Luxe issue 97 - Jan/Feb 26

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T R U E N O RT H . T h in gs to co me . AT T H E W H E E L . Alpi n e styl e. CR E AT I V E R O OT S . F itn ess f irst . M U S T H AV E . Fo rage d go o ds . G E T T I N G AWAY. Hot p rop er t y. T I DY M I N D. Wow we ddi n gs . L I T T L E M O M E N TS . B ig na mes. LUXE.

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2042-1931 ISSN

ISSUE 97 JAN/FEB26

Diamonds speak louder than words NEWCASTLE | YORK | LEEDS | NOTTINGHAM | WINDSOR luxe-magazine.co.uk

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WELCOME

ISSUE 97 JAN/FEB26

contents 4>> The agenda

Diary dates to kickstart 2026

12>> 10 things luxe loves What we’re loving this season

14>> At the wheel We’re heading into the first months of the year with no pressure to reinvent ourselves or give things up, but a gentle reset — a chance to ease into the new year with clarity, comfort and plenty of joy. After the whirlwind of Christmas, January and February offer the perfect moment to pause and step into 2026 with intention. And that’s exactly what this issue is here to help you do. Our cover star, the wonderful Brenda Blethyn, embodies that spirit so well. Her love for the North East is infectious, and her long-standing support for Sunday for Sammy, returning to Newcastle this February, reminds us what makes this region so special. We’ve also got soothing winter wellness (including the rising trend of saunas to help combat the winter blues), conversations with inspiring names from the fashion and fitness worlds, and smart, soulful ways to bring harmony back into our homes. After the festive frenzy, Andrea Wylie shares why an organised space can offer so much more than tidiness – it can be grounding, uplifting and surprisingly transformative. We’re also talking about life’s bigger transitions — the ones that move us and sometimes shake us. If you’re navigating a new home, a new baby, a new chapter or even a divorce, we’ve gathered voices and guidance that offer reassurance rather than resolutions. Of course, it wouldn’t be our Jan/Feb issue without a dose of style and indulgence. There’s Nigel Cabourn’s winter fashion, Valentine’s treats, interiors inspired by the Pantone Colour of the Year, and plenty of foodie ideas made with the gorgeous produce on our doorstep. So here’s to a refreshing start. To embracing the softness of winter. To filling diaries with things that lift us. And to letting Luxe do the legwork, so you can focus on everything that matters most. With love, Elysia x Remember to check in with us online at luxe-magazine.co.uk See us on social at: Instagram: @theluxemagazine Facebook: @luxemag

THE LUXE TEAM Christopher March publisher chris@allies-group.com

A morning of pottery at Studio 573

16>> North star

A chat with our cover star Brenda Blethyn

20>> Wrapped up

Winter style with Cabourn and Mammut Brenda Blethyn, star of Vera, has long held a soft spot for the North East, a region she says stole her heart the moment she arrived. Her luxe things in life, she says, are: her dog Jack, her dog Jack… and her dog Jack - the endlessly enthusiastic sidekick whose slobbery greetings outshine any red-carpet moment.

27>> Smooth moves

Prepping for summer ready skin

28>> Hot stuff

Sauna escapes for winter days

38>> Foraged goods

Indulgent recipes grown in North Yorkshire

40>> Super staycation

A good-for-the-soul stay in Stokesley

44>> Tidy mind

The power of decluttering with Andrea Wylie

46>> Hot property

Inside Carole Crowe’s soul-filled sanctuary

50>> Bridal edit

Gorgeous goods for the luxe bride

60>> Made of magic

The Duchess of Northumberland on her debut novel

71>> Social diary Eyes and teeth time

Meg Fletcher is a Northumberland-born fashion and textile artist whose work is rooted in storytelling, identity and the magic of home ground. Her luxe things in life include: a silky-soft White Company hot water bottle, one of her dad’s beloved shirts, and the untamed beauty of the Northumberland landscape.

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EDITORIAL Elysia Fryer editor editor@luxe-magazine.co.uk SALES Debi Coldwell director debi@allies-group.com PHOTOGRAPHY Kevin Gibson info@kgphotography.co.uk Nicky Rogerson nicky@kgphotography.co.uk DESIGN David Stubbs creative director dave@allies-group.com Euan Underwood euan@allies-group.com If you wish to advertise with us please contact our sales team: Debi Coldwell: debi@allies-group.com / 07910 918366

Allies Group Ltd, The Schoolhouse, 12 Trinity Chare, Quayside, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 3DF allies-group.com All contents copyright ©2026 Allies Group 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, January 2026.

Chris McVay is a coach and bodybuilder, dedicated to helping people transform their long-term wellbeing. His luxe things in life include: the head-clearing endorphins of a morning training session, making memories with his family and friends, and the unbeatable feeling of watching his clients grow.

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JAN/FEB26

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WHAT’S ON

The agenda: new year, new plans >> Diaries at the ready for a busy start to the year… ARTS & CULTURE A Woman of Taste and Fashion - Spotlight Tour 5 FEBRUARY

If you love history, glamour and style with a story behind it, don’t miss the ‘A Woman of Taste and Fashion’ Spotlight Tour at The Bowes Museum this February. It takes visitors behind the scenes of an inspiring exhibition celebrating women’s fashion through the ages — a wonderfully intimate glimpse into elegance, identity and creativity. Perfect for anyone with a love of detail, textiles or heritage. thebowesmuseum.org.uk

FAMILY Luminescence - A Winter Light Trail UNTIL 22 FEBRUARY

The festive season might be over, but the wholesome family activities are still filling our diaries! Wrap up warm and head to Luminescence – A Winter Light Trail, as Swinton Estate becomes a glowing woodland wonder. Winding for about a mile through lakeside paths and heritage gardens, the light-installations conjure ethereal tableaux inspired by the magic of nature — from twinkling deer-herds to lakeside reflections. swintonestate.com

ARTS & CULTURE Miniature Worlds: Little Landscapes from Thomas Bewick to Beatrix Potter UNTIL 28 FEBRUARY

Miniature Worlds: Little Landscapes from Thomas Bewick to Beatrix Potter is an elegant exhibition showcasing three centuries of British artistry rendered in miniature landscapes. Expect delicate prints, drawings and watercolours by the likes of Thomas Bewick and Beatrix Potter, alongside romantic landscapes from the era of JMW Turner. A perfect excuse to slow down this winter. northeastmuseums.org.uk/laing

HEALTH & WELLBEING Winter Twilight Sound Bath 12 JANUARY

For a soothing mid-winter pause, head to Middleton Lodge for the Winter Twilight Sound Bath, a 90-minute candle-lit sound immersion in the beautiful Fig House. Think crystal singing bowls, soft vocals, therapeutic frequencies and a gentle invitation to unwind – no pressure, just calm. After the session, settle by the fire with a seasonal alcohol-free cocktail and soak up the warmth before stepping back into the winter evening. middletonlodge.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK Burns Night Supper 23 & 24 JANUARY

Celebrate Burns Night at Spanish City, settling in for a four-course feast, the traditional ‘Address to the Haggis’, a Scottish piper – and a ceilidh band to get you dancing long into the night. Whether you’re in the mood for haggis, neeps and tatties or something a bit lighter, this is guaranteed, wholesome good times. spanishcity.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK Bertani Wine Dinner 29 JANUARY

Calling all wine-lovers. Dobson & Parnell is hosting a carefully curated Bertani Wine Dinner this January. Expect a refined evening where food and flavour take centre stage. If you appreciate good wine, expertly crafted menus and great company, this promises to be a dinner to remember. A perfect way to keep the fun going this January! dobsonandparnell.co.uk

THEATRE Oliver 5 - 7 FEBRUARY

Charles Dickens’s Oliver! comes to The Princess Alexandra Auditorium this February, bringing all the music, heart and sparkle of the iconic musical. Expect stirring showstoppers, a dreamy night out for theatre lovers, and perhaps a pinch of nostalgia. A perfect mid-winter treat. thepaaonline.org

HEALTH & WELLBEING Earth and Essence – Yoga and Wellness Festival 7 FEBRUARY

If you’re after a soulful reset to start 2026, the Earth and Essence Yoga and Wellness Festival at Alnwick Garden could be just the ticket. Imagine a relaxed day of yoga, mindfulness and restorative wellness activities — exactly what we need after the festive whirlwind. Whether you’re a yoga pro or simply curious, it’s a soothing way to reconnect with yourself as winter loosens its grip. alnwickgarden.com

THEATRE Mamma Mia! 11 - 28 FEBRUARY

Sun, sea, and pure ABBA magic come to Newcastle this February. This globally beloved musical — brimming with feel-good energy, unforgettable songs and a sparkling sense of fun — is guaranteed to lift spirits and leave you singing and toe-tapping all the way home. The ultimate girls’ night out, a romantic date, or just a joyous, sunny escape. theatreroyal.co.uk

FILM Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour 2026 12 & 13 FEBRUARY

For lovers of adventure, nature and visual storytelling, the Banff Mountain Film Festival stops at Playhouse Whitley Bay this February. Expect a breathtaking mix of films – gripping mountaineering stories, breathtaking landscapes, and tales of human courage and exploration. It’s a wintry escape to wild places, from your seat. playhousewhitleybay.co.uk

FAMILY Jurassic Park in Concert 22 FEBRUARY

Watch the iconic film on the big screen while a live orchestra performs the unforgettable score. It’s cinematic nostalgia and live music magic rolled into one — a perfect treat whether you’re revisiting childhood favourites or introducing a new generation to cinematic adventure. theglasshouseicm.org

FOOD & DRINK Stargazing Evening 30 JANUARY

Fancy something a bit out of this world? Head to Lord Crewe Arms for an evening under the starry skies. Think blankets, proper countryside quiet and (hopefully!) a crisp night sky full of stars. Whether you’re cosying up with someone special or gathering with friends, it’s the perfect winter escape from the everyday. lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk

FILM The Last Musician of Auschwitz + Q&A 4 FEBRUARY

The powerful documentary The Last Musician of Auschwitz reveals how music became both a lifeline and an act of resistance for prisoners in Auschwitz. At the heart of the film is cellist Anita Lasker‑Wallfisch — the last surviving member of the camp’s orchestras — whose story is both harrowing and profoundly moving. The screening at Tyneside Cinema includes a live Q&A with her grandson, adding a deeply personal dimension to the narrative. tynesidecinema.co.uk

THEATRE Matilda The Musical 11 - 28 FEBRUARY

Bright, bold and bursting with brilliance, Matilda The Musical lands at Sunderland Empire for a run throughout February. Based on the beloved Roald Dahl novel, this multi-award winning show combines razor-sharp wit, heart and jaw-dropping musical numbers. atgtickets.com

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THEATRE Chris Ramsey 26 & 27 FEBRUARY

Don’t miss local lad and comedian Chris Ramsey taking to the stage at Stockton Globe this February. Expect warm wit, northern charm and a guaranteed good time, ideal for a fun night out if you’re in the mood for laughs and a bit of escapism. stocktonglobe.co.uk

THEATRE Noughts & Crosses 27 FEBRUARY - 7 MARCH

A bold, thought-provoking night at the theatre: Noughts & Crosses comes to Northern Stage. Known for its powerful storytelling and emotional depth, this production is not just a show — it’s a conversation, a challenge and a chance to reflect. If you believe theatre should provoke as well as entertain, this one’s for you. northernstage.co.uk

Senbla presents Ellen Kent’s Farewell Opera Tour featuring Opera International Kyiv, Ukraine, with Highly-Praised Soloists and Full Orchestra

WINNER ‘BEST OPERA AWARD’ LIVERPOOL DAILY POST THEATRE AWARDS

With an exquisite Japanese Garden. Sung in Italian with English surtitles.

“Hot-blooded, a joy” THE INDEPENDENT

An evening of passion and sexual jealousy. Sung in French with English surtitles.

MUSIC Martin Kemp’s Ultimate 80s DJ Show 2026 7 MARCH

Get ready to dial up the nostalgia — the 80s are calling. Spandau Ballet icon and certified pop-culture legend Martin Kemp returns with his Ultimate 80s DJ Show, promising a high-voltage night of retro glamour at The Fire Station, Sunderland. Expect wall-to-wall party anthems and pure feel-good energy as he spins the biggest hits of the decade. thefirestation.org.uk

IS P OLLY

IS BASIL

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Madama Butterfly: Mon 23 Mar 7.30pm Carmen: Wed 1 Apr 7.30pm atgtickets.com/sunderland

IS THE AJOR M

18/11/2025 15:21

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WHAT’S ON

CRAB & LOBSTER

Valentine’s Day 14 FEBRUARY

Feel the love

Diary dates for Valentine’s Day…

BLACKFRIARS RESTAURANT

Chef’s Table Valentine’s Edition 13 FEBRUARY

For food lovers seeking an intimate culinary experience, Blackfriars’ Valentine’s Edition Chef’s Table is the ultimate indulgence. Hosted within the atmospheric medieval Banquet Hall, guests are treated to a front-row seat as the chefs prepare a luxurious multi-course tasting menu, each dish paired with exquisite wines and explained by the team themselves. It’s immersive, elegant and effortlessly romantic – the kind of dining experience you’ll talk about long after the last course. blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk

Image: Gary Lintern HIGH FORCE WATERFALL

Stargazing Suppers JANUARY - MARCH

For a date night that feels truly magical, High Force Waterfall invites you to dine beneath the vast, star-studded skies of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Begin with a delicious seasonal supper at the High Force Hotel before heading outdoors with expert astronomers to explore shimmering constellations, planets and deep-sky wonders in one of England’s darkest night skies. Romantic, peaceful and wonderfully memorable – it’s an evening made for dreamers and stargazers. raby.co.uk

Celebrate romance with a touch of decadence at Crab & Lobster, where Valentine’s Day is all about indulgent flavours and cosy countryside charm. Expect a beautifully crafted menu showcasing the restaurant’s signature seafood and seasonal produce, served in a setting brimming with character and warmth. Whether you’re toasting new love or celebrating a lifelong flame, this is Valentine’s done with style – relaxed, intimate and delicious. crabandlobster.co.uk DURHAM CATHEDRAL

Valentine’s Vivaldi by Candlelight 14 FEBRUARY

If you’re searching for a Valentine’s experience with real wow-factor, Durham Cathedral sets the stage for an unforgettable night. Bathed in candlelight, the cathedral becomes a breathtaking backdrop for a stirring performance of Vivaldi’s most romantic works. As the music fills the space, expect an evening of goosebumps, grandeur and pure emotional sweep. durhamcathedral.co.uk

Book it now A Night Under The Stars 21 MARCH

Experience an evening of pure enchantment as Grantley Hall hosts A Night Under The Stars. Expect a beautifully curated menu, atmospheric lighting and live entertainment that transforms the night into something truly unforgettable. If you’re looking for a spring soirée with a little extra sparkle, this is the one. grantleyhall.co.uk

‘THE BEST BRITISH MUSICAL OF THE 21ST CENTURY.’ DAILY TELEGRAPH

Foundation Press: Starting Lines 28 MARCH - 30 AUGUST

Bold, playful and grounded, Starting Lines at BALTIC explores the power of print, protest and participation. Foundation Press invites visitors into a world where typography, colour and collective creativity collide – resulting in an exhibition that feels fresh, hands-on and genuinely inventive. Perfect for art lovers, families and anyone curious about the creative process. baltic.art

Ruby Wax: Absolutely Fabulous 9 APRIL

Straight out of the I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here jungle, comedy icon and all-round force of nature Ruby Wax brings her razor-sharp wit to Tyne Theatre & Opera House this April. Absolutely Fabulous is a candid, hilarious and brilliantly honest exploration of life, madness and everything in between — delivered with the fearless humour that has made her a national treasure. Expect big laughs, big truths and a night that stays with you. tynetheatreandoperahouse.uk

Kevin Bridges: Here If You Need Me 2 OCTOBER

BOOK

THE MUSICAL DENNIS KELLY MUSIC & LYRICS TIM MINCHIN

WED 11 – SAT 28 FEB atgtickets.com/sunderland

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Kevin Bridges returns with a brand-new show, packed with his trademark observational brilliance. Here If You Need Me sees Bridges at the top of his game — sharp, warm, effortlessly funny and unafraid to say what everyone else is thinking. With his last tours selling out in minutes, this is one to secure early. A guaranteed autumn highlight at Utilita Arena. utilitaarena.co.uk

Luxe reads

Luxury reads for dreamy getaways… Lonely Planet The Travel Book: A Journey Through Every Country in the World By Lonely Planet Think of this as the world, gift‑wrapped. Spanning every country on the planet, this 416‑page volume by Lonely Planet delivers vivid photography, detailed maps and fresh cultural snapshots – from landscapes and street life to food, music and film. Each country gets its own mini profile: when to visit, what to see and do, a taste of the local highlights and the spirit of the place. It’s equal parts practical and dreamy – a reference for future adventures and a passport for arm‑chair escapism. Whether you flick through pages of snowy mountains, tropical beaches or bustling bazaars, The Travel Book stirs wanderlust and invites you to wander the globe long before packing your suitcase. Wine & Travel Mediterranean Islands Book By Assouline Here’s a book that tastes like sunshine. Guided by sommelier Enrico Bernardo, it takes you on a wine‑soaked journey around the Mediterranean’s iconic islands: from Sicily’s volcanic soils to Corsica’s windswept slopes, Sardinia’s bold reds to Majorca’s sun‑baked vineyards. Beyond tasting notes, it invites you to dream of lazy afternoons by the sea, a chilled glass in hand, with sea air and salt on your skin. Sunrise Destinations By Léa Teuscher Ever wondered where to catch the world’s most magical sunrises? Author and journalist Léa Teuscher has done the dreaming for you – and gathered over 50 of the most breathtaking spots from every corner of the globe. From ancient wonderlands like Angkor Wat to remote mountain peaks, tranquil beaches to sweeping deserts, each destination comes alive through photography and thoughtful notes about when to go and exactly where to stand to catch that golden hour just right. Road Trips in Europe By DK Travel For when you crave freedom, wide horizons and the open road: this book by DK Travel is a love letter to European adventure. Inside, you’ll find 50 epic drives – from Ireland’s rugged West Coast to the romantic lanes of Spain’s White Towns, from Norway’s dramatic fjords to Italy’s sun‑drenched Amalfi stretches. Each route comes with lush photography, practical details and fascinating stops – think historic hotels, quaint villages and local restaurants.

JAN/FEB26

GOOD STUFF

Sweet charity

A space to spotlight inspiring people and initiatives making a meaningful difference in the region...

Feeding Families Spring Ball 2026

This March, join Feeding Families for an evening of celebration, community, and compassion at the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park. The Feeding Families Spring Ball will bring together supporters from across the North East, united by one vision – that no one should face food insecurity alone.

Guests will be welcomed with a sparkling drinks reception before sitting down to a delicious meal, surrounded by live music, entertainment, and opportunities to win exceptional prizes. From the dance floor to the heartfelt moments shared, this will be a night that celebrates kindness, unity, and purpose. This year’s event also holds special significance as it honours the remarkable legacy of Founder Juliet Sanders. Juliet’s leadership and compassion have shaped Feeding Families into the trusted organisation it is today. Though she is stepping back from day-to-day involvement, her belief in supporting others with dignity and care continues to guide every aspect of the charity’s work. The Spring Ball marks not only a new chapter for Feeding Families but also a renewed commitment to tackling food insecurity across the North East. feedingfamilies.org.uk/spring-ball

Royal recognition

Smart Works North East has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2025. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. Smart Works North East is a charity which helps unemployed women to get the coaching, clothing and confidence they need to secure employment and change the trajectory of their lives. Since opening the doors in 2018, they have supported over 3,000 women. Their volunteers dedicate time and energy to various roles, from styling to find the interview outfits that make clients bounce out of the centre, to providing expert career advice, interview coaching and making sure each one of the hundreds of clients they see have everything they need to feel confident as they move back into employment.

Saving tiny lives

A charity knees-up

Award-winning law firm EMG Solicitors celebrated the ten year anniversary of its charity partnership with Headway – the brain injury association – with a rip-roaring hoedown at the Utilita Arena Newcastle on Thursday 13 November, raising £45,000. The firm’s annual WonderLAN Ball, which this year had a country music theme, saw 550 guests raise thousands of pounds for the UK-wide charity that works to improve life after brain injury. EMG Solicitors has supported Headway since 2015, raising £185,000 for the charity and the brain injury survivors it supports. ‘A Night in Nashville’ brought some good ol’ southern hospitality to Newcastle, with live music from One Night in Nashville, a blazin’ fire show, and fundraising games including a silent auction, raffle and rodeo bull ride.

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The evening was hosted by BBC Radio Newcastle’s breakfast presenter, Matt Bailey. As one of the leading Court of Protection teams in the country, many of EMG Solicitors' clients are survivors of brain injury. The law firm provides much needed support to ensure people affected by brain injury can lead fulfilling and independent lives. The money raised by the annual WonderLAN Ball ensures that every year, over 100 brain injury survivors and their family members, carers, and volunteers from the North East are able to enjoy a fun-filled accessible activity weekend at the Calvert Trust in Kielder as part of Headway’s Look Ahead North weekend. Activities include high ropes, archery, music therapy sessions, and live entertainment in the evenings. emgsolicitors.com

A Newcastle grandmother, who was born prematurely 87 years ago, has spent the past 40 years helping other premature babies on Tyneside and around the world. When Margaret Thompson was born at home in Bedlington in 1938 – just before the outbreak of WW2 – her mother ran for the priest to christen her as it was not thought she would survive. But now, not only does Margaret – the second of nine children – have two grandchildren of her own, but she has supported babies across the globe, knitting and crocheting blankets. And, because she is now registered blind in her right eye and partially sighted in her left, she relies on her sense of touch to create her blankets, working for 90 percent of the process on touch alone. Now a resident at Brunswick House residential care home, at Gosforth – which is owned by Prestwick Care Margaret learned to knit when she was just five years old. And, in the past 11 months alone she has created more than

Another big change for the charity is that Smart Works Newcastle is now Smart Works North East. As their reach and impact have grown across the region, this new name better reflects the communities served – from Newcastle and Gateshead to Sunderland, Durham, Northumberland and Teesside. Sophie Milliken, chair of the Smart Works North East Board of Trustees commented: “Our volunteers are the driving force helping women in our region to build the confidence, skills and support they need to step into the jobs and careers they want. They give their time, energy and expertise freely, week after week, creating a welcoming environment where every client feels seen, supported and inspired. We are absolutely delighted to see the hard work and dedication of our incredible volunteer team recognised in this way.” newcastle.smartworks.org.uk

70 blankets for the premature baby unit at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary. Along with the RVI blankets, Margaret has knitted clothing and blankets for her family, and her work has also benefited children in need across the globe, with items shipped as far afield as Kenya. She has also knitted and crocheted many items for Trinity Church, Gosforth to help raise funds and still participates in Sunday services at St. Cuthbert's in Brunswick Village. “I like to help people who need my assistance,” says Margaret. “I can’t sit idle; I must be doing something. It passes the time, is very therapeutic and keeps my mind and hands active. “When the weather is nice, I enjoy sitting in the sun with a cup of tea and crocheting. It is lovely to know that I can help the babies at the RVI.” Brunswick House – which is owned by Prestwick Care – provides care for 41 adults over 65, those with dementia and those needing nursing or personal care. prestwickcare.co.uk

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LOOKING AHEAD

2026 at a glance

urban energy to the heart of Newcastle. Think independent kitchens, late-night culture, live events, DJs, bars, social spaces – all wrapped in the brand’s signature high-impact design. eldonsquare.co.uk

A look at the region’s most exciting openings, upgrades and cultural moments set to shape 2026 — from epic theatre and new spas to fine dining and fashion Kynren - The Storied Lands

New flagship restaurant at Rockliffe Hall

Opening TBC Rockliffe Hall is in the midst of a multimillion-pound transformation, and while the hotel upgrades are exciting in themselves, the real buzz is around its upcoming flagship restaurant. Due to be unveiled as part of the 2026 renovation, the new dining space promises elevated tasting menus, a sharper culinary identity with James Close at the helm, and an experience designed to put Rockliffe firmly on the national food map. rockliffehall.com

If 2025 felt busy, 2026 is shaping up to be even bigger – ­­­­ think bold new openings, big-ticket cultural moments, and plenty of excuses to book a table, a treatment or a weekend away. The region is gearing up for a year packed with sparkle, story and serious investment, and we’ve rounded up the launches worth clearing a little diary space for. Here’s what’s catching our eye…

Kynren - The Storied Lands

Summer 2026 If you’ve ever watched Kynren’s vast night-time spectacle unfold across its seven-and-a-half-acre stage and thought, ‘how on earth do they top this?’, the answer arrives next summer – and it’s big. The country’s largest live-action outdoor theatre production returns with its legendary 90-minute show, complete with mass choreography, horseback stunts, fireworks – but 2026 will also see the launch of Kynren – The Storied Lands, the UK’s first live-action historical theme park. This is not rollercoasters-and-candyfloss territory – it’s a new kind of immersive adventure, where daytime visitors move through multiple zones spanning centuries. Phase One lands with five major live experiences, including The Lost Feather, a medieval horse spectacular called Fina, a new Viking epic, a Victorian adventure full of larger-than-life characters, and The Legend of the Wear – the Lambton Worm brought to life with water stunts and dazzling effects across a vast lake. Future phases widen the world further, with nods to Robin Hood, Excalibur, Tudor legends and more. With Kynren already contributing more than £65m to the local economy, this next chapter is set to establish Bishop Auckland as a national – and international – visitor heavyweight. kynren.com

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Koselig Bakeri, Stokesley

Sakura Spa at Gisborough Hall

Sakura Spa at Gisborough Hall

Spring 2026 Gisborough Hall has always had that quietly confident charm – grand yet grounded. And in 2026, it adds a brand-new jewel to its woodland edge: Sakura Spa, a deeply considered, nature-rooted retreat designed to encourage guests to slow down and soothe the system. Planning permission is officially granted, and the vision is something special: six tranquil treatment rooms, relaxation spaces, a dining area just for spa guests, and an extensive thermal garden featuring a vitality pool, saunas, steam, and beautifully designed garden rooms. Think dappled sunlight, gentle architecture and the sense of being cocooned by the trees. International interior designer Nic Tamlin leads the aesthetic direction, working alongside spa consultant Nicki Kurran and Glenn Bland Chartered Surveyors – a team known for thoughtful, sustainably minded wellness projects. Treatments will lean into results-driven rituals blended with natural, elemental therapies. Lord Gisborough describes the spa as both a family investment and a love letter to the surrounding landscape – a project shaped with long-term vision, community roots and a respect for the land. Expect this one to become a must-visit sanctuary as soon as the doors open. gisborough-hall.com

Opening TBC Beloved for its Nordic-inspired pastries, breads and ‘hug in a cake’ mood, Koselig Bakeri is expanding with a much-anticipated new site in Stokesley. The team plans to bring its usual delicious treats to this new site, while continuing to operate from Guisborough and Saltburn. Expect queues on day one — and worth it, too! koseligbakeri.co.uk

Kirklevington Hall

Opening TBC Kirklevington Hall, long admired for its elegant footprint as Judges Hotel on the outskirts of Yarm, is gearing up for a major transformation – a £32m redevelopment into a full five-star luxury hotel. Plans include new suites, a destination restaurant, expansive gardens and high-end leisure facilities. Details are still being shaped behind the scenes, but early indications suggest a new icon for the region’s luxury hotel scene.

