Luxe Issue 75 - May/Jun 22

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ISSUE 75 MAY/JUN22

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C O O K H A P P Y. C o o l c reat i ves . S UM MER WARD ROB E. Fashion futures.

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WELCOME

ISSUE 75 MAY/JUN22

contents 6>> Do This Your cultural calendar for the months ahead

14>> Our picks 10 things luxe is loving this season One of my favourite things about this time of year is that unmistakable feeling of hope. As we see more of the sun, feel its warmth on our skin and a few freckles (or hundreds in my case) start to appear, the gardens are brightening with blossoms and flowers and the birds are singing while they nest, everything just feels better.

I also love looking at the family calendar on our kitchen wall which is filling up nicely with day trips, play dates, nights out and overnight stays.

All uplifting signs that life really is getting back to normal. We’ve got plenty to look forward to as we head towards summer, not least an extra long weekend at the beginning of June to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. In this issue we’ve included a round-up of some of the festivities taking place in the region to mark this special event.

There’s also an emphasis on all things food. As we dust down the BBQ and enjoy more meals out with friends and family, we catch up with our favourite celebrity chef and wonderful food columnist Chris Baber who’s our cover story for this issue. There are also plenty of great recipes to try and news of a new eatery heading to Newcastle.

If you’re looking for some holiday inspiration, whether it’s to far flung places or closer to home, we’ve found some beautiful destinations for you to explore. For the watch lovers amongst you we have a very special Watch Edit, plus there’s the usual gorgeous interiors, forward-thinking fashion, beauty tips and impelling interviews with fabulous people in the North East.

So grab a cup of coffee, find a sunny spot in your garden and enjoy our latest issue of luxe.

Remember to check in with us online at luxe-magazine.co.uk See us on social at: Twitter: @TheLuxeMagazine Instagram: @theluxemagazine Facebook: @luxemag

THE LUXE TEAM Christopher March publisher chris@allies-group.com EDITORIAL Claudia Robinson head of content claudia@allies-group.com Nicole Wood nicole@allies-group.com Johnathan Ramsay johnathan@allies-group.com Matthew Thomas matthew@allies-group.com

20>> A stroke of perfection Young local artist Matt Robson is going places

22>> Making cooking fun Catching up with celebrity chef Chris Baber

32>> Fantastic plastic Chris Baber, our fabulous regular foodie columnist is also this issue’s cover star. Chris has recently launched his first book and is on a mission to get more of us cooking.

His luxe things in life are getting outdoors when he visits his North East home, enjoying delicious home-cooked meals with his family and friends, and keeping fit - which he says is great for both his physical and mental health.

A clever North East designer creating planet-friendly fashion

38>> Beauty update Pastels, skin gadgets and perfecting moisturisers

44>> Putting the science into beauty We visit The Clinic by Mona for a beauty boost

46>> Raising the bar An exciting new venue is coming to Newcastle’s Grey Street

52>> UK Getaway: Matfen Hall We check in to the ultimate staycation destination

54>> Wild at heart On safari in Kenya’s Masai Mara

60>> Hot property Take a look inside a distinctive detached property in Jesmond

64>> Captivating curvature How to incorporate the trend for cool curves in your home

70>> Handle with care We visit Durham’s unique Old Cinema Launderette

72>> Girl on track Meet 20-year-old female racing driver Logan Hannah

74>> Father’s Day We bring you our ultimate gift guide The young and talented artist turned entrepreneur, Matt Robson has recently opened his third art gallery in Northumberland. In this issue we find out all about his latest venture.

His luxe things in life are his supportive and encouraging family, his adorable dog and a good old cup of coffee.

76>> Summer nights Retro inspired fashion for him

Scan our QR code and keep up-to-date with the latest luxe moments.

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 Our partners

If you wish to advertise with us please contact our sales team: Debi Coldwell: debi@allies-group.com / 07910 918366

Allies Group Ltd, Enterprise House, Kingsway, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, NE11 OSR allies-group.com All contents copyright ©2022 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, April 2022.

Dr Mona Attarpour BDS is a qualified Dental Surgeon with extensive training in injectables. She is the owner of Gosforth-based The Clinic

by Mona. Passionate about making people feel good about themselves, she tells us all about why she loves what she does. Her luxe things in life include her heath, her family and her beloved long-haired chihuahua, Hugo.

luxe is published bi-monthly by Allies Group Ltd

MAY/JUN22

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LUXE LOVES

LUXE LOVES Elegant creations To mark their 125th anniversary, Berry’s are commemorating five generations of authentic British jewellery design with a special edition collection – a celestial-inspired range of elegant fine-jewellery creations crafted from 18ct white gold and platinum. When the clock strikes 6pm on 11 May, scan the QR code below to cast your eyes upon this dazzling collection. berrysjewellers.co.uk

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MAY/JUN22

Thailand

In it for the long haul

Tick that long awaited ‘maybe next year’ destination off the bucket list! From the fast pace and flashing lights of New York to the serene tranquillity of Thailand, you are sure to discover your perfect paradise thanks to the exciting range of long haul destinations from Newcastle International Airport.

Thailand The breathtaking natural beauty of Thailand is a sight to behold. With stunning scenery, sublime beaches, exotic cuisine, ornate temples, ancient ruins and archaeological sites, it’s easy to understand why this beautiful country has become one of the most visited and desirable destinations in the world.

From the panoramic scenery of Koh Nang Yuan Island in Surat Thani, to the hills of Phuket, the views are simply out of this world with an outstanding beauty that needs to be seen to be believed.

It’s easy to connect to Thailand from Newcastle International Airport. Fly with Emirates with a one-stop connecting flight via Dubai.

New York Soak up the iconic dizzying skyscrapers and dazzling lights as you explore a feast of arts, food, fashion and nightlife. Home to some of the world’s best museums and art galleries, as well as the famous Broadway, you are sure to create memories for a lifetime during your trip to the Big Apple.

It’s easy to connect to New York from Newcastle Airport. Fly every day with a one-stop connecting flight with KLM (via Amsterdam), Air France (via Paris), British Airways (via London Heathrow) and Lufthansa (via Frankfurt).

Florida, USA

New York, USA

Florida This family favourite destination is bursting with theme parks, water parks, themed hotels and so much more. Soak up an enviable warm climate as you enjoy shopping malls, restaurants, golf courses, a dazzling nightlife and glorious beaches.

Offering some of the best beaches north of the Caribbean, your biggest concern will be deciding which to visit first. Whether you prefer water sports and snorkelling, charming beach towns, or simply unwinding upon powdery white sand with turquoise waters, you’re sure to find the perfect spot with 1,197 miles of pristine coastline.

Choose from 2 direct flights per week from Newcastle International Airport to Orlando Florida this summer with TUI. You can also fly connecting with British Airways (via London Heathrow) and KLM (via Amsterdam).

Cancun The alluring culture and beauty of Cancun will have you coming back for more. As well as the beautiful coastline lined with luxury hotels, you’ll find ancient ruins to explore, exquisite food and an endless list of memorable activities, such as visiting sea turtles and zip lining through the Mexican jungle.

Cancun comes alive in the evening with a vibrant nightlife. Choose

Cancun, Mexico

from lively sports bars, relaxed cocktail lounges, or dance until sunrise at a nightclub with acrobats, state-of-the-art light shows and guest DJ’s.

Choose from 2 direct flights per week from Newcastle to Cancun this summer with TUI. You can also fly to Cancun every day with a one-stop connecting flight with Air France (via Paris) and KLM via (Amsterdam).

Dubai Admire the glittering skyline as you dine in award winning restaurants by night, and immerse yourself in the art, shopping malls, architecture and theme parks by day. There’s so much to see and do in the stunning city of Dubai.

When you fly direct with Emirates from Newcastle International Airport, you can enjoy a convenient evening departure, meaning you can maximise your stay with more time to explore.

You can fly direct from Newcastle to Dubai with Emirates, every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, this summer.

For more long haul inspiration, scan the QR code to the right, or visit, newcastleairport. com/discover

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PAGE TURNERS

Luxe reads

Nicole Wood picks out five of the best cook books to help whip up the perfect batch of goodies this spring…

Stay in >> go out >> enjoy Award-winning comedy juggernauts, Glastonbury headliners and scrumptious food dates, Matthew Thomas guides us through a myriad of scorching summer events…

VEGAN DELIGHTS >> The Little Book Of Vegan Bakes by Holly Jade From peanut butter flapjacks and cherry Bakewell tartlets to cookies and cream cupcakes and no-bake Biscoff cheesecake, Holly Jade serves up some delicious ideas for an incredible vegan twist on some best-loved sweet treats. With a wide selection of easy-tofollow recipes, this book has everything you need to crank your vegan baking skills up a notch. £20, waterstones.com SWEET TREATS >> Fitwaffle’s Baking It Easy

by Eloise Head Eloise Head - or you might know her better as the baking legend Fitwaffle on Instagram - has released a recipe book! Inside these delicious pages you will find oodles of her most-loved and brand-new simple ingredient recipes including a huge range of her famous three-ingredient treats. Sweet, simple and oh-so delicious! £20, uk.bookshop.org DOUGHY GOODNESS >> Bread Every Day, Bake With Jack by Jack Sturgess Professional chef-turnedbreadmaker, Jack Sturgess, is on a mission to give everyone the knowledge they need to make their own amazing bread from the comfort of their own kitchen. Thanks to these recipes you’ll become a master of all things bread.

Learn to make classic loaves as well as ciabatta, focaccia, fruit breads, pitta, bagels, sourdough, pizza dough and more.

Don’t forget to try out a few of Jack’s delicious meal ideas too, to help you soak up every last crumb. £18.04, amazon.co.uk HOME-COOKED FAVOURITES >> Easy by Chris Baber Our lovely Luxe columnist and this issue’s cover star, Chris Baber, has released his debut recipe book, Easy. Inside these mouth-watering pages you will find tons of simple, delicious, everyday recipes that the whole family can get involved in. From crowd-pleasing favourites and quick and easy lunches, to hearty home comforts and inspo for your next foodie family gathering, this book has it all. £16.99, waterstones.com QUICK & EASY >> Feel Good by Melissa Hemsley Melissa Hemsley, bestselling author of Eat Happy and co-author of The Art of Eating Well, brings satisfying, simple recipes to help you feel your best. With comfort and joy at the heart of each and every dish, there’s something for everyone.

Whether it’s a quick dinner after a long day, or cook-ahead lunches to see you through the week, you’ll find it in this colourful cook book. £18.04, amazon.co.uk

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11 MAY 7 - 8 MAY Don’t miss Tynemouth Food Festival as it returns to its spiritual home at the spectacular Tynemouth Priory and Castle for a scrumptious weekend. Taking place over the weekend of Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 May 2022, round up your tribe and visit the coast to enjoy an actionpacked celebration of sensational street food, live music, artisan market stalls and heaps of fun for the whole family. facebook.com/tynemouthfoodfestival

The Gala Durham will be showing a one-off screening of This Much I Know To Be True: Nick Cave’s scintillating new docu-film. Shot on location in London and Brighton, the film captures Nick Cave and Warren Ellis’s exceptional creative relationship as they bring to life the songs from their last two studio albums, Ghosteen and Carnage.

Undoubtedly one of the world’s biggest artist collaborations, settle in as Nick and Warren’s deep friendship and personal relationship manifests itself through a significant, optimistic phase of their glittering careers. galadurham.co.uk

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MAY

King Kev is taking centre stage at The Princess Alexandra Auditorium to treat football fanatics and NUFC lovers to an exclusive insight into the life of a true great when it comes to the beautiful game. Hosted

by Sky Sports’ Pete Graves, settle in for awe-inspiring tales from Kevin’s playing time at Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton and Newcastle, as well as his managerial roles at England and Manchester City. This is an unmissable evening of world-class conversation that sports fans won’t want to miss. thepaaonline.org

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Join Royal Northern Sinfonia’s Principal Artistic Partner, Lars Vogt for a very special solo piano recital at Sage Gateshead. Described as a pianist of ‘remarkable gifts’, Lars will undoubtedly serve up a stirring rendition of three of his all-time favourite piano sonatas: Janáček’s dramatic Piano Sonata No.1, almost lost forever when the composer tore up the score in a fit of self-doubt after the premiere; Mozart’s joyously colourful Piano Sonata in B-flat major; and Beethoven’s magnificent masterpiece ‘Hammerklavier’, widely regarded as one of his most challenging compositions. One of the world’s greatest musical talents taking on an incredible score in a world-class venue sounds like just the ticket. sagegateshead.com

MAY

The Stockton Globe will soon be welcoming Strictly Come Dancing winner and comedy juggernaut, Bill Bailey for an exclusive evening of award-winning comedy. Penned during the madness of 2020, En Route to Normal is a deep dive inside the mind of Bill and his rather weird and wonderful experiences throughout the pandemic.

Settle in as he blasts through his trademark blend of satire and surrealism, stories and dismantled jokes, crowd sing-a-longs, weird instruments and musical showstoppers. stocktonglobe.co.uk

MAY

22 MAY & 19 JUNE Calling all foodies and lovers of artisan produce! Check out Wynard Hall’s Northern Dales Farmers’ Market this season. Nestled within the spectacular confines of Wynyard’s fabulous walled garden, the Nothern Dales Farmers’ Market is a travelling foodie roadshow that’s teeming with award-winning food and drink producers from across the region. Whether it’s homegrown honey, artisanal craft brews or delightful cheeses, you’ll find a scrumptious range of delicious goodies that are ideal for breakfast, brunch and afternoon tea. wynyardhall.co.uk

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DO THIS

27 - 28 MAY See May out in style with a fantastic foodie event at Wylam Brewery! Make your way to the venue for Slice Wars Episode IV - The Deep Pandalorian. This delicious weekender brings eight of the finest pizza vendors with all the usual trimmings. There’ll be plenty of craft beer, gallons of gin, sweet treats and more. So round up the whole gang, work up an appetite and get ready to devour some of the best slices in the region this May. wylambrewery.co.uk

27 MAY Established chart-busting electronic duo, Pet Shop Boys, are heading out on their highly anticipated Dreamland tour this May and have announced a special show at Newcastle’s Utilita Arena. Loved for their timeless choruses, lush synth melodies and buoyant tunes, Pet Shops Boys have bagged a Brit and Ivor Novello award, released superhits such as West End Girls and Always On My Mind and played to sell-out crowds at Wembley Stadium and Coachella, so you know you’re in for a spectacular evening with these electronic pioneers. utilitaarena.co.uk

FROM 15 JUNE The Book of Mormon is heading to the Theatre Royal this June. This outrageous musical comedy from the creators of South Park, Avenue Q, and Frozen is certain to blow your socks off. The show follows the misadventures of a mismatched pair of missionaries, sent on a mission to a place that’s about as far from Salt Lake City as you can get. With sold-out productions in London and on Broadway, The Book of Mormon has become a global sensation - and it’s heading to Newcastle this summer. A musical must.

Grab your tickets before it’s too late! theatreroyal.co.uk

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DO THIS

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10 - 19 JUNE

JUNE

Bookworms, aspiring authors and carnival lovers should make their way to Hexam Book Festival this June, as this wonderful event returns for its 17th year with a special line-up consisting of more than 100 authors and events. Running from 10-19 June, the festival takes place at venues across the historic market town, including the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre and a vintage spiegeltent within the grounds of Hexham Abbey. The dazzling programme includes a line-up of high profile names such as Val McDermid, Lemn Sissay, Hollie McNish and Ed Balls.

A warm June afternoon spent strolling around a colourful, family-friendly festival nestled within a historic Northumberland market town sounds right up our street. hexhambookfestival.co.uk

Join one of the nation’s most-loved figures, Jane McDonald, for a special evening as she celebrates Yorkshire’s Platinum Jubilee Concert at Scarborough Open Air Theatre. Jane won a place in the nation’s hearts in the BBC docu-soap, The Cruise, back in 1998 and became a household name overnight. Since then, she has toured extensively selling out live concerts including shows at the Royal Albert Hall and the London Palladium twice, as well as The MGM in Las Vegas. Don’t miss it. scarboroughopenairtheatre.com

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JUNE

Add a touch of blossom to your social calendar with a botanical masterclass with celebrity floral designer, Jonathan Moseley at Grantley Hall. Boasting over 25 years of industry experience and having featured in major Royal Horticultural Society flower shows such as Chelsea, Hampton Court, Tatton and Malvern, Jonathan is one of the UK’s most celebrated and highly-respected florists. His exclusive masterclass will showcase how to deliver stunning seasonal floral displays. grantleyhall.co.uk

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JUNE

One of the biggest names in music history, Elton John, will be bringing his award-winning Elton John Farewell Yellow Brick Road: The Final Tour, to the Stadium of Light on Sunday 19 June. One of the top-selling solo artists of all time with one diamond, 40 platinum/multi-platinum and 23 gold albums, over 50 Top 40 hits and more than 300 million records sold worldwide, Elton John is undoubtedly one of the globe’s biggest stars. His critically acclaimed show is a dazzling affair that promises to take audiences on a magical journey through Elton’s incredible 50-year career with never-before-seen photos and videos all set to some of Elton’s most beloved songs from his legendary catalogue. safc.com/concerts

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JUNE

Experience one of the globe’s biggest electronic artists in one of the North’s most magnificent stately homes. The Chemical Brothers have announced a live show at Castle Howard this summer that will see the legendary duo perform a special outdoor show at the Grade I Listed Yorkshire residence on Sunday 26 June. Home to the Carlisle branch of the Howard family for more than 300 years, Castle Howard was built upon the site of a former castle and has featured on-screen in adaptations of Brideshead Revisited, as well as in the Netflix smash-hit series, Bridgerton. The Chemical Brothers’ Castle Howard show is among several headline dates for the renowned pair this summer, so make sure you catch them live at this opulent estate. castlehoward.co.uk

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JUNE

Catch Sheffield’s finest, ABC, at the O2 City Hall Newcastle this June as they celebrate 40 years since the release of their widely-lauded and timeless debut album, The Lexicon of Love.

Fusing dancefloor finesse with a post-punk attitude, ABC’s seminal album spawned timeless tracks such as Poison Arrow, The Look Of Love, Tears Are Not Enough and All Of My Heart, and to this day remains one of the best albums of all time. Make sure you catch this effervescent outfit performing their iconic no.1 album at this historic inner-city venue. academymusicgroup.com

MAY/JUN22

Valerie’s Tearoom The perfect refuel after a long beach walk

From luxurious hot chocolates and delicious cakes to Full English Breakfasts and Smashed Avocado on Toast, Valerie’s Tearoom has something for everyone.

Valerie’s Tearoom is just a stone’s throw away from the Whitley Bay beach and situated at the front of the iconic Spanish City.

When entering the tearoom, you’re guaranteed to be instantly mesmerised by its enormous glass cake counter. Showcasing plenty of homemade cakes, pastries and cookies, the 3-metre counter is far too tempting to. Valerie’s has its very own expert team of pastry chefs, who make the cakes, scones and pastries fresh onsite each day.

Expect to see treats such as Rhubarb & Custard Tart, Praline Truffles and Apricot Pave, not forgetting the classics like Victoria Sponge. If Valerie’s cakes don’t already sound tempting enough, its four cakes for £17.00 offer is guaranteed to seal the deal.

If something savoury is more to your liking, Valerie’s will not fall short of the mark. Its breakfast, sandwich, light bites and all-day brunch menus have ample choice for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. From Portobello Mushroom, Roasted Tomato & Cave-Aged Mature Cheese Omelette to Eggs Benedict, Valerie’s savoury dishes are the perfect fuel for a nice walk across the beach. Dogs are also welcome on the bottom half of the Tearoom, so there’s no need to leave your four-legged friends at home.

Whether you’re visiting with family, friends or colleagues, Valeries Tearoom’s delicious cakes and dishes are guaranteed to impress. The Tearoom is open from 9am – 5pm, 7 days a week and operates on walk-in basis.

Please visit www.spanishcity.co.uk or call 0191 691 090 for more information Half Page Luxe Magazine W216mm x H157mm.qxp_Layout 1 17/02/2022 10:51 Page 1

Spanish City, Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, NE26 1BG

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Kitchen with American style fridge/freezer, microwave, toaster & kettle Private decked outdoor area Shuttle service to and from the hotel Tulipalo fire in the lounge Swimming pool & gym access (full access upgrades available to purchase) Discounted rates on our two Championship golf courses

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GOOD STUFF

Sweet charity Doing good things in the North East, our charity round-up CLIMBING MOUNTAINS FOR NORTH EAST CHARITY >> The co-founder of North East-based men’s healthcare and wellbeing business, Alphagenix, is set to tackle four of the world’s highest mountains to raise money for local charity, Heel & Toe. The charity is dedicated to supporting children with cerebral palsy and physical disabilities in the region.

Ross Tomkins will take on the Four Summit Challenge over the next 12 months and aims to raise £50,000 for the charity, of which he and his wife are ambassadors. They’re personally funding the expedition costs so that 100% of the funds donated and raised will go to Heel & Toe. Ross, from Ponteland, plans to start his first ascent of Mont Blanc in the French Alps in June, before tackling Aconcagua in Argentina’s Andes later the same month. In March 2023 he’ll climb Carstanz Pyramid, a mountain on the island of New Guinea in Indonesia, before his final ascent of Denali in Alaska. heelandtoe.org.uk

BIG NAMES DOING GOOD >> Sam Fender, one of the North East’s biggest musical success stories, has announced his plans to give back to his local community.

The local music legend has revealed he has agreed to be patron of North Shields based North East Homeless charity, which he has already been a strong supporter of in recent years. Brian Burridge, who set up the charity with his wife Emma, said that Sam had been a real champion of their work, even giving them a shout out as part of his acceptance speech at this year’s BRIT awards.

“Sam has already been a huge help to us. He may now be a globally recognised musician, but he’s still a lad from North Shields who always remembers where he came from,” said Brian.

The acclaimed musician said he was delighted to be on board: “It’s an honour to help a charity that’s so close to my heart.

“Homelessness is a massive problem. North East Homeless help so many people to turn their lives around. Families shouldn’t be struggling through no fault of their own.”

Further information about North East Homeless - which has also just unveiled plans for a huge revamp of its current facilities - is available via its website. northeasthomeless.org.uk

DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES >> After recently losing her father to cancer, Hayley Dean used the power of grief and her passion for dance, alongside the love of music she shared with her dad, to throw an unforgettable fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support. In honour of her beloved dad, Hayley pulled out all the stops to raise an impressive £1,436 for the charity - a figure that’s continuing to grow through post-event donations. The event, held at Dance City Newcastle, brought the people of the North East together for a vibrant night of 70s and 80s music, impressive dance performances and live entertainment. The emotional yet incredibly powerful event was a huge success and is sure to be the first in what will be many triumphant charity events organised by Hayley and her family. Keep your eyes peeled. macmillan.org.uk

SUPPORTING CULTURAL VENUES >> Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums has been awarded £400,000 by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, delivered by Arts Council England. The Tyneside project will embed volunteering in the partner cultural venues to collectively support the ambitions and wellbeing of North East communities. Activity will include a two-year volunteering programme, reaching 650 participants, recruiting volunteers from communities who are underrepresented with a focus on young people, people who are socio-economically diverse and those facing barriers to participation. The cultural venue partners will also explore how digital technology can be used in volunteering and how virtual roles can be offered. Keith Merrin, Director of Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums, said: “This funding will help all the Newcastle Gateshead Cultural Venues to provide opportunities that will enrich the skills, experiences and wellbeing of the volunteers who participate and also bring more diverse perspectives and ideas into our cultural venues.” twmuseums.org.uk

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ROMAN SUPPORTS UKRAINE WITH DONATIONS >>

FOODIE FUNDRAISER >> A dinner and raffle at Blackfriars Restaurant in Newcastle has raised more than £30,000 for the UNICEF Ukraine Appeal. The five-course £75 per head gourmet dinner sold out within hours, so the staff turned their attention to organising a large scale raffle which was drawn on Sunday 20 March. The raffle included a vast range of prizes with every penny going directly towards Ukraine’s humanitarian crisis. Andy Hook, managing director of Blackfriars Restaurant said: “It’s absolutely heart-breaking to see the people of Ukraine suffer so unnecessarily in this way. We were desperate to do something to help and thought the #CookforUkraine was the right initiative - raising some much-needed funds to help those in the crisis.

