age it’s not just their hair that changes; skin tone can fade and colours which once flattered can start to look harsh.

Colouring grey is all about choosing the right tone for your skin and creating a look that has a soft and blended, natural feel.

We’re here to work some magic and make gorgeous, shiny, fuller-looking hair a reality!

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

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MAY/JUN17

LX-01

XXXXXXXX OUT&ABOUT

LIVING IT UP with Varsha Sehgal Inspired by Italy and festival-ready!

THRILLED BY >> So I am off to Glastonbury this summer and though glamping inclusive of a spa, swimming pool and drinking and dining with the stars is all part of the plan, I have been dreading the wellies and sludge!

The fact that my sixteen year old is excited for our ‘mother-daughter’ weekend and is allowing me to share this moment with her, without seeing it as a death knell to her street cred, fills me with such pride; making the thrill of a fabulous line-up which includes, Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters, Radiohead and Lorde just another added bonus.

TRAVELLED TO >> Shakespeare may have never visited Verona but he too could not resist its medieval charm - in fact he wrote a whole play around it. Recently I was there and the magic the ‘pink city’ conjured left me spellbound and eager to return.

Our days melted away sipping wine, strolling down cobbled streets, visiting churches, castles and tombs, browsing in little boutiques and eating a whole lot of pasta and gelato.

We saw the sun set over the Adige from the city’s highest vantage point (Ponte Pietra) and took in the sights, sounds and smells of its innumerable little alleys. The crumbling gate of the old city (Porta dei Borsari) stood tall like a sentinel recording all comings and goings and the colourful frescos spoke of a city seeped in art and joyful colour.

Here, I share with you some of the countless jewels I stumbled upon in a city known to inspire love and passion.

Restaurants

‘12 Apostoli - sat just above two temples that date back to Biblical times, this charismatic restaurant is Verona’s pride and joy and is no stranger to famous faces including, Ernest Hemingway!

The food is typically Venetian maintaining a traditional style to include gnocchi, polenta and even

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donkey! We were lucky to meet Antonio Gioco, the owner who proudly led us below ground-level to reveal an impressive wine cellar and the remnants of the old temples.

Trattoria Al Pompiere - Michelin recommended, this is where the locals eat pasta, drink wine and sip their espressos while looking casual and yet undeniably chic.

Il Desco - a Michelin star restaurant oozing refinement without being pompous, its attention to detail is what made it memorable for me instantly. The knowledgeable wine suggestions to go with each course, the food tasting as good as it was creatively presented, inventive petit-fours and finally my cup of canario sitting pretty above a delicate crochet doily - sublime!

L’oste Scuro - the most popular fish restaurant in the city, offering not a very extensive menu but a deliberately selective one, using fresh ingredients to deliver quality and great taste. The ‘crudo’ plate or carpaccios of raw fish was beautifully seasoned and a great accompaniment to my glass of champagne.

Bottega del Vino - dating back to the sixteenth century, this restaurant is a pilgrimage for wine lovers. A leather bound, two inches thick wine list boasts of a wine cellar housing some of the world’s most exquisite wines. The food matched the drink and we left feeling rather merry.

Sights Despite putting in nine-hour-days of sightseeing, we were left feeling there was so much more we could have done however, having covered all the sights recommended by our guide I believe we got a good flavour of the place. These were namely, the Arena, Ponte Pietra, Casa di Giuletta, Teatro Romano, Piazza dei Signori, Piazza delle Erbe, Duomo Cathedral, Basilica of San Zeno (home to the crypt from Romeo and Juliet) and Santo Lorenzo.

Wineries Veneto is the biggest wine producer in Italy and as a territory, Venice its most important historical area for contributing world famous wines such as the Amarone. Tours of wineries and wine tasting is very popular and Pagus Wine Tours executed an orderly, informative and very enjoyable experience for us. Our visit to Lake Garda where spring was in full bloom was a wonderful start to the day followed by a short drive to Valpolicella where we wined and dined at the famous Masi winery. After lunch we found ourselves in the valley at a small but specialised winery called Coali where we received an education in the difference between a Ripasso, Classico and Classico Superiore by the owner herself. It was interesting to see the contrast in a modern, large-scale set up and a slightly more traditional one.

Shopping Since we were in Italy it was no surprise to find Gucci, Etro, Dolce & Gabbana to name a few amongst the big names but the boutiques that pushed the envelope for me were Paper, Lazzari, Folli Follie and The Merchant of Venice.

TASTED >> Voted as “one of the top places in the UK to live in”, Tynemouth is emerging as a little haven of eclectic bars and restaurants - the vibe is refreshing and verging on the bohemian here. Recently, I was at the Ora which came recommended as a tapas restaurant.

Expecting a menu made up cold meats, potato bravas, paella and prawn pil-pil, I was delighted to discover it stretched beyond Spain to Italy, Thailand, Turkey and India too. The concept is little tasters (tapas) encompassing lots of interesting flavours and cuisines enhanced by well selected wines and cocktails. Tucking into the delicious pulled pork nachos, gambas aglio olio and seafood ravioli in their beautiful private dining loft was an experience I plan on repeating again.

TEMPTED BY >> Accessories can make or break a look and my golden rule always has been to stick with a single statement piece and give it a chance to shine on its own without the profanity of excessive display. Hats are not just a functionary summer essential but a real fun part of it too. Being partial to a well made Fedora hat myself, Maison Michel are my absolute favourite and because androgynous dressing is a huge trend this year, their handmade straw Boater will be a great addition to the look. Definitely an investment worth making!

TRIED ON >> Certified organic and paraben free, RMS Beauty recently found its way into my make-up bag and I am besotted with my shine and pore-minimising translucent Un Powder, Un Coverup concealer and Magic Luminizer. The products are light, nourishing and virtually undetectable.

THINKING ABOUT >> Now that summer seems to have arrived on our shores my mind has turned to the outdoors and setting myself a new physical challenge. Trying to rope in friends to take on Everest Basecamp hasn’t been easy but it has been sat on my bucket list for so long now that I am seriously thinking about doing it alone. I just need to get my finger out and get the deed done - any takers?

MAY/JUN17

Special investment event

Is it time to disrupt your investments?

As ‘disruptive technology’, such as artificial intelligence, solar energy and genetic medicine redraws the world around us, how do you make investment plans that can survive and thrive amidst the upheaval?

Find out by joining Rathbones and our expert speakers for a special investment event in Matfen Hall Hotel, near Newcastle on Wednesday 24 May. Confirm your place now, visit: rathbones.com/tyne or call us on 0191 255 1455

The value of investments and income arising from them may fall as well as rise and you might get back less than you originally invested.

Rathbone Investment Management is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

SOFT FOCUS

Lounge luxe Womenswear maven Rhona Blades has launched a cool, wearable all-age fashion feast. She tells us about her ZEN journey

What is ZEN >> ZEN offers the everyday woman a tactile shopping experience where she can personally craft her capsule wardrobe from easy wearing pieces, designed to be embellished with statement jewellery.

What brought you to the ‘ZEN journey’ >> We wanted to create a brand that really understood the difficulties that many women face daily when putting together an outfit.

The industry has changed so much over the past few years and it’s great to see so many female designers, acknowledging that what women really want when it comes to dressing is comfort, ease and timeless style.

Who is it for >> The ZEN woman is effortlessly stylish and always on the go. She needs a capsule wardrobe that she can reach for each morning and pull fabulous looks together without requiring too much thought. She opts for comfort and often pairs her outfits with trainers, but she knows that a statement necklace will instantly elevate

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her look. Most importantly the ZEN woman is emancipated and feels powerful in whatever she wears.

Have you recognised a new demographic for ZEN >> The ZEN woman could be a Jules B customer who is inspired by the trend-led aspect of the comfort look so there is a crossover.

We have a very loyal customer base who live and breathe the ZEN concept and already embody the look. We can also see women of all ages adopting this style and so really the ZEN wardrobe is for all of us.

Who are the women in the public eye who embody ZEN >> We believe that any woman can embody ZEN. In the public eye we very much envisage someone like Instagram traveller Courtney Adamo falling in love with our website, equally as much as women like Kathleen Turner and Diane Keaton. ZEN is very much a lifestyle led brand and that’s a really essential element for us.

Tell us how ZEN shopping works The beauty with ZEN is that outfits can

be built so easily and with versatility. For example, our customer might buy a couple of pairs of trousers and a handful of tops and they will all be ‘inter-wearable’.

The customer can then add to their existing ZEN wardrobe by layering looks and creating newness, using textured jewellery to accessorise.

Is it workwear or leisure – is there still a difference >> Thanks to a huge shift in womenswear designing we can see women opting for athleisure on a daily basis and picking out stylish and comfortable looks for the work place. ZEN is so creative because it can be interpreted in a more formal way by adding heels and jewellery or it can be kept cool but sophisticated with trainers. We always say that it’s about how a woman carries herself in her clothes that is important, as even the most casual of looks can look ultra-luxurious if worn with confidence.

Where do you source the ZEN >> ZEN is sourced globally and we handpick brands for their ethos, high quality and unique selling point. We have an array

of brands that are both highly recognised and almost completely unknown. The ZEN woman is not afraid of trying new brands.

She wants reliable quality before anything else.

The pieces are classics – will they be updated seasonally >> The brands we work with are always producing a line of products that are consistent in identity and although the designs may alter seasonally the core styles and message remain the same.

What’s a day in the life of a ZEN outfit >> The perfect ZEN outfit can carry you seamlessly from daytime to evening. For example you might wear a pair of Oska wide leg trousers with a Xenia taffeta hem top and Candice Cooper trainers for running around in all day but then you can slip a pair of heels on and add some of our statement jewellery and head out to a cocktail party. ZEN is all about ease and confidence, the brand exists to make the customer feel and look younger in the most sophisticated way.

Find ZEN at www.zenwardrobe.co.uk

MAY/JUN17

ALL THE INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR PERFECT KITCHEN “Luxurious hand-crafted kitchens designed with you in mind.”

www.oakstonedesigns.co.uk

01325 366 948

Follow us on Pinterest and Instagram @OakstoneDesigns

WATCH THIS

Running story Forget the impact of Brexit on the North East, it’s Carol Malia’s dramatic weight loss that has captured the viewers of BBC Look North.

Fake news it’s certainly not, as she tells Kathryn Armstrong

Carol Malia is the first to admit that she isn’t keen on being the news. She’s happy to bring it into your home as presenter of BBC Look North - and this year she celebrates 20 years doing just that.

But personal scrutiny she’s less comfortable with.

However, the past few months have seen her inbox bursting with viewers’ comments about her appearance, most noticeably a dramatics weight-loss.

When you’re on screen nearly every night there’s nowhere to hide, for good or bad. It even meant nasty, ‘hurtful’ and personal comments about her weight last year.

But having gone on a health kick and shed three-and-a-half stone in eight months, Carol is now prepared to ‘go public’ about the change, not least because she realised she’s inspired others to get fit themselves.

She joined a slimming class and a running group near her Tyne Valley home and has never felt fitter or more energised.

It had come to a point, says Carol, where personal life crossed into professional.

“I was reading the news about levels of obesity and heart problems in the North East and feeling embarrassed that I was overweight.

“I got the odd email when I was bigger making personal comments and it was hurtful. They were the ones I thought about.

“At the same time I was meeting up with a friend I played tennis with and she seemed to be shrinking every week.

I was playing tennis and feeling that my knees and feet were achey…”

Her friend told her that it wasn’t a magic pill – she was simply going to a regular slimming class (as a BBC employee Carol’s not allowed to say or endorse which one).

Carol signed up: “It was at 9.30am on a Monday morning, there was no reason why I couldn’t. I had that thought that there was no way I was going to sit around in a group to be lectured at – but the reality was that there were three friends there and a couple of other people I knew – and it was like a comedy club – but with great advice, tips and focus.”

Carol was hooked but admits it took determination and a real change of habits to get results.

“My job meant a lot of balls, dinners, after-work events and functions.

“I had to take the decision to be half as sociable, to give myself time to do it properly, to not say yes to every dinner.

“I became half as sociable but what did happen was that friends have joined me and they understand it.”

Carol, who is 48, started running with a group called Jog on the the Tyne and every Sunday morning she’s out there at 8.30am getting the run out of the way so she can spend the rest of the day doing family stuff with Anna, seven, Nicholas, six, and husband Gary.

“I did the Great North Run, pre-kids when I was 36/37 but when I started again we began with a one minute walk, one minute run and built it up. Over ten weeks I built up to running four miles on hills! Now on Sundays we do about five miles.”

Her gradual weight loss has obviously been apparent on screen to viewers and Carol has realised that she’s encouraged others to lose weight for their health.

“Over eight months I have lost three stone five pounds – I had a target of four stone which would be back to pre-babies – I just want to be sensible about it.

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“I have had emails from viewers saying they have been inspired by me to lose weight themselves, asking me how I have done it – and, yes calling me an inspiration.”

She admits that as a professional journalist doing her job it shouldn’t be about how she looks, but people are encouraged and inspired by what she’s done.

“That reaction feels a bit overwhelming to be honest – but brilliant that people are interested and encouraged.”

On a professional level of course Carol has had an exacting time in front of the camera. Brexit coverage gave her one of her biggest challenges yet – chairing live debates about the effect of the Brexit changes on the region.

“That required an awful lot of research – obviously we have

I did the Great North Run pre-kids, but when I started again we began with a oneminute walk and a one-minute run and over ten weeks I built up to running four miles over hills!

MAY/JUN17

WATCH THIS an amazing team but I really had to know my stuff and be on my toes – we had some very lively debate!”

Her work schedule is full-on with evening and late night broadcasts and that creates a healthy eating challenge of its own – not eating until after nine when she gets home.

“I’ve always got boxes full of crunchy vegetables near me”, she confesses. (Though when we meet Carol has succumbed to a Curly Wurly enroute – six of the 15 ‘sins’ allowed on her eating regime).

The wine drinking days are mostly left behind – or have taken on a different tone.

“Now we’ll get a very good bottle of wine on a Friday and I will really look forward to that good, big glass of red and really savour and enjoy it.

“As for other meals, I’ll cook Sunday lunch and just not have the roasties or the Yorkshire puds.

“For breakfast it’s Weetabix and yoghurt with tonnes or fruit or toast with ham or smoked salmon.

“With salads I’ll have a dressing of red wine vinegar, no croutons or cheese – it sounds boring but you can get by!

“I’ve got a bag I take to work with fruit or lots of protein like ham, chicken and eggs.

“I’ve replaced crisps with seaweed thins and if I want something sweet I have plain yoghurt with honey and some ground nutmeg or cinnamon, raspberries and oranges.

“I do miss eating bread – a lovely rustic, artisan loaf!”

When Carol gets to her target weight she’ll be heading out for an ‘amazing’ night out meal somewhere lovely and getting a new swimsuit for summer.

In eight months she’s gone down two to three dress sizes and is full of an energy and sparkle that has encouraged others to follow her high-profile lead.

“I am surprised but pleased that people feel inspired.”

Credits Photography: Kevin Gibson Location: Matfen Hall Hotel www.matfenhall.com Makeup: Kitty Kerry www.kittymua.co.uk Clothes: Mint Velvet and Ted Baker at intuMetrocentre www.intumetrocentre.co.uk Carol is co-presenter of the daily BBC Look North with Jeff Brown, which is the most watched news programme in the North East.

I have had emails from viewers saying they have been inspired by me to lose weight themselves

Go behind the scenes at our shoot and see more tips from makeup artist Kitty Kerry. www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

STOKESLEY’S NEW HAIR AND BEAUTY HIDEAWAY L’OREAL Hair treatments provided by skilled and experienced Hair therapists DECLEOR retailer and treatments provided by qualified professional Beauty therapists Treatments such as MAC makeup and FAKE BAKE are also offered.

The Sorellanza team offer clients the very best treatments and a fantastic experience to help revitalise the mind and body

Vivek Kuvelker & Kevin Cheung created SkinPharma Aesthetics in October 2016. They worked together as clinical pharmacists in GP surgeries across North Yorkshire & now use their prescriber training in the field of advanced aesthetic treatments.We would like to announce that SkinPharma Aesthetics have now expanded in providing treatments at Sorellanza Hair & Beauty in Stokesley, They provide a range of cosmetic, anti-ageing & dermal filler treatments and look forward to welcoming clients. www.skinpharma.co.uk

Unit 3, Roseberry Court, Ellerbeck Park, Stokesley 01642 711141 www.sorellanzahairandbeauty.co.uk Open Monday – Saturday with pre-arranged appointments available on Sunday MAY/JUN17

www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

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LOOK GOOD

MOUTH MATTERS

VICTORIA’S SECRET >> VB is back with her second collection collaboration with Estée Lauder. After her previous sell-out collection she makes a return, this time bringing along some new products as well as some cult comebacks. Two completely new products include ‘Saffron Sun’ bronzer, £48, and a matte take on the neutral lip hue, £36.

Available at Fenwick, Newcastle and Harvey Nichols Leeds.

WITH ONKAR DHANOYA

All things bright and beautiful to face the summer days Onkar Dhanoya is clinical lead and principal dentist at Honour Health, providing dental treatments and facial aesthetics at three sites across the North East (Jesmond, Stanley and Ponteland).

Onkar, who 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).

SPOTLIGHT ON INVISALIGN >> At Honour Health, we know that healthy, straight, white teeth can transform a patient’s smile and provide a huge boost to their confidence.

Properly positioned teeth not only look good, but also make for healthier teeth and gums. Straightened teeth are easier to clean, which in turn reduces the chances of plaque retention, tooth decay and gum disease.

Many people believe that the only way they can achieve straight teeth is by wearing fixed, visible metal braces, but this is not necessarily the case. We offer a popular alternative called Invisalign – a removable, clear, comfortable treatment.

Invisalign straightens the teeth using a number of almost invisible, custom-made, removable aligners, with no braces or wires, offering you the flexibility to eat and drink what you like during treatment, and to brush and floss normally.

If we determine that you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign, we’ll take the following steps: • take an impression of your teeth • create a tailored treatment plan • show you, using 3D technology, how your teeth will gradually move into their final position • provide you with custom-made, easily removable aligners • ask you to wear each set of aligners for two weeks at a time Aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day throughout your treatment. Each set of aligners will then very gradually move your teeth towards their final position.

The treatment time depends on the complexity of each individual case, but can typically last between 9-18 months.

When your Invisalign treatment is finished, we also offer complimentary teeth whitening - the finishing touch to your smile transformation.

If you’d like to find out more about Invisalign, please visit us for a free, no obligation smile consultation, where we’ll explain the treatment process and answer any questions you may have.

Members of our Honour Health Club receive 10% off Invisalign treatment, as well as a range of other benefits including worldwide dental insurance and emergency appointments.

If you’d like further information about our membership plans, just ask our reception team.

FRESH FEEL >>

ONE-STOP >>

As luxurious as it gets, the beautiful scent of jasmine is the key to Chanel’s new revitalising facial oil. Intended to be used with facial massage it has a silky texture and decadent feel. Softens lines and gives skin radiance, £97.

Summer also heralds new-seasons treat from Chanel with its Les Beiges limited edition collection of products. Soft glow cream blush stick, £34, offers a glide-on freshness and a new gel-touch compact foundation is beautiful to pull from your handbag, offering a light summerweight coverage that’s easy to top up when you’re onthe go, £46.

On counter now at Chanel.

Nars’ new NARSissist loaded palette, £55, is definitely one for your makeup bag. Twelve fab shades, ranging from neutral to bold in a limited edition palette. The 12 eyeshadow shades come in either shimmer or matte giving you the option to create a simple, natural, every day look or you can add extra dimension by mixing a deep dark brown with a popping pigmented gold glitter. www.narscosmetics.co.uk from May 1.

LIP SERVICE >> Clarins’ Lip Comfort Oil and Sunkissed Summer Makeup Collection will help illuminate, contour and add glow to your complexion. The limited edition products are offered in rich, brown, bronze and peach shades to mirror the sun, sand and tropical sun sets you’d see on holiday. Bronzing & Blush Compact, £30, warms your complexion while the formula cares for your skin. With just one simple sweep of the product, the skin will appear more radiant while staying protected from dryness.

If you’re plagued by oily skin in summer Clarins’ Pore Perfecting & Matifying Collection acts as part makeup, part skincare. Foundation, £28, blurs imperfections, reduces oily skin while keeping your skin hydrated and protected. The Pore Perfecting Matifying Kit, £33, includes blotting papers and a translucent powder. They are the basis to maintaining a matte finish. www.clarins.co.uk

Honour Health Jesmond (formerly Osborne Dental) Tel: 0191 281 3913 Email: jesmond@honourhealth.co.uk Honour Health Ponteland (formerly Ponteland Dental) Tel: 01661 821 412 Email: ponteland@honourhealth.co.uk

www.honourhealth.co.uk

Honour Health Stanley (formerly Stanley Dental) Tel: 01207 232 725 Email: stanley@honourhealth.co.uk

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<< FLOWER POWER If your skin is looking dull or dry this month, restore some hydration with Origins Flower Fusion sheet masks, £5. Crafted with 100 per cent natural bamboo, the masks provide an instant boost of radiance and dewy moisture in a natural way. www.origins.co.uk

OH TOM! >> Let’s go to Portofino with Tom Ford.

His new collection of all over body sprays is inspired by the beautiful Italian Riviera town. They look sparklingly beautiful.

Neroli Portofino collection, £44 each, includes three beachbag-friendly 150ml sprays.

Or for a blowout, head to Positano, Ford’s new green citrus floral fragrance, bursting with a luxurious blend of sun-drenched citrus: Italian bergamot, petitgrain bigarade (bitter orange), lemon, and mandarin, £155, for 50ml on counter in Fenwick, Newcastle.

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SHAPE UP

FITNESS!

BRIGHTS >> Bobbi Brown’s limited edition Havana Brights collection is a must-have for your makeup bag. The collection offers up the Illuminating Cheek Palettes, £35, that are guaranteed to give you a healthy sun-kissed glow for the summer months. Art Liquid Lipsticks, £21.50, allow your perfect pout to stand out from the crowd. Available in vibrant, coral colours, the semi-matte, full-coverage formula will last for eight hours so no need for top ups. www.bobbibrown.co.uk

WITH LEILA BRAMWELL

SWITCH UP >> Switch up this season’s summer-time makeup routine with bareMinerals. Sheer, lightweight and long-lasting are just three of the best elements to enhance your summer skin.

The Complexion Rescue Hydrating Gel Cream, £27, gives a dewy, sheer to medium coverage which is perfect for giving you a natural glow while replenishing thirsty skin with its powerful hydration botanicals. Invisible Glow Highlighting Powder, £25, sweeps over cheek bones to add an extra glister. www.bareminerals.co.uk

<< TWIST Sisley’s new makeup collection brings the Phyto-Blush Twist, £43. With its application ease and precision, the cream formula turns to powder as it touches the skin leaving a smooth, velvety finish in a long lasting creamy texture. www.sisley-paris.com

TRESSES TLC >> No more neglected ends.

Aveda’s Shampure Thermal Dry Conditioner, £26, is ideal for spritzing on dry hair. A perfect go-to for between washes. www.aveda.co.uk

SUNNY >> Green People are back with their award-winning sun care range now presented in perfect hand luggage size. Each pack contains sun lotion, aftersun and tanning accelerator that are suitable for those with sensitive skin. The Sun Travel Collection, £37.95, comes in 100ml bottles. www.greenpeople.co.uk

SLEEP WELL >>

<< BREATHE… Neom helps you on your wellbeing journey with its cute Discovery kit. The idea is you inhale the fragrance from each of the four little bottles and are drawn to one particular scent. They pinpoint if your concern is sleep, stress, energy or happiness. The test is £5 to purchase at www.neomorganics.com/scentdiscovery plus a £5 shopping voucher and ebook when folks share their results with Neom.

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If you’re not getting the beauty sleep that you need night creams lay claim to some overnight aid with your shut-eye.

Some of our favourites: Lancome Energie De Vie Sleeping mask, £43, boosts the skins moisture levels in just 10 minutes to leave the skin looking hyrdated, fresh and soft to touch. ESPA Overnight Hydration Therapy, £35, rejuvenates the skin while you sleep.

Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair, £73, accelerates skin renewal while reducing the appearance of ageing.

On counter and all available at ww.harveynichols.com

WHY PILATES IS FOR MEN… AND WHY EVERY MAN SHOULD BE DOING IT. Pilates was originally meant for men. Joseph Pilates used his method to help soldiers wounded in World War I to gain strength and flexibility. Joseph Pilates himself was a boxer.

Pilates has so many benefits for men. If you’re serious about your fitness and health, Pilates is the way forward as it can fine-tune your performance whether you are a marathon runner, cyclist or a body builder.

I have trained cyclists and runners who have improved their times dramatically with only a few sessions. I have also trained cage fighters who have improved on their performance and weight lifters who have increased their strength. Golfers and tennis players who have improved their game. Not forgetting the gentlemen who have had terrible back pain for years visiting physiotherapists and chiropractors and osteopaths just to be able to function and with only a few sessions of Pilates the pain has subsided.

So what is it about Pilates that gives profound results?

1. Pilates focuses on muscles that often get neglected, targeting deeper muscles that are not typically trained in the gym.

2. Flexibility is improved which means that ranges of movement are improved and risk of injury is reduced.

3. Deep core strength is developed as you learn how to power your body’s movements from your transverse abdominals (deepest core muscles).

4. Improvement of posture, due to learning how to use and develop postural muscles to straighten the spine and correct the damage caused from sitting slumped over a desk at work or driving.

5. Balancing out the body, using Pilates to even out any imbalances caused by bad posture or injury (Reformer and Pilates Chair is fantastic for this).

Pilates is something that can change your life and how you see fitness. However it can be hard to find the right class and teacher.

Pilates is about the whole Pilates system so make sure that you go somewhere or get instructed by someone who teaches the full Pilates system (Mat, Reformer, Ladder Barrel, Cadillac, etc) this will guarantee you have the best teacher to develop your Pilates with truly fantastic results.

At Shaping Futures, men can come to all our classes however we also run a Pilates class just for men.

Check out our full timetable on www.shapingfutures.co.uk or download the ‘Shaping Futures’ app for free.

In health and happiness Leila Bramwell Master Pilates Instructor, Back Specialist and Trainer Shaping Futures – Durham City www.shapingfutures.co.uk www.thebackclinicdurham.co.uk

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EAT RIGHT

Food for thought

Jessica Laing joined a masterclass in good-for-you grub at Wynyard’s Glasshouse and discovered how eating ‘clean’ can transform our bodies - and our minds - in time for summer

Here’s a question for you. If we are what we eat, what does that make you? A large glass of Merlot? A chocolate digestive?

A walking wedge of stilton? In a world in which terms like ‘detox’, ‘clean-eating’ and ‘I’m sorry, but is this gluten-free?’ are thrown around more times than a frisbee on a summer’s day, the quest to becoming a healthier, fitter, leaner version of ourselves is becoming more and more baffling - and restrictive. And it can be enough to make you want to throw in the towel entirely and surrender to a life of Dairy Milk and cheese boards instead.

But what if, like me, you don’t want to be a couch potato? How many of you would prefer to be something a little more green instead? A sprightly sugar snap pea? A slender cucumber stick, perhaps?

Apparently it doesn’t have to be hard - so long as you have the basics down. No starvation tricks or fad diets; just simple, natural, foods to nourish your insides and fuel you for the day.

One health expert on a mission to make us more food-savvy - and healthier in the

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process - is Kate Chaytor-Norris, a North East-based nutritional therapist with a passion for good-for-you grub and the science behind eating it.

Having trained at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London - one of the UK’s leading educational bodies - she’s quite the foodie boffin, practising from both a scientific and holistic perspective to help her clients delve deeper into their diet woes, tummy troubles and overall lifestyle.

Working from her home in Darlington, she works with clients on a one-to-one basis, creating for them bespoke (but manageable) programmes to encourage healthier eating

habits and a greater sense of wellbeing.

These can (and often do) include making dietary changes, anything from upping your leafy green and fibre intake to cutting out certain foods completely, but the fun (and most crucial) part involves Kate putting your pesky symptoms under the figurative microscope to figure out which of your body’s systems may be under threat. And in return, you get to learn how and why eating and living better can often turn it all around.

Her recent workshop at Wynyard Hall was quite the eye-opener - and a real treat for foodies and self-confessed health nerds like myself. A mix between a biology lesson and the type of girly chat you’d have (need) at the end of a long week, it touched on topics we could all relate to - things like mid-afternoon sugar hits and how, if we’re not careful, they can jeopardise our health in big ways - like feeding the existing cancer cells we all have in our bodies.

She provided an insight into portion control and how much protein we should be eating per day (FYI - a third of your plate and you should be scoffing it during every meal) and dispelled a few foodie myths that we all seem to fall for. Things like opting for ‘low-fat’ and ‘no added sugar’ foods and drinks (they’re actually full of other additives and worse for you than the full-fat stuff ) and avoiding amazing, natural produce such as nuts and seeds, oily fish and avocados because we think they’re ‘full of fat’ (turns out they are, but only the good kind!)

There were plenty of tips and tricks along the way, too, such as which ‘superfoods’ to look out for if you’re battling with digestive dramas (note to self: pick up ground flaxseeds), how to give your poor, toxin-busting liver a break (sulphurous foods such as onion, garlic, cauliflower and leeks help) and, if you must eat fruit, which berries will perk up your skin, defog your brain, soothe inflammation and flood your system with antioxidants (the brighter the better, but blueberries and, oddly enough, prunes both reign supreme).

The damaging relationship the body has with stress was also addressed - how it wreaks havoc in all of our systems (particularly the gut) and can trigger chronic health issues - as well the best ways, in Kate’s opinion, to detox - both physically and mentally.

After a colourful and nutrient-packed buffet, inspired by the talk’s topics and featuring many of the health-boosting foods Kate loves, and a few ‘detox’ teas down the hatch, the workshop came to a close and we were free to go on as we please, armed with some handy notes and a new outlook on how to release our inner carrot stick.

I’ve since been putting a few of Kate’s tips to the test (those flaxseeds really work pick some up during your next weekly shop) and am already feeling the benefits, but if you fancy a natter with her in person, then I’d urge any of you - couch potatoes, walking-talking McVities, the lot - to give her a call. Boosting your health for summer can be easy - and fun. And she’ll show you how.

KATE’S TOP 5 HEALTH-BOOSTING TIPS 1. If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a million times, but try your hardest to cut down on all forms of sugar. That means your typical kitchen cupboard sugar (the refined stuff ), but also honey, maple syrup, agave nectar and molasses.

People will tell you they’re healthier than regular sugar, but they actually all have the same effect on the body. Sugar feeds the existing cancer cells we all have in our body and promotes inflammation in the body.

2. Make sure you address any digestive symptoms you may be experiencing - things like bloating, cramps, stomach pain, diarrhoea and constipation.

Introducing ground flax seeds into your diet, as well as foods such as miso, tempah and sauerkraut, will help you go to the loo and boost your gut microflora.

3. My diet tips are pretty straight-forward: eat only wholegrain, unrefined carbohydrates (no white potatoes!), make sure you’re eating protein with every meal and ensure that at least half your plate is packed with vegetables - especially if they’re green, leafy or brightly-coloured.

Eating organic, wherever possible, is also worth considering.

4. Be mindful of cleaning products, toiletries and external toxins - they all cause our bodies and overall health harm, often without us even realising. Open the windows in your house if you’re decorating so you’re not breathing in paint fumes - the same goes if you’ve just bought new furniture, curtains or carpets, or even a new car. They’re all laden with toxins. Think twice about drifting off to sleep on a brand new sofa, or smothering your skin with non-organic body cream you’ll just be absorbing toxins.

5. Don’t underestimate the power stress has on the body. Remember to take in some deep breaths - in for four seconds and out for seven - throughout your day.

Take time for yourself every day too - no matter how guilty it might make you feel.

Make it your mission to get seven hours of sleep in every night and to sit down for meals and focus on your food.

Eating mindfully has a positive effect on digestion.

Visit www.nutritionyorkshire.com for more information about Kate’s services, or call 01325 722453/07889 174297.

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A GOOD SPACE

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A GOOD SPACE

Kate Rose is the creative and business brain behind growing lifestyle company Tutti&Co. Her designs and her home are inspired by the textures, tones and colours of the coast where she lives, as she tells Kathryn Armstrong

SNU G & SAVV Y Kate Rose manages to personify her business without moving a muscle. She opens her smart grey door sporting a Kooples sweater in a puttyish shade with her long legs encased in All Saints washed grey denim with artful rips. When she pauses to grab her iPad, it slips from a charcoal felt case to fingernails painted a desirable shade of grey (Chanel’s Washed Denim or Garconne at a guess).

As one of her Tutti&Co posters proclaims, “Always Grey, Never Dull’.

Kate Rose is living proof.

Kate is the owner, inspiration and creative brain behind the lust-after jewellery and lifestyle brand Tutti&Co, which has seen spectacular success with a homeware range launched just two years ago – inspired and created by Kate when she couldn’t find nice things to fill the house she was building.

The business name, if you’re wondering, is Italian for ‘all, everything, together’. And it fits Kate perfectly.

She lives and breathes Tutti&Co, deliberately or otherwise. The growth of her business, and some impressive plans, mean that the rest of us are likely to be surrounding ourselves with more Tutti&Co love soon.

Her big idea is for a dreamy concept store – in the North East – which will embody the Tutti&Co lifestyle. She’d like to be the Jo Malone of the interiors world and her business has reached a turning point, to make that quite possibly a reality.

Early plans have been drawn up and for now it’s a case of reasserting the brand and its interiors focus.

That has meant Kate, who is 36, sitting down with brand experts and business advisors to find Mrs Tutti and speak to her.

They didn’t have to look far. She is that women.

“We sat down, thought, how does Mrs Tutti live, what does she like to do, to wear, how does she spend her time?

“Basically, she is me”, laughs Kate.

Mrs Tutti, real or imagined rises at 5.30am and hits a bespoke gym workout that might take in cardio, boxing and endurance.

“She loves family time, she loves unusual things – classics with a quality, quirky edge. She’s called Louise.

“She is in her forties – but thinks she’s still in her 30s. She eats well, she loves days by the coast and city breaks, is successful and creative.

She’s married and has a couple of kids. Everyone asks, ‘how does she do it?!’”

Kate, who is married to James and is mum to Albie, five and Ava, nine, has been ‘doing it’ since leaving Northumbria University after a fashion marketing degree.

She shied away from pursuing fashion and had a lightbulb moment when she went to Milan for the weekend.

“I knew I wanted to stay and work in the North East but I had been

I love entertaining and having a house full of people. I love a home that is welcoming, understated and comfortable

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really inspired by a trip to Milan and seeing how things were put together. I knew I wanted to create something.

“I started with jewellery and gained quite a following, then we started designing scarves and they were so popular.”

Tutti&Co jewellery and accessories are casual, appealing and different.

Kate is all about layers and textures in everything she does. Her bracelets, cuffs and necklaces will have leather or fabric details and unusual shapes. Metals are dull not brashly shiny; everything is subtle and understated and made for cool girls and yum-mums to wear with jeans and tees – or add some glam to a loose black dress for cocktail time.

She is inspired by her home and business – both are located close to the coast near Tynemouth.

Her daily routine has to include making a slight detour so the school run includes seaviews.

When she was designing her homewares range it became clear to her ‘brand people’ that everything she did was informed by this coastal location.

“Colours, textures are all from this landscape – it was very obvious once they had seen where we work”, says Kate.

“The grey of pebbles, the blues and greys of the sea and the sky.

Weathered metal, characterful driftwood, battered stone. I love the layering of things, the softness of fabrics, greenery and florals – not being precious about things being battered or creased.”

This ethos lives and breathes in Kate and James’ house. It is a dream of a place.

They bought a plot of land and built it five years ago. The stone, three-storey place looks handsome, but not oppressively cool.

Kate’s charm and welcoming personality sings from every room.

Before we meet up she laughs and sounds chuffed to bits that hers is a completely ‘Tutti&Co house’.

Wood floors, grey walls, pristine off-white painted wood. It is a hymn to Farrow and Ball at its contemporary best.

Beautiful lighting offsets a deep painted dining room and cosy lounge.

Everywhere there are candles, signature Tutti&Co stars, feel-me throws and an abundance of cushions. The look is made friendly by the twinkle of tea-lights, fronds of flowers and personal prints.

The heart of this delicious home is the kitchen. It’s from a company called Devol in the Midlands. “The company was set up by couple of furniture designers and the kitchen is simple and understated.

“It is painted so I can change the colour if I want to do that – the rest of the room has bits of old furniture, boxes and crates picked up at antique shops and some chairs I painted.

“The table was an old boardroom table from an architect practice, it’s old soft and lovely – and it doesn’t matter if it gets abused by the kids’ paint!”

Grey-painted bi-fold doors line the room which at one end has a double-height ‘snug’ painted in Farrow and Ball Quartz Grey.