Freyja, Close House

Freyja, Close House

Opening TBC Close House – known for world-class golf and impeccable hospitality – is adding a brand-new restaurant to its estate: Freyja, led by Michelin-starred chef Alex Nietosvuori (of Hjem). Early whispers suggest a refined, deeply seasonal menu with the kind of Scandinavian-leaning minimalism and precision he’s renowned for. If his track record is anything to go by, Freyja is almost certain to become one of 2026’s hottest new reservations.

Matfen Hall Spa

Summer 2026 Matfen Hall has been quietly elevating itself into one of the North East’s most polished country house estates – and 2026 brings the next phase. A refreshed, reimagined spa is on the way, due to open this summer. While full details remain under wraps, expect the Matfen blend of grandeur, modern luxury and all-day wander-worthy surroundings. A big wellness moment is incoming. matfenhall.com

Freight Island

Early 2026 The much-anticipated arrival of Freight Island at Eldon Square – originally slated for 2025 – now lands in early 2026. Worth the wait? Absolutely. The £16m food, drink and entertainment hub is set to bring a fresh,

Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary, The Bowes Museum

Vivienne Westwood: Rebel - Storyteller - Visionary, The Bowes Museum

28 March - 6 September 2026 A major cultural highlight lands at The Bowes Museum this spring with a landmark exhibition celebrating the late Dame Vivienne Westwood. Expect fashion, activism, punk attitude and couture craftsmanship in a show tracing her influence as a designer, disrupter and storyteller. For fashion lovers, culture seekers or anyone drawn to a little spectacle, this is a must-see for 2026. thebowesmuseum.org.uk

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PROMOTION

Winter unwind

Winter calls for slower days, softer moments and spaces that feel like a treat in themselves. Rockliffe Hall’s Winter Sparkle escape does exactly that - an elegant blend of wellbeing and indulgence There’s a certain magic when it comes to winter at Rockliffe Hall. And that lingers long after the Christmas decorations have been put away. After the rush of the festive season, the idea of stepping into a world designed entirely for your comfort becomes not just appealing, but essential. The estate has introduced an escape designed specifically for this season. Their Winter Sparkle package is a beautifully curated blend of ease and indulgence.

Checking in Your stay begins exactly as it should - with sparkle. A chilled bottle of sparkling wine awaits in a New Hall room. The perfect start to an indulgent stay. The rooms themselves, spacious and soothing, immediately wrap you in understated comfort like a warm hug. And the best part? From midday on the day you arrive, the world of Rockliffe’s Spa is fully yours. This early access is pure gold. No clock-watching, no rushing to settle in. Just the start of a long, indulgent 24 hours tailored entirely around your wellbeing.

Spa time Step inside the Spa and the outside world melts away with ease. Winter may bring crisp air and frost-tipped mornings, but here, warmth is everything. The thermal suite softly guides you through a landscape of heat, humidity and hydration - each room a quiet reminder of how good it feels to slow down. Rockliffe’s Spa has long been a standout, but winter is when it truly finds its rhythm. Loungers are perfectly placed by the pool, steam dances through the air, and time feels different altogether - lingering in a way everyday life never allows. There’s no pressure to do anything. You float from room to room, pool to hydrotherapy jets, sensation to sensation. Maybe you pause with a book. Maybe you sit in silence. Both feel totally blissful. The Spa Garden adds a little extra magic. Its outdoor infinity pool sits at the heart, heated loungers are placed in a peaceful spot by the firepit, and the glass-fronted sauna looks out onto the Rockliffe landscape. The spa’s treatments list also becomes even more irresistible at this time of year - therapists dissolving the knots winter brings. This isn’t just spa time. It’s recalibration. Wine & dine As night falls, the estate transforms into a cosy sanctuary. Lamps glow, the grounds quieten, and the mood shifts. The beauty of Winter Sparkle is the freedom it offers when it comes to dining - £40 per person to use in any of Rockliffe’s restaurants, allowing you to follow your appetite rather than a fixed itinerary. Some evenings call for comfort - cosying up in The Clubhouse with its welcoming warmth and elevated favourites. Other nights call for something with a little sunshine. TERRA Riviera brings a Mediterranean softness to winter evenings, offering flavours that feel like an escape within an escape.

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Or, if the post-spa glow feels too perfect to disturb, there’s always the option to order in, wrap yourself in a robe and dine in delicious solitude. Because luxury isn’t always about going out. Sometimes, it’s about staying exactly where you are. Good morning Morning arrives quietly at Rockliffe Hall. No alarms, no urgency - just a slow and serene start to a winter day. Breakfast is served à la carte, encouraging you to take your time, to savour rather than rush. Strong coffee arrives exactly as you like it. Whether you lean towards wellness or hearty indulgence, each and every dish is perfectly crafted. If you’re not quite finished relaxing, the spa remains yours until check-out. One last dip, one last circuit through the thermal rooms, one last stretch in the pool as the world wakes up again. If you’re feeling energetic there’s the gym, the wellness studio and estate bikes for exploring. The details The Winter Sparkle escape, available until the end of February, is priced from £379 per room. Weekend availability (with supplement), makes it even more appealing to those seeking a last-minute seasonal treat or a planned winter ritual. But above all, Winter Sparkle offers space the kind that lets you step back, breathe differently and return to yourself a little more fully. Winter often asks us to hunker down and push through. Rockliffe Hall invites us to do the opposite - to pause, restore and rediscover small joys. And if winter has ever felt like something to simply endure, this is your gentle reminder that the season can also feel indulgent, refreshing and restorative. At Rockliffe Hall, winter truly does sparkle. rockliffehall.com

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♥ NE

SNAP SHOT

Our wonderful region through your lens. Here are some of your recent shots from days out in local beauty spots

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1. Yorkshire Postcards, Whitby - @yorkshirepostcards 2. Photo Twenty One by Dan Mackay, Durham Lumiere - @photo_twenty_one 3. Matt Hetherington Photography, Percy Main Metro Staion - @matt_h_photo 4. Andrew Sturdy, Fireworks at Whitby Christmas Market - @andrewsturdyphotography

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GET CREATIVE

THE CRAFTS CORNER

with Sara Davies Entrepreneur and queen of crafts, Sara Davies, brings you a step-by-step guide to her latest craft projects...

Whether you’re crafting for Valentine’s, gifting to someone special, or simply treating yourself to a bit of creative me-time, these two gorgeous makes are perfect for adding a personal touch to a home. We’re bringing together texture, colour and clever technique with a beautiful heart-themed canvas and some stylish eco-resin tealight holders. They’re fun, they’re simple and a lovely way to try something a little different. So grab your supplies and let’s get crafting!

Resin tealight holders You will need... Eco resin Water Measuring jug Kitchen scales Plastic bottle Balloon Clothes peg Scissors

To make...

1. Measure out your eco resin and water according to the ratios stated on the product packaging. Use a plastic cup or measuring jug - this makes it easier to pour the mixture later. Then, stir thoroughly until fully combined. 2. Pour the mixed resin into a plastic bottle. 3. Clip a clothes peg onto the neck of the balloon to help keep it open. Stretch the balloon over the bottle opening and

gently squeeze the resin mixture into the balloon until you have the amount you want for your tealight holder. 4. Release any trapped air from the balloon, then tie a knot to seal it. 5. Place a tealight on top of the filled balloon exactly where you’d like it to sit in the finished holder. Press it firmly down to create the indentation, I found that a G-clamp works well for applying steady pressure, but any stable heavy object will do! 6. Leave the balloon undisturbed until the resin has fully cured. The hardening time may vary depending on your eco resin brand, so always check the instructions on the packaging. 7. Once completely hardened, carefully cut and remove the balloon. 8. Your stylish, custom tealight holder is ready to enjoy!

Valentine’s heart canvas

You will need...

Blank canvas - this can be any size you like Palette knife Acrylic paint Bicarbonate of soda Shimmer watercolour palette or watercolour paints Paintbrush

To make...

1. In a small bowl, mix a little acrylic paint with a small amount of bicarbonate of soda. Add the bicarb gradually until you get a thick, paste-like consistency that can easily be lifted with your palette knife. 2. Use the palette knife to spread a small amount of the paste at an angle, then repeat the motion on the opposite side to form a heart shape. 3. Continue creating textured hearts across the entire canvas, leaving small gaps between each one. 4. Set the canvas aside and allow it to dry completely. This may take a few hours depending on how thick your texture is. 5. When the canvas is completely dry, take a bowl of water, the paintbrush and your watercolour palette. Dip your paintbrush into the water, pick up your chosen colours, and gently paint the textured hearts. Leave some hearts white if you’d like a lighter, more varied look

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OUR PICKS

Perfect scent…

Jo Malone London, White Jasmine & Mint Cologne, 100ml A fresh, airy fragrance that perfectly captures the ethereal calm of Cloud Dancer. Notes of white jasmine and mint create a crisp, serene scent that lifts the spirit and inspires clarity – ideal for starting the year feeling light, refreshed, and utterly luxe. £128, thewhitecompany.com

In our basket…

Women’s ON Cloud X3 AD Trainers We’re starting 2026 with some very fresh new fitness kit. These crisp white On Cloud trainers feel like walking on air, perfectly echoing the airy serenity of Pantone’s Cloud Dancer. Sleek, sculptural and effortlessly stylish, they’re the ideal companions for a new year regime of mindful movement, early morning walks, or simply adding a luxe, relaxed edge to every outfit. White never looked so inspiring. £141, fenwick.co.uk

Reading…

Clouds - A Guide For the Curious by Susan E. Clark This beautifully illustrated little book turns the sky above into your next great escape. With clear explanations and dreamy artwork covering different cloud types, it invites you to step outside, gaze up, and fall in love with the ever‑changing patterns above. We’re loving it as a gentle reminder that sometimes the most luxe thing you can do is slow down, look up – and let your mind wander among the clouds. A perfect addition to your winter bedside table or coffee‑table stack. £10, waterstones.com

Pampering with…

Kosas, Cloud Set Airy Setting + Smoothing Mist We are absolutely loving this one right now – our beauty secret for 2026! A quick spritz and your skin feels refreshed, soft, and effortlessly radiant. Perfect for resetting your makeup or giving your complexion a dewy, airy finish, this mist has quickly become a must-have in our daily ritual ­ luxe, light, and utterly addictive. £34, spacenk.com

Kitchen kit…

10 things luxe loves

KitchenAid Fully Automatic Espresso Machine We’re starting 2026 on a slow‑living note – and this sleek, porcelain‑white espresso machine is our new morning ritual. You get café‑quality espresso, cappuccino or latte, complete with automatic milk frothing and a built‑in grinder giving fresh beans each time. Quiet, compact and elegantly modern, it brings a sense of serene, understated luxury to the kitchen – just right for a year inspired by Cloud Dancer. £1,699, johnlewis.com

Our luxe picks, inspired by Pantone 2026’s Cloud Dancer —­­ billowy whites to start the year in calm, effortless style…

Watching…

Listening to…

Out Of The Clouds, Anne V Mühlethaler We’re loving this one for those moments when you need to lift your mind above the everyday. Fashion exec turned mindfulness teacher, Anne V Mühlethaler, hosts relaxed, inspiring conversations with designers, entrepreneurs, meditation and yoga experts, and more. The result is a thoughtful, uplifting space to reflect, pause, and find calm. podcasts.apple.com

Dreaming of…

Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador Imagine retreating to a cocoon in the clouds. Nestled on a high plateau inside a protected biosphere reserve, Mashpi Lodge draws you into the wild with unparalleled comfort: floor‑to‑ceiling windows, contemporary design, and a sense of being suspended between sky and jungle. By day, explore hidden trails, soar above the treetops on a gondola, or spot exotic birds and butterflies. By night, return to your suite for serene luxury – soft lighting, elegant interiors, and the soothing soundtrack of the forest outside. The kind of escape that feels like floating – tranquil, lush, and otherworldly. mashpilodge.com

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Living by… “How sweet to be a cloud. Floating in the blue!” A. A. Milne

Bridgerton - Season 4 Winter nights call for indulgent escapism, and Bridgerton delivers it in spades. This season, the focus shifts to bohemian second son Benedict, navigating London high society with charm, wit, and a dash of rebellion. When he meets a captivating Lady in Silver at his mother’s masquerade ball, sparks fly, and the drama is as irresistible as ever. Expect sumptuous gowns, glittering balls, and a story that’s as decadent and dreamy as a Cloud Dancer sky. Release date: 29 January 2026. netflix.com

Following…

Dan Hull | millergrey.com Full of fresh, crisp interiors in soft whites and dreamy neutrals – exactly the kind of light, airy spaces we’re loving this season. Dan Hull’s feed is a masterclass in understated elegance and calm minimalism: perfect for anyone seeking that Cloud Dancer aesthetic at home this year. Think soft natural light, clean lines, and rooms that feel like a breath of fresh air – beautifully simple, effortlessly chic, and quietly luxurious. @_millergrey

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WINTER THROWDOWN

At a certain point I thought, I can’t do this — I can’t spend my life looking at data and computer screens. I needed to make things

Wheel crafted calm

As I make my way across the moors towards Helmsley, it’s the kind of dark, moody morning that begs for a retreat — something calm, something creative, something wholesome. Stepping inside Studio 573 feels like slipping into another world entirely. The studio is bright, warm and quietly uplifting, its white walls and earthy coloured ceramics a soft contrast to

the weather outside. It’s instantly soothing, and I’m excited to get to work. I’m here for a Taste of Throwing class — two hours designed for absolute beginners to get to grips with the wheel. There’s comfort in the idea of switching off, learning something with my hands and letting creativity lead for a morning. As someone who struggles to be fully present — phone buzzing, deadlines looming, kids to collect, diaries to coordinate — the prospect of sitting at a wheel, in a peaceful space, guided by someone whose craft is rooted in tradition, feels like the perfect fix. Potter and Studio 573 founder Ioana Crawford-Topp greets me with a cup of tea and that easy, instant warmth that makes you feel like you’ve known her longer than five minutes. The music is soft, the vibe relaxed. It feels less like a class and more like a morning spent catching up with a friend, who also happens to be a master of clay. As we settle in, Ioana tells me how she first tried pottery while studying marine biology at Newcastle University: “I grew up in a household full of craftspeople,” she says, smiling at the memory. “My dad was an artist blacksmith, and our friends were stonemasons, woodcarvers, jewellers — everyone made things. So even though I was good at science, my creative instincts were always there.” She describes the frustration of submitting beautiful, detailed illustrations during lab dissections — only to be marked down because they weren’t ‘scientific’ enough. “At a certain point I thought, I can’t do this — I can’t spend my life looking at data and computer screens. I needed to make things.” A weekend job in a Helmsley restaurant would plant the first seed of what would eventually become Studio 573. The restaurant’s crockery was made by a potter in York, and something about the practicality and purpose of handmade tableware struck her deeply.

Elysia Fryer swaps January blues for creativity and warm company at Studio 573 — arriving in Helmsley on a dark and moody morning to learn the grounding craft of wheel throwing with potter Ioana Crawford-Topp 14

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WINTER THROWDOWN

“I loved the idea of creating something functional. It just made sense.” From there, she chased experience wherever she could find it — South Africa for three months, London for a year, absorbing every bit of knowledge studios would share with her. Her big break came in Ireland, on an intensive two-year production training course. She laughs as she tells me: “It was like an apprenticeship — you had to be there at 8.30am, you couldn’t leave before 5pm, and you got just one week off at Christmas. It was intense — you had to be there, unless you were dying! “But we learned such traditional, historical techniques. I loved it.” When she graduated, Covid kept her in Ireland a little longer, working in a production factory that demanded up to 150 pieces a day — gruelling, but brilliant for speed and discipline. When she finally returned home, she moved into her father’s former blacksmith workshop, turning the space where she’d grown up surrounded by crafts

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into her first studio. “He built it 50 years ago,” she says. “It was gorgeous. And it was a full-circle moment, in a way.” She tells me how she was able to be there with him daily while he was unwell. Before he passed away last autumn, he urged her to find a bigger space. “He told me, ‘You need a bigger horizon — this won’t support you for the rest of your life.’ I wish he could have seen this place. He would’ve been over the moon.” She shows me a delicate tattoo — her maker’s mark alongside his: “It’s my way of channelling him, just in a different material,” she says. It’s a grounding, powerful moment — the sort of personal detail that instantly threads meaning through everything she does here. We move over to the wheels, and Ioana guides me through how to sit, how to anchor, how to centre the clay. “Centering is the hardest part,” she explains. “It’s all in your posture — using your upper body weight, staying grounded.

Your hands have to stay engaged.” And she’s right: it feels unexpectedly physical. Like a yoga or Pilates class, there’s a balance between strength and softness. You have to be present. You have to slow

down. You have to listen to the clay. There’s also an addictive quality to it. My clay collapses, leans, wobbles dramatically - but all I want to do is try again. “People get hooked,” she says. “That’s the beauty of it. It’s not supposed to be perfect. You practice, you grow.” For the first time in what feels like months, my mind goes quiet. Completely quiet. Phone zipped in my bag. The steady hum of the wheel becomes its own rhythm, and the simple act of shaping something with my hands feels almost meditative. There are a surprising number of moving parts — the clay, the tools, the foot pedal — but Ioana’s calm, confident voice guides me through each step. She nudges my wrists gently into better alignment, shows me how to pull the walls of the pot upwards, and how to apply pressure without force. Her teaching style is quietly intuitive; you feel supported but never crowded. Between throws, she tells me more about Studio 573 and its place in Helmsley. It already feels like a creative hub: locals dropping in to browse the shelves, visitors booking classes as part of weekends away, regulars joining her Thursday night ClaySocial sessions — a membership for those who know how to handle clay and want to explore more independently. “People’s personalities really start to come out as they develop,” she says. “I’ve got a girl who started with me at fourteen; she’s seventeen now, making these incredible cake stands and mugs with elephant-trunk handles. It’s amazing to watch.” Her own collections line the walls: the Coastal Classics range, inspired by the North East and Yorkshire coastline, in soft, mixable tones; delicate porcelain teacups and bowls; elegant jugs and serving pieces. Many of her designs are already used in Michelin-starred restaurants and boutique hotels across the UK and Ireland — a quiet testament to the precision and beauty of her work. When I step back out onto Bridge Street, the rain has eased to a soft drizzle. I wander through Helmsley — past the boutiques and cafes that make this town such a charming destination — and the whole day feels gentler somehow. As though I have finally carved out some time to ‘just be’. Studio 573 is a beautiful place to spend a winter morning: creative, calming, and deeply rooted in craft and story. At the heart of it all is Ioana — a potter whose journey has been shaped by her environment, her passion, and an unwavering desire to make things with meaning. It’s a place to switch off, a place where clay and calm coexist. Where you’re invited to learn, explore, and maybe even rediscover a quiet part of yourself. studio573.co.uk

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NORTH STAR

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NORTH STAR

Vera forever

Luxe catches up with Brenda Blethyn at Tyneside Cinema ahead of the Sunday for Sammy show at Utilita Arena Newcastle, to talk love for the North East, life as Vera, and why she’ll always feel at home in the region that stole her heart

Brenda Blethyn – an actress best-loved for her portrayal of DCI Vera Stanhope – is back in the North East ahead of the return of Sunday for Sammy this February, the much-loved variety extravaganza celebrating local talent. And, as ever, she’s brimming with affection for the place that has become her second home. “I took part in Sunday for Sammy in 2018 and loved every minute of it,” she starts. “The enthusiasm for the show was quite overwhelming. Whole families were in attendance and filled the venue. Most of the local talent were performing and some from further afield – myself included. “My main role with the event at the moment is to raise awareness of this terrific charity and to make sure everyone knows the show is returning to the city.” For Brenda, Sunday for Sammy isn’t just another performance date on the calendar. It’s a cause that resonates deeply – a way to give back to a community that has embraced her so completely. This year’s event promises to be another celebration of creativity and camaraderie. “The show has always featured a combination of music, sketches, stand-up comedy and dance,” she says. “The upcoming show will feature more of the same – everyone is so excited about bringing it back. There will be familiar faces and some fantastic surprises. It’s going to be a wonderful day.” Her enthusiasm is infectious. There’s a twinkle in her tone when she speaks of the

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talent she’s seen nurtured through the show, of the young performers and the stars of tomorrow. “It’s never been easy getting a start in the performing arts, particularly if you’re from a working-class background and money is tight,” she says. “Training, equipment and even travel and feeding yourself are all so expensive now. Sunday for Sammy tries to help talented young people who have so much potential but need support at the beginning of their career. There have been some wonderful success stories over the years. Sunday for Sammy really makes a difference and I’m very proud to be a part of it.” That sense of pride – and protectiveness – over the North East’s creative spirit is something Brenda has come to embody. She might have grown up in Kent, but to most of Britain (and beyond!), she’s an honorary northerner. The rolling moors, rugged coastlines and streets of Newcastle have become part of her DNA. “I’d never been to Newcastle before I came to film Vera,” she admits. “I found it to be a remarkably friendly place. A lot of the Vera crew were local technicians and I have to say, it was the happiest working environment I have ever experienced.” That warmth and authenticity is perhaps why her portrayal of Vera Stanhope has resonated so deeply. Since the show’s debut in 2011, the no-nonsense detective – bucket hat, mac buttoned up, sharp mind always ticking – has become a television icon. For many, Vera is the North East: honest,

grounded, and quietly formidable. “Not in a million years,” Brenda laughs when asked if she ever imagined Vera would endure quite like this. “I was very surprised to have been offered the job in the first place. I was 65 and already thinking about packing it all in. At that time, Ann Cleeves had only written three books in the Vera series so I rushed out and bought them. I loved the character immediately although she doesn’t appear till halfway through The Crow Trap. “Apparently Ann hadn’t intended to write a detective novel, but a story about some conservationists. But halfway through she surprised herself by having this big scruffy woman barge into the church, who turned out to be our Vera. Ann was just as surprised as the rest of us! And I really love the fact that Vera doesn’t ask anyone to like her, including the audience. You take her as you find her.” Over the years, Vera has taken Brenda – and viewers – to some of the North East’s most beautiful and atmospheric corners. The

camera may focus on the murder scenes, but Brenda’s eyes light up when she speaks about the scenery. “I’m often asked about my favourite spots in the region,” she says. “Where to start? There are so many places for different reasons. Newcastle itself, Alnwick, Seahouses, Kielder… The wonderful tranquillity of Holy Island where Vera’s house is situated is a particular favourite. “And then there was the old Swan Hunter building in Wallsend,” she adds. “A fascinating place. You could imagine the hooter sounding, calling the change of shift of the shipbuilders and the clang of hammers on steel. And imagine the pride of all the workers watching the launch of a massive ship. We’d often film in the various old pit villages and you couldn’t help but think of the places teeming with miners going off to work and feeling rather sad that that life and community had been lost. The same with shipbuilding. Sadly gone. But the warmth of the place remains.” That warmth, she says, is unmistakable –

Apparently Ann hadn’t intended to write a detective novel, but a story about some conservationists. But halfway through she surprised herself by having this big scruffy woman barge into the church, who turned out to be our Vera luxe-magazine.co.uk

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NORTH STAR

I found the North East a happy place. Newcastle is not dubbed the party town for nothing. You wouldn’t find southerners out partying in short sleeves and no coat on a winter’s night! and it’s why the North East continues to draw her back. “I found the North East a happy place. Newcastle is not dubbed the party town for nothing,” she smiles. “And partygoers are so hardy. You wouldn’t find southerners out partying in short sleeves and no coat on a winter’s night!” Brenda tells us about her career with humility — almost disbelief, despite the BAFTA, Oscar nomination and decades of acclaim. “When I left drama school in the early 70s there was a repertory theatre in most cities where young actors could hone their craft. Sadly most of them no longer exist. Which is another reason why Sunday for Sammy is important — to raise money to help youngsters get into the industry. “I had no ambition to ever be on TV or film. I thought my life was to be in theatre, which I love. I spent many years at the National Theatre in London, which I went to almost immediately after leaving the Guildford School of Acting. The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester also holds some wonderful memories for me. My favourite production was A Doll’s House by Henrik Ibsen.” Her early film credits sound almost mythical when she rattles them off — The Witches,

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directed by Nicolas Roeg; A River Runs Through It by Robert Redford; Secrets and Lies by Mike Leigh. “I thought I’d won the pools when I was offered these jobs. Both times,” she laughs. “I was particularly proud of my third film which was Secrets and Lies, which went on to garner five Oscar nominations and a BAFTA for me. Who’d have thought?” Even now, she continues to take on new challenges. “Only a week after finishing Vera I was asked to be in a film called Dragonfly. I told my agent ‘absolutely not, I haven’t even unpacked yet!’ She said ‘it starts next week’ – apparently someone had dropped out. I said ‘no, no, no, sorry.’ She said ‘but it’s with Andrea Riseborough!’ What? That made me pause! I’m such a fan of Andrea’s. She’s fantastic in everything she does. So I immediately agreed to read the script. It’s written by Paul Andrew Williams who would also be directing. I absolutely loved it, and so agreed to do it. More recently I took part in A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford along with the wonderful Jessica Reynolds. I believe Channel 4 will be releasing the series next year.” Despite her glittering résumé, Brenda’s grounding force remains simple: home,

family, and her beloved dog, Jack. “Because I spend a lot of time filming away from home, it is such a pleasure to catch up with family and friends in my downtime,” she says. “I like to read. I’m currently reading a fascinating book called The Island by Victoria Hislop and I’m trying to get my head around The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown. It’s a bit beyond me but I can’t put it down! “I’m a cryptic crossword puzzle fan and so is my brother Bill. I’m a member of The Times Crossword Club. My brother challenges me every day to finish both of the cryptic puzzles. Luckily we’re pretty evenly matched.” Her love for animals really shines through when she talks about Jack. “My dog Jack is my little sidekick,” she smiles. “He is currently recovering from a cruciate ligament operation on his hind leg. For a month he was to be kept in a cage — which he was happy to do provided the door was left open! Totally defeated the object. If I closed the door he turned into Godzilla. So to pacify him, for a month, I slept on the floor next to his cage! “His hobby is jumping up. A few years ago he embarrassed me on live national television by jumping on me, and he continues to do so! But he is such a character and a joy to have around.” It’s that mix of humour and humanity that makes Brenda such a treasure. She can move seamlessly from a poignant reflection on the decline of British industry to a story about her dog’s antics — and make both feel equally heartfelt. When asked about Vera’s influence on tourism in the region, she beams. “You can’t help but feel proud of the fact that tourism in the area has risen. Ann Cleeves must pinch herself sometimes. What a wonderful writer she is.”

Brenda recounts one of her favourite fan stories. “You might have read about an Australian fan named Chrissie Bennett who flew from Melbourne to Newcastle because she heard the series was coming to an end and wanted to see some filming. I met her whilst she was here. And then she read that Ann and I were doing a Q&A in Newcastle last year, and she flew back over again!” It’s that connection — between artist, character, place and people — that defines Brenda Blethyn. Whether she’s raising money for the next generation of northern talent, filming on windswept clifftops, or curling up with a crossword and her dog, she embodies the kind of authenticity that can’t be faked. And when she’s not gracing our screens, she likes to keep busy by supporting great causes and embracing the local community. “Sunday for Sammy is making a welcome return this February, so that’s been a great thing to be involved in. I’m also a supporter of The Washington Riding School for the Disabled facility near Durham. I visited there recently and met with my favourite horse called Lucky. Lucky has recently been retired but he’d been specially groomed for the occasion. He looked so handsome. On my home turf, I’m honorary president of The Thanet Male Voice Choir in Broadstairs and also patron of Ramsgate and Broadstairs Sea Cadets.” As Brenda prepares to return to the North East once again, she does so with the same sincerity and spark that have long endeared her to audiences. In championing its people, its talent and its stories, she proves that her bond with the region runs far deeper than any role. Sunday for Sammy at the Newcastle Utilita Arena Sunday 15th February 2026 Tickets utilitaarena.co.uk

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SUMMIT STYLE

Force of nature

Rooted in expedition legacy and reimagined for contemporary life, the Nigel Cabourn x Mammut collection fuses vintage craftsmanship with cutting-edge alpine innovation — a tribute to the fearless spirit of 1960s mountaineering, designed for wear on and off the mountain

Heritage Down Jacket, £750 Cotton Mountaineering Pants, £300

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SUMMIT STYLE

Insulated Ventile® Parka Jacket, £1,500

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SUMMIT STYLE

Sashiko Corduroy Pants, £200 Fully Fashioned Wool Sweater, £200 Merino Wool Fleece Jacket, £350

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SUMMIT STYLE

Insulated Ventile® Parka Jacket, £1,500 Sashiko Corduroy Pants, £200 Woolen Blanket Jacket, £500

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HOME GROWN

Threads of home

than she ever expected. She speaks with fascination about costume as a gateway to character. “There’s a moment when you don a costume where the character you’ve gotten to know through rehearsals suddenly entirely exists. The costume hanging on a rail isn’t yet fully formed, and neither are you until you’re zipped into it.” This is where her philosophy of dress comes alive. Clothing, for Meg, isn’t decoration – it’s communication. “I’m fascinated by how clothing becomes a language of identity. How the act of getting dressed allows us to step into different facets of ourselves.” Her work explores this idea of fluid identity – how each of us holds many characters within us, each with their own style, their own visual vocabulary, their own story. It’s a concept that has evolved into her newest venture, a brand called CHARACTERS. “It encourages a community to ask ‘Who shall I be today?’ rather than ‘What should I wear today?’” she says – inviting people to choose expression before aesthetics. Her path into the industry didn’t follow the typical ‘London calling’ route. Instead, it unfolded here in the North East: Newcastle College for an art foundation, a year away to reset and study short courses in London, and then Northumbria University for her Fashion Design degree. “My creativity thrives here in Northumberland,” she reflects. A brief placement in a London bridal studio only confirmed that her artistic perspective needed space – not speed – to grow. Staying rooted in the North East has since become a defining part

of her identity as a creator. “Since deciding to develop my creative businesses here, I have made sure that being in the north is a key part of my brand’s identity.” What she found around her was more than just comfort – it was community. “A deeply motivated circle of creatives who do the same… I’m grateful to be able to collaborate and lean on these individuals as we grow the northern fashion landscape. “I will shout loudly and proudly from the north,” she says, with a smile. Her days, when she’s not working, are focused on deadlines and passions. Her sewing studio, nestled in her childhood home, is where much of the magic happens. Some days she’s shaping her own brand; other days she’s completing commissions. Evenings are for grounding: the gym, walks with her partner, amateur musical theatre rehearsals, or catching a performance at The Glasshouse or stand-up at The Stand. And after all the movement and noise of the day, she returns to her favourite ritual: “There’s nothing I look forward to more than putting on my PJs and sitting in front of the fire, designing and sketching.” This pace – measured and meaningful – isn’t accidental. “You can’t force anything, or it will break,” she says. “Creativity falters under pressure when driven by external expectations rather than authentic expression.” Framing herself as an artist, not just a designer, grants her the freedom to let ideas unfurl naturally, without panic or haste. This slower, natural approach aligns with the wider movement towards slow fashion –

In a landscape where creativity often chases the speed of the capital, Northumberland-born fashion and textile artist Meg Fletcher is carving out a slower, richer, deeply personal path. In conversation with Elysia Fryer, she reflects on place, performance, identity, and the power of creating on home ground

There’s something about Northumberland light. The way it spills across the coastline, and the grounding stillness of its landscapes. For artist and designer Meg Fletcher, this is more than a backdrop: it’s where her creativity breathes – where it becomes itself. “For some artists, myself included, the creative mind excels when the world around them is stable enough to begin interpreting it,” she reflects, describing her home county. “Within the peaceful surroundings of my home in Northumberland, where the fashion industry capital is hustling and bustling 300+ miles away in London, I can stand back and take stock of what’s important to me.” Time is the thread that runs through every part of Meg’s thinking. She identifies herself not just as a designer, but as a ‘Fashion and Textile Artist’ – and she stresses the importance of that last word. “Followers of a fashion designer expect new and exciting creations at least twice a year… An artist is granted time – time to reflect, to find a spark, and to connect emotionally with a piece,” she explains. That sense of space, permission, and

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unhurriedness is something she finds in abundance at home. “Here in the North East, I feel that time is being granted to me,” adds Meg. Her relationship with London is affectionate but fleeting – a place for brief creative pilgrimages but never for planting roots. “I often wish I could tolerate London for more than three days,” she laughs. “But that moment when I get on the East Coast train and hear the announcer say ‘the next stop is Alnmouth,’ a deep sense of belonging and coming home washes over me.” It’s not about retreat, but return – return to quiet, to clarity, to familiarity, to a landscape that doesn’t overstimulate but instead nurtures ideas into being. And though she was lucky enough to travel extensively as a child, the world only confirmed what she already felt: home, for her, is here. Performance has also been a lifelong companion. Before there were textiles, there were scripts, stages and costumes. Meg’s eyes brighten when she recalls it. “I have performed in youth groups and local amateur theatre since I was four… There’s no aim to get bigger and better with it, but just to join in for the pure love of it.” It has shaped her artistic approach more

For some artists, myself included, the creative mind excels when the world around them is stable enough to begin interpreting it. Within the peaceful surroundings of my home in Northumberland, I can stand back and take stock of what’s important to me JAN/FEB26

HOME GROWN pieces with story, soul and staying power. “A piece that’s been considered, thoughtfully made and deliberately released feels more like an artefact than a mere product,” she explains. Her work grows as she does, and because personal growth is a slow unfurling, her garments become part of that evolution. “A narrative-led process ensures the garment holds purpose, not just product value.” That storytelling instinct is at the core of her collection HOME GROUND, a project that feels both intimate and sweeping in vision. Its beginnings were cinematic: a car journey, an autumn afternoon and BODIES’ ‘Requiem for a Queen’ playing through the speakers. “I often get my ideas from daydreaming to music,” she says. The spark arrived not as a garment, but as a vision of how an audience might feel. And once she visited the courtyard at Alnwick Castle, the pieces began to assemble themselves. “Everything flowed so easily from there,” she says. HOME GROUND became Meg’s declaration of place – an ode to northern strength and to the idea that being rooted doesn’t restrict you; it fortifies you. “The aim has remained the same: to show the fashion industry some northern grit, to move my audience with a memorable experience, and finally – if slightly self-indulgent – to realise my daydream.” She speaks of northern creative energy with real excitement: “Creatives who choose to stay outside big cities all have unique perspectives on new ways to build brands and communities,” she says. They’re not bound by the traditional

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rulebook; they’re reshaping it. “More opportunities and funding are being invested in the North East, so I can only anticipate bigger and better things coming our way.” There’s a sense of momentum – a wave of new voices rising, each with their own stories to tell. And when the world gets a little too loud, Meg returns to the landscapes that raised her. “The place I go to retreat and switch off is always Corby Crags,” she says without hesitation. The view along the road from Alnwick to Rothbury has witnessed some of her life’s most defining moments: receiving university results, grieving the loss of her dad, seeing the northern lights for the first time. “It’s a particularly grounding place for me… I have an image of the view tattooed on my side so I can always carry the power of that view with me wherever I go.” Not all resets are profound; some are simply joyful. Beach walks – Alnmouth or Seaton Point. A browse in The Accidental Bookshop in Alnwick: “A visit for non-guilty purchases will always lift my spirits,” she smiles. Meg Fletcher is a rare creative voice – intelligent, grounded, instinctive and deeply connected to the landscapes that shape her. Her artistry doesn’t bow to the speed of the industry; instead, it listens, absorbs and emerges slowly, honestly, and with narrative richness. In her world, style isn’t something you chase – it’s something you uncover, character by character, story by story, on the home ground that inspires her most. megfletcher.co.uk

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STEP OUT

Legres Suede Ankle Boots £585, harveynichols.com

The White Company Kitten Heel Suede Knee High Boots £220, thewhitecompany.com Aquazzura Glacier Shearling-lined Quilted Nylon and Leather Ankle Boots £1,000, net-a-porter.com

UGG Women’s Golden Star Clog Sandals, Natural £126, fenwick.co.uk

Reiss Evelyn Pointed-toe Ballerine Shoes in Tan £170, reiss.com

GET THE LOOK

Best foot forward Fabulous footwear to help you step into 2026 in style… Kurt Geiger London Strass Point Mule £199, kurtgeiger.com

Cos Suede Riding Boots £269, cos.com

Terry de Havilland Val Waves Black White Boot £495, terrydehavilland.com

Adidas Samba OG Diamante Sneakers, Core Black & White £110, endclothing.com Veja V-12 Leather Trainers £100, fenwick.co.uk

Staud Wally Leopard-print Ankle Boots £380, net-a-porter.com

Birkenstock Boston Leve, Black £139, endclothing.com

Terry de Havilland Rita Festival Boot - Black/Animal Print £350, terrydehavilland.com

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Barbour Harefield Derby Shoe £135, barbour.com

JAN/FEB26

A SKIN THING

Smooth moves

Luxe steps inside Stockton’s leading laser clinic to experience its advanced diode technology — and uncovers a surprisingly effortless, high-end route to smooth, summerready skin January always brings the same ritual for me. I start the year wrapped in knitwear and good intentions, clutching a diary filled with holiday plans that may or may not happen, imagining future versions of myself – usually on a beach somewhere, pretending I’ve always been that effortlessly groomed woman who glides into summer

without a second thought. And while I adore the pampering, the prepping, the build-up of beauty appointments that signal the countdown to warmer days, there’s one task that has never quite made it into my list of indulgences: hair removal. Waxing has always felt like a necessary evil, shaving a relentless chore, and epilating… not a fan! So laser hair removal had hovered at the back of my mind for years, one of

Starting early in the year means you’ll glide into summer with that rare combination of ease and confidence. For me, it has been a revelation: a small act of self-care with surprisingly big results JAN/FEB26

those treatments I’d assumed was a little inaccessible. It wasn’t until the lovely Emma at The Recharge Room in Stockton-on-Tees told me about her new laser hair removal treatments, that I realised just how genuinely fuss-free it could be. The salon itself sets the tone immediately. Sleek, modern and quietly luxurious, The Recharge Room is one of those spaces that manages to be both calming and confidence-boosting the moment you arrive. And at the heart of it is Emma, who instantly puts you at ease. With years of experience in regenerative treatments and a calm, expert manner, she talks you through everything with clarity and reassurance. There’s no jargon, no sense of rush, and absolutely no hard sell – just personalised advice delivered with warmth and expertise. A consultation and patch test are required before you begin the course of treatment, which is the perfect opportunity to ask questions and get to know the process before diving right in. The machine itself – The Recharge Room’s ULTRA triple-wavelength diode laser uses crystal freeze technology to keep the skin cool during treatment, and is designed to be as comfortable and effective as possible. I’d heard the mixed tales, of course, before I signed up. Some people describe laser hair removal as a breeze; others recount stories of searing pain. I can confidently say: this was neither. What I felt was a warm, quick flicking sensation – more of a dull heat than anything sharp – and absolutely nothing lingering or unbearable. You’re aware something is happening, but not in a way that makes you tense or regret your choices. As Emma gradually increases the power across sessions to optimise results, you feel it a little more, but even then, it’s

entirely manageable and, oddly, quite satisfying. I like to feel a treatment working, and this does exactly that. What surprised me most was how quickly I noticed a real change. Emma recommends eight to 10 sessions depending on your individual hair growth cycle, spaced between four and eight weeks apart. By my sixth session, the difference in my underarms was undeniable. Regrowth slowed dramatically, the hair became finer and patchier, and that slight shadow – familiar to anyone who shaves even regularly – practically disappeared. The whole area looked smoother all-together, and maintaining it became almost an afterthought. Suddenly, my morning routine felt lighter. Not drastically different, just… easier. In the coming months, as we move from chunky knits to sleeveless tops and floaty dresses the moment the sun appears, I know the benefits will feel even more pronounced. It’s Emma’s expert guidance, and ability to make every fleeting appointment feel like a quick coffee catch up with a friend, that truly sets the experience apart. Would I recommend it? Absolutely – and especially to anyone who’s been contemplating laser but hasn’t taken the plunge. Starting early in the year means you’ll glide into summer with that rare combination of ease and confidence. For me, it has been a revelation: a small act of self-care with surprisingly big results. And if you’re going to entrust anyone with the task of simplifying your at-home beauty routine and boosting your confidence at the same time, The Recharge Room is exactly where you want to be. therechargeroom.online

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HOT TOPIC

Sauna state of mind Luxe rounds up the region’s most soul-stirring sauna experiences — warm, nature-led escapes that reconnect body and mind during winter’s darkest days Winter has a way of changing our rhythm. The mornings feel slower, the light fades faster than we’d like, and even the most resilient among us can sense our mood dipping with the temperature. And with that, many people are seeking out places that promise not just warmth, but restoration – somewhere to thaw both body and mind. And right now, saunas are having a moment. Searches for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) are surging, interest in heat therapy is at an all-time high, and there’s a renewed curiosity about the simple act of stepping into the warmth and letting the cold slip away. Science backs the instinct: sauna bathing has been shown to improve sleep, ease tension, boost circulation and lift low winter moods by encouraging the release of endorphins and serotonin while gently lowering stress hormones. In short, heat does more than just warm you up – it can help you feel human again. A new wave of sauna experiences is redefining what winter wellness looks like. Think wood-fired cabins on riverbanks, wild saunas overlooking open water, and beautifully crafted sanctuaries designed to help you pause, breathe and recalibrate. Here are six of the most inviting sauna escapes in the region – where the winter blues don’t stand a chance.

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HOT TOPIC

Earthbond

Earthbond describes itself as a nature-connected wellness provider, focusing on circadian rhythm, detoxification, and reconnection with the elements – offering sauna sessions as part of a broader practice to restore balance between body, mind and environment. For people struggling with winter’s low-energy slump often associated with SAD, Earthbond’s model provides something more than warmth – it’s about re-linking with natural cycles, grounding your circadian rhythm, and detoxifying both physically and mentally. You will find Earthbond on the beaches of Tyne and Wear – from Longsands in Tynemouth, to Cullercoats Bay, Roker Beach and Sandhaven South Shields. Using Earthbond’s sauna is not just a treat – it’s a winter survival tool, and we’re fully on board! earthbond.uk

flow can feel sluggish, and mood and energy tend to dip. Scientifically, sauna-induced heat promotes serotonin and endorphin release, reduces stress hormones such as cortisol, and may improve sleep and overall wellbeing. The riverside setting adds an immersive nature dimension – fresh air, flowing water, the quiet rustle of winter trees – which, for many, contributes to mental calm and clarity. It’s an ideal antidote to the low-light, closed-in feeling winter often brings: a ritual that warms the body and recharges the spirit. riverdaleyorkshire.co.uk/plan-your-sauna-visit

Sæla Sauna

Hidden in the heart of Newcastle, Sæla Sauna is an urban retreat, offering sauna and cold-plunge sessions that emphasise mind-body restoration and circadian balance. Their approach leans into holistic well-being – not just physical heat, but rhythm, relaxation and mental reset. In the shorter days of winter, many of us struggle with disrupted routines, poor sleep and foggy mornings. Heat therapy can help by elevating core body temperature, stimulating serotonin and endorphin release, and then allowing for a natural cooldown that aligns with the body’s sleep-preparation system. Beyond physiology, there’s a meditative calm in sauna time: quiet heat, slow breathing, the stillness of wooden benches and gentle steam. For those dealing with SAD, anxiety or winter low mood, these moments of stillness and warmth can offer mental clarity and emotional balance – a chance to step out of stress, into calm. saelasauna.co.uk

Northumbrian Sauna Whitby Wellbeing

Whitby Wellbeing specialises in wild-nature sauna experiences along the North Yorkshire coast – from wood-fired ‘wild trailer’ saunas by the seaside, to riverside wood-fired saunas and beachside hot-and-cold saltwater dips. Their offering blends traditional heat rituals with natural surroundings – ideal for grounding the mind and reconnecting with nature. In winter, the contrast of steaming wood-fired heat and crisp sea air delivers an almost elemental reset. Heat promotes blood flow, reduces muscle tension and helps release feel-good endorphins; the following cold-water dips can sharpen circulation and reset the system after warmth, while the natural surroundings soothe the mind. For those wrestling with winter fatigue or SAD-type lethargy, Whitby Wellbeing’s approach offers more than just physical warmth: the ritual of sauna and plunge, the horizon over sea or rivers, the smell of wood and brine – together create a sensory balm, a kind of ‘reset day’ for body and mind. It’s as much about mental clarity and emotional balance as it is about warmth. whitbywellbeing.com

Riverdale Sauna + Cold Plunge

Tucked beside the tranquil banks of the River Ure, Riverdale Sauna + Cold Plunge offers a sensational sauna and plunge experience – set in a riverside retreat that marries rustic charm and nature. You don’t have to stay overnight to book just the sauna + plunge session, making it accessible for a spontaneous winter reset. The ritual here – sauna heat followed by a plunge – taps into a potent therapeutic rhythm: warmth to relax, calm the nervous system and open circulation; cold to invigorate, awaken and stimulate circulation even further. This contrast therapy is particularly appealing during winter when blood

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Set just outside Newcastle, near Ponteland, Northumbrian Sauna has become one of the region’s most talked-about wellness setups since launching in 2023. It’s a refreshingly down-to-earth operation with a twist: every session is led by Sauna Master Fenwick Ridley – better known locally as the ‘Ice Viking’ – whose passion for heat therapy gives the experience real personality. What makes Northumbrian Sauna stand out is its playful Nordic theme. Alongside its wood-fired sauna trailer, the team also runs several spacious sauna tents, creating a sociable, atmospheric retreat that can host groups of 20 or more. On certain evenings, they lean fully into their identity with Viking-themed sauna nights, complete with music, a lively community feel and that signature contrast of intense heat and crisp Northumbrian air. Despite the fun, the wellbeing benefits remain front and centre. Sessions are designed to support relaxation, detoxification and mental clarity. Whether you’re seeking deep warmth, a reset for body and mind or simply a memorable way to brighten the darker months, Northumbrian Sauna offers a unique take on traditional heat therapy. northumbriansauna.co.uk

SUI CURA Wild Sauna

SUI CURA Wild Sauna brings something beautifully simple to the colder months: a wood-fired sauna offering heat, ritual and a precious pause. The experience is intentionally stripped back. You step inside the cabin, the fire crackling in the stove, the wooden benches warmed through, the sea air drifting in each time the door opens. A little sauna social hub where people settle, breathe and thaw together. The aim is simple: to carve out a pocket of time that asks nothing of you except presence. Their Sunday Slow Sunrise sessions at Seaham Hall Beach capture the magic perfectly. As the sky lifts from blue-grey to soft pink, the world still half-asleep, the sauna becomes a cocoon of heat and calm. Watching the fire flicker is almost meditative; the nervous system softens, thoughts quieten, and the contrast of heat and cold sea air offers a deep, elemental reset. bookwhen.com/suicurawildsauna In winter, when light is scarce and rhythms are disrupted, a sauna can act as a kind of internal recalibration: warming the body, calming the mind, restoring sleep and lifting mood. Whether by the sea, next to a river, in an urban environment, or out in nature - these experiences offer different paths to the same goal: warmth, calm and mental clarity. So if winter’s gloom is getting to you, these sauna havens might just be the restorative glow you need.

The new standard

The Beverley Hospital, Newcastle, is redefining private healthcare in the North East Founded by leading UK surgeons Mr Dan Saleh and Mr Andrew Pieri, this new luxury hospital brings world-class plastic and cosmetic surgery to the region, offering nationally and internationally recognised expertise. At the heart of The Beverley is a simple belief: wellness alone isn’t enough. Patients deserve a truly holistic approach. Under one elegant, purpose-built roof, the hospital unites cosmetic surgery, advanced aesthetic treatments, hormone management, and weight-loss programmes - creating a seamless pathway for natural results and restoration. Designed to soothe rather than intimidate, The Beverley replaces the typical clinical atmosphere with a serene, boutique environment that calms anxieties from the moment you walk through the door. The team specialises in advanced facial, breast and body procedures, supported by enhanced recovery protocols that help patients return to everyday life swiftly and safely. Dedicated nursing, expert lymphatic massage, and specialist therapy services further ensure an exceptional standard of aftercare. The Beverley also offers a comprehensive suite of state-of-the-art laser treatments, including technologies for facial rejuvenation, skin pigment correction, and intimate wellness. These advanced systems allow patients to address ageing, sun damage, and confidenceimpacting concerns with precision, comfort and minimal downtime. The hospital is proud to partner with L’Oréal SkinCeuticals, bringing Mr Dan Saleh the region the highest level of pre- and post-treatment skincare expertise. Luxury, discretion, and personalised care define every step of the journey. The Beverley Hospital looks forward to welcoming you. Mr Andrew Pieri

beverleyhealth.co.uk

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FRESH START

Good condition Jo Malone London

Vitamin E Lip Conditioner Consider this your new luxe lip-care ritual. Enriched with vitamin E (and a touch of honey), this conditioner is indulgent yet subtle – ideal for prepping lips before lipstick or just keeping them soft and supple throughout the day. It glides on like butter, leaving lips hydrated, smooth, and protected from environmental stressors. £30, jomalone.co.uk

The quiet strength of a new beginning January has a certain stillness to it. The lights come down, the last of the glitter is swept away, and suddenly we’re left with ourselves – no festivities, no distractions. Just a quiet space where the truth we’ve been sidestepping all December begins to rise to the surface. In my work as a break-up and divorce coach, I see a familiar pattern every year. The first Monday back to work in January – widely known in legal and coaching circles as Divorce Day – is often when people make the decision they’ve been circling for months, sometimes years. For some, the holidays magnify the disconnection they’ve been feeling. For others, the contrast between the festive façade and their internal landscape is what finally brings things into focus. And for many, it isn’t a dramatic realisation at all – just a quiet, steady knowing that life cannot continue as it is. If you’re reading this and find yourself in that ‘unsure what to do’ space, please know you’re not alone, and you’re not behind. You are simply in the moment where your inner world wants your attention. Remember the issue where I said your brain needs to listen to what your soul already knows? Well – that. But this doesn’t need to be a story about endings, for every ending is indeed a new beginning. And this can be the beginning of a year defined by clarity, health, softness, strength – and a raising of your minimum standard in every area of your life. You are not the emotion If you are already going through a painful separation, the emotional intensity of January can feel overwhelming. This is where I want to offer something deeply important: you are not the emotion. You feel devastated. You feel abandoned. You feel frightened, overwhelmed, angry, betrayed. But you are not defined by any of those feelings. Try shifting your language gently: instead of “I am devastated,” try “I am feeling devastated.” Instead of “I am so upset,” try “I am feeling so upset.” This small shift is powerful. It reminds your nervous system that the feeling is temporary. Also, given what you are going through – the ending of a relationship, the loss of a dream, the collapse of a familiar life – it is natural to feel unsafe or overwhelmed. I say this almost every issue, but it is SO important to acknowledge: this is the second most stressful life event any person can experience. Your body is responding exactly as a human body does. So please, cut yourself some slack. You are not breaking. You are responding. After the feeling comes the clarity Once you find a little more steadiness in your body, the next step is to slowly begin to organise yourself. Not in a rushed,

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Gloss trio REFY

pressured way – but in a ‘one step at a time’ way. Move at your own pace. Don’t let anyone – including yourself – squeeze you into urgency. New year without the ‘new you’ pressure January is flooded with messages about reinvention. How about we all just ‘calm it Kermit’ and take the pressure off this year. I, for one, won’t be buying into it and as a friendly nudge to you: you don’t need a ‘new you’. You need a truer you. Rather than remodelling your entire life, consider this instead: raise your minimum standard. Raise the standard of how you treat yourself. Raise the standard of what you accept from others. Raise the standard of what you allow into your mind, your body, and your heart. This isn’t about changing everything, it’s about changing what you will no longer tolerate because you refuse to accept anything less than what you truly deserve. 2026: The Year of the Horse 2025 was The Year of The Snake – lots of shedding and releasing an old version of you. Looking ahead, 2026 brings the energy of the horse – gentle yet powerful, a creature known for endurance, beauty, and loyal inner strength. This is your direction; soft strength, quiet power. Retreats, renewal, and the shift toward internal kindness There is a cultural shift happening – I have felt it coming for years and I know others are now feeling it too. Twenty years ago, people coped with separation by numbing – drinking, avoiding, pushing through. Now, we are finally allowed to talk openly about our experiences. More people are choosing retreats, wellness experiences, coaching, and emotional reset days – not to escape life, but to move forward with intention. This is why I’m so excited about my partnership with Julie Turnbull and Claire Pickersgill of The Ladies Collective. Together, we’ve created something truly special: The Seasons Series.