“We’re so grateful to our staff who gave up their time for free, our suppliers for the food and drink generously donated, as well as all the local companies who provided so many amazing prizes. And every penny will go to the UNICEF appeal.” justgiving.com/fundraising/blackfriars-restaurant

Roman, the UK and Europe’s leading shower designer and manufacturer based in the North East, were quick to respond to the Ukraine crisis by supporting local charities in donating essential items to people who are suffering in the country, and those escaping the war who left with nothing. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates that up to four million refugees may flee Ukraine, and they urgently need help to provide protection and vital supplies to those forced to leave the country. David Osborne, CEO at Roman, commented: “We stand with the people of Ukraine and hope for a quick and peaceful resolution on behalf of all those who are suffering.” roman-showers.com

MAY/JUN22

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LOCAL BEAUTY

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LOVE NORTH EAST

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. Benjamin Steele, Bamburgh Castle - @wanderwithbenjamin 2. Tracy Clayton, Whitby Abbey - @her_outsideworld 3. Adam Lowes, BALTIC Centre For Contemporary Art - @lowes33 4. Kelly Paterson, South Shields - @kelly.p.photography 5. Richard Hilton, Staithes - @richardhiltonphoto 6. Liam Norman, Hexham - @liamnormanphotography 7. Liam McNaughton, Redcar - @liammccphoto 8. Captain Cook Monument - @walkinggirl

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MAY/JUN22

ADVERTORIAL

LETTING YOUR HEIR DOWN? Britons are ignoring estate planning tools that could help them to pass on more of their estate to the next generation Over recent years, property inflation and rising asset values have combined to push a higher proportion of estates over the nil-rate band for Inheritance Tax (IHT).

The residence nil-rate band helps to a degree, but with the IHT threshold frozen at £325,000 per individual, and government receipts still rising, IHT is not a tax just for the rich – or even moderately wealthy.

Despite the fact that more estates are paying IHT, there are ways to prevent families paying over the odds. For example, those with sufficient assets to trigger an IHT liability when they pass away could use the exemption which allows anyone to give away up to £3,000 worth of gifts each tax year without them being included in the value of their estate.

However, a lack of awareness about what does or doesn’t form part of an estate could result in their families paying more IHT than they need to.

Another way to minimise the impact of IHT is to take out a ‘whole of life’ insurance policy. This pays a lump sum on death, and when the policy is written in trust, the pay-out can help offset or eliminate an IHT bill.

Heir care >> Whilst inertia and ignorance of estate planning is good news for the Treasury, which relies on it to ensure its tax receipts, the widespread lack of knowledge will worry many potential heirs. But taking

the appropriate advice can go a long way to alleviating those concerns.

A financial adviser can help families with the transfer of wealth in an orderly and tax-efficient manner, establishing trusts, life insurance and so on, while also ensuring that the person who is arranging their estate has enough income to maintain their normal standard of living.

With the right advice, more estates could be removed from the grip of IHT and bereaved families could be spared the extra heartache of paying unnecessary tax.

Another way to minimise the impact of IHT is to take out a ‘whole of life’ insurance policy. This pays a lump sum on death, and when the policy is written in trust, the pay-out can help offset or eliminate an IHT bill.

North Wealth Management is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives.

MAY/JUN22

If you feel you could benefit from a financial review of your specific circumstances, I offer a no obligation review to meet your individual needs.

This review could be via a zoom meeting, telephone call or face to face at a Covid-secure venue, at a time and location convenient to you.

Please contact North Wealth Management on 0191 5482830 or email patrick.mclaughlin@sjpp.co.uk.

luxe-magazine.co.uk

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OUR PICKS

Dreaming of >> SANTORINI As the warmer weather begins to resurface, we can’t help but picture where our next adventure abroad will be. At the top of our lists this summer, is the beautifully serene Santorini. This gorgeous Greek Island offers magical sunsets, fascinating architecture and stunning panoramic views of the sea.

This romantic destination is a must for your summer calendar.

Pampering with >> ALEXANDRA KAY TIME TO EASE BODY OIL Escape muscle tension with this relaxing organic body and massage oil. Combining the phyto active CB2-Skin™ Biofunctional with pure plant actives with pain-relieving properties, this dreamy herbal body oil blend is ideal for taking away aches, pains and relieving tired muscles. Packed with skin-loving ingredients including ginger and black pepper to provide a warming heat relief, and peppermint and eucalyptus to soothe and calm, this spectacularly scented synergistic blend works in tandem to ease muscular tension. £29, greenpeople.co.uk

10 things luxe loves

10 things Luxe is loving this season...

Compiled by Emily Harrison

Kitchen inspo >>

Following >> @HOPPSHOUSE Looking for gorgeous home interior inspiration, trendy outfit ideas - or just an overload of cute dog pictures?

Then you need to be following @hoppshouse. Sharing content from her 1930s North East home, Aylsa Hopps is a lifestyle blogger with a beautiful and colourful Instagram page, sure enough to have you scrolling and smiling. Aylsa shares wholesome family posts, often giving insight into daily life happenings and sharing her exciting trips, as well as good locations to visit around the North East. Her home renovation has been documented throughout her page and is bound to influence and inspire followers on their own home design journeys. instagram.com/aylsahopps

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Credit: Jenny Smith photography

Listening to >> BEST FRIEND THERAPY PODCAST BY ELIZABETH DAY We know that, for a lot of people, their best friend is like a family member.

A go-to person for advice and someone to enjoy life’s precious moments with.

In this brilliant podcast, novelist and journalist, Elizabeth Day, chats with her psychotherapist best friend for over 20 years, Emma Reed Turrell. The Best Friend Therapy Podcast sees the pair discuss the challenges of daily life and delve deeper into their mind workings. If on some days you are feeling a bit stuck for advice and need to listen to wholesome conversations between two best friends, this podcast is for you. podcasts.apple.com

MAGIMIX GELATO EXPERT ICE CREAM MAKER Enjoy the warmer climes with this handy tool that will help you whip up a batch of your very own ice cream. This luxury gelato expert from Magimix is a brilliant investment for the sunny season with the ability to create ice cream, gelato and frozen yoghurt in just thirty minutes. What more is there to love? The maker is super-easy and convenient to use, with a built-in freezer to make your delicious creations last even longer. So, whether it is a fresh fruit gelato or a luxurious chocolate ice cream you’re dreaming of, get your hands on this product to delight the whole family this summer. £500, fenwick.co.uk

MAY/JUN22

OUR PICKS

Watching >> THIS IS GOING TO HURT Prepare yourself for a reality check with the engaging series, This Is Going to Hurt on BBC One. The seven part drama, which is based on the memoirs of former junior doctor Adam Kay, follows his personal diary of working on an NHS labour ward.

Kay is played by Bafta winning actor Ben Whishaw, and the character takes us on a gut-wrenching journey, filled with love, laughter and heartbreak. The series is truly eye-opening - an honest insight into working in a high-intensity hospital ward, with multiple people relying on you at one time.

Squeamish viewers may need to watch through their fingers, however with hilarity and sadness in equal measures, the series is definitely worth a watch. bbc.co.uk/iplayer

Reading >> AGAIN, RACHEL BY MARIAN KEYES After 25 years of waiting, the sequel to Marian Keyes’s brilliant novel, Rachel’s Holiday, is finally here. The new release follows Rachel Walsh in her recently transformed life. She has a great job, great family and to top it all off, she even gardens. However, all of this is tested when an old love re-enters her life and she begins to question everything she has built. This novel is jam-packed with relatable and funny content, sure enough to make readers laugh at the right moments and sympathise with Rachel’s situation at others, all the while being a humorous, witty and charming read. £10, penguin.co.uk

In our basket >> WHITE COMPANY SHEEPSKIN ROUND POUFFE The new statement piece for your home you never knew you needed.

This gorgeous sheepskin pouffe from The White Company is sitting at the top of our wishlist. It’s pure Australian curly sheepskin material, which has natural durability and a hyper-allergenic nature, just oozes luxury. Whatever your design preference, this versatile piece is sure to bring a dreamy aspect to your space. Perfect for a cosy corner to kick back with a glass of wine and a book. £495, thewhitecompany.com

Perfect scent >> JO MALONE LONDON SEA DAFFODIL PERFUME If you’re looking for a long-lasting scent that represents the essence of summer, this pick from Jo Malone is a must to add to your collection. The tasting notes of mandarin, daffodil and vanilla complement each other perfectly and give the new fragrance a freshness, capturing the feel of an Italian summertime in a bottle. Pick up Sea Daffodil, spray the scent on your skin and feel yourself transform to a location at the coast with beautiful white beaches and gentle waves. Bliss! £112, johnlewis.com

MAY/JUN22

Living by >>

​​“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.”

- Wilma Rudolph luxe-magazine.co.uk

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A ROYAL AFFAIR

Platinum Jubilee celebrations On 6 February 2022, Her Majesty The Queen achieved an incredible milestone, becoming the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee. That Jubilee marked 70 years of service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth…

To celebrate this extraordinary anniversary, events have been taking place up and down the country throughout the year, culminating in a four-day bank holiday weekend from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June.

You can expect jubilant street parties all

over the North East, with Union Jacks flying high and glasses of fizz being raised even higher.

However, 70 years on the throne calls for more than just street parties. There’s a multitude of amazing events going on across our region over the weekend, so we’ve picked out some of the highlights…

Malton Malton Food Lovers Festival 3 - 5 June Enjoy a quintessentially British celebration with some of the most exquisite British food in your hands. Malton Food Lovers Festival is back and aligns perfectly with the Jubilee bank holiday. Set across the streets of Yorkshire’s food capital, this fabulous celebration of the region’s finest produce and cooking will keep you entertained throughout the weekend. Take the whole family to see live demonstrations from professional chefs, live music, entertainment and endless stalls of delicious food.

Cheers to that! visitmalton.com

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Rothbury Village Green Various events across the weekend The picturesque market town of Rothbury in Northumberland will be out in force across the weekend to celebrate the Jubilee. On 2 June, the village green will play host to a town crier proclamation, a piper and lighting of the ceremonial beacon. On 4 June the town will be coming together for a charity walk, followed by celebrations on the green with music from a local pipe band on 5 June. Looking for a beautiful town to help you celebrate the long weekend in style?

Look no further than Rothbury. platinumjubilee.gov.uk

Darlington Afternoon Tea at Walworth Castle Hotel 5 June Can you get more royal than afternoon tea in a castle? We think not. Walworth Castle Hotel will be offering the most spectacular afternoon tea in celebration of Her Majesty on 5 June. The prosecco will be flowing, alongside a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, homemade cakes, scones, sweet treats and unlimited coffee and tea. All of this will be accompanied by live music and take place in the castle's glamorous ballroom. Fit for royalty, you won’t want to miss this fine celebration! walworthcastle.co.uk

Redcar Zetland Gold Cup Family Day 2 June Get your best outfits on and stroll down to Redcar Racecourse to kick off a weekend of Jubilee celebrations with some high octane horse racing action. Enjoy a fun-filled day out in the sun with friends and family there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What’s more? It’s a chance to buy a brand new hat that even Queen Elizabeth II would be envious of. redcarracing.co.uk

Matfen Hall Afternoon Tea 4-5 June Book your place at the stunning Matfen Hall for a deliciously decadent afternoon tea to commemorate her Majesty’s incredible 70 years of service. Adorned with floral-filled tables, the beautiful Morning Room will host an afternoon filled with live music, cheer and garden games on the terrace that will transport you to an era where traditional British street parties once ruled! matfenhall.com

MAY/JUN22

A ROYAL AFFAIR

Bywell Northumberland County Show 2022 3 June The much-loved Northumberland County Show is making a triumphant return this year, and it falls perfectly on the Jubilee weekend. Bywell Hall will host a day of fun for all of the family. Expect music, local food, craft and arts traders, a gin and prosecco bar, and lots of animals for the children to meet. It’ll be the ultimate countryside celebration fit for a royal. northcountyshow.co.uk

By Royal appointment Born in Yorkshire, self-taught sculptor Frances Segelman is renowned for her exceptional sculptures of the Royal Family, not least because she is one of very few people allowed to get close to royalty...

Raby Castle, Darlington Various events 2 - 5 June

County Durham Afternoon Tea at South Causey Inn 2 - 3 June A decadent afternoon tea is an absolute staple of any good Jubilee celebration, but with this one being the Platinum Jubilee, you’ve got to do it in style. County Durham’s South Causey Inn is hosting two spectacular days of private dining in exclusive pods.

You’ll be welcomed with a complimentary glass of bubbly before enjoying sensational live music and a selection of delicate sandwiches and scrumptious range of homemade sweet treats. All of that, plus unlimited coffee and tea to keep you hydrated. So, raise a cup and celebrate Her Majesty in true British style. southcausey.co.uk

Hardwick Hall Hotel Street Party 2 - 3 June Head over to the picturesque Hardwick Hall Hotel for a jam-packed two days of Jubilee celebrations. Starting on Thursday 2 at 12 noon, you’ll be welcomed to the hotel with a Pimms reception and a delicious buffet half an hour later. Following this, the street party will get into full swing with a sing-a-long featuring British classics. On Friday evening there will be a hilarious night of comedy at the Hall, with three of the UK’s finest comedians doing what they do best on stage. You’ll also be treated to a mouthwatering pie and pea supper, before dancing the night away at the closing disco. hardwickhallhotel.co.uk

MAY/JUN22

There’s a party at a medieval castle and you’re all invited! What better way to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee? The breathtaking Raby Castle in Darlington will be hosting parties, events and special displays across the whole bank holiday weekend. You can venture down street party themed trails and find lots of amazing picnic spaces to bask in the sun and take in the majesty of this epic castle. raby.co.uk

Bishop Auckland Kynren - An Epic Tale of England 3 June Make Kynren part of your Jubilee celebrations this June. This blockbuster open-air performance chronicles England’s rich history, from Vikings and Tudors, to the Industrial Revolution and Queen Victoria.

Kynren is a spellbinding family-friendly experience like nothing you’ve seen before.

This 90-minute Jubilee special will deliver thrills, shocks, tears, laughs, goosebumps and gasps on a truly cinematic scale.

11arches.com

Coquet Yacht Club Scavenger Hunt & Hog Roast 4 June Enjoy a sunny Jubilee weekend on the coast and get stuck into a day of fun-filled family activities at Coquet Yacht Club. Expect a mouthwatering hog roast with all the trimmings, as well as a Jubilee themed scavenger hunt that’ll get you exploring one of the prettiest ports in Northumberland.

A spectacular way to celebrate this special weekend with loved ones. Don’t miss out it’s sure to be something unique. coquetyachtclub.org.uk

Frances has created busts of Her Majesty The Queen, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH The Prince of Wales among many others. She is also an established sculptor of personalities from the world of entertainment, sport and politics, including Dame Joan Collins, Boris Johnson, Joanna Lumley and Vic Reeves. She shares all about her fascinating career…

How did you get into sculpting?

I love Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Rodin - all the classical artists. I studied them and sketched in my books - over and over. I just love their work!

My father was a violinist and composer, and my mother was an artist, so at home I was always surrounded by art and creativity.

My mum was also a dress designer and had wanted to go to art school just after the war, but they couldn’t afford that in her family. She had to go to work to bring in money so that her brother could study, so she missed out on that. Although she wasn’t a professional artist, her art was marvellous. She used to teach me how to draw faces and bodies when I was

a little girl and when we went on holiday I always made sculptures in the sand.

Art was the only subject I liked at school.

I used to sleep through all the other subjects. I really found school absolutely awful, but I loved art and anything where I could get hands-on creative.

How did you establish links with the Royal Family?

London Youth Charity asked me to sculpt Prince Philip - and as a result of that sculpture, I was asked to sculpt the Queen. Subsequently, I sculpted Prince Charles, Prince William, Princess Anne, the Duke of Kent and most recently, the Countess of Wessex.

It must be a real honour to create these pieces of art for the Royal Family, how does it make you feel?

I’ve sculpted many members of the Royal Family and I’ve enjoyed it very much, but there’s nobody else I think would be as out of this world as the Queen was to me. It was such a privilege, and I was so honoured that she would trust me. It was absolutely surreal and unbelievable to go into the room at Buckingham Palace and measure her head, it was really nerve wracking. It was really strange because I just knew in advance how I wanted it to look.

She is so elegant she’s my role model.

Ever since, I’ve had her picture in my dressing room and where I sleep. The Queen is a very strong person to look up to and I think that strength came out in the sculpture. segelman.com

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GET TO KNOW

THE LUXE LOWDOWN:

Brian Burnie

Brian Burnie is the trustee and founder of Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care, a charity set up to provide a free transport service to and from hospital for outpatients undergoing cancer treatment. The local hero is renowned in the region and beyond for his hard work, dedication and passion to such a worthy cause. We check in to get the lowdown and find out his luxe things in life…

GETTING TO KNOW YOU >> Name Brian Burnie Title Trustee and founder of Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care Where is home?

Home is Newcastle - in an apartment above the charity’s office.

Three reasons you love where you live?

I love where I live because residing on-site means that I am always available for the volunteers and staff - plus, there’s never any traffic issues when I’m commuting downstairs! I also thoroughly enjoy the views over the City of Newcastle Golf Club.

Freeman Hospital, discussing events and the expansion of our free transport service for cancer patients. The day slows from 7pm, I retire early so my next day starts from 6am, seven days a week. It’s a very busy yet very rewarding schedule and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Any recent, ongoing or upcoming projects or achievements we should know about?

I am thrilled that our ‘Last Night of the Proms’ concert is going ahead this October.

We’re planning a fantastic evening at Newcastle City Hall and should we fill all 2,000 seats, the revenue will pay for our 100th cancer patient ambulance - that would be such a moving achievement.

What does downtime mean to you?

I am passionate about the charity - working seven days is a pleasure - however, I do enjoy walking. In 2020 I completed a 7,036 mile hike around the coast of England and Ireland. During the pandemic I was forced to stop at Torquay and made up the miles walking locally. I would very much like to start my walk again from the south coast back to the North East. Walking is also good

THE DAY JOB >> What do you do for a living?

Manage the cancer charity, Daft as a Brush Cancer Patient Care.

A day in the life of you?

There’s definitely no such thing as an average day at Daft as a Brush - I could be hosting a volunteer’s meeting, in consultation with the directors of the

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therapy for my Parkinson's disease, so I guess you could say this is my ‘downtime’.

LESSONS IN LIFE >> What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I followed my passion for engineering and construction. With the support of my family and later in life, mentor William Leech, I was lucky to fulfil my dreams.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Life is far too short, always leave people on good terms.

What is your greatest fear?

Becoming too poorly to work.

Which living person do you most admire and why?

My good friend, Sir John Hall. His vision and business acumen has supported the North East for decades.

LIVING LUXE >> What is top of your bucket list?

To take the charity nationwide and create 1,000,000 free cancer patient journeys.

What is your most treasured possession?

Memories.

What does the weekend mean to you?

I am a workaholic! Weekends present an opportunity to achieve more without the phones ringing.

A memorable holiday?

Walking the Pennine Way with my children.

Best dress?

Handmade suits.

Who would be your top three dinner guests?

Margaret Thatcher, Arthur Scargill and Boris Johnson.

The last place you ate?

The Three Mile Inn. The last book you read?

Len Gibson, ‘A Wearside lad in World War II’.

The last thing you listened to?

Classic FM. The last thing you watched?

Michael Portillo Railway Journeys.

Your three luxe things in life?

Good health, friendship and not being a bore! daftasabrush.org.uk

MAY/JUN22

INSPIRING ART

A stroke of perfection Animal prints, bespoke gifts and homeware delights are just a few of the original items you will find at Matt Robson Artwork. Nicole Wood recently sat down with the young and talented artist turned entrepreneur to discuss the opening of his third gallery…

Growing up, Matt Robson was always passionate about art - and with the rolling Northumberland landscape surrounding him, inspiration was never too far away.

Putting pencil to paper, Matt discovered his love was more than just a hobby - it was an incredible talent.

“It all started to get serious for me when I was about 11,” he explains.

“While I was still in school, I exhibited at Alnmouth Arts Festival and this was the first step for me. I never envisioned I would make a career out of this, I was just doing what I loved. Following that, I exhibited my work at small art events and country shows until the end of 2019 when, at age 16, I opened my first gallery.

“Being based in Alnwick, it seemed like the perfect location to open up my first gallery. Things really started to take off.

The footfall was great due to the popularity of surrounding attractions like the Alnwick Gardens and Alnwick Castle. I grew my business developing new products and designs and the natural next step was to open up my second gallery based in Morpeth.

“Lockdown forced some spare time on me.

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I couldn’t retail in-store, so it was online only and it seemed like the perfect time to get things up and running for when time allowed.”

So with two blossoming art galleries, oodles of online orders, and commissions coming in regularly, how did the third gallery come to fruition? The new and exciting adventure in Amble happened pretty spontaneously, Matt tells me.

“Things were pretty busy, but when I was approached about the space, it seemed silly not to take advantage.

“Each gallery - despite selling the same items and all located pretty close to one another - offers something completely new.

“Each location attracts a different audience who are interested in different things. In Morpeth, a lot of the stag and pheasant pieces are popular, Alwnick seems to be a mixture of everything, and in Amble it’s more of the oystercatchers and seaside themes that catch people’s attention. It helps me because I can now plan my work around what works best for each gallery.

I get to meet lots of lovely new people in each location. It does work quite well though because the galleries don’t take the limelight away from each other considering they’re so close.”

Classic cars once featured heavily in Matt’s

work, but currently, it’s all about animals and the beautiful sights of the countryside - and this is what makes up his wonderful collection found in the galleries.

When you see Truffles the pig, gorgeously engraved slate placemats and elegantly framed prints, you know it’s the work of Matt Robson.

“When it comes to my main collections, they all work nicely together because there’s a collection of the same designs,” he explains.

“You can have a board that matches a mug, a picture on your wall and a cushion - so it all ties in really nicely together in an interior space. Whether you mix and match or stick to the same design, you can pick up several things to place throughout your home,” Matt adds.

When it comes to inspiration, Matt tells me it’s often his local surroundings and love of animals that guides him. However, due to the popularity of his commission-based

work, he’s often led by his customers' desires too.

Whether it’s a unique gift or a pictureperfect portrait of your pet, Matt’s artistic eye and attention to detail helps him stand out from the crowd; and with a niche for designing perfect gifts for men, his work fits perfectly into the gap in the market.

“I pride myself on being able to offer great gifts - especially for men,” he says.

“Being a bloke, I often find myself creating things that I like. So we do the engraved whisky tumblers, hip flasks, shot glasses, coasters, bone China mugs and much more, which make for perfect gifts for the men in people’s lives. An area which can, admittedly, be quite challenging.

“I also find myself doing lots of lovely portraits of dogs - a great keepsake for people, or wonderful as a special gift. It’s really nice to be able to offer something so personal and unique for my customers.