There’s a vast, well-worn leather sofa adorned with myriad throws and yes, more cushions. Coffee in Tutti&Co mugs sits on slate coasters atop the angular concrete side tables that have proved a real hit in the Tutti&Co concession, which opened up in Fenwick, Newcastle last year.

There’s also one in Fenwick, York.

Home for Kate is a place to chill with the kids. She admits, “I never stop thinking about Tutti – I am also always reading, photographing and collecting things, searching for things.

“But I love entertaining and having a house full of people. I love a home that is welcoming, understated and comfortable.”

Her working week means those early starts and workdays until seven or eight at night Monday to Wednesday. >>

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A GOOD SPACE

Thursday she picks the kids up from school and they might pop out for tea – then Fridays are about, “being flexible – I might work from home, sorting things, planning things.

“I make sure we all eat really well (Deliciously Ella is on a side table) – it is a crazy life, we are so busy.

“I believe in being positive. I’m not always positive but I think what’s the point in not being, life’s hard?”

Kate refers to one of the posters she’s designed which says Oh Happy Day, “It’s in my bedroom – it’s lovely to wake up to that!”

And candles.

“I always have candles – I love fresh salty scents – the idea of that feeling of being wrapped up in a blanket, sitting on the beach, the crashing waves and the salty air. The sense of seaside and space is everything.”

Tutti&Co’s HQ is in North Shields and it’s bursting with the Tutti touch.

Her workforce has expanded from seven to 15 in the past year and she often employs graduates form Northumbria Uni.

I love fresh, salty scents – that feeling of being wrapped up in a blanket, sitting on the beach, the crashing waves and the salty air.

The sense of seaside and space is everything

Last year she was approached by Next to design and collaborate with them. It was a real turning point for her.

It meant big-league retail and would’ve kept the accountants happy, but it didn’t feel right to Kate.

“I spoke to a consultant who really knew his stuff, and really ‘got’ Tutti&Co – he made me realise that I didn’t have to take every opportunity – just the right ones.

“I didn’t want to be Next. I realised that going that way would not get me to that concept store I want. Having that expertise made me confident of what I did want.

“My goal is that concept store and I am really geared up for it – looking for the right location, for a place where people will make a destination.

Where we can offer everything for the home and show our creativity – that would be everything I could wish for.

“Is it about being a multi-millionaire or having a great lifestyle business?

It has never been about making money – my drive is about producing something I love and creating the experience.

“I want to tell a story, go behind the scenes and show the people making our products – like hand-pouring candles.

“We have a passionate team and we work in a cool little design hub – I wanted that feeling you get from people, when they feel that they are living the brand.”

There she goes, as another of those posters proclaims, Dream Big. Indeed.

Kate will be joining Luxe to write an interiors & lifestyle column from September. *See page 70 for more interiors inspo from Kate – and a 20% offer on Tutti&Co products.

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www.ravenkitchendesign.co.uk T: 01670 785722 E: info@ravenkitchendesign.co.uk SHOWROOM: New Kennels, Blagdon Estate, Northumberland NE13 6DB

XXXXXXXX FRUITY FUN

WELCOME!

Life’s so busy! I’ve had a fashion design moment with my pals - now it’s time to scribble on my shoes!

Things are getting seriously tropical in Little Luxe this month with my favourite fruit, the fabulous pineapple! Not only does the pineapple taste delicious, its shape is so sassy too. I’m pleased see it popping up all over the place at the moment. From the catwalk to the kitchen counter, there’s no place the pineapple can’t add a touch of the exotic. Go, get tropical…

with Nina Robinson

>> Kids’ sequin pineapple mask, £4.50, www.sistersguild.co.uk >> Pineapple pen pot, £7.99, www.totally-funky.co.uk

Love, Little Luxe x

French fancy Oh la la, what have we here? Three top tees with a decidedly French feel for this transitional spring weather.

From the classic long-sleeved Breton to statement tees to turn heads, Five Boys Clothing know how to please boys and mums alike… >> Danish brand Someday Soon believe that all boys are wonderful and incredible (I’m not always so sure)!

The reverse of this t-shirt states ‘Et Incredible’. Scandi-cool with a French twist n’est-ce pas?

Ages 6-14 ,£25.

Making sparks!

Do you have a little luxe that loves to design, make, explore and invent? If so, you NEED to take them along to the Discovery Museum’s new PLAY+INVENT programme and maker space for budding inventors and designers! I spent an awesome afternoon there with my friends Kitty, Martha and Ella, customising our clothes with the help of steam punk experts. We got to grips with soldering irons, hot glue guns and good old needles and thread to design and create our very own lace-trimmed, LED-flashing garments which we then wore with pride around the streets of Newcastle! The Discovery has launched a series of organised events, as well as drop-in sessions so kids as young as two can be inspired by science, engineering and mathematical-themed fun. www.discoverymuseum.org.uk

>> Plain and simple. A super soft tee from ABC123me. A subtle approach to the statement tee and fits perfectly under a bright coloured hoody. Ages 4-13, £20.

>> Cult pineapple light box, £48, www.cultfurniture.com

>> Gold tropical tattoos, £2.00, www.berryred.co.uk

>> LED pineapple string lights, £11.99, www.sistersguild.co.uk

>> Giant pineapple pool float, £24.99, www.totally-funky.co.uk

>> Looking for the perfect Breton? Look no further.

Green stripes, purple stripes or even red stripes on teal, these genderless investment tees can be passed from brother to brother to sister and back again. ABC123me knows how to pull off French chic with colour.

Ages 4-13, £25.

All from fiveboysclothing.com

N i n a : lo v e s Buckle up!

Deep-filled style How fab is the new typographical collection from County Durham based design company Jam Tart? Cheeky faces and colourful humour peep from every letter! Banner kits £22, alphabet prints £15-25. www.thejamtart.co.uk

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Planning your next big adventure? This might just be the wisest addition you can make to your holiday list.

Meet the mifold – an amazingly compact new kids’ car seat that is smaller than an iPad and way cooler than the usual bulky booster seat we 8-12 year-olds often cringe at. No need to put safety at risk again when travelling abroad, jumping in a cab or heading out with friends, the nifty mifold can easily be stored in a glove compartment, seat back or in a school bag. Genius! £49.95, www.johnlewis.com

Draw your own shoes with Skribbies customisable footwear!

These trendy high-tops have a shiny white surface that means children can alter the look of their shoes as often as they like.

Simply draw-wipe-draw to create a different pair of shoes every day! Skribbies are available in a selection of colourways to suit boys and girls and in sizes ranging from UK junior size 10 to UK 3. £39.99, www.skribbies.com

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PAW-FECT DAYS

POSH POOCHES Summer lovin’…

Alfie is springing into spring with some fashion-forward, pooch-inspired clothing, a Cotswold countryside adventure and an interview with an unsung, Teesside hero.

The winter is long gone, and if you haven’t already, it’s time to browse the brochures and search online for the first flight out of here. Summer sunshine is calling.

But for dog lovers, a long-haul getaway can be quite daunting, leaving the little one at home in someone else’s care. There’s no need to worry - Alfie’s got you covered.

He’s sniffed out a stunning staycation destination, perfect for packing up your pooch and taking them along too.

We’ve also picked out an ultra luxe outfit for a dog’s best friend.

So Alfie’s advice… book up a doggy-friendly holiday, pop on your poochy attire and step into spring in true, luxe style…

Classic Dog Bed - Pink, Medium £199; www.mungoandmaud.com

with Alfie, helped by Elysia Agnew

Dog-friendly days out…

for her > Tagiffany, Kensington Pastel Leather Dog Collar Light Pink £30; www.chelseadogs.com

✰

Hiro & Wolf, Geo Pink Dog Bow Tie £15; www.store.styletails.com

Alfie loves:

Alfie, your luxe pooch x

Alfie has picked out some super stylish summer buys for your perfect pooch…

Hiro & Wolf, Geo Blue Dog Bow Tie £15; www.store.styletails.com

Tagiffany, Kensington Pastel Leather Dog Collar Light Blue £30; www.chelseadogs.com

< for

✰

Deeply Dishy Luxury Dog Bed - Velour Contrast £135; www.charleychau.com

Luxe Pooch Q&A

Bella joined the family to cheer up her owner Kelly when she was struggling to write her final thesis at university. She was very good at encouraging Kelly to go out for some fresh air, and if it wasn’t for that, Kelly would never have met her husband. Since then, Bella has been a well photographed model, a bridesmaid, an opera star, and has even been immortalised in the form of a handmade ceramic jar. Despite all this she has remained quite humble and likes nothing more than relaxing at home with her hair in a messy bun. In March, Bella took the

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him

Sunderland Empire stage in the romantic opera, La Boheme. Quite the celebrity…

LUXE WALKS >> Bella loves to walk on the beach, especially when it’s sunny.

She’s not keen on the waves but loves it when the tide is out because she can splash in the rock pools.

POOCH’S PERFECT DAY OUT >> Her favourite day out is her annual trip to the Great North Dog Walk, which holds the World Record as the largest dog walk ever held (28,947 dogs participated in 2016). She gets to enjoy a long walk with lots of other dogs and is also given treats at the finish line!

DOGGY DOWNTIME >> Bella relaxes by sitting in the window and barking at everyone who walks past. She particularly likes to bark at Tigger, the ginger cat who lives next door. Sometimes she looks out of the window, and sometimes she hangs her head over the window sill and lets her whiskers waft in the warm air rising from the radiator. When she eventually

We’ve got your dog-friendly days out covered for the summer months and beyond.

Northumberland County Show 29 May There’s something for everyone at the annual Northumberland County Show at Bywell Hall near Stocksfield. There’s a fun-packed schedule of events and activities including bake-off classes and tug of war competitions. But the canine highlight of the day is the Kennel Club dog show - always one of the most popular events during the show. Your pooch will get the chance to impress the judges with the agility displays. www.northcountyshow.co.uk Great North Dog Walk 4 June See the seaside sights and exercise your pooch at The Great North Dog Walk this June. A three mile route will take walkers and their four-legged friends along the cliffs of South Shields. There are four different routes of varying lengths to cater for everyone, this allows for baby buggies, wheelchairs, the young and the elderly. The event currently holds the World Record as the largest dog walk ever held, bringing together 28,947 dogs, represented by 169 breeds - so take your pooch and their pals for a perfect coastal walk this June. www.greatnorthdogwalk.co.uk North East Dog Festival 9 September The North East Dog Festival will be setting the stage for a doggy extravaganza like you’ve never seen before this September! With an exciting schedule packed with dog-friendly activities, main ring displays and shopping for us humans, there’s sure to be something to entertain the whole family. The venue provides woodland walks, ample space and lots of opportunities for everyone to enjoy a great, family day out with their pooch. www.northeastdogfestival.com

drifts off to sleep, she snores louder than any dog her size should be capable of.

HOUND HABITS >> She has a special sad face which she uses when she wants to convince people to give her treats. Cheese is her favourite; nobody is allowed to have cheese unless they share it with Bella. She would rather dehydrate than drink stale water, so she has developed a technique of patting her foot when she wants people to refresh her bowl, and of course she must have her whiskers wiped afterwards. Bella also likes to fetch the post after the postman has been, although she hasn’t quite mastered the art of handing it over without tearing it up.

PUPPY PAMPER >> Bella gets groomed at home because salons have a tendency to chop her ponytail off. She has a weekly bath and definitely knows how to splash!

Her ponytail is groomed regularly in different styles such as a pigtails or plaits,

and she has more hair accessories than her mum, including themed accessories for Christmas and other holidays.

DOG’S BEST FRIEND >> Bella’s best friend is her owner, Kelly. She was bridesmaid when Kelly got married; she did an excellent job of walking down the aisle and even received a blessing at the end.

FONDEST DOGGY MEMORY >> When she was a puppy, she was out for a walk when a small girl approached. The child petted Bella, then looked up with a sincere expression and asked “is it a bear?”

Everyone collapsed with laughter and ever since then Bella has been known as Bella Bear.

PUPPY A-LISTER >> If Bella was a celebrity she would be Elizabeth Taylor. She’s a diva who loves glitz and glamour, wearing beautiful accessories and being the centre of attention.

Don’t forget to send in pics of your pooch for our next issue via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram… www.facebook.com/luxemag, theluxemagazine

@TheLuxeMagazine or @LuxeyPooch

www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

51

XXXXXXXX LOVE LIFE

Smell the flowers, walk barefoot on the grass.

Time to breathe deeply and revel in the moment says our ‘calm consultant’ Laura Beckingham Simple ways to have mindful moments You’ll have no doubt heard a lot about ‘mindfulness’ recently – a topic that is deservedly commanding a lot of attention in the world of wellbeing.

Mindfulness, is quite simply, the art and practice of being more aware of and connected to the present moment. This matters because being too in the past can lead to depressive feelings and too much attention placed on the future can bring about feelings of anxiety. The theory is that by being more ‘in the moment’ we can experience more joy and contentment and ultimately, lead a happier, more productive and peaceful life.

Sadly, the concept of mindfulness can in some ways feel overcomplicated and inaccessible. It’s not always possible to take large chunks of time to meditate in the midst of a busy day, or to develop a regular yoga practice. It is however, possible to integrate small, mindful rituals into our day-to-day routines and to approach regular day-to-day tasks with a greater sense of presence.

Here are my top 10 tips to making mindfulness part of your normal way of being: • Walk barefoot on the grass… there is nothing more real and connecting than touching the land with your body.

• Tend to your plants… water them, dust their leaves, move them towards the sun, have a little chat.

• Watch the birds… observe them coming and going from your garden, or from the window.

• ‘Touch the weather’… if it rains put your umbrella down a little early; if you’re lucky enough to get hailstones, let them stroke your skin or put your hands in the snow. ‘Horrid’ weather is the best for this - particularly useful up North!

• Get a wind-chime… hang it outside and when you hear it jingle, take a deep breath or moment of stillness.

• Light a flame… next time you light a candle, or the fire, watch the flame flicker.

• Write… take the time to write a hand-written note to someone, or simply appreciate the beauty of writing next time you send a birthday card, make a shopping list or sign a contract!

• Bake a cake… this alchemic form of cooking requires us to be deeply present – the measuring, the mixing and the timing all require a focus on nothing but the here and now.

• Take tea… making tea, in it’s purest form is a deeply meditative ritual; in Japan it remains a hugely significant cultural tradition. We’ve somewhat forgotten the ‘Way of Tea’ here in the West, but we can still use its ceremony as a way of connecting to ourselves. Next time you make a cup, watch the kettle boil, let it brew in its own time and drink it slowly (preferably whilst sitting still!)

• Meditate… simple guided mediation is a great way to start this deeper practice. Download an application like Headspace or Calm and follow a short meditation when you have a spare five minutes in your day.

Follow Laura on social media or get in touch for one-to-one coaching sessions and group retreats. @space_with_in

@space.with_i

52 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

@spacewithindevelopment

Generation ageless We’re talking to people who have made interesting life/work changes and have a positive attitude to mid-life, doing things differently, changing their pace of life, their priorities, reflecting on what’s gone before and the new opportunities and challenges to come

David Wilson hits 50 this year. He lives in Maltby near Yarm and triathlons are his thing!

I used to do this…

Having worked in Insurance for 30 years I felt I needed a new challenge. Being part of a large global company I was often left with the feeling that I was just a number and it didn’t really matter what I did, things wouldn’t change.

Having said that, when I did leave the industry and look back, I left having had a lot of very valuable experiences, and having made many friends.

Now life is about…

Appreciating everything that I have in life and not taking anything for granted. Since making the change in industries I have been fortunate to travel to areas of the world that as a tourist you probably wouldn’t visit.

Until you see some of these places and the conditions that people are living in you do not appreciate what you have at home. It really does give you a whole new perspective on life and how fortunate we are to live in such a stable country.

Why/how I made a change…

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to change careers and become part of an engineering services company, NRG Global Power, which specialises in

bringing power to areas of the world where people are missing out on the essentials because they do not have sufficient or reliable electricity.

This has also given me the opportunity to be involved in an associated business, NRG Cycles. Being a triathlete I have a passion for cycling and at times I feel like a kid in a candy shop. We have just opened our second store which is 3,300sq ft and based on Teesside Retail Parade. The look and layout of the store is something that we are very proud of.

Family is all about…

Supporting each other and being there for one another. It’s about being able to spend quality time together doing the activities that we enjoy.

I’m lucky I can…

Be active. I love sport. Through school it was athletics, then I moved on to football and playing in local leagues. I really did enjoy winning (but more often losing) as part of a team, but as I approached 40 I found I was getting injured more and the injuries were taking longer to recover from.

I tried running again and quickly became bored with it and eventually stopped doing any exercise - until a friend suggested that I try triathlon. I was immediately hooked on it. Although very much an individual sport, the camaraderie at races and events is similar to the support I had enjoyed playing in team sports previously.

I think this is because each of you know the suffering that you are all going through in what is one of the hardest sports around.

MAY/JUN17

LOVE LIFE Since starting triathlon I have been fortunate enough to travel to race in many countries, making lifelong friends along the way. I have discovered a way of keeping fit without putting too much stress on any one part of the body.

I’ve got time for…

Spending more time at home, training and relaxing.

On a weekend, I try to get my training out of the way early so that we can have the rest of the day to do things together.

Day in the life of me…

Three or four mornings a week I am up at 5.30am and in the swimming pool by 6.15am for a swim session.

Then it is straight to work to see what the day brings.

Work days can be very diverse.

We operate projects around the world so the time differences mean either early morning calls or late afternoon calls to speak to either customers or the teams on site.

The time in between could be anything from either the Global Power or cycle sides of the business. I try to be home before 6pm to spend some time with my daughter Bella before she goes to bed.

My partner, Marie is a triathlon and fitness coach and has just set up her own business www.triscience.co.uk

which means that she is sometimes coaching on evenings, so that if I want to do another training session it tends to be after 7.30pm. Most nights we don’t actually sit down to eat until about 9.30pm.

The people who are important…

Are family and friends. I am fortunate to have a close family and many friends all of whom can be relied on when the need arises.

Work/life balance?

Is something that I’m still working on. It has improved considerably since changing careers but I do find it difficult to turn off when away from work.

I thrive on…

Challenges, be they at home, work or in sport. I’m lucky to have the family and friends that I have, a job I enjoy and the opportunity to participate and compete in sport.

Mid-life means to me…

Being able to draw on all the experiences of the past to enjoy the future. Being in a position to, and able to, enjoy life to the full.

STYLE

Nautical gets us every time. Classic navy with white or cream fits the bill regardless of whether it’s ocean or stream within reach. And it’s a fashion staple that works year after year. For men, women and the little ones

Woman £79, www.whitecompany.com Man £45, www.thenauticalcompany.com Boy £22, www.whitecompany.com MAY/JUN17

www.luxe-magazine.co.uk 53

STAY COOL

Sunshine spaces

Bring some bold design to your summer spaces with a stay in a super-chic villa

Riviera France: Villa Escalet

From €2,240 per night

A supreme view over the Mediterranean Sea is a must for a chilled stay in this most glamorous part of France. Nestled between rocky hillsides, lush forests and crystal clear waters, this stylish five-bedroom getaway is perched atop a hillside in l’Escalet, just ten minutes from the famous Pampelonne beaches and St.Tropez nightlife.

A five minute walk from the water’s edge, this architectural beauty reached by private elevator. Sip wine from your open concept kitchen, with its 180-degree view of the sea.

Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open completely to flood the kitchen and living room with natural light.

Step out onto the 180m terrace with a 40m infinity pool. Down the steps, a pebble beach awaits and protected pathways let you walk along the sea for miles. Five minutes away, you come to a sandy beach.

54 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

MAY/JUN17

STAY COOL

Atlantic Spain: Villa Agueda

From €510 per night

Galicia’s craggy coastline is part of a region associated with the old pilgrimage that made it famous; Santiago de Compostela is found at the heart of this old Spanish province.

High mountains, hidden valleys and steep, jagged cliffs define a landscape that overlooks the Atlantic - and deserted beaches.

Villa Agueda is an eco-design close to the waves created from collected wood. Trees, plants and a lawn encircle the building, its wooden walls and countless bay windows all facing the sea.

Lounge on contemporary custom-made furniture that is harmoniously spread around a magnificent fireplace in the dining room.

Three beautiful suites open to the outside space and the master leads to the open sea.

Northern Italy: Villa Psyché From €420 per night A deeply stylish villa in the middle of a vineyard in the heart of The Dolomites.

Two neighbouring houses, each with one bedroom, lounge and kitchen, cleverly play tricks on the landscape, thanks to their mirrored exterior walls.

Built in the middle of the countryside, Villa Psyché pays homage to the surrounding landscapes. The gardens offer a view of a fabulous mountain spectacle that is reflected on the shiny walls. The space-age structure looks modern but settled in its space.

Inside, the property is filled with designer furniture and contemporary styling. Behind wide wooden panels, naturally lit by subtle skylights, the bedrooms of Villa Psyché are calm and restful in immaculate white.

Properties from www.lecollectionist.com

MAY/JUN17

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CULTURE & COCKTAILS

London calling...

Eat:

Taco-time. Starting out as a pop-up taco shack, street food success story Breddos now has its first restaurant in London’s Clerkenwell, using British produce in its colourful Mexican-American dishes.

food, décor and music - are rejoicing at its January opening in Soho.

Danish bakers Ole Kristoffersen and Steen Skallebaek have brought one of Copenhagen’s best bakeries, Ole & Steen , to London, located in St James’s Market and featuring an all-day menu.

In Covent Garden, Nordic Bakery opened its fourth site in December, serving up Scandinavian favourites such as dark rye bread and traditional twisted cinnamon buns from Finland.

TV show MasterChef: The Professionals.

Her Mere in Fitzrovia has a laid-back vibe and a simple, seasonal menu.

Over in the City of London, Jason Atherton’s second London restaurant, Temple & Sons, is a grill restaurant and all-day deli with interiors inspired by a traditional British grocery store and a menu of British dishes such as game sausage roll with creamy mash and gravy.

Sanderson’s travels along the west coast of America, dishes include ‘sweet potato toast with avocado, labneh, lime and cilantro gremolata’.

Pomona

JAN London Breddos Tacos

ROAST

Kricket: Hugh Johnson From its beginnings in a little 20-seater shipping container in London’s Brixton, fans of Kricket - with its Mumbai-inspired

56 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

Can’t choose between a traditional British Sunday roast dinner or a juicy burger? Thanks to ROAST restaurant in London’s Borough Market, you don’t have to! Their epic new ‘roast burger’ is a mouth-watering combination of roast potato, rosemary and garlic bun stacked with Welsh Black roast beef, carrot piccalilli, horseradish sour cream, melted ale and mustard cheddar, curly kale and pickled red cabbage, served with red wine and onion gravy.

Opening her first solo restaurant is Monica Galetti, former senior sous chef at two-Michelin-starred La Gavroche, and well-known for her contribution to the

If you fancy a side order of culture with your meal, head to the newly re-opened modernist Design Museum and its new restaurant, Parabola, owned by Peter Prescott and British design legend Sir Terence Conran.

Or, on Sundays, visitors exploring the wonders of the V&A Museum can take a break with a Victorian-style afternoon tea in the elegant Morris Room. The tea recreates authentic 19th Century dishes that would have been served in Queen Victoria’s time.

California dreaming came to London in November with the opening of Pomona’s restaurant and its American bar. With a menu inspired by chef Gareth

Try a taste of the Caspian at JAN, a new restaurant celebrating Middle Eastern flavours from the culinary styles of Iran and Turkey. Signature dishes like grilled lamb chops and sea bream with harissa are cooked in a traditional charcoal oven.

Bala Baya brings Israeli cuisine to the arches of Southwark and is the first solo venture of Eran Tibi, who has worked alongside Yotam Ottolenghi. Feast on Tel Aviv-style pitta bread, stuffed with slow cooked meats and salads.

British seaside restaurant Bonnie Gull opened its second Seafood Shack in Soho in December, offering the very best of daily fresh British fish and shellfish.

Float your boat on Regent’s Canal and climb on-board for lunch or a cruising dinner on London Shell Co., a new floating restaurant housed inside the refurbished Prince Regent canal boat. Specialising in seafood, unsurprisingly, the menu includes seasonal dishes such as Morecambe Bay oysters.

MAY/JUN17

CULTURE & COCKTAILS

Do this:

Summer city wish-list

Chelsea positively blooms all year round and makes a great base for a city stay. We check out a perfect stay-cation pad

Stay:

City hotels can be great but there’s a great deal to be said for somewhere with a fridge to call your own.

Let’s face it – cities are hard work. Vibrant, exciting and full-on they may be – but a big city adventure can take it out on you, your feet and your frazzled mind.

A cool crash pad where you can flop on the sofa and mix your own G&T (bought from an artisan market), can be a haven.

Fill the fridge with goodies bought on your travels, spread out and play with your purchases - and make like you’ve got your very own MIC city crash-pad – for a couple of days at least.

A stay in a serviced apartment can be a brilliant alternative to a so-pricey hotel in the capital, especially for a family or small group.

Cheval Residences has a number of apartments across London. We stayed at the Phoenix House which is just a few steps from Sloane Square in the heart of Chelsea.

It is of course the heartland of the Made in Chelsea bunch, so any teens on your trips will be in star-spotting heaven on the Kings Road and the shiny Duke of York Square.

A Cheval Residence pad is a luxurious place to lay your head. You’ll find a neat kitchen with Nespresso machine, large fridge, cooker and microwave. Your local food market is the posh and pert Partridges, which is a short hop from the apartment, on Duke of York square right by the Saatchi Gallery.

This grand grocery will satisfy every food need – from fines wines to deli plates, to ready-meals and grown-up snacking.

Our apartment was loft-style double level with stairs down to a huge bedroom with vast marble bathroom and enormous, soothing bed with luxurious linens.

The upstairs living area included a sofa bed for two, TV and dining table for four. There’s also a fitness suite, reception desk and concierge available.

Within walking distance of your city home is the noteworthy Bluebird restaurant, which is great for dining or ‘pick up and go’ salads and picnic treats from its food store. It’s also a neat place to hop for your breakfast fix of avocado

Follow the evolution of the Princess’s style with Diana: Her Fashion Story at Kensington Palace. Discover how Diana used her image to inspire people and to champion the causes she cared about through an extraordinary display of some of her most iconic outfits. Take a closer look at the glamorous gowns from the 1980s and the chic working outfits she used to wear in the 1990s, and see how Diana established herself as a trendsetter, princess and patron.

Kids with a summer birthday? Enjoy a private birthday party at Hamleys. The stuff of dreams: birthday girl or boy can celebrate with the ultimate sleepover in the iconic Regent Street flagship store.

Birthday boy or girl will be treated like a celebrity, with a red carpet rolled out for their arrival, and a host of activities and treats.

Catch the hot ticket David Hockney exhibition until the end of May at Tate Britain.

and poached eggs on sourdough. The Made in Chelsea cast brunch at favourites such Tom’s Kitchen and Eelbrook as well as more relaxed cafes such as Megan’s.

This chic-chi corner of London makes for a great base to stay. In an apartment it feels like you’re having a neighbourhood moment rather than a hotel stay – Sloane Street tube is over the road for easy access and next to it the Royal Court theatre which always offers up cutting-edge performance from home-grown talent.

On your doorstep is great shopping. This is one of London’s most affluent neighbourhoods, and the boutiques along the King’s Road are as manicured as the residents. Duke of York Square is home to one of Europe’s largest Zara stores and other top brands, such as Banana Republic and All Saints.

For high-end jewellery and designer clothing take your credit card to Sloane Street, home to Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Prada, Hermès and more.

A culture fix is promised at the Saatchi Gallery with a fine array of contemporary art – and the Cheval Phoenix is perfect for anyone attending concerts at the Cadogan Hall which is on the doorstep.

Chelsea is synonymous with the world’s most famous flower show, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Every year the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea are transformed into show gardens and local businesses get into the festival spirit by decorating their windows for Chelsea in Bloom.

Apartments from approx. £252 a night www.chevalresidences.com

The Chelsea Flower Show has been running since 1913, and is organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). It attracts some of the best international garden designers, who create innovative, themed show gardens for visitors to explore. This year’s show takes place between 23-27 May. Have a Bowie moment David Bowie was born in Brixton, and upon the news of his death, a mural of the musician painted in 2013 on the side of the borough’s Morleys department store became a shrine for a public outpouring of grief and affection. See the mural for yourself, before visiting another London site closely connected to Bowie - Heddon Street in Soho. This was where he posed for the cover of his iconic album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, and the site is marked with a commemorative plaque.

Getting there: The mural is one minute’s walk across the road from Brixton tube station; the closest underground station to Heddon Street is Piccadilly Circus.

Fall in love with An American in Paris as the magnificent musical bursts onto the stage at the Dominion Theatre. A stunning tale of hope and romance in a city battling the aftermath of war featuring a soundtrack of George and Ira Gershwin’s greatest tunes from They Can’t Take That Away From Me to ‘S Wonderful.

Take a trip to Greenwich Market - packed full of unique and distinctive arts and crafts. Well known for its designer makers and small cottage industries, customers have access to items that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, take in some classical music performed by students from nearby Trinity College of Music, and enjoy the continental food court whilst browsing through the wonderful array of over 120 arts, craft and antique stalls.

A music memory moment at Kew Gardens Girl Power will be alive and kicking at Kew the Music outdoor concerts at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Iconic girl-band All Saints and Melanie C will perform at an all-female evening on Thursday 13 July. www.kewthemusic.org Enjoy afternoon crusing on the Thames Bateaux London’s 75-minute cruise takes in iconic landmarks as you’re served a traditional English afternoon tea, freshly prepared on-board with an assortment of sandwiches, cakes and scones. www.bateauxlondon.com

MAY/JUN17

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NEW HEIGHTS

AND RELAX Hip hotels with Debrah Dhugga Debrah’s got herself a new hotel. Pop and see her in Dubai, why don’t you?

Factbox As some of you may know, I’ve been keeping busy exporting a great British gem, Dukes, from London to Dubai …and now the doors are open, I invite you to come and see for yourself! It really is somewhere special Hotel Dukes Dubai is sister hotel to Dukes hotel in London (which if you don’t already know, is run by yours truly). It opened its doors to the public at the end of March bringing true British hospitality to the UAE. If you’ve yet to visit Dubai, then now is the time to go. It’s so easy to hop on a flight from Newcastle with Emirates.

The city itself packs a punch. Dubai is

a bold global city with jaw-dropping skyscrapers, world-class shopping and dining, but you can switch off from city life in a moment and relax on pristine, beaches and dip into azure seas to discover a paradise that’s perfect for families.

Dukes Dubai is on the Palm Jumeirah with 279 rooms and suites, and 227 furnished apartments.

It ticks all your getaway boxes, including gorgeous, breathtaking views, be they over the Arabian Gulf or the Dubai Marina skyline.

Most rooms have balconies and all have first class facilities and amenities. We fly the Brit flag well, from the Floris London toiletries in your bathroom, to our vehicle of choice - a black hackney carriage.

When the glitz and glam of Dubai is too much, Dukes gets you back to the calm and elegance of an English country house.

Take in the stunning Swarovski chandelier and know that you are somewhere rather special.

DINING >> When it comes to food, take a culinary journey in one of the seven different dining locations.

Launching both in London and Dubai, experience the Great British Restaurant GBR, and find your firm favourites available all day.

And if you fancy something more local?

Guests can enjoy a wide array of traditional Arabic cuisine and savour the taste of Dubai. The Khyber restaurant, which opens on the 15th floor at Dukes Dubai in May, offers North Indian food as its best – the restaurant’s first International foray beyond Mumbai.

Beach food is served poolside from West 14th, a beach-front restaurant with terrace seating serving some of the biggest steaks in town (with plenty of lighter options too!)

If I’ve whet your appetite already, there’s more to explore with our Champagne & Tea Lounge, Cigar & Whisky Lounge, and the world famous Dukes Bar. Home of the world’s best martini; take that classic to new heights!

58 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

Quintessentially British in Dubai, this new 5 star luxury offering is perfectly situated on the trunk of the Palm Jumeirah.

DUKES DUBAI Oceana, Palm Jumeirah P.O Box 120015, Dubai, UAE www.dukesdubai.com Email: info.dubai@dukeshotel.com Tel: +971 4 444 0719 Direct flights Emirates from Newcastle

FUN FOR UNDER 12S >> Dukes Dubai’s offers our fun-filled Dukesy Kids Club and is open every day from 10am until 10pm for everyone under 12 years of age.

POOL >> Cool off in the Arabian Sea. Sip and relax on our private beach, or lounge poolside by our outdoor infinity pool – a great picture moment with the glistening marina skyline behind. And if you’re not a fan of the sand, make your way up to the 14th floor indoor pool area and spend the day enjoying the sociable vibes and drinks around the pool.

WHERE TO GO >> With so much to do in Dubai, where do you begin? Well get started and tick off the Burj Khalifia and visit the world’s tallest tower.

Then if you’re feeling active, go rogue and book a desert safari experience; be it a 4x4 or dune-bashing session, or even a picnic in the desert. Take the family to one of the two fantastic waterparks or experience the thrills of Dubai’s newly opened Parks & Resorts.

And if it’s relaxation you are looking for our concierge can sort that cabana on the beach…

MAY/JUN17

WIN

L I V E

A

L U X E

the ultimate

Quayside weekend

W E E K E N D

LIVE luxe…

2 nights in a contemporary Week2Week Quayside apartment

DRIVE luxe…

An Infiniti Q30 to drive during your stay

EAT luxe…

Dinner for two at Kenny Atkinson’s House of Tides Michelin-starred restaurant

SIP luxe…

Celebrate with a fabulous Vivas wine hamper

TO ENTER:

www.luxe-magazine.co.uk/win

Entry via the Luxe website at www.luxe-magazine.co.uk/win All entrants must be over 21 and hold a full, clean UK driving license for at least 1 year. Fuel not included. Week2Week Apartment for two people, two nights, location subject to avilability. All dates chosen to take the prize are subject to availability. Drinks not included.

Additional T&Cs apply, available upon request. Closing date noon, 16th June 2017.

TRAVEL FOR GROUPS

In association with:

luxe:looks Royal Television Society Awards, Hilton, NewcastleGateshead

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!

An Exclusive Evening With Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Ramside Hall, Durham

Below > Mike Neville, Pam Neville, Dave Nicholson

Above > Steve Cram, Ali Curbishley Below > Shane Briddick, Sam Bowman, Owen Hayner, Ben Howard

Above > Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Andrew Blakemore

Above > Luis Mosquera, Sian Rudall Below > Ed Duncan, David Low, Emma Mitchell, Marie Richardson

Above > Brenda Blethyn

Above > Graeme Thompson, Ali Thompson

Below > Lewis Griffiths, Mel Crawford

Above > Bob McKinnie, Alex Prinn, John Gibson Below > Phil Roebuck, Simon Newbery, Scott Moncrieff

Below > Lois Gill, Clare Galland

Above > Elizabeth Hazell, Tony Hazell, Ian Cull, Barbara Cull

Above > Mark Nygett, Susan Drummond Below > Michael Johnson, Jayne Blacklock

Above > Brian Aitken, Steve Swinyard, Clare Rutherford Below > Helen Allister, Iain Burn, Noel Cooper, Dave Spinks, James Potter

Above > Steve Salam, Sue Salam Below > Kiri Nicholetts, Scott Coulter

Above > Lucie Oglesby, Gary Scullion, Mike Farnsworth, Lisa Farnsworth

Above > Lisa White, Sean Hills

say halo 60 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

(0191) 338 8188

halodrive.co.uk

MAY/JUN17

SOCIAL LIFE

Prince’s Trust Business Dinner, Hilton, NewcastleGateshead

Red Sky Ball, Stadium of Light, Sunderland Below > Natalie Forster, Dean Hegarty, Laura Oak

Below > Steve McCluskey, Cat Unwin, Scott Savin, Ian Kettlewell

Above > Emma Petrucci, Sergio Petrucci

Above > Lee Cummings, Emily Smith, Elaine Avery, Paul Reid

Below > Katie Messenger, Chris Hall Above > Emma Jackson, Mark Jackson

Above > Jeff Aynsley, Dawn Aynsley, Helen Forrester, Robert Forrester

Above > Scrap Douglas, Richard Collins, George Lyall, Simon Dobson

Below > Martin Gollan, Fiona McCusker, Anna Tilba, Roy Sandbach

Below > Michael Portillo, Emmie McCulloch, John Marshall, Robert Forrester

Above > John Adamson, Suzanne Adamson

Above > Nicola Tarbet, Garth Downey Below > Ashton Hutchinson, Carl Hutchinson

Above > Linda Pickles, Ralph Pickles

Above > Russell Foster, Kal Singh, Lem Singh, Carol Fowler, Nicola Foster-Hird, Joanne Sheeran

Trai Anfield Photography Exhibition Launch, Jesmond Dene House, Newcastle

Middlesbrough & Teesside Philanthropic Foundation Ladies’ Lunch, Acklam Hall, Middlesbrough

Below > Dawn Watson, Dorothy Bridge, Veronica Congleton

Below > Tanya Garland, June Kelly

Above > Trai Anfield, Nicky Sherman, Peter Candler

Above > Jenny Williams, Emma Hart, Emma Simkins

Below > June Atkinson, Lesley Oakden

Below > Emily Bentley, Julie Gilhesphie

Below > Katy Parkinson, Sarah Earl

Above > Karen Eve, Maxine Freer

Above > Julie Bradley, Pauline Kinnear, Louise Hall, Julie Horner, Jayne Stephenson

Above > Carolyn Wood, Charlotte Angus, Christine Gates Below > Dave Pritchard, Kathryn Malone

Above > India Willoughby, Chris Jackson

TRAVEL FOR GROUPS

get together with the girls MAY/JUN17

AIRPORT TRANSFERS SOCIAL OUTINGS BUSINESS TRAVEL

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SOCIAL LIFE

Bentley Bentayga Diesel Launch, Silverlink, Newcastle

International Womens’ Day, Newcastle University Business School Below > Lydia Colin, Maisie La Costa, Millie Vans Agnew

Below > Mike Price, Alan Chambers, Craig Wright, Graham Cant

Above > Dale Christy, Ian Hamilton, Aurori Hamilton, Olivia Hamilton

Above > Laura Cristina Vargas, Francesca Speed Below > Tina Yu, Donny Yorden

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Above > Liam McQuinn, Amy King, Martin Joicey, Mick Pattison, Jordon Dryden

Above > Dr Anna Tilba, Jacqui Miller-Charlton, Lucy Philipson, Bethany Ainsley

St Oswalds’ Pure Imagination Ball, Hilton, NewcastleGateshead

Below > Alex Workman, Courtney Thompson

Above > Colin Reay, Chris Reay, Donna Henderson, Brian Henderson

Above > Richard Sanderson, Alison Young, Duncan Young

Above > Alan Davison, Leanne Davison, Gerri McCarron

Below > Amy Wilson, Carol Jacobs, Briony Cragg

Below > Zoe Dowling, Emma Hart, Cora McCloud

Above > Claire Cannon, Stuart Cannon Above > Dan Nixon, Helen Nixon, Vicky Milburn, John Milburn, Gail Blench, John Blench

TRAVEL FOR GROUPS

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AIRPORT TRANSFERS SOCIAL OUTINGS BUSINESS TRAVEL

MAY/JUN17

Charity Fashion Show, The Angel, Corbridge Below > Ben Bell, Emily Young

Above > Sandra Larsen, Gayle Foster Below > Matthew Gould, Suzanne Addavide, Kim Alexandra, Mike Pottagh

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say halo AIRPORT TRANSFERS

Below > Faye Clark

SOCIAL OUTINGS Above > Karren Spowart, Gillian Wood, Chris Nevis, Linda Jackson

BUSINESS TRAVEL

Above > Angela Jones, Rosemary Rayfield

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Below > Arlene Ellis, Mark Ellis

Above > Venita Iceton, Neville Iceton

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Above > John Wade, Ronnie Slack, Ted George

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TRAVEL FOR GROUPS

Above > Eamonn Elliott, Eugene McCoy, Michael McCormick, Billy Conroy Above > Bryan Ellison, Claire Ellison

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MAY/JUN17

halodrive.co.uk

www.luxe-magazine.co.uk 63

NO LIMITS

AT THE WHEEL

Kids in sweetshops. Bob Arora’s face hurts from smiling after a drive in Bentley’s limited edition Continental Supersport

Planting your right foot down on the throttle gives you a ferocious performance, 60 mph arrives in 3.5 seconds and it hits 100 mph in an impressive 7.2 secondss.

Get it while you can!

If you’ve got £212k rattling around, the time is now to live the fast-lane dream

By the time you read this, chances are that the car I’ve been driving may have already sold out. The reason? Bentley is only making 710 Supersports so if you’re lucky enough, I would dash to the Silverlink dealership and order one straight away.

The original Supersport was launched in 2009 and all 1,800 cars sold very quickly.

Buyers have been pestering Bentley to bring another one to the market and thankfully, they have listened.

The car I drove was white with some very sexy looking stripes on the bonnet and very impressive-looking black alloy wheels.

Opting for the X Specification pack gives you two-toned paintwork and tri-toned interior trim options.

The Mulliner department is always there to satisfy clients’ expectations and owners exacting needs, especially when money is no object. Before you even drive the car it looks extremely sporty indeed, even at standstill.

The new look bumpers and carbon fibre splitter at the front and the diffuser at the rear just highlight the car’s sporty intentions.

A rear spoiler can be fitted to the coupé just to give the car a more sporty look and feel; add to this the smoked lights and you really have one hell of a sporty Bentley!

I’m sure W.O Bentley would approve of this beauty, as would the original Bentley Boys of yesteryear.

Starting the car, it just sounds so

76 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

unbelievable. Follow this with the throttle and the engine just sounds amazing. The Supersport costs £43,600 more than the GT Speed, you will get change out of £215,000, just! You may think, is any car worth an extra £44k over the already quick GT Speed?

Well in a nutshell, most definitely YES! Considering the car weighs over 2.2 tonnes it’s scarily quick.

Bentley have managed to shave 40kg off the Supersport’s weight by adding carbon ceramic brakes and a titanium exhaust along with 21-inch forged alloy wheels. I can only liken the performance to an Italian sports car as it really has the performance and the comfort that you just don’t get in a run-of-the-mill sporty vehicle.

Planting your right foot down on the throttle gives you a ferocious performance, 60 mph arrives in 3.5 seconds and it hits 100 mph in an impressive 7.2 seconds. The 0-100 mph time is 1.7 seconds quicker than the previous Supersport and for anyone interested, the car’s top speed is 209 mph and it actually returned 18 mpg, even with my lead right foot!

Considering just how heavy the car is, its performance is beyond belief and its safety aids make an average motorist feel like a Formula One driver.

The chassis has been carried over from the Speed version and it rides 10mm lower than the standard Continental GT. Due to the extra performance of the car it needs stiffer springs and anti-roll bars. It also features a new exhaust system and

intakes, larger turbochargers - and a revised air cooling system is also required for the extra 79 bhp increase over the previous Supersport. The only thing this car has in common with the rest of the Continental range is the 8-speed gearbox.

If you are lucky enough to get your hands on one of these stunning vehicles you must downshift the car at speed because the pops and crackles from the four exhaust pipes just make you smile every time, well they did me anyway! The Supersport retains the Continental’s four-wheel drive system with 60pc of its torque allocated to the rear wheels. But it also adopts the torque vectoring technology previously seen on the Bentley GT3.

It can brake individually on the front and rear wheels to assist with hard acceleration

coming out of corners with the inside rear wheel to aid its turn. As with all Bentleys, the car’s interior is exquisite, from the beautiful leather to the carbon fibre on the dash. It just exudes quality, especially the thick pile carpet and the beautiful stitching on the seats.

The workmanship can’t be knocked at all.

The front seats are the sporty bucket variety and the car has rear seats instead of roll bars!

If you are one of the lucky 710 buyers, you are in for a real treat as this motor is worth every penny of the £212,500 asking price and although it’s a fair chunk of cash, I’m sure, in time it will actually appreciate in value.

Car supplied by Bentley Newcastle.

MAY/JUN17

MAINTAIN THE ULTIMATE PERFORMANCE Your Bentley Service.

The only way to be sure your Bentley is always at the peak of its performance is to follow its maintenance schedule.

To arrange your car’s annual service at a time that’s best for you, please contact one of our servicing representatives on +44 (0)191 295 8050 or alternatively e-mail us on info@bentleynewcastle.com.

The name ‘Bentley’ and the ‘B’ in wings device are registered trademarks. © 2017 Bentley Motors Limited.

BENTLEY NEWCASTLE

GRRR-FASTER

Five alive BMW’s new-look 5-Series has a touch of gravel and growl attitude, says Bob Arora

At first glance the new 5-Series looks just like a mini 7-Series, this isn’t a criticism or a bad thing because they are both very smart-looking cars.

The 5-Series has been around for over 45 years and it has consistently been a massive seller for BMW. This car has been driven for three million miles over four years and the engineers have fine tuned everything and here we have the results of all of this hard work.

It’s obvious to see why the designers don’t want to design something that’s going to upset future buyers, but I think they’ve done a great job with this car. It not only looks like a real executive car but it has a clever balance of sporty touches thanks to the M-Sport tweaks, deeper front and rear bumpers, subtle side skirts and lovely 19” alloys.

The new enlarged kidney grills hark back to the early 5-Series and they really help give this car an aggressive look from the front. I drove the 530d with the optional X-drive. The engine produces 261bhp and it gets to 60mph in 5.4 seconds. It’s very quiet, you can barely hear it at tick over, but when worked hard, it does have a great sounding growl.

Thanks to Syntak technology the engine is encased

with soundproof material. The best seller in the range is going to be the 520d which will account for a staggering 80-90pc of sales. The new 5-Series is 100kg lighter than the outgoing car, thanks to the use of aluminium panels; it has helped shed loads of weight. Basically this is the Slimming World version!

It is also 36mm longer and 6mm wider meaning passengers sitting in the rear now have more leg room than most other rivals. The boot capacity has also been increased by 10 litres to 530 litres. Thanks to this the current car is 11pc more economical and 10pc quicker than the outgoing model. Factor in the aerodynamic shape and its class leading 0.22cd figure, this car literally glides through the air.

Because of the car’s aerodynamic shape and the acoustic glass, wind noise is kept to a bare minimum. Potential owners can opt for the Integral Active Steering which is only available with cars fitted with X-drive, BMW’s 4-wheel drive system.

The electronically controlled set-up turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front ones to significantly improve manoeuvrability. At high speed the rear wheels point the same way as the front, thankfully! This helps sharpen turn-in and boosts stability. All 5-Series get Driving Experience Control which gives the driver access to comfort, sport and eco pro, each tailoring steering and throttle responses to suit conditions.

The optional adaptive dampers priced at £985 help tense up or soften depending on which setting you choose. The system constantly monitors your driving style. This option mated to the Professional

Infotainment System works to unlock the Adaptive Mode. This works with the satellite navigation system to continually be ready for upcoming hazards like a sharp bend or junctions. The car I drove had 19” alloys and combined with the adaptive dampers, helped give this motor a very comfortable ride, especially in comfort mode.

BMW’s Autonomous Driving set-up gives the car the ability to accelerate, brake and steer up to speeds of 130mph. It works really well but it does require you to keep reminding it that you are awake and paying full attention; although The Hoff had plenty of faith in Kitt, I’m not sure if I could trust a car to drive itself, personally.

The car now has a few gadgets that were originally seen on the 7-Series, LED headlights are standard throughout the range, gesture control works to mute or increase / decrease the volume or to answer calls.

The car’s interior just has a real quality feel about it and it is up there with the competition, all buttons and switches just ooze quality.

The dash is dominated by a 10.25” screen which is very user friendly and it works by either using the rotary dial or touch screen. Apple Car Play is an optional extra priced at £235 and I’m surprised it wasn’t fitted as standard. BMW have priced the car at £36,025 and the range topping 540i Sport comes in at an eye-watering £49,945!

After spending a few days in this car I really didn’t want to give the keys back. I really can’t wait to drive the M5 when it’s launched, as that is going to be one hell of a driver’s car.

Car supplied by Lloyd Newcastle.

BMW’s Autonomous Driving set-up gives the car the ability to accelerate, brake and steer up to speeds of 130mph. It works really well but it does require you to keep reminding it that you are awake and paying full attention

78 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

MAY/JUN17

LLOYD NEWcASTLE BMW. Sheer Driving Pleasure

DRIVEN BY AMBITION. FUELLED BY INNOVATION. THE NEW BMW 5 SERIES.

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Barrack Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear NE2 4LE Tel: 0191 2617366 www.lloydnewcastlebmw.co.uk Official fuel economy figures for the new BMW 5 Series range: Urban 60.1-29.7mpg (4.7-9.5 l/100km).

Extra Urban 74.3-47.8mpg (3.8-5.9 l/100km). Combined 68.8-39.2mpg (4.1-7.2 l/100km).

CO2 emissions: 108-164g/km.

Figures may vary depending on driving style and conditions.

Blue skies ahead It’s Father’s Day on June 18, when we celebrate the good stuff about dads.

Kathryn Armstrong meets top pop Sergio Petrucci Sergio Petrucci is a big teddy bear of a bloke. And big bears do cry. In the couple of hours we share talking about his little girl Luna, there are a lot of tears.

But for now they are happy ones. Luna and the family have been through some tough years as she went through treatment and ultimately surgery for heart problems.

Today Luna is a bright, beautiful and healthy four-year-old and her dad is doing his bit to give back to the people who made her so.

Luna was discovered to have three holes in her heart when she was born in Sunderland.

The moments of euphoria after her arrival turned to the stuff of nightmares for Sergio and wife Emma, who also have a son Enzo, seven.

“As time went on though, she had no symptoms and seemed to be doing fine.

We were pretty positive about her health and she was getting regular checks at the Children’s Heart Unit at the Freeman Hospital in Newcastle.

“Then after one appointment we got a call to say that Luna needed surgery immediately, she was a ‘ticking timebomb’.”

This was days before Luna’s second birthday.

“We’d gone from planning holidays and going for check-ups to a state where Luna’s life was hanging the in the balance”,

says Sergio, the tears coming.

“We dropped everything and headed to the hospital. I can remember the journey, the feeling of dread, driving along the Felling bypass to the hospital.

“I remember watching Emma and Luna going along a corridor and the sun casting big black shadows of them as they went.”

They were all prepared for Luna’s operation but it had to be cancelled to make way for a child who was being flown to the hospital from Bristol for an urgent heart transplant.

They spent another worrying night with Luna preparing for her operation.

“I noticed the sky outside was so red, the clouds were crashing but there wasn’t a sound to be heard”, says Sergio, who is commercial director at SunFM. Luna went down for surgery at 3pm and spent seven hours in the operating theatre with surgeon Bari Matuza. This was in March 2015.

“When she came out of theatre he was so matter of fact about the fact that he had just saved my daughter’s life. And that he had done a heart transplant as well - I remember he went to shake my hand and I just gave him a big hug.

“Being in the children’s heart ward was an incredible experience. Every baby has their own dedicated nurse. The place is so calm and quiet.

Emma and Sergio stayed at Scott House

Give him a treat: Father’s Day goodness

80 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

people who’ve learned of Luna’s story have rallied round to help him raise money for CHUF and the Freeman, which cares for children from across the region.

The Red Sky Balls in the past two years have raised £110,000 for CHUF, a mighty achievement for Sergio and Emma who pull it all together themselves.

They’ve had great support from the community for their efforts, from friends, colleagues, businesses and associates.

They’ve managed to buy fun stuff like one of the Great North Snowdogs – called Luna – which is a magnet for hugs in the heart unit’s play area.

“It’s not just about Luna and I don’t want it to be the Sergio Show – I am doing it because I owe the hospital. People are kind because they buy into me and the story of Luna. In turn, we make sure that not a penny of money raised is used for admin.”

Meanwhile Sergio relishes his time with Luna, knowing it’s precious.

“We had a daddy-daughter weekend recently when Emma was away. I took her to get her nails done and we went to see Beauty and the Beast. Then we came home and chilled out – I bought a 7ft by 7ft bed a while back so we could all get in!

“It was a nice day.”

Sergio’s next event is a Dubai-style all-day Brunch at Ramside Hall September 17. www.chuf.org.uk

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close to the wards, a house where parents can stay while their children have treatment.

“It is a great facility – but you can’t take the emotion away, everyone is trying to hold it together.”

As Luna’s condition improved, Sergio and Emma saw more of the work of the unit and the facilities for families. Outside skies continued to be red and as she became well, the dark clouds cleared, sparking an idea in Sergio’s mind.

“I decided to do some fund-raising for the charity CHUF (Children’s Heart Unit Fund).

The Red Sky Ball was born.

“What something like this does do is make you realise that there are still children worse off than yours, other families who are going through terrible situations. And not every child makes it.

“When Luna was in hospital there was a boy called Drew who needed a heart transplant.

We weren’t allowed to know how he got on but he was always in my thoughts.

“We went to the CHUF toddle at Close House and we recognised Drew’s parents.

They had a child in a pushchair who looked nothing like the boy we had seen in hospital – but then we knew it was him, he’d had a transplant and was doing well – that was a fantastic moment”, and the tears come…

Sergio and Emma have now organised two Red Sky Balls at the Stadium of Light. The guy’s a popular chap in his home city and

Harvey Nichols Man Food hamper is bursting at the seams with handsome bounty, £80. www.harveynichols.com SPRINGCOURT, G2 Canvas Low Trainers, £67.99; www.psyche.co.uk

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MAY/JUN17

INFINITI NEWCASTLE

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Q30 1.6T SE Business Pack THE BRAND NEW INFINITI Q30 From just £229 Deposit & £229.55 per month

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Q50 2.2d Auto Sport Executive THE BRAND NEW INFINITI Q50 From just £299 Deposit & £299.14 per month

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Britain’s Fastest Growing Car Brand Official fuel economy figures for the Q30 range shown in mpg (l/100 km): Urban 32.5 (8.7) to 60.1 (4.7), Extra-urban 51.4 (5.5) to 74.3 (3.8) combined 42.2 (6.7) to 68.9 (4.1). CO2 emission: 156 to 108 g/km. Official fuel economy figures for the Infiniti Q50 2.2 CDi SE in mpg (l/100 km): urban 51.4 (82.72), extra urban 76.3 (122.79), combined 65.7 (105.7). CO2 emission: 114 (g/km).

We are a credit broker, and we are not a lender. 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). Models shown for illustration purposes. Metallic paint available at extra cost. Terms and conditions apply, please visit your local dealer for full details. Offer valid until 31st March 2017 at participating dealers only and subject to vehicle availability. 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).

GREY MATTERS in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

Tutti treasures

Textures are everywhere: leather, soft woollens, concrete, and wood mixed with shiny copper and silver

Stars. Tutti&Co loves a star motif – and a candle

Layering. Throws, cushions, rugs; bring it on

Kate Rose lives in a Tutti home that shows off her gorgeous brand to ultimate effect. It’s no showhome though.

“People shouldn’t be precious about their home; don’t be worried about throws being thrown about or things getting creased, battered and worn”, she says.

Her house, built five years ago close to the coast near Whitley Bay, delivers good taste by the galvanised bucketload, but clever hiding spaces give a nod to the everyday chaos of a family home.

The colour palette is grey; ‘always grey, never dull’ being Tutti&Co words to live by!

Hand-painted chairs around the kitchen table were junk and antique shop finds 82 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

MAY/JUN17

GREY MATTERS

On the walls in the kitchen snug: Quartz Grey by Farrow and Ball.

The simply-designed but deeply stylish kitchen is hand-made by a Loughborough-based company called Devol

Turn your back on old habits

The NEW GROHE SENSIA® ARENA Shower Toilet

Grab some Tutti&Co treats: Kate has set up a special 20% discount code for Luxe readers who want to shop online.

The code is LUXE20 and valid until the end of June at www.tuttiandco.com

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MAY/JUN17

www.luxe-magazine.co.uk 83

HIDEY HOTSPOTS in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

A shed is a lifestyle choice, not a place to store garden tools and lawnmowers! Head to the She Shed and be inspired

Give me space!

Sheds are special spaces these days. Lavished with love, soft furnishings and chalky paint colours they can be an extension of the home – or a blissful escape from it!

It means the interior of the shed is becoming just as important as the exterior.

One person who knows this better than others is North Yorkshire author and interiors expert, Sally Coulthard, author of Shed Décor.

She’s teamed up with bespoke shed builders, The Posh Shed Company, to offer advice and top tips on creating the perfect shed – inside and out.

woman’s equivalent of the ‘Man Cave’ – a tranquil space close to the home that she can call her own; where she can create her own sanctuary and have a space that can be kitted out with accessories of her choosing. Sally explains: “Sheds are being used for pretty much anything that goes on in a house - bedrooms, playrooms, gyms, offices, kitchens. Compact living is a huge trend, and sheds are a natural extension of this. On a lifestyle level, there’s also a steady rise in people using studios to facilitate their creative pursuits - crafters, artists, writers - all working and creating from their garden rooms.”

Step one: the shed “I think the most important thing is the quality of the construction.

The interior is a fantastic bonus, but you’ve got to start off with a well-made, robust building. Once you’ve got that, the world’s your oyster!”

Step three: the interior design With sheds now being seen as an extension of the home, the interior design is just as important as the exterior.

“Every trend that you see in the interiors world is always reflected in sheds, but on a micro scale. Flooring is a big deal for 2017 people are paying much more attention to designs and patterns beneath their feet, especially wood and lino flooring. Window seats, window sills and big windows - there’s a lot in the media about how to make the most of views and window spaces.

Wallpaper is also still hugely popular, particularly featuring interesting geometric designs and metallic accents.”

Step two: the practicalities of the shed Recent years have seen the emergence of the ‘She Shed’, the

www.theposhshedcompany.co.uk Shed Décor by Sally Coulthard (Jacqui Small LLP)

84 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

Sally’s top tips See how the shed behaves in different weathers before you make any decisions. If it’s uninsulated, for example, you’ll need furnishings that aren’t affected by moisture or cold.

Be bold – a shed is a room where you can really experiment. If it’s just your space, do not compromise!

Go for something you’ve always dreamed of.

Don’t forget the outside. Remember, the shed should enhance your garden, not detract from it. There are some gorgeous garden paints and stains on the market - why not add a splash of colour to your outdoor space?

Sally’s top tip? “Get heating in your shed. It’s the one item I recommend that every shed should have!”

MAY/JUN17

Start your new chapter at

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B U I LD I N G Any promoted Story Homes offer is subject to terms and conditions. Offers are available on selected plots only, are subject to availability and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Prices and details are correct at time of being released for advertisement. All images are representative of a typical Story Homes interior/exterior and are for illustrative purposes only. Story Homes reserve the right to withdraw or alter these offers at any time. For further information please speak to a Sales Executive.

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LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES A lighbulb moment And the people with your name in lights this summer are the team at Coco Luminaire, brightening up high days and holidays with jolly, on-trend party signage. www.cocoluminaire.co.uk

86 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

MAY/JUN17

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MAY/JUN17

WOOD FLOORING

DOORS

STUNNING STAIRCASES

www.luxe-magazine.co.uk 87

LIGHT UP in association with

www.greatlook.co.uk

Take time Locally-designed and lovingly-made with only natural ingredients, Time Organics candles are stealing hearts and making homes cosy all over the UK

We love a good candle here at Luxe. But then again, who doesn’t? Whether your heart belongs to fresh, floral fragrances or hypnotic woody scents, a few flickering candles, with their relaxing, slow-burning powers, are enough to not only enrich your home, but a little bit of your soul as well.

And that’s exactly what Time Organics’ luxury range does - they lift you up.

The business is the baby of County Durham businesswoman and self-confessed candle fanatic, Kelly Griffiths, who, after 20 years spent working in the beauty industry with some of the world’s biggest skincare houses, decided to go it alone as a twinkling candle designer back in December 2015.

“When I found myself going through a tough time in my personal life, one of my little comforts, I found, was my candles,” says Kelly. “I would light them at the end of the day to help me relax and unwind. And it was then that I thought, ‘wouldn’t it be great to create my own range?’”

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a fascination with lotions, potions and anything that smells good - anything that makes people feel good about themselves - and so candles felt like a natural go-to.

I wanted to create natural and timeless products as a daily reminder to keep strong, stay positive and never give up when life challenges you.”

Working closely with her manufacturers, based in Hartlebury, today Kelly is the proud founder of Time Organics, which has seen her single-handedly design and develop ten luxury candles (nine full-size beauties and one gift set - ‘A Gift of Time’ - containing three minis), inspired by her want and desire to fill her home with sublime scents that were not only long-lasting, but also 100 per cent natural.

Kelly uses only natural and, where possible, organic ingredients, making her luxury burners, certified vegan, free of nasties such as paraffins and petroleum and mineral waxes.

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She also says no to artificial perfumes.

Instead, Time Organics candles are made with blends of pure essential oils, grown in an ethically-responsible environment, to ensure clean fumes only.

“We already live in a polluted world,” says Kelly. “So why inhale yet more toxic chemicals in our own homes? I’m really passionate about producing only the purest, most natural wax candles - high quality products that cause as little impact on the environment, and our own health, as possible.”

Created with a mixture of natural substances - things like soy-based materials and rapeseed waxes and oils - they also last longer (up to 30 to 50 per cent) than your standard paraffin candles. Pick up a full-size (235g) and it’ll burn for up to 50 hours.

Fragrance-wise, there’s something for everyone - whether you’re a fan of the most delicate of scents, or the headiest.

Need uplifting? Try Invigorate - a zingy blend of lime, basil and mandarin to awaken the senses.

For something a little more floral, go for Eternity, with its notes of freesia, rose and lily, or Purity, made with English

I wanted to create natural and timeless products as a daily reminder to keep strong, stay positive and never give up when life challenges you lavender and vetiver.

There are Exotic and Desire, too, both on the deeper side, made with aromatic spices, creamy vanilla, berries, seductive pomegranate and passionflower.

Or, if you prefer things sweeter or a little more spa-like, Harmony, Embrace or Adore are your winners, packed with soothing, easy-on-the-nose ingredients, such as ylang ylang, lavender, patchouli and amber.

“The name ‘Time’ means something to everyone for whatever reason or purpose,” says Kelly.

“Everyone needs their own time - it’s the greatest gift - and I’d like to think that my customers will discover a favourite somewhere in the collection and use it to enhance their personal time at home.”

2017 is set to be Time Organics’ best year yet, as Kelly will soon be setting the wheels in motion to introduce new lines, as well as the launch of a new three-wick candle, a special herbal cushion to promote better

sleep and even a limited-edition scent especially for Christmas.

In the spirit of gift-giving, a new service will also soon be added to the company’s website, giving customers the option to include a personalised message - up to around 150 characters - when purchasing online.

“I’m incredibly excited to see what the future has in store for Time Organics,” says Kelly. “My aim is to continue making fuss-free, eco-friendly products that stand out in the market place for their high-quality materials, safe ingredients, luxury design and sophisticated scents. I am so passionate about making them - and I hope my customers continue to love them as much as I do.”

For more information, or to shop, visit www.timeorganics.co.uk Interested in becoming a stockist?

Email trade@timeorganics.co.uk

MAY/JUN17

0191 491 3836 www.greatlook.co.uk

. Bedrooms . Bathrooms . Orangeries Guardian roofs . Windows . Doors . Bi-fold doors Replacement roofs . Radiators Kitchens

BEAUTIFUL AND AFFORDABLE 10th Avenue West, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0HL, Opposite Retail World

LUXE LIFE

LUCY PHILLIPSON

Lucy is CEO of international children’s charity COCO (Comrades of Children Overseas). Now celebrating her 13th year with the organisation and planning her own wedding, things have never been busier or better LUXE PEOPLE >> My incredible fiancé, Colin. Not only is he my other half in my personal life, he is a huge support to my work, a great listener and knows how to make me laugh. Obviously my family and also my team at COCO, including my board, they are a huge part of who I am.

Best buy > Colin’s Apple Watch, he loves it so much that I think it is still buying me favours!

LUXE PLACES >> For a weekend > My mum and dad’s farm, with my sister’s family and two beautiful nieces. Weekends are made for family and when mine get together it always involves great food, conversation and quite a bit of wine!

A long holiday > It might sound like a busman’s holiday, but I just love East Africa. Colin cycled across Maasai Land in Kenya last January for COCO and we spent a weekend by Lake Victoria after the challenge. The people are great, the scenery is exquisite and then there’s the wildlife, a must visit for everyone I think.

A treat > I am a sucker for a posh hotel and a spa. I recently visited Rockliffe Hall and it was out of this world. I love to swim and the outdoor hot tub was a real treat.

service and great venues. Restaurants to me are more about the experience and that is down to the people.

Nick at 21 and Craig at Broad Chare are attentive, funny and great at what they do.

Perfect weekend > It sounds crazy but I love a good spring clean on a Saturday (preferably listening to Radio Newcastle - I find it very therapeutic!) Then a bike ride with a stop for a pint somewhere, dinner with friends on Saturday night and Sunday lunch with the family.

Downtime means > Sofa, onesie, slippers, blanket, movie, popcorn and Colin in that order – just kidding!

Best telly > While I await the return of Game of Thrones, it is all about the Walking Dead, it’s a bit gruesome but definitely a guilty pleasure. I also like Orange is the New Black on Netflix.

Best book > I have to confess I am not a big reader, I have to do so much reading for work that I rarely make time for it. If I am on holiday I do like a good romantic fiction though, usually the one that is rated the best in WH Smith at the airport.

Best sounds > Colin’s laugh! Aside from that, anything

by Nina Simone.

LUXE RELAX >> Best food > I love sushi and am a frequent visitor to St Sushi on Westgate Road.

Best wine > I am usually a red wine drinker but last year I discovered Wairau Cove sauvignon blanc. It is delicious, especially with fish dishes and desserts.

Favourite restaurant > This is the hardest question! As a huge advocate for the North East and a regular diner in Newcastle I have to go local. I am a bit ‘old school’ and just love 21 and the Broad Chare; great quality, excellent

LUXE SHOP >> Best shopping city > I went to Cardiff for the first time last year and loved it. I think it is great for shopping.

Favourite shop > The White Company, it smells amazing and the staff are always really friendly but not pushy.

Their products are great too, the perfect place for gift purchases or a little treat for me.

Luxe retail treat > A big bottle of Jo Malone’s Pomegranate Noir, it is crazy expensive but I love it and use it sparingly!

YOUR LUXE THING IN LIFE >> OK I have changed my mind this is the hardest question!

I think my greatest passion in life is experiencing everything this amazing world has to offer. If I had to narrow it down to one word, travel. Feeling the heat when you step off the plane in Africa, the view from the top of Kilimanjaro, cycling alongside wildebeest and swimming with whale sharks are all things I have experienced through travel and each experience makes me a little more grateful for life.

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LUXE PARTY >> A memorable night out > Every time I go out with my ‘Kili Family’. A group of us climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania back in 2011 and we have been great mates ever since. The best night was at a friend’s house in Bowes when we sang around the piano, drank wine and stayed up to the wee small hours!

Perfect party > A dinner party with friends, they are always the best, relaxed, fun and great conversations that generally go on until the early hours of the morning by which time, you’ve kicked your heels off, your makeup has smudged, hair has flopped and your friends still love you.

Best dress > My Phase Eight LBD, I would be lost without it. I probably shouldn’t say this but I have had it for years because I can’t find another one and I am too attached to get rid of it!

Dinner date > My friend Cath. We take it in turns to suggest different places in the North East to go out and one of us treats the other each time. We have been everywhere from Peace&Loaf to the Bake in Byker!

MAY/JUN17

LUXE LOCAL

Richmond

Dominated by a Norman castle and the rushing waters of the River Swale, the town of Richmond has always been a go-to destination. Now it’s been named as one of the most desirable places to live in the UK

charity shops and high street staples but there are some quirky and moochy shops if you look closely.

In Finkle Street, just off the square, we spied BBandBeth Chalk Paint Workshop (www. bbandbeth.com) which is an interiors and craft store filled with nice lampshades, painted furniture, cushions and throws.

The super friendly staff also do regular furniture painting workshops and courses.

Nearby there’s a knitter’s delight at Knit Owl which stocks the trendy Debbie Bliss patterns, yarn and accessories.

Browse a while at J&H Meynell which is one those old-fashioned household ‘sell everything’ stores – including pets! Or in contrast buy some original art. Richmond is home to the gallery of artist McKenzie Thorpe, whose well-loved work features solid industrial scenes with a sentimental twist. This was where he used to paint in the studio upstairs.

my local EMMA HATTON PAINTS FURNITURE AND TEACHES AT THE CHALK PAINT WORKSHOP. Three good things about Richmond >> Real community spirit. When you’re setting up in the morning, everyone has a friendly word.

The surroundings – it is a dramatic town with amazing views. The market on Saturdays - a nice bit of tradition and nice to wander.

Three places to take visitors >> The Coast to Coast walk passes through if they’re feeling energetic!

The Station – so much going on; and Easby Abbey - a beautiful place.

An ‘in the know’ secret >> The whole place is a great secret!

Richmond was among 12 places in the North East named the best to live in a recent Sunday Times survey.

The North Yorkshire town of Richmond is a hideaway that’s more accessible than you think - just ten minutes from the A1.

Noteworthy locations deemed ‘desirable’ places to live were those offering the best quality of life to the widest number of people, and combining features such as a positive community spirit, good local shops and services and attractive outdoor spaces.

PROPERTIES: >> You can bag a stone cottage on a cobbled street, a fine Georgian property or even a converted convent. The rural dale means there are plenty of farmhouses and country cottages in small hamlets that lead in to Richmond too.

Good schools are a pull in the market town and so estates have sprung up since the 1920s. Nowadays there are some smart and smallish new executive estates luring

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in the ‘quality of life’ family brigade.

As well as the excellent schools, there’s a decent leisure centre and lots of green space – no wonder crowds are flocking.

or south via Northallerton or Darlington.

The A66 is close by for access west or towards the Tees Valley. Airports at Durham Tees Valley and Leeds Bradford.

CONNECTED >> The A1 North and South is only ten minutes’ or so drive. At the minute the Scotch Corner snarl-up and extension of the A1 is a bit of a chew but long-term, it’s a winner – for folks who want to get to main rail services north

SHOP >> It’s a market town – so there’s a market on Saturdays with plenty of pulling power from local farms and producers.

The town centre is dominated by the Market Square which has its fair share of

Browse antiques and interiors at The Emporium or seek out a bargain at the Victorian Market Hall. This is also home to a regular Chic Vintage market.

For nice looking gifts we spied Pots Place in the Market Square selling Ted Baker Portmerion china and also liked the look of the stylish Greys Interiors. Lemon boutique was filled with summery linens and nice jewellery.

Ottoman Traditional Turkish Barber looked interesting too!

FOOD >> Ken Warne Grocer was selling Coghland artisan bread and who could resist a greengrocer shop called Neeps & Tatties?

In Finkle Street, Wilfred Deli pulled you in with the smell of amazing cheese and home-made soups. We clocked Rounton Roastery coffee on the shelves and great lunch specials like sweet potato ‘mac n’ cheese’, broccoli, mint & ricotta soup with sourdough and aubergine, tomato and blue cheese frittata. There’s a couple of sit-in spaces to feast on it all.

In the town centre, Taylors, ‘The Noted

MAY/JUN17

LUXE LOCAL

PROPERTY WATCH WITH DUNCAN YOUNG

Pie Shop’ was selling – you guessed it – a host of pies with playful fillings. Frenchgate Fudgemakers create the sweet treats and a couple of nice coffee shops included Penley’s Café and Mocha, selling Grumpy Mule Yorkshire coffee. Cross View restaurant and tearooms looked the business too.

MUST-SEE >> The Station is just over the river and home to a brilliant arts and artisan complex.

There’s a cinema, exhibitions, lovely, arty gift shop, great restaurant and coffee shop as well as a micro brewery – Richmond Brewing Co. Fill your bags with artisan bread and cake treats from Angels Share Bakery – a finalist in ITV’s Britain’s Best Bakery. And if all that isn’t enough to tick the ‘quality of life’ box, there’s an ice-cream parlour!

Archers Ice Cream parlour is as good as it

gets when it comes to the cold, sweet stuff!

Not forgetting – for a dose of culture – the recently refurbished Georgian Theatre which, as well as being a beautiful historic building, has a decent programme of performance all year round.

STROLL >> Richmond is made for a river walk. There are cascading falls beneath Richmond Castle, which dominates the town, and you can follow the water for miles.

The Station is a good starting point for a circular walk which takes in pretty Easby Abbey and a riverside route which is also formed of part of the old railway line.

Always good to start or finish at the ice-cream parlour, naturally!

Image credits: Welcome to Yorkshire

property: three to choose River view With grounds looking towards the River Swale, this home is a little piece of paradise. French doors lead to an impressive garden and the patio area is just made for al-fresco partying with a glass of something in hand.

£650,000 GSC Grays 01748 829217

Little extra Frenchgate is in the heart of Richmond and this characterful property has lashings of personality.

Dating back to the 1850s, this period home has been transformed into a beautiful five bedroom property, rich in character and original features.

Plenty of rooms for visitors – it has a separate annexe and enclosed courtyard.

£550,000 GSC Grays 01748 829217

Grand living Live the dream in a ground floor, selfcontained apartment of immense character occupying part of the west wing of Brough Park, a 15th century Grade I listed mansion in extensive parkland gardens and open rural countryside on the outskirts of Richmond. A standout and striking drawing room with Adam ceiling and minstrel gallery.

£385,000 GSC Grays 01748 829217 MAY/JUN17

SPRINGING INTO ACTION The arrival of the spring season and the better weather has been very welcome within the housing market. The period between May and June has traditionally provided us with some of the best selling months of the year.