Loved up Carolina Herrera

Fabulous Kiss - Matte Lipstick, Red Alegria If you want a lip that screams ‘date night’, this Carolina Herrera lipstick is your go-to. The shade Red Alegria delivers a deep, sultry matte red — rich, confident and utterly striking. The formula hugs your lips with smooth pigment that refuses to fade, giving timeless, full-coverage colour that makes even a simple ensemble feel red-carpet ready. £39, carolinaherrera.com

Beauty:update Luxe lips for Valentine’s Day… Lip plump La Mer

The Lip Volumizer, 7ml For a truly luxe lip moment, this is a splurge-worthy treat. The Lip Volumizer feels so silky and rich as it glides on, and delivers noticeable hydration and subtle plumpness almost instantly. It leaves lips softer, smoother, and with fewer visible lines, so that pout looks polished even without lipstick. £72, spacenk.com

High shine Gucci Boutique

Holiday Rosso Ancora Gloss A gloss that feels like pure glamour in a tube. This Gucci Boutique special delivers luminous shine with a weightless, moisturising finish. What’s more? It can also be used to contour the lips as a cream blush. A wonderful way to perfect the pout this Valentine’s season. £38, fenwick.co.uk

The Seasons Series 2026 26 March – Reawaken ¦ Air ¦ Spring 23 June – Rise ¦ Fire ¦ Summer 22 September – Release ¦ Earth ¦ Autumn 8 December – Restore ¦ Water ¦ Winter Instagram: @theseasonsseries Let this be the year you begin to raise your minimum standard. And if you need support – to gain clarity, to explore your options, you can contact me directly for a complimentary conversation. Your next chapter isn’t waiting for you, it has already begun and this time you get to choose what happens when you turn the page.

contact@sarahpikecoaching.com sarahpikecoaching.com

Mini Lip Gloss Trio If you love versatility, this trio is a handbag favourite. Three mini glosses with that signature REFY shine — nonsticky, hydrating and perfect for layering. They leave lips looking fresh and polished, whether you’re layering over lipstick or wearing them solo. £28, refybeauty.com

Repair & restore Kiehl’s

Buttermilk For Lips Think of this as a beauty sleep essential — for lips. Loaded with coconut oil and wild mango butter, this overnight mask works while you sleep to deeply hydrate and restore dry lips. By morning, they feel soft, smooth and revived. The perfect way to say goodnight. £23, kiehls.co.uk

Calming influence ESPA

Nourishing Lip Treatment, 5ml This ESPA lip treatment is a must for the season of love. Lightweight and soothing yet deeply hydrating — it softens lips, helps smooth fine lines, and gives a subtle, healthy glow rather than a heavy gloss. It’s the perfect gift-to-self this Valentine’s Day. Self love at its very finest. £21, lookfantastic.com

JAN/FEB26

Strength on your side...

Divorce & Private Family Law Experts Our Divorce & Private Family Law experts have the knowledge and expertise to support you through your legal needs. They can offer advice in the following areas:

Divorce Financial Issues on Divorce or Separation Pre-nuptial & Post-nuptial Agreements Child Arrangement Orders Cohabitation Agreements & Disputes Change of Name Deeds Domestic Abuse

Visit our website:

Call us on 01740 646000 to speak to a member of our team. 12 Evolution | Wynyard Park | Wynyard | TS22 5TB

York Chambers | York Road | Hartlepool | TS26 9DP

Castle House | 11 Bridge Road | Stockton-on-Tees | TS18 3AD Scanlan House | 23 John Street | Sunderland | SR1 1JG Tilly Bailey & Irvine LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

8 Newgate | Barnard Castle | DL12 8NG @tbilaw

TillyBaileyIrvine

T: 01740 646000

Tilly Bailey & Irvine

W: www.tbilaw.co.uk

Luxury medical care Discover a new standard in luxury private healthcare at The Beverley Hospital, Newcastle. Founded by leading UK surgeons, we combine world-class expertise with a holistic approach to wellness, offering advanced cosmetic surgery, aesthetic treatments, and personalised care under one elegant roof. Step into a serene, boutique environment where your comfort and confidence come first. From state-of-the-art procedures to exceptional aftercare, including specialist therapies and lymphatic massage, every detail is designed to ensure natural results and a seamless recovery. Explore our cutting-edge laser treatments for facial rejuvenation, skin correction, and intimate wellness, or elevate your skincare with our exclusive partnership with L’Oréal SkinCeuticals.

JAN/FEB26

Luxury, discretion, and unparalleled care await. Begin your journey today.

Visit beverleyhealth.co.uk to learn more.

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LUXE LOCKS

Get wavy

Embrace the new year with uplifting, bouncy texture that feels polished, fresh and effortless Happy new year everyone - honestly, how are we already here? It feels like we blinked and whoosh… a whole year just zipped by! I don’t know about you, but I love starting the year the way I mean to go on, and there’s no better way to do it, than a new look to bring a new confidence – it just does something, doesn’t it? This month’s gorgeous style has that perfect, ‘I woke up fabulous… but also kind of effortless’ vibe. Those soft, voluminous waves and all that beautiful floaty texture feels stylish without being too serious. It’s the kind of hair that makes you feel instantly put-together, yet still totally yourself – like confidence you don’t even have to think about.

What we really adore about this look is how uplifting it feels. A bit of root lift, some movement through the lengths, and suddenly you’re walking into the year with this quiet little power you carry around with you. No big makeover needed – just a gentle nudge that says, ‘you’ve got this’. So here’s to starting the year feeling good, looking great, and stepping into 2026 with all the positive, empowered energy you can muster. Happy new hair guys!

Michael Young and Gary Hooker run Hooker & Young, with four salons across the North East. hookerandyoung.co.uk

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

A hidden gem of a spa tucked away in secluded rolling countryside. This true rural retreat is a place to escape the ‘everyday’ and re-charge in a tranquil and friendly environment. Day spa packages are available, to include fabulous treatments combined with use of the facilities. These include a 15m pool, thermal zone with sauna and steam, an outdoor hydrotherapy spa and both indoor and outdoor relaxation areas. The skilled team of therapists offer massages, facials and fully body treatments, using the Thalgo and Elemental Herbology premium products. The Spa Brasserie café is the perfect place for brunch, lunch or a slice of homemade cake, and with the magnificent Headlam Hall next door you can make a night of it at this luxurious country house hotel. headlamhall.co.uk

Show Up Club presents: Love The Skin You’re In Doxford Barns, Northumberland Set within the quiet elegance of Doxford Barns, Show Up Club’s Love The Skin You’re In is a considered January retreat designed to restore, recalibrate and gently reset. Created for women seeking a slower, more intentional start to the year, the day blends nourishment, movement and meaningful connection in a beautifully calm setting. Guests will enjoy warming drinks by Doctor Seaweed, a self-guided facial led by expert facialist Kelly Gubbins using Sea the Love skincare, and a gentle Pilates session designed to move the body without pressure. Alongside nourishing food, time outdoors in the Northumberland countryside and space to simply pause, every detail feels unhurried and quietly indulgent. Rather than a traditional wellness day, this Show Up Club experience offers space — to reflect, reconnect and begin the year feeling good in your own skin. Places are intentionally limited. showupclub.co.uk

Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has introduced a new wellness programme, designed to encourage renewal, reflection and reconnection in the new year. The four-part series features workshops and meditation sessions to encourage attendees to slow down, release old patterns and reconnect to who they truly are; to create a lasting change for the year ahead. Blending science with spirituality and taking place in Raby’s Riding School every Sunday throughout January, the Raby Reset will be led by holistic counsellor, meditation teacher and Reiki practitioner, Lucy Pringle, who is also the founder of holistic wellness brand, Guid-ed. All workshops include a short breathwork series and end with a visualisation meditation. Guests will also receive journal prompts to reflect on after the session. Each session is £25 per adult and those who book all four sessions, will receive complimentary goody bag, downloadable guided meditation and a 30-minute coaching session with Lucy. raby.co.uk

An award-winning destination spa that combines modern luxury with a calming atmosphere. Set in the grounds of Ramside Hall Hotel, Ramside Spa combines contemporary elegance with a soothing and tranquil atmosphere. Guests and members can unwind in an impressive thermal suite featuring two saunas, aroma steam room, Himalayan salt steam room, hydrotherapy pool with a range of massage stations, outdoor seating area with heated pool, a 25-meter swimming pool with jacuzzi and fridgarium plunge pool. The facilities are designed to induce calm and relaxation for both the mind and body and you can elevate your day to a new level with a wide range of Elemis and Voya treatments. From Elemis expert tech facials which give visible results, to the holistic touch of Voya rituals, all are delivered by skilled therapists. Working out in the Life Fitness gym is easy with a range of cardio and resistance machines, as well as a free weight area, plus over 30 classes offered weekly in the studio, creating the perfect blend of high intensity and wellness. ramsidehallhotel.co.uk

Face SPAce at Rockliffe Hall If glowing, revitalised skin sits high on your bucket list, a visit to Rockliffe Hall’s spa is well worth the journey. Here, FACE SPAce, a forward-thinking facial concept created by Italian skincare brand [comfort zone], offers a refreshingly modern take on the traditional facial. Rather than retreating behind closed doors, guests relax in elegant treatment chairs, chatting softly while therapists deliver expertly choreographed, active lifting techniques. Inspired by physiotherapy practices, the treatments work hard to tone, firm and awaken the complexion using a blend of skilled hands and advanced tools, from cooling cryo spoons to sculpting gua sha and microcurrent technology. The results are immediate and include lifted features, smoother skin and a lit-from-within glow. The 55-minute Face SPAce treatments are available from £105. You can book online as an individual treatment or as part of a spa day or stay rockliffehall.com

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Discover a new era of high-performance skin rejuvenation at The Bespoke Clinic. This exclusive programme begins with what makes you truly unique, your DNA. Through advanced DNA Skin Testing, experts decode your genetic blueprint, revealing precisely how your genes influence collagen production, elasticity and inflammation, the hidden drivers of how you age. No guesswork. Just personalised insights that shape every decision. Your bespoke treatment plan is then curated around these findings. Your personalised journey may include EMFACE to lift and sculpt, Exilis Ultra 360 to tighten and refine, or microneedling to stimulate deep collagen renewal, each selected specifically for your genetic profile. ZO Skin Health completes the experience, maintaining your results with medical-grade formulations tailored to your needs. This is functional medicine meeting cutting-edge technology, delivering natural radiance that’s unmistakably you. Introductory pricing on DNA packages available until the end of February. Call to book your free consultation. thebespokeclinic.uk

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STRONG START

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STRONG START

Built to last At 49, North East bodybuilder and coach Chris McVay is redefining what strength, discipline and long-term wellbeing look like. With a coaching approach rooted in balance, mindset and sustainability, he’s helping clients transform their bodies – and their confidence – far beyond the typical ‘new year reset’ When Chris McVay first stepped into a gym at 17, he had no idea that the clank of weights and early-morning cardio would become the soundtrack to his life. But nearly 30 years later, he stepped on stage for his debut Men’s Physique competition – proving that passion doesn’t have an age limit and progress doesn’t need a deadline. Now, the North East bodybuilder, coach and father has built a coaching business that’s gaining serious momentum. His philosophy is simple: personalised plans, flexible structure, and a mindset-first approach. No rigid protocols, no cookie-cutter templates – just real results built around real lives. As he continues to compete internationally and inspire others to transform their health from the inside out, Chris sits down with Luxe to talk discipline, longevity, balance and the future of fitness. How would you sum up your journey into bodybuilding and coaching? I stepped into a gym at 17 and was hooked instantly. It actually took me almost 30 years to enter my first Men’s Physique competition, so competing was definitely a slow burner – but I’ve always trained more for how it makes me feel. Coaching became a natural progression from that. The more dedicated I became, the better my results, and people started asking for advice. That grew into PT sessions and eventually full coaching, which I absolutely love. What’s been the biggest high – and the lowest low – of your fitness career so far? The biggest high has to be competing in Milan and placing fourth in a really strong line-up of Europe’s best over-45 athletes – with my fiancée and son watching. That just edges out winning Silver for Team GB at the 2023 World Championships. As for lows – prep can be tough, but overall I’m pretty lucky. I genuinely love this lifestyle. What makes your approach to coaching different? There are some amazing coaches out there, including friends of mine, but I’ve noticed that a lot of people follow a ‘my way or the highway’ model. That just doesn’t work for most clients who have

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jobs, kids, night shifts, holidays – you name it. My approach is fully bespoke, with balance and flexibility built in. You still have to work hard, of course, but the plan should revolve around your life, not the other way around. No one-size-fits-all routines – everyone is different. January is always the ‘fresh start’ month. What do you get clients to focus on first? It depends on their experience, but the foundations stay the same: and underpinning all of that is mindset and mental wellbeing. We exercise the body, but we have to train the mind too. Many people fall off the wagon by February. What’s your secret to helping clients stay consistent long-term? Small, achievable goals. Daily and weekly habits. A few non-negotiables. Consistency isn’t built through extreme routines – it’s built through manageable, repeatable actions that stack up over time. Nutrition trends evolve fast. What do you think will matter most in 2026 and beyond? The industry is changing massively. Online coaching and AI tools are everywhere, which is great in many ways, but we’re at risk of losing the personal relationship between coach and client – which I’m determined to protect. I think we’ll see big shifts in: • Precision nutrition, driven by AI • Metabolic health becoming a key metric – VO2 max, visceral fat, muscle-to-fat ratio will matter more than weight • A move away from ultra-processed foods and towards whole-food diets Personally, I think the non-negotiables will remain: • Strength training, especially as we age • Cognitive health as a pillar of fitness – stress, mood, immune function and gut health all matter

I stepped into a gym at 17 and was hooked instantly. It actually took me almost 30 years to enter my first Men’s Physique competition, so competing was definitely a slow burner — but I’ve always trained more for how it makes me feel just get there and give it 10 minutes. Once you’re in the gym, you’re never only doing 10 minutes. With clients, I always say your ‘why’ has to hit. “I want to lose two stone” won’t keep you going. “I want to be a healthy parent,” or “I want to feel confident in my clothes” – those reasons stick. How do you balance training, clients, running a business and family life? I learned early on that trying to juggle

everything without structure doesn’t work. Now I have a weekly operating rhythm – set blocks for check-ins, coaching sessions, programming, content, school runs, even my own training. And I’ve realised that balance isn’t a daily thing – it’s a weekly average. Some days work wins, some days training wins, some days family wins. That’s normal, and it’s healthy. instagram.com/flex_physiques_by_chr19s

What keeps you motivated on the tougher days? Honestly, I don’t have tough days very often because I genuinely love what I do – it’s built into my routine. But during competition prep, when calories are low, I tell myself to

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HEALTHY HABITS

HOME COMFORTS

with chef Chris Baber Healthy habits, cruise ship cooking and foolproof Valentine’s recipes to kickstart 2026… TRY THIS

Spiced butternut squash soup

My world

Christmas back home was as wonderful as ever, and a nice break after a busy time in the run up, with things like the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC in Birmingham. It was the busiest show we’ve had in a while – I did 24 demos over the four days, which was great. There were some fantastic headline chefs in attendance including Paul Ainsworth, Clare Smyth, James Martin, Gennaro Contaldo, Rachel Allen, Si King and many more. It was a good crowd, and a very successful event, once again. It’s not food related, but between Christmas and New Year, my friends and I went to see Fenwick Ridley – who featured on Robson Green’s show – to experience his Northumbrian Sauna at Higham Lakes. It’s great to support a guy I’ve known for many years from Hexham, and it was a wonderful way to reset and give the body a bit of love amidst the rush of the festive break. There are so many sauna and cold plunge experiences in London, but they tend to be in posh gyms; so there’s something amazing about coming home and being able to do it in nature, as it should be. I see both the mental and physical health benefits of it, so it’s a really great thing to do. I’d definitely recommend checking it out, especially early in the year when everybody is thinking about healthy habits.

Foodie happenings

I’m spending some time with P&O Cruises in the Caribbean this January, doing a bit of cooking on the ships, which is exciting. I’ll be doing demonstrations and some work with the cookery school on the ship. I love educating people about food – it’s how I started in the food world and it really gives me a buzz. There’s nothing better than being

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in front of a live audience. So to get to go and do it somewhere nice and sunny in January, I feel very lucky. January is a little quiet on the events side of things, but I like to use it as a time to give a bit more inspiration through social media. It’s a time when I think people are really paying attention to looking at new habits and making small daily actions towards a healthier lifestyle – be it with food or fitness. I’ve committed to filming regular recipes throughout January to give people some fresh new dinner inspiration. Proper wholesome food that happens to be healthy.

Inspired by the seasons

I’m still working with a lot of root vegetables. One thing I would urge people to eat as much as possible is sprouts. It’s something that we champion at Christmas, but they’re actually in season all the way through January. They’re affordable, they’re seasonal, they’re British – and they taste great. Try something different like honeymiso sprouts. Simply mix some miso paste, honey and a drizzle of sesame oil and olive oil in a bowl, throw your sprouts in, toss it all together and cook it really hot in the air fryer. They’ll come out sticky and caramelised on the outside, and really tender in the middle. I say it every January, but just keep buying the sprouts! A lot of people go into health kick mode in January, and might naturally turn to salads, but when it’s wet and cold and grey outside, sitting with a bowl of lettuce leaves just doesn’t cut it for me. You can get creative with things like butternut squash, sprouts, chestnuts, dried cranberries. You can do some wholesome warm salads and soups in the winter months. It’s not about cutting back, it’s just about eating proper, in-season food.

Ingredients 1/2 butternut squash, peeled and diced 1 onion, sliced 1 chilli, chopped 1 large carrot, chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped

4cm ginger, sliced 1 tsp garam masala 750ml chicken or veg stock Small handful coriander 2 tbsp creme fresh

Method Preheat the over 200 degrees c. Put the squash on a baking tray, drizzle with oil. Season with salt. Toss together. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and caramelised. Meanwhile, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Add the onion, carrot, ginger, garlic and half of the chilli. Cover and cook for 10 minutes until soft and the onion slightly golden. Stir now and again then stir in the garam masala. Remove from the heat until the squash is roasted. When the squash is roasted add it to the pan along with the stock, cover and simmer for 15 minutes. Transfer to a blender or use a stick blender to blitz until smooth – add more water to loosen if needed. Divide between serving dishes, top with the coriander, remaining chilli, creme fraiche and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Ask Chris

If you have any questions you want to ask Chris, please get in touch via his Instagram page. Chris will select a question and answer it in the next column. #AskChris Q: With Valentine’s Day coming up, what would you recommend for a foolproof yet romantic dinner at home for someone who isn’t the most confident cook? A: Keep it simple is always my advice, especially if you’re not used to cooking and you want to impress someone. I’d go for a really good steak, or a prawn linguine – both perfectly paired with a nice bottle of wine. They are both very simple recipes with minimal ingredients and you won’t be hiding away in the kitchen for too long. Focus on the quality of the ingredients and you can’t really go wrong. Less is more!

“HexClad makes cooking effortless and enjoyable, achieving amazing results time after time. The sheer versatility of a HexClad makes them the only pans I couldn’t live without. They are built to last with a lifetime guarantee and get better with age. They are by far the best investment you can make for your kitchen at home. There’s no other pan that will give you the same results. It’s time to get Hexy! A pan for the modern age.” - Chris Baber Find out more at: hexclad.co.uk

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YES CHEF very supportive though. It was only two years ago I didn’t even believe that I could cook, but the support from the team at 21 was where I drew confidence from. LUXE: What does a day in the life of you look like in the kitchen at 21? TAYLOR: I come in, check the reservations and the preparation list with the head chef, then it’s head down, focused, to get ready for the shift ahead. I love it. It’s such a positive place to work — there’s a really great energy and I love letting that fuel me in what I do. LUXE: How did you find your way into cooking – and into the team at 21? TAYLOR: By chance, really — and with the right people pushing me along the way. I was working as a dishwasher at a local pub and they were short staffed, so I started helping out in the kitchen too. Then a new chef came in, Michael was his name, and he’d worked for Terry [Laybourne] years ago. He saw something in me and said that I should go to Sunderland College and learn to cook properly. While I was there, my tutor organised a trial shift for me at 21. At the time, I still didn’t have a lot of selfconfidence and so I wasn’t actually going to go, I didn’t think I’d get the job. But my tutor explained that if I didn’t go, I’d regret it for the rest of my life. He was right. I’m so glad I did go, and with his support, the rest is history as they say. LUXE: What does winning this award mean to you? TAYLOR: It really means the world, I’m still on a high about it all these weeks later. It feels like I’ve been cooking for such a short time, which I have, it was only two years ago I left college. However, it shows that with a bit of hard work and the right people around you (the team at 21 gave me so much support in the build up to the competition), you can achieve things you once thought were so out of reach they were almost unattainable. LUXE: Outside the kitchen, what do you do to unwind? TAYLOR: To be honest, I don’t feel like I totally unwind, I’m always thinking about work and cooking, I love it. I do like to eat out, see what other chefs are doing and, when I do get the time, I go down to the yard to see my friends and help them look after the horses.

MY LIFE IN FOOD

Good taste

Classic cooking, quiet confidence and North East roots are reshaping the region’s fine-dining future. Luxe checks in with Young Chef of the Year and Demi Chef de Partie at 21 Newcastle, Taylor Grange…

LUXE: Huge congratulations on winning the Young Chef of the Year 2025 competition. What did you cook for the final, and what inspired your menu? TAYLOR: Coronation Crab Cocktail to start, Partridge Cutlet with Butternut Squash, Braised Savoy and Ceps for the main course, then a Chocolate Soufflé for dessert. The menu was inspired by the techniques being

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rooted in the classics and the seasonality of the produce. LUXE: What was it like cooking for judges like Marco Pierre White and Francis Atkins? TAYLOR: I felt extremely lucky, it was a privilege as well as obviously being incredibly nerve-racking. They were

A meal that takes you back to childhood… Any stew, something hearty like what me and my mam used to make together as a child. The food that brings you the greatest joy… Fish, well any seafood really. Especially as I’m now on the fish section at work. I love going to the fish quay on my days off to see what the latest catch is. The food that represents where you come from… I’m not sure this is what you’re after, but when I think of home, I always think of a Chinese takeaway, we live right next to one. It actually inspired a duck dish that I submitted which got me to the finals of the Young Chef competition. Your most memorable meal… The last meal I had with grandad. I can’t even remember the name of the pub, I just remember being with the family, the feeling of all being together. He was,

and still is, so important to me. It was a lovely time. Your favourite meal of the day and why… Breakfast because it really sets you up for what the day has to bring. The best cook you know… My mam. The food you turn to when you need some comfort… Pizza. The food you always need in your fridge… Butter, because it makes everything taste delicious and it’s so versatile. What food means to you… It’s about how it makes people feel, like when you’re at a table and you’re eating nice food together, food that it’s so clear has care and attention behind it. I love seeing people’s faces light up when they eat it. That paired with the company, simply having a great time together over a great meal. It’s about love really isn’t it.

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FORAGED GOODS

Wild in season

Tom and Laurissa Heywood of Pignut & The Hare bring the quiet beauty of North Yorkshire’s seasonal larders to life in The Forager’s Table. Luxe shares two foragedinfluenced recipes to warm the start of the year

Caramelised apple and honey cake with crème fraîche ice cream Inspired by a pineapple upside-down cake, this version swaps tropical fruit for caramelised apples and fragrant honey. Served with tangy crème fraîche ice cream, it’s a beautiful balance of sweet, tart and creamy – perfect for an elegant dessert or a special weekend bake. Prep time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 48 hours (including crème fraîche setting and ice cream freezing) | Serves: 6 Ingredients For the crème fraîche 475ml double cream 3 tbsp buttermilk (or yoghurt)

January might not seem the obvious month to celebrate food. After the indulgence of December, we often assume the fields are bare, the hedgerows empty and the larders sparse. But in North Yorkshire, the quiet of midwinter has its own richness — one that chef Tom Heywood and sommelier Laurissa Heywood know intimately. Their new cookbook, The Forager’s Table, is a love letter to the landscapes that surround their acclaimed Scawton restaurant, Pignut & The Hare, and to the flavours that thrive all year round. For Tom and Laurissa, winter isn’t a culinary lull; it’s a moment of clarity. With the bright bounty of summer behind us, you start to notice the subtler treasures: berries that deepen in flavour after the first frost, roots that sweeten underground, and the preserved syrups, vinegars and cordials made earlier in the year. January becomes less about what isn’t growing, and more about rediscovering what is. That rhythm of noticing, gathering and transforming sits at the heart of The Forager’s Table. The book follows the seasons of the Helmsley Hills and surrounding countryside, offering 80 recipes shaped by the couple’s ethos at Pignut & The Hare: cook what’s around you, honour the farmers and growers you rely on, and don’t overlook the wild ingredients that have long belonged to Yorkshire’s pantry. It isn’t a foraging manual, it simply invites readers to pay attention — to take a walk, to look at a hedgerow, to recognise that good cooking starts with a place. Tom’s North Yorkshire roots and produce-led style shine throughout the book, from luxurious game dishes to comforting orchard-based desserts. Laurissa’s influence weaves through the cocktails, the pairings and the thoughtful approach to sustainability

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that has already earned the restaurant three AA Rosettes, a place in the Michelin Guide and the Craft Guild of Chefs Sustainable Restaurant Award for 2025. Together, they’ve created a restaurant — and now a book — that feels connected to the land. While January is often associated with resets, detoxes and vaguely bowls of something green, The Forager’s Table reminds us that winter eating can be joyful, generous and deeply rooted in the region. Elderberries, sloes, game — these are ingredients that define our landscape, offering depth and character when we need it most. To celebrate the launch, we’ve selected three beautifully seasonal recipes from the book: a showstopping venison loin with black pudding and elderberry purée; a caramelised apple and honey cake that brings orchard flavours to life; and a simple, elegant Sloeberry Sour to sip beside the fire. Together, they capture what Tom and Laurissa do best — elevating what grows on our doorstep, and reminding us that every season has something extraordinary to offer.

mezepublishing.co.uk/product/pre-order-now-theforagers-table

For the crème fraîche ice cream 100g caster sugar 45g glucose 100ml milk 280ml crème fraîche 240ml double cream 5ml cider vinegar For the caramelised apples 2 apples, peeled, cored and sliced lengthways

50g butter 50g caster sugar 30g honey For the honey cake 120g wholemeal flour 30g cornflour ½ tsp salt 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda 56g butter, melted 52ml oil 2 eggs 120ml milk 170g pineapple mayweed honey (or good quality local honey)

Method To make the crème fraîche, mix the double cream with the buttermilk or yoghurt in a bowl. Cover and leave at room temperature for 48 hours, then refrigerate until needed. (Alternatively, use a good quality, full-fat crème fraîche.) For the ice cream, combine the caster sugar, glucose and milk in a saucepan. Bring to the boil to dissolve the sugar, then remove from the heat and cool slightly. Whisk in the crème fraîche, double cream and cider vinegar. Once cooled completely, churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions, then freeze until ready to serve. For the honey cake, mix the wholemeal flour, cornflour, salt and bicarbonate of soda in a bowl. Melt the butter in a pan, then whisk in the oil and eggs until combined. Pour into the dry mixture and whisk until smooth. Warm the honey and milk together until combined, then whisk into the batter. For the caramelised apples, place the butter, caster sugar and honey in a saucepan and cook to a deep caramel. Add the apple slices and turn gently until coated and about 50% cooked. Remove from the pan and reserve the caramel. If the caramel gets too thick just add a splash of water. To bake, preheat the oven to 180°C. Line the bases of individual tins (or one large tin) with circles of baking parchment. Arrange 2 to 3 slices of caramelised apple in each, with a drizzle of reserved caramel. Spoon in the cake batter until almost full. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Cool for 1 to 2 minutes, then turn out while the caramel is still warm, and pour over any leftover caramel from the pan. Serve with a scoop of crème fraîche ice cream.

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FORAGED GOODS

Venison loin with black pudding and elderberry purée, purple sprouting broccoli and sloe gin sauce Gamey meats like venison pair beautifully with autumnal berries, their tart sweetness cutting through the richness, while black pudding adds the fattiness venison naturally lacks. This dish brings everything together with a luxurious sloe gin sauce, making it perfect for an impressive seasonal dinner. Prep time: 2 hours | Cook time: 5 hours | Serves: 4 Splash of sloe gin, for finishing For the black pudding and elderberry purée 150g apple, peeled and sliced 100g elderberries 20ml elderberry vinegar 250g black pudding Large pinch of salt For the venison 500g venison loin, trimmed 100g butter 1 sprig of rosemary Oil, for searing Salt For the roasted broccoli 8 stems purple sprouting broccoli Oil Salt Ingredients For the venison sauce 1kg venison bones 200g venison trim 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 carrot, thinly sliced 100ml Port 200ml red wine 1 litre beef stock 1 litre chicken stock

To garnish Picked broccoli leaves Vetch Method To make the venison sauce Preheat the oven to 180°C. Arrange the venison bones on a roasting tray and roast until golden brown and deeply caramelised. While they roast, brown the venison trim in a

Tucked within the picturesque Wynyard Hall estate, The Glass House is a welcoming neighbourhood restaurant where great food and good company come together in a relaxed, stylish setting. The menu celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients and features everything from hand-stretched stone-baked pizzas and generous sharing boards to delicious à la carte dishes crafted with care by our talented chefs.

large heavy-based pan over medium-high heat until it develops a deep, rich colour. Add the sliced onion and carrot to the pan with the trim and continue cooking until the vegetables are well browned. Deglaze the pan with the Port, reducing it until almost evaporated, then add the red wine and reduce by about two-thirds. Transfer the roasted bones to the pan and pour in both stocks. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 1½ hours, skimming off any impurities from the surface. Strain the sauce through a sieve lined with muslin into a clean pan. Reduce over medium heat until thickened to a glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Set aside until needed. To prepare the black pudding and elderberry purée Place the sliced apple in a pan over medium heat and cook gently until completely softened. Add the elderberries and elderberry vinegar, cooking for a further 30 seconds to meld the flavours. Add the black pudding, breaking it up, and stir through for another 30 seconds. Transfer the mixture to a blender with a pinch of salt and blend for about three minutes or until perfectly smooth. Pass through a fine sieve into a clean pan and reserve for plating. To cook the venison Season the venison loin generously with salt. Heat a heavy-based frying pan over high heat until smoking hot. Add a little oil and sear the venison quickly on all sides to develop a deep, even crust, taking care not to overcook it at this stage. Lower the heat slightly and add the butter and rosemary sprig. Baste the venison with the foaming butter for no more than a

To roast the broccoli Trim the broccoli stems to even lengths, reserving any small leaves for garnish. Toss the stems in a bowl with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt. Arrange on a baking tray and roast in the oven at 180°C for about 4 minutes until just tender and the edges are starting to crisp. For the garnish, place the reserved broccoli leaves in a small bowl, drizzle with a little oil and a drop of elderberry vinegar, and set aside. To finish the sauce Warm the reduced venison sauce over gentle heat. Just before serving, add a splash of sloe gin to lift the flavour and add a rich, aromatic depth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. To serve: Gently warm the black pudding and elderberry purée in a pan until hot. Slice the rested venison loin into four even portions. Place the slices on the left side of each warmed plate. Add a generous spoonful of the black pudding purée next to the venison. Arrange two stems of roasted broccoli alongside, then scatter over a few dressed broccoli leaves and vetch for freshness and colour. Finish with a spoonful of the warmed sloe gin sauce poured around the plate or served in a small jug on the side for an elegant presentation.

This Christmas, gather friends and family and let us do the cooking. Whether you’re joining us for a long, lazy lunch, a festive get-together, or simply to unwind over a glass of wine, The Glass House offers the perfect place to celebrate the season in comfort and warmth. See out the year in style with our New Year’s Eve dining experience, from leisurely daytime brunch to an indulgent evening menu, it’s the perfect way to toast 2026 surrounded by good food, good drinks, and even better company. Book your table at The Glass House via wynyardhall.co.uk and enjoy a relaxed, flavour-filled experience at the heart of Wynyard Hall.

Wynyard, Stockton-on-Tees, Billingham TS22 5NF

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minute, turning to coat evenly. Transfer the venison to a roasting tray with the butter and rosemary. Cook in a preheated oven at 150°C for about 5 minutes, aiming for an internal temperature of 58°C for medium-rare. Remove from the oven, loosely cover with foil, and leave to rest for at least 10 minutes.

01740 644811

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SUPER STAYCATION

UK GETAWAY:

The Warren, Lanes Cottages Elysia Fryer settles in for a staycation in the picturesque market town of Stokesley. Home for the night? The Warren — a beautifully revitalised period property bringing bright design, homely comfort, and a whisper of Scandi-inspired calm to North Yorkshire… Stay here Some places win you over before you’ve even dropped your bags, and The Warren – perched proudly above Stokesley’s charming high street – is absolutely one of them. Even with a hometown bias, there’s something undeniably soothing about arriving in this Georgian market town. It feels like a gentle exhale. And then, stepping through the door of this newly refurbished hideaway feels like a little revelation in itself. It’s bright, it’s fresh, and it has that quietly confident kind of luxury – the sort that doesn’t shout, but instead wraps you in warmth the moment you arrive. Clean lines, warm woods, soft beige, and those gorgeous burnt-orange and sage-green accents combine to create a space that feels like an interior hug. From the hallway to the top floor, everything quietly screams ‘well thought-out’. This is a home designed for people who want to relax

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properly: families, groups of friends, or couples craving a little more space to unwind. And with four ensuite bedrooms spread across two upper floors, there’s never a sense of being on top of each other – more like a boutique retreat that just happens to be yours for the weekend. Stokesley itself provides the perfect backdrop. A town loved by locals and visitors alike, it buzzes with farmers’ markets, independent shops, bakeries, flower boutiques, cosy pubs and coffee spots – the kind of place where you pop out for a loaf of sourdough and end up chatting to half the high street. It’s wholesome, warm, and wonderfully walkable. The Warren fits right in. Style The Warren’s aesthetic is sophisticated but soothing. It nods to nature in all the right ways: muted tones lifted with warm textiles,

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SUPER STAYCATION

The kind of space where you instantly picture slow breakfasts, afternoon naps, and long, laughter-filled evenings with people you love

natural wood and pockets of light that change beautifully throughout the day. What I love most is how the interiors manage to feel both elevated and liveable. There’s a real sense of flow – from the calming entranceway to the airy open-plan kitchen-diner, and through to a lounge that begs you to sink into the sofa with a coffee and forget what time it is. The styling is clever in its simplicity: modern but not stark, bright but not clinical, cosy without being cluttered. Think minimal Scandi and contemporary country, merged into one. Every corner has been thoughtfully curated to feel inviting – the kind of space where you instantly picture slow breakfasts, afternoon naps, and long, laughter-filled evenings with people you love. Lay your head Bedrooms at The Warren are a dream. Each one is ensuite, beautifully presented, and subtly themed with its own muted palette – a symphony of soft greens, warm neutrals and comforting textures. After a day exploring the moors, climbing Roseberry Topping, or pottering along the River Leven, returning to a serene space to slumber feels like such a treat. Plush bedding, gentle lighting, crisp lines, and gorgeous shower rooms give it that boutique-hotel feel, while still retaining the comforting familiarity of home. I stayed in a top-floor room framed by the most peaceful view - sitting amongst rooftops and seeing the buzz of the high street and the countryside beyond. Waking up here feels slow and special. Food & drink Fabulous food and drink is at your fingertips with The Warren as your base. You’re in the beating heart of Stokesley, and the food scene here is quietly brilliant. Just steps from your door, you’ve got: The Truffled Hog, a favourite for brunch and dining with seasonal flair; Chapters Deli, for lunch, grazing, evening meals, cocktails and coffee; Il Mulino, for indulgent Italian favourites; Y’Thai, for fragrant, flavourpacked dishes; Bengal Spice, for those evenings you crave a proper curry; and The White Swan, the cosy pub every market town wishes it had. And then there’s the upcoming arrival everyone’s talking about: Koselig. If you know their spots in Guisborough or Saltburn, you’ll understand the local excitement. Scandinavian-inspired bakes, impossibly good pastries, and a calming minimal aesthetic – it’s the kind of bakery that becomes a ritual, not just a pit stop.

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Back at The Warren, the kitchen is so well equipped that cooking never feels like a chore. It’s the heart of the house – light, spacious, beautifully finished, and made for shared meals and easy living. Whether you’re prepping a simple breakfast before a walk or gathering everyone for a leisurely dinner with produce picked up at the local market, it’s a place where you’ll want to linger. Do this One of The Warren’s greatest strengths is its location. You can feel the pull towards the countryside and open landscapes, yet you’re safely nestled in a vibrant, friendly town. Start with a wander along Stokesley’s high street, browsing independent shops, picking up deli treats, and stopping for coffee. If you’re here on the first Saturday of the month, don’t miss the Northern Dales Farmers’ Market – buzzing, local, and full of temptation. Fridays offer a traditional market on the square, too. Walks are plentiful and beautiful. Stroll along the River Leven, take a gentle loop into neighbouring Great Ayton, or head up towards the hills and moorland for something wilder. Roseberry Topping is a must for anyone willing to tackle a short but satisfying climb, and the views from the top never disappoint. The verdict The Warren is the kind of place that stays with you. And it’s no surprise to hear the guys who own this spot have a lot of repeat visitors. Whether you’re here for family time, a friends’ escape, or a long weekend soaking up the best of the North York Moors, it offers space to breathe and a beautiful base to return to each day. thelanescottages.com

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41

A DOG’S LIFE

POSH PETS

with Rupert helped by Elysia Fryer

Rupert loves

Seasonal surprises for our sidekicks this Christmas season… Be More Dog: Tips and Tricks for Unlocking Your Paw-tential By Alison Davies £8.15, amazon.co.uk

Fresh fetch A new year has trotted in - that blissful pause after the festive flurry when we reset, refresh and start plotting the adventures ahead. Our pets are back in their happy routine, and what better way to kick off 2026 than with trips to plan, tails to wag and a little home-style zhuzh courtesy of some very chic dog-themed coffee table reads. This issue, Rupert’s rounding up the dreamiest pet-friendly escapes - from lakeside lounging to cool city stays - perfect

for a year filled with fresh-air fun. He’s also been digging into the latest canineinspired books to brighten your shelves and your spirits. And in our Luxe Pooch Q&A, we meet the V.I.Chis: three tiny tastemakers with big attitudes and even bigger hearts. Here’s to new beginnings, joyful routines and spoiling our posh pets every step of the way. Rupert, your Luxe pooch x

Dog Days Out Book By Lottie Gross £20, oliverbonas.com

A Dog’s Life Photo Album By Printworks £49.99, cotswoldtrading.com

Pup-perfect escapes Luxe hotels rolling out the red carpet for you and your four-legged friends… William de Percy, Otterburn A rustic retreat made for muddy walks and waggy tails. William de Percy brings storybook charm for pups and owners alike. Dogs get the full VIPup treatment cosy corners to curl into, dog-friendly dining, and endless countryside trails right on the doorstep. After adventures, warm up by the fire with your furry friend snoozing at your feet. williamdepercy.com

Saltmoore, Sandsend Lazy days, sandy paws and seriously cosy coastal lounging. Saltmoore’s Beach House feels like a dream hideout for beach-loving pups and their humans. Think steps from the ocean, an outdoor soak-tub for post-walk unwinding, and plenty of space for dogs to sprawl after sprinting across Sandsend’s wide sands. It’s all relaxed, barefoot luxury - just swap the flip-flops for wellies and let your four-legged explorer lead the way. saltmoore.co.uk The Tawny, Staffordshire Lakeside cabins, rolling hills and dog days done right. The Tawny is all about playful luxury in the great outdoors, and dogs fit right in. With sprawling grounds, woodland paths and plenty of fresh-air freedom, pups can roam, sniff and explore to their heart’s content. Back at base, you’ll find stylish hideaways, terraces for sunset lounging and staff who greet dogs like returning friends. thetawny.co.uk

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Chic Dogs By Assouline £100, eu.assouline.com Classic Dog Stories - Macmillan Collector’s Library (Hardback) By Ned Halley £10.99, waterstones.com

Luxe pet Q&A

Langdale Chase, Windermere Glorious views, gentle strolls and luxury fit for furry royalty. Freshly revitalised and perched on the shores of Windermere, Langdale Chase is a bucket-list stay for humans and hounds. Pooches are welcomed with treats, fuss and lake-loving enthusiasm, while owners get sweeping views and elegant spaces to unwind in. Wander the gardens, potter along the lakeside or simply curl up and watch the water shimmer. Pure Lake District magic. langdalechase.co.uk

Bertie (5), Betty (11) and Daisy (7) are the V.I.Chis - three pocket sized Chihuahauas with grand opinions. They curate their walks, audit the treat jar, and expect canapé level snacks on arrival. Bossy? Absolutely. Spoilt? Proudly. Playful? Always. Luxe walks We love our walks in Yarm, where we’re often heard before we’re seen - barking hello to everyone we meet. We also adore seaside trips to Whitby or Saltburn - though the seagulls are usually bigger than us! Pooch’s perfect day out A scenic trot along Derwent Water followed by the humans unveiling the picnic while we supervise and sample like tiny connoisseurs. We then love to sink into a sunny siesta. Compliments and biscuits, please.

The Hoxton, London Cool city stays where pups stroll in like locals. The Hoxton does London with effortless ease - and dogs are absolutely part of the scene. Expect a laid-back lobby vibe, comfy rooms with space for dog beds, and neighbourhoods made for sniff-heavy wanders. Whether you’re café-hopping in Shoreditch or parklooping in Southwark, your pup is your perfect city break companion. thehoxton.com

Doggy downtime We are professional snugglers. We cuddle into the tiniest, toastiest spots blankets, laps, or a patch of sunshine - and drift into dreamy naps. Our favourite dreams? Endless treats, belly rubs, and more walks. Being this fabulous takes energy… so yes, we snooze a lot!

Hound habits We are garden patrol specialists chasing birds with the determination of tiny hounds on a grand mission. Dog’s best friend We’re each other’s forever friends - but honestly, anyone with treats instantly makes the VIP list. Fondest doggy memory The day we all became best friends. Bertie and Daisy were rescued, and when we all finally played together for the first time, it was pure magic - a beautiful start to our little gang. Puppy a-lister? Bertie? Think Elton John - tiny, fabulous, and full of diva energy. Betty channels Ariana Grande - petite, glamorous, and always ready for the spotlight. Daisy is pure Kylie Minogue - small, perfectly formed, and living her best pampered life.

Don’t forget to get in touch and send in pics of your pet for our next issue via Facebook and Instagram… facebook.com/luxemag

@luxe_mag

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BRIGHT WHITES

Lillian Daph Glam Side Table, White £239, lilliandaph.co.uk Laura Ashley Confetti Easy Fit Pendant White Art Glass and Polished Chrome £60, darlighting.co.uk

HOME DESIRE Marble Knots £81, homedesire.co.uk

The Wisteria Tree Large Rustic White Clock with Beaded Frame £145, thewisteriatree.co.uk

The White Company Sheepskin Rug £95, thewhitecompany.com Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Scented Candle £56, jomalone.co.uk HOME DESIRE Scalloped Edge Vase £90, homedesire.co.uk

Bag & Bones Deflated Balloon, White £89, fenwick.co.uk

INTERIOR INSPIRATION

Lillian Daph White Safety Matches in Glass Bottle £8, lilliandaph.co.uk

Cloud Dancer

The White Company Elgin Throw, Buttermilk £120, thewhitecompany.com

Home interiors inspired by Pantone’s 2026 Colour of the Year… daals Maude Large Storage Cabinet, Washed White Ash £569.99, daals.co.uk

Libra Interiors Jenkin Barble Noughts & Crosses Game £70, fenwick.co.uk Sophie Allport White Ceramic Jug £47, sophieallport.com Rowen Adella Large Antique Brass & Gold Table Lamp £199, rowenhomes.com

Loaf Smithy Sofa £1,725, loaf.com

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The Fine Cotton Company Tivoli Light Waffle White Cotton Dressing Gown £60, thefinecottoncompany.com

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TIDY MIND

A life in order

Elysia Fryer catches up with certified KonMari consultant and professional home organiser Andrea Wylie in her serene Jesmond home, discovering the power of decluttering, mindset shifts and the simple joy of a beautifully edited life

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The first thing I notice when I step inside Andrea’s Jesmond home is the clarity. It’s tidy, calm and instantly comforting — exactly what you’d expect from the woman behind Edit. She welcomes me in with a cup of tea, and it already feels like the perfect setting to talk about the power of organising. “I’ve always done this,” she starts, as we sit down in her kitchen to talk all things Edit. “Honestly, since I was about four. I used to move my bedroom around every weekend. I used to swap my room with my sister’s. It was my idea of fun! I look back now and think… this has always been in me.” Her home reflects that. And you can tell she lives what she teaches — not in a rigid or intimidating way, but in a soft, comforting, almost generous way. Like she’s created a space that encourages good things to flow. And that’s precisely why Edit exists. “I’d go to friends’ houses and find myself suggesting things or moving things around. It’s just what I do. And I’ve always had a really positive outcome from it. It just works.”

It wasn’t until lockdown that she paused long enough to consider turning this lifelong instinct into something tangible. “Eventually I thought, ‘let’s get a certificate and make this a real thing’. So I did an online course with Marie Kondo. It was fascinating — there were thousands of people on it from all over the world.” Andrea is now a certified KonMari Bronze Consultant and is only a handful of hours away from her Silver certificate — the next step towards Gold, and eventually Master. “I was doing it for nothing, really — just helping friends — and I realised the impact was huge. It isn’t just a tidy-up, it’s a massive shift in energy. It’s empowering.” Anyone who has ever filled a few bin bags after a Sunday morning clear-out knows the transformational buzz. I tell her I’m terrible at packing for a weekend away and getting totally distracted — before I know it, I’m emptying every cupboard in the house, refolding towels, organising toiletries alphabetically. We laugh about our shared Virgo tendencies: “Oh, I’m the same,” she says. “I have to stop myself from being on the go

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TIDY MIND all the time. I always find something to do.” And then she hits me with something I fully recognise: the big emotional shift that comes with it. The way clearing your house somehow clears your mind. The way a declutter can feel like you’ve pulled a heavy blanket off your shoulders. “One job I did — a friend of mine — she has had her own business for years, and she’d kept bags and bags of bank statements and paperwork because she’d lost a lot when she first started out. She was frightened to miss something. Holding her hand through it and reminding her that it’s ok to let go… eventually we got there. Seven van loads later. “Every drawer, every cupboard, every bedside table had business paperwork in it. Nothing was where it should be. But she trusted me. And halfway through the week we were working together, she got two phone calls for new jobs — totally out of the blue. I truly believe clearing space brings opportunities. When you’re holding on to the old, there isn’t enough space for the new.” There’s a reason people talk about ‘fresh starts’ and ‘clean slates’. Andrea just helps make that a reality, in a calm, encouraging and very human way. “There’s so much more to it than the physical act,” she says. “It’s a mentor role as well. You’ve got to be a coach. I like to call it ‘life laundry’.” And it’s in these moments — talking about emotions, energy, psychology — that I realise how beautifully balanced Andrea’s approach is. She’s proud of the KonMari method and uses it as her foundation, but her work is wrapped in something gentler.

“You coach people through the steps and understand that it’s a process,” she explains. “If you do it the true Marie Kondo way, you put everything in one room so you can physically see the clutter. Then you hold the item and ask yourself, ‘does it spark joy?’ If it does, you keep it. If it doesn’t, you say thank you and let it go.” That last part — gratitude — is something Andrea talks about often. It softens the letting go. We talk about sentimental things — the hardest category of all. “People often need a lot of support with that,” she says. “And rightly so.” I ask her what kinds of projects she tends to take on. She smiles because the variety seems to genuinely delight her. “Sometimes it’s a full house. Sometimes it’s a wardrobe or a kitchen or a garage. One week you could be working with expensive handbags and shoes, and the next you’re under someone’s sink organising utilities. It’s really varied, and I love that.” Andrea reads people’s homes the second she walks in. Not in a judgmental way — in a curious, observant and deeply intuitive way. “As soon as you enter a house, you can tell how someone lives,” she explains. “And that’s really helpful so I can ensure we create a space that works for them and everyone in their household. “For example, you don’t need a pen in every room,” she laughs. “Just have a designated place. It helps you think differently. It makes living easier.” There’s a lovely practicality in her advice too. “People make the mistake of going out and buying tons of storage boxes,” she says.

People avoid sorting things out when they’re going through a tough time. But actually, it can really help shift some energy and open up space for positivity “But that’s not always helpful. The best way to do it is to declutter first. Then you can see what you actually need. And most people have plenty in their homes already — baskets, shoe boxes, tupperware. Tupperware is great for makeup and jewellery.” We talk about the people she helps through tough life transitions — house moves, divorces, bereavements, new jobs, empty nesting. “People avoid sorting things out when they’re going through a tough time,” she says softly. “But actually, it can really help shift some energy and open up space for positivity. With some support, it’s totally achievable, and it’s very soothing.” And it’s during this part of the conversation that I really feel her gift — not in tidying, but in holding space. She’s calm, grounding and endlessly patient. We laugh again about being Virgos and the constant need to refine and straighten and reorganise. Andrea tells me about a Japanese philosophy she loves. “It sounds morbid, but it makes so much sense,” she says. “It’s called the ‘death clean’. As a nation, they don’t tend to keep hold of anything sentimental so when they pass away, their descendants have nothing to deal with. So I say to people, it’s lovely to keep sentimental stuff for you, but your house doesn’t have to be a shrine. It all goes in the skip at some point.” She gives practical gems too, the kind people love her for. “Throw instruction manuals out,” she advises firmly.

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“Everything is online now. Some people have whole drawers of them. And instead of boxes of printed photos, get a digital photo frame. I have them — they’re lovely.” Andrea also makes sustainability a natural part of the process. “I work with Embells Community Support Project in Gateshead, and as a trustee of the Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter, I donate anything we can use for the animals or their shops. I really try to encourage people to re-love and reuse.” Her partnership with Fenwick also adds a stylish layer to her work. “I’ve got a collaboration with the personal shoppers there,” she explains. “Clients buy beautiful things and say they wish someone could help them style their wardrobes at home. Fenwick can’t offer that, but I can. I help them declutter old pieces and make the new ones work beautifully. Then the third part of the journey is Maddie from Wynyard Re:Loved Boutique, who gives unwanted pieces a new home.” As we finish our tea, Andrea talks about the ‘feeling’ people get after they work with her. That addictive, elevated, unmistakable buzz of clarity. “You know that feeling when you put the Christmas tree up, or finally put all the laundry away?” she asks. “It can be a hundred-fold if we take the plunge, get organised and trust the process. The thought of it can be a chore, but the feeling afterwards is priceless.” I can already feel the urge to go home and empty a few cupboards. The Edit effect, indeed. editne.co.uk

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SLEEK SPACES

HOT PROPERTY A 1920s North East semi became the blueprint for interior designer Carole Crowe’s future, transforming from a tired family home into a soul-filled sanctuary that holds the next chapter for her family The lowdown Carole and her husband Michael moved into their 1923 semi in 2012, when their son Jacob was 18 months old and they had simply outgrown their previous home. They almost did not book the viewing, but the moment Carole stepped over the threshold she knew it was theirs. Set on a leafy street, the house had beautiful original features and a generous garden, but the layout felt chopped up and the back of the house turned away from the outdoors. The couple could see the potential for a contemporary extension and open plan living space and initially planned to renovate straight away. Instead, they chose to pause. Carole is a great believer in letting the energy of previous owners dissipate and learning the natural rhythm of a house. Over the next few years they lived in the old layout, quietly noticing how light moved, where they naturally gathered and what they really needed day to day. In 2017 they began the search for an architect and eventually found Grace Choi, whose sensitive, modern approach matched their vision. Together they designed an extension that would connect old and new, inside and out, in one flowing family space.

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The transformation By the time work began on 9 March 2020, Carole was still working in the corporate world, sitting on senior management teams, but her first love had always been art and design. She had an HND in Photography and a long-standing dream that if she had her time again, she would train as an interior designer. Living in half a house through lockdown, while True North Construction steadily created the new structure, gave her something she had not had for years: space to think. As walls came down and new ones went up, Carole realised that what she was really doing was designing the next chapter of their lives. She began retraining in interior design while the build was still underway, and by the time she was later made redundant, her business, Carole Crowe Interior Design, was already taking shape. The brief to herself was clear. As a counsellor with a passion for selfdevelopment, she wanted a home that would hold the family emotionally as well as practically. Clean lines, impeccable function and a strong connection to nature were non-negotiable. Working with Grace’s architecture, Carole designed every inch of the interior.

A German Next 125 kitchen in a deep bronze with frosted glass fronts runs the length of the new space, contrasted with black cabinetry and a crisp white island at the heart of the home. The island and sink unit are angled to mirror the geometry of the extension and rooflights, creating a feeling of flow, while large format floor tiles run seamlessly from inside to out. At the back, 2.8m high doors stretch across the width of the house, dissolving the boundary between garden and interior. Black timber panelling, designed by Carole, wraps the dining and sitting area, linking

back to the original house and bringing intimacy to the open plan. The results Today the house feels like a calm, contemporary cocoon, layered with colour, texture and meaning. The palette is rooted in nature, bronzes, deep greens, blacks and aubergines, punctuated with a subtle magenta thread that runs playfully through the whole home. You will find it in the entrance dresser, the hall stool, Susi Bellamy cushions in the living space, in art and in jewel toned lamps in the bedrooms.

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SLEEK SPACES

The open plan living, dining and kitchen area is the social hub of the house, multifunctional and able to move from relaxed family evenings to full blown parties. There is even space for the DJ decks The living zone sits at the centre of the house, with a bespoke BoConcept sofa in a rich rust tone wrapping around the room so everyone can lounge comfortably, dressed with those vivid Susi Bellamy cushions. Layered lighting, from sculptural pendants to low table lamps and hidden LEDs, allows the room to shift mood from lively gatherings to lazy Sunday afternoons. Art is everywhere and tells the story of the family. The large painting in the living room was the first piece Carole bought for their previous home. Smaller works by her friend, artist Robert Hutchinson, appear in the living space and another dramatic piece on the staircase, while bold pieces by Faye Greenman, including one in the dining area and another, Tunnel Vision, in the transition hall, add energy and personal narrative. Plants are used almost as architecture. Grouped generously, they create a soft divide between the kitchen and the rest of the open plan space, giving a sense of intimacy without blocking light or flow. The hallway sets the tone the moment you step inside. Cole & Son’s Butterfly Garden wallpaper, grounded by Coat Paints’ Gumption on the woodwork in the vestibule, is paired with Big Hoops on the walls as you step into the open hallway, all underpinned by a practical yet characterful Harvey Maria floor. Little Greene’s deep aubergine Cordoba appears on the newel post and handrail, drawing the eye up to a feature Tom Dixon chandelier, and these colours echo through the connecting hall into the new extension, creating rhythm and anticipation. Upstairs, the master bedroom is colour

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drenched in Lick Black 01. A tufted headboard is framed by jewel toned textiles from Susi Bellamy, complemented with magenta lamp bases from Pooky and a large abstract artwork anchoring the scheme for a boutique hotel feel. Other bedrooms continue the nature linked palette with rich greens, warm woods and structural mid-century pieces Carole has collected over the years. Accessories are never purely decorative; they are hats, books and objects the family genuinely love and use. There is nothing trend led about the house. Instead, it feels like a quietly confident expression of who this family is and who they are becoming. Everything has a place, daily life flows easily and, in Carole’s words, “the house has held me while I have gone to some very deep places to heal.” About the designer Designing her own home was the catalyst for Carole to finally follow the path she had always imagined. From this project grew Carole Crowe Interior Design and what would later become The Carole Method, a soul led approach to interiors that starts with how people want to live and feel, then shapes space around that. Drawing on her background from senior corporate leadership, art, design and person-centred counselling, Carole now works with clients across the Northeast to create homes that function beautifully, feel deeply personal and support the next chapter of their lives. Her own 1920s semi remains both family sanctuary and living, breathing proof of what happens when a home is designed properly: “It has changed our lives,” she says. “It gives each of us space to grow and move seamlessly into whatever comes next.”

The open plan living, dining and kitchen area is the social hub of the house, multifunctional and able to move from relaxed family evenings to full blown parties. There is even space for the DJ decks

carolecrowe.co.uk

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LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Pure romance We’re completely swooning over Dahlia by Alena Leena. Delicate Chantilly lace and beautifully sculpted lines give this gown an effortless elegance. The strapless bodice feels clean and modern, while the soft A-line skirt drapes into a sweeping train that’s pure romance. Finished with a lace-edged veil, it’s one of those dresses that feels timeless, understated, and quietly breathtaking. Exclusively at Marrime Bridalwear Photography: Adam Watson Model: Felicity Rose marrime.com

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JAN/FEB26

hitched

PROMOTION

Get at Hardwick Hall In the heart of the County Durham countryside lies a luxurious venue which provides exquisite wedding options to suit every taste Hardwick Hall Hotel is one of the North East’s most popular wedding venues - not only because four-star service and quality are guaranteed, but because it offers an unbeatable selection of stunning locations, settings and styles. So, whether your wedding is set to be large or intimate, lavish or low key, Hardwick Hall Hotel is the perfect location - with special packages announced for 2026. The hall itself is renowned for its wedding and event facilities which can accommodate up to 400 guests for large-scale functions, with smaller spaces and suites for more intimate affairs. The hotel’s Floral Chapel, with its flowerfilled, French-inspired décor, is a charming setting for up to 80 day and 120 evening guests, the Boyne Suite – the original dining room of the 1435 Manor house – offers a traditional, yet stylish, setting for up to 40 guests. For those looking for traditional, high end elegance, the versatile Coleman Suite - which can hold up to 400 guests -

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is the last word in glamour. With six, glittering, Swiss chandeliers this wow factor setting has unlimited space for dancing and celebrating and can offer endless layout and styling options. And, for couples tying the knot between April and September, there is an extra option; the hotel’s spectacular Lakeside Marquee. The sailcloth marquee is surrounded by breath-taking views of the lake and grounds, and can hold up to 170 guests, lending itself to everything from formal wedding breakfasts to a more relaxed and informal celebration. A private garden enables guests to mingle outside and enjoy al fresco summer drinks, while fire pits and fairy lights mean they can stay outside in warmth and comfort long after the sun sets over the lake. The marquee is also a popular choice for other family celebrations – such as birthday or anniversary parties – with the hotel’s events team creating bespoke arrangements so no two events are the same.

Also outside and overlooking the lake is the utterly charming Tuscan Alcove a beautiful setting for the exchange of vows against a classical backdrop, before continuing celebrations in the Floral Chapel, Boyne Suite, Lakeside Marquee, or Coleman Suite. The 53-bedroom hotel also invites bridal couples to spend their wedding night in its Celebration Suite; a deluxe master bedroom with an ornate en-suite bathroom, two additional bedrooms sharing a bathroom, lounge and rooftop terrace garden with private hot tub. Wedding parties can enjoy exclusive hire from £30k and the hotel has introduced a special package; Get Hitched in 2026 for £2,026, available on selected dates in 2026.

The package, for up to 45 guests, includes a civil ceremony, reception room hire, a drinks reception a two-course buffet. A Master of Ceremonies will guide proceedings, while chair covers and sashes are also included, along with an evening buffet, resident disco and DJ. And, as the sun sets on their big day, the happy couple can retire to the hotel’s luxurious premier suite. Complimentary civil ceremony hire for any midweek weddings that book a 2026 package is also available and translates into a saving of £1000 (not applicable with the above offer). So, whatever your dream, it can become a reality at Hardwick Hall Hotel. hardwickhallhotelweddings.co.uk

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BUYS FOR THE BRIDE Dr. Barbara Sturm Bride-to-be Skin Set £570, en.drsturm.com

Wolf & Badger Classic Laines Slippers £49, wolfandbadger.com

Rosantica Holli Osiris Faux Pearl-embellished Top Handle Bag £1,050, harveynichols.com Aspinal of London Heart Ring Box £71, aspinaloflondon.com

Aquazzura Deneuve Bow Heeled Pumps £645, flannels.com

edit

Bridal

Pretty pieces for the final reparations…

Laura Mercier Real Flawless Weightless Perfecting Foundation £40, johnlewis.com

Abbott Lyon T-bar Pearl Bracelet £49, abbottlyon.com

Nadine Merabi Cindy Embellished Woven Mini Dress £345, selfridges.com Simone Rocha Micro Egg Pearlescent Crossbody Acrylic Bag £475, selfridges.com Prada Women’s Heeled Sandals £910, flannels.com

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Creed Love In White £265, creedfragrances.co.uk

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romance Modern

GORGEOUS GOWNS Mondello A modern off the shoulder bridal mini £499, wed2b.com

Effortlessly elegant wedding gowns from Wed2b, captured in timeless silhouettes and delicate details – designed for brides seeking confidence, beauty and contemporary romance Juliette A lace blusher veil £179.99, wed2b.com

Santal A crepe sheath with detachable overskirt £899, wed2b.com

Deia a glitter and lace A-line with square neckline £999, wed2b.com

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51

CLASS ACT

love

REAL WEDDING:

Lessons in A celebration steeped in Northumberland charm, Claire and Dan’s August wedding blended rustic romance with personal touches and heartstealing joy THE COUPLE…

Teachers Dan Ball (33) and Claire Ellenger (32) live in Cullercoats, just steps from the shoreline they adore, sharing their cosy coastal home with their beloved cats, Billy and Toast.

THE DATE…

Saturday 9 August 2025

THE PROPOSAL…

Their engagement unfolded during a romantic winter escape to Northumberland, a place woven deeply into their story. While walking along the windswept sands just south of Craster between Christmas and New Year 2024, Dan dropped to one knee. Claire’s enthusiastic ‘yes’ came with such speed she barely gave herself time to pull off her glove before admiring the ring. By the very next morning, the newly engaged couple were already touring potential venues, visiting Doxford Barns, just down the road.

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THE VENUE…

They instantly fell for the rustic beauty of Doxford Barns - their ‘home from home’ in the heart of Northumberland. Having both spent childhood holidays and countless romantic getaways in the region, it felt only natural to marry there. When they discovered a rare Saturday-in-August cancellation, they seized the moment and booked it on the spot, never once looking back.

THE BRIDE WORE…

Claire wore Evie by Ellis Bridal - the very first gown she tried on at You Are Precious in Newcastle. The sleek ivory satin crepe, paired with delicate pearl embellishment, stole her heart instantly. She styled it with Lipsy heels, later swapping into white Birkenstocks to dance the night away and wander down to the beach.

THE GROOM WORE…

Dan also found ‘the one’ at first fitting: a dark-green flecked three-piece suit from

Slaters in Newcastle. He paired it with an oyster-toned tie that complemented the bridesmaids’ dresses, and smart tan shoes.

David Attenborough would have approved of their adventure.

THE CAKE…

SPECIAL DETAILS…

Their photographer, Lee Scullion, brought incomparable energy and artistry, capturing their day with sincerity and flair; the couple now cherish a gallery of images they’ll treasure forever. They also loved the beautiful shots by bridesmaid Elysia Fryer, as well as the cinematic storytelling by videographer Barney at SP Wedding Films. A dream team, they called it!

THE HONEYMOON…

They instantly fell for the rustic beauty of Doxford Barns — their ‘home from home’ in the heart of Northumberland

Poppy Elcoate crafted not one, but two, cakes - a wedding showstopper and a garden-party bake for the following day. The three-tiered centrepiece combined chocolate, vanilla and Biscoff layers: a real crowd-pleaser.

As a primary school teacher, Claire couldn’t resist involving her pupils; each guest found their place card handwritten with marriage advice from her class, sparking laughter and conversation throughout the wedding breakfast. Phil Davids and the Good Time Band ensured the party never paused, with live music well into the night - culminating, naturally, in a husband-and-wife ‘mandatory worm’ on the dance floor!

THE PHOTOGRAPHER…

Immediately after the celebrations, the newlyweds jetted to Canada’s wild west coast. Their road trip around Vancouver Island - bookended by vibrant stops in Vancouver and Seattle - overflowed with wildlife encounters and breathtaking landscapes. They returned feeling that even

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PROMOTION

The best wedding venue

barn none

If one venue could be said to hold a special pace in the hearts of North East bridal couples it is undoubtedly Ramside Hall Hotel

With versatile wedding spaces, luxury accommodation and on-site beauty and hair experts, Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa has long been the go-to destination for couples. And now the four-star County Durham hotel has widened its appeal even further with a new, timber, barn marquee for weddings with a rustic feel. With a canvas roof, festoon lighting and roll up sides which lead to landscaped gardens, it can seat 160 guests at round tables or 200 more informally. Along with its own bar, it has a dedicated barbecue area – with the hotel chefs creating a special menu – as well as a pizza van which can be utilised by guests.

Fully heated and with a stone floor, it has been decorated with large floral chandeliers, along with a wall of greenery which provides the perfect backdrop for photographs. And it’s just the latest addition to a range of wedding suites and settings, catering for celebration of all styles and sizes. These include Ramside’s sought after Treehouses, which are hidden within woodland and are perfect for intimate weddings with close friends and family. Raised on stilts among the trees, they boast a range of luxuries, from saunas and hot tubs to spectacular, free-standing, copper baths. And the three-bedroom Dove Treehouse, which has been created specifically for weddings, is the last word in leafy luxury. Within the hotel, The Bishops Suite can accommodate large numbers, while the spacious and versatile Ballroom, with its own private reception area, can cater for up to 160 for a wedding breakfast. And, for those looking for smaller, more intimate weddings or celebrations, the Fountain Room offers garden views and plenty of natural light. Along with the chance to tie the knot in a stunning, natural setting, bridal couples and their guests can opt to extend their time at Ramside with an overnight stay in the hotel’s

luxurious suites, bedrooms and treehouses. And the hotel recently unveiled a new, multi-million pound golf development with an entertainment centre which offers a bowling alley and golf driving range, perfect for night before – or day after – fun. The Spa – which is currently celebrating its

ramsidehallhotel

JAN/FEB26

| YHPARGOTOHP PIHC ETALOCOHC

www.ramsidehallhotel.co.uk |

RAMSIDE HALL HOTEL, GOLF & SPA, DURHAM, DH1 1TD

ramsidehallhotel.co.uk

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Escape the ORDINARY

10th anniversary – not only offers a range of relaxation rooms, pools and treatment rooms but its on-site beauty experts and hairdressers can ensure the bridal party look their very best on the big day. Situated just 400 yards off the A1, yet surrounded by landscaped grounds and woodland, Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa – close to both Durham and Newcastle - is also conveniently placed for anyone travelling by rail or air. So, with so many settings to choose from and with everything the wedding party could possibly need available on-site, it is no wonder so many couples see this as their dream destination.

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wonder WEDDED WANDERLUST

World of

From Arctic hideaways to urban design dens, 2026 is shaping up to be a standout year for stylish escapes — and unforgettable honeymoons. Luxe rounds up the most exciting new hotel openings around the globe: beautifully designed retreats made for just-married journeys, intimate moments and once-in-a-lifetime trips

Gran Hotel Margalida OPENING MAY 2026 Annua Signature Hotels expands its Balearic footprint with Gran Hotel Margalida, a serene new hideaway in the coastal village of Banyalbufar. Set within a lovingly restored Mallorcan finca on Calle Major, the hotel blends Mediterranean ease with thoughtful modern design by local studio ClapésPizá and Madrid-based Virginia Nieto. With only 29 ocean-facing rooms, it’s an intimate escape complete with a holistic spa, gym, relaxed lounges, and an infinity pool that seems to melt into the horizon. Dining is a highlight: three restaurants (two alfresco), an oyster and French-style seafood bar, and a chic pool bar inspired by classic Mediterranean beach clubs. Perfect for travellers seeking privacy, sustainability and design-led calm, the property joins sister hotels Son Xotano Mallorca, Cesar Lanzarote, Amagatay and Morvedra Nou. granhotelmargalida.com

PUBLIC West Hollywood OPENING SPRING 2026 Ian Schrager returns to LA with PUBLIC West Hollywood, bringing his ‘luxury for all’ ethos to the Sunset Strip. The 137-room hotel occupies a landmark building re-envisioned by Schrager alongside architect John Pawson. Expect an easygoing mix of style and energy: a vibrant lobby hub, a pool scene, and three food, drink and entertainment spaces. The showstopper will be the vast, greenerywrapped rooftop terrace – 16,000 square feet of open-air glamour with sweeping 360-degree views across the city. Designed around PUBLIC’s pillars of great service, style, entertainment, and experience, this is Schrager’s West Coast comeback moment. Reservations open early January 2026. publichotels.com/westhollywood

Delano Miami Beach

The Zetter Bloomsbury

OPENING EARLY 2026 The iconic Delano returns to Miami Beach with a refreshed look that pays homage to its Art Deco soul. In the heart of South Beach, the hotel is being reimagined with world-class programming and a design narrative that blends its storied past with a polished new elegance. Guests will step into a dreamlike world of terrazzo floors, airy white columns and surrealist touches – including the famed Delano Pool. The 171 guestrooms and suites, including bungalow and penthouse options, feature a soft, sculptural aesthetic with sweeping views of the Miami skyline or the Atlantic. A revived ‘Apple a Day’ ritual returns with a whimsical twist via a handcrafted apple-shaped glass vessel filled with treats. A state-of-the-art wellness studio and four new culinary and cocktail concepts – including a reimagined Rose Bar – round off the experience. delanohotels.com/miami-beach

OPENING EARLY 2026 The Zetter Group brings its warm, characterful approach to one of London’s most storied quarters with The Zetter Bloomsbury. Spread across six Georgian townhouses opposite the British Museum, the 68-room hotel channels the creative

Skyra Retreat OPENED DECEMBER 2025 Skýra Retreat brings a fresh, quietly luxurious take on the Arctic escape to Finnish Lapland – just 20 minutes from Rovaniemi Airport, yet blissfully remote. Tucked between the glassy Lake Norvajärvi and ancient forests, it feels wonderfully removed from the everyday. At its heart is the Old Schoolhouse, a 1950s landmark reimagined as a warm, modern-day gathering spot with a full-service restaurant. Think table-served breakfast, afternoon pullakahvit (coffee and pastries), and Nordic-forward à la carte dining. Founder Susanne Hulbekkmo, architect Enni Hukka with Johannes Jutila of UKI Arkkitehdit, and interior designer Marjo Saarinen have crafted spaces that blend heritage character with stylish, tactile minimalism. The 15 suites – including the striking Grande Suite, log-clad suites, nostalgic Teacher’s Chambers, and a standalone lakeside villa – channel Lapland’s quiet beauty and sense

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spirit of the neighbourhood with interiors by James Thurstan Waterworth. Expect antique accents, vintage lighting and richly layered textiles that feel both refined and delightfully lived-in. Rooms range from snug Cosy Rooms to the indulgent Grand Terrace Suite with its four-poster bed, claw-foot bath and private garden terrace. Downstairs, The Parlour offers a serene spot for light bites and cocktails, while The Orangery opens onto a landscaped garden for breakfast, aperitifs and summery small plates – complete with a seasonal barbecue and guest chef residencies. A gym and outdoor yoga terrace bring a little wellbeing into the mix. thezetter.com/bloomsbury

Rosewood Blue Palace, Crete OPENING 2026 Between a charming fishing village and a postcard-worthy port, Rosewood Blue Palace Crete will weave itself into its landscape with thoughtful, culturally rooted design. Its 154 rooms and suites will draw on Crete’s rich heritage, creating an elegant, grounding retreat that feels deeply connected to the island’s rhythms and traditions. rosewoodhotels.com

JW Marriott Mount Kenya, Safari Camp OPENING MAY 2026 Set on the vast 45,000-acre Solio Game Reserve between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare peaks, JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp will offer an elevated take on the classic safari stay. The camp’s 20 luxury tents – each with a private plunge pool – along with several twobedroom suites, are crafted with sustainability in mind, using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems. Guests can explore the landscape through horse-riding safaris, night drives, nature walks and quad biking, and learn about Solio Ranch Conservancy’s renowned rhino breeding and rehabilitation initiatives – with the chance to visit the on-site orphanage. A stay here promises adventure, conservation insight, and a deep connection to Kenya’s wild beauty. marriott.com

of calm. Skýra Retreat also became the first Finnish member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. skyraretreat.com

The Lake Como EDITION OPENING MARCH 2026 Following a preview opening in autumn, The Lake Como EDITION throws open its doors fully in March – ushering EDITION’s sleek, modern sensibility onto one of Italy’s most storied lakeshores. Set within a beautifully restored 19th-century palazzo in Cadenabbia, the hotel offers 148 rooms (25 of them suites, plus two penthouses) and a suite of dining concepts led by Mauro Colagreco in his first Italian project. Expect all the EDITION signatures – energetic lobby bar, floating pool, and glamorous lakefront spaces – with widescreen views across the water to the hills of Bellagio. It’s a contemporary spin on Como romance, rooted in the palazzo’s rich history. editionhotels.com/lake-como

The Standard, Lisbon OPENING 2026 The Standard makes its long-awaited Lisbon debut at Palácio Santa Clara, perched above the winding alleys of Alfama with knockout river views. Built atop the historic College of St. Francis Xavier- once the Royal Navy Hospital – the property is being reimagined by architect Samuel Torres de Carvalho, who balances heritage detailing with bold, forward-thinking design. True to The Standard’s ethos, the hotel will be a cultural hub as much as a place to sleep, with 170 guestrooms, 24 long-stay apartments, and a line-up of food, music and art-led spaces. The ground-floor lobby lounge, pharmacy bar and all-day restaurant set the tone; upstairs, a rooftop bar and terrace promise to become an Alfama favourite. Playful, polished and full of personality – this is Lisbon with The Standard’s signature wink. standardhotels.com

JAN/FEB26

WEDDING PLANNING

Save the

date

A guide to the region’s top wedding showcases this season…

NEWCASTLE REACECOURSE

SWINTON ESTATE

18 JANUARY For couples eager to explore a wide range of ideas under one roof, Newcastle Racecourse hosts The Wedding & Venues Show - one of the region’s most vibrant wedding showcases. From elegant décor inspiration and bridal fashion to expert planners and premium venue options, it’s an essential stop for anyone beginning (or refining) their big-day vision. Expect friendly experts, plenty of creative spark and a relaxed atmosphere designed to make planning feel exciting, not overwhelming. weddingfairsnortheast.com

18 JANUARY If a romantic Yorkshire estate is on your vision board, Swinton Estate’s Wedding Open Day is the perfect chance to see it in all its splendour. Set across 20,000 acres of sweeping parkland, lakes and woodland, this stately venue opens its doors for a day of inspiration, offering couples the opportunity to explore stunning ceremony spaces, beautifully dressed reception rooms and luxury accommodation. Meet the wedding team, chat to suppliers and imagine your celebration unfolding. swintonestate.com

The Wedding & Venues Show

WYNYARD HALL

Wedding Open Evening 21 & 25 JANUARY Love is firmly in the air at Wynyard Hall this January, as one of the North East’s most breathtaking wedding venues invites couples to explore its elegant 18th-century estate. Set within 400 acres of private parkland - complete with serene lake views, landscaped gardens and a romantic 12th-century chapel - Wynyard Hall offers a rare glimpse of how your dream day could look, fully styled and dressed for the occasion. Whether you're newly engaged or finally ready to begin planning, the Open Evenings offer time and space to wander the magnificent State Rooms, picture-perfect reception spaces and luxurious accommodation. A curated selection of trusted suppliers will be on hand to inspire, while Wynyard’s expert wedding team will be available to answer questions in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. More than just a wedding fair, this is an opportunity to experience the venue exactly as your guests would - and to imagine your own celebration unfolding in one unforgettable location. wynyardhall.co.uk

ST JAMES’ PARK

BEAMISH HALL HOTEL

1 FEBRUARY For couples looking for cutting-edge inspiration, St James’ Park transforms into a wedding wonderland for The Big Newcastle Wedding Show. Featuring over 75 of the North East’s most innovative suppliers— from designer gowns and bespoke stationery to luxury cakes and the newest venue options—this is the ultimate one-stop destination for modern wedding ideas. Enjoy a catwalk showcasing the latest bridal fashion, try your luck with Bridal BINGO for prizes up to £1,000, and collect a free VIP goodie bag worth over £30. With all-day entertainment, exclusive on-the-day offers, and complimentary copies of Bridal Style magazine, the event promises a fun, stylish, and stress-free start to your wedding planning journey. bellebridalmagazine.com/wedding-show

8 FEBRUARY Step inside the enchanting grounds of Beamish Hall Hotel for an unforgettable Wedding Fair this February. Set within a historic country house hotel in County Durham, this elegant event brings together the region’s finest wedding suppliers against the backdrop of breathtaking suites and gardens, including the Monboucher Suite, Winter Gardens and Shafto Hall. Meet local experts, discover creative décor, sample street food and cocktails, and soak up inspiration for your big day—all in a relaxed, stylish atmosphere. VIP ticket holders enjoy a glass of prosecco and exclusive planning extras, while all visitors benefit from free parking and the chance to explore one of the North East’s most romantic wedding settings. beamish-hall.co.uk

The Big Newcastle Wedding Show

Wedding Open Day

GRAND VILLA HEIGHTS & SOLARA SHORES

Wedding Show

8 FEBRUARY For couples dreaming of a wedding with wow-factor views, Grand Villa Heights & Solara Shores offers something truly spectacular. High above Yorkshire’s dramatic sea cliffs, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Robin Hood’s Bay and the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, this striking dual-site venue blends contemporary glamour with stunning natural scenery. Join award-winning Loved Up North and a selection of wedding creatives for a day of inspiration — from boutique fashion and bespoke décor to photography, entertainment and planning expertise. grand-villa-heights.com

Wedding Fair

THE CROFT

LARTINGTON HALL

15 FEBRUARY In the charming village of Croft-on-Tees, The Croft invites couples to step inside its enchanting Grade-II-listed walls for a truly magical Wedding Show this February. This beautifully curated event showcases 25+ hand-picked local suppliers in an intimate, stylish setting. Wander through the venue’s botanical Garden Chapel — with its dramatic antique doors, floor-to-ceiling mirrors and lush willow trees — and discover creative ideas for ceremonies, receptions and celebrations, from floral artistry and bespoke décor to photography and cakes. croft-hotel.com

22 MARCH Set between North Yorkshire and County Durham, the majestic Lartington Hall opens its doors for a Wedding Show that celebrates timeless elegance and historic charm. This stunning venue — an enchanting estate of grand architecture, exquisite interiors and picturesque gardens — provides the perfect backdrop for couples seeking classic romance with modern inspiration. Explore the house’s richly detailed spaces, meet local suppliers and enjoy live music, cocktails and a wedding planning panel designed to help you tick off every detail with ease. lartington-hall.com

Wedding Show

Wedding Show

RADIANT LUXURY EXCLUSIVELY YOURS Lit by boundless skies and nestled in 300 acres of sweeping Northumbrian countryside, our estate is radiant with warm heritage and quiet luxury, the perfect match for a wedding like no other. Wreathed in grandeur and glowing with 5 star opulence, our Grade II listed hall sets the scene for the next chapter of your love story. With exclusive use available and a team dedicated to every, personalised detail - make it yours for a wedding that’s just for you, heart and soul.