“Everything we do is in-house. The design, print, framing and engraving is all done by me using the latest technology to achieve high-quality and long-lasting prints and homeware items.

“It’s the same process for commissions too.

It all begins with an idea. Once I have got a few images and a rough idea of what the customer is looking for, we start planning.

The plan includes a digitally rendered image of what the final piece will look like, the size, presentation and a quote. Once agreed, I begin by sketching out the piece with graphite, then slowly and accurately the colour is applied building layers to achieve a very accurate and detailed drawing of the provided reference image.

“I now have four staff members. They help with print work so I have more time to focus on the art and the day-to-day of running a business, which of course takes up quite a bit of my time - especially since opening our third store!

“I’m excited and hopeful for what the future holds,” Matt says with a smile.

“There’s lots going on at the moment.”

Three years in and three art galleries later, Matt’s blossoming business is going from strength to strength. With talent and dedication at the heart, exciting plans in place and a collection of beautifully bespoke products, we can all expect to remember the name Matt Robson Artwork. mattrobsonartwork.co.uk

I pride myself on being able to offer great gifts - especially for men. An area which can, admittedly, be quite challenging MAY/JUN22

AWARD WINNING HAIRDRESSING

MAKING WAVES Gosforth 0191 217 0217 Jesmond 0191 281 6714 Ponteland 01661 821 004 Wynyard 01740 644 690 www.hookerandyoung.co.uk Facebook: hooker&young Twitter: @hookerandyoung Instagram: hookerandyoung

SOUL FOOD

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MAY/JUN22

SOUL FOOD

Making cooking fun

Chris Baber discovered his love for cooking at a very young age. The celebrity chef, who grew up in Hexham, is now on a mission to spread the word that anyone can cook, that it’s simple and fun, and has recently launched his first recipe book that reinforces that message. As his career continues to reach heady heights, he recently took time out to chat to Claudia Robinson about his inspirations, passions and hopes for the future…

Some of Chris’ earliest memories are standing on a chair in the kitchen, at home, and at his grandparents’, helping to chop up mushrooms. As soon as he was tall enough to reach the pots and pans by himself, he started cooking, and by the age of five he was helping his grandad make fry-ups at the weekend.

He reminisces: “I remember we’d have to open the door because it was like a steam room in their tiny kitchen. He’d always have the music blaring and I can still see him now, whistling and dancing while he made meals for us. It was inspirational to see him getting so much enjoyment out of the process of cooking. I didn’t realise it at the time, but he made me enjoy cooking - and like him, I always have the tunes playing when I’m in the kitchen.

“Even in my book, I suggest that the first thing you do is get your music on, because the more you enjoy being in the kitchen, the more you’re going to enjoy cooking.

You switch off, it’s about escaping from life and the reward is your food.”

MAY/JUN22

Chris recalls about coming home from school to watch Ready, Steady, Cook and cooking for his family. His parents had busy lives, his mum worked in the NHS for 40 years and his dad had a sales job, so Chris felt like he was helping by putting food on the table.

“I’d go to my friends’ houses for tea, we’d have fish, chips and beans, whilst at my house I’d make spag bol from scratch, and it made me realise that so few people cooked like that. It made me wonder why, and even back then I was already thinking about what I could do to get people cooking.

“It was a pipe dream for me to be a chef.

I knew cooking was my passion and I wanted to inspire people to enjoy doing it too. When I was in my late teens, we all started getting mobile phones. I would text photos of my food to friends and it became a ‘thing’.”

Chris started modelling and enjoyed taking food he’d cooked along to shoots. One time, at a shoot at the Metro Centre, one of the other models suggested that Chris shared his food on social media. Organically his popularity grew and soon he had 10,000

followers on Instagram alone. One day, Chris received a message from someone who worked on Yes Chef, asking him to take part in the TV competition. He did, and he won the 2016 series. One of the judges was Chris’ cooking idol, Atul Kocchar, who was clearly impressed that Chris chose to cook a variation of one of his fish dishes in the competition (without knowing Atul was going to be the judge).

“When Atul told me I’d absolutely nailed that dish, I remember getting goosebumps,” says Chris.

“That single moment was when I realised I should be working in food and it gave me a massive boost of self confidence.

Atul offered me a job at his Michelin star restaurant in London. Honestly, it’s the stuff dreams are made of!”

Chris was 25 and still living in Hexham.

He accepted Atul’s offer, found ‘a wreck of a place’ in south London to live in, and started working in the professional kitchen in Mayfair.

“I did six months in the restaurant and learnt a phenomenal amount, all the time thinking, how can I make this professional style of cooking easier so that people can do it at home? I realised I didn’t want to work in a professional kitchen, my passion was always to show people how to cook nice food, easily.

“Atul, who has become a great friend, gave me his full blessing and off I went to pursue my ambition to become a celebrity chef as I realised this was the only way I could reach a big audience.”

Chris is quick to point out that his ambition had never been to be famous, or to be on TV, but he knew that it was the only way to get in front of lots of people and help them learn how simple and fun it is to cook.

Chris started to try and build his profile, on social media, by seeking out opportunities to appear on TV, including Blue Peter, and building relationships with celebrities.

He reached out to British Olympic gold medallist, Tom Daley, and they cooked together on Tom’s YouTube channel.

“He was someone I really admired,” says Chris.

“A national treasure who was prepared to work with me - it gave me another massive boost. I went to an event for M&S and ended up meeting one of the marketing directors; that night really changed my life.”

Within a couple of months Chris had become a resident chef for M&S Food, which has seen him tour the UK meeting suppliers, creating weekly recipes and becoming the face of their Fresh Market Update TV adverts, a campaign which reaches millions of people across the country. Chris now has over 200,000 followers across his social >>

The more you enjoy being in the kitchen, the more you’re going to enjoy cooking. You switch off, it’s about escaping from life and the reward is your food

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SOUL FOOD

media platforms, a far cry from his 10,000 followers a few years ago that enjoyed looking at his home-cooked foodie snaps!

“To become a resident chef for M&S blew my mind. It’s always been one of my favourite brands - the most exciting thing was telling my dad! I’ve got fond memories of going to the store in the Metro Centre with my Nana, so it’s such a treat to be aligned with an institution, and I love visiting producers all over the country.

It’s an honour and has really helped me build momentum with everything else that I’m doing, encouraging people to cook at home.”

One of the things Chris is most proud of is his Chris Baber Cooking School which he launched during the first lockdown. Three nights a week he’d host cook-a-longs online from his home kitchen, encouraging parents to cook with their children.

“It’s one of the most heartwarming things I've done,” he reflects, “And it kept me going through lockdown too. It was great to get families cooking together and in a selfish way, it was good to have some structure to my week! We did another series after lockdown, the Baber Flavour Fakeaway, where I was joined by a guest celebrity and we’d cook together. It was a privilege to have people like Paddy McGuinness, Joel Dommett, Lisa Snowdon and Vick Hope involved in that!”

Chris is clearly going places and has very much achieved what he set out to do. The icing on the cake for him is the launch of his first book, published on 7 April this year.

He explains the ethos behind his book: “I set out with three main requirements.

Everything in the book had to be accessible.

If you can’t get hold of half the ingredients then you’re never going to bother making it.

Also, it was important for me that the

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language in the book was clear. Not everyone knows, or cares, what saute or julienne means. And finally, you only need basic kitchen equipment - a chopping board, knife, pans, the sort of stuff everyone has.

No stand mixers or fancy machines that generally gather dust in the cupboard!

“I want this book to be the one that people reach for time and time again. I hope it will be covered in sauce, with pen notes in the margins, and I want it to be the book that brings people together around the table and helps them build their confidence in the kitchen.”

In between launching his new book, Chris has recently bought his first flat in London, and is currently having his own, bespoke kitchen fitted where he’ll be able to do all his filming. His hectic schedule has meant he’s had less time than he would like to spend visiting his parents and friends back in Hexham, but he tells me that, when time allows, there’s nothing he loves more.

“I get to the point in London, as much as I love it, that I have to head back north, to the countryside.

“When I get on the train, the second it pulls out of King’s Cross, I literally feel a massive sense of relief and calmness. Dad picks me up from Newcastle and we drive back to Hexham, we go for long walks along Hadrian’s Wall and Tynemouth beach. I love catching up with friends, exploring the Newcastle food scene which is evolving all the time.”

So, what does the future look like for Chris?

“I want to become the go-to chef for making food accessible and hope to further grow my social media following.

“I’d also love to write a second book and, rather excitingly, I’m in talks with some TV companies in America at the moment, as well as some shows in the UK. One big goal

of mine would be to win I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! or maybe even Strictly Come Dancing. Both of those would be amazing experiences and unrivalled platforms for me to further spread the word about how easy it is to get in the kitchen and cook.

“One of the key things for me with all this work is to make sure I’m enjoying life. After lockdown I got into the mindset of ‘work,

work, work’ and have been hard on myself over the last couple of years. So I’m going to try more to go with the flow and enjoy it, whilst still working hard of course. It’s so important, I enjoy what I do but I need to take a step back and soak it all in!”

Easy by Chris Baber (Ebury, £16.99), published April 7 2022. chrisbaber.co.uk

I want this book to be the one that people reach for time and time again. I hope it will be covered in sauce, with pen notes in the margins, and I want it to be the book that brings people together around the table MAY/JUN22

EASY DOES IT

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MAY/JUN22

EASY DOES IT

Lighter layers Invite lighter layers and a pop of colour into your life with Yves Salomon’s Spring Summer 2022 collection. Putting their longstanding, unique outerwear know-how into a new ready-to-wear collection made entirely from natural fibres including silk, cotton and leather, to create a complete versatile wardrobe. Think elegant neutral hues and a splash of joyful colour…

Left Above

MAY/JUN22

Yves Salomon, Leather Dress, £954 Yves Salomon, Silk Dress in Green, £504

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EASY DOES IT

Right Above

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Yves Salomon, Cotton Shirt, £324 and Yves Salomon, Cotton Shorts, £270 Yves Salomon, Cotton Dress, £441

MAY/JUN22

EASY DOES IT

MAY/JUN22

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EASY DOES IT

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EASY DOES IT

Left Below

Yves Salomon, Stretch-knit Top, £171 and Yves Salomon, Leather Jogging Pants, £895.50 Yves Salomon, Cotton Jumpsuit, £540

yves-salomon.co.uk

MAY/JUN22

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31

FASHION FOCUS

Fantastic plastic Charlie Grabham is founder of sustainable fashion label, Hues&Co, based in Jesmond.

Her stunning maxi dresses and colourful headscarves are made from recycled plastic. As she tells Claudia Robinson, she’s doing her best to help build a more planet-friendly fashion future…

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MAY/JUN22

FASHION FOCUS

Hues&Co was born after what started out as a sideline for Charlie became, in her words, the main event. Her work led to her travelling a lot and she developed a love for European scarves, building up quite a collection as they were light to pack in her hand luggage. She started selling the scarves on a website and had always wanted to develop her own British brand.

A range of really big, colourful scarves, made from natural and recycled materials.

Charlie didn’t start out working in the world of fashion, she explains: “Apart from working in a fashion importer for a year, I am a marketer by trade, which is really the main vehicle for any business these days. It’s a blessing and a curse because when you start out in any industry you don’t know what you don’t know, so firstly, you’re not scared to take the plunge, and secondly, you ask for directions a lot more and therefore grow your network.

“But, at the same time, you make lots of mistakes, often costly ones! My strength (I hope) lies in building relationships, so I have found an amazing network of talented people to realise my brand for me. They are all freelancers or small business owners, so we understand each other. I really get a kick out of working with talented people who can do what I can’t.”

One thing that is very clear is how important sustainability is to Charlie. She tells me how she wanted to create something that didn’t cost the earth, literally: “It’s crucial that my

garments don’t harm animals or the planet.

Finding sustainable fabrics as a small business is incredibly hard and you also have to consider where your garments are made, by who, and how many miles they have travelled to get here. That is why all my products are made in the UK.” The fabric Charlie uses is made from plastic bottles that are produced into chips, then transformed into fibre, then yarn.

“This means that at least some plastic bottles are not ending up in landfill or on beaches,” says Charlie.

“You wouldn’t believe how silky it is. It’s breathable, stays cool and is so versatile.

“My fabric is printed in the UK, while the garments are produced by someone who lives just down the road. My dresses are made from one piece of fabric and any offcuts are made into headscarves, so we try to be as close to zero waste as possible.

While our packaging, hangtags and even the fabric labels inside the dresses are eco-friendly.”

Charlie started her business creating scarves because, as she explains, they are essentially one piece of square fabric which allows much less room for error!

“I always really wanted to make dresses, but it was important to try and build a customer base first and see what they wanted from the market. I was selling to the UK, Austria, Germany and the US and then Brexit was quickly followed by COVID, so my retail business disappeared overnight.

I can’t lie, it was a tough old time! I was living in Amsterdam up until the pandemic.

I moved there ahead of Brexit to keep my European business going, and because I was, and still am, in love with the city.

Then I lost my Dad to cancer, so I moved back to the UK and had six months where there was absolutely no retail trading.

Although these were some of the most challenging months of my life, the world was turning less quickly, so it actually gave me time and space to think about next steps and where I wanted to take the brand.

“I decided to move myself, the business and production back to the UK and focus on sustainability, which felt like the right thing to do. So that was that, decision made - and then it was just a case of finding the people to realise it for me, which, in the middle of the pandemic, was a challenge in itself!”

Charlie tells me how she chose to develop a maxi dress because she’s a big fan and it saved her summer wardrobe.

“I love that you can just slip on a dress and be out all day and night if needs be.

I really wanted to create statement pieces that someone could wear from the beach

to the bar. These dresses are designed to roll into a weekend case for any eventuality.

They can be worn barefoot on the beach, they can be dressed down with trainers and a denim jacket or dressed up with heels for a night out, or with a hat for a wedding!

Oh and they have pockets, which is the one thing that all my customers love!”

Charlie’s business is blooming, just like the beautiful floral and rainbow inspired prints she uses in her designs. As it continues to grow, she explains how she has many exciting plans for the future.

“I have a new maxi dress line and print coming out soon. I would also love to do a line of tailored coats someday but am working to build the consumer side of the business for now. Most excitingly, I have just been approved to link with Wolf and Badger, a huge platform that only sells sustainably and ethically produced fashion, jewellery, accessories and beauty products, so I’m currently busy developing that relationship, planning shoots and gearing up for launch in early summer!” huesandco.com

These dresses are designed to roll into a weekend case for any eventuality. They can be worn barefoot on the beach, they can be dressed down with trainers or dressed up with heels

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SUMMER INSPO

TREND WATCH

with Isabella Dryden, founder of sustainable luxury fashion brand, Saint Belle

Look forward to warmer weather and summer holidays with beach-wear inspiration and ethical threads…

Easy Breezy

A new luxury hobby Season’s Boutique is quickly becoming my most loved trove on the internet. This female led boutique and design studio is the vision of Emily and Charlotte. It’s a place where you can discover elevated stationery and exclusive artbooks - explore their collection of luxury stationery all handcrafted in England.

Their newly designed ‘Artists’ collection is made to encourage creativity and engage in life beyond screens. Allow yourself to try something new and capture the changing of the seasons through their beautiful sketchbooks and journals. seasons-boutique.com

Get ready to let One Hundred Stars breathe new life into your wardrobe.

Their pieces give a sense of wearability that makes them a viable option every day. The more dramatic styles promise to come into their own for event dressing, while there is an energy throughout the range of silk kimonos and gowns - tempting us with the idea of spending an afternoon outside in the garden, a taste of slow days ahead, of recharging.

One Hundred Stars produces two collections a year. They celebrate not being fashion led, instead choosing to take inspiration from classical and historical designs to produce stunning and timeless pieces.

At each stage of their journey One Hundred Stars supports the best ethical choices available. They source and manufacture in India using a small family business that they can now call good friends.

Prices range from £48 to £120 onehundredstars.co.uk

Sun Seeker Warm weather dressing You’re the first to know about the latest pieces we’ve added to Saint Belle.

The Georgiana dress celebrates simplicity and timeless style. Tailored in our new Sail Away Stripe that looks effortlessly fresh against sun-kissed skin.

Our sustainable, handwoven cottons are lightweight and breathable - the ultimate luxury purchase. Simply add chunky gold jewellery and grab your sunglasses for a summer-ready feel that can seamlessly take you from day to night. Georgiana Dress, £180 saintbelle.co.uk

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A Goldesse bikini is a must-have suitcase staple you’ll want to pack for seasons to come. My top tip? Opt for anything with a pop of colour and a modern silhouette – like the Hera Clay bikini set.

Goldesse chooses to romanticise all bodies through their considered brand values, making you feel your beautiful best on sand or sea.

Aimee founded Goldesse after being a garment technologist in industry and felt empowered to create a fresh vision for inclusive swimwear. By paying attention to detail, she has been able to create a fit that supports you without restricting.

We will be proudly supporting this female-led business poolside this summer.

Clay Hera Top, £42, Clay Nova Brief, £50 goldesseswim.com

MAY/JUN22

GET TO KNOW

THE LUXE LOWDOWN:

Andrea Wylie Andrea with Jenson Photo credit: Amy Bagnall

LESSONS IN LIFE >> What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I actually dreamed of being a jockey, Frankie Dettori was my hero.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

To be the best version of yourself and always be realistic with your expectations that way you’ll never be disappointed.

What is your greatest fear?

Flying.

Which living person do you admire most and why?

I have to say probably my twin daughters.

One has the most gentle soul and the other is so brave. For being so young they have taught me so much.

LIVING LUXE >> What is top of your bucket list?

Probably a holiday home in the Lakes - it's my ‘happy place’.

What is your most treasured possession?

My health and my ‘tribe’ - they know who they are.

What does the weekend mean to you?

Sometimes they are hectic and they fly over, especially when we have crammed in riding lessons and activities and trips to the cinema. I love visits to the Lake District and having time away with my girlfriends at local spas. But generally, weekends are so precious and I’m always grateful for whatever we do. I’m always refreshed and raring to go again on Monday. I love routine!

A memorable holiday?

Probably a trip to Las Vegas a few years ago to watch the boxing.

Best dress?

My black Yves Saint Laurent velvet evening dress which still has the tag on - I really need to stop keeping things for ‘best’ and enjoy them!

Who would be your top three dinner guests?

Theresa Caputu (a medium from Long Island), Cillian Murphy and His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

GETTING TO KNOW YOU >> Name Andrea Wylie Title Mrs/Lady

venture that I'll hopefully be launching soon. The children, my charity work and then my social life keep me very busy. I feel very lucky to have a great balance.

Where is home?

Jesmond, Newcastle

A day in the life of you?

It's making sure the girls get off to school on time and the dogs have been out on a walk, and then I’m usually doing something relating to one of the charities I’m involved with.

I try to fit in my exercise three to four times a week too. I also make time to see my friends, whether it’s a coffee, lunch or a glass of wine and a catch up. I always enjoy spending time with them and have made a resolution to keep this up! Keeping in touch with my ‘tribe’ is super important to me.

Three reasons you love where you live? This is the fourth time I’ve lived in Jesmond! It's such a great place being so close to the city and great for the local schools. We are lucky to have so many green areas such as Jesmond Dene and the Town Moor, which are great for walking the dogs and jogging.

THE DAY JOB >> What do you do for a living?

I’m currently concentrating on a new

MAY/JUN22

Any upcoming or ongoing projects we should know about?

This is mainly my new business which, without giving too much away, is concentrating on home decluttering and organisation. I’m also working on a few charity events for the Newcastle Cat & Dog Shelter which include another black tie event, a golf day at Close House and many more. Both of these events were hugely successful last year.

What does downtime mean to you?

Usually doing something I love and keeping busy like attending dog shows, horse riding with the girls or shopping in Newcastle. On the other hand, some weekends are about family time - we have days when we put on a movie or watch Netflix and chill out all day, it's heaven!

The last place you ate?

The Ship Inn at Staithes.

The last book you read?

Healing is the New High by Vex King.

The last thing you listened to?

The ‘Happy Place’ podcast by Ferne Cotton.

The last thing you watched?

Iron Man 1 with my twins.

Your three luxe things in life?

Hard question, to only pick three. For a fun luxe night out, it has to be Boulevard Cabaret in Newcastle to see the amazing Miss Rory and Danni Dee and his dancers.

For a luxe special treat it has to be Lauren Perrier Rose, and for a luxe meal out with friends, it has to be Harry's Bar in Newcastle.

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LUXE LOOKS Zimmermann Brightside Swing Asymmetric Polka-dot Silk-georgette Midi Dress £493, theoutnet.com

laCalifornienne Daybreak 24mm Gold-plated Striped Leather Watch £1,335, net-a-porter.com

Tory Burch Quilted Leather Sandals £170, theoutnet.com

Tom Ford Oversized Silk and Lyocell-blend Satin Shirt £950, net-a-porter.com

GET THE LOOK

Go for bold

Sheep Inc The Crewneck Vest in Bottle Green £110, sheepinc.com

Bright, bold and beautiful. Make a ‘sunny season’ wardrobe statement with flamboyant colours and eye-catching designs. Whether you’re wearing the same hue head-to-toe, or mixing and matching, the only rule is… go bold!

Strathberry Safari Bag £395, strathberry.com

Velvet by Graham & Spencer Kassidy Dress £245, fenwick.co.uk

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Quilted Leather Mules £1,225, net-a-porter.com

Diane von Furstenberg Amabel Belted Silk-blend Crepe de Chine Maxi Dress £648, theoutnet.com

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Oscar de la Renta Pintucked Floral-print Cotton-blend Poplin Top £1,208, net-a-porter.com

Nicholas Baylee Cutout Cotton-poplin Midi Dress £165, theoutnet.com

MAY/JUN22

Dr Mona Attarpour BDS offers a wide range of treatments: • Cosmetic Injectables • Full Face Sculpting • Advanced Techniques • Bespoke Treatments • Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty • Tear Trough Fillers • Narural Lip Enhancement • Gummy Smile Correction • PROFHILO (Hyaluronic Acid Skin hydration) • Micro-needling • Acne Scar Reduction • Medical Grade Skin Care (for all skin conditions) • Hydrofacial • IPL Hair Removal

THE CLINIC BY MONA Treat yourself to the face you deserve THE SCIENCE OF BEAUTY Natural looking enhancements that will give you a more youthful complexion, with rejuvenated skin.

With a deep understanding of facial anatomy, thanks to her Dental training and being a Trainer and Mentor in Facial Injectables to Drs and Dentists, you couldn’t be in better and safer hands for your cosmetic needs.

The Clinic by Mona 61 High Street, Gosforth, NE3 4AA Tel. 0191 284 6436 www.theclinicbymona.com

BIG BUYS

A tint of perfection >> Giorgio Armani Crema Nuda Tinted Moisturiser If, like us, you’re at that stage in the year when the days are getting a little warmer and you’re looking for something a little lighter than the everyday foundation - introducing the Giorgio Armani Crema Nuda Tinted Moisturiser. After following your usual skincare routine, apply a generous amount from this little pot of joy to immediately enhance the skin tone and texture. It moisturises, blurs imperfections, unifies and illuminates, while remaining incredibly sheer. £160, fenwick.co.uk

Shimmer & shine >> Nars Afterglow Eyeshadow Palette When life gives you 12 high pigmented heated shades, blend them across your eye in all of their glory. Inside this palette, expect to be dazzled by a variety of matte, satin, shimmery, and metallic finishes - perfect for creating any glowing look, day or night.