The housing market in recent years was hit by the 2015 general election and then last year’s worries, somewhat unfounded now, of the impact of Brexit.

In 2017, we appear to have a greater level of stability and whilst the concerns about Brexit continue to trouble some people, the reality of day-to-day living is that we need homes to live in and the housing market has, in many price levels, greater demand for properties to buy than it has availability.

For the first time in my career, there is a clear fragmentation of the housing market indicating that house prices up to £500,000 remain in extremely strong demand and in many places, the demand outstrips the supply and therefore values are rising. In the mid-price levels of £500,000 up to £1 million, the demand and supply is closer to equilibrium and therefore prices are static and homes that are sensibly valued sell reasonably quickly.

Over £1 million, there are fewer buyers around. This has brought a tremendous amount of opportunities, since those that are keen to sell have made their properties very realistically priced.

We have many luxury houses throughout the North East of England, where the current asking price is considerably lower than potentially the figure was in 2007. This affords a great opportunity for fortunate buyers to strike a bargain!

The months of May and June also provide an outstanding opportunity for houses to show off their gardens. The garden area at this time of year can provide up to a 20% premium on property values. We have seen stunning gardens with beautiful borders and an array of colour clearly impacting on buyers’ demands. A good-sized garden with beautiful outdoor lighting, neatly presented and freshly-cleaned patios as well as fabulous pathways, hidden terraces and little secret barbeque patios. can create a premium property.

I would urge anyone selling their home now to make sure that the flower baskets are looking their best and the gardens are neatly trimmed and presented, so that buyers fully appreciate the opportunity to sit outside on those balmy early summer evenings and enjoy a very pleasant and relaxing area.

Many houses have worked hard to bring the outdoor space into the indoor, especially with the use of bi-fold doors and seamless glass, which is very fashionable in the day-to-day living kitchen areas, overlooking gardens. I have seen many beautiful homes in recent times be superbly extended in a contemporary modern way and this gives an open view of a garden, bringing light and beauty throughout the year, not just in the spring and summer months.

Internally, emphasis should be on uncluttered and clean rooms. The opportunity to clean houses and remove excess furniture optimises the size of a room and make the proportions obvious.

Freshly painted rooms, with attractive pastel colours can create a warm glow throughout the year and not just over the summer months. The traditional spring cleaning of homes does pay dividends and we notice that those that are presented to the highest of standards, are often the ones that sell very quickly and at premium levels.

As we move forward through the spring and towards summer, we all look forward to a brighter housing market with increasing supply coming to the forefront.

In the, hopefully, warmer months ahead, we look forward to welcoming buyers to the company and seeing increasing demand as well as supply come to the market. If we can help and assist you in any way with your housing requirements, please do not hesitate to contact me personally.

Duncan G Young Dip.Est.Man.FNAEA, Managing Director, Sanderson Young duncan.young@sandersonyoung.co.uk 0191 223 3500

www.luxe-magazine.co.uk 93

6

Graham Park Road Gosforth

3

35 Graham Park Road provides one of the most splendid, three storey, semi-detached period houses, in one of Newcastleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sought after addresses. The property has been extensively renovated to a luxurious standard and has fabulous, recently landscaped, rear gardens.

Price Guide: ÂŁ1.8 Million Ashleigh Sundin ashleigh.sundin@sandersonyoung.co.uk rare! Office: 0191 223 3500 From Sanderson Young

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

3

D

6

Ulgham Park Farmhouse Ulgham, Morpeth

6

Ulgham Park Farmhouse dates back to the 1800s and has been significantly improved and extended to provide this stunning country house with impeccable accommodation. The property is set in 16 acres with formal gardens, a paddock, kitchen garden and double plus garage.

Price Guide: ÂŁ1.5 Million Ashleigh Sundin ashleigh.sundin@sandersonyoung.co.uk rare! Office: 0191 223 3500 From Sanderson Young

www.sandersonyoung.co.uk

7

C

local, regional, national and international specialists in property marketing

BEECH COTTAGE, MELSONBY

£650,000

An exceptional and unique four bedroom home, Beech Cottage is truly individual and with superb attention to detail, including underfloor heating, oak flooring, staircase, and doors, a handmade kitchen and contemporary bathrooms.

SWAINSTON CLOSE, WYNYARD

Contact: 0191 384 2277

£645,000

A period style family home of scale with five bedrooms located in an excellent cul-de-sac location, with a large private rear garden adjacent to the nature reserve. The wide open aspect at the front has parking for several vehicles.

HAWTHORN COTTAGE, SHERATON

Contact: 01740 645 444

£429,950

Hawthorn Cottage is a superb four bedroom single storey barn conversion that combines rustic features and character with stylish, modern home comforts in an excellent location.

Durham 0191 384 2277

Darlington 01325 488 619

Wynyard 01740 645 444

Tyne Valley 0845 459 6000

info@durhamfineandcountry.co.uk

info@durhamfineandcountry.co.uk

info@wynyardfineandcountry.co.uk residing@fineandcountry.com

Contact: 0191 384 2277

Cumbria 0845 872 5453 cumbria@fineandcountry.com

creative and intelligent marketing of individual and country property

...300 offices worldwide

12 THE PLANTATIONS, WYNYARD

£575,000

Located in a private position in a quiet cul-de-sac offering extensive accommodation with superior fixtures in four reception rooms and four or five bedrooms. An attractive frontage provides space for parking.

ELM HOUSE, SEDGEFIELD

£525,000

Elm House is a beautiful six bedroom Georgian village home fully deserving of its grade II listing as a property of historic importance. Beautifully presented with many of the original features retained.

BLACK THATCH BARN, STANLEY CROOK

Northumberland 0845 459 6000

sales@fineandcountry-lakes.co.ul

info@durhamfineandcountry.co.uk

Contact: 0191 384 2277

£750,000

Black Thatch Barn in the Parish of Brancepeth is a four bedroom barn conversion with a separate self contained cottage. The property comes with a paddock of 4.71 acres, stabling, barns and stores.

Lakes 01539 733 500

Contact: 01740 645444

Contact: 0191 384 2277

www.fineandcountry.com Head office: 121 Park Lane, Mayfair, London WIK 7AG.

Cake cute

SWEET MOMENTS

98 www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

Vintage cake-maker, burlesque baker, whatever you call her, Charlotte White will make sure you’re licking your lips when she sets up stall (in high heels) at the Foodies Festival in Newcastle this June

Her cakes have been labelled naughty, provocative and cheeky, and above all, fun.

But when the moment needs to be serious, Charlotte White can do that too.

As celebration cake gigs go, Dame Vera Lynn’s 100th birthday was certainly a special one for Charlotte and the resulting cake creation suitably stylish and restrained.

“That was very special”, says Charlotte.

“The party was at the Palladium. I had made Dame Vera a cake for her 95th birthday and we’d joked that I would come back when she was 100 and do another.

“It was a three-tier cake with pale blue icing and lace detail with tiny pearls and blue satin ribbon.”

A long way from the (“first ever”) Klingon wedding cake she was commissioned to make – a three-tier Borg cube cake created for a wedding at the very first Destination Star Trek event at London ExCel. Charlotte runs Restoration Cake and is author of lavish and lovely cake decorating books, Burlesque Baking and Deliciously Decorated.

MAY/JUN17

Pistachio & raspberry cake >> Not only does this cake taste divine but it looks so very pretty too. Not that I am shallow! There are a few optional elements to this recipe – firstly, I recommend peeling the pistachio nuts to reveal their bright greenness within, as vibrant as Parakeet feathers.

This is a dull job and you will curse my name but believe me when I say that the extra effort is rewarded.

Secondly, I have added a little green food colouring to the cake mix – we eat with our eyes and the natural brown shade of this cake does not say ‘pistachio’ as much as the green sponge does. I’ve also scored some pistachio paste, which is a wonderful foodie treat!

If you come across any in a cookshop or deli, treat yourself as it really helps the flavour along.

Info 20+ Servings 30 Minutes preparation 35 Minutes bake 30 Minutes decoration You will need 2x 8” sandwich tins, lined with baking parchment 180°C Oven pre-heated

Ingredients 340g unsalted butter 340g caster sugar 6 large eggs 340g self-raising flour 1tsp baking powder 100g chopped pistachio nuts (shelled and peeled) 1tbsp pistachio paste 1tsp vanilla extract green food colouring paste (Increase all quantities by 50% to bake across 3x sandwich tins)

She’s mad keen on all things vintage so when she rocks up at the Foodies Festival in Newcastle this June you will see her dressed in vintage-style finery, high heels and with her trademark retro ‘updo’ and pincurls plus a slash of bright red lipstick.

“Everything I do is inspired by vintage glamour and old Hollywood – I have always overdressed at any opportunity.

“When I start talking about somebody’s wedding cake I want to know all about their dress – is it lace or satin, has it got pearls or feathers – all the details I need to know.

“My love for vintage glamour feeds into the inspiration for the cakes”, she says.

Charlotte has been baking since she learned the basics of the butterfly cake with her nana, standing on a stool by her side, stirring the cake mix.

“I just carried on baking – at Uni I was the one who made cakes for everyone – just the smell of baking takes you back to places, times and people. That hasn’t changed over time – family and friends coming together eating cakes!”

She thinks the sweet appeal of home baking is about the love that goes into the end product.

“People are looking for new tastes and flavours – and things that are made by a person not a machine.”

Charlotte made her first wedding cake about ten years ago – “2007 was all about the cupcake!”

“My friends were on a budget and I said, instead of buying you towels, I will make your cake. I made 150 cupcakes and put them in a tower – as a thank you they bought me a book on starting your own business!”

She did some evening classes to hone her skills, ‘making terrible-looking roses’ and then developed her trademark extravagant designs.

At the Foodies Festival in Newcastle she will be joining the fun at the Cakes & Desserts Theatre which will be a stage dedicated to the pleasures of the sweet stuff.

MAY/JUN17

Decoration Info Always begin your frosting with the butter at room temperature.

A free-standing mixer makes this job a lot easier!

Cover your mixer bowl with a tea towel to prevent an icing sugar cloud.

Ingredients 250g unsalted butter 450g icing sugar 4-6tbsp best quality raspberry jam 2tbsp cream cheese 25g shelled, peeled and chopped pistachios Freeze-dried raspberry pieces

Method

Method

Begin by peeling the pistachio nuts. To do this, cover the nuts in boiling water from the kettle and allow to rest in a bowl for 3-4 minutes. The water will turn a dirty brown colour and, once drained, the nuts will peel easily enough when squeezed between your thumb and forefinger. It’s a laborious job but worth it for the unadulterated bright green flecks that will stud your sponge. You can skip this step and simply chop the shelled nuts.

Cream the butter and sugar until pale and beat in the eggs one at a time until combined (you may need to add a tablespoon of your flour here and there if the mixture starts to curdle).

Add the vanilla extract, pistachio paste and green food colouring (the last two items here are completely optional) and combine until the mixture looks even.

Gently fold in the flour and baking powder until no lumps remain and stir through your chopped pistachio nuts.

Divide the mixture evenly between two lined cake tins and bake for 35 minutes, or until risen and springy.

Allow to cool for 5 minutes in their tins before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.

Cream the butter in a freestanding mixer for 2-3 minutes until soft.

Add half of the icing sugar and mix until combined, then add half of the remaining icing sugar and mix again.

Add the cream cheese, which will lighten the mixture a little, and beat until the frosting is light and creamy.

Beat in the raspberry jam, adding enough to create a lovely pink frosting with a delicious hit of fruit.

Remove any peaks from your sponge layers with a sharp knife and spread Raspberry Frosting on top of one layer before laying the second layer on top. You will have sufficient frosting to cover the sides and top of your cake if you wish.

Any remaining frosting can be loaded into a piping bag, fitted with a large open star nozzle, and piped in rosettes around the top edges of the cake. Simply point the nozzle down, squeeze until you are happy with the rosette size, stop squeezing and pull away.

Decorate your beautifully pink cake with a scattering of freeze-dried raspberry pieces and chopped pistachio nuts. Please regard the peeling of these nuts as obligatory as they will look stunning against the frosting and you will thank me.

She promises a jolly experience for everyone who loves cake, puds and desserts.

“People come and say, they can’t bake – it’s not rocket science!”, she laughs.

“I will be showing some easy tricks – like drip cakes – where you cover the cake in buttercream then get melted chocolate and slowly drizzle it over.

“Baking is all about confidence – knowing, hey, it’s a cake, if it goes wrong, you eat the evidence!

“We will be there to demystify the art, to offer up some insider tips as well as entertaining people – and to show things that make amateur bakers look good!

“The show has a nice vibe – you can sit down, watch the experts, see food being cooked in real time and then have a taste for yourself!”

>> Charlotte‘s recipe books

Foodies Festival takes place 2-4 June at Exhibition Park, Newcastle.

Tickets www.foodiesfestival.com

www.luxe-magazine.co.uk 99

CHOCOLATE TALES

Star trek

With chef James Close of The Raby Hunt, proud owner of two Michelin stars

James has sweet things on his mind this month with the launch of his own range of luxury chocolates Builders in!

We’re undergoing something of a transformation at the restaurant so the builders are in during May creating a kitchen extension for us and a new entranceway to the Raby Hunt.

We are creating a Japanese-inspired chef’s table which will give diners a full kitchen experience if they want to see the chefs in action.

The Trip While the restaurant renovation gets underway I’m heading off on a food road trip. In some of the footsteps inspired

by Coogan and Brydon on The Trip, I will be heading to San Sebastian and the Basque country where the food scene at the minute is incredible.

I’m also heading to Bordeaux for a week and will report back!

Out & About

What’s new We’ve always loved playing with chocolate at Raby Hunt. Our signature skull-moulded chocolates were a real labour of love to create and they are a real hit at the restaurant.

So we’re excited to launch our first prestige chocolate collection, which has just launched in Fenwick Food Hall, Newcastle.

The idea is that it will be a seasonal range with a real wow factor. We want them to be sexy, not boring and use the freshest flavours for them – not flavouring or purees that are bought-in.

We use what I consider the best chocolate available in the world, from Michel Cluizel – he’s a man sometimes referred to as ‘The Goldsmith of Chocolate’. He’s has been making chocolate since 1948, pioneering the spirit of the ‘cacaofevier’ (bean-to-bar maker).

The single origin chocolate is made with high-quality, pure ingredients; without vegetable fats, and using 100% cocoa butter and Bourbon vanilla pod in replace of flavouring.

Heading up the team here is Maria Guseva who makes our chocolates – she’s just returned from a stage at Ryugin in Tokyo, which is among the top 50 restaurants in the world.

Maria, from Russia originally, is now junior sous with us, responsible for all our chocolate desserts at the Raby Hunt.

She joined a masterclass with Ramon Morato, one of the world’s chocolate masters and creative director for the Cacao Barry world chocolate collective.

The skull-mould chocolates will be part of the range and we’ll be adding a Buddah – with white chocolate with pinenut ganache and crisped Maldon salt.

Our mission is to make something unlike anything else. We want a great balance of flavours with attention to detail for all the ingredients. We have a yuzu puree for example – made fresh by us – it is an intense, tangy citrus flavor; an alternative to a lemon or lime flavour, easy to buy in but we start with the pure fruit. We’re combining rosemary with yuzu for one of our chocolates We also have a truffle caramel. The truffle flavour is made using Perigord truffles. The caramel is infused with the whole truffle rather than with oils or synthetics.

The end result, we hope, is something people will be excited to try – and we’re excited to see the Raby Hunt chocolates available to buy.

The Raby Hunt team have been on their food travels of late.

I tried The Patricia, a new and very understated restaurant new to Jesmond which is getting talked about everywhere.

It’s unique for Newcastle, keeping it simple. A self-taught chef who is all about seasonal inspiration – the gnocchi with wild garlic pesto was great. It deserves the plaudits, give it a go.

Our sommelier, Jim went to the Samling in Cumbria to check it out. The place is well-known to Luxe readers and has been closed for a re-design. It looks great and the service, food and wine are excellent (see picture below). The new sommelier has come from Tom Kitchen in Scotland – Jim raved about an unfiltered Austrian Gruner Veitliner which he had with a crab ravioli and lobster bisque dish.

If you’re heading to Portugal you can’t get a better vantage point for lunch than Villa Joya on the Algarve. The setting is spectacular and the two star restaurant a really special place to eat. Dishes such as langoustine with carrot and mandarin and a dessert of pineapple carpaccio were superb. The Portuguese cataplana (that’s the name of the pot it is cooked in) is definitely one to try – the country’s version of fish stew, a combination of fresh seafood cooked together is as good as it gets.

We want them to be sexy, not boring and use the freshest flavours for them – not flavouring or purees that are bought-in

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From

£ 2 per c 55 oup le

What’s it going to be? Are you completely ginnocent or feeling a little gindulgent? Book your stay this summer at the beautiful Black Swan Hotel in Helmsley. With an overnight stay and Tasting Menu dinner in our three rosette restaurant, you’ll want for nothing except maybe to try our range of Yorkshire gins.

Book your gintastic stay at The Black Swan Hotel, Helmsley and we will enter you into a free prize draw to win a hamper of Yorkshire gins plus a return visit to the hotel.

Call us on 01439 770466, or book online at www.blackswan-helmsley.co.uk The Black Swan Hotel, Market Place, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO62 5BJ

Enter and gin

the finest punjabi cuisine

to reserve your table please telephone 0191 261 9035 0191 232 4660 sachins restaurant forth banks newcastle upon tyne ne1 3sg

www.sachins.co.uk

MAY/JUN17

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CLAM UP

FISH COURSE

Razor Clams Steamed Razor Clams, Wild Garlic & Iberico Ham >>

WITH TERRY LAYBOURNE

SERVES 2 Ingredients

Method

8 large razor clams 140mls dry white wine 60mls olive oil 80g Iberico ham, thinly sliced 30g wild garlic leaves, roughly chopped 2 shallots, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, pureed Maldon salt

Properly clean and prepare razor clams before cooking.

Check the clams are closed – any open shells should close when gently tapped – discard any open or damaged shells.

Place all the clams in a colander and continually run cold water over them to remove any sand.

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauce pan with a tight fitting lid. Add the shallots and garlic and cook gently for 1 minute. Add the clams and increase the heat. Pour in the white wine. Quickly cover and allow to steam for two minutes until the clams have opened. Reserve any cooking liquor.

Remove the meat from the shells, reserving the shells. Remove the ‘foot’ of the clam. Remove the dark central intestinal tract, leaving only the firm white clam meat. Peel away the remaining clam meat and reserve.

Cut the clam meat into bite-sized pieces. Put the reserved clam meat, Iberico ham, wild garlic and 2 tablespoons of clam liquor into a small pan. Warm gently and season with olive oil, lemon juice and Maldon salt.

Spoon the clam mixture into the reserved shells and serve immediately.

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Razor clams are highly desirable and a great, simple dish to cook. Being from the mollusc family, they have similar traits. Their meat is a mixture of mussels and scallops – tender and sweet. However, their white flesh is more like squid. Their name derives from the appearance of their outer shell – similar to that of an old fashioned razor. In my opinion, they’re worth going out of your way for, especially if you’re a seafood lover.

A coastal shellfish, our razor clams are found on the coast of Isle of Islay, gathered by hand. This is the perfect season to find them fresh on counter.

It’s always best to cook the clams on the same day you buy them but if you do have to keep them, I recommend covering them in a damp tea towel and storing them in the coldest part of your fridge.

Before cooking, check the clams are closed. If you tap gently on the shells, any that are open should close.

Bin the ones that don’t and that are cracked.

Cooking razor clams for the first time may be daunting but it’s easier than you think. When rinsing them in cold water, they tend to start oozing out of their shells.

But just give them a good wash to get rid of any grit or sand.

Similar to cooking mussels, the trick is to cook them quickly to prevent them from becoming tough and overcooked.

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SEEDS & SOWING

Veg patch WITH KAREN PHILLIPS

For the gardener, spring is like the start of the new school year except the shiny, new pencil case stuffed with coloured pens is replaced by bulging seed packets with alluring names of a flame-grilled burger add a whole new dimension to a meal.

Asparagus: We grow some of the best asparagus in the world so make the most of our short home-grown season. One of my most memorable Mother’s Days was son Luc cooking ‘Asparagus with Lemon and Herb Fritters’. The effort took so much out of him he retired to bed without even tasting it – the dish was utterly fabulous!

Broccoli raab 60 days: As stated, this Italian favourite is ready pretty pronto! Used for the famous Puglian pasta dish ‘Orecchiette e Cimi di Rapa’ (literally meaning pasta with turnip tops) the tender stems are blanched, then added to sautéed onion, garlic and anchovies, along with a glass of white wine.

The sauce is served over pasta but can be bottled into sterilised jars for use throughout the year – perfect if you have a glut.

JOBS OUTSIDE >>

RICH PICKINGS >> Radishes: In a matter of weeks you have radishes coming out of your ears but subsequently forget to resow and have none at all, then I tried the pickled radishes recipe (Sept/Oct Luxe Issue) and behold a love affair began! Pickled radishes served alongside a hearty stew or popped on top

Sow, sow, sow Now I am not usually taken in by marketing ploys but I seem to have a blind spot when it comes to seed varieties. Who cannot fail to be seduced by the names?

Asparagus Pea: deep red flowers followed by 4-winged pods with a flavour reminiscent of asparagus when steamed.

Shiraz Mangetout: any seed with wine in its name is going to get my vote!

Half-Pint Pea: this hardy variety produces peas on neat compact plants; hence perfect for growing in pots.

Yin Yang French Dwarf Bean: resembling a panda, these beans hail from Mexico and can be eaten fresh and green or dried, becoming very decorative, and stored for future use. I’ll sow these in root-trainers indoors (legumes resent root disturbance but the air-pruning from root-trainers avoids this) then harden off and plant out in June when the danger of the last frost has passed.

Ferrari Dwarf Bean: this abundant variety of slender pods is for all you petrol heads out there!

Earth up potato plants: The early potatoes planted in trenches over Easter require ‘earthing up’: draw the soil up around the new shoots growing from the potato tubers.

This results in a larger crop; no greening of the uppermost tubers; and most importantly, it protects the new shoots from any late frosts. If you see blackened shoots at this time of year it means ‘Jack Frost’ got there before you – your crop will recover, albeit it the final crop of potato tubers will be smaller.

JOBS INSIDE…..

DO NOT pot on your tomato plants until they have formed their first flowers. Potting on too early creates large, healthy plants that will flower much later towards the end of the summer resulting in a glut of green tomatoes. Plants need to be stressed to force them to flower earlier i.e. smaller pots create restricted roots. Once plants have flowered they cannot revert back to not

Leek Terrine Ingredients 15 young whole leeks, washed 200g feta cheese, crumbled chopped, mint leaves Method Blanch the leeks in boiling water for 5 minutes until a knife pierces them easily, then drain and immerse in ice cold water to stop them cooking further. Place a layer of leeks snugly in the base of the bread tin, alternating the green and white ends so each slice, when cut, will have a mixture of both. Top with a layer of feta and press down, sprinkling mint and salt and pepper over. Continue with alternate layers of leeks and cheese, finishing with a layer of leeks. Fold the cling film over tightly and place another tin on top, weighted down with a couple of cans of beans. Place in the refrigerator overnight. Use a serrated knife to cut neat slices and serve with a splash of cider vinegar and a drizzle of olive oil.

Beetroot Jewels Ingredients Red, Golden, or Striped Beetroots 400g soft goat’s cheese

TERRINES >> I’m not talking about gelatine laden squares of compressed meat but jewel-coloured vegetable delights that boast wholeheartedly about the joys of growing your own veg.

Since we’re not using gelatine both these recipes have soft cheese in and must be weighted-down overnight in order for them to set. Both are made in bread tins, lined with several layers of cling film.

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Method Preheat oven to 200oc. Trim the leaves but don’t cut into, or peel, the beetroot. Wrap each beetroot in tin foil and place in a baking dish and bake for 1 hour until tender. Leave until cool enough to handle then peel and slice. Starting with layers of golden, or striped, beetroot create alternate layers of beetroot and cream cheese. Finish with a couple of layers of red beetroot. Fold the cling film over and refrigerate as above.

flowering no matter what size pot you then plant them into; hence why your herbs/veg once ‘bolted’ will not revert back to just producing leaves even if the plant is cut hard back.

LOOKING AHEAD >> Next time we’ll be indulging in luscious berries and sowing a whole host of hardy crops.

Karen has moved Widehaugh House cookschool and gardens, to Linnels Farm for regular updates of the progress and upcoming courses visit www.linnelsfarm.com

UPCOMING COURSES @LINNELS FARM LATE SPRING TULIP FESTIVAL >> 1 MAY Relish the riot of colour as we launch ‘Linnels Farm’ and provide a taste of the courses to come at this fabulous new venue. Discover the range of bulbs we import direct from Holland each year, with the chance to take advantage of our ‘early order’ discount. Bring wellies/ walking boots and wander down across the meadows to ‘Devil’s Water’ and back, spotting wildlife and wildflowers along the way.

Time: 1-4pm £5 per person.

All profits from admission will go to St Oswald’s Hospice.

GROW YOUR OWN CUT FLOWERS >> 14 JUNE 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.

Time: 10am – 3.30pm, including morning coffee/cakes and a 2-course lunch. £90

THE VIRGIN GARDENER >> 15 JUNE 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.

Time: 10am – 3.30pm including morning coffee/cakes and a 2-course lunch. £80

THE TOWN GARDENER >> 16 JUNE Small plot – big ideas! Don’t let the size of your plot limit your creativity. Choose plants that earn their keep and learn low maintenance ideas to create colour and impact in a small place. Discover the multitude of plants and methods of ringing the changes in even the smallest garden.

Time: 10am – 3.30pm. Including morning coffee/cakes and a 2-course lunch £80

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PARMO POSH

Off duty WITH DAVE COULSON

Gorgeous wild garlic packs a punch, looks grassy green and is forage-perfect to pick from the hedgerows

Here’s a recipe that offers up a twist of dish – a more restaurant-friendly version of the chicken ‘parmo’ so beloved of our friends on Teesside.

This is its grown-up friend. Chicken breast two-ways with lashings of bold, fresh flavours from home-made wild garlic mayo.

Roast Chicken Parmo & Wild Garlic SERVES 2 Ingredients

Method

2 chicken breast – fillets removed Bechamel sauce (home-made or a decent ready-made version) 20 (approx) leaves of wild garlic (a good bunch) 2 egg yolks 200ml vegetable oil 1 tsp English mustard powder 1 tbsp white wine vinegar Pinch salt Flour Egg yolk Breadcrumbs Parmesan cheese

To make the wild garlic mayo Blend egg yolks and garlic leaves until bright green. Gradually add the mustard powder and vinegar Gradually and slowly add the vegetable oil – keep it slow so that the mixture doesn’t split (If it does, add some warm water).

Add salt to taste.

For the chicken Cut the fillet in half down the middle. Dust in flour, dip in egg yolk then breadcrumbs and deep fry for two minutes.

Cover in béchamel sauce and grate some parmesan cheese on top – pop under the grill for a couple of minute to melt the cheese. This your ‘parmo’ . Crumb and deep fry the remaining chicken breast, as above.

Garnish with wilted wild garlic leaves, parmesan crumb and wild garlic mayonnaise.

More chat and recipe inspo from Dave Coulson on www.luxe-magazine.co.uk

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Exotic sip

Bold botanicals, sexy spirits and refreshing mixers offer up the perfect cocktail for your summer sipping adventures

CHIN CHIN

LSA International Gin Ice Set, £70 (Set includes two highballs, two balloon glasses and one ice bucket); Elephant Gin, £34; NOVELTEA, The Tale of Tangier, £24.95; Seedlip Distilled Non-Alcoholic Spirits, Garden 108, £27; Fortnum & Mason Ginger and Sicilian Lemon Infusion, £7.50; Indi & Co Tonic Water, £6.99; The Curious Bartender Volume 1, The Artistry and Alchemy of Creating the Perfect Cocktail, £16.99; The Curious Bartender’s Gin Palace, £16.99.

Available from Fenwick Food Hall and Homeware department, Fenwick, Newcastle

LUNCHTIME DINING WITH CREATIVE FLAIR Enjoy this season’s finest local ingredients, prepared in artisan’s signature style by our award-winning head chef.

Our lunch menu is available Wednesday to Saturday 12pm - 2.30pm.

2 courses for £15 3 courses for £20

WWW.ARTISANNEWCASTLE.COM

MAY/JUN17

Image: Sean Elliott

To book, call 0191 260 5411

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GIN LINGO

It’s an understatement to say that gin is having a moment.

We can’t get enough of the stuff – you can even swat up at Gin School.

Kathryn Armstrong signed up and sipped away

B OTA N I C A L S B LI S S It’s revision time of year. Angsty students and stressed out teens we share your pain.

But when you’re swatting up to be a boffin of the botanicals kind, then late nights with a stiff drink or a spritzy mixer are actually recommended, not frowned upon.

And in the ‘classroom’ of Newcastle’s Crowne Plaza, there’s no bored fidgeting or a desire for lessons to finish early. No, it’s all about soaking up the gin knowledge from your g-instructor.

We’re at the hotel’s first Gin School; this one hosted by well-known Scottish gin-maker Hendrick’s – with cucumber ready to garnish, of course.

It’s the first of monthly Gin Schools being

held here, each will be hosted by a different supplier to the hotel’s Gin Bar on the first Thursday of every month (in May it’s with Hepple Gin).

The premise is a simple one: gather together folks who love their gin, want to learn more, taste more and talk botanicals with the people who make it.

The format is relaxed and informal. The gin flows and talk is of the variations in tastes that come with a mix of different botanicals in the make-up of the gin and which mixers work best alongside to make the drinks shine.

Hendrick’s Gin was one of the first incomers to the new gin generation. The Scottish gin was launched in 1999. Its blend uses rose petals and cucumber alongside traditional botanicals. The taste is created with a blend

There’s no shortage of gin-based fun to be had this summer.

Here’s where to get your spirits high JUNE 9 & 10 >> The UK’s biggest and oldest Gin Festival returns to Newcastle. Packed with plenty of new and exclusive gins, cocktails and masterclasses from industry experts, it’s set to be a weekend to remember! ginfestival.com

Exhibition Park, it’s an exhibition of the finest gin distillers offering over 150 delicious gins for guests to sample.

Each distiller will host its own gin bar, headed up by well informed mixologists who will take you on a gin journey through time – giving you an insight into how their gin is distilled from start to finish. The sumptuous street food village offers up a delightful selection of local cuisine, craft beers and cool tunes. thebathtubsessions.com

GIN TASTING EXPERIENCE >>

JULY 7 & 8 >> The Bathtub Session is a gin festival with a twist. Held at the Wylam Brewery,

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Slingsby Gin in Harrogate offers open sessions on alternate Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons for enthusiasts to enjoy ‘The Spirit of Gin’ experience.

Friday night sessions are 6.30pm – 9pm and Saturday sessions are 2pm – 4.30pm. Includes a history of gin talk, four drinks per guest, gin tasters

and canapés, £40 per person. wslingsby.co.uk

GIN TASTING MASTERCLASS – GRANGE HOTEL, YORK >> The Grange Hotel in York invites you to pair two of life’s simple joys – great gin and bloomin’ good food. This truly indulgent experience kicks off with a masterclass by local gin experts, Still & Heart. With a gin cocktail in hand, guests will then be guided through a number of different gin, mixer and garnish combinations for inspiration.

This Gin Tasting Masterclass is an educational journey of your favourite gins – followed by a delicious two course lunch in The Ivy Brasserie. grangehotel.co.uk

HARVEY NICHOLS COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS >> One should never mix one’s drinks… except

at the Harvey Nichols Cocktail Masterclass.

We’ll let you off with this one. With a delicious combination of gins, mixers and garnish ideas, it’s hard not to go mad! Join the mixologists at The Fourth Floor Cafe, Leeds for tastings, demonstrations and the chance to recreate your favourites. Guests will enjoy a welcome cocktail, followed by spirit tasting, a guide on how to shake three signature cocktails and the chance to get creative, mixing up your own masterpiece.

The Cocktail Masterclass is available on selected Fridays throughout March and April – visit the website for more details. It’s the perfect party spot for a group of girlfriends. harveynichols.com

THE PTMY GIN MASTERCLASS >> Pleased To Meet You is Newcastle’s hottest venue for all things G&T. Their 90-minute Gin Masterclass is held in the exotic cocktail bar, Viceroy, and will give guests a brief history of the glorious spirit we all know and love. The trained mixologists will add to your gin knowledge, taking you on a great journey along the way. ptmy-newcastle.co.uk

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Come close and we’llet... tell you a secr of two separate spirits - one created in a small pot still and another in a carter-head still in order to extract the different flavours of the different botanicals.

It makes for an easy-drinking classic and refreshing summer drink – that slice of cucumber being the Hendrick’s trademark – with a Fever Tree tonic – but zesty lime or elderflower are good partners too.

Gin School will invite makers from small and large-scale producers to take the classes each month, so enthusiasts will be able to sample a wide range of gin styles, from small local artisan makers to the larger, more-established distillers like Hendrick’s.

The classes themselves will usually have about 15 ‘students’ and are in an informal, sociable setting.

For Gin Bar manager Will Young it’s about channeling the huge interest in gin with a relaxed approach.

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“It’s long been a dream of ours to educate people and encourage debate about this incredible spirit.

“We’re extremely proud of our North East roots which is why we stock so many local gins alongside the classics.

“The Gin Bar has set itself apart as a place with a brilliant selection of cocktails.”

New additions to the cocktail menu launched for spring include the Tyneside Fizz made with Durham Gin, lemon, elderflower and Prosecco.

Stirring stuff. And at the end of your lesson you walk away with a certificate proclaiming your PhG in gin-tasting and a Masters in mixing.

Gin School sessions are £30 each or £50 for two.

To book call 0191 562 3333 or info@theginbar-ncl.com

Opening soon in Newcastle

Keep an eye on www.luxe-magazine.co.uk for details

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SPRING THING

Eat seasonal WITH ANDREW WILKINSON OF ARTISAN

Nights are light and the spring greens are bright, let’s feast!

The taste of the sea meets fresh springtime flavours This edition’s recipe is a simple dish to prepare and cook, yet brimming with a delicious medley of springtime flavours.

The star ingredient is the sweet tasted fillet of brill - very much an underrated flat fish with a beautiful firm texture and creamy-white flakes of meaty flesh. To enhance the flavours of this fish, I’m pairing the fillet with the light and fragrant taste of pea risotto. The delicate garlic tempura, meanwhile, adds a lovely variation in texture to the plate.

For more seasonal inspiration, our all-new tasting menu spotlights some of the finest locally sourced ingredients and is now available to pre-book all month long. Visit our website for more details.

Fillet of brill with pea risotto and garlic tempura >> SERVES 4

Ingredients Brill 4x fillets of brill Tempura 2 cups cornflour 1 cup plain flour Sparkling Water Risotto 200g risotto rice 4 tbsp pea puree 1 shallot 2 garlic cloves 100ml white wine 300ml chicken stock

Method Brill Portion the fillets, wrap in cling film and poach for 4 minutes, or cook in a waterbath for 8 minutes at 62 degrees Celsius.

Remove the skin and blow torch or place under the grill.

Risotto Sweat off the onion, shallot and garlic for 2 minutes. Add the risotto rice and toast for a further minute. Deglaze with white wine and then add the chicken stock. Add in the pea puree.

Stir until the rice is cooked through and season to taste.

Tempura Mix the dry ingredients with salt and then add enough sparkling water to form a loose batter. Dip a wild garlic bud into the batter and fry until golden and crisp.

To serve Garnish and serve as pictured.

Artisan, The Biscuit Factory, Stoddart Street, Newcastle, NE2 1AN Tel 0191 260 5411. www.artisannewcastle.com Twitter.com/Artisan_NE

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LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Bold baggage Get a hold on spring’s happiest colour with the Coach city-style Mercer satchel in sunshine yellow, £294.99 www.psyche.co.uk

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PARTING SHOT

On your bike> Who needs a cool bag? The only way to travel to your picnic this summer. Captured in Paris by Kevin Gibson www.kghotography.co.uk

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HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED THE DINING ROOM AT WALWICK HALL YET? ITS AMBIENCE IS REFINED BUT RELAXED, AS YOU’D EXPECT FROM NORTHUMBERLAND’S NEWEST COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL. ITS SEASONAL MENU TAKES TRADITIONAL DISHES AND TRANSFORMS THEM WITH A MODERN CULINARY TWIST; ELEVATING THEM TO SOMETHING MEMORABLE, DISTINCT AND UNIQUELY FLAVOURSOME. OPEN DAILY, SERVING LUNCHES AND EVENING MEALS TO GUESTS AND NON-RESIDENTS. TO BOOK YOUR TABLE CALL 01434 620 156 OR VISIT US ONLINE.

WWW.WALWICKHALL.COM

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