Contact us on 01661 886 500 or email info@matfenhall.com MATFEN HALL, MATFEN, NORTHUMBERLAND, NE20 0RH

DISCOVER MORE

LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Honeymoon bliss Drift off into dreams of golden light, Lake Como romance, and the promise of sunnier days just around the corner. The Hospitality Collection - Passalacqua: A Love Letter to Lake Como, £100. eu.assouline.com

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JAN/FEB26

I do

PROMOTION

Say at a unique county durham venue On the outskirts of Durham in the village of Bowburn sits a charming country house hotel – where weddings really are a family affair and a new treat is in store for 2026 Bowburn Hall Hotel is an historic gem, set in acres of landscaped gardens and the perfect backdrop for anyone wanting to say “I do.” And to make the celebration even more special the hotel only offers one wedding a day and provides everything needed to ensure even the youngest guest has the very best time. With a ballroom which can host around 160 guests for a wedding breakfast and up to 250 evening guests, it is no wonder Bowburn Hall is so many couple’s first choice. Its stunning landscaped gardens – complete with its ornate pergola – are ideal during the summer months for an outdoors ceremony, where again up to 160 guests can be seated. A play area allows younger guests to be entertained throughout the day, while the surroundings provide the perfect backdrop for the wedding images.

JAN/FEB26

And the hotel is set to be more appealing to couples than ever thanks to its new Cottage Suite, which is now available for bookings for the night before wedding ceremonies. The former staff accommodation block – which will open in April - is currently undergoing a transformation costing more than £100,000 and when complete will sleep up to eight people. The cottage includes a large dressing area with make-up and hair stations, state-of-theart bathrooms with rainfall showers and copper baths, three bedrooms and a stylish living area with a fold out sofa bed. And it will also have a private courtyard with an outdoor sauna, hot tub, barbeque and fire pits – in short, everything needed to prepare the bridal party for the big day. There is also the option to go all out and have exclusive use of the hotel, with a

special package which also includes 20 stylish bedrooms and Bowburn’s five garden lodges. Exclusive use comes with a range of other options such as light up letters, centre pieces, gift and card table in the wedding theme colours and the use of a magic mirror. An arrival drink or cocktail, canapes and a three-course dinner with two glasses of wine per person for a minimum of 80 day time guests is also part of the deal, with an evening buffet and disco for 120 people at night. Along with exclusive use, the hotel offers a range of other wedding options, based on 60 day time guests and 120 evening attendees. The gold package includes a choice of arrival drink, glass of house wine with the three course meal, a glass of Prosecco for the

toast, an evening buffet and disco and a complimentary night in the bridal suite for the couple. The diamond package has the same options along with light up letters, centrepieces, gift and card table, magic mirror and canapes served with the arrival drink. The hotel prides itself on its food and drink offerings and is able to create bespoke menus to fit in with the style of the wedding. It offers everything from traditional seated wedding breakfasts to afternoon teas or more informal options, such as barbecues, garden picnics or hog roasts. So, for a unique wedding in a beautiful country house setting, with every need catered to, why not explore the magic of Bowburn Hall Hotel? bowburnhallhotel.co.uk

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ENCHANTING TALES

Made of magic Elysia Fryer catches up with the Duchess of Northumberland to explore Amanita — her enchanting debut children’s novel inspired by Lilidorei, the magical play village she designed at The Alnwick Garden Sitting down with the Duchess of Northumberland to talk about Amanita – her debut children’s book – brings a warmth that feels like stepping into a fireside story, and an unmistakable child-like wonder that bubbles up with every mention of wings, goblins or mushrooms. What unfolds is a conversation filled with joy, magic and the kind of imagination that makes you want to believe in everything again. Amanita is the first novel in The Legends of Lilidorei, the literary evolution of the extraordinary play village she created at The Alnwick Garden. If you’ve visited Lilidorei, you’ll know it’s unlike anywhere else – a place that’s both immersive and mysterious, where enormous mushrooms breathe softly, and where a sense of story clings to every path and tree. Now, through her book, the Duchess has brought its characters fully to life. “Amanita is about a girl who lives in the human world, but she doesn’t belong, she doesn’t fit in,” she begins. “She’s different and is bullied in school. Weird things start happening to her – for instance, pains in her shoulders and wings developing. A squirrel, who is head of the intelligence unit for the king at Lilidorei, comes and gets her and says, ‘I’m taking you home’.” There’s a sparkle in her voice as she tells it – as though she’s delivering the story to a wide-eyed audience at storytime. Amanita, like Lilidorei itself, is meant to stir imagination, to remind children (and adults!) that anything might be possible if they choose to believe it is. “She thinks she has nothing to lose, leaves

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a note for her parents and goes with the squirrel,” she continues. “When she goes through the gates to Lilidorei, she changes – her wings start growing and this new world comes to life. “Everything in the book is based on what I designed in Lilidorei at The Alnwick Garden, so you can actually come along and see the story brought to life. The deeper story is that she suddenly has a sense of belonging. Instead of being a timid girl, she develops these incredible powers.” Belonging, she tells me, is one of the main themes she carries through the stories and experiences. It’s embedded in the architecture of the play village, in the world-building of the novel, and in her hopes for the children reading it. Lilidorei, with its soaring structure – the largest play structure in the world – is already astonishingly atmospheric. But the Duchess insists that the mushrooms, towering six or seven feet high, are the true heart of its magic. “The mushrooms in Lilidorei are so important. All of the magic is created by them,” she says. “At the site in Alnwick you can hear the mushrooms breathing. They’re six or seven feet tall. It’s truly magical.” Magic, it seems, is her native language. Alongside the novel, she has released a companion volume: An Illustrated Guide to Lilidorei. It’s a visual show-around of the clans, creatures and mysterious corners of this fantasy land. “It shows you all of the characters – who they are, what they look like – all kinds of different fairies, goblins, hobgoblins, and beetles.” When I ask what prompted her to move from

the physical world of Lilidorei into publishing, she says: “Oh, it’s just the beginning – I’m now looking at animation, character development, other books, possible films, building more Lilidorei’s further afield, and talking to other countries about growing Lilidorei. Why? Because we know it works. Lilidorei was built, specifically, to get children to put their phones back in their pocket. Everything I did was to encourage engagement and bring back the magic! “To do that, you have to shock them, to wow them and keep them engaged,” she explains. “So there’s things hidden in the trees everywhere you turn, telling the story of Lilidorei. It’s about encouraging children to use their imagination.” I ask where all these characters came from – whether she created them for the book or whether they already existed when the physical village was being built. “It was all in my head. I worked with really good people who pulled everything from my

head, asking questions like: ‘what would a goblin look like?’. It was all there, but it had to come out. Seeing them being illustrated is incredible – my illustrator just completely got it, and understood the brief wonderfully.” The Duchess’s imagination, it turns out, has been refining itself since childhood: “I remember being really cross when I was told categorically that the Lochness Monster didn’t exist,” she says. “I thought, ‘how dare you say that… how dare you go and ruin something like that’! I really think that magic is what you make of it. Anything should be possible.” In Amanita, possibility becomes power – the sort that transforms a timid girl into a heroine. And at its core is nature, something the Duchess is extremely passionate about. “Magic is everywhere,” she says. “This magic is based in nature – this is all because of the mushrooms. In the real world, we wouldn’t be here together if it wasn’t for mushrooms. They are the saviour of the planet. And, for me, it’s all about the mushrooms of Lilidorei.” Of course, imagination alone doesn’t build a world-class play village. At one point, she had to convince teams of North East builders – usually constructing hospitals and schools – that goblins had their own logic. “What was tricky with the build was when I was having to say to builders, ‘no, that’s not right, because a goblin wouldn’t do that!’,” she laughs. “The builders are thinking, ‘wow, we’ve got a real fruitpick here!’. But that was really important to me. I wanted to get it right and needed everything to be as detailed as possible.” It’s this commitment to detail that makes Lilidorei – and now its literary sidekick – feel so complete. A world that exists first in imagination, but then physically, before your eyes. As we talk about how she unwinds from such all-consuming creativity, the Duchess lights up again – this time at the mention of her enormous dog. “I have an enormous dog called Mario – he’s an Italian Spinone,” she says. “I get on an electric bike and I cycle for about 12 miles every day with him, because he needs the exercise! He leaps over the gates like a horse, and still has bundles of energy!” I leave our chat feeling inspired and uplifted – as though I’ve stepped briefly into Lilidorei myself, without having stepped through the gates. I guess that’s her storytelling ability working its magic. lilidoreialnwick.co.uk

It’s just the beginning — I’m now looking at animation, character development, other books, possible films, building more Lilidorei’s further afield, and talking to other countries about growing Lilidorei

JAN/FEB26

BIG LOVE

LITTLE MOMENTS

with Nadia McSheffrey The language of love: how to speak your child’s unique dialect

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, shops are filled with red roses, heart-shaped chocolates and teddy bears declaring “I love you.” It’s a season that nudges us to think about romance, but what about the love we show our children? Beyond cards and flowers, the ways we express love at home can shape not just how connected our children feel, but how resilient and secure they grow up to be

Not long ago, I asked my 12-year-old son what makes him feel most cared for. He didn’t mention the birthday gifts he had just received. Instead, he talked about the little moments: making his favourite homemade soup, laughing together in the car, a ‘scratch-back’ (as he calls it) or when I quietly fixed the strap on his ski boots before his club. He’s an easygoing, friendly and wonderfully independent boy. And over time, I’ve learned what truly lights him up: shared moments together, little thoughtful gestures and reassuring closeness. When I slow down and really connect with him, I can literally see the change. His shoulders soften, his mood lifts and he seems to stand a little taller. That’s the thing about us humans: love isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Each child has their own ‘love language,’ their own way of feeling seen, valued and secure. Each sibling in the same family needs different things. When we learn to recognise their style of connection and speak it fluently, it deepens the relationship and helps them grow more confident and resilient. The idea of ‘love languages’ comes from Dr Gary Chapman’s bestselling book, later adapted for children with Ross Campbell. The concept is simple but profound: while we all need love, the way we most strongly feel it, differs. For children, those five languages are words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service and physical touch. In my work with families and schools, I see the impact of this every day. When children feel loved in a way that resonates with them, they feel safe. And as neuroscience teaches us, a safe nervous system is a regulated one, which means calmer emotions, stronger resilience and more capacity to learn. As Dr Dan Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson explain, children thrive when they feel seen, soothed, safe and secure. Love languages are a practical way to offer just that. So, as the high street overflows with glittery cards and cuddly bears, it’s worth pausing to think: how do our children most clearly feel our love? For some, words carry the greatest weight. A simple “I love how carefully you built that” or “I noticed how kind you were with your friend” can light them up more than any card or Valentine’s message ever could. These words matter most when they’re sincere and specific. Children quickly pick up on empty praise and too much of it

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can make them doubt rather than trust. But when we notice effort, character or courage, rather than just the result, our words become anchors of encouragement. For others, it’s all about time. A ten-minute board game, a bedtime chat or a quiet car journey can be the moments they treasure most. What matters is presence, not perfection. A few minutes of genuine attention is far more powerful than an afternoon together with half your focus on scrolling or emails. And if Valentine’s Day is about showing undivided attention to a partner, why not extend that same principle to our children? Then there are those who feel loved through gifts, not in the materialistic sense, but through the thoughtfulness behind them. A daisy chain left on their pillow, a favourite

snack picked up on the way home or a keyring from a work trip. These tokens say: “I thought of you.” The key is keeping it meaningful, not excessive. Just as Valentine’s gifts are about the thought rather than the price tag, children learn that it’s the intention behind the gift that matters most. Some children feel cared for when we step in with acts of service. Helping with homework, mending a broken toy with them or running a bubble bath when they’re exhausted might sound like small things, but to them, they’re powerful demonstrations of love. My son often feels most cared for when I show up on the sidelines or take the time to listen to a new song he has discovered. These gestures echo the sentiment behind preparing a partner’s favourite meal on Valentine’s Day: it’s not about the task itself, but the message of “I’m here for you.” Finally, there’s the language of touch. From babyhood, physical closeness is a primal comfort. For some children, it remains their deepest source of reassurance. Cuddles at bedtime, holding hands on the walk to school or even just a high-five can restore a sense of safety and belonging. And just as romantic relationships often thrive on small gestures of physical affection, so too do children feel reassured by ageappropriate touch that communicates safety and warmth. Parents often ask whether they should focus

only on their child’s primary love language, but in truth, children need a blend. Think of it like nutrition: while they may have favourites, a variety supports the healthiest growth. The danger comes in over-indulging. A child whose love language is gifts doesn’t need constant presents. A child who thrives on quality time still benefits from learning independence and boredom tolerance. Our role isn’t to meet every need instantly but to show our children that feelings are manageable, relationships are safe and love is steady. The beauty of love languages is that they train us to notice, really notice, our children as individuals. They invite us to look closer, to pay attention to the small signals that tell us when they feel most connected. Whether it’s a word of encouragement, a few minutes together over hot chocolate, a stick picked up on the walk home or a quiet hand on the shoulder before a big exam, these are the threads that weave strong, secure bonds. So, this Valentine’s season, perhaps the most lasting gift we can offer is learning to speak our child’s dialect of love. Sparkly cards fade and roses wilt, but the experience of being deeply understood by a parent becomes part of a child’s foundation for life. For more guidance, please follow me on Instagram or Facebook - @tranquiltreehouse – or message me, to book private sessions. thetranquiltreehouse.com

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LOVE NOTES

LUXE MAMA

with Elysia Fryer Little people, big plans. We’re wrapping up warm and filling our diaries with things we love the winter...

Heart & home After the sparkle and chaos of Christmas, it feels good to exhale, slow things down and settle into winter properly. The mornings are frosty, the afternoons still short, and our diaries – thankfully – feel a little lighter. It’s the perfect time to cosy up, reset and find small, lovely moments with our little ones while we wait for spring to peek through. In our house, this time of year is all about bundling up and getting back outside – even if it’s just for a brisk walk followed by hot chocolates all round. With the cold sticking around, we’ve pulled together a

‘Winter Warmers’ edit filled with the snuggliest coats, splash suits and soft-as-cloud mittens to keep your minis toasty on even the chilliest days. You might even be jetting off on a ski trip – in which case, we’ve got you covered! And because February brings its own kind of magic, we’re sharing some sweet ‘Loved Up Adventures’ – simple, heart-happy outings perfect for celebrating love in all its forms. Think cosy baking sessions, pottery painting afternoons, and starry-nights that make for the cutest little Valentine’s dates with your favourite tiny people. Here’s to slow winter days, warm layers and love-filled family moments. Elysia, George & Nora x

Winter warmers

Bundle them up for chilly days or snowy getaways with these snug seasonal staples… Barts Girls’ Dahlia Beanie, Lilac £22.99, fenwick.co.uk Bolle Inuk Kids Ski Goggles, Pink & Blue Matte 3-6 yrs £30, littleskiers.co.uk

Moon Boot Grey Park Zip High Boots £130, childrensalon.com

Roarsome Yellow Cub The Lion Ski Jacket £110, childrensalon.com

Smartwool Kids Ski Light Cushion OTC Socks £19, snowandrock.com Reima Reach Kids Snowsuit, Blue Ocean £159.50, littleskiers.co.uk

Valentine’s outings for memory-making moments with your mini Valentines… Matilda The Musical, Sunderland Empire 11 - 28 FEBRUARY

There’s something wonderfully magical about going to the theatre – the twinkly lights, the suspense of the curtain lifting, and the shared excitement of watching a story unfold on stage. There’s no better February family date than an evening at the Sunderland Empire to catch Matilda The Musical. It’s mischievous, heart-warming and full of that brave-little-hero energy we all want our kids to soak up. If your little ones love a musical moment, this is a real Valentine’s treat. Plus, it’s a brilliant reminder that love – whether it’s friendship, family, or simply finding your voice – really does conquer all. atgtickets.com

Valentine’s Baking, Pink Lane Bakery 15 FEBRUARY

If your idea of a perfect Valentine’s celebration involves something warm out of the oven, a dusting of flour on your jumper and a helper by your side, this one is for you. Pink Lane Bakery is hosting a special Valentine’s Baking session – and instead of being couple-y, it’s actually the sweetest ‘bigger kid date’ you could imagine. Y ou’ll work together to whisk, mix and bake your way through a selection of seasonal treats, with lots of guidance from the lovely bakery team. It’s relaxed, it’s hands-on, and it’s ideal for those who love being in the kitchen. pinklanebakery.co.uk

Little Monks Cookery Club 17 FEBRUARY

Boden Cosy Puffer Jacket, Alaskan Blue Patchwork £55, boden.com Polarn O. Pyret Waterproof Padded Jacket SNOWY £100, polarnopyret.com

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Loved up adventures

Calling all tiny foodies! Little Monks Cookery Club is a proper hands-on adventure where children get to chop, stir, sizzle and taste their way through a full day of cooking. Kids aged 7-10 are guided by friendly chefs who make everything feel accessible and exciting. They’ll learn to prep fresh fruit and veg, create brilliant little snacks, and cook their own lunch – usually a kid-approved hero like pizza, burgers or pasta, with wholesome twists added in. It’s independence-building, creativity-boosting and just messy enough to feel like a proper adventure. Meanwhile, parents can sneak off for a peaceful lunch in the main restaurant – which feels like its own romantic little February win. blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk

Space Kids - Searching for Stars 15 FEBRUARY

If you’re looking for a Valentine’s outing that feels truly magical, Kielder Observatory ticks every box. Searching for Stars is designed for young astronomers aged 6-12, starting with

a friendly, accessible introduction to the wonders above us – planets, constellations, and more. Then it’s time to explore the observatory itself: the giant telescopes, real space rocks and the chance to ask astronomers absolutely anything. A cosy, educational and incredibly memorable evening beneath the stars – the kind of adventure kids store in their ‘forever memories’. kielderobservatory.org

Pottery Painting at Inspired Pots in Hexham THROUGHOUT JANUARY & FEBRUARY

Pottery painting is a gentle, heart-warming way to spend an afternoon – especially in the chilly months when craving something cosy and creative. Inspired Pots in Hexham is one of those places where time slows down the moment you walk in. Choose from mugs, plates, trinket dishes or little ornaments, then settle in with your little one and enjoy the simple joy of painting something together. You can go classic Valentine’s with hearts and pinks, or simply let tiny imaginations run wild. Either way, it becomes a keepsake filled with memories. inspiredpots.co.uk

Private Pizza Making Class for Kids & Families THROUGHOUT JANUARY & FEBRUARY

This private pizza-making workshop is the most joyful way to spend a winter day with the family. Designed for up to four children and adults, it’s a family date where you’ll make different pizzas and flatbreads, guided step-by-step so even the littlest chefs feel involved. Perfect for siblings, cousins, or a one-on-one parent-child adventure. It’s messy, wholesome, and wonderfully memory-making. A truly feel-good way to spend time with your favourite little people. thepastashopdarlington.co.uk

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BIG NEWS

SCHOOL NOTICEBOARD

Luxe checks in with some local schools on their latest news, achievements and highlights…

Fresh from the press Yarm School claimed top honours as its student-run magazine The Dovecote was awarded the prestigious Harrison Cup at the 2025 Shine School Media Awards Held in the historic surroundings of Stationers’ Hall in London, the event celebrates the very best of student journalism across the UK. Lead Editors Danai Mawoko and Sarah

Abbas, accompanied by English Teacher Miss Antonia Breslin, travelled to the capital to represent Yarm. They joined young creatives from schools nationwide for a day of industry-led

Space Camp success The North East’s important role in the fast-growing UK space industry is reflected by the enthusiasm of the region’s schools to be part of a unique event For the past four years global space giant, Lockheed Martin, has run its Space Camp in Newcastle, giving a selected group of Year 6 and Year 12 pupils the opportunity to meet those working in the space industry and academia, along with giving them a range of hands-on experiences. And this year’s event - held at Northumbria University over October half term - highlighted the interest in possible careers in space among young people, with dozens of schools applying to take part. Young people from schools including Newcastle’s Chopwell Primary, St Mary’s, St Cuthbert’s and Dame Allen Juniors, Sunderland’s Southmoor Academy, Cramlington Learning Village and Morpeth’s Newminster Middle School were just some of the 16 establishments which took part. Year 6 pupils heard from a variety of people who work in the space industry, along with being involved in activities such as making and launching rockets and learning about everything from satellites to the solar system. The Year 12 pupils also took part in a range of challenges including a LEGO Mission to Mars, where they had to cost up, market and build a space vehicle. Ben Shaw, Head of Operations and Capture at Lockheed Martin UK Space, said that

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Space Camp was just one activity that showcases the company’s commitment to help the UK grow its space industry: “Our

workshops and prizegiving. The programme included sessions with media professionals such as BBC broadcaster Kath Melandri and panellists from publishing house Hurst. These

aim is to strengthen the nation’s skills across the full spectrum of space activities, help the UK become a science and technology powerhouse, and bring economic benefits to communities around the country. “The point of Space Camp is to show the North East’s next generation of employees that the space industry needs bright,

sessions challenged students to think critically about bias in journalism, layout design, and the importance of audience engagement in a fast-changing media landscape. The crowning moment of the day came with the announcement of the Harrison Cup; the overall award for the most outstanding school publication across all mediums. The judges praised The Dovecote as “a magazine that ticks so many boxes,” highlighting not only its high-quality publication but also its “outstanding marketing strategy” and “strong branding design.” They commended the students of Yarm School for their “thoroughness and dedication,” noting that these elements elevated the entry into “a class of its own.” Danai Mawoko and Sarah Abbas, lead editors, said: “Working on the fifth edition of The Dovecote was challenging but hugely rewarding. When the Harrison Cup was announced, we honestly didn’t expect to hear Yarm School’s name it felt surreal seeing our picture appear on the screen. “What made the magazine come together wasn’t any one person, but the mix of our different strengths and the support of the whole team. Along the way, we not only produced something we’re proud of, but also built a friendship that started from little more than a passing nod in the corridor. More than anything, we hope The Dovecote continues to show what can be achieved when people bring their different skills and ideas together.” yarmschool.org

creative people. If they love coding, engineering, science, design or problemsolving, then there’s a place for their talents. “This was one of our best Space Camps to date with the young people who took part showing their knowledge and enthusiasm and realising the important role the North East is going to play in the future of the UK space industry.”

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BIG NEWS

Something to celebrate Mowden Hall School has been praised forits meaningful and active learning, enthusiastic pupils and its significantly strong boarding provision, in the latest inspection carried out by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI)

A “significant strength” is awarded only where there is clear evidence of exceptional, sustained impact on pupils’ development and wellbeing. Only around 11% of inspected schools receive such recognition, making this an exceptional achievement. In addition to its recognition for boarding, the report confirmed that Mowden Hall meets all the standards and requirements across its educational quality, safeguarding, welfare, leadership, governance and

pastoral provision. Inspectors emphasised the school’s success in helping pupils develop the skills, confidence and resilience they need to thrive both now and in the future. This is the second major accolade of the term for Mowden, with the Northumberland school also named Independent Prep School of the Year in October at the Independent Schools of the Year 2025 Awards. mowdenhall.org.uk

Pupils benefit from a vibrant boarding culture where “warm camaraderie” is evident and older boarders actively support younger pupils socially and academically

The report confirms full compliance across all standards and awards the school a “significant strength” for its boarding provision; the highest commendation available under the current ISI framework. The inspectors highlighted “the supportive atmosphere in which pupils grow personally, achieve well and feel secure”, and praised the school’s leadership, noting that “leaders and governors set a purposeful direction for the school, shaped by its values and ethos.” Teachers were recognised for creating a learning environment where pupils thrive, with the report noting that staff foster “positive attitudes to learning”, encourage intellectual curiosity, and support pupils in

becoming confident, independent learners. Inspectors also commented on pupils’ excellent behaviour and their ability to collaborate effectively, showing maturity, kindness and respect for others. Boarding was identified as an area of exceptional strength. The report praises the “welcoming, settled atmosphere pupils enjoy,” the structured training and induction of staff, and the strong pastoral systems in place. Pupils benefit from a vibrant boarding culture where “warm camaraderie” is evident and older boarders actively support younger pupils socially and academically, strengthening the communal ethos of the school.

St Leonard’s accolade St Leonard’s Catholic School sees major success in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026

Academic excellence RGS Newcastle has once again been awarded the prestigious title of North East Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence, a fitting accolade in the school’s 500th anniversary year. As the region’s consistently highestperforming school, RGS was honoured to once again receive this title within the 33rd edition of The Sunday Times’ Parent Power, the official league table of schools’ performance, for its commitment to academic achievement and shaping future leaders. At a time when many schools are narrowing their curriculum, RGS is proud to be expanding its offering. With over 1,330 students – including 350 in the Sixth Form – the school’s scale enables it to offer more than 30 A-Level options, among the broadest academic offerings in the region, including recently introduced A-Level Business Studies and Photography, as

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well as BTEC Sport and Exercise Science. Geoffrey Stanford, Headmaster of RGS Newcastle, said: “To be consistently recognised as the North East Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence is testament to the ambition and hard work of our school community. “Academic achievement matters, but it is never our sole purpose. Exam results should be the consequence, not the driver, of a well-rounded education. That ethos underpins everything we do – combining academic excellence with character, creativity and compassion.” rgs.newcastle.sch.uk

The prestigious national guide, widely regarded as the UK’s most authoritative assessment of school performance, recognises excellence across more than 2,000 state and independent schools. The recognition marks a significant moment for the school community and to win all three awards is very unusual and speaks powerfully about the strength of St Leonard’s community. The awards recognise the strength of external examination results at both GCSE and A Level along with the very strong extra-curricular life of the school and individualised support for post-18 progression. The award follows two very positive external inspections of the school, the first by Ofsted in October 2024 which recognised all areas of school life as ‘Outstanding’ and a second Catholic Schools Inspection in October 2025 which also graded the school ‘Outstanding’ in all areas. Headteacher, Chris Hammill said: “Credit for these awards belongs to our entire community of families, pupils, teachers, support staff and governors. We are blessed to have such supportive families, and we would not have won these awards without their support. The awards recognise the incredible results of our students at A Level and GCSE as well as our equally strong enrichment offer and work in the wider community. All our work is underpinned by our core

mission and belief that ‘all pupils are known and loved’ and this remains our constant focus for each and every pupil in our school.” St Leonard’s is part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, which supports and partners with five secondary schools, one middle school, one first school and forty-one primary schools across the north east. This equates to more than 2,000 staff and 16,000 pupils making it the largest MultiAcademy Trust throughout the region. Lucie Stephenson, Acting CEO of Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, said: “This is a remarkable accomplishment for St Leonard’s and a testament to the professionalism, dedication and commitment of the entire school community. The leadership, staff, students and families have demonstrated outstanding focus and teamwork, and these awards recognise their achievements. We are enormously proud of St Leonard’s and delighted to see the school celebrated at a national level.” The Sunday Times Parent Power guide evaluates schools using detailed analysis of academic results and provides a fully searchable database for parents. Awards are judged on yearon-year performance alongside rigorous editorial assessment. stleonardsdurham.bwcet.com

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PROMOTION

Where ambition meets opportunity: RGS Sixth Form

A world of possibilities, unrivalled choice, enduring excellence “As I look ahead, I’m proud to say that RGS has shaped not only my ambition but also the person I’ve become,” says Dan, one of two Head Students (Year 13) at Royal Grammar School (RGS), Newcastle. His experience reflects what we strive for at RGS Sixth Form: helping every student become the best version of themselves. We do this by offering exceptional opportunities and creating a supportive environment where young people can truly flourish. As our Head of Sixth Form, Miss Enevoldson, explains: “Education isn’t just about grades. It’s about preparing young people to enter the world as confident, capable, and kind individuals. That is our aim at RGS Sixth Form.” Our commitment to developing well-rounded and successful individuals is reflected in the breadth of opportunities that we offer which will expand once again in September 2026 to include A-Level Business Studies, A-Level Photography (complementing A-Level Fine Art), and our first BTEC in Sport and Exercise Science – an enviable range of Sixth Form options; giving students the freedom to shape their future.

From classroom to boardroom A-Level Business Studies is a dynamic course designed to equip students with practical skills in strategy, marketing, finance and leadership. This new addition prepares pupils for exciting futures in management, entrepreneurship, consultancy and beyond. Delivered by a dedicated Business Studies specialist within our highly successful Economics Department, the course benefits from the same academic rigour that helped RGS Class of 2025 to achieve 86.3% of grades at A-B in 2025, including 62.7% at A-A and 25.5% at A*** – results that consistently place our students in top universities, including Oxbridge. Students will also gain unique insights from RGS’s network of over 10,000 alumni – Old Novocastrians - through inspiring talks and practical advice, these connections help shape early careers and broaden horizons.

Jill Tate

Exploring visual storytelling A-Level Photography will allow students to combine creative expression with technical mastery, enabling them to produce portfolios that reflect their unique perspective and ambition.

Delivered by our exceptional Art Department in state-of-the-art facilities, the course will draw on the same expertise that sees RGS Art students achieve some of the highest academic outcomes in the country. Students' learning will be further enriched through collaborations with Drama, Film Studies and English, broadening their creative perspectives. While we aim to challenge all students, our academic rigour is matched by outstanding support. Alongside our 30+ courses, students receive personalised UCAS guidance, career mentorship and subject-specific clinics, all underpinned by a Sixth Form team committed to wellbeing and helping every student thrive. "The school manages to strike an impressive balance between academic excellence, diverse co-curricular opportunities and a strong pastoral team," explains Ayesha, Co-Head Student (Year 13). Combining academic and applied learning New to RGS, the BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Sport & Exercise Science is a rigorous yet applied course designed for students passionate about pursuing careers in sports nutrition, psychology, performance analysis, sports therapy, or sports coaching. Equivalent to two A-Levels, it can be combined with one additional A-Level, ensuring students graduate with three highly respected qualifications recognised by leading universities and employers. Students studying our brand new BTEC, alongside their fellow Sixth Formers, can also take advantage of our opportunities beyond the classroom. Our PLUS Programme and Complementary Studies offer inspiring

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speakers, career workshops and practical skills. With over 170 co-curricular activities, from leadership roles and societies to music, drama, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Combined Cadet Force (CCF), there’s something for everyone. Miss Enevoldson, added: “The RGS Sixth Form is a truly special place to study beyond GCSE, offering exceptional breadth of opportunities within and beyond the classroom. “By introducing A-Level Business Studies and Photography alongside BTEC Sport and Exercise Science, we hope to help every student to find their passion, to thrive and develop the confidence and character needed for life after school.” We welcome up to 50 new students into Sixth Form each year and offer fully funded places through means-tested bursaries. We're looking for intellectually curious, motivated students ready to make the most of everything RGS offers. Those looking to join RGS Sixth Form in September 2026 can also apply for our brand-new A-Level Music Award (Instrumental funding worth up to £800) and established Reece Foundation (STEM) Bursary Scheme which funds up to 100% of fees. To find out more, visit: rgs.newcastle.sch. uk/sixth-form

Key dates

Assessment Days: Saturday 17 January 2026 Interviews: Friday 23 January 2026

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DIGITAL DEBUT

Power play

Polestar invites drivers to experience its flagship Performance GT in the digital realm, offering an early taste of the Polestar 5 through Gran Turismo 7 ahead of its realworld debut Polestar has opened the door to its forthcoming performance flagship, with the Polestar 5 Performance GT now available for virtual test drives at selected Polestar Spaces. Developed in collaboration with Polyphony Digital, the immersive experience marks the first opportunity for customers outside the company to get behind the wheel of the Swedish brand’s most powerful Grand Tourer – albeit in digital form. Visitors to participating Polestar Spaces can sample the Polestar 5 via Gran Turismo 7,

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following a free game update released on 4 December that adds the Performance model to the title for all players. After exploring the car’s capabilities in the virtual world, interested customers can also register their interest for real-world test drives, scheduled to begin when the Polestar 5 arrives in Spaces during 2026. “We already know the Polestar 5 is incredible to drive, so we wanted to take this opportunity to let customers experience the car as soon as possible,” says Kristian Elvefors, Chief Commercial Officer at Polestar.

“This virtual test drive is the perfect way for our customers to get behind the wheel of our Performance GT ahead of real cars arriving in our Spaces next year.” For those with a competitive edge, local time-trial competitions will take place at selected Polestar Spaces. Beyond that, Gran Turismo 7 players worldwide can participate in an international time trial on the virtual Brands Hatch circuit in England. The fastest driver will have won an exclusive trip to Fukuoka, Japan, to attend the World Finals of the 2025 GT World Series. The Polestar 5 represents the brand’s new performance pinnacle. The Performance model featured in Gran Turismo 7 delivers up to 650 kW and 1,015 Nm of torque, with a 0–100 km/h sprint of just 3.2 seconds. Built on the Polestar Performance Architecture (PPA) and utilising a rigid bonded aluminium platform, the fourdoor Grand Tourer blends long-distance

comfort with true sportscar performance. Throughout the vehicle’s development and its introduction into Gran Turismo 7, Polestar worked closely with Polyphony Digital to ensure the car’s dynamic qualities were faithfully recreated. The result is a virtual driving experience that mirrors the real-world character of the Polestar 5 with remarkable accuracy. polestar.com/uk

Selected UK Polestar Spaces hosting the virtual test drive include: 12/12-06/01 – Sheffield 12/12-06/01 – Cribbs Causeway 09/01-02/02 – Battersea 09/01-02/02 – Solihull

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TIME OUT

A WATCHFUL EYE

with Josh Sims Our watch expert on how influencers are transforming how watches are marketed, collected, and understood...

“I came late to being an influencer and, really, being one wasn’t anything I thought I should be proud of,” says Kristian Haagen, self-described “middle-aged watch collector” and author of eight watch books, a man with 156,000 followers keen to know his latest watch-related thoughts. “My privilege is that I get to talk only about watches, which is a very niche product”. In fact, it’s all a bit strange, he says: “You buy a watch and talk about it, and other people buy the same watch”. Haagen may find the whole thing both amusing and bemusing but the rising relevance of social media and, more specifically, its particular enthusiasts for different subjects - the influencers of Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok (each platform seemingly replacing the former) - is challenging the way marketing is done across many lifestyleoriented industries. “In fact, Instagram has changed everything about the way watches are marketed,” Haagen contends. Influencers’ influence runs deep. “If the cool gang on social media says a watch has to be 34mm, or whatever, that’s the way the market moves”. Daniel Wellington has proven an oft-cited test-case in the role of influencers in the watch world: the company’s founder Filip Tysander built his entire brand off the back of Instagram when it launched in 2010 reaching out to multiple influencers, before they were even called such, and offering them free products and trackable promo codes to share, then repurposing their content in his brand’s advertising campaigns. Within three years he was selling US$228m of watches. Small wonder that much bigger brands the likes of Tag Heuer, Hublot, Audemars Piguet and IWC now, years later, collaborate with influencers on TikTok, with IWC being the first luxury watch brand to host a live stream event on the channel last year. Certainly the reach of influencers – notably those with the leverage of a genuine subject knowledge and a personal rapport with engaged followers – can impress. When Robert-Jan Broer, founder of Fratello Watches, created the hashtag ‘speedytuesday’ on Facebook back in 2012 – in celebration of Omega’s Speedmaster – it would go on to spawn an entire movement of fans, as well as events held around the globe and two limited-edition watches, one of which was produced in 2,012 units and sold out in four hours. The hashtag has since been used on Instagram more than 400,000 times. “It really took off like crazy,” says Broer. “But, importantly, it was all very genuine, just a community of like-minded Speedmaster enthusiasts and an idea that ran away with itself”. And yet, for many at the higher end of the watch business – especially maybe those self-consciously positioning themselves as makers of ‘luxury products’ – there would appear to remain a deeply embedded reluctance to dip more than a toe into the influencer world. That may simply be down them being, as Haagen puts it, part of “the

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most conservative business in the world, selling a product that nobody needs”. That reluctance may stem from a mismatch between what many watch brands deem to be central to their public image – their savoir faire, their history, their complex micromechanics, all of which might require longer, deeper forms of media to cover well, and which the earlier watch blogs and forums did so well, sometimes to scholarly extent; and what the dominant social media thrives on – lower quality content, but snappier, picture-led, instant impact, quickly replaced, shareable and above all accessible coverage with a much, much bigger reach. Fast food as opposed to fine-dining, maybe. It is perhaps also why, given the algorithms at work, social media skews towards the same kind of watch content, even the same kind of watches, suggesting a trend – for steel sports watches, for example - or a spike in the desirability of a certain model has come up organically when actually it’s been generated through data-mining. “There’s a huge issue here. While influencers have been good for building communities around what are, after all, a very specialist interest I think [the influencer ecosystem] has driven demand for certain models,” argues Justin Hast, Youtuber, regular IWC collaborator and publisher of The Watch Annual. “This distorts our view of a watch – you see one everywhere on social media, a [Patek Philippe] Nautilus, for example, but how often do you actually see anyone wearing one [in real life]? I think we become desensitised to models we see too much, which devalues them in some way”. But there is also a tonal disparity: high-end watch brands are, on the whole, sober and often somewhat pompous. Instagram, and especially the new frontier of TikTok, often takes a more irreverent, humorous, playful,

ironic and sometimes anarchic point of view. Other accounts allow you to see a twentysomething flipping watches in a train station carpark or Nico Vanderhost’s takedown of celebrity watch collections. And this kind of thing reach millions. But that loss of control of the narrative is something a deeply conservative industry has, to date, rarely been at ease with. “The problem is that [many of the top brands] are stuck in this idea of a very polished, perfect world,” says Maxime Couturier, co-founder of brand marketing agency Apresdemain. It has worked with the likes of the Fondation Haute Horlogerie and Girard-Perregaux. “[Influencers] can be an amazing tool to grow interest in watches, and to connect collectors, but [the industry] needs to get beyond its image as always being an expensive-looking guy in a Patek. It needs to break those long-established codes, as the fashion industry has managed to do”. “What [many major watch industry brands] think [is happening] doesn’t correspond to what’s actually happening online,” adds his business partner Lorenzo Maillard. “They have this idea that if you put a watch next to a track-suit then viewers won’t get that their product is 100% luxury anymore. It’s crazy to me how brands have constrained themselves. It’s not as though consumers are asking for this exclusivity, this luxury lifestyle image”. Certainly, while social media has had a powerful impact on the way second-hand watches are bought and sold, on the fostering of the vintage market and of meet-ups by watch-loving community groups, arguably it’s influencers that will have the greater impact in changing how watches are perceived, and, some say, for the better.

But influencers argue, as they might, that breaking free of these constraints can only be a good thing for the watch industry, ripping watch appreciation out of the confines of haughty sales staff, beige boutiques and manufactured exclusivity, and making it much more diverse, more everyday, more fun and much more appealing to demographics the industry has been tardy to embrace: younger, fashionconscious people, and women, such as those focused on by Instagram influencer Brynn Waller under the name of Dimepiece. This is precisely the demographic more likely to follow influencers of course, rather than traditional media. “What’s really shifting, importantly, as a result of influencers is that [an interest in watches] is becoming more open as a hobby – it’s not just an old boys network talking about luxury Swiss watches,” argues Lydia Winters, who shares her watch photography with her many Instagram followers and This Watch Life podcast. She argues that influencers – while warning against those who forfeit their independence and are paid by brands to say what they say – have become a gateway to watches for a younger audience that, studies suggest, is in serious danger of losing all interest in watches. “There are some people who still get excited about the more traditional technical aspects [of a watch]. But there are more and more influencers now reaching out to the even younger TikTok generation and saying, for example, that a watch can be Quartz, and that that’s ok,” she says.” They’re reaching out with an enthusiasm for watch design, or with stories about why they chose the watch they have. With an industry that has been far too serious for too long, they’re making watches joyful and whimsical again”.

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BOLD BUYS

New Balance 370 Trainers, Red £70.99, fenwick.co.uk

YETI 18oz Rambler Straw Bottle £29, endclothing.com

Reiss Mcfadden Wool-blend Check Overshirt in Bordeaux £138, reiss.com

Comme des Garçons Play Red Eau de Toilette £95, endclothing.com Barbour Haltcliff Cord Relaxed Shirt £79.95, barbour.com Prada Men’s Wash Bag £450, flannels.com

MAN KIT

Red revival

A powerful Valentine’s impression with standout red essentials for the modern man

ON Men’s Cloudpulse Pro Training Shoes £160, flannels.com

JBL Flip 7 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Red £99, johnlewis.com

Assouline The Legends Collection: Valentino Rosso £195, eu.assouline.com Cos Chunky Cashmere Crew-neck Jumper £229, cos.com Reiss Otto Cottonblend Herringbone Socks in Bordeaux £15, reiss.com

Brunello Cucinelli Leather Backpack £2,860, mrporter.com

Kiehl’s Age Defender Eye Repair, 14ml £39, spacenk.com

Casablanca Men’s Graphic Cotton L’Arche Tennis Club T-shirt £169, flannels.com

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SOCIAL LIFE

THE LUXE LOWDOWN

Nigel Havers Getting to know you

Name? Nigel Havers Job title? Actor and Presenter Where is home? London Three reasons you love where you live? I was born and bred there and it’s fairly close to the West End and work. It’s also very easy to travel to the rest of the UK from there.

The day job

What do you do for a living? I act in films and on stage. You will also see me regularly on television in programmes like The Bidding Room and Channel 5’s Play For Today. A day in the life of you? When I’m on tour I’ll be up relatively early in order to travel to the venue in which I’ll be performing that evening. Once there I’ll get settled in before heading on stage to meet the audience. I’ll be taking them on a thoroughly entertaining trot through five decades in showbiz. From my early days as a fresh-faced drama school hopeful, to the highs and lows of a career that’s seen me in everything from Chariots of Fire and Empire of the Sun to Don’t Wait Up and some rather marvellous West End plays. Any upcoming or on-going projects we should know about? I’ll be setting out to tour the UK in my one man show, Nigel Havers Talking B*ll*cks, which I’m really looking forward to. What does downtime mean to you? Enjoying life to the fullest.

Lessons in life

What did you want to be when you were growing up? I have always wanted to be an actor since I was very young. What is the most important lesson life has taught you? Don’t ever be late. What is your greatest fear? Being late! Which living person do you admire most and why? Dame Judi Dench who I absolutely loved working with. She introduces my show, so she’ll be the first person audiences will hear when they come along to see me.

Living luxe

What is top of your bucket list? Going to bed early! What is your most treasured possession? My wife. What does the weekend mean to you? Time out if I’m not working. A memorable holiday? South of France. I go there as often as I can. Best dress? Always a well-tailored dark suit. Who would be your top three dinner guests? Dame Judi Dench, Sir Ian McKellen and Julian Clary. The last place you ate? My dressing room in The London Palladium. The last book you read? I’m currently reading William Boyd’s latest novel, The Predicament, which is a historical spy story set in the 1960s. It is the sequel to Gabriel’s Moon about reluctant spy Gabriel Dax. The last thing you listened to? I tend not to listen to anything when I’m not working. I love peace and quiet. The last thing you watched? I don’t really watch TV or go to the cinema. I’d rather be enjoying the company of good friends. Three luxe things in life? A good pillow, a good book and a good light – bliss! Nigel Havers’ one man show will be coming to Darlington Hippodrome on 2 March 2026 and Newcastle’s Tyne Theatre & Opera House on 19 March 2026.

Image: Matt Crockett

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SOCIAL LIFE

luxe:looks

Break out the fizz. Time to get down to some people-spotting as we bring you our social snapshot of happenings across the North East. Eyes and teeth time! The Executive Group Christmas lunch, Hotel Indigo Durham

Stuart Lloyd, Jan Dale, Gordon Dale, Andrew Biggs, Carl McCammon

Carl McCammon, Stephan Taylor, Jane Napper

Graham Sleep, Suzanne McCreedy, Sophia Stovall, Alison Gittins, Gary McLafferty, George Fryer, Graham Soult

Richard Salkeld, Andrew Hibbert

Stephen Adair, Iain Nairn

Cheryl Reid, Julie Turnbull, Claire Pickersgill

Aisha Smith, Cheryl Reid, Natalie Connolly, Julie Turnbull, Claire Pickersgill, Nickie Kilkenny, Rebecca Calvert, Karen Katie Paparestis, Faye Docherty Crosby

Julie Turnbull, Claire Pickersgill

Lindsey York

Durham Business Group, Crowne Plaza Newcastle

Graham Soult, Marie Nesbit, Alison Gittins, Santa Claus

A Lesson in Enterprise, Yarm School

Angela Turley, Gillian Baker, Mark Easby, Noel Dennis

Ben Houchen, Joe Gratton, Tom Bryant

Richard Flounders, Oliver McPartland, Sharon Starkey

Tom Warnock, Ed Miller, Chris Beaumont

Jan Dale

Richard Salkeld, Graham Soult, Andrew Hibbert, Camilla Toner

Ralph Pickles, Helen Staples Camilla Toner, Alison Gittins

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Rena Chopra, Shkun Chadda

Barbara King, Paula Mitchell

Lynn Hughes, Alison Gittins

Simon Cataldo, Jan Dale, Sophie Beresford, Mariza Fraser, Paul Harrison

The Ladies Collective Festive events, Newcastle

Charlotte Nicols, Mike Hale

Roger Parkin, Jan Dale, Christine Parkin

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SOCIAL LIFE

Murder Without a Clue in aid of Age UK Northumberland, Linden Hall

City Ladies, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead

Paula Whitfield, Neha Malhotra

Hayley Ramm, Helen Richardson, Helen Johnson

Jackie Kennedy, Michael Gosling, Ellie Willis, Joanne Massey, Dawn Henderson

Antonia Brindle, Amy Whyte, Rachel Armstrong, Maisie Armstrong

Gareth Massey, Joanne Massey

Andrew Lloyd, Simon Greaves, Judith Greaves

Portia McClen, Alex Russell

Malcolm McGee, Jill Lloyd

Amanda Sheard, Danielle Diamond, Claire Conville

EMG Solicitors’ WonderLAN Ball, Utilita Arena, Newcastle

Amy Whitfield, Alex Russell, Claire Graham

Lauren Patterson, Shelly Kohl Laura Middleton, Chloe Page, Stacey Houldsworth

Richard Linfoot, Claire Hewitt, Hannah Rowley, Christina Economides

Matt Bailey

Sophie Milliken, Natalie Turner

Ethan James Luke, TBC, Vicky Lowrie, Samantha Edward, TBC

Emma Stephens, Charlotte Noon

Annabel Cowley, Susannah Millard, Lucy Thompson, Victoria Burrows

Berrys Jewellers Cartier lunch, Matfen Hall

Linda Baird, Beverley Henderson

Sonia Brown, Ron Brown

Megan Lightfoot, Steve Lightfoot, Sharon Lightfoot, Belinda Gowland, David Nicholson, Chris Gowland

Andrea Thompson, Belinda Gowland

Ron Brown, Simon Walton, Geoff Thompson

Annette Davison, April Rae, Gillain Rae

Carole Stonehouse, Katie Powell

Raffaella Motta, Brad Shaw, Irene Buraii David Ridgard, Emma Ridgard

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Jude McCourt, Karen Marshall

Alison Lander, Nicola Bissett

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SOCIAL LIFE

Grace Ranson

Lee Davis, Nick Thompson

Gavin Spurling, Yvonne Spurling

Gill Ward, Sharon Howey, Bill Ward

Gavin Spurling, Yvonne Spurling, Angus Watson, Duina Beeby

Pauline Rowrke, Judith Graziani, Paul Thursby Belinda Gowland, Gina Kent

Andrea Wylie, Belinda Gowland

Janice Miller, Glynis Ramsay, Elaine Lumsden

Kathryn Hay, Kathryn Meadows

James TowartAdams, Lewis Senior

Paige Carr, Maeve Davies

Elain Meenaghan, Olivia Spencer

Bill Ward, Theresa Peters, Gill Ward, Duncan Peters Jusna Ali, Rosie Robinson

Harp Singh Bassi, Neeta Dang

Charley Penman, Ben Pawlett

Heather Hughes, Steve Trewick, Diane Trewick

Luxe and Aston Martin Newcastle Christmas shopping evening, Newcastle showroom, Silverlink

If there’s one thing Luxe loves, it’s a Christmas shopping evening done properly — and Aston Martin Newcastle delivered in serious style back in November. Partnering with Luxe Magazine for the second year running, the showroom was transformed into a festive haven of luxury, sparkle and North East flair. Friends of the magazine, clients and local business names came together for an evening that was all about connection, conversation and a little indulgence. The room buzzed as

JAN/FEB26

beautifully curated brands showcased their finest pieces, tempting shoppers into a spot of early Christmas gifting — or a well-earned treat for themselves. With glasses clinking, festive cheer in the air and Aston Martin’s sleek showroom providing the backdrop, it was an incredibly successful event. What’s more? The evening raised over £2,000 for Business Beats Cancer North East, reminding everyone that great events can look good and do good. A huge thank you to the brilliant Aston Martin Newcastle team — and to everyone who joined us and made the night one to remember.

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PARTING SHOT

Moonrise >> The moon rising over Meik’s Lighthouse, Cliff Park, Roker. Photography by: @shannonclarke.photography.

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JAN/FEB26