Whatever the occasion, the selection of glittering golds, punchy pinks and subtle sparkles has got you covered. Sweep across, blend in and watch the magic happen. £59, fenwick.co.uk

Beauty:update

Pastel shades, glossy lips and the latest ‘must-have’ beauty gadget, we pick out some of our favourite products to get you glammed up and feeling good…

Skin-sculpting saviour >>

All about the gloss >>

Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar This uber-luxe 24K gold-plated bar is the skin-sculpting tool you won’t be able to live without. Smooth the vibrating t-bar across your forehead, between the eyes and along your cheek and jaw bones for five minutes and you’ll be hooked. The sculpting, contouring facial massage tool relaxes facial muscles at 6,000 vibrations per minute, working its magic to create a radiant looking canvas.

Say goodbye to puffy tired skin and hello to a new rejuvenated you. £185, harveynichols.com

La Mer Lip Volumizer Wear it on its own or add a glossy look to your favourite matte lipstick - the La Mer Lip Volumizer is perfect for that extra shine. Infused with renewing ‘miracle broth’, this serum-inspired beauty essential instantly plumps, softens and defines. Whether you like to make a bold statement with your lip shade, or prefer something a little more subtle, this gorgeous gloss caters for all.

Just one swipe and your lips will be greeted with a stunning sheen. £68, fenwick.co.uk

Delicately divine >> Sisley Sisleya L’integral Anti-Ageing Eye And Lip Contour Cream Signs of ageing creeping in? The Sisley Sisleya L’integral anti-ageing eye and lip contour cream is about to become your new best friend.

Sweep this luxurious formula across the delicate eye and lip areas to help combat wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness. Rich in plant extracts and vitamins, this gentle cream also works effectively to maintain skin’s hydration and elasticity. Apply gently morning and night for best results.

15ml, £160, johnlewis.com

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MAY/JUN22

BIG BUYS

Glow getter >> Nicole Wood heads to the Guinot salon in Gosforth to find out everything there is to know about the Guinot Detoxygene Treatment - a go-to beauty fix to achieve glowing skin for the summer season

Nailed it >> Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel in Rose Baltique We’re switching out deep hues and earthy tones for warm nudes and pastel shades for the warmer days ahead. The gorgeous Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel in the colour Rose Baltique provides a radiant splash of colour and a long-lasting lacquered shine. Sweep upwards in a single motion for a flawless look. It’s the perfect polish to pair with any outfit when the sun starts shining. £42, johnlewis.com

Silky smooth >> Eresos Hand & Body Cream Beat dry skin and introduce the Erosos derma cocoa hand and body cream into your routine. Enriched with skin-loving ingredients including cocoa, vitamin E, CBD isolate and aloe vera, you can expect a natural nourishing product that’s dedicated to leaving your skin super soft and intensely moisturised. Suitable for all skin types, use daily as part of your routine or as and when required throughout the day.

200ml, £100, eresos.co.uk

Protect & restore >>

A golden glow >> Age Defy+ Liquid Gold Tanning Drops Give your skin that golden glow with these nourishing, organic tanning drops for the face and body. Unscented and suitable for all skin types, the serum can be added to any facial or body moisturiser to customise your go-to tan. Whether it’s a subtle glow or a golden goddess look, simply adjust to your liking - the more drops, the deeper the tan. The results? A non-streaky tan that develops within 12-24 hours after application - and lasts up to five days.

30ml, £35, greenpeople.co.uk

MAY/JUN22

Wild Science Lab Root + Fruit Bright Start SPF 30 Broad Spectrum UV Shield We’ve said it once and we’ll say it again… SPF is the key to maintaining good skincare practice all year round.

This protective, energising moisturiser is a brightening, skin-quenching daily essential that helps neutralise the damaging effects of environmental skin stress. Packed with essential daily broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, stabilised vitamin C, antioxidant vitamin E, nourishing sweet almond oil and organic aloe vera, it’s the perfect product to protect and soothe your skin. Scented with a stimulating blend of six essential oils, this powerful mix of skin-boosting ingredients helps restore equilibrium, maintain daily defence, and help maximise your natural healthy glow.

50ml, £39, wildsciencelab.com

If, like myself, you’re always on the lookout for the latest beauty treatment and result-promising facials, then you’ve probably heard of the Guinot Detoxygene Treatment - a luxurious reoxygenating and detoxifying facial that promises results in just one hour.

So how does it work? Comprised of three elements, the treatment aims to reoxygenate the skin while removing toxins and pollutants to reveal a softer, more radiant canvas.

The first step is exfoliation. The dual enzymatic and mechanical exfoliation process eliminates dead skin cells loaded with toxins and pollution particles, helping to smooth and refine skin texture.

Next, the detoxifying mask. This skin-nourishing mask acts as a pollution magnet, picking up and removing particles to detoxify the skin. A chemical substance known as EDTA forms a chelate with metals, enabling their removal. Green Clay absorbs the toxins and impurities.

Finishing with a reoxygenating massage, which through manual techniques, boosts skin microcirculation. Carried out with a divine massage, serum infused with active ingredients including corn extract, ATP and moringa seed extract, all work to increase the oxygen uptake of cells, stimulate cell metabolising, form a detoxifying barrier and protect the skin from the harmful effects of pollutants. All of that, plus helping to remove harmful microparticles and prevent them from adhering to the skin.

The end result? Breathable skin accompanied by a silky smooth luminous complexion.

For a non-invasive, luxurious and fast-acting treatment, a visit to The Guinot Salon for a Detoxygene Treatment should be on your radar this summer. guinotgosforth.guinot.com

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GET TO KNOW

THE LUXE LOWDOWN:

Dr Jane Gosney Luxe checks in with Dr Jane Gosney to get the lowdown on creating gorgeous smiles and finding out her luxe things in life GETTING TO KNOW YOU >> Name Jane Victoria Gosney Title Dr Jane Victoria Gosney, BDS, MSc (Aesthetic and Restorative Dentistry), Associate Dentist at Queensway Dental, Billingham Where is home?

Billingham, Teesside Three reasons you love where you live?

Number one has to be our house - it’s just perfect. It has an amazing garden and it’s only a three minute drive to work. We are on the doorstep of some amazing countryside and beaches, and there’s an incredible sense of community here. The people of the North East are just fantastic.

THE DAY JOB >> What do you do for a living?

I’m a dentist. I design, create and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles.

A day in the life of you?

It goes without saying that I start and finish every day by brushing my teeth for two minutes with an electric toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Every day in dentistry is different but usually comprises of new patient consultations, cosmetic procedures such as crowns and veneers, some gum treatments and some routine dental appointments.

My favourite days are those which involve reviewing patients after their smile makeovers - the change in confidence never ceases to surprise me. People who were a shell of a person will come in and tell me they’ve landed their dream job, managed to smile without fear

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at their daughter’s wedding and even met a new partner.

It’s certainly a rewarding career.

Whatever my appointment list looks like, my day is guaranteed to be full of fun and laughs thanks to the wonderful patients I have the pleasure of treating and the amazing staff we have working at Queensway - it’s truly like a family.

Any upcoming or ongoing projects or achievements we should know about?

I’m currently working on gaining my Master’s in Digital Smile Design. As part of this I’ll be travelling to Seville in June to learn state-of-the-art new techniques to bring back to our patients at Queensway. I’ve also recently joined Queensway Skin Clinic as a practitioner, to not only provide our patients with beautiful smiles, but beautiful faces too.

What does downtime mean to you?

Switching off from work and being with my family. Ideally in the sun with a skinny margarita in one hand and a taco in the other!

LESSONS IN LIFE >> What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A Disney princess - of course!

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

Work hard, study hard, and you will reap the rewards.

What is your greatest fear?

Having to stay somewhere haunted - I’m a total wimp when it comes to anything horror related.

Which living person do you most admire and why?

Two people equally - my parents. My dad (The Colonel) his leadership, loyalty, resilience and wicked humour are unparalleled. He’s one in a million.

My mum - there’s literally nothing she can’t do - this page is not big enough to list her talents. She won’t just do something - she’ll do it better than anyone, and she’ll do it in a killer pair of heels. Absolute superwoman.

I owe every success I have in my life to them both and I hope one day (if I’m lucky enough to have my own children) to be half the parents they have both been to me and my brother John.

LIVING LUXE >> What is top of your bucket list?

To go up in a hot air balloon with my dad. We’ve been booking flight dates for at least four years now, but the North East weather has always had other plans.

What is your most treasured possession?

My childhood teddy bear.

What does the weekend mean to you?

No schedules. Fresh air, good food, family, pottering, shopping… whatever takes my fancy.

A memorable holiday?

Travelling the length of Vietnam and Cambodia from north to south for a month in 2020 with my fiancé, Jason.

We just made it home in time for lockdown. It was a fantastic experience. A close second has to be Tokyo a crazy but amazing city.

Best dress?

My wedding dress. It’s boxed up at home and I keep secretly trying it on - I can’t wait for our wedding in October.

Who would be your top three dinner guests?

My grandparents who have passed - Grandad Jim, Grandma Elfriede and Grandad Frank.

The last place you ate?

The Glass House at Wynyard Hall.

The last book you read?

Photographing Fairies by Steve Szilagyi.

The last thing you listened to?

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons at the show Jersey Boys, which I saw at the Sunderland Empire earlier this year.

The last thing you watched?

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

Solid 10/10 rating for vacuous escapism.

Your three luxe things in life?

Holidays, spa days and tasting menus. queensway.co.uk

The eagle-eyed among you may have seen that in our last edition, we mistakenly printed two identical images with captions stating before and after in our interview with Queensway Dental. We would like to apologise for this error.

MAY/JUN22

Creating confidence is what we do best…

Before

After Sarah transformed her smile with tooth whitening, crown lengthening and 10 ceramic veneers.

Sarah, 46, had disliked her smile for all her adult life. She had two veneers fitted on her front teeth when she was 21 and since then had a further fivesets fitted trying to correct them, but never achieved the desired result - until she came to Queensway. She told us she was self-conscious of her gummy smile and uneven teeth and it had come to the point where she found herself talking with her hand over her mouth and avoiding social situations.

Sarah said: “I had been stalking Queensway on Instagram for a while and finally plucked up the courage to book a free video consultation. I was so anxious, but they put me at ease immediately and the rest is history! I will no longer hide my mouth or delete hundreds of photos from my camera roll after every selfie! I’m over the moon and my new smile really has been life changing.”

Are you interested in finding out more about your own smile makeover?

Book a free video consultation today at Queensway.co.uk

Billingham | Jesmond

Find us on Facebook and Instagram @QueenswaySmiles

LUXE LOCKS

Summer has finally arrived and with it the A list-loved, gorgeous balayage look. This specialised technique has become immensely popular in salons and when combined with exceptional skill, the results are stunning!

Balayage just got better

Balayage is everywhere. Instagram is full of celebs who have gone for the look - and it’s not just for blondes, with the likes of Selena Gomez and Bella Hadid loving the colour trend too. It’s all about enhancing your natural base without losing your dark shade completely - with multi-tones of burnished gold and bronze that look simply stunning.

On our beautiful model Anna, we’ve used a hand painted technique of soft tonal blondes to create a stunning natural feel to enhance her dark blonde base. A fresh effortless result that looks equally as gorgeous blown out smooth or as shown here with textured beach waves.

Think low maintenance looks and gorgeous results - designed specifically to suit your natural colouring, to get you looking summer gorgeous.

We’ve recently launched a brand-new bespoke colour clinic hosted by our multi award-winning H&Y art team member and winner of the prestigious ‘British Colour Technician of the Year’, Sophie Gibson.

When it comes to colour, Sophie has notched up several industry awards including UK Colour Genius. It doesn’t get much better than that!

Exclusively on Sundays - situated in the luxurious surroundings of the first floor Jesmond salon on Clayton Road, clients will get Sophie’s undivided attention and colour expertise. With adapted techniques to suit any generation, Sophie’s expert knowledge and eye for detail will transform your hair colour into the best it’s ever looked.

From soft harmonious hues that sit perfectly with your natural skin tone, to glowing face-framing flashes to further brighten your features - there’s a colour or technique to suit everyone. These bespoke colour services will give you striking colour results - adapted to best match your skin tone, where blended shades are used to go perfectly with your individual base colour.

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

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MAY/JUN22

BELIEVE IN YOU

SUNSHINE STATE OF MIND Accelerate your mindset with our Luxe life coach, Teresa Peters…

Nothing is impossible. The word itself says “I’m possible!”

- Audrey Hepburn part, but I love the true story about an Australian farmer called Cliff Young who won the world’s toughest race in 1983. The extreme event is a six and a half day race, a little over 600 miles - and generally the runners are young and fit. Cliff was a 61-year-old guy wearing Oshkosh overalls, a t-shirt, a baseball cap, construction boots and waterproofs because he thought it might rain.

The press asked him if he’s ever run a marathon before and he replied, “Nope.”

He went on to say, “Well, I'm a farmer. And I must chase my animals around because I don't have a tractor or a horse. I herd them through days of storms without sleeping for days. I think I can run.”

So, the race starts. Cliff had an advantage that nobody knew. He hadn’t read Runner’s World or been bombarded with information to influence his thinking, and so he didn't know that he was supposed to run for 18 hours and sleep for six. So that night when everyone was so far ahead of him and lying in bed, he just ran right by them. In fact, Cliff ran (with an unusual shuffle style) non-stop for five and a half days, never sleeping and broke the record by 12 hours - at 61 years of age! He won $10,000, which he didn’t expect, and he shared the prize money with the five runners up.

Cliff most certainly had a growth mindset.

He wasn’t naturally talented at running, but he believed he could do it; he had a strategy and through hard work he surpassed the elite athletes.

Did you know that our human brain unconsciously processes roughly 11 million pieces of information per second, according to Forbes? Compare that to the estimate for conscious processing, which is about 40 pieces per second. Then break this down further to processing one thing at a time.

It’s not surprising we feel overwhelmed in the complex world we live in, and this can affect our mindset. With so much information, we compare and despair,

MAY/JUN22

we feel overwhelmed and sometimes with too much information we may limit ourselves by what we believe is expected of us.

Growth mindset was developed by a lady called Dr Carol Dweck who said: “For decades I've been studying why some people succeed, while people who are equally talented, do not. And over the years I have discovered that peoples’ mindset plays a crucial part in this process.”

In a growth mindset, individuals believe their talents can be developed through

hard work, good strategies, and input from others. They tend to achieve more than those with a more fixed mindset.

In a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are fixed traits. They spend their time recording their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success, without effort.

But aren’t some people naturally more talented than others?

Yes and no. Genetic structures do play a

How can you start to be more like Cliff?

1. See your challenges as opportunities.

2. Reflect each day on what you've failed at and note your learnings.

3. Stop seeking approval from others.

4. Identify opportunities to celebrate the success of others.

5. Focus on rewarding actions, not traits.

6. Start using the word ‘yet’ more often!

Whilst we may not always have a growth mindset, we can influence control over the choices we make and lean into a growth mindset way of thinking. Whenever you find yourself unmotivated, know that anything is possible. Do the ‘Cliff Young shuffle’, believe in change, and accelerate your mindset.

luxe-magazine.co.uk 43

BEAUTY BOOST

The Clinic by Mona is a science-backed luxury hub for aesthetics and skin-loving treatments. Nicole Wood recently sat down with Dr Mona Attarpour BDS, owner of the confidence-boosting clinic…

Putting the science into beauty The blustering wind on this early spring morning hurries me inside the already busy Gosforth clinic. Making an appearance mid photoshoot, I dodge my way past the lights and cameras and greet the lovely Dr Mona Attarpour BDS. As the hectic morning begins to settle, we chat casually in the gorgeous clinic, discussing our love for our dogs and the latest series we’re watching on Netflix.

“Where to begin?” laughs Dr Mona as we sit down to dive into all things aesthetics.

Dr Mona Attarpour BDS is a qualified Dental Surgeon with extensive training in injectables.

“Growing up I always wanted to be a dentist. I think it all stemmed from visiting our family dentist as a child,” she starts.

“I remember sitting in the waiting area admiring how glamorous the office was.

I just remember thinking this will be me one day.

“I had been a dentist for quite some time and I had a lot of patients asking me if I offered aesthetics. It’s not something I had ever considered before, but after numerous requests and wanting a new challenge to sit alongside my dentistry, I decided to give it a go and I really enjoyed the courses,” she explains.

“Anatomy is something we’ve done a lot of, as dentists, throughout university. For five years we learn everything there is to know about the head and the neck anatomy, which is vital to understanding aesthetics and the role and function of the anatomy in restoring aesthetics.

“Restoring teeth and giving patients the confidence to smile is part of the profession that I loved and it’s only a short transition to restoring the aesthetics of the surrounding soft tissues. The fact that we’re already so used to giving injections

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in the mouth, means we already have the confidence to inject in intimate and sensitive areas.”

The clinic we’re currently sitting in, nestled within the busy main high street in Gosforth, is the place that Dr Mona fell in love with back in 2018.

“When my partner Keith showed me the ad for a clinic for sale in Gosforth, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to take my aesthetic career a huge step forwards. I had been treating patients for aesthetics in between my dentistry and attended numerous courses, so the timing couldn’t have been better.”

For Mona, it’s all about making her patients feel good, so that’s exactly what she does at her clinic.

“People can expect natural results. I only do natural and pride myself on this. The work I do creates a fresher look, to improve self esteem, banish insecurities and make people happier within themselves. It’s natural for patients to be a little nervous at first, but I always do my best to reassure and comfort them - usually in the form of a joke to get them to relax.

“I always start small - this way they can see instant results without drastic changes.

They won’t look in the mirror and think ‘who’s that looking back at me?’.

“A lot of people don’t like anyone to know they’ve had any work done. They want to look fresh and give the perception that they’ve been on holiday, had a good night’s sleep, or are living with less stress. They don’t want big changes to the point where people are going to ask what work they’ve had done!

“The whole process starts with trust.

Someone is putting their face in my hands, and so the consultation process is one of the most important steps. It’s the opportunity for patients to tell me what they want and for me to provide honest,

We go on a journey together, building up a relationship along the way, and I help them get to their desired destination

MAY/JUN22

BEAUTY BOOST professional feedback. I simply won’t carry out any work I don’t believe in. I don’t want to alter people’s faces, I want to provide natural looking rejuvenation and if I don’t agree with what someone is asking for or if they’re wanting something too extreme, then I’m happy enough to turn them away.

Remaining ethical is crucial in this line of work. If people look at previous work on my Instagram, they can be reassured that the treatments I offer are natural. I don’t want my name against something I don’t believe in.

“Results and patient satisfaction motivates me. It’s a very close and personal relationship - they’re telling you their biggest insecurities and so it’s an honour to help make someone feel so confident in their own skin. We go on a journey together, building up a relationship along the way, and I help them get to their desired destination.”

Alongside patients spending on treatments, Dr Mona was committed to finding a way for her patients to maintain long-lasting results: “I always say, ‘what’s the point in having the treatment if you aren’t going to maintain a good skincare routine at home?’

“There’s no overnight fix and you need to stay on top of things. You wouldn’t just go to the dentist every six months and then not brush your teeth in between check ups.”

Offering medical grade skin care products is another piece in the jigsaw and has led to Dr Mona adding medical grade skin care products to her arsenal.

Prescribed medical grade skincare, tailored to individual patient’s needs, helps to treat conditions such as acne, rosacea and pigmentation.

Fully aware that everyone’s skin is unique and has different needs, she carried out a variety of blind testing before promoting the use of it.

“I used it for about 2-3 months on a selection of patients until I started seeing results and then once I knew it worked, I decided to start using it in the clinic.

“The Alumier skincare range is a big game changer. It’s medical grade and actually offers results within two months of use, without any downtime. There is a lot of competition, in terms of products, but there’s a lot of confusion out there and not enough education. Sometimes people think they’re using medical grade products, but unfortunately they’re not. And despite spending a fortune on a well-known brand, they won’t actually see medical grade results. If you can just buy them over the counter, then they aren’t medical grade.

You need to be consulted and prescribed these products to be able to get the high percentage of active ingredients.”

When asking Dr Mona about her own

MAY/JUN22

glowing canvas, she explains her biggest beauty secret is SPF: “Because I started on this aesthetic journey, I learned all about what products my skin needed. For example, SPF is essential - it’s the best thing you can do for your skin on a daily basis. The importance of it is crucial. My skin is so much smoother and in much better condition since I started wearing it. There’s not enough information out there about why it’s so important to use. A lot of people think that there’s enough in their moisturiser or make up, but that’s not true. I myself admit, I used to think the less I wear the better the tan I’d get, but now even when I’m on holiday I’ll try and keep my face out of the sun. Even here in England, on the cloudiest of days, I will still apply SPF 50 to my face.”

Remaining true to her roots, Dr Mona still dabbles in locum dentistry from time to time and offers a teeth whitening treatment at the clinic, but her passion lies with aesthetics.

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the likes of dermal fillers and anti-wrinkle treatments, which is why she’s committed to not only offering natural looks for her patients, but is dedicated to providing top-of-the-range, insightful training to those looking to pursue a career in this field of work.

“I love injectables,” she says.

“When I do injections, I’m in my element.

When I saw that the place I trained at in Manchester was looking for someone to help with training, I decided to get in touch.

I thought it would be a nice break between treatments, and I have enough experience behind me now to be able to share that with someone else. It all took off and it was one of the best things I ever did.

“I also teach in London. My old mentor asked me to join his training programme.

He’s very strict, so it was extremely nice - and confidence-boosting - when he asked me. I love teaching, you get a lot of satisfaction from it.”

In between forensic science, admin work, dentistry and implants, Dr Mona found her greatest love was injectables. Not only does she love carrying out the work, but she loves the relationship she gets to

build with her patients too.

“The difference between dentistry and aesthetics is people love you for aesthetics - they love you for providing a tiny amount of pain to make them look good whereas patients always say ‘it’s not personal, but I hate dentists!’. You take them out of pain and they still hate you and hate coming to see you! My patients love coming to see me in the clinic now,” laughs Dr Mona.

With a jam-packed schedule and exciting plans on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what’s next for Dr Mona Attarpour BDS. theclinicbymona.com

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TAKING FLIGHT

Raising the bar Newcastle’s principal thoroughfare, Grey Street, is welcoming a brand new, high end establishment to its ranks. Matthew Thomas caught up with Richard Nellis and Stevie Pattinson, two of the North’s leading hospitality proprietors, to find out more about their recent success with Hibou Blanc and what’s to come with their latest venture, Grey Owl

As the rain trickles down the window and a smattering of ground coffee flitters into an espresso cup on a dreary Thursday morning in Newcastle, Richard Nellis is perched upon a quilted leather bar stool and glances out to The Beehive just across High Bridge’s cobbled street.

Flicking a pen through his fingers and adjusting the binder on his notepad, Richard discusses the requirements of a new job opening with Paddy Forbes and Amy-Jo Correia, general manager and restaurant manager of Hibou Blanc. They’re searching for an experienced maintenance operative to work between their existing brasserie and the new venue, Grey Owl. Richard and his best friend, Stevie Pattinson, are the masterminds behind some of Newcastle’s most successful enterprises.

Hugely-popular spots such as The Muddler, Barluga and Pleased To Meet You are just

46 luxe-magazine.co.uk

some of the dynamic duo’s successes from a career spanning more than 20 years.

“I’ve always been involved in fit-outs and hospitality,” explains Richard.

“It was Stevie who approached me and said ‘why don’t we set our sights on something really unique and put our stamp on it?’.

“It’s nice that we’re best friends too - and even though it’s been a rocky road at times with COVID and so on - we still have exactly the same goals, passion and drive as the day we started.”

After opening a plethora of venues and side-quests, this collaborative pair are writing a new chapter together as they continue their radical transformation of the former Davidsons Jewellers into a new grand locale called Grey Owl. The pair seem to have a blueprint when investing in possible hospitality sites, especially within Newcastle. Derelict, somewhat forgotten buildings steeped in historical significance with relatively intact

Edwardian and Victorian architectural features appear to be their ‘thing’.

Take, for example, their renovation of Hibou Blanc; a stunning, Grade II Listed Edwardian site, designed in 1902 by nationally renowned architects, W.S.Owen.

It’s a lavish spot that now serves up restaurant classics such as truffled steak tartare, roast quail breast and passionfruit posset.

At the time of writing (early April), 94 Grey Street is buzzing with the sound

It’s about attracting people into the city.

Those who want to enjoy high-end items in a truly special environment, without travelling to London or Manchester. Grey Owl is somewhere that showcases the city in style MAY/JUN22

TAKING FLIGHT

of mechanical whirring as a flurry of tradespeople work around the clock to install a decadent three-floor, fine-dining café in time for the early May bank holiday.

How does one end up owning such a historic site on one of Europe’s most famous streets? Being in the right place at the right time, Richard says: “I was passing through the city one morning and saw the letting sign from the corner of my eye. My initial reaction was just ‘wow, how has that come up?’. Everyone seemed to think that the jewellers were just undergoing refurbishment. We walked inside and were amazed. It’s not a single floor like so many believe it is - the interior is actually set across five levels with a mezzanine element.

It adds so much character to the building.”

Richard and Stevie have secured new premises on one of Newcastle’s - and the region’s - greatest streets. It’s positioned 10 yards away from the Theatre Royal. But how will the Grey Owl stand out from its well-established neighbours?

“The menu will be incredibly unique,” Richard explains.

“We’re not aiming to open another restaurant where we’ll be serving entrees, main courses and desserts. Grey Owl will be the place for people looking to enjoy unique, luxury items.

“People may say it’s overpriced, but I disagree. It’s about attracting people into the city. Those who want to enjoy high-end items in a truly special environment, without travelling to London or Manchester. Grey Owl is somewhere that showcases the city in style, giving clients a space to enjoy the nice things that are right on their doorstep.

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We like to think we are raising the bar in town.”

And if the interior of Hibou Blanc is anything to go by, then Grey Owl will be finished to a scrupulous degree.

Totalling just shy of £1m to furnish, venture inside their flagship Hibou Blanc brasserie on the Bigg Market and you’ll be met by ornate parquet flooring as elegant beams open up the space for a commanding marble bar counter - the beating heart if you like - and the solid-crystal chandeliers shipped from Russia decadently glint as Richard escorts me out towards Grey Owl. “The interior and finishes have been influenced by the likes of Rules in London, the Ritz-Carlton in New York and the central bar area is inspired by Geneva Airport’s Prunier seafood bar,” Richard says.

“All the woodwork, electric elements and fittings are handmade. I’m incredibly proud of the team I work alongside. They’re supremely skilled master craftsmen and they take great pride in revisiting Hibou Blanc to see their work being enjoyed by so many. It’ll be the same feeling when Grey Owl opens up.”

Reflecting on huge successes and looking to an exciting future, I ask, ‘what’s next?’.

Richard smiles as my exclusive tour inside the construction site comes to an end.

For the time being, himself, Stevie and their staff are focussing on spreading their wings with Grey Owl, and it’s sure to be a gamechanger in the region.

Grey Owl takes flight from May 2022 and can be found at 94 Grey Street, NE1 6AG. grey-owl.co.uk

luxe-magazine.co.uk 47

GOOD EGG

Savouring the seasons AT LINNELS FARM

As we head rapidly towards summer, Karen and Simon Phillips share the latest happenings from their fabulous farm near Hexham…

As we search for the right food choices we invariably think about quality, which I guess is taste, the environment, and the welfare of animals - and of course, price. The trouble I often have is that the packaging can really make me mess up milk with a green cap doesn’t mean organic, but in a rush I can grab the wrong milk based on the impression of a label. My colour coaching isn’t helped by Northumberland County Council who give us a black bin for recycling and a green bin for general waste; at least I hope it’s them and I’m not colour blind!

Despite the label and choices, we just need to open our eyes and make the right choices. A right choice is a conscious choice. So on the subject of choices, let’s consider eggs and chickens, or is it chickens then eggs?

We keep poultry here on the farm and currently have 11 chickens. Numbers can depend upon Mr Fox and Mr Badger. We keep chickens because they are beautiful, fun creatures that we love, and they provide the best eggs ever!

Now, at this moment I have to ask you not to panic as we mention the word ‘lockdown’, well ‘chicken lockdown’. We’ve been

experiencing avian bird flu across the country so all chickens have to be kept in enclosures or ‘lockdown’. For us it was rather unfortunate timing as we’d ‘rescued’, through the British Hen Welfare Trust, 12 battery hens who all looked like they had been on hunger strike and looked like they were close to giving up - a few feathers on scrawny bodies, which was dreadfully sad. The trust collects and re-homes battery chickens; they do a brilliant job and are truly lovely people.

They ask for a token donation of £2.50 per chicken and you rightfully need to pre-register by sending them photos of your henhouse and where the chickens will be kept. It’s a simple process, but be warned, the chickens arrive straight from the cages, and not all will survive. For us, 12 became 11 as one died early into its rehoming.

If we choose to buy cheap eggs without consideration of origin, they are most likely from caged chickens such as the chickens we rehomed. You may take a thimble of comfort to hear that battery hens now have to be from ‘colony or enriched cages’ - doesn’t that sound better? Unfortunately, at best it’s ‘less bad’. The new space they have to be provided is actually equivalent to one A4 piece of paper per bird. The

Free range chickens, which have the benefit of eating food in the wild, produce stunning yellow yolks, and the chickens provide endless pleasure.

On taste alone, the eggs excel

eggs may be cheap, but their taste compared to ours - is like comparing nylon sheets with cotton. There is no comparison, I know nylon has the plus of static electricity, but really?

Free range chickens, which have the benefit of eating food in the wild, produce stunning yellow yolks, and the chickens provide endless pleasure. On taste alone, the eggs excel.

I watched a TV programme where the host at a hotel was declaring the difference free range eggs make to their breakfast, but they don’t use them in their cooking where eggs aren’t the lead ingredient. That’s where we need to shift our suppliers of finished food, just think of the A4 piece of paper - smaller than a page of this magazine.

I read that a well-known burger fast food outlet is committed to changing to free range by 2025. It sounds like their potato is thinking of leaving the couch! It doesn’t require re-engineering, it’s not installing

green energy, it’s buying with responsibility.

As the egg would say, ‘crack on’.

We haven’t included a recipe for this issue, as I think a poached or fried free range egg is all you need to prove the taste. But, as I’m sure you’re aware, there aren’t free range eggs available now as we have avian bird flu and all poultry has to be enclosed.

Ours currently have to endure 30 A4 pages each, a short story each, but it’s one large run with a hen house in it.

Despite this enforced shutdown, we still get better eggs from healthy birds. When the lockdown is over they have all the space they could wish for. And after restrictions are lifted we will restock and get back to our normal numbers of 20 chickens and 20 ducks and geese.

Using dogs to collect the eggs can be helpful, although the trouble can be with the command, or request in my case, of ‘drop’ - Ouzel and I don’t always get our timing right!

UPCOMING COURSES @LINNELS FARM TULIP FEVER – FLORISTRY COURSE >> 4 MAY

FRENCH MACARONS >> 2 JUNE

Drown in a day of tulips at Linnels Farm as you decide which of the thousands you’ll pick to create your own Dutch masterpiece. Under the careful guidance of renowned Yorkshire florist, Sarah Statham, you’ll learn how to arrange and then photograph your flowers to perfection.

On this half day workshop you’ll master the macaron: create those crisp shells with perfect ‘feet’; discover new flavours from salted caramel to lime and basil, plus delectable buttercream and ganache fillings.

SCENTED CANDLE WORKSHOP WITH BERNICIA CANDLES >> 12 MAY The course will cover the basics of candle making: wax, wicks and fragrances. You’ll make and pour a 40 hour glass candle, quilted jar and fragranced tea lights, plus hand-rolled beeswax candles.

FRENCH BREADS >> 15 JUNE Join us on this one-day workshop and learn how to make fancy fougasse, crusty traditional baguettes and salted caramel brioche.

GROW YOUR OWN CUT FLOWERS >> 16 JUNE Buckets full of fresh flowers picked straight from your garden. The hardest part is finding enough vases!

For further details and to book visit: linnelsfarm.com

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MAY/JUN22

FOODIE FOCUS

MY LIFE IN FOOD:

Shane Zhao

Shane Zhao, Head Chef at Bar & Restaurant EightyEight, shares her favourite foodie memories...

A meal that takes you back to childhood…

A Chinese hot pot. I always have hot pot when the weather is terribly cold and it takes me back to my childhood each time.

It brings my whole family together around the table, sharing a pot of deliciousness.

The food that brings you the greatest joy…

Dumplings. My grandmother always makes dumplings from scratch. The most enjoyable part is the time we spend together while making them. Over the years she’s helped me become the best in my family by teaching me all the techniques and flavours I need to conquer the recipe. It’s a skill that brings back fond memories for me - a skill I’ll cherish forever.

Your favourite meal of the day and why…

Dinner is always my favourite meal of the day. I enjoy taking the time to have my food. I used to take hours to have dinner with my family on weekends, when we can have a chat and a laugh together. I think sharing is a big part of a mealtime with loved ones and making those memories around the table together.

The best cook you know…

Definitely my mum. She is not a chef, but she cooks from her heart to take care of

everyone in the family and you can taste it in her food. Especially when I am ill, she always knows the best foods to make me better.

The food you turn to when you need some comfort…

Mum’s spicy noodle soup always does the trick, it’s something that always warms up my body and my heart.

The food you always need in your fridge…

Vegetables are a huge part of my diet,

particularly vegetables in season. They’re an excellent staple and are very versatile, so I always have a good supply in my fridge.

EightyEight’s Eight Course Tasting Menu is a prime example of showing what you can do with vegetables and how exciting you can make vegetable-based dishes.

The food you never give up…

Seafood, rice noodles, chillies and peaches.

There’s far too much to list, I love food too much!

What food means to you…

Physical and mental satisfaction in general.

But to me, most importantly, the beauty of food is that it brings people together. grantleyhall.co.uk

The food that represents where you come from…

Crossing-the-bridge noodles. The story is about a scholar who was studying hard for his imperial exams on a small island. His wife, who would bring him food, found that by the time she had crossed the bridge to the island, the soup would be cold and the noodles were soggy. She then decided to load a large earthen pot with boiling chicken and pork broth with a layer of fat on top that would act as insulation and keep the broth warm. The noodles and other ingredients were kept in a separate container, and when she arrived, she mixed the two containers together for a warm rice noodle soup.

Your most memorable meal…

The dinner I made for my husband on our first date. It was the simplest meal I have ever put together from some cucumber, tomato and noodles leftover in the fridge.

I used to feel bad looking back on it, but he loved it. I guess this is what love is.

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XXXXXXXX YES CHEF

HOME COMFORTS with chef Chris Baber

BBQs, balmy summer events and Jersey Royals - some of my highlights for the sunny months ahead...

MY WORLD >> I’ve finally moved into my first house - as you can imagine it’s taken up a huge amount of my life in recent months, not least organising the perfect kitchen as I’ll be using it for all my filming. In amongst that has been the work involved with launching my first book, which you can read all about in my interview on page 22.

I’ve also recently started working with an exciting new cookware brand (it’s too early to share the name yet but you’ll be the first to know!). I’ve really enjoyed working with a new team, feeding back on the products, developing recipes, and so on. There has also been plenty of prep work with M&S as we are looking to start filming again quite soon. It will be fabulous to start

travelling around the country again, meeting farmers and producers, championing British suppliers. It’s something I’m so passionate about and it was a big part of my life last year, so I can’t wait to get back out there, exploring what our country has to offer.

I love to find out how farmers and food suppliers present their produce, how they cook their food. I find their tips are like gold dust and often try to work those tips into my own recipes. It’s true that often simplicity is key when it comes to seasonal produce.

FOODIE HAPPENINGS >> As we look towards summer, it’s the start of all the food festivals and I couldn’t be more excited. I’ve just been to Chester Food Festival and I’m going to be working at Pub in the Park this year, which has events

TRY THIS >>

Tuna Nicoise Salad

running in various locations from May throughout the summer. Most of them take place in the south, but let’s hope one day these brilliant events spread further north.

They’re well worth a visit if you’re heading south over the coming months. I’ll be in exceptional company with the likes of Tom Kerridge, Michel Roux Jnr, The Hairy Bikers and James Martin all hosting different events. There’s live music, food theatre and it has a fabulous, family-friendly vibe.

It’s a true sign that summer is here, that’s for sure.

Later in the summer, and closer to home, I’m hoping to visit Seaham Food Festival again this year, which is due to take place over the first weekend in August. It’s always great to explore local food scenes and try some of the regional produce, and of course I always love heading back up north!

INSPIRED BY THE SEASONS >> One of my absolute favourites is in season

now, the wonderful Jersey Royal. They literally are the best. I remember when I was growing up, my parents and grandparents used to rave about them, and as a child I was like, ‘yeah, great, they’re just potatoes’. But as I’ve got older I’ve learnt to fully appreciate these delicious little treats.

I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting the people who grow them on Jersey. They really are one of Britain’s greatest products.

Connoisseurs over there prefer potatoes grown on one side of the island or the other. My tastebuds aren’t good enough to detect the difference between them, I just love them all. The simpler Jersey Royals are treated, the better they taste. One tip I picked up is to fry some good chopped bacon, then toss cooked potatoes in the bacon and fat. That’s it, delicious. Or, use them in a nicoise salad. Here’s a very simple recipe, play around with the quantities yourself.

Blanch some green beans, chop up some really good tomatoes, add your boiled Jersey Royal potatoes, the tuna and some olives. Then toss in this simple dressing: 6 tbs extra virgin olive oil 2 tbs white wine vinegar 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 clove of garlic, grated Whisk until it comes together The key thing to remember with a good dressing is that it’s all about your own taste.

Stick with the ratio of three parts oil to one part acidity, but you could use lemon juice instead of vinegar if you like. Then season to taste. If you make a big jar it will keep for a week or so in the fridge.

ASK CHRIS >> If you’ve got a question to ask Chris, whether it’s a recipe you’d like to see, information about his cook-a-longs or restaurant recommendations, please get in touch via his Instagram page. #AskChris instagram.com/chrisbaber Q. The sun is shining, the evenings are lighter and we’ve already dusted down the BBQ. What tips have you got for making the most of it this summer?

A. The BBQ certainly isn’t just for bangers and burgers. My advice is to buy a thermometer and treat it like an oven, if it has a lid. Once you close that lid you’ve effectively created a convection oven, which you can check with your thermometer.

Some of us are nervous about cooking chicken so why not start or finish it on the BBQ to get that unmistakable charred flavour but do the lion’s share of the cooking in your kitchen oven. One of my favourite things to cook on the BBQ is a leg of lamb.

Get the butcher to butterfly one for you so there are no bones, marinade with garlic, lemon zest, rosemary, salt and pepper for an hour at room temperature. Get the BBQ nice and hot and brown the lamb on all sides and cook to your liking. I like it nice and pink. It’s got bags of flavour and will feed loads of guests. It’s so simple and delicious served with flatbreads and tzatziki, or Jersey Royals (of course!). The BBQ is also great for cooking veg too. Cauliflower steaks, courgettes split down the middle and cooked until the natural sugars caramelise. Delicious!

My best tip with the BBQ - don’t be scared. Be bold and cook big things. Buy good quality ingredients and do very little to them. And what’s so great about BBQs is that you’re eating outside. It’s just magic, I love it.

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SUPER STAYCATION

UK GETAWAY:

Matfen Hall Rich in heritage and set in beautiful countryside, Matfen Hall in Northumberland is the perfect place to escape away from it all and indulge in ultimate luxury. Perfect for couples, families or groups of friends, it’s an idyllic destination for a weekend treat or staycation. Claudia Robinson checked in for an overnight stay to remember…

Matfen Hall Country Hotel, Golf and Spa Estate is nestled away in the heart of stunning Northumberland where guests can relax, unwind and recharge in sheer luxury.

Steeped in history, this spectacular resort has you captivated from the moment you arrive - the impressive main hall overlooking an immaculately presented golf course and beautifully manicured grounds. Having recently enjoyed extensive refurbishment of the rooms, dining and communal areas, it’s clear no expense has been spared on this luxurious property.

Location Matfen Hall is set in undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of the country, Northumberland. With an abundance of unspoilt beaches, fascinating historical sites, breathtaking countryside and some of the UK’s darkest skies enabling you to see millions of stars, the resort offers so much on its doorstep. It only takes about 25 minutes to drive to the hotel from Newcastle, with extensive rail and air links, while Corbridge is just six miles away.

A new look The resort has recently enjoyed a multimillion pound refurbishment after being bought by hospitality firm, Walwick Estate Group, having been part of the Blackett family since the 1830s. The extensive renovation project has seen updates to the main hotel, leisure and golf facilities, including restoration of the stunning Grade II Listed building’s Great Hall, which is the first space guests walk into on arrival, guaranteeing that jaw-dropping moment.

While we waited in this enormous room to check-in, with our welcome drink of a delicious rum cocktail, we marvelled at the beautiful star-patterned ceiling and stained glass window, enjoyed the roaring open fire and wondered how the massive wooden staircase that encompassed the room and led you to the suites above, stayed up!

Specialist local tradespeople and builders carried out all the work, which included the installation of new bedrooms featuring huge Emperor beds, tasteful soft furnishings, as well as marble bathrooms with walk-in showers and free standing baths, many offering views of the stunning grounds while you soak.

Special attention has been paid to every detail as the new owners pledged to retain

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the elegance, beauty and history of Matfen Hall, and I can assure you, they’ve delivered on that pledge. As we wandered around the hotel, through the beautifully decorated and art-adorned corridors, into the welcoming communal areas and enjoyed the tranquillity of our enormous and yet homely suite, it was evident how much care and attention went into the renovation.

The historic features of the main building - including the intricate stone detailing, elaborate timber carvings and panelling and decorative ceiling roses and cornicing - have all been painstakingly restored and refreshed, some with opulent golds. The bedrooms, Emerald restaurant, bar areas and Great Hall are all now home to luxurious furnishings, beautifully upholstered chairs and sofas and eye-catching wallpaper. It feels a little bit like you’ve stepped onto the set of Bridgerton and we loved it.

Lay your head There are 53 bedrooms at Matfen Hall, including luxury, premium, balcony, deluxe and classic rooms. Each has been carefully designed and decorated to a high standard, from intimate rooms that boast a warm home-from-home feel, to enormous suites that quite frankly, you never want to leave.

We were lucky to have one of the latter, Room One, which had its own entrance hall leading to a sparkling, bright marble bathroom with walk-in shower and free-standing bathtub - and Penhaligon’s of London toiletries. Another door led you through to the vast main bedroom which housed the biggest bed I’ve ever seen, a seating area, table and chairs, dressing table… and there was still plenty of spare floor space! The room also boasted the most glorious views of the golf course and countryside, while we were able to enjoy complimentary high-speed WiFi, coffee from the Nespresso machine and access to the hotel's spa.

So, once we’d unpacked and explored our delightful suite we retrieved our robes and slippers out of the wardrobe and headed to The Retreat. This perfect sanctuary offers a 15 metre pool beneath a glass roof that lets the light flood in, where we swam a few obligatory lengths to justify our subsequent lazing in the jacuzzi, steam room and sauna.

There’s also an aromatherapy room, ice cold bucket shower (which I didn’t try, too chicken!), an ice fountain (obviously a handful of that had to be poured down the back of my other half’s swimming shorts)

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SUPER STAYCATION

and a gorgeously warm monsoon shower.

Guests can also book a treatment or ritual with one of the spa’s highly-trained therapists using Germaine de Capuccini and Natura Bissé products. For those looking to burn off some steam there’s also a fitness suite kitted out with the best gym equipment and machines.

Food and drink There are a number of different spaces where you can dine or relax and enjoy a drink at Matfen Hall, including the sophisticated Emerald Restaurant, the 1832 bar and the Needham bar. All of which have enjoyed make-overs during the hotel’s renovations. We opted for a romantic meal in the Emerald, where, upon arrival we were guided by a welcoming member of staff to the 1832 bar for a pre-dinner drink. While we’re on the subject of the staff, every member of the team at Matfen Hall was friendly, had a huge smile on their face and nothing was too much trouble. We both enjoyed a delicious, crisp glass of dry white wine; Sauvignon Blanc 2019, Shy Albatross, Marlborough, New Zealand (£12 for 175ml) while we perused the menu. Once we’d ordered we headed through to the restaurant which has beautiful wood panelled walls and Zoffany wallpaper and offers further stunning views of the terrace and grounds.

I opted for roast cauliflower and cumin velouté with roast onion and cauliflower bhaji on the side (£9). One of the waitresses recommended it and I wasn’t disappointed.

It was velvety smooth and full of flavour while the bhaji provided some delicious contrasting texture. Andy chose the garlic and thyme roasted pigeon which was served with a warm salad of pancetta, potato and puy lentils (£12), which was melt-in-themouth perfection. For our mains we both opted for red meat and the wine waiter recommended a delicious bottle of Montepulciano II Caggio, D Abruzzo, Italy

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(£33) to perfectly complement both dishes.

Andy devoured his roast fillet of locally sourced beef with bone marrow crust, smoked potato purée and caramelised shallots (£40) while I thoroughly enjoyed my perfectly cooked, expertly seasoned 8oz fillet steak with huge hand cut chips, grilled tomatoes and a field mushroom (£38). The head waitress pointed out that all meat served at the hotel is sourced from a local butcher, and wherever possible they use local suppliers for their ingredients. There were several sauces to choose from. I’m thrilled I went with the truffle jus as it finished off the steak perfectly and there was plenty left for me to soak up with the chips. So much so that neither of us could manage dessert, sadly, as all the plates we saw coming out of the kitchen looked sensational, particularly the caramelised banana and toffee tart and the dark chocolate and pistachio mousse.

Do this Matfen Hall is set in over 300 acres of parkland so there are plenty of walking routes for you to stretch your legs and take in the beautiful scenery. The hotel reception staff can provide maps of some of the best walks nearby enabling you to see more of this stunning estate. Matfen is also a paradise for golf lovers, with a 27 hole course that’s rated as one of the finest in the region. This challenging course is perfect for both novices and pros alike and you can hire clubs if required. There’s also a par 3 short course, a golf academy, driving range and purpose-built clubhouse where you’ll also find The Keepers which offers gastropub food and an after-round tipple.

Prices start from £199 per night, B&B, for two people sharing an Old Hall Classic Double and from £329 for a Great Hall Luxury Suite. matfenhall.com

Special attention has been paid to every detail as the new owners pledged to retain the elegance, beauty and history of Matfen Hall, and I can assure you they’ve delivered on that pledge luxe-magazine.co.uk 53

SUPER SAFARI

Wild at heart A world-class experience showcasing the beauty of nature and wildlife, Cottar’s Safari is an awe-inspiring box ticker for any avid globe trotter…

World-renowned for its exceptional populations of lion, African leopard, cheetah and African bush elephant, Masai Mara in Kenya is a must-visit destination sitting high on the top of many bucket lists. Each year, it’s said that over two million wildebeest, zebra and other herbivores trek from the southern Serengeti to the lush green grasses of the Masai Mara, securing it as one of the seven Natural Wonders of Africa, and as one of the ten Wonders of the World.

Nestled within the breathtaking surroundings of this exceptional part of the world, lies the award-winning Cottar’s Safaris. The fifth generation family operated Kenyan safari business established over a century ago, in 1919, continues to attract tourists from

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Olderkesi Conservancy bordering the Masai Mara, Serengeti and Loliondo reserves; the area guarantees privacy and an abundance of wildlife. Their 1920s Camp provides the romance of safari under nine cream canvas tents, spacious and luxuriously furnished in the style of the bygone era of the 1920s.

Think vintage luxury at its best. The award-winning accommodation has its own 7,608-acre private conservancy and is situated one kilometre from the famous ‘seventh’ Natural Wonder of the World.

The stunning private Bush Villa boasts five en-suite bedrooms, amazing views over the Masai Mara, a 25m private pool, private chef and guides. Recently winning the World Travel Award for Africa’s leading luxury private villa 2016 and Global Eco-sphere Retreat accredited, it’s the perfect base for those looking to indulge in an elegant and unforgettable experience. Both properties extend an era of luxury and quality.

Whether it’s a family vacation or a honeymoon whirlwind, the experiences on offer cater for everyone. The activities are tailored to give you the most authentic

African safari experiences with a top-notch guiding style that is said to stand out from the crowd. With once in a lifetime opportunities to see the Big Five, swim under some of the most impressive waterfalls, run with a Masai Warrior, take part in bush walks, visit local schools and join in with traditional singing and dancing, the possibilities are endless. It’s more than just a luxury getaway, it’s an experience like no other.

Conservation and sustainability has long been at the heart of Cottar’s operations.

Their low-impact, high-value approach to sustainable ecotourism helps fund the vital work that is conserving land for biodiversity.

Jaw-dropping views and gawking zebras in their natural habitat aside, the recent impact of Covid-19 has given the family time and opportunity to contemplate issues that matter to them most, creating the space to adjust, and develop a collection of more meaningful safari experiences, whilst also completing a sympathetic refurbishment which celebrates the pioneering spirit of safari.

across the globe. After a thriving and colourful history of African safaris throughout the 19th century, Calvin and Louise began Cottar’s in the Masai Mara in the mid-nineties offering a bespoke safari experience.

Renowned for providing genuinely stunning wildlife and wilderness experiences, engaging in the original spirit and essence of ‘safari’, visitors can expect an abundance of wildlife, a guarantee of privacy, and the highest standards of professional guiding, in a luxurious and authentic safari environment. Cottar’s Safaris is a portfolio of two transformative properties in the Masai Mara area in Kenya, that work with the local community to unite wildlife conservation and sustainable luxury travel.

Situated in the untouched exclusive

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SUPER SAFARI

Try this >> The Cottars have developed unique, purposedriven experiences that contribute to sustainability. Some of those experiences include engaging and learning about vulture rehabilitation, spending time with the only all-female conservation ranger unit in the Masai Mara, learning about the unique medicinal plants of the area, foraging and tasting local wild food, touring the community-owned private conservancy and participating in a reforestation seed disbursal bushwalk experience.

Vulture Rehabilitation In just 30 years, more than half of the vulture population of Kenya’s Masai Mara has been destroyed, seven of Africa’s 11 vulture species are on the edge of extinction, and 90% of reported vulture deaths in Africa are from medicinal use and poisoning. This is an opportunity to gain a unique insight into how this keystone species maintains the functioning health and resilience of the inhabitants and ecosystem of the Masai Mara. Guests will have the opportunity to learn more from the Kenya Birds of Prey Trust and ride along with their researcher to visit and identify nest sites.

Mara Predator Project Experience An ongoing and age-old conflict between the Masai people and predators has resulted in lions being significantly affected, resulting in population decline by a third in the last two decades. The Mara Predator Project provides science for conservation on cheetahs and lions, as well as enhancing understanding of the predator’s role within the broader ecosystem. This is a fascinating opportunity for guests to enjoy a half-day drive with researchers and get an in-depth understanding of the Mara predators. Please note that when there is planned collaring, guests are able join in and help to collar predators.

Learning with The Female Rangers Cottar’s is home to the only all female ranger unit in the Masai Mara, this is an opportunity to support the important conservation, community and cultural breaking initiatives that they work on, and to understand their goals and key challenges. Guests are able to join them in their daily activities patrolling, de-snaring, game counting and liaisons with the Masai community.

Medicinal Walk and Talk An incredible engaging opportunity to walk with and learn from Letilet, Cottar’s in-house Il Torobo hunter gatherer. Il Torobo is a disappearing tribe, with a unique knowledge of the medicinal values of the flora that surrounds the camp. This activity not only supports invaluable local knowledge and values biodiversity, it will also help the team to compile a list of the local flora and its medicinal uses. cottars.com

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DAYS OUT

Credit: Alan Leightley

LIVING LOCAL:

Bamburgh, Northumberland With its beautiful beach, stunning sand dunes and magnificent castle, the quaint village of Bamburgh is popular with tourists, history-lovers and locals alike. There are many reasons to visit this perfect place on the Northumberland coast...

Things to do >>

site for thousands of years, Bamburgh is the source of many ghost stories, legends and myths. It is also believed to be the site of Sir Lancelot’s fictitious castle, Joyous Gard. Explore the keep, state rooms, King’s hall and armoury, as well as the archaeology museum and beautiful Victorian stables.

The castle is also the ultimate wedding venue and can host intimate micro ceremonies or large scale celebrations.

You can even stay at the castle as its former mediaeval bell tower has been converted into an incredible self-catering property. Savour the experience of staying within 1400-year-old walls whilst taking in stunning views of the coast, Cheviots and Bamburgh’s famous cricket pitch. bamburghcastle.com

Credit: Tracey Bloxham Bamburgh Castle History-lovers are well catered for with a visit to this famous landmark. Crowning nine acres of the Great Whin Sill, this awe-inspiring castle has stood guard above the Northumberland coast for over 1,400 years and promises a thrilling day out for the whole family. Whether you opt for a guided tour to explore the castle’s rich and fascinating past, where you can gaze at beautifully preserved artefacts, or you prefer to wander at your own pace around

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the surrounding public areas and beautiful grounds, there’s plenty for you to enjoy.

Of course you’ll also be treated to some of the best views of the beach, Farne Island and Holy Island, so you can be sure of some perfect snaps for the photo album and Instagram feed. It’s a well-photographed location and has been the set of multiple movies and television series including Macbeth, The Virgin Queen and Robin of Sherwood.

With continual occupation on the castle’s

Bamburgh Beach A relaxing stroll along this glorious beach should be top of your to-do list when visiting Bamburgh. This dramatic stretch of beach was voted Britain’s top seaside destination by Which? last year and it’s easy to see why. It seems to go on for miles and offers beautiful views whilst you breathe in the fresh sea air. The Bamburgh Dunes, a site of specific scientific interest, stand behind this glorious beach, both of which are perfect for exploring with the children or your furry friends. The beach is also popular with water sports enthusiasts, particularly surfers, and sits proudly beneath the historic Bamburgh Castle.

Grace Darling by Thomas Brooks, 1868 - RNLI

Grace Darling Museum Bamburgh is home to the Grace Darling Museum where you can learn all about this inspirational woman. The museum is a hub of history, celebrating the life of the British heroine, who risked her life to rescue survivors from the wrecked SS Forfarshire in September 1838. You’ll be transported back to that time and guided through Grace’s upbringing and life in the lighthouse, as well as the events of the rescue that resulted in Grace’s status as a national heroine. With audio-visual tools, models and personal items including letters and family portraits on display, this museum gives you the chance to learn about this historic moment as if you were there yourself. rnli.org

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DAYS OUT

The Lord Crewe Hotel & Restaurant

Eating out >>

Surf School What better location to learn to surf, or brush up on your technique, than on beautiful Bamburgh Beach with the Castle as your backdrop? NE Surf is run by experienced Northumbrian surfers who love nothing more than getting up at the crack of dawn to spend hours in some of the wildest (and coldest!) surf the UK has to offer. Bamburgh boasts a great surfing community and the owners of NE Surf, Chris and Emily, thrive on passing on their passion for surfing. Chris has worked in surf camps across the world, from Sri Lanka to Norway, and is well known for his outstanding coaching whilst being a

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stickler for technique. Emily has also spent many years teaching people to surf and adapts her teaching style and pace to suit the individual learner.

Their lessons cater for everyone from beginner to advanced, with private and group lessons available. Great for families wanting to give surfing a go for the first time, they also offer kids club sessions. Emily says: “We’re here to support and guide you at your own pace.

Ultimately what makes our lessons stand out from the rest is that we don’t just teach you how to stand up on a surfboard, we teach you to surf.” nesurf.co.uk

The Potted Lobster Popular with both locals and tourists, a visit to The Potted Lobster in Bamburgh is a must. Famed for sourcing fresh, local produce and using simple ingredients to create outstanding dishes, their head chef, Richard Sim, is passionate about using ingredients from surrounding shores and farms and has established lasting partnerships to ensure he only offers the best possible produce on their menus. Lobster is, of course, often on the menu, while Shetland mussels, fresh dressed crab salad and Northumbrian beef are also popular choices. thepottedlobster.co.uk The Copper Kettle The Copper Kettle is a quintessentially British cafe that offers teas, coffees, scones, sandwiches, jacket potatoes… all the scrumptious treats you need to refuel after taking in the scenery of Bamburgh. In the summer there’s a

pretty courtyard where you can soak up the sun while you tuck in to your chosen fayre, whilst in the cooler months you can cosy up in front of the open fire. copperkettlebamburgh.co.uk The Lord Crewe Hotel & Restaurant A stone’s throw from Bamburgh Castle, The Lord Crewe is the perfect place to take a break from exploring everything this idyllic seaside village has to offer.

The hotel, owned by the same team that runs Spanish City in Whitley Bay, recently underwent a dramatic renovation and boasts seven boutique, individually designed bedrooms. With a strong focus on luxurious seafood dishes and a fine dining experience, the restaurant’s seasonal menus are guaranteed to tantalise the tastebuds. Its awardwinning chefs have carefully created menus offering ample choice for meat eaters and vegetarians alike, while the bar offers cocktails, real ales, craft beers and an extensive wine list.

Rooms start at £130 per night. lord-crewe.co.uk

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BOW WOW

POSH POOCHES with Rupert, helped by Nicole Wood

Hound happiness

Pooch-perfect portraits

With Alfie, our gorgeous OG posh pooch, gently slumbering into retirement, our spring chicken of a pup, Rupert the lively cockapoo, is taking the reins. This cheeky chap is very much enjoying the warmer weather and brighter mornings. There have been plenty of long beach walks, hikes up the hills and of course, weekend pitstops at the local pub. The sunny season fills the air with an abundance of happiness, hope and positivity. With that in mind, Rupert checks in with a local artist who brings smiles to people’s faces with her incredible pet portraits, he sniffs out some seriously cool home accessories and he’s been chatting celebrity gossip with Ted the lovable pug.

Wishing you a joyful season of sun, sand and strolls!

Our posh pooch chats to Jane Ellen Morgan, the Gateshead-based creative behind JEM Illustrations…

Rupert x

Rupert loves: LISH London Harris Tweed Yellow Sustainable Luxury Pet Blanket £225, lishlondon.com

Buster & Punch Dog Bowl From £83, collected. daytrue.com Sophie Allport Large Walkies Pet Tin £29, sophieallport.com

What’s next for JEM Illustrations?

Next month I am officially launching mini 4x4” portraits. They make such a sweet gift and aren’t too overwhelming when framed on your wall - I’m really pleased with them.

I’m also attending this year’s North East Dog Festival 3-4 September - it’s a fantastic weekend and such a lovely opportunity to meet my followers in person (and plenty of slobbery dog kisses too!).

Can you tell us about the process of creating one of your masterpieces?

Each piece is entirely unique, as no two pooches are the same. People send me a selection of photos, I then help them decide which will make the best piece. From there I start with a basic outline in pencil then I get to work with my trusty paints and brushes.

What’s your favourite portrait you’ve created?

Last year I had the opportunity to paint Jeremy Hackett’s (of Hackett London) two Sussex Spaniels, they are a very rare breed

Oliver Bonas Dog Toy Storage £32.50, oliverbonas.com

Luxe Pooch Q&A pretty cool paw-rents. I’m the perfect combination of lazy and hyper - one second I’m full of energy, the next second I’m fast asleep, I will do anything and I mean anything for a treat and I’m a big softy with lots of love to give.

LUXE WALKS >> There’s nothing better than a run along the beach, feeling the sand between my paws is one of my favourite things to do - especially at Bamburgh beach. But when I’m looking for more of a countryside vibe, Chopwell Woods is my favourite.

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of Gundog that I’d been longing to paint, so I was delighted when the commission fell into my hands. I’m working my way through the entire list of dog breeds, but I must say, painting vulnerable breeds (Sealyhams, Field Spaniels, Clumber Spaniels) really gets me excited - it’s such a lovely chance to bring some awareness of the breeds to my followers. Every piece is an honour to paint and I am forever humbled that people trust me to paint their beloved pets.

instagram.com/jem.illustrations

Sofology Plush Rose Perle Dog Sofa £349, sofology.co.uk

I’m Ted, the loving and hyper 7-year-old Pug! I live at home with my mam and dad - you may recognise them actually. My dad Steve is from Steve and Karen’s Breakfast Show on Metro Radio, and my mam is Amy Lea, ITV Tyne Tees News presenter. I know, I have

Tell us a little bit about your business and how you got started?

It’s quite a heart warming story I’d say.

When I was in my early 20s I began to suffer with anxiety and low moods - there were days when I wouldn’t leave the house and it was becoming quite concerning.

I decided to seek help and part of my recovery was to take up a hobby which allowed my mind to totally switch off. I picked up my watercolour set for the first time in years. I remember the painting well... it was a little fox sitting beside its mum, nothing special but I felt very proud of it and so decided to share the image on Facebook. One of my friends asked if I’d paint one for her, so I did, then a friend of hers asked if I’d paint a portrait of her pet. Not thinking anything would come of it, I set up a Facebook page ‘JEM illustrations’ and one commission would lead into another... five years later, here I am having painted over 500 dogs!

POOCH’S PERFECT DAY OUT >> I love going for long walks along the beach, followed by lots of yummy treats and snuggles on the sofa.

DOGGY DOWNTIME >> During the day, you will find me snoozing on the sofa, sprawled out, taking up all the space. By night, I will be tucked up

in my own bedroom. Yes, that’s right, I’m such a lucky pup because I actually have my own bedroom and don’t have to share with my humans.

HOUND HABITS >> I’m a little bit of a tinker and often get my humans into a little trouble. One time, I cocked my leg on a lady’s lovely coat in the pub. My dad, Steve, was horrified and paid for the dry cleaning. But I was just letting her know I liked her coat! I did the same thing to my grandad’s Christmas tree too.

PUPPY PAMPER >> I have lots of cool gadgets to help me live my comfiest life, including my own little step ladder to help me get on the sofa and my electric blanket to keep me nice and

toasty during my naps. Some call me spoilt, I call it pampered.

DOG’S BEST FRIEND >> Lamby is my best friend. I’ve had him since I was a puppy, he’s my favourite toy and I still sleep with him every night. He’s the best!

FONDEST DOGGY MEMORY >> Well of course this has to be my wedding day! Yes, you heard that correctly! I got ‘married’ to Roxy at Matfen Hall a few years ago.

PUPPY A-LISTER? I get to meet lots of celebs! I once sat on Olly Murs’ lap at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle and I’ve even met Sam Fender down at my local pub.

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

@theluxemagazine

theluxemagazine

MAY/JUN22

Sold within 3 weeks Ryecroft, Castleton Grove, Jesmond Newcastle NE2 2HD Offers in excess of £1,975,000

This stunning period detached family home, built in 1936 is located on one of Newcastle’s most desirable streets within Jesmond’s Golden Triangle.

The current owners extended and modernised the property which spreads over 3 floors in 2017, adding an impressive extension to the rear, transforming it into the spacious contemporary home it now is, perfect for modern day living and entertaining.

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Key features include

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Detached Period House

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Substantial spacious property

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Five Bedrooms

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Within Jesmond’s Golden Triangle

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Driveway and Double Garage

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Front & rear gardens

For more information or to view call Graysons Properties on 0191 939 9288

LUXE HOMES

H OT PROPERTY Graysons Properties is proud to showcase a stunning detached, period five-bedroom home located in Jesmond’s exclusive golden triangle. With highly distinctive architecture, this property has been sympathetically modernised to accommodate all your needs…

The lowdown Ryecroft is a charming, period, detached five-bedroom home that is located on one of the most desirable streets in the sought after area of central Jesmond, offering easy access to Newcastle city centre and local amenities. The property, which dates from 1936, enjoys a private setting on a quiet street, yet is within walking distance of local shops and restaurants.

The current owners have maintained, extended and sympathetically modernised the property over recent years, creating a home that is perfect for modern-day living and home working.

Key features This beautiful property, with its stunning architecture and spacious double driveway leading to the double width garage, has one of the largest frontages in Castleton Grove.

Impressive oak double doors open into a welcoming porch that leads into a light and airy reception hallway boasting original solid

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oak flooring that continues through the office and main sitting room.

The sitting room offers a taste of opulence with its fabulous fireplace, high ceiling and period cornicing combined with custom shelves with integrated LED lighting to one wall. There is an open-plan dining area spanning the rear of the house with an array of anthracite triple-glazed sliding doors, which offer uninterrupted views of the south-west facing garden.

Along with a stunning dining space which gives you access to the seating area, there is a high-tech snug/cinema room boasting a 65” flatscreen TV and Dali home surround sound system, which can be separated off from the open-plan area with sliding pocket oak doors.

The welcoming kitchen has been fitted with handmade cabinets, it has stunning granite worktops with a central raised bar island along with high specification, contemporary, integrated appliances.

Leading to the upper floors there is an

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LUXE HOMES

There is an open-plan dining area spanning the rear of the house with an array of anthracite triple-glazed sliding doors

Added extras

sitting room, formal dining area, snug/ cinema room, kitchen, utility and boot room.

Along with the beautiful architecture, the property is fitted with a Siemens Americanstyle fridge freezer, Miele five burner gas hob with Westin extractor fan above, Siemens dishwasher, microwave, steam oven with warming drawer below, together with a Kohler stainless steel sink with Quooker instant hot water tap.

This spectacular property has been modernised inside and out. The outside wall has been fitted with an electric charging point, so if you have joined the electric revolution, then this home has you covered. This prime location offers excellent transport links into Newcastle city centre, with Jesmond and West Jesmond Metro stations and bus stops only minutes away.

In 2017 the current owners added a fabulous single-storey extension which provides a

graysonsproperties.co.uk

attractive oak staircase. The first floor features a spacious guest suite which includes an ensuite, then up to the airy landing where a charming reading nook gives access to a further three of the five bedrooms. Those three bedrooms are tastefully designed and fitted with all the modern day amenities.

From the landing a second staircase leads to a further open-plan bedroom which overlooks the rear of the house, as well as an area which can be used for a home office.

To the front of the period property there is a block-paved drive that offers parking for several cars and leads to a double garage. At the rear there is a tranquil enclosed, beautifully landscaped, garden.

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ADVERTORIAL

Textured designs Nicole Wood chats multifaceted spaces, versatile colour schemes and practical storage space with Ian Mason, creative genius and owner of Greatlook Design Studio

It’s another busy morning for the Greatlook Design Studio team. With a small window of opportunity in Ian Mason’s hectic schedule, I swing by to pick his brains about one of his latest projects.

The North East business is renowned in the region for creating bespoke, innovative designs to perfectly complement their clients’ lifestyles. Whether your go-to style is contemporary or traditional, the team at Greatlook have the experience, passion and knowledge to help bring your desired vision to life.

We sit down to discuss one of Ian’s most recent designs. Swooning over the imagery in front of me, I’m in awe of his impressive work. Discussing where his inspiration comes from, Ian tells me the importance of capturing the client's vision, finding out their likes, dislikes and providing opportunity for questions and honest feedback.

“This client initially came to us by way of recommendation which is always a great start,” Ian tells me.

“They had an existing space that was somewhat disjointed, it didn’t flow and it didn’t satisfy their lifestyle requirements.

To make some changes, they had a small

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amount of building work to extend the space. Taking a practical approach, the client had the building work designed based on what their requirements were and what they wanted from the space rather than building an extension and thinking ‘right okay, now what do we do with this space’.

“Part of their brief was that they wanted a kitchen, occasional dining, formal dining and a lounge area. The use of zoning enabled us to do this as efficiently and effectively as possible. Utilising each space uniquely while also standing alone as one open plan, connected space.”

From the first meeting to the finished project, you can relax knowing your home is going to be in safe hands. The process begins with trust, and with a wealth of knowledge behind Ian and his team you can rely on honest feedback, support and expert recommendations.

Modern, contemporary with a glossy finish - this selection of buzzwords in the initial brief from the client allowed a strong influence on the design process from the outset.

“The stone-based colour palette we’ve used in this particular design is perfect for creating an elegant and sophisticated look.

The warm hues and taupe shades accompanied by glossy cabinets, mirror

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ADVERTORIAL

The stone-based colour palette we’ve used in this particular design is perfect for creating an elegant and sophisticated look

effects and accent wood grain all complement each other, helping to achieve the modern design the client envisioned.

“I think sometimes there are a few misconceptions surrounding gloss.

Personally, I think it’s a strong design icon that has longevity and is great for creating a modern and contemporary look. A lot of people ask if it’s difficult to keep clean and the truth? It’s not at all. In this particular case we have very subtly disguised the handle details on the cabinets which you will use to open and close them. You aren’t going to walk over and place your full palm down the front of the cabinet door. When it

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does come to cleaning, window cleaner and a microfibre cloth is the best route to go down,” explains Ian. There are no strong pigments in the colour scheme which allows for the look to be refreshed as and when desired. A simple change of accessories and a splash of colour will instantly transform the whole space a method Ian tells me is commonly used instead of an overall bold colour scheme which will tire easily as trends change.

“When you envision a multifaceted space like this, you have to ensure you’d be happy with all of the different types of material used throughout. Think to yourself ‘would

I like it as part of my lounge as well as my kitchen’ and if the answer is yes, then you know it’s right for the overall scheme. Each of the materials used within this design has been incorporated throughout the whole scheme but in different ways.

“The mirrors on the splashback are style icons you wouldn’t normally associate with a kitchen, but it works well when implemented correctly. The mirrors are deliberately in your eye line which stops it looking like a conventional kitchen, something which you continue to see throughout, for example in the middle of the island. You’ve then got the kitchen predominantly in the gloss with hints of accent wood grain, whereas the dining room furniture and lounge media has more of the accent wood grain but with hints of the gloss throughout.”

“We opted for Karndean flooring which is a high grade bespoke vinyl. Despite common misconceptions, it’s not cheap or inferior and offers a lot of room for creativity.”

The leather sofas, custom made table, chair

choices and accessories were all provided by, or influenced by, the Greatlook team.

Each and every accessory has been chosen with a beneficial purpose in mind. The Evonic electric fire, supplied by Greatlook adds to the relaxing ambience of the lounge area, as well as the rug, which Ian tells me, has been incorporated to not only create a cosy feel, but to create a soft surface offering acoustic value as well as being aesthetically pleasing. The Quooker boiling water tap is installed to steer away from the need of a kettle, avoiding clogging up surface space and adding to the simple, elegant design.

To add to the space, Ian and his team incorporated two sets of bi-fold doors, which offer multi-purpose access for when the time for hosting barbecues and outdoor soirees arises. While both offer access to the same destination, one set will lead guests into the lounge area, the other straight into the main kitchen where guests can enjoy use of the fully-functioning bar equipped with an automatic light, mirrored back and glass shelves.

From the practical design concept, sophisticated colour palette and elegant decor, Greatlook have created a beautifully proportioned space capturing the essence of the client’s desires, needs and lifestyle.

“It’s an honour when clients return to us for further work. Since completing this design, we’ve gone on to do more work in their house including the design for their downstairs cloakroom. There’s not a room in the downstairs of that house now that we haven’t had an influence in and that’s a real privilege for us,” says Ian. When it comes to luxurious, bespoke and unique designs for quality kitchens, bedrooms and bathrooms, Greatlook have the expertise to make your dream become a reality. greatlook.co.uk

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COOL CURVES Atkin & Thyme Etienne Contemporary Console Table £499, atkinandthyme.co.uk

Greatlook Design Studio Large Cog Wall Clock £274, greatlook.co.uk

Go Modern Furniture Miniforms Ozz Floor Lamp £1,535, gomodern.co.uk

MADE.COM Kooper Accent Armchair £499, made.com

Loft & Daughter Recycled Pom Pom Cushion Cover £45, loftanddaughter.com

INTERIOR INSPIRATION

Captivating curvature

Greatlook Design Studio Armillary On Granite £140, greatlook.co.uk

Whether it’s a chic curved sofa, an elegant round mirror or the soft circular shape of scatter cushions, there are endless stylish ways to incorporate the trend of curvature throughout your home…

Cult Furniture Olbia Round Stoneware Vase £42, cultfurniture.com

Sweetpea & Willow Jonathan Adler Ether Curved Sofa £4,500, sweetpeaandwillow.com

Lime Lace Gold Curved Coffee Table £600, limelace.co.uk

Nest Warm Nordic Be My Guest Bench £1,249, nest.co.uk

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Arteriors Arteriors Von Webber Mirror £3,647, arteriorshome.com

Oliver Bonas Oliver Bonas Ola Tub Chair Green £445, oliverbonas.com

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HIP TIPS

LIFESTYLE CONFIDENTIAL with Kate Rose, founder of lifestyle brand Tutti & Co From Northumberland retreats and trendy Tynemouth bakeries to exceptional skincare products and gorgeous garments, read on for Kate’s inspirational ideas…

Visiting…

Walwick Hall An elegant country retreat nestled in the heart of rural Northumberland. This hidden gem includes a boutique hotel, seven unique self-catering suites and a luxury pavilion pool. A place to relax, unwind and recharge your batteries. Dine on locally sourced dishes and freshly prepared afternoon teas. It really is a haven of peace and tranquillity and a place you will want to revisit time and time again. walwickhall.com

Loving…

Pleased To Meet You Pleased To Meet You opened its doors in Tynemouth in early April. Between the Fish Kitchen and Ora, PTMY is a welcome addition to the bustling high street with its stylish interiors and extensive cocktail list. Whether you head there for a girly catch-up, date night or tasty tea with the family, it is sure to be a favourite hangout in the village. ptmy-tynemouth.co.uk

Unblemished Skincare I have been using this new skincare brand, after a recommendation from a close friend. I’ve tried many lotions and potions over the years, but nothing comes close to this 100% natural, vegan and affordable everyday skincare. The owner of this special range created a unique formula after suffering with severe acne for many years.

Having tried everything from acid peels, microdermabrasion, prescribed antibiotics, lotions, gels - and spending thousands of pounds on expensive branded products - she felt like she had literally exhausted all options. With no solution, she turned to Mother Nature, and now has beautifully toned, youthful, glowing, well nourished, happy, scar-free skin. All made from carefully chosen natural oils, the list of benefits - from reducing pigmentation and dark circles to firming and hydrating the skin - is vast. You can buy a starter pack to try the three-step cleanse, you won’t be disappointed. unblemishedskincare.co.uk Neom Those that know me know how much of a Neom fan I am, and after years in the making this luxury brand has finally unveiled its latest new products - natural and silicone-free Super Power Shampoo & Conditioner. Naturally-derived and silicone-free, it deeply cleanses and purifies both your hair and scalp. Ingredients such as apple seed oil, plant proteins and algae extract are blended with natural spearmint, rosemary and eucalyptus, which are suitable for all hair types, and in true Neom-style, they leave your hair smelling divine. neomorganics.com

Coming soon…

Coming soon to Tutti & Co, beautiful robes to match our PJ collection. The prints and designs are developed here in our North East studio, taking inspiration from our local surroundings and beautiful coastline. From sketch to watercolour prints, every element is considered. The perfect item to pack for a weekend away or layer with matching PJs for a cosy night in. tuttiandco.com Toast Another new addition to Tynemouth is trendy bakery come restaurant, Toast. Bringing a unique twist to a traditional bakery with its quirky concept of bottomless toast for breakfast, which can be toasted at your table to ensure it perfectly suits your preference. The menu is diverse - from freshly baked wild garlic sourdough, date and ginger crumble Danish, to tasty fresh pasta, there is something for all taste buds. toastatthecoast.com

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CHANGING WAYS

Tidy house, tidy mind

Tracy McCoull is a professional home organiser. An expert problem solver with a knack for finding sustainable solutions, she swapped her busy life as a nurse to help people in other ways at home. Elysia Fryer sits down for a chat about Tracy’s beautifully organised business venture

As I’m sitting in my conservatory drinking tea from a flask, surrounded by boxes and a makeshift kitchen, a message drops into my inbox about a professional home organiser. It’s one of those ‘this is just meant to be’ moments.

After weeks of house renovations, edging closer to the completion of a new kitchen, I am overjoyed at the thought of speaking to someone who can share my excitement for the cupboard organising that awaits me.

Organising and decluttering might be up your street, or it might be something you’ve been putting off for weeks, months, even years. Whatever it may be, Tracy has got it cracked - and now life is about helping people to do the same.

Whether it’s getting kitchen cupboards in order with Pinterest perfect storage ideas, assisting in a wardrobe edit, a garage clearout, or creating a rainbow playroom that kids will enjoy keeping tidy, Tracy

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has all the expert tips and tools to change the way you live forever.

“My job can be so many things,” explains Tracy.

“Sometimes I’m the person who encourages someone to do something they’ve had on their to-do list for a while; other times I’m someone to have a laugh with, a shoulder to cry on, or someone who can really help change somebody’s life for the better.

“Most people come to me and just can’t see a way out - they don’t know how to move forward. When I started the business I was thinking ‘this is going to be nice, I’ll be going into people’s houses and making them look pretty’, but actually there’s a lot more to it than just the ‘stuff’. People have a lot of emotional attachment to the things that they have in their homes.

“There’s a lot of shame and guilt around having somebody come in and help you.

It can have a serious impact on mental and physical health. There’s a lot of waste, especially over the last couple of years.

I’m finding a lot of brown parcels stacked up in people’s homes - some of them have never been opened!

“There’s a lot of excess in people’s lives right now - in so many ways, for so many reasons - and I’m just here to find suitable, sustainable solutions.”

As somebody who is quite unusually excited about the thought of tackling a house move, unpacking the weekly shop, packing away the Christmas decorations and clearing out the ‘odds and sods’ cupboard, I can’t think of a more perfect business model. And when Tracy tells me her job also involves lots of hugs, I’m sold.

“I get a lot of love,” she smiles.

“Lots of hugs and lots of happy tears. A big part of my job is to listen, understand and find a way forward. It’s an incredible privilege to be let into somebody’s house - especially when the decision has not been taken lightly. But when a client comes out the other side and sits back in their space and looks at what they’ve achieved, it is really quite emotional.

“To be totally honest, there’s no reason why a person couldn’t do what I do by themselves, but I think a lot of the people can’t mentally do it. It’s overwhelming for a lot of people.

“Some people will work with me and then a few weeks later they might tackle another room alone. They’ll send me photographs of what they’ve done and it’s amazing for me to see them taking themselves on that journey. That’s when I know I’ve really achieved something. Seeing people build up their confidence is the most rewarding thing ever.”

Having a warm nature and offering gentle guidance are both qualities that have carried Tracy through her working life for many years. With a background in nursing, she is a natural when it comes to looking after people.

But kindness and compassion aside, Tracy is a colleague we all need by our side.

Behind the scenes, she’s that person with a hole punch and a clipboard - filing documents, colour coding cupboards and collecting for charity.

“At work, I was always the person that did the collections, sorted out gifts, organised Christmas parties. All of those things fell to me - mainly because I really enjoy doing it.

And I guess that has always been going on in the background, but I was so busy working in nursing, I never got the chance to actually sit back and think about what I’m good at, what I enjoy, and how I can make a difference doing both of those things.”

Originally from the West Midlands, Tracy spent a bit of time living in London and the west coast before travelling the world in her twenties. She moved to the North East in 2001 and started working at a learning disability trust. From there, she went on to graduate from Northumbria University with a nursing degree.

“Following my degree, I started working as a nurse with children and young people, and continued to do that for around 15 years. But in 2017 I was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, so that kind of stopped me in my tracks and I had some time off for my treatment. While I was off, I started doing bits and bobs for my husband’s business.

“My husband and I are like yin and yang.

He has ADHD, so he’s the total opposite

of me. He’s on one side of our home office with his ‘yang’, and my ‘yin’ side is nice and organised.

“So when I started working with him, I couldn’t believe how much organisation and decluttering was required for me to help move things forward. The systems and processes that were in place just needed a huge sort out.

“And that’s when I realised how something that was just so effortless to me could have such an important impact on someone’s life, or business for that matter.”

Tracy’s ‘lightbulb moment’ came when she started to think about returning to work.

“The thought of going back to nursing was really daunting, so I took a bit of an employment break. Had I not gone through the cancer, I would 100% still be a nurse right now - I would never have left - but having that pause was mentally challenging.

It took me a long time to switch off from work, but I knew it was important that I did; and once I did, I realised how much it had taken its toll on me.

“Then in 2020, just before the world went mad, my friend picked up the phone to tell me that she’d been watching something on Netflix called The Home Edit and it made her think of me.

“So I watched it and couldn’t believe that people actually do what I loved doing for a living!”

After a bit of research, planning and navigating through a global pandemic, Personally Organised was born.

“It took a while to build things up after the various lockdowns, but the business is well underway and I’m nice and busy,” Tracy says.

“It’s a match made in heaven and it makes so much sense to me. It’s something I’ve been doing - and enjoying - for a long time;

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CHANGING WAYS if I can help others in the process, then why not?

“If I won the lottery, I would do this for free, without a doubt! I would work with people with ADHD and autism.”

Tracy lets me into a little secret when she tells me she hasn’t always been organised, particularly when she was growing up. When I respond with, ‘kids will be kids eh?’, she uncovers even more truths.

“No, I was really, really messy as a child,” she laughs.

“I think it had something to do with the environment I was in, but as I got older and had responsibilities - my own space and job and what have you - I realised that I couldn’t function properly if I was disorganised.

“It just made so much more sense for me to be organised. It helped me to focus and actually concentrate.”

I, like Tracy, am a big believer in creating a positive environment that you can flourish in. If my bed isn’t made, I can’t get on with my day. If there are papers scattered across my desk, I can’t work. If I have too many tabs open on Google, I can’t complete the task. Whether these things ring true for you or not, I do strongly believe in the phrase ‘tidy house, tidy mind’.

“Every home, every person and every family is totally different,” Tracy explains.

“But I truly believe that everyone can benefit from a bit of decluttering,” she adds.

“My biggest thing is encouraging people to ensure everything has a place. Once something has a place and you know where it belongs, it makes it so much easier to maintain a tidy environment.

“Sometimes people just need a bit of

guidance, or a suggestion here and there.

The amount of kitchens I go into and find that the kettle is nowhere near the tea, coffee and mugs, or the cooking condiments are at the opposite side to the hob and oven.

“We do have a laugh with it sometimes.

Some of the things we come across at the back of cupboards. I’ll have to ask people, ‘when was the last time you used this coffee machine from the 70s? Shall we give it to Beamish?’.

“I often work with people who are downsizing - whether it’s a couple whose kids have flown the nest, or widowers who have lost their partners, which can be a really challenging thing to do because you’re going through years and years worth of somebody’s very personal belongings.

“Those situations can be really tough, but that’s when the work I do with charities is really important, and can help people let go and repurpose.”

There are many remarkable things about Tracy and her business, but one thing that is really encouraging is her commitment to ensuring onward journeys.

Everything that passes through the decluttering process is at the beginning of a new life - usually in the hands of a North East charity.

“The biggest misconception about what I do is people think I’m going to come into their homes and throw all of their stuff away,” says Tracy.

“That is absolutely not true. My brand values are: ‘recycle, repurpose and reuse’.

I want to make sure that runs through everything that I do.

“I work with a lot of North East charities

It’s a match made in heaven and it makes so much sense to me. It’s something I’ve been doing - and enjoying - for a long time; if I can help others in the process, then why not?

to pass on people’s unwanted stuff. We all have aspirational clothing, but sometimes, when I tell clients about the work I do with charities such as Smart Works Newcastle a charity supporting women into employment - people understand the importance of giving something a new life, therefore encouraging people to let go of their things.

“I also work with The Lions Club of Morpeth, who work with families in the North East who don’t have a lot.

“It is very rare that stuff will go to landfill.

I will always take things to the recycling centre, but most of the stuff we declutter goes to another home or cause.”

Sustainability is as much about changing people’s habits as it is about reusing and recycling. Seeing a shift in mindset and lifestyle is just as rewarding as seeing a beautifully organised kitchen or wardrobe, Tracy tells me.

“Once people have been through the process of decluttering, they don’t tend

to get themselves back in the same situation again.

“Once they’re organised, they can see what they’ve got and what they need, which again, means much less waste.”

When Tracy isn’t organising or decluttering a home or business space, she can be found exploring Northumberland’s coast and countryside.

“You’ll find us at Druridge Bay pretty much every weekend,” she smiles.

“We are so incredibly lucky to live where we live. We’ve got the best of everything.

“Northumberland is very much home for me now. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

It’s funny - having chatted to Tracy for an hour or so, I can feel a positive shift in my own mindset. Not only am I armed with tips and tricks to help me organise my shiny new kitchen, but I feel clear about how and why it’s so important to maintain a healthy, tidy environment at home and at work. personally-organised.co.uk

Tracy’s top 10 tips for a tidy wardrobe >> Aesthetically, this works wonders. If you don’t have matching hangers, try and have the same types of hanger with the different groups of clothes.

If your hangers are the ones from the shop, remove the size labels (if you can) they will instantly look better.

Hang all of your clothes the same way round on your hangers and then hang all of your hangers the same way round so everything faces the same way in your wardrobe.

Group all of your clothes together - ideally by type (trousers, jumpers, vest tops etc.) and then organise by colour (whites together, black together etc.).

Be organised with your maintenance. I keep a box near to my wardrobe which contains a lint roller, scissors, snag puller, fabric shaver for those pesky bobbles and a roll of body tape.

If you have space, designate somewhere for your accessories.

Place belts, scarves and bags so you can clearly see them, and group again by type and colour so you can quickly put your outfits together.

Have a designated place where you can put your outfits together.

Ideally this would be a pull out rail, but a hook on the back of your bedroom door works too if you’re short on space. Organising your outfits the night before can save you precious time in the morning.

Draw organisers will become your best friend, especially if you’re busy. Having your underwear categorised by type and then organised by colour really is a game changer.

Fold your jeans if you can. They take up way too much room in your wardrobe and they wear perfectly fine for not being hung.

Edit your wardrobe regularly. We are all guilty of having way too many clothes and not wearing most of them. I recommend editing at least twice a year - edit summer clothes in winter and winter in the summer.

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LITTLE LUXE

LUXE MAMA with Elysia Fryer

My journey into motherhood...

Life in colour Summer is in sight, and whether you’re planning a family getaway or some glorious days out on home turf, there’s something about the sunny months that sparks our imagination to get out and explore some more.

For the first time, I’m enjoying seeing those happy, sunny moments through the eyes of a small person. This newfound fascination

with anything and everything has put the phrase ‘you’ll have eyes in the back of your head’ into context for me, but it also uncovers the sweetness of the simple things in life.

With that being said, we’re sharing some of our favourite sensory activities to enjoy at home, as well as some super summer events for your calendars.

As we creep into May, we’re confidently planning for the warmer months and we’re delighted to share what’s on the horizon.

Wishing you a season of sunshine and happiness!

Baby buys >> For little ladies >> FLOWER POWER Summer is the perfect excuse to bring bold brights into your little one’s wardrobe. Check out this lovely orange knit made from 100% organic cotton. Shop Frugi and many other beautiful baby brands at Your Tribe, Tynemouth.

Frugi, Patsy Pocket Cardi Daisy, £36, yourtribe.co.uk

Busy babies: home & away >>

DAZZLING DETAIL The perfect summer romper for little ladies. Complete with intricate detailing and easy-to-use fastenings, it’s a must-have holiday buy.

Freya Lillie, Lillie Romper Broderie Anglaise, £59.99 - £68.99, freya-lillie.com

Sometimes it’s the simple things that spark the imagination of a small person; sometimes it’s the thrill of a fun-filled day out with the family. We’ve rounded up a couple of ways in which you can keep little ones entertained at home and away…

FANCY FRILLS This sweet summery set is a must for sunny days at home or overseas. A statement ruffled shoulder and a pretty floral pattern, paired with a soft organic cotton fabric, your tiny person is set to explore in style.

Purebaby, Organic Cotton Garden Embroidered Bodysuit, Green, £28, johnlewis.com HOME: SUPER SENSORY Lovevery’s Play Kits are a hit with George! Complete with puzzles, blocks, books and balls, the kits encourage the natural curiosity of a baby, giving them opportunities to explore texture, work on coordination and balance, and build on emotional intelligence. We keep our Inspector Play Kit in a basket in the nursery, and it’s our go-to for a bit of pre-bath time play before bed.

HOME: GET CRAFTY Homemade toys are often the most popular with little people, and there are a ton of tutorials online to help you create the perfect tools for sensory play at home. Our favourite is the DIY dancing ribbon ring, great for music and movement. All you need is a 3-inch wooden ring and ribbon in a variety of bright colours. Cut your ribbon into strips of the same length and simply tie them to the ring with a double knot.

Top tip: to keep the ribbon from fraying, quickly run the ends through a flame from a lighter or candle and leave to cool before playtime!

AWAY: STORY TIME Our friends at Seven Stories are hosting a number of interactive storytime

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sessions where you’ll be invited to celebrate the wonderful world of Judith Kerr and her much-loved book, The Tiger Who Came To Tea. Little ones will get the chance to make their own tiger, get to know the characters and enjoy an exciting, interactive storytime. sevenstories.org.uk

For tiny guys >>

AWAY: THRILLING THEATRE We may be planning ahead, but Sunday 31 July is a key date for cultured tots and grown ups alike as Swinton Estate hosts David Walliams’ Awful Auntie on their outdoor stage, telling the thrilling tale of Stella and her menacing aunt. Bring a blanket and a picnic, or treat yourself to refreshments from the Bivouac Cafe and Pizza Trailer. A perfect evening of theatre fun for the whole family this summer. swintonestate.com

HEY SAILOR! Give your little guy’s wardrobe a seaside makeover this summer with this stunning two piece set by José Varón, available at the lovely Little Lambs Boutique in Sunderland.

José Varón, Sailor Short Set, £49.99, littlelambsboutique.com

SUMMER PRINTS Joules is a go-to for gorgeous prints and we’re loving the latest collection, featuring this adorable crab artwork romper made with organically grown cotton.

Joules, Patch Organically Grown Cotton Artwork Romper, £19.95, joules.com DESIGNER DENIM Denim and dungarees are a match made in heaven. Throw in a designer label and you’re all set for a dazzling look this summer. A sleek and comfortable Tommy Hilfiger set your little one will love.

Tommy Hilfiger, Dungaree Set, £60, fenwick.co.uk

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BLOOMING SUCCESS

Little moments

Parenting expert Nadia McSheffrey guides us through the challenges of modern day parenting…

I have to admit, even this Chionophile appreciates the beautiful sunshine and the chance to shed a few layers as the temperature heats up. We’ve been trying to rescue our garden after the winter storms left a path of destruction. I always enlist the help of my green fingered father, because as much as I love flora, I’m not great at keeping it alive! Gardening is just one of my dad’s many talents. He is actually highly skilled in all things woodwork and carpentry too, as this was his trade before he retired. We’ve often talked about the immense satisfaction he found in taking a piece of raw wood and producing something tangible with his hands. The planning, carving, attention to detail and specific nature of this work suits him down to the ground. However, he also loves horticulture. But gardening is very different because there are so many variables out of his control; such as the weather, the humidity or the soil. And he never knows, for example, the exact colour of the flower or the height of a planted tree until it has matured. There is an element of surprise in gardening and also freedom when he has to surrender to the power of nature.

Parenting is exactly the same and there is actually a thought provoking book named The Gardener & The Carpenter by developmental psychologist, Alison Gopnik.

As modern parents, we often take on the role of the ‘carpenter’ when interacting with our children. Sometimes, we see them as blank timber that we have to try and carve into the perfectly designed end product.

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We want our children to be polite, educated, healthy and successful adults so we hire tutors, enrol them in extra-curricular clubs and give them every possible opportunity we can. Consciously or subconsciously, we have an idea of how we want our children to turn out. But then what happens when our child misbehaves, or is diagnosed with a learning disability or flunks their exams?

We panic because this wasn’t part of our well-thought out plan.

If we see parenting as work, then we become target focused and task driven. We concentrate on the end result rather than enjoying the process When we feel like we are losing control of a situation, we often pull the reins tighter.

We become overwhelmed, frustrated and confused. We sometimes ask ourselves ‘What did I do wrong?’ Some parents begin to feel resentful because they think that their children are being ungrateful or not pulling their weight. Hands up if you have spent more time helping your child with their homework than they have actually doing it? This is us behaving like ‘carpenter parents.’ If a carpenter spent hours making a rocking chair that didn’t rock, he would berate himself, even if the object was beautiful and full of character. That’s what we often do with our children. We focus on the minor flaws and the defects because our children aren’t turning out exactly the way we have planned. This is when parenting becomes a chore and a form of work rather

than a form of love and connection. If we see parenting as work, then we become target focused and task driven. We concentrate on the end result rather than enjoying the process.

Gopnik suggests that rather than taking on the ‘carpenter’ role with our children, we should focus more on being the ‘gardener’. The gardener tries to create the best environment for the flower to bloom.

A child is not an inanimate object like a piece of cut wood. A child is a living, breathing, pulsating soul, growing every second with each breath. A gardener has to use their knowledge but also their intuition.

They need to be attentive and flexible to adapt to the changing conditions, just as a parent should. We know that we cannot control all of the variables; life likes to throw us curve balls now and again. Skilled gardeners note the preferences of the flowers such as clay soil or lime and adjust their approach as necessary. In a similar way, conscious parents are mindful of their child’s natural characteristics. If their child prefers regular interaction and lively activities, they will try to provide these opportunities, whilst other parents know that their children prefer to have time alone and not to be overly-stimulated.

When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower If we behave as ‘gardener parents’ then we try to be present and focus on the connection we have with our child, rather than on any predetermined end results.

We are more relaxed and give ourselves and our children freedom, space and time. We have a more balanced role rather than that of micro manager and director. And when our child makes a mistake or misbehaves, gardener parents focus on the root cause.

They look below the surface of the unwanted behaviour, knowing that their child isn’t broken, they just need extra support. I absolutely love this quote from Dutch speaker Alexander Den Heijer; “When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.”

A gardener knows that they alone do not create the roses or the lavender. They work hard to create the conditions in which plants have the best chance of thriving.

In a similar way, as a parent, we can create a protected space in our homes and in our hearts where our children can flourish and become their authentic selves. And what happens when the flower does bloom and it’s not the exact replica of the photo in the book? The gardener doesn’t deem himself or the flower a failure. There is an appreciation of the unique beauty and inimitable nature of the plant. So, the next time I find myself trying to sculpt my son into being something I think he should be, I’ll pause and wonder at his wild and wonderful ways.

I gently invite you to do the same.

Nadia McSheffrey is founder of The Tranquil Treehouse. Nadia works with parents to help them be the parent they want to be and find tranquility in their family lives.

She also works with children and teachers to support their own emotional wellbeing.

For more information and daily parenting support, follow her at: thetranquiltreehouse.com and on Facebook and Instagram @tranquiltreehouse

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VIBRANT VENUE

Approaching its 100th anniversary, the Old Cinema Launderette is a local institution that not only serves as a functioning dry cleaner, but by night, transforms into an intimate music venue that attracts awardwinning artists and regional rising stars to the stage.

Matthew Thomas took a spin over to Gilesgate Moor to chat with Richard and Kathy Turner, owners of the Old Cinema Launderette and the real soap stars of Durham…

Handle with care “BBC’s The One Show visited us just a few weeks ago. It’s surreal to have a national programme take such an interest in what we’re doing here”, says Richard Turner, co-owner of the Old Cinema Launderette.

We’re sitting inside 38 Marshall Terrace, exchanging pleasantries and occasionally navigating around a flurry of locals who, now that the kids have been dropped at school, are piling through the doors with baskets of washing.

“I’m from Durham and my wife Kathy is originally from Alnwick. One of the nice things about being from the local area and opening a place like this has been the sense of community. We wanted to bring a nostalgic element of the cinema back to the area, instead of allowing another old building to be knocked down or redeveloped.”

As buzzy now as it was back then, the Old Cinema Launderette has always been an integral facility for the residents of Gilesgate Moor. For nearly 100 years, locals have visited this historic building for a multitude of reasons. In March 1928, the site originally opened as an independent cinema that would welcome 320 people per screening for families looking to enjoy America’s ‘Golden Age’ movies.

In 1941, it was renamed the Rex Cinema

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and was given a Gyrotone sound system to help boost dwindling numbers. The cinema eventually closed in January 1958 as Robert Stack and Diana Barrymore’s American war-romance film, Eagle Squadron, flickered from the projector for the final time.

“It’s fantastic to see first-hand how this place has developed. In the early days, the older members would visit us just to relive memories of themselves enjoying the cinema when they were kids. It was so lovely to spend time with them, speak about their memories and learn a little more about their lives.”

It wasn’t until early 2012 that the Old Cinema Launderette was given a reimagined purpose fit for a diverse community. As cities across the UK look to implement experience-led, multi-purpose spaces, it’s fair to say that the Old Cinema Launderette was one of the early mavericks to implement such a model in a wellpopulated area.

By day, Kathy and Richard operate a fabulous retro launderette and coffee shop.

By night, the space transforms into a twinkling live music venue that attracts award-winning artists and regional rising stars to the stage.

From cappuccinos to craft beers, fancy gins and flat whites, the cafe and fully-stocked bar will quench your thirst day and night, but it will also help with your laundry!

“It took a while for us to establish ourselves. Kathy was facing the possibility of redundancy and together, we wanted to operate an easy-to-run business that also worked as a platform for us to be creative with our passions and interests.

“It was a dilapidated trade merchant before we renovated the place. We scrubbed, scraped and knocked down the majority of partitioning walls to get to the finished product people enjoy today.”

Boasting an unmissable azure blue exterior and a floor-to-ceiling glass facade, the Old Cinema Launderette commands attention from every angle. To the right, lies a row of Cissell, Girbau and Speed Queen washing machines all humming away in mechanical harmony, while the Turner’s prized family

piano neatly rests to the end.

To the back, stands a bar area complete with draught lines, a fridge and a coffee machine. Four wooden stools are immaculately tucked underneath, waiting to prop up the next happy customer.

“We have four regular older gentlemen who frequent the cafe most mornings to chat, chew the fat and put the world to rights.

It’s always a memorable few hours when the tribe turns up,” Richard smiles.

Move through the doors and you’ll find the beating heart for the day-to-day operations.

Aptly titled the ‘Green Room’ for when musicians are preparing before their show, this large prep area is lined with suits, industrial trouser presses and rows of laundry waiting to be collected.

By day, Kathy and Richard operate a fabulous retro launderette and coffee shop. By night, the space transforms into a twinkling live music venue that attracts regional rising stars to the stage

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VIBRANT VENUE

“I’ve told off many music stars here, which is pretty funny. I remember on one occasion we welcomed a huge folk star (I won’t name him, he’d kill me!) and while he was preparing for the show, he totally forgot about his surroundings and began to have a smoke. Let’s just say I quickly ushered him outside with a stern ticking off. We can’t be returning people’s clothing smelling like an old working men's club!”

Over the years, the Old Cinema Launderette has welcomed an eclectic mix of artists to Gilesgate Moor. In 2021, the jangly rock-pop sounds of The Primitives arrived in DH1, JP Cooper treated a sold-out audience to his serene soul music in 2013 and Amelia Coburn delivered a bohemian evening of folk tunes at Christmas time in 2018.

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Just a handful of many standout moments for this place. The musical variety on offer, to say the very least, is eclectic. One week you could be staring down a multi-awardwinning artist from 3ft away, the next you could be witnessing the region’s next star as their musical hopes, dreams and fears are laid bare in front of a room full of strangers. The Old Cinema Launderette offers musical veterans, rising talents, genre icons and industry raconteurs a stage to truly be themselves.

“I haven’t always been involved in live music and hospitality,” says Richard.

“It wasn’t until I turned 50 that I created my own business, Mr Wishy Washy Presents, and got into live music. The Old Cinema helped with that, as it felt like a place that

could allow my new venture to grow.

“Yeah, it’s great having The Primitives play, but I also love giving a stage to local musicians. It’s the likes of Tom Smith and L Devine - fantastic indie artists that I really enjoy helping and booking to play here.”

And it’s not just the musical big-hitters that leave with a wonderful experience. The Old Cinema Launderette has a stellar reputation amongst elite sportsmen and TV personalities, as Richard proudly reveals.

“Kieran Tripper is the latest ‘big name’ we’ve welcomed as a customer in recent weeks.

In the past, we’ve washed The Jackson’s laundry when they were playing Hardwick Live, Jermain Defoe frequently drops his items off, which is nice because I’m a huge SAFC fan and we once had the wild morning

of welcoming Victor Anichebe with his clothing. It was a surreal experience seeing a £250,000 Ferrari pull-up outside the door.”

A flurry of hurried faces, more piled-high baskets and the friendly bartering of customers pushing for rapid pick-up times out front signals time on this morning’s chat.

A fabulous local affair that places the community at the heart of its offering, the Old Cinema Launderette is a truly unique independent venue that is providing Durham and the wider region with a blueprint on how to successfully restore historic, hyper-local buildings into multi-functional, multi-cultural hubs fit for modern-day life. oldcinemalaunderette.uk

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FAST LANE

Girl on track

Female racing driver, Logan Hannah, is only 20 years old but has already made a big impact on the motorsport world. Luxe catches up with Logan and her manager, Laurance Laybourne, to find out how it all began, and their aspirations for the future…

Logan spent her early years in Dubai where she discovered her passion for motor racing. She has competed at some of the most prestigious racing circuits in the Middle East and UK, and was recently signed up to take part in the inaugural GB4 Championship with Knockhill-based Graham Brunton Racing, helped by backing from Laser Tools Racing. Logan has also secured sponsorship from three North East companies, including 21 Hospitality Group, owned by Terry Laybourne and his brother, Laurance, who is managing Logan’s blossoming motorsport career.

Logan juggles her racing with studying for a degree in sports psychology at the University of Stirling, but she found time in her hectic schedule to tell us about the exciting adventure she’s begun.

The Driver Logan Hannah How did you get into motorsport and what’s your ultimate goal?

It all started with karting, not just in the UK, but in the Middle East, with my dad.

The next step after karting was racing in Formula Ford and GT4 cars. With enough experience in all forms of racing, I now have the opportunity to compete in the GB4 Championship which includes racing at Silverstone and Brands Hatch. It’s so exciting! The future can be difficult to predict, but the ultimate goal is to take part in endurance racing and to compete at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.

That’s my dream.

What is it like being a woman in a male dominated sport?

There are a lot more women in the paddock these days, but I still think there should be more diversity in all aspects of the racing world. Being a female in a male dominated sport, I’ve had to pick my battles, however being a woman racing driver has given me more branding opportunities. I am racing alongside another female driver, Chloe Grant, which shows great progress. Hopefully my career will inspire other young girls and women

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to pursue motorsport as a career.

You’re still at university. How do you fund such an expensive sport?

So far I’m lucky to have secured sponsorship from Laser Tools Racing. I reached out to them myself, and with the help of my manager, Laurance, we struck a deal.

21 Hospitality Group also sponsor me, along with two other North East companies, Allies Group - a leading digital marketing agency in Gateshead and Elite Embroidery based at Bells Close - who have provided team wear. Between them, they’re helping me promote my brand and are supporting me financially and logistically. However, you’re quite correct, it is a massively expensive sport and I still need further sponsors to come on board to see me through this season and beyond - a significant part of the ‘job’ is searching for more sponsors to help me on my

journey. I am very proud to be connected to the North East and to have three great companies from there supporting me on my journey.

The Manager Laurance Laybourne When did you develop an interest in motorsport?

It all started in the 1950s when I was a young boy. I was fascinated by the 24 Hours of Le Mans race and I remember I used to get up in the middle of the night to listen to the World Service’s hourly broadcast to catch up on the action.

A little later, in the 60s I bought a garage and raced a Mini and a Ford Cortina GT for a while. From the 70s onwards I went to Le Mans with Terry, my brother, almost every year. Motorsport has been a big part of my life.

How did your partnership with Logan start?

In the 90s I decided to start working with racing drivers on a support and management level, rather than going behind the wheel myself. And with female drivers being in the minority, I chose to work with them. I worked with Jillian Butcher who had a successful career racing Fiestas. Her father, Derek, owns Knockhill Racing Circuit in Scotland and her husband is the three time British Touring Car champion, Gordon Shedden. I became friends with Graham Brunton, who is based at the circuit and specialises in Formula Ford and started providing marketing and support to his team. Logan joined us a couple of years ago and last year when she told me about the possibility of securing a major sponsor, Laser Tools, I worked with her to help secure that partnership.

Do you think Logan’s got what it takes?

She’s pretty good! There’s a lot of luck in motor racing, not least because it’s an expensive sport so we need to find her some more sponsors, but I definitely think she’s good enough to have a full-time career in motor racing. We share a passion for endurance racing and the fact that Logan’s goal is to compete at Le Mans makes us the perfect partnership. loganhannah.co.uk

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TEE TIME

GREEN DAYS

Your guide to some of the best kit and an update from the North East golf scene...

FOR HER >> Barbour Barbour Darla Shorts £69.95, barbour.com

Calvin Klein Hamlin Breathable Moisture Wicking Polo Golf Dress £80, golfbase.co.uk

CHECKING IN WITH: PHIL REDPATH >>

We catch up with Phil Redpath, PGA Class AA Professional at Ramside Hall Hotel, Golf and Spa… clientele which is nice. As it’s a family owned and run business, there’s always a friendly atmosphere around the place.

FOR HIM >> G/Fore Striped Perforated Stretch-Jersey Golf Polo Shirt £115, mrporter.com

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR JOURNEY TO RAMSIDE HALL? I started playing golf when I was 12 at the City of Newcastle Golf Club before eventually turning pro there at 18. Once qualified, I moved to work at Doha Golf Club in Qatar in 2013 until 2016 when I moved to Dubai and Emirates Golf Club before eventually moving home to the North East in 2018. I started at Ramside mid 2019 and have been here ever since.

WHAT IS IT LIKE BEING PART OF THE TEAM AT RAMSIDE? It’s a great place to work, the courses are always busy and we get a varied

THE MOST COMMON GOLF TIP I GIVE… It’s hard to give a single tip that fits all players. I do find myself explaining the very basics of what makes the ball fly the way it does to a lot of players (of varying levels) that have them mixed up - sometimes just having a better understanding of that can allow you to diagnose yourself better and seek out more relevant advice as a result.

ANY UPCOMING EVENTS IN YOUR DIARY? Nothing too much as of yet. I will play a few NE/NW PGA events and pro ams, but will most likely be a busy season of coaching golfers for me.

WHAT’S NEXT AT RAMSIDE HALL? This season we are investing in the Junior Academy which I am excited about. We will be using an app called MyPathway2Golf, which will allow the kids and parents to track their progress better as they learn the game.

FOR THE BAG >> Nike Performance Logo-Embroidered Cotton-Terry Golf Towel £37, mrporter.com

Connolly Navy Wool Drop Back Car Vest £295, connollyengland.com

Bogner Colvin Slim-Fit Stretch-Shell Golf Shorts £200, mrporter.com

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Motocaddy M-Tech GPS Ultra 36+ Lithium Battery Easilock Golf Trolley £1,199, golfbase.co.uk

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SPOIL HIM

Father’s Day:

THE ULTIMATE LUXE GUIDE

It’s that time of year where we scratch our heads and search the internet for the perfect Father’s Day gift. But what can you buy for the man in your life who has everything and claims he doesn’t need anything. We’ve done some digging and uncovered a selection of luxe picks to help you spoil

dad this June. As well as a selection of gorgeous gift ideas, we’ve got some pretty cool experiences lined up and we’ve picked out some of our favourite food venues for those of you with foodies for fathers...

Spoil him >> From comfort and style to grooming essentials and tech must-haves, we’ve got you covered with ways in which to spoil dad

For the stylish dad >>

Do this >> For the dad who prefers to be out and about, experiencing new things and having fun…

Raymond Weil Tango 300 Men’s 43mm Watch £1,150, raymond-weil.co.uk

Triple Supercar Track Day Thrill-seeking, petrol-head dads are in for a treat with this epic day on the track. A supercar driving experience allows him to pick from the world’s top motors including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Aston Martins, Porsches and many more.

He’ll have the opportunity to drive a total of up to nine miles in his chosen car, with plenty of time to get the adrenaline flowing and feel of every twist and turn at his chosen venue - not to mention, he’ll be strapping in for a high speed passenger ride from a professional instructor.

From £119, virginexperiencedays.co.uk

Farrar & Tanner Mount Royal Double Hunter Skeleton Pocket Watch £95, farrar-tanner.co.uk

A round of golf If you have a golf-mad dad, treat him to a round of the beautiful game. Here in the North East, we’re home to some of the finest golf clubs including Ramside Hall, Close House, Matfen Hall, Rockliffe Hall and many others.

With an abundance of package deals and Father’s Day offers up for grabs at a selection of courses around the region, it’s a no brainer.

Dine out >> Nothing says ‘I love you’ like the power of good food…

The Bay Horse Treat the man in your life to a spot of fine dining with a trip to The Bay Horse. Located in the picturesque village of Hurworth-on-Tees near Darlington, go to this charming country pub for an abundance of flavour-packed dishes including favourites such as the slow cooked sticky beef, ballotine of rabbit loin and pan roasted venison. Washed down with a perfectly poured pint, or a bottle of the good stuff, he’ll be talking about Father’s Day 2022 for years to come. thebayhorsehurworth.com

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The Broad Chare Nestled in the heart of Newcastle’s buzzy Quayside, The Broad Chare offers all the best bits of a cosy, traditional ale-house, in the finest city centre environment. A fresh and delicious menu, paired with a warm, cosy atmosphere, it’s the perfect Father’s Day spot. Recently named the second best gastropub in the UK by Big 7 Travel, this proper pub is ideal for celebrating dad. On Sunday 19 June, treat him to one of The Broad Chare’s famous Sunday lunches before enjoying a tipple or two. thebroadchare.co.uk

The Fine Cotton Company Palermo Waffle Lined Cotton Dressing Gown £85, thefinecottoncompany.com

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SPOIL HIM

For the dad who has it all >>

For the tech-savvy, game loving dad >> Beats by Dre Beats Studio3 Wireless £299.95, beatsbydre.com

iWOODESIGN Dominoes Set in Royal Ebony Macassar £395, iwoodesign.com

BeanBagBazaar icon® Oxford Luxury Real Leather Armchair Beanbag £499.99, beanbagbazaar.co.uk

Roberts Roberts Revival Petite DAB/DAB+/FM Bluetooth Portable Digital Radio £99, johnlewis.com

Beaumonde Walnut Chess Set £300, beaumonde.co.uk

For the drink connoisseur dad >> Metaxa METAXA AEN Three Generations £1,700, hedonism.co.uk

Wearth London Stainless Steel Shaving Gift Set £100, wearthlondon.com

Isle Of Barra Distillers Barra Atlantic Gin 70cl, £37, isleofbarradistillers.com

For the foodie dad >>

Waterford The Cuvée Irish Single Malt Whisky 70cl, £69.95, thewhiskyexchange.com

Warner’s Personalised London Dry Gin 70cl from £30, warnersdistillery.com

Annabel James Barbecue Apron £49.95, annabeljames.co.uk

Cuckooland Fontana Outdoor BBQ & Pizza Oven £2,999.95, cuckooland.com

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MOVIE STAR

Gucci Injection Sunglasses Havana & Brown £365, endclothing.com Orlebar Brown Bulldog Mid-Length Jacquard Swim Shorts £245, mrporter.com

Creed Aventus Eau de Parfum 100ml £285, fenwick.co.uk Gucci Eco Stone Bleach Organic Denim Jeans Blue & Mix £630, endclothing.com

MAN KIT

Summer nights

Bottega Veneta Sunrise Cotton T-shirt £335, matchesfashion.com

Saint Laurent Wyatt 30 Black Suede Chelsea boots £725, harveynichols.com

Stay cool this summer with retro inspired pieces that bring out the Zuko in you…

Casablanca Tennis Club Printed Cotton T-shirt £130, harveynichols.com

Tom Ford Private Blend Tobacco Oud Eau De Parfum £215.90, johnlewis.com

Tom Ford Leather Blouson Jacket £5,190, mrporter.com

Givenchy Retro Logo Tee White £319, endclothing.com

Alexander McQueen Slim-fit Leather-trimmed Denim Jeans £247, theoutnet.com Kurt Geiger London Laney Men’s £149, fenwick.co.uk

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MAY/JUN22

WE ARE HIRING We are always looking out for talented people to join our award winning agency.

With a growing range of exciting clients, we like to work with the best of the best and in order to do that, we ensure our team contains the best of the best.

OUR CURRENT VACANCIES • DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER • DIGITAL MARKETING EXECUTIVE • FRONT END WEB DEVELOPER • SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER If you would like to learn more about this role then please email guy@allies-group.com, visit allies-group.com or call 0191 500 7900 for a chat and to learn more about our exciting opportunities.

ALLIES-GROUP.COM

LUXE LOVES

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LUXE LOVES

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Afternoon Tea with a twist Feast your eyes upon this platter of goodies! The Vermont Hotel’s Gentleman’s Afternoon Tea is serving up a selection of mouth-watering delicacies - perfect for treating the dad who has everything this Father’s Day. Indulge in the likes of pork pies, scotch eggs, the famous Vermont burger, cheese and fries along with a selection of delicious pastries, tarts and sweet delights. All served with tea, coffee or perhaps something a little stronger. £19.95 per person. vermont-hotel.com

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MAY/JUN22

K

The Ultimate Driving Machine

THE ALL-NEW BMW iX. WITH UP TO 380 MILES OF FULLY ELECTRIC RANGE. 5.9% APR REPRESENTATIVE

WLTP ENERGY CONSUMPTION (COMBINED) 3 − 3.1 mi/kWh, WLTP CO2 EMISSION (COMBINED) 0 g/km We are a credit broker and not a lender. Finance is subject to status and finance company acceptance. We can introduce you

to a limited number of lenders and their finance products. We will typically receive a commission from the lender, as either a fixed fee or a fixed percentage on the amount you borrow. The commission we earn does not change by the type of finance. A guarantee may be required. The finance rate will vary dependent of customer personal circumstances for in dealership purchases. Based on excess mileage of 8,000 miles charged at 14.79p per mile. If you exceed this annual mileage then excess mileage charges will be applied by the finance provider at the end of the agreement should you choose to return the vehicle. Library image for illustration purposes only. Vertu BMW is a trading name of Vertu Motors (Continental) Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Company registration number 02156457. VAT Registration number 902737238. Registered office: Vertu House, Fifth Avenue Business Park, Team Valley, Gateshead, NE11 0XA.

Vertu BMW Sunderland

Vertu BMW Durham

0330 1784 709

0330 1784 782

Boldon Business Park, West Boldon, NE36 0BQ

Broomside Park, Durham, DH1 1HP

vertumotors.com

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!

Hellens Group Ladies Day Brunch in aid of the Percy Hedley Foundation, Wynyard Golf Club

>> Kate Soley, Irene Dryden and Sue Soley

>> Angela Whalley, Jane Meikle and Fiona Smith

>> Monika Padmanabhan and Damian Boothland

>> Elizabeth Leak, Michelle Barton, Katherine Leak and Heather Hall >> Claire Hall, Sarah Burke and Rosalind Danson

Red Sky Ball, Beacon of Light

>> Francesca Kosina, Natalie Lindsay and Dominique Davies

>> Ben Potts and Lynne Oliver

>> Mikael Holmqvist and David Toner

>> Steve Martin, Andrew Bradley and Adam Pollard

>> Phil and Rachael Bennet >> Emma and Arthur Hodgson

>> Meghan Wolley, Julia Braime, Anita Kaila and Balinda Ladhar

>> Phil Westoby and Claire Fairley

>> Emma and Sergio Petrucci

>> Andrew and Yasmin Ramsey

>> Ashleigh and Lee Gardner >> Trevor and Lynsey Male

>> Gary and Rachel Mather

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MAY/JUN22

SOCIAL LIFE

Business Beats Cancer, Hilton Newcastle Gateshead

Aston Martin DB007 Launch, Silverlink

>> Molly Clavering, Gabriel Thompson, Adam Kebel, Jack Burnett and Amish Patel

>> Keira and John Ridley >> David Armstrong and Tony Glenton >> Sarah Thompson and Natharia Bestwick

>> David and Shelley Bathgate >> Tracey and Gerald Emmery >> Graham Kennedy, Caroline Pattinson and Keith Pattinson

>> Peter Sanderson, Christopher Sanderson, Graham Kennedy, Simon and Karen Liddell and Paul Thursby

>> Laura Nicol, Sam Moralee and Chris Gray

>> Dec and Gill Donaghy, Carly James and John Nugent >> Laura Gould and Paolo Vecchione

>> Hayley Morgan and Alison Morgan

>> Ian and Nikki Gott

>> Jonathan and Laura Gould >> Debs De Luen and Catherine Orridge

>> Marco and Janine Calzini

Opening of the Hall Garth Hotel Business Hub >> Heather Scott and Clive McKeag

>> Martin Nichols and Karen Carpenter-Nichols

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>> Jane Tarling, Dan Smith and Elaine Johnson

>> Peter Jackson and Chris Thompson

>> Jordan Bailey and Abby Horner

>> Kate Mitford, Christian Firth and Sarah Carter

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PARTING SHOT

Sky high >> Beautiful, sun-soaked beach huts in Blyth. By Kevin Gibson at kgphotography.co.uk

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MAY/JUN22