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may 2018 s issue 053

Moorish

Live like the Hollywood A-list in Marrakech

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28/03/2018 15:29

editor’s

letter “The world’s favourite season is the spring. All things seem possible in May.” - Edwin Way Teale

n Saturday 19 May, 2018, Prince Harry will marry Meghan Markle at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. Using American ink on English card, each invite has been printed in gold and black, then burnished and gilded; the cake will be lemon and elderflower and incorporate the bright flavours of spring; but the dress - the biggest fashion statement of the year - remains a mystery... Taking inspiration from the event’s tradition and personality, on behalf of The Cheshire Magazine, Liz Taylor chats to royal florist Simon Lycett about designing the flowers for HRH the Prince of Wales’ wedding to the Duchess of

Cornwall and other fabulous floral feats (p.30) and we round up the experts on all things celebrations who impart their knowledge on how to hold the perfect party, whether it’s for friends and family or to rival the royal wedding (p.82). But that’s not all we’re about this issue, we explore outdoor living and how to make your garden space the perfect place for you this summer (p.127); Melissa Porter travels to Marrakech for some rest and relaxation (p.66) and food critic Nigel Slater talks to Natalie Anglesey (p.26). The month of May has come; enjoy its fruits.

Louisa Louisa Castle Editor

PARTNER

EDITOR’S PICKS

@thecheshiremagazine

..THIS MONTH WE HAVE BEEN...

@TheCheshireMagazine

watching the gardens blossom planning our summer adventures reading Yann Martel’s The High Mountains of Portugal LUSTING after our motoring journalists’ latest drives

@TheCheshireMag

PROUD TO

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

The Contributors

Where to find us... CHESTER Abode Hotel 1539 Restaurant Boodles Chester MediSpa Chester Racecourse Gieves & Hawkes Oddfellows Opera Bar & Grill The Pied Bull The Inspiring Travel Co.

may 2018 s issue 053 s

Editor Louisa Castle Senior Editorial Assistant Jan Clarke

LIVERPOOL

Melissa Porter

Harvey Nichols Beauty Bazaar David M Robinson

MANCHESTER David M Robinson Gotham Hotel Great John Street Hotel Harvey Nichols Hilton Manchester Deansgate King Street Townhouse Mappin & Webb Rosso Restaurant Bar & Grill Watches of Switzerland

People junkie, coach and mentor, Melissa brings us her take on marriage. She is looking forward to lighter days, buds appearing on trees, the sun breaking through the clouds and sunglasses weather.

Liz Taylor With a star-studded client list, Liz organises fabulous events for charities and even royalty. She is looking forward to starting each day with the sunrise from her rooftop terrace and the beginning of the outdoor events and wedding season.

Designer Paris Fielder Production Hugo Wheatley Jamie Steele Alice Ford Advertising Managers Kathryn Otto Danielle Mullen

MANCHESTER AIRPORT

Social Media Manager

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Siân Peak General Manager

CHESHIRE 52 Alderley Road Clinic Bolesworth Estate & Events Carden Park Hotel Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Piste Wine Bar & Restaurants Janey Butler Interiors Kitchen Architecture Willow Boutiques Coggles The Mere The Church Inn The Roebuck Inn The Colony The Stanneylands

GREATER MANCHESTER The Con Club Fox Restaurant Frisør Salon & Wellness Jackson-Stops Oddfellows on the Park

Fiona Smith Publisher Giles Ellwood Managing Director Eren Ellwood

Iain Warde Iain is a self-confessed geek, having worked for tech magazines since Pac-Man first appeared on our screens. He is also a huge petrol-head. For him, spring is all about the outdoors, roof-down exploring.

cover

On the

Amanjena Marrakech. Turn to page 66 to findout more (amanjena.com)

Natalie Anglesey Author and broadcaster Natalie chats to Nigel Slater ahead of the dramatisation of his memoir, Toast. She loves spring because there’s visible proof that life is regenerating in the fields and our gardens.

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contents editor’s favourite

Fashion of Flowers

Royal florist Simon Lycett speaks to Liz Taylor about royal engagements, floral feats and fabulous times working with flowers

features

26 82 84

Coming of Age Cook and writer Nigel Slater spends time with us ahead of the dramatization of his best-selling memoir ‘Toast’

By Royal Appointment As the royal wedding approaches Liz Taylor offers her take on the big day and how to create a spectacular event

Electric Fantastic Natalie Anglesey talks to entrepreneur and musician Emma Rushworth about family, Florence and Forever Manchester

127

regulars 009 | Editor’s letter 010 | Contributors 017 | My life in Cheshire In the hot seat this month is the north west’s regional chair of the Institute of Directors, Mike Blackburn

home & interiors 109 | Interiors news News, products and advice on making the most of your home, inside and out 114 | Life in Design We meet Alex Saint design manager with Kitchen Architecture, Wilmslow

019 | Notebook Our pick of this month’s local events, news and best new products 025 | As I was saying... This month Melissa looks at the union of marriage and how happiness is an inside job

collection 036 | Watch & Jewellery news A full round up of all the latest in style and sparkle

style 044 | Fashion news From essential accessories to new trends, it’s all here 046 | Under a Terracotta Sun This month’s fashion shoot is bursting with Italian style 054 | Beauty news New treatments, products and all the latest news

36 motoring 058 | Motoring news All the latest news from the automotive world 060 | Off The Road Hugh Francis Anderson test drives the highoctane Maserati Levante S in the Arabian desert

070 | On the Beach Louisa Castle heads to the beautiful Jurassic Coast

116 | The Edit Taking inspiration from our Life in Design, we look at the latest kitchen must-have gadgetry

074 | Weekend Away We enjoy a weekend of stylish apartment living in the capital at the Cheval Three Quays

127 | Green Room Jan Clarke goes into the garden and asks the experts how to create a great outdoor space

travel 064 | Travel news The latest happenings from near and far

food & drink 078 | Food & drink news Local chefs, new openings and our restaurant review

066 | Moorish Melissa Porter swaps the grey skies of Cheshire for 092 | Local Scene the peaceful paradise of All the glamour and Amanjena, near Marrakesh gossip from our county

134 | House Style Ellen Millard talks to international designer Ed Ng on crafting hotels and homes for the high net worth individual 139 | Hot property The crème de la crème of the local property market and the homes which will have you yearning to emigrate

FAMILY 098 | Kids’ news From toys to togs, we’ve the very latest for little ones 101 | Classroom Academic updates from Cheshire’s fantastic schools

134

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

My life in

CHESHIRE MIKE BLACKBURN OBE, REGIONAL CHAIR OF THE INSTITUTE OF DIRECTORS FOR THE NORTH WEST

How would you describe yourself? Advocate of the Institute of Directors, ambassador for the business community here in the north west and mentor to young adults and children working with several community- based charities. I’m also a Manchester City fan. Where is home? And work? Cheshire. My father was a policeman and we moved around due to his work when I was a child. I was always the new boy growing up. But I’ve put down roots with my family in Cheshire and we’re here to stay. What did you want to be when you were younger? I didn’t really have a specific childhood ambition, although I did want to be a farmer for a time. As my father was a policeman and my mother a nurse, I became interested in the value of community and community projects, from a young age. Name a few of your favourite places to be? Obviously, the Etihad stadium watching Manchester City play but also golfing with friends in Portugal. As a family we love to go skiing and when at home we enjoy walking our dog in Tatton Park and Macclesfield forest. I would say one of

our favourite restaurants is La Popote at Marton and I enjoy at drink at The Dog Inn at Peover. Who/What inspires you? I am greatly inspired by people who work to change people’s lives for the better and are generous of spirit. I greatly admire Sir Howard Bernstein, former Chief Executive of Manchester City Council and everything he stood for.

“I am greatly inspired by people who work to change people’s lives for the better and are generous of spirit.” What was the last gift you gave someone? A bottle of Whisky to Joe, the concierge who works at BT on Portland Street, Manchester. Tell us a secret/fun fact about yourself I think I’m the only man on the planet to have never seen any of the Star Wars films.

FROM TOP: Manchester Town Hall © Madrugada Verde, Wintry Macclesfield Forest © Dominic McCarthy, skiing scene © anatoliy_ gleb, golf course in the algarve, portugal © steve photography, manchester city football club logo © fandy design. all images except headshot from shutterstock.com

Who or what would you put in room 101? People who are rude and talk over other people. What’s been your biggest life lesson? Life has taught me to be resilient and adaptable but, I would say my biggest life lesson is to be positive and not to fear change. (iod.com) 17

We believe in a different perspective.

We see an oak bench. They see a rope bridge. Our Arundel dining table and bench. Made from nothing but North American oak. Designed to last a lifetime. Neptune by Allen & Allen, 01625 535255 neptune.com/adifferentperspective

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

NOTEBOOK Our guide to what’s on across Cheshire, the north west and beyond WORDS: JAN CLARKE

Woodland Magic Experience the magic of spring with a visit to Cheshire’s historic Combermere Abbey. Each year Combermere offers visitors the chance to explore and enjoy a woodland walk through swathes of fragrant native bluebells. This is a spectacular sight and this year the walk takes place on the 29 April and includes a tour of the Abbey’s gardens and Garden Wood which leads down to the estate lake with its stunning views. (combermereabbey.co.uk)

Under Northern Skies Manchester artist Jessica Owen is widely exhibited and her works are sold worldwide. Big brooding skies, with a strong concentration of light and dark, are her trademark. Stockport Art Gallery is delighted to be working with Jessica and is playing host to her ‘Head in the Clouds’ exhibition on the 7 April, which sees a selection of her dramatic skyscapes going on display. This is a solo exhibition for Jessica, who is also part of the Northern Makes gallery at Clarence Mill, Bollington: a stunning space filled with beautiful handmade products from a collective of artists, designers and artisans. (northernscapes.co.uk)

Savvy Spectators The approaching May bank holiday is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a great day out. Particularly, if you are a cycling fan, as the Tour de Yorkshire is back. Yorkshire’s most hotly anticipated sporting event takes place on the 3-6 May and the 184km journey takes contestants all the way to the east coast through valley and dale. But, as gruelling as this event is for the riders, follow our tips, beat the crowds and for spectators this is a great weekend break. So, arrive early, plan ahead to avoid traffic and make sure you’ve got your sunglasses – fingers crossed you’ll need them. Stage three of the course passes through Richmond and our top tip is to check out and then check in - to a Natural Retreats eco-friendly lodge. Located just a 20-minute walk from Richmond, they are the perfect base for the weekend. (naturalretreats.co.uk)

The Birds and the Beans Here’s something worth percolating on: the RSPB has teamed up with Bird & Wild to offer a truly ethical and environmentally friendly coffee that is triple certified as bird friendly, organic and Fairtrade. Whether you love your latte’s, prefer cappuccinos or brew your coffee black, there’s something that caters for all our inner baristas. Bird & Wild coffee is shade grown and requires a minimum level of tree coverage to cultivate a forest-like structure which provides food and water to help give vulnerable species a home. In addition, it provides a habitat which promotes natural ecology amongst resident birds, reptiles, ants, butterflies, bats, plants and other organisms. The Smithsonian Migratory Bird Centre in the United States has developed the only 100 per cent organic and shade-grown coffee certification in the world, called bird friendly certification. So, coffee connoisseurs and early birds can enjoy a cuppa to kick start their day. (rspbshop.org.uk)

2 junE

Steve Norman Pop Up tour UK

What’s On? Dates for the Diary

11 may

6 may

Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos by Candlelight

Race for Life Pretty Muddy 5k Victoria Park, Latchford in Warrigton will host this fun-filled event (raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org)

London Concertante perform classics from the baroque era at Manchester Cathedral. (manchestercathedral.org) 12 may

Playfest 18 PlayFest 2018 is Tatton Park’s epic family fun day and includes ‘The Labyrinth’, the world’s longest inflatable assault course and the ‘Mini Labyrinth’ kids’ course. (events.tattonpark.org.uk)

10 may

19 may

Ladies Day at Chester Racecourse

FA Cup Final

High fashion and hats at the ready as glamorous ladies’ day returns to Chester Racecourse (chester-races.co.uk)

Football fans will be making the yearly pilgrimage to Wembley Stadium for the 2018 FA cup final. (thefa.com)

Steve Norman, saxophonist, guitarist, percussionist, songwriter and founding member of the worldfamous cult band Spandau Ballet is bringing his pop-up UK tour to town. This pop-tastic full band show with DJ set and Prosecco bar is coming to The Cinnamon Club at the Bowdon Rooms in Altrincham on the 2 June. (cheshiresocialites.co.uk)

20 MAY

Simply Cheshire Carefully selected exhibitors will be showcasing the county’s best makers, designers, producers and artisans on the 20-21 May. (arleyhallandgardens.com) 30 may

The Snail and the Whale Tall Stories, creators of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom stage shows are coming to the Lowry Theatre to present their latest exciting collaboration with Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. (thelowry.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

of the

Best

The Nicklaus Course, Carden Park Carden Park in Cheshire boasts two courses, including the Nicklaus. Famously designed by the great Jack Nicklaus and son Steve, the Nicklaus golf course is a must for all golfing enthusiasts. A picturesque start at the first hole, with a course that offers beautiful views of the Welsh hills and allows you to enjoy this wonderful Cheshire country estate, as you play. Designed by Nicklaus as ‘the thinking player’s course’ there are many strategic moves required to avoid the hazards along the way.

Best Golf Experiences

top tip

Whether you are looking to improve your game or you are a complete beginner, Carden Park offers lessons and coaching programmes run by their on-site PGA professionals. (cardenpark.co.uk)

It’s ‘tee time’ as we swing by the best places to improve your game

St Andrews, Scotland St Andrews is quite simply the home of golf and the game has been played in St Andrews for more than 600 years. Those with a true passion for GOLF can walk this hallowed ground and join an expert guide on a tour of the world’s most famous golf course. Your tour will take place around the 1st, 17th and 18th holes of the Old Course where you will be able to walk in the footsteps of icons of the game and experience a player’seye view of the fabled links. This tour is a great way to soak up the history of the centuries-old fairways. top tip

Make the most of your trip and enjoy the many sights of St Andrews, from the remains of the historic Cathedral to the uninterrupted West Sands beach, made famous by the film Chariots of Fire. (standrews.com)

Pebble Beach, California Experience the golf trip of your dreams. Pebble Beach is the number one golf resort in America. With three Top 50 public courses canvasing the spectacular coastline of California’s Monterey Peninsula, golfing at Pebble Beach is as good as it gets. With green fees of around £300, this course is for serious golfers and is arguably one of the toughest of all major championship courses, but it is also one of the most beautiful courses anywhere in the world. There are scenic sand dunes at Spanish Bay and towering pines at Spyglass Hill. The cliffswept shoreline at Pebble Beach offers a challenging game full of memorable thrills. top tip

Plan ahead for 2019 as Pebble Beach hosts the US Open Championship for the sixth time and celebrates its own 100th Anniversary. (pebblebeach.com) 21

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

I M A G I N AT I V E

influences This month we look back at the work of the great Andy Warhol and get on our bike when it comes to boy’s toys

let’s hear it for the boys

WHAT we’re LISTENING TO

#3 #2

The Soundtrack for a weekend with the guys

Who Built The Moon? by Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

Spaces by Nils Frahm Not his most recent offering but, in my opinion, one of his best works. Nils is renowned for his live performances, in which he surrounds himself with pianos, organs and all sorts of rustic gadgetry. Definitely an album for the morning after the night before. Collated by our resident music maestro Wayne Miller of atm-allthingsmusic.com 22

top picks #1 Dashing Gent Fine China mug, £15 (audenza.com); #2 Cricket ball paperweight, £31.95 (annabeljames.co.uk); #3 Superdry LA Leather Biker Jacket, £149.99 (superdry.com); #4 Vintage Jaguar Framed print, £85 (alexanderandpearl.co.uk); #5 Weimar Chaise Longue, £1,480 (pib-home.co.uk); #6 Wooden Rocking Motorcycle by Ronronron, £254 (dawanda.com)

CRUSH

The one for the morning after

#5 #6

Coffee Table

From the songwriter who has given us such era-defining singalong anthems, this latest work has big hints of his collaboration with the Chemical Brothers back in 1999, with rock - but not much roll - present, psychedelic twists and, dare I say it, verging on dance music at times. The two single releases will undoubtedly get plenty of airplay on Radio 2; it is Noel Gallagher, after all. Whether or not these will become future anthems, I’ll let you decide...Definitely, Maybe.

Andy Warhol: The Impossible Collection This limited-edition hardback joins Assouline’s Ultimate collection and features 100 works that Andy Warhol Museum director Eric Shiner believes define the pop artist’s trajectory. A stunning book which celebrates the American artist as a leading figure in the pop art movement. Published by Assouline, £650 (assouline.com)

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

A s I w a s s ay i n g . . .

Happiness is an inside job Melissa Porter thinks about the union of marriage

’ve been thinking about getting married. In a hyperbole sort of way. Initially prompted by a conversation with Pierce who eagerly shared details of how he plans to give me away alongside Super, our French bull dog. Quite a spectacularly imaginative chat, since I’ve never discussed marriage with Pierce, nor is it something I believe I desire from my life. Assuming you believe, as I do, that all our words and actions (imagine these as things happening outside of ourselves) are preceded by a thought (imagine these happen inside of us), what do Pierce and I truly believe (inside) about marriage, that will one day serve to affect the choices (outside) we both make? Being a coach requires detective skills. A part of our service includes helping clients to track down and unearth the invisible deep-rooted faulty thinking going on inside themselves, keeping them stuck in a life pickle. It can be an emotionally complicated process for the client, as it relies largely on trusting their feelings and gut instincts to access deeply buried thoughts. More often than not they are layered by beliefs they’ve chosen, that originate from the opinions of others, coupled with the fact many have forgotten how to trust their valuable instincts and true feelings as they have become conditioned humans. (By this I mean they, by and large, don’t challenge their thoughts, and live passively vs passionately.) They can be potentially emotionally messy, but nothing so insurmountable that an eager client and a rock star coach together can’t overcome. Collectively all of this stuff (thoughts, stories and beliefs) going on inside of you serves as your filter through which

you perceive the outside world and from which you make your choices. Hence the saying: happiness is an inside job. Happiness starts with your choice of thoughts and your selection of beliefs. Your beliefs, stories and thoughts (inside stuff) are incredibly valuable emotional currency; (consider them as your personal Bitcoin or gold reserve). These directly affect the quality of your life, whether you feel happy or sad. So, from your stock of crypto currency and gold (inside of you) with new behavioural tools, it’s from here you may start to rebuild a more authentic and healthy emotional empire for yourself. The effect being that you’ll make choices that serve you to feel like a more fulfilled and content human being. Which is why it’s key that the invisible thoughts and beliefs swirling around inside of you, all belong to you. And that they serve your goals and dreams as opposed to those of another human who gave them to you in the first place. We’re experiencing a time in history where divorce rates are at an all-time high; and the main reason for this? Love is a fluid and free energy requiring an environment in which it can expand, contract and flow. It’s born from an unfiltered unconditional essence that is accepting, compassionate, passionate and kind. To experience this love within the union of a marriage, we must first embody this quality of thoughts and beliefs. Humans need to fall back in love with themselves. Love JLo. Melissa is a professional, certified transformational life coach (melissaportercoach.com)

Coming

AGE

Self-confessed cook who writes, Nigel Slater, spends time with Natalie Anglesey ahead of the dramatisation of his book Toast

ans of award-winning food-writer, Nigel Slater, will be delighted to learn he will be visiting The Lowry in Salford for the world premiere of Toast, the play based on his best-selling, childhood memoir. “I am absolutely thrilled that Toast is coming to The Lowry,” smiles Nigel. “I’ve visited there several times for casting sessions and we’ve also held several workshops there. The theatre looks wonderful and the people, who work there, have been so kind and helpful.” The production, which provides a revealing insight into Nigel’s formative years, has been commissioned by The Lowry as part of its annual Week 53 Arts Festival - Coming of Age. Such is the public demand that extra dates have already been added and Nigel is delighted. “The book has already been broadcast on radio and was even made into a film. But I’ve always felt the story would work well on stage and my creative partner, James Thompson, helped to co-ordinate this project. The adaptation, by Henry Filloux-Bennett, is beautifully written, and is both warm and funny. It’s also produced with originality and great

sensitivity. My story couldn’t be in better hands.” Toast is directed by Jonnie Riordan who adds: “I’m hugely excited about directing the first stage adaptation of Nigel’s award-winning book. It will be bold and imaginative, allowing audiences to experience Nigel’s story up close on the Lyric stage. I fell in love with the book when I first read it, and now I can’t wait to share it with audiences.” I reread Toast - the Story of a Boy’s Hunger myself recently and laughed as well as cried. Published in 2004, this bestseller won six major awards, and

“I’ve been lucky as there haven’t been many – even 26

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

has been translated into five languages, eventually becoming a film starring Helena BonhamCarter and Freddie Highmore. “The film took ages to be made,” Nigel laughs. “But I was really pleased with the casting - particularly the coup of getting Helena to play my stepmother, whom I disliked, although Helena was far too glamorous!” The story of Nigel’s childhood will be told through the tastes and smells he grew up with; so audiences will be offered samples of some of the dishes central to his story during the production, from making the perfect sherry trifle to waging war over cakes. However Nigel is keen that this remains a story of love, loss and toast. “I think there should only be four or five food interventions in the play because I don’t want the focus to be on the food at the expense of the story. My lovely mother always burnt the toast - hence the title - but the weirdest thing was casting someone to play my mum who would only have been in her 40s at the time. That was quite cathartic.” The author of 16 best-selling books and presenter of ten BBC television series, you may

have seen Nigel recently on BBC2 presenting food programmes filmed in the Middle East. What was the worst food experience he’s had in front of the cameras? “I’ve been lucky as there haven’t been many – even the boiled sheep’s head looked worse than it tasted!” Nigel and I first met at a gourmet dinner in London, before he was famous. This shy, young man, wearing spectacles, sitting at my table, whispered he didn’t know anyone. So I went into mother mode and introduced him to some of the famous chefs gathered there including American chef, Robert Carrier and our own John Tovey.

the boiled sheep’s head looked worse than it tasted!” 27

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

“This is the most deeply personal of all my books,” Nigel confides. “In fact perhaps it’s a bit too personal. I still get a real buzz about putting a meal together - it’s probably a family thing about pleasing my dad. I think people enjoyed the book and hopefully will enjoy the play because of the nostalgic ‘60s references to food and drink, like dandelion and burdock.” Nigel was born in Wolverhampton, in 1958, to factory owner Tony Slater and his wife Kathleen, their third and youngest son. He writes movingly about his mother’s death from asthma when he was only nine. In 1971, his father remarried, to the family’s cleaning lady, but died only three years later. Nigel writes in Toast how he used food to compete with his stepmother for his father’s attention over his favourite lemon meringue pie. “She refused to divulge her recipe, so I’d count the egg-shells in the bin, to see how many she’d used. I’d come in at different times, when I knew she was making it. I’d just catch her when she was doing some meringue, building up that recipe over a matter of months, if not years.” One of only two boys in school to take cookery at O-Level, Nigel gained a certificate in catering at Worcester Technical College and worked in restaurants and hotels. I wondered why he never opened his own restaurant? “I know how hard it is to run a restaurant because I’ve worked in so many. When you own one your life is front of house - while I like to cook at the stove - so it’s never appealed to me.” Nigel became a food writer for Marie Claire in 1988 and his popular columns for The Observer

“I do hope audiences will enjoy this trip down memory lane to the days when space dust was a treat!”

began in 1993.” It was while writing these that my editor told me there was a book in them and I set to work.” When television discovered Nigel in 1998, he hosted the Channel 4 series Nigel Slater’s Real Food Show. He returned to TV in 2006 to host the chat/food show A Taste of My Life for the BBC and later presented the series Simple Suppers. He starred alongside farmer Adam Henson on their Farm Kitchen series and since then he has been seen regularly on our television screens. Nigel admits that the early sexual experiences he described in Toast eventually, as an adult, brought him a validation that’s enriched his life. “Toast brought in its wake a host of prestigious awards and I appreciated every one of them. However, the response I received when I came out, from supportive letters to social media posted from people who had also declared their sexuality, has been the most heart-warming experience I’ve ever received. It’s been quite life-affirming.” Toast will be seen during the Week 53 arts festival, part of The Lowry’s ambition to host bold, experimental and contemporary art that is accessible and engaging to a broad audience. Nigel’s play certainly sounds accessible and engaging and he adds: “I do hope audiences will enjoy this trip down memory lane to the days when space dust was a treat! I simply hope you all have a lovely time.” Toast, May 22 - June 2, 2018 (thelowry.com/Week53)

Tattu Restaurant 3 Hardman Square Manchester tattu.co.uk 0161 819 2060

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

THE FASHION OF FLOWERS Royal florist Simon Lycett speaks with Liz Taylor about royal engagements, floral feats and fabulous times How did you become a florist? Since I was seven, I’ve always known that I wanted to earn my living working with flowers. After a year at Huddersfield Poly to do Humanities, I headed off to London to work as a junior in the shop of the great Robert Day. After 18 months I was virtually running the shop. It was amazing. The 80s were so OTT: we had clients who would send their pilots in to collect designs and fly them back! Then I moved on to Pulbrook and Gould which was the best experience ever, even

though I was told by one of the workroom manageresses I’d never make it as a florist because my hands were too hot! The shop was incredible... we changed the window displays twice a day and had the most amazing client-base, so the work was phenomenal.

What inspires you? I’m very lucky being an accredited supplier for so many unique London venues. I work in five historic royal palaces and being in such

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

incredible buildings is really inspiring. Exhibitions at the Royal Academy of Art are inspirational and as we set up for events once the public has left and the building is closed, it’s exciting and amazing to be able to stand within the galleries totally alone but for the iconic and incredible works of art.

What was it like to design the flowers for HRH the Prince of Wales’ wedding to the Duchess of Cornwall? I have been fortunate and privileged enough for the past few years to work for various members of our Royal family and it was been a particular privilege to decorate Windsor Castle for the reception of Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall. I have met HM The Queen a few times which is always very exciting and the highlight of my year.

I love entertaining at home. If I planned a dinner party at your house, who would be your dream guests? My favourite Londoner is Constance Spry, who wasn’t actually born here, but she put London on the map in the 1920s as the place for world-class flower arranging and floristry. It’s something that I like to think we continue to this day. Dame Judi Dench is a woman I have admired for years, for her acting and her sense of humour, and recently I watched a programme and now know she has a passion for trees - so she would defo be on the list!

David Beckham – just to look at –and to reminisce about the fun we had planning the floral fabulousness that I created for his wedding in Ireland.

What is your favourite flower? I love working with anything which has a lovely scent and I adore getting carried away with spring blooms, fragrant narcissi and lily of the valley. Roses are fabulously scented; my favourite is the Margeret Merrill, but equally I love a bunch of freshly picked snowdrops in season.

Is there a difference between a florist and floral designer? Being a florist is about showing off a skill base, showing that you can take a flower and add value to it, not copying everyone else. It’s not easy to add a stamp of individuality to flowers, and that’s where the successful florists can really shine. Being a floral designer, it is from talking with clients that I will gain an understanding of them and of what they want

all photography courtesy of taylor lyn corporation

their event to feel like and how they want it to look and to interact. We always try to be seasonal in what we use and to ensure that the decorations we create are spectacular and give a WOW factor.

Other than your favourite party planner(!), what do you love about Cheshire? The people are warm and welcoming and very, very down to earth. You will ALWAYS receive an honest opinion. Which saves faffing about trying to guesstimate clients’ reactions. Within a short distance you can be within a thriving metropolis or the most wild, rugged landscape – the contrasts are striking and very special.

Which event of ours is the most memorable for you? Venice perhaps, where we couldn’t get the flowers under the bridges? Yes, we’ve been lucky enough to work in some wonderful places… I adore working in an outside

location, from a tiny island within the middle of the Bosphorus, to hilltop fortresses in Italy, and Mexican beaches. Helicoptering all our kit onto a tiny private island off the Amalfi Coast was pretty memorable, too. Every single item, stick and stem, had to be weighed to calculate the loads of each consignment. Easy on the way out, but very challenging as we were de-rigging after too little sleep, too much sun and a spot too much Prosecco, too.

You have a unique sense of style and dress. What is the secret to achieving the Simon Lycett ‘look’? For all my fashion sense and to-die-for jewellery, I am a staunch traditionalist. I love the ‘dressingup’ aspect of clothes and accessories, and I only ever wear what satisfies and pleases me. If it causes comment, then that’s all the better, but I honestly do dress for my own enjoyment and am never bothered what others may think of my appearance. The contrast and the contradiction that our clothes and our appearances can achieve are fascinating and have taught me to NEVER judge a book by its cover, which in turn has taught me to NEVER be normal. (tlc-ltd.co.uk; simonlycett.co.uk)

“Never judge a book by its cover, which in turn has taught me never to be normal” 33

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Golden

Anniversary

image Credit: Alberto Zanetti, courtesy of Cabana Magazine and Pomellato

Collection | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Poetry in Motion Jacqueline Rabun debuted her first collection for Georg Jensen in 2000, featuring an egg-shaped resin bracelet, symbolic of the enduring relationship between parent and child. The curvilinear design is reintroduced this spring in a 26-piece collection, beautifully hand-sculpted in sterling silver and 18kt rose gold. Offspring collection, from £95 (georgjensen.com)

news WORDS: MHAIRI GRAHAM

Diamonds From Down Under

April Flowers Celebrate the arrival of spring with Harry Winston’s sparkling Forget-Me-Not collection. New pieces elevate the sweet, star-shaped flower in vivid blue and hot pink sapphires, complemented by diamonds – of course. POA (harrywinston.com)

Australian fine jeweller Alinka has landed at Harvey Nichols. Founded by Alina Barlow in 2015, the brand creates contemporary, sculptural designs with a rebellious edge, bedecked exclusively with black and white diamonds. From £295 (harveynichols.com)

Crowning Glory In anticipation of the royal wedding, British jeweller Annoushka has designed two new Crown rings. Each is hand-set with 72 sizzling pink rubies and sapphires that are certain to make you feel like royalty. From £1,800 (annoushka.com)

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Out of the

ORDINARY Wirral-born Richard Greenhalgh, divisional director at Investec Wealth & Investment Manchester speaks with Louisa Castle about advising generations of families across the north west and beyond, family and a love of the outdoors

nvestec Wealth & Investment’s Manchester office is based in Spinningfields, and that is where my interview with the divisional director takes place, under the watchful eye of their iconic larger-than-life zebra - a nod to the enduring spirit that signifies the bank’s attitude to its place in business. Warmly greeted, we begin with Richard’s role here. “First and foremost my role is to advise and ensure that we provide the best possible outcomes for my investment management clients, looking after their investment portfolios. Then it is to ensure the smoothrunning of the office and more and more so, guaranteeing the regulatory requirements of the business are met across the office. “Typically we have quite a flat structure here at Investec. The culture is strongly focused on team spirit so we tend to look at it as a group of individuals delivering for our clients, rather than a rigid organisation structure of communication lines. Of course, they exist, as in any business, but it is very much about delivering results as a team.” Trained as a chartered accountant, Richard worked for PwC in the capital for six years,

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firstly as an auditor, then subsequetly in transaction services, undertaking due diligence on corporate transactions. With ‘lively’ hours, as he puts it, and weekly travel, it wasn’t conducive to a balanced family life and so, along with his wife Mary-Jane they made the decision to move back to the north west. “At the time there wasn’t the opportunity to work in the north west and do what I did. I had to be in London. After a little cajoling MaryJane [who ran her own successful public relations business in London], also a northern girl, hailing from Yorkshire, agreed that moving north was the best move for us as a family unit. After all, we first met in Anglesey so being able to revisit there regularly was a huge draw.

as necessary who each have specialist markets they can advise me on and who are highly experienced in their individual fields. “Plus, as investment managers we are able to give consideration to all investable asset classes, which means we have the ability to buy the best funds and securities available to suit my clients’ needs. We also offer a financial planning proposition from the office. Investment managers work alongside our planners to offer our clients a combined wealth management proposition. The investment manager looks after the underlying investment portfolio but works in collaboration with a financial planner to ensure the tax-efficiency of investments, and offers advice on inter-generational planning, for example.

“The culture is strongly focused on team spirit in order to provide the best possible outcomes for our clients” “My father had been in the industry, so I had grown up around investment management, and when a job opportunity arose as an investment manager, I went back to the books and re-qualified in April 2007.” Today Richard lives in Cheshire with his family, two dogs, two cats and numerous chickens. And he loves the outdoors and access to the water in the countryside just as much as the vibe in the city centre. “Manchester has such a fantastic buzz about it and a great ‘go for it’ attitude. Over the years I have really seen it flourish and I don’t think we are anywhere near done achieving yet.” He clearly is passionate about his role and long-lasting relationships. “Investec has such a strong track record as far as expertise and capability are concerned. I have a substantial team of research analysts that I can call upon

“Relationships are at the core of what we do as investment managers. Most of our clients have been with us for over 20 years, and we have been with them through all life’s challenges and opportunities, as well as their family’s. We respond in real time and are always available at the end of the phone, if required.” If you would like to discuss your investment management and/or financial planning needs, please call Richard on 0161 832 6868 or email richard.greenhalgh@investecwin.co.uk

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A unique black-tie charity event hosted by football legend, Gary Neville. Headlining the night, an exclusive live performance from Gary Barlow and band. Supported by Selfridges, together with goody bags, the evening features an exclusive auction of ‘money can’t buy’ prizes. Plus a brand new Bentley Continental, sponsored by Bentley. Entertainment provided by the Swan Band from Paris, sponsored by Ann Crossland and family. Limited places available, please contact: 0161 876 6266 taylor.lynn@tlc-ltd.co.uk www.tlc-ltd.co.uk

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Fashion The legendary

Italian legwear brand Emilio Cavallini unveils its new SS 2018 Collection. Rigorous lines and minimalist architectural shapes take the stage. Creative Director Pier Fioraso combines pastel hues and delicate sheer textures alternating with glowing colours and elaborate woven designs to shape romantic and sophisticated looks. (emiliocavallini.com)

A Little

ROMANCE 43

Fashion news Transatlantic Trends As the new season arrives, Drake’s presents a collection with a vibrant transatlantic sensibility, one which examines the tenets of classic American style, recasting them in a distinctly European context. Throwing away the distinctions between formal and casual, the collection suggests pairings of jaunty terry cloth polos with refined sport coats; rugged linen overshirts with elegantly tailored trousers. (drakes.com)

Storm in a Teacup Ulyana Sergeenko’s S/S18 couture collection wouldn’t look out of place in Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland or at the court of Marie Antoinette. The Kazakhstani designer has reimagined the ornate tea sets that were present throughout her traditional Soviet upbringing: dresses are sculpted into silhouettes reminiscent of cups and saucers, adorned with patterns often painted on porcelain. Now, where’s the cake? POA (ulyanasergeenko.net)

Eco Cool We Are Nativ’s debut swimwear collection proves sustainable can be sexy and ecoconscious can be oh-so cool. London/Bali based label We Are Nativ launches this summer with a loud and innovative collection to rival traditional brands. With influences from music, culture, festivals and the ocean, they master the art of fashion-forward swimwear with ecoconscious roots. (wearenativ.com)

The High Life Velvet, crystals and gilded colours pepper Christian Louboutin’s S/S18 collection, while the Rubylou bag, with its handle woven through the front flap, is the key style to launch this season. (eu.christianlouboutin.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

loves

Pastel Prints Michael Kors’ latest collection puts a spring in our step, with pastel prints, floaty fabrics and tan leathers for the ultimate spring style statement. (michaelkors.co.uk)

A Good Sport Gieves & Hawkes’ new line of smart and casualwear panders to the British sporting season, with tailoring in lightweight worsted weaves and neutral linens, and fine knits in fitting shades of bottle green, racing red and yellow. Complete the look with a pair of white trainers and a glass of Pimm’s (or two). From £95 (gievesandhawkes.com)

Accessorise

We’re accessorising in shimmering pearls, silver stacking rings and chic charm bracelets with ChloBo’s collection of elegant jewellery. Inspired by the global travels of founder, Chloe Moss and some of the world’s most stunning beaches, their new silver and pearl range is a must have addition to your ChloBo collection. Choose a combination of necklaces, bracelets and rings to work the look. (chlobo.co.uk)

Rose Tinted Glasses A pair of peepers from Parisian eyewear brand Izipizi will brighten your outlook in more ways than one... £33 (izipizi.com)

I Do... Love Luxe British designer Jenny Packham has teamed up with L.K.Bennett on a capsule collection of bridal shoes and clutches. Star motifs, art deco-style jewels and pearls were inspired by the golden age of Hollywood and 1930s Parisian glamour. From £195 (lkbennett.com)

Blouse, POA, RED Valentino (redvalentino.com); trousers, ÂŁ680, Roberto Cavalli, (robertocavalli.com); coat, POA, Agnona, (agnona.com); earrings, ÂŁ165, Maria Black, (farfetch.com)

Under a TERRACOTTA SUN P h o t o g r a p h y: A l e x a n d e r B e e r Styling: G r a h a m C r u z at A & R C r e at i v e

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

ABOVE Shirt, £565, Stella McCartney (stellamccartney.com); vest, £415, Dsquared2 (dsquared2.com); Skirt, POA, Valentino (valentino.com); boots, £650, Jimmy Choo (jimmychoo.com); cuff, £135, Cornelia Webb (corneliawebb.com); ring, £150 and pendant, £105, both Allison Bryan(allisonbryan.co.uk); earrings, £1,800, Noor Fares (noorfares.com)

left Blouse, £470, Emilio de la Morena (emiliodelamorena.com); vest, £495, Missoni (missoni.com); trousers, £575, Vilshenko (matchesfashion.com); bag, £1,295, Christian Louboutin (christianlouboutin. com); shoes, POA, Aquazzura (aquazzura.com); earrings, £142, Maria Black, (farfetch.com) 49

Dress with scarf, Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine £2,110; Bag, £1,170, both Fendi (fendi.com); Ring, £1,500, Shaun Leane (shaunleane.com)

ABOVE Jumper, £1,154 and sleeveless jacket, £1,877, both Antonio Berardi (net-a-porter.com); earrings, £6,600, Noor Fares (noorfares.com); bracelet, POA, Shamballa Jewels (shamballajewels.com)

right Blouse, £165, lisou (lisou.co.uk); jumper, £685, Missoni (missoni.com); dress, POA, Agnona (farfetch.com); sandals, £550, Giuseppe Zanotti (giuseppezanotti.com); ring, £126, Cornelia Webb (corneliawebb.com); earrings, £275, Kalmar (kalmarlifestyle.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

ABOVE Top, £450, Dsquared2 (dsquared2.com); cardigan, £275, Pringle of Scotland (pringlescotland.com); skirt, £1,450, Dior (dior.com); sandals, £825, Christian Louboutin (christianlouboutin.com); earrings, £300, Missoni (missoni.com); sunglasses, £580, Dita (dita.com)

CREDITS Model Johanna Feldmeier at Marilyn Agency Paris Hair and make-up Sophie Higginson, using Oribe and MAC Location Palazzo Avino (palazzoavino.com)

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Dolce Garden

Health & Beauty news Rare Gem La Prairie’s latest innovation, the Platinum Rare Cellular Night Elixir promises to transcend everything you thought you knew about youthful skin. And it is the most powerful rejuvenating potion to emerge from the La Prairie laboratories. It supports the four functions essential to the skin’s complete regeneration process, helping it to detoxify and be nourished, to breathe and boost its own immunity. £894 (selfridges.com)

loves

Inspired by a springtime garden in Sicily, the new Dolce Garden make-up collection leads us to admire the innate beauty of fresh roses in full bloom. Dolce Garden palette blooms on cheeks with this season’s star product – the blush Rosa Duchessa in Provocative, a limited-edition revealing a rose printed on powder with colourful and gradient pink tones that lends a fresh glow to the skin. (dolcegabbana.com)

Find Yourself My Possible Self is an innovative mental health self-help app. Its content is clinically proven to reduce stress, anxiety and mild-moderate depression. The app features content licensed from the world-renowned leaders in e-mental health research, the Black Dog Institute, and is clinically proven to reduce stress, anxiety and mildmoderate depression in just eight weeks. Create your own personalised self-help tool that helps you meet the stresses and strains in your life, head on. (mypossibleself.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Post Workout Glow The CliniqueFit range is designed with workouts in mind. Reduce shine with the post-workout Neutralizing Face Powder – ideal if you’ve got brunch right after yoga – and put the humidity and sweatresistant mascara to the test. From £13 (clinique.co.uk)

Saintly Skincare Remarkable women have been behind some of the most famous skin care lines of the past century and we think we’ve found the next. Lucia Magnani believes in well-being from the inside out, combining science and nature in her new skin care range. (luciamagnani.com)

Nail the Tail We’re rocking shades of mermaid, with shades of ocean from Nails Inc. Champagnes, shimmer and pastel hues, perfect for spring chic. £15 (nailsinc.com)

Heaven Scent Part of the new Hedonist collection, Rehab is based on sweet yet smoky notes of patchouli and vanilla and a heart of lavender and tobacco for a truly sophisticated finish. The perfect fragrance for the spring. £195 (selfridges.com)

V Stylish New and exclusive to Harvey Nichols in the UK, The Perfect V creates a totally new category in women’s luxury skincare that targets the delicate bikini area, otherwise known as the ‘V’. A beautifully packaged collection of eight products includes The Essentials: VV cream, wash, exfoliator and beauty sheets, and The Specialties: VV cream intensive, VV serum, VV beauty mist and Shades of V luminizer. It is made using Scandinaviansourced ingredients including Arctic cloudberry, rose hips and sea buckthorn. Plus, we think the blush and gold packaging is luxe yet delicate, making it the perfect addition to your beauty cabinet. From £22 (harveynichols.com)

Revital-Eyes Get your daily dose of Omegas 3, 6 and 9 in the form of this luxurious eye serum from Perricone MD, to plump and smooth the skin. £80 (perriconemd.co.uk)

Play Power

& Precision

B&O PLAY

is stepping up its sound quality with the introduction of two new flagship headphones.Beoplay H8i and Beoplay H9i offer a thoughtful infusion of new features - to complement the way we live with sound - new streamlined aesthetics and the latest Bang & Olufsen signature sound. Improved sound, enhanced design and dual device connectivity makes these bits of kit the must-haves for your summer sounds. (beoplay.com)

words: Iain Warde

WILD HORSES Who would have thought the Ford Mustang could get any better?

sleeker, faster and more technologically-advanced new Ford Mustang delivers more athletic styling, sophisticated engine and suspension enhancements, advanced driver assistance features and more customisation options. Available in fastback and convertible body styles, the instantly-recognisable, powerful Mustang profile now features more refined aerodynamics, and is enhanced with LED lighting technology, and a choice of 11 bold exterior colours and new alloy wheel options. The Mustang’s 5.0-litre Ford V8 engine now delivers 450 PS – and is able to sprint from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds when combined with Ford’s new 10-speed automatic gearbox. Mustang’s six-speed manual transmission now features rev-matching technology that delivers smoother, faster downshifts accompanied by a “blip” of the powerful engine. No news on a launch date yet, we will bring more information about the stunning Mustang in the coming months. (ford.com) 58

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

Why We Love

Aston Martin is Back The 2018 Rolex Australian Grand Prix marked the beginning of Aston Martin’s most ambitious global motorsport programme in more than half a century. For the first time since 1959, the Aston Martin name will appear in both the Formula 1 and Le Mans 24 Hours entry lists as the British manufacturer takes a vital step in the structured growth of its comprehensive motorsport vision. Along with an innovative technical partnership that sees the rebranded Aston Martin Red Bull Racing team

compete for the 2018 FIA Formula 1 world title, Aston Martin Racing will enter an exciting new challenger – the Vantage GTE – in the GTE Pro category of the 2018/19 FIA World Endurance Championship Super Season. Moreover, Aston Martin Racing factory drivers will race customer Aston Martin V12 Vantage GT3s in the Blancpain GT Series and British GT Championships, while the marque will return to the Nürburgring 24 Hours in May. In total Aston Martin will be significantly invested in 44 races around the world in 2018.

Mercedes AMG Project One #1 - It’s basically an F1 car but on the road #2 - Cost is £2.4 million, yes correct £2.4 million! #3 - Set to push 986 bhp with a redline of 11,000 rpm does give it some pull #4 - Top speed 217mph #5 - Mercedes claims 0-124mph in less than six seconds!

Retro-Motive

Pole Position

Plans to celebrate 60 years of the ever-popular MSA British Touring Car Championship at this summer’s Silverstone Classic (20-22 July) have moved up yet another gear with confirmation of a special track parade on Tin Top Sunday. Marking the series’ Diamond Jubilee, Sunday’s packed race programme already includes more than 150 cars that have competed in Britain’s most popular national championship over the past six decades. The remarkable racing legacy still competing today ranges from the giant-killing Minis, mighty US muscle cars of the ‘60s right up to the high-tech super tourers of the ‘90s and beyond. (silverstoneclassic.com)

Polestar 1, the first car from the new electric performance brand Polestar, is now available for pre-ordering in 18 countries around the world. An electric performance hybrid, the GT coupé produces 600 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque, while offering 150 km of pure electric driving range – the longest of any hybrid car in the world. Pre-ordering is now available in the United Kingdom.(polestar.com/uk)

OFF THE ROAD The Maserati Levante S brings a high-octane thrill to the SUV scene, as a test drive in the Arabian desert proves W O R D S : H u g h F ra n c i s A n d e rso n

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

t’s a cold and rainy autumn day when I leave London. As I board the plane, I know that in a little under seven hours I will be arriving in Dubai and heading deep into the desert for a Maserati-fuelled escape. Needless to say, I’m excited. With the recent explosion of luxury SUVs on the automotive scene, it was only natural that a highly revered brand like Maserati would find a way to inject its Italian heritage into this ever-evolving group. First launched in 2016, the Levante is quickly becoming one of its bestselling vehicles. So, to further this evolution, Maserati introduced the Levante S – and where more unusual to test it than the desert? As I leave the airport, I’m hit by a wall of heat. It’s 36°C and my skin pimples with pleasure.

Soon I am an hour out of the city with the all-new Levante S, my steed for the day. It is with delight that I depress the brake pedal, press the ignition button and hear the Ferrari-produced 430bph V6 engine erupt. It burbles gently as I begin to drive, and a wide smile is firmly installed on my face. The acceleration and response is sublime, and I drive along lonesome desert roads with nothing but sand dunes and camels for company. I’m off to Jebel Maleihah, commonly called Fossil Rock, to test the Levante’s off-road capabilities. It may be a Maserati, and it may be a luxury SUV, but don’t let its façade fool you. This is one capable machine. I take traction control off, toggle into manual, select Deep Sand/Snow Detection (DSD)

As a vehicle made primarily for city streets, to discover that the Levante can perform in serious off-road conditions is staggering

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

Need for Speed engine: Petrol 600V6, twin-turbo, more fun. As I slide to mode and move slowly gasoline direct injection and fro, careering up forwards onto the dunes. gearbox: Eight-speed automatic dunes and sliding The Levante grips the top speed: 264kph sideways down them, soft sand beneath and 0-62mph: 5.2 seconds I’m more relaxed than propels me forward. It’s Top Speed: 168 MPH I’ve been in months. fantastic. As the dunes fuel economy: 10.9 litres The Levante S drives begin to gain elevation, the per 100km along a fine line: it’s a incline gets steeper and co emissions: 253 2 beautiful luxury SUV and steeper, and with a firm yet performs flawlessly on the road, controlled foot on the throttle, but also has enough technology and the 2.2-ton SUV glides up the climbs. grunt to take you into the wilderness. I’m surprised. As a vehicle made The desert offers some of the hardest primarily for city streets (and likely never to conditions for a vehicle to handle. Traction is leave them in daily life), to discover that the nigh-on impossible and the power-to-weight Levante can perform in serious off-road ratio must be precise to avoid burying yourself conditions is staggering. Its styling is in the dunes. Maserati made a statement by distinctive too, with an air of the Porsche choosing such a harsh environment to showcase Cayenne about it. Offered in two finishes – the Levante’s abilities, and demonstrated its GranLusso, focused on comfort and luxury; investment in ergonomic technology. Famed for or GranSport, focused on driver engagement its sports cars and grand tourers, the marque – there’s scope for a variety of drivers. has gallantly entered the SUV realm. Fossil Rock juts out of the desert like a jagged blade, and before long I’m nearing the summit. Maserati Levante S GranSport, from £76,995 Here, the sand becomes looser and altogether (maserati.com)

Travel news Walk in the Footsteps of Legends The photogenic Caribbean island of Jamaica has provided a stunning backdrop for many of the greatest films we all know and love, including James Bond’s Live and Let Die and Dr. No, Cool Runnings and Academy Award winner Legends of the Fall. Film enthusiasts from around the world can now stay at one of the Caribbean’s leading hotels, Jamaica Inn, and partake in a unique Jamaica Land of Film tour, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour where guests will have the chance to visit film locations from cinematic favourites, take photos and learn memorable “insider” trivia from industry experts. To celebrate Jamaica Inn’s Hollywood ties, the hotel is now offering guests an exciting new cinematic package including

Carrier Scoops Luxury Operator of the Year Cheshire-based travel specialist, Carrier, is delighted to announce its recent award of Luxury Operator of the Year, as announced at the prestigious ttgluxury Travel Awards 2018. Carrier picked up the award, during an exclusive ceremony at Rosewood London, attended by 200 leaders from across the luxury travel sector. Carrier was also a proud sponsor of the event and presented the award for Luxury Hotel Company of the Year, to Belmond. (carrier.co.uk) 64

accommodation in a Deluxe Verandah Suite, a tour of seven different sites in Ocho Rios where 15 films have been shot, a Moonlight Massage at the awardwinning Ocean Spa, VIP Arrival & Lounge Access. Prices start from £885 per person, for a three-night stay. (jamaicainn.com)

All at Sea The Residence Bintan island retreat – a 55-minute ferry ride from Singapore – has villas spread along the South China Sea coastline. Families can enjoy activities including birdhouse painting, tie-dye classes and cooking classes while couples can retreat to the spa’s private treatment rooms equipped with bathtubs. From approx. £152 per night (cenizaro.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

Short haul vs long haul Surf’s Up COMO Uma Canggu is soon to open its doors on Bali’s south coast. Embrace the outdoors with top surf spots just a short walk away and fresh seafood served on the hotel’s wood-fired grill. For the best Indian Ocean views, opt for a three-bedroom penthouse (with a private rooftop pool and butler service). From $250 per room per night including breakfast (comohotels.com)

Short haul Lord of the Manor

A Room With a View

After nearly two years of restoration and the addition of a new accommodation wing and ballroom, you can dine by candlelight at Ireland’s Adare Manor and admire The Great Hall’s vaulted arches and heraldic designs. A championship 18-hole golf course and clubhouse opened this April. From £280 per night (adaremanor.com)

Travel experts at New Zealand In Depth are pleased to announce the opening of a new all-glass hotel guest room giving uninterrupted views in every possible direction over the Banks Peninsular. The new Pōhue PurePod features fully glazed walls, roof and floor, looking out over the tussock-covered hillside, beautiful views of Port Levy bay, rolling hills and magnificent rocky outcrops. A one-night stay through New Zealand In Depth at the Pōhue PurePod costs from £225 per person, per night including a dinner and breakfast hamper, based on two people sharing. (newzealand-indepth.co.uk)

Siesta Territory Almanac Barcelona is just steps away from the luxury shops and bars of Passeig de Gràcia, but we just want to stay indoors. Grey and gold tones are contrasted with oak and walnut details, and the Ibizan white marble bathrooms are works of art. We can’t wait to see the group’s next openings in Vienna, Prague and Budapest. From €450 per room per night (almanachotels.com)

Long haul

Private Island Paradise Enjoy the views of the surrounding lagoon through this glass-fronted marvel, or opt for a private villa with its own Tiki torch-lit pool on this Fijian private island resort. Laucala’s 25 villas offer privacy in dramatic - and very different - locations around the island. From $4,800 per night (laucala.com)

MOORI

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

Melissa Porter exchanges the dull skies of Cheshire for the peaceful paradise of Amanjena

ith the offer of four nights alone in paradise and a mere hop, skip and a thre-hour-55-minute jump from Manchester, Amanjena is my five-star decadent destination nearby to the Moorish Moroccan capital of Marrakesh. Game on. I look as white as an Egyptian cotton sheet and my head feels as muddled as a dirty grey martini. Built in 2000 this hotel is favoured by the Hollywood royalty; David Beckham famously celebrated his 40th birthday party along with, more recently, Orlando Bloom and the devilishly handsome Leonardo DiCaprio. Let’s do this! Aman means ‘peace’ in Sanskrit and Jena means ‘paradise’ in Arabic; and a peaceful paradise is perfect prose to describe this achingly breathtaking oasis. Architecture is integral to the philosophy of the discrete luxury brand Aman, coupled with minimal and clean lines. Each time I visit Amanjena I liken its aesthetics to Leonardo’s favoured Victoria Secret models. See, from whatever angle or time of the day you catch her, she will always take your breath away. By day, watch the twinkling reflections on the flowing fountains bounce their luminous light up onto the elegant date palms and olive trees that frame angular arches and stone courtyards galore. All enveloped by the emerald green and burnt red notes nodding to the royal heritage of Marrakesh. This is a place to remember that life is truly magic. The hotel is 20 years old and the Aman collection of 31 luxury hotels recently celebrated its 30th year serving what’s considered amongst sophisticated travellers as the world’s most exclusive club: the Aman junkies. With their hotels found in far-flung locations, they attract a curious traveller who wants to get to know the

world in a deeper, more intimate and authentic way. Organised experiences include a cultural trip to a nearby Burba village where a local will invite you into their mud hut for an authentic dinner. Or perhaps you’re interested in meeting some of the world’s most creative henna artists who will bejewel your body. Arabic calligraphy might make your heart sing or a chance to take time out to train in the art of traditional pottery making. Amanjena is the hotel that shares a desire to cater for all of your travel needs.

“From whatever angle or time of the day you catch her, she will always take your breath away” The rooms are spacious and elegant with their smallest being 175 sq m and I recommend requesting one with an open fire that’s both welcoming and warm when the nights become cooler. The evening turn down teams created a warm and cosy ambiance for me by lighting the roaring fire and arranging twinkly tea lights around. The spacious bath in the expansive dressing area sits next to an ornate olive tree that serves somehow to assist with the process of unwinding and relaxation. The bevvy of bathroom treats include a generously rangehealing salts designed to trickle into water and tend to the needs of each muscle within of your body. Amanjena is a holistic experience that has been conceived, with careful consideration, to enhance your wellbeing, placing all the senses at its centre. Breakfast is a

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

“Amanjena is a holistic experience to enhance all our individual senses” colourful and gastronomic fiesta and served until 11.30am - a guideline only and not hours of operation. The Aman experience centres around what suits the guest and I recommend you sample their creamy almond milk cappuccino: I’ve never before tasted decadent deliciousness like it. Did I mention their osso bucco tagine is world class? For added door-to-door luxury I suggest that you ask the hotel to book the fast track option to avoid the very long customs lines at Marrakesh airport and also to book the departure lounge. I highly recommend their elegant Mercedes with the soft cushions on the back seats. Because if it’s good enough for Hollywood A-list! A stay at Amanjena costs from 570 Euros per room per night including breakfast for two and airport transfers. The rate is subject to 22 per cent tax and service charge. (amanjena.com)

ON THE

BEACH Louisa Castle heads to the Jurassic Coast for some rest and relaxation with her family and four-legged friend

art of the de Savary hotel group, the Cary Arms & Spa family counts Mount Cinnamon and Port Louis (Grenada) and the Vanderbilt Residences (Rhode Island) as part of its family. My expectations were high for The Inn on the Beach in Babbacombe, Devon. This was not our first time here, previously spending a sun-filled bank holiday week in Beach Cottage with my family. On this occasion it was a weekend away with husband and Daisy, the Border Collie who last time around had a whale of a time being entertained by the gardening team as they watered the plants. Our home away from home was in one of the six luxurious Beach Huts. Reminiscent of the brightly coloured beach huts you will find at any self-respecting seaside resort of days gone by on the outside, the inside offered all the luxury you would expect. Entering through the large glass odors via your own private sun deck which provides uninterrupted views across Lyme Bay - and proved to be the perfect spot, whatever the weather, to catch sight of the elegant pods of

dolphins who visit - you encounter a world more of contemporary duplex than rustic beach hut. To the ground floor is a substantial corner sofa (more viewing positions); contemporary art and a welcoming crackling (electric) fireplace; small coffee and tea making area, with all-important Nespresso and Smeg fridge; complimentary mini bar and sloe gin; and large modern shower room. Up the stairs takes you to a large comfortable bedroom area on a mezzanine which benefits from its own porthole. The team suggests that you leave the shutters to the porthole open so that you are woken by the sunrise. The interiors are subtle but quirky. Owner, Lana de Savary has spared no expense in restoring this historic seaside inn, being true to its heritage and charm but offering the design todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guests like

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

to experience, alongside the modern conveniences my husband could not live without - Sonos music system, smart TVs, Wifi and Netflix. Two of the six beach huts are dog-friendly. Ours, number 4, came complete with dog bed, blanket and treats, and doggy menu, should your four-legged friend wish to indulge, as well as a stylish cover for the sofa in case of sneaking up. There was also a handy guide book listing and mapping walks around the English Riviera. It did not compromise on facilities and style as some dog-friendly places seem to. Last time I visited, the Spa was being quietly resurrected behind wooden boards. Today, it was perched upon the hillside, shimmering in the sunshine. Large expanses of glass are a feature of the pool and relaxation area, the same sea views stretching out before us. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

a steam room, sauna, gym and sun-bathing terrace, but it was the French Thalgo marine treatments which caught our eye. This was a relaxing weekend away, after all. And a tailored body massage, the treatment of the day. One hour of personalised indulgence relying on the magic of the sea and experienced therapist to ease tensions and relax. Or a firmer pressure to address any niggles or sporting injuries. There are two treatment rooms, one of which is a couplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; room, and the spa menu offers a boutique offering of facials, body wraps, nails and specialist pregnancy rituals.

Travel | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Now the people were relaxed, it was time to head out with the four-legged family member. The beach is dog-friendly all year round and provides plenty of great new adventures, including meeting some curious seals. The hotel is situated close to the coastal path so we chose a circuitous route up onto the clifftops and back through Babbacombe. It was about 1.5 miles and there are quite a few steps, but Daisy loved the mix of woodland and grassland and we felt we’d earned our dinner. Dining at The Cary Arms is a relaxed affair and takes place in the inn. Dogs are allowed in the bar area but not the conservatory and, of course, on the outdoor terraces should the weather permit. For us, we loved the character and warmth of the bar area. The menu is seasonal and uses fresh, local produce so there are specials every day. As you would expect, the fish is a treat, from the devon crab and crayfish cocktail starter to the special hake with crushed new potatoes and samphire or the Otter Ale battered fish and chips. But there’s plenty for non-seafood lovers, too. I have it on good authority that the steak and ale pie is outstanding, as was the duck terrine. The wine list is comprehensive with a strong old world private cellar selection for the

connoisseurs. And there are local beers, ales and ciders to sample, too. Some may think that five and a half hours is a bit of an excessive drive for a relaxing weekend away. On that note, a top tip is to stop at Gloucester Farm Shop services on the M5; not only is there a lovely place for you and your pooch to stretch your legs, the food is a refreshing local change to the typical motorway services. We all thoroughly enjoyed our second visit to The Cary Arms, we would have loved to stay for longer but timetables did not permit. For us, the combination of sea views and friendly good food was the perfect mix. What’s more we could experience all of it from our five-star beach hut. All of the members of the team we met, from the housekeeping to front-of-house were friendly and welcoming, even when a slightly muddy, very excited Border Collie bounded up to greet them. Deluxe rooms start from £245, Beach Huts from £375 and Beach Suites from £475 per room per night B&B. (caryarms.co.uk; 01803 327110)

“The interiors are true to the inn’s charm and heritage but stylish and quirky”

The finest hospitality and world class sport

FRIDAY: Puissance, Celebrity Fashion Show and Ibiza Classics Evening until 2am SATURDAY: Bentley Ride & Drive, Rick Parfitt Jnr Live with DJ until 2am

Box Office: 0844 8000 509 or www.bolesworthinternational.com Groups of 10 or more – 10% off – Call: 08445617672 Venue Location: Bolesworth Castle, Chester CH3 9HQ

BIHS 2018-The Cheshire Mag Ad-HI.indd 1

29/03/2018 12:05

Weekend away Cheval Three Quays, London

WORDs: jan clarke

recent trip to London was made extra special by a stay at Cheval Three Quays. This ultra-modern glass building offers city apartment living for weekenders, with all the services and facilities of a smart hotel with ten times the space. As one of the most expensive cities for prime real estate on the planet, location is everything and Cheval Three Quays, just like the well-known saying, has it in triplicate. Nestled right in the heart of London on the River Thames, this is a truly spectacular spot. The Shard towers over the South Bank and there’s a direct view of HMS Belfast and City Hall. Your neighbours just happen to be the historic Tower of London and Tower Bridge and you can enjoy a mini break and feel like a true Londoner, all in the space of a weekend. On arrival, we entered the large, contemporary reception area. Check-in was a breeze and we were soon shown to our two-bedroom penthouse suite - our home for the weekend. We immediately kicked off our shoes and took in the view - our large wrap-around balcony providing an incredible vantage point from which to enjoy the fabulous London skyline. Combine this with the ever-changing light and weather and the result is a hypnotic source of entertainment. Our apartment was spacious, light and airy. Oak-effect flooring and white lacquer finishes offered clean minimal lines which were complemented by a stylish colour scheme. With so much more space than a typical hotel room, our apartment comprised a large open-plan living room with dining area and a small study space. We had a separate kitchen and the two bedrooms were both ensuite and came complete

with walk-in wardrobes and luxurious king-size beds. Cheval Three Quays is a multi-awardwinning development with a great attention to detail. Italian company Dada designed and fitted the kitchens and these are finished with quality Siemens appliances. Bathrooms offer large walk-in rain showers with Hansgrohe fittings and each apartment enjoys large LED TVs. Not wanting to tear ourselves away from the view, we opened some wine and let the concierge take the strain when it came to organising dinner. This in-house friendly and efficient service meant our theatre tickets, restaurant bookings and travel arrangements were all taken care of while we sat back and relaxed.

“This ultra-modern glass building combines city living with a smart hotel” The next morning we were ready to explore the city. It would have been rude not to pop in on the neighbours, so a tour of the Tower was the order of the day, followed by a trip along the river. But, this was not your usual leisurely cruise. This was a thrilling, adrenaline-pumping high-speed ride aboard the Thames Rib Experience. We finished our weekend with one last glass of wine on our much-loved balcony and reflected on our weekend of sleek city apartment living, a concierge on call and a high-speed trip along the Thames. Perhaps we should have chosen martinis… shaken not stirred. (chevalresidences.com/cheval-three-quays)

G R E AT BRITISH FOOD

Ben Mounsey’s innovative fine-dining dinner menu offers dishes that celebrate the chef’s imaginative interpretation of great British food. The best local and British ingredients, brought to the plate. Presentation, elegantly simple. Relaxed fine dining, with cocktails on the side. The taste, divine.

Cep, consommé, truffle, shimeji. Venison, black peas, salted celeriac, malt vinegar. Rice pudding, rhubarb, liquorice. Just 3 of the dishes served with Grafene’s homemade bread and chef’s ‘surprises’: £45.00

www.grafene.co.uk info@grafene.co.uk 0161 696 9700

55 King Street, Manchester City Centre, M2 4LQ.

Food Drink M C Hersey

and Son Limited is passionate about keeping the craft of silversmithing alive. Wine lovers and dinner party hosts will love their silver mounted crystal decanter No. 3 and deluxe silver plain coasters, a perfect combination for a gift or presentation set. Both the silver collar of the decanter and the side of the coaster can be engraved with a message, making this a truly bespoke gift. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a choice of wooden coaster base available in walnut or light oak. ÂŁ400 (hersey.co.uk)

silver

Service 77

21st Century Sanctuary

Food &

Drink news WORDS: JAN CLARKE

Sanctuary tap is a new, independently owned bar, tap and craft beer emporium based in the heart of Liverpool’s commercial district. It offers an alternative welcoming environment, a place to chat and hang out and focuses on quality, local cask ales and northern brews. Located on Castle Street, a prominent dining and drinking destination, it was vital that the interior reflected this unique bar’s offering. This is the place for those wanting to come to relax and enjoy the specially selected beers and ales, without the hustle and bustle commonly found in the city centre bars. Who better then, to take on the challenge than award-winning Cheshire based, DV8 Designs? Director Lee Birchall and his team have created a relaxed yet contemporary vibe with their use of tarnished coppers, exposed brick and rustic finishes with the tiling throughout playing on elements of a more traditional pub and a design which brings the age-old, real ale public house straight into the 21st century. (dv8-designs.co.uk; sanctuarybar.co.uk)

It's Getting Chilli

PURCHASE of the

MONTH ALESSI Todo Cheese Grater, £49.95 (black-by-design.co.uk)

Cestrians who like their taste buds tingled are in for a treat as the city centre gets ready to welcome the return of Chester Chilli Fest on the 21 April. Around 20 of the country’s top chilli producers will be heading to the city to showcase their products with a range of chilli-based sauces, jams, pastes, pickles, cheese, dips and even chilli chocolate. The festival will also welcome live music as well as a Clash of the Titans-style chilli eating contest which is open to ten adults to compete in. The winner will take home the coveted Chilli Titan Champion title. Whether you’re a chilli fanatic or just want to sample some spices, there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy. (chillifest.net)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

...with MATTHEW HORSFIELD, Head Chef at the Second Floor Bar and Brasserie, Harvey Nichols, Manchester

What is your favourite ingredient? With the vast range of delicious local produce, it’s so hard to choose just one. For me, its seasonality that makes an ingredient special. Spring lamb is a wonderful piece of meat with so many varieties of cut. It is so versatile and can be cooked in so many ways, from braising and grilling to roasting to sous vide. My personal favourite is a roasted lamb shoulder with flat breads, hummus, olive oil, harissa, pomegranate and yoghurt. Perfect for sharing with the family. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD? I like so many different types of food and the Brasseriestyle menu at the Second Floor allows us the flexibility to experiment and evolve. We constantly play with different flavours and techniques, embracing the latest food trends, and collaborate with some amazing chefs in the industry to create new and unique experiences for our customers. This spring, we have worked with Norse in Harrogate to bring a Scandinavian Supper Club to the Second Floor and Dan Doherty from London’s Duck and Waffle for a ‘Sprout’ Brunch and Supper Club, which saw the brasserie space transformed with plants and greenery. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF KITCHEN KIT? I really couldn’t manage without a good set of knives. My Japanese folded steel knives are essential for a clean working, fast-paced kitchen.

WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DESERT ISLAND DISH? I love raw fish so I would have to say sushi. It’s so fresh and nutritious. Soft-shell crab temaki is my absolute favourite. WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A LIVING IF YOU WERE NOT A CHEF? I thrive from working under pressure and love the buzz of an exciting, fast-paced environment. Working on a fisherman’s trawler is something I would really like to experience, although it would be a lot colder! (harveynichols.com)

A Reviving Cuppa Following on from the success of the four Clink restaurants, the Clink Charity has just announced the opening of The Clink Café in the grade II-listed Canada House, Manchester, owned by LJ Real Estate. This new café is set to open mid-April and will continue the great work the charity does in the rehabilitation of offenders and will focus on training Clink graduates and homeless clients of the Centrepoint Charity to gain their accredited City and Guilds NVQ level 2 in Food and Beverage Service as well as Barista skills. Sam Lawson Johnston of LJ Real Estate said: “We are very excited to welcome The Clink Café so they can continue their exceptional work in giving people the opportunity to thrive. They will be a valuable addition to the community of businesses in Canada House and the local community. (theclinkcharity.org)

loves Down to the Last Drop Last Drop Distillers, has expanded its drinks offering and has released its first fortified wine collection. This addition coincides with the company’s celebrations to mark ten years in business. The Centenario Port Duo date from 1870 and 1970 respectively, so you may not want to pass this particular port. (lastdropdistillers.com) 79

Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine

SPOTLIGHT ON... Piste bar & restaurant Tarporley, Cheshire

W ords : J A N C L A R K E

Best for...

Dining with friends over a great bottle of wine

e recently headed over to the pretty village of Tarporley to spend the evening at Piste, a restaurant and wine bar inspired by the chic alpine après-ski scene. A booking which turned out to be extremely fitting as the ‘beast from the east’ had just made itself known, leaving Cheshire blanketed in white. Piste opened its doors back in 2010 and has been a popular spot on the Tarporley high street ever since. The evening we visited was no exception, and as we arrived, both the downstairs and more formal upstairs areas were busy with happy diners. This is a family business headed by James Hughes and he and his staff make you feel welcome from the minute you walk through the door. Definitely no ‘cold fronts’ approaching, here. Our waiter chatted as he laid out fresh alpine flat breads with olives, oil and balsamic vinegar, talked us through dishes on the menu and left us to deliberate. There’s a great selection whether you want nibbles and sharing platters to enjoy with friends over drinks, a quick informal bite or the full works and as a special occasion. As we enjoyed our drinks and

I defy anyone to resist a melted cheese fondue or a 28- day aged and chargrilled steak bread, we noticed a group tucking into the cheese fondue – a great sharing dish – over bottles of wine, while a party on the next table celebrated a birthday meal. We both chose fish starters: mine was a pine needle tea infused salmon with tahini celeriac remoulade, quinoa and walnuts, while my dining companion opted for the walnut crusted scallops with bacon and toasted walnut salad. Both excellent dishes full of fresh flavours. The kitchen is headed by Duncan Angus, former chef to the McLaren F1 team. His braised shin beef 80

with boulangère potatoes and rich port wine jus is one of Piste’s long-standing dishes and a firm favourite known to get diners' pulses racing. We were torn between this dish and the roasted pork belly. We eventually went for the pork belly, as it came with a wonderful Braeburn apple puree, black pudding bon bon and a cider jus. The dish was hearty, full of flavour and beautifully cooked. James is your man when it comes to wine. It’s something he's extremely passionate about and he enjoys travelling the globe to hand-select wines of the finest quality. We chose a dry Italian Riesling and his enthusiasim and care were evident as he told us of the day he visited the beautiful Italian winery which produced the wine we had chosen. The restaurant had a buzzy, Friday night feel - well I defy anyone to resist a melted cheese fondue or a 28- day aged and chargrilled steak, school night or not. Speaking of resisting, I couldn’t when it came to a portion of their sticky toffee pudding. Despite Piste offering a selection of carefully prepared superfood dishes, here I was on the slippery, although gorgeously decadent slopes. (pistetarporley.com)

CELEBRATION

Royal

APPOINTMENT

With the royal wedding on everyone’s radar Liz Taylor offers her take on the big day and creating your very own celebration

request to be at Kensington Palace the following day is not your average Monday morning call. “What’s the event?” I asked. The reply came, “It’s a charity dinner [The Winter Whites Ball] for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Interested?” You can bet I was. “And, who is the client?” The caller simply said, “The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge”. I packed my LV briefcase and caught the next train to London, quicker than you can say ‘Yes ma’am!’ Planning any event for The Royal Family is a huge honour. Just don’t underestimate the complexity or detail involved – it is extreme. The pressure is on. Security is tight at every stage. You need to show your passport to move from room to room. Every inch of the dinner table is measured to ensure alignment of glasses and cutlery. Royal protocol drummed into the entire team. The days are long, and you forget to eat. A weight-loss plan like no other. Detail is everything for me, so this was a heavenly challenge. The Winter White’s Ball embodied a winter wonderland straight from the pages of Dr Zhivago. In the absence of snow, we created our own. Royal florist Simon Lycett dressed rooms with oversized winter trees, stripped of bark. Tables adorned with white roses, green foliage and silver pinecones. Tall silver candlesticks and candelabra held white church candles. A

“I think we can expect a traditional event.We do it so well in Britain.” stunning lighting production sprinkled the walls with ice blue and white snowflakes. The result was dramatic. But most impressive: the royal pulling power. With the likes of Jon Bon Jovi and Taylor Swift queuing up to perform, the charisma of the royals clearly wowing our American cousins, it became obvious why this family is a great asset as a charitable patron, or indeed flying the British flag abroad. They attract attention. They open doors. Prince Harry clearly had some pull with the Americans too, as Meghan Markle fell for his princely royal charms. With a wedding on the

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

horizon, I can only imagine the dossiers of details, meetings about briefings, and checks taking place. It will be intense. A wedding planner’s dream. And for the public, it’s a fairy tale. Can we expect huge surprises? I doubt it. Royal weddings follow strict protocol. It is this formality that makes them so special. I think we can expect a traditional event; we do pomp and ceremony so well in Britain. A British designer will feature, with perhaps a splash of American couture for the bride’s family. The guest list (apart from The Spice Girls) won’t be Hollywood. A carefully curated ensemble of royalty, family, peers, charity… just a hint of the movies with one or two of Meghan’s friends. The result, though, will be unique. There is no other wedding occasion that tops a royal big day. All eyes… on the bride. As millions watch at home, hours before our very own football final, make your royal day

YOUR

ROYAL DAY Inspired by Liz’s royal experience, we look at recreating our very own special day to celebrate

Mandala tea cup and saucer set, £130 (thecuriousdepartment.com)

Royal Wedding Mug, £13 (sophieallport.com)

special with an English sparkling wine, raspberry daiquiris and a traditional afternoon tea. Union flag bunting and the Queen to host (corgis at her side). Strawberries and cream, vintage pots of traditional tea, delicate bite-sized cucumber and smoked salmon sandwiches… all outdoors on a summer afternoon, with a barber shop trio or string quartet. A royal afternoon tea rocks. (tlc-ltd.co.uk)

Three-tiered porcelain cakestand from LSA, £90 (black-by-design.co.uk)

Belle Epoque Teapot £65 (zangheim.com)

Ivalo Dome, £58 (black-by-design.co.uk)

Fornasetti cake plates, £39.95 each (audenza.com)

CELEBRATION

ELECTRIC

Fantastic Natalie Anglesey chats to entrepreneur and musician Emma Rushworth about family, Florence and Forever Manchester

‘N

ever judge a book by its cover,’ is the well-worn phrase which springs to mind when I first meet 23-yearold musician Emma Rushworth. Initially her bubbly enthusiasm belies the fact that she’s that rare thing - a unique combination of creative ability and business acumen. Already Emma has done much to popularise classical music with the concept and formation of String Infusion, a group of accomplished musicians playing both modern and classical music, and fast becoming known internationally. “My dad teaches violin and piano so it’s not surprising that I played the violin from the age of three,” smiles Emma. “My mother is driven in a different way as manager of a legal firm, so that’s probably where my organisational skills come from - both my parents are quite inspirational.” The award-winning violinist, who is currently studying for her Masters Degree at Manchester’s Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), is still buzzing from String Infusion’s last performance. “We’ve just finished the most amazing gig for the Forever Manchester Charity and brought the house down playing the Oasis hit, Don’t look Back in Anger.” Emma recalls how it all started. “I auditioned for the junior section at the RNCM when I was four because I wanted to play with other talented young musicians. It was like one big happy family. I was a huge fan of violinist

Vanessa May, and I really enjoyed sharing expert tuition with young musicians who became friends for life. I just loved it there.” Wisely Emma’s parents wanted her to keep her options open and when she wished for dancing and singing lessons they ensured she went to good schools. “I was taught dance at the Gwyneth Hare School of Dance in Urmston and even won many awards. Now I employ my old dancing teacher to create choreography for String Infusion. It’s not easy playing an instrument while moving on stage - but we try to make it look good.

“You have to discipline yourself about practice 84

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Features

“When I was little I appeared in several pantomimes and shows at the Palace and the Opera House, including one starring Lily Savage! I even got into London’s Guildhall School of Music, but I preferred staying at home with my family in Salford and I’m still a home bird.” Emma takes her violin everywhere with her but this is no ordinary instrument. “I began playing the electric violin at college. It’s made out of very strong plastic and the vibrations are similar to an electric guitar. It makes the most incredible sound. I’ve even bought one which lights up,” she grins. With a burgeoning career, Emma’s not complaining about being busy. “I’ve played as a soloist but it can be a lonely life. In fact I’ve just flown back from a concert in Vienna to play in Blackpool - how crazy is that? I’ve performed in orchestras around the globe, but I don’t want to do just that all the time, either. Every day is different. In between TV freelance work, we’ve recently supported Jason Manford in concert and filmed a video for Roy Hemmings (of The Drifters

fame) - that’s how varied our schedule is at the momen t. If and when I’ve any spare time I also enjoy DJ work where I play improvise house music and then I extemporise on the violin - which no one’s seen before!” When she was only 18, Emma secured an entrepreneurship grant to fulfil her ambition to manage String Infusion. “I started small with my first group but soon realised I had to put things on a proper business footing. I discovered how to draw up contracts and pitch business propositions. Now I have a pool of 20 musicians between the ages of 18 and 30, whom I call on to perform at a variety of gigs ranging from weddings to celebrity parties, product launches - you name it!” “We’ve a busy few months ahead as it’s the season for weddings. On one day in May, six different groups will play at six weddings. across Europe. The following day we’ll be playing at another five before flying to Ibiza for a gig before going home for more weddings!” Does Emma have any advice for young musicians who want to make music a career? “My advice is to know why you would like to join the RNCM or any music college and be fully prepared for the audition. You have to discipline yourself about practice schedules and then stay relaxed and just be yourself!” (stringinfusion.com)

schedules and then stay relaxed and just be yourself” 85

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | promotion

Ask the CELEBRATION

EXPERT Our local experts offer advice on creating the perfect celebration, whatever the occasion

Lukas Stuart Bar Manager, Grafene To us at Grafene, cocktails don’t need to be reserved for a special occasion. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply celebrating life, we celebrate our flavours and ingredients every day. And we’ve even partnered them with our British tapas lunch and our dinner menu, or as a treat served just on their own. Our new cocktail collection celebrates Manchester’s cultural, youth and scientific heritage and is infused with classic cocktail combinations, and some unique, retro flavours - with a huge measure of fun. For those with a sweet tooth we pay homage to our most recognised soft drink, originally manufactured as a health tonic - Vimto Garden. Using Manchester’s Bramble Sipsmith gin, our own Vimto and lemon purée, it’s the perfect dessert tonic or evening pick-me-up. And for the traditionalists, we’ve a selection of twists celebrating the modern Martini, for example, from the addition of our brownie to a Mint Buttermilk Martini. Every day is a day for celebrating flavour, and Manchester is our inspiration. (grafene.co.uk)

Carleeann Taylor Jewellery Buying Manager, David M Robinson At this time of year, we’re constantly driven by the exciting trends that we see on the catwalks of London, New York and Milan. Our clients see this too, so it is our job to ensure that we have the right pieces for their summer gifts. Gifts are so personal and our team is on hand to help you every step of the way, but one thing is certain: you simply can’t go wrong with jewellery. One collection that has already proven a hit with our clients this season, is a new addition. Taking its name from the Italian word for yellow, Giallo is an exciting new suite, perfectly representing our willingness to take risks. This bold, striking collection is focused around an elegant 18kt yellow gold necklet, featuring stylish interlocking links. Following a trend for ‘80s sculptress, Giallo allows our clients to get the catwalk look they desire. Drop earrings, £450; bracelet, £1,150; and necklace, £1,450. Available at David M Robinson showrooms (davidmrobinson.co.uk) 87

Richard Sykes Managing Director, King Street Townhouse

Celebrating with our clients and creating memories is very much at the core of what we do at Eclectic Hotels, whether that’s hiring out the whole hotel for something truly bespoke or creating a special menu for family and friends. Our newest offering, The Cellars, at King Street Townhouse is a real hit and proving incredibly versatile. Heading downstairs from The Tavern, The Cellars offers a characterful private space for up to 20 people, complete with bar, private dining and impressive 20-seater private cinema. The vaulted, glass-walled private-dining space in the wine cellar offers fine-dining for up to 14 with a seasonal five-course tasting menu from head chef, Michael Campbell with carefully selected wine flight from expert sommelier George Bergier, chairman of the Guild of Sommeliers and Consul of the Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne. We can even arrange dinner with George if you really want to impress your guests. What George doesn’t know about wine is simply not worth knowing. The space caters for corporate dinners to movie nights with popcorn and our team loves personalising the space to suit the requirements of our guests. There’s more on offer, though: we pride ourselves on the rich 88

history and charm of our hotels. King Street Townhouse offers an impressive Italian renaissance backdrop in the centre of Manchester with all the style and comfort you would expect. With views across to the town hall, 40 bedrooms and suites not to mention the iconic spa with infinity pool and terrace overlooking the clock tower and spires of the skyline, there’s nothing quite like it in Manchester. However big the celebration, we would love to welcome you to King Street Townhouse and work with you to create some new memories. (eclectichotels.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

Georgina Irlam and Megan Warburton, Irlam Warburton Events Whether you’re planning an intimate dinner, a fabulous 40th or your wedding day, there are ways to make sure your event tops everything that’s gone before it. Firstly, pinpoint the vibe you want to have and then bring this to life in every aspect of the event. Consider every detail - from your invitation, your menus, lighting and décor, right through to the moment when your carriages arrive. Understand how each element plays a part. We’re hot on

fragrance right now and how infusing scents throughout different parts of the day can set the mood. This year, we will see more colour and vibrancy in our themes. Secondly, think about having a series of special wow moments throughout your celebration. This could be a flower canopy, dramatic lighting, bespoke cocktails, unusual centrepieces or a personalised thank you after the event. Doing something out of the ordinary creates memories and stand-out for all the right reasons. (irlamwarburtonevents.com)

2. Ensure your diet and supplements contain skin-loving nutrients (vitamins A, C and E, zinc, selenium, turmeric, amino acids and a good dose of omega-3 fatty acids)

3. Ensure that the skincare or treatments you are using are not

Dr Sara Palmer Hussey, Lumity The best tips I can give for preparing yourself to look and feel fabulous for any big event (or indeed for daily life) are the following:

1. Prioritise sleep (sleep is the body’s regenerative phase, a time to catch up on repair and renewal; nothing could be more important for balancing the stresses of daily living inside and out)

doing more harm than good. Chronic micro-inflammation in the skin impairs the healthy functioning, repair and renewal of skin cells. For example, over aggressive exfoliation with acids contained within moisturisers, harsh abrasives or chemical peels can expose fragile new cells before they have sufficiently matured and, as a result, disrupt the skin’s natural protective barrier and provoke irritation, breakouts, dryness, sun sensitivity and inflammation. Certain plant oils with naturally high ceramide, plant sterol and fatty acid content, such as flaxseed oil, taken internally and/or applied topically, excel at replenishing the flexible adhesive matrix that holds the outer skin cells in place to maintain healthy, youthful and supple skin. This matrix is depleted as we age, leading to thinning and weakening of the skin’s outer layer, a marked reduction in its moisture-retention ability and eventually to sagging skin and wrinkles. Gentle cleansing, minimum exfoliation and natural, nourishing skincare are the answer. (lumitylife.com) 89

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CELEBRATION

Entertainment VENUES Four of our favourite venues in the north west

Tattu Restaurant and Bar, Manchester

Alderley Edge Hotel, Alderley Edge

Tattu offers a range of dining options for parties and events: The Parlour is Tattu’s private dining room and exclusive event space, serviced by its own entrance, bar and restrooms and can accommodate between 15 and 40 guests for seated dining, or up to 80 guests for a canapé event. Alternatively, the elegant Rose Garden, on the ground floor, is perfect for groups of between 10 and 30 looking for a more lively and integrated occasion. (tattu.co.uk/manchester)

Alderley Edge Hotel is the perfect place to hold your next event, whether it’s a party for that milestone birthday, a christening, a wedding or a corporate function. In the perfect Cheshire location, the dedicated team is ready to ensure your event runs smoothly, whether you’re looking to book a private dinner for your friends and family or organising the party of the century for 120 guests. The entire hotel has been fully refurbished in 2017/2018 so we’d like to welcome you and show it off. (alderleyedgehotel.com)

Vermilion, Manchester

The Bullion Room, Gino’s, Liverpool

Combining interior design created by Miguel Cancio Martins of Buddha Bar, Paris, fame with an equally lavish Asian fusion cuisine, Vermilion brings glamour and luxury to Manchester. The three-storey labyrinth includes an opulent dining room, serving eclectic Asian Fusion and all together hosts three bars and a further three banqueting and event spaces ranging in size and capacity, complete with a dedicated culinary team creating Asian, fusion and European cuisine. (vermilion.uk.com)

Based in the original bank vault of Gino’s Liverpool restaurant, The Bullion Room offers an exciting space for business or social use. With a truly versatile space for dining for up to 30 people or theatre-style seating, cocktails and adjoining private games room,it’s a unique alternative venue to the event spaces available out there today. Situated away from the main restaurant it also offers an impressive and exclusive venue via the impressive steel bank vault doors. (ginodacamporestaurants.com)

go air corporate employee and family benefit •

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Staff use the code Corp20 to book each time.

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It’s valid to use when booking for themselves and their children - immediate family.

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Current Staff ID of some description (i.e. Staff ID Lanyard’s, payslip etc) will need to be shown at the check in desk each time they visit to validate who their working for, there is no requirement to provide anything else.

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Discount applies to open jumping bookings only, excludes all school/event/charity bookings, tots, parties and fitness sessions.

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Local scene

Our social pages this month are filled with a little pampering, tantaslising food and a lot of style

Carl Scourfield (Managing Director Pied Bull Chester Ltd) & David Poynton (Operations Manger Pied Bull Chester Ltd)

HOTEL AND RESTAURANT RENOVATION Lynn Scourfield - Paul Blanchard (Operations Director CCP Group) Karen Blanchard & Carl Scourfield Snr (Managing Director C&L Scourfield Builders)

Carl Scourfield (Managing Director Pied Bull Chester Ltd)

Philip Warrington - Dr Jeanie McIntee CTC Psychological Services - Carol Warrington - Elaine Warrington - Paul Warrington

irene & vince earl

Carl Scourfield - Zoe Blanchard - Kate Woods (Marketing Manager Pied Bull Chester Ltd) David Poynton

Pied Bull, Chester The pre-launch night of the Pied Bull Innâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new 50 cover restaurant and 11 luxurious bedrooms was attended by family, friends, regulars, suppliers and those who have worked on the Folliot House renovation project. Sponsored by LWC and Heinken, the evening unfolded with music by Begin The Party Music Consultancy and cocktail services by Mix and Twist Events. The team eagerly await to see whether C&L Scourfield Builders have won a LABC Building Excellence award for the conversion project after being shortlisted earlier this month. (piedbull.co.uk)

Josh Turner - Alison Street - Emma Thomas - Edward Bate

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Tony Burke & Philip Armstrong

Izzy Summerfiled, Clare Stobart, Danika Igoe, Hattie Irlam & Sue Irlam

XXXXXXXX Dress by Philip XXXXXXXX Armstrong XXXXXXXXX

‘This event will hopefully be the first of many in Cheshire with Irlam Warburton Events’ - Philip Armstrong

Hayley Moser & Rebecca Rix

Sophie Adam, Kath Shawcross, Hayley Fletcher & Guests

IWE Detail

IWE Details

Photography: James Jebson Photography

Dress by Philip Armstrong

Sule Cooper & Guests

STYLE & SUBSTANCE

Dr Nyla Raja Staff

Georgina Irlam & Megan Warburton

Charlotte Perry & Maxine O’Brien

Colshaw Hall The Philip Armstrong S/S18 Collection launch, presented by Irlam Warburton Events Ltd, was an afternoon of exclusive fashion, live entertainment by Six 15 and a luxury threecourse meal by Barretts. Ladies were greeted with branded mini Prosecco bottles from the ‘Prosecco tree’ and treated to a display by Dr Nyla and Boodles jewellery showcase. Called through to the Peel Suite, the entertainment continues with a female vocalist, electric violinist and saxophonist by Six 15 and three-course meal by Barretts including a pornstar cheesecake, with a shot of Prosecco! The fashion show itself was fabulous, showcasing Philip Armstrong’s S/S18 Collection of dresses, perfect for the races, weddings or black tie events. A huge thank you to The Style Lounge Alderley Edge for doing all the models’ hair and make-up. (irlamwarburtonevents.com) 93

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

AESTHETICALLY PLEASING

Left to right: Sara Davies, Lesley-Ann Dawson, Helen Brookfield, Dr Simon Berrisford, Josie Moore, Melanie Warren, Melanie Smethurst

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS Abode, Chester An Absolutely Fabulous time was had by all who attended the Ladies Charity Luncheon at the stunning Abode Hotel Top Floor Restaurant. Now in their second, sell-out year the Chester Business Club Ladies Charity Luncheon, organised by Julie Swinnerton, was supported by local businesses, and during the elegant luncheon, guests were treated to a fashion show by SVE of Tarporley. Cheshire’s Yvette Royle sang her heart out, while Chester’s very own Edina (Julie Swinnteron) and Patsy (Yvonne Fleet) entertained the ladies during the raffle and auction raising over £3,000. The recipient of the funds was the Countess Charity Breast Scanner Appeal at Chester Countess Hospital, and Kathy Kenney from the charity gratefully received the proceeds. (abodechester.co.uk) 94

Chester, MediSPA Select Aesthetics officially opened at Chester MediSPA this month, welcoming over 100 distinguished VIP guests to help celebrate the new advanced treatments from Dr Simon Berrisford and his team. Select Aesthetics will be offering a wealth of treatments at the stunning state-of-the-art clinic to ensure guests look their very best for the summer season ahead: as well as Aromatherapy Associates spa therapies, HydraFacials and manicures and dermal fillers, wrinkle reducing injections and world-class laser treatments. (chestermedispa.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Promotion

Corridors of Power Ahead of theProfileClub summer lunch at the House of Commons, we catch up with Sean Anstee, leader of Trafford Council, who will be hosting alongside Sir Graham Brady MP What encouraged you to enter politics? I’m inspired each day at the sheer enthusiasm people have to make their local communities better places. I love being the leader of Trafford Council and taking decisions that I can then see have a positive impact on our communities. That’s why I got involved in politics - not just to talk about things but actually see them happen.

As part of the team that has been improving Trafford, what are the key successes that you are especially proud of? There are many but, in particular, our town centre investments have shown what can be done to revitalise the high street. Across Trafford there are tremendous examples of success, and alongside this we are seeing a new Metrolink line being constructed to connect people to jobs in Trafford Park and our services for the most vulnerable children and young people are top performing nationally.

You are very supportive of the new University Academy 92 – what makes this a game changer for the region? UA92 is a critical part of the refreshed Stretford Masterplan, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to see university-led regeneration of Stretford and Old Trafford. There will be more opportunities for our young people, a new leisure centre and enhanced walking and cycling routes. The old Longford cinema (the Essoldo) will also be

brought back into community use and the proposals will see Stretford Mall thrive again.

As a Mancunian you have stated that you want the region to be a national beacon for sport and physical activity – is that achievable? Trafford is home to major sporting institutions events including Manchester United, Lancashire County Cricket Club, Manchester Giants basketball and the Greater Manchester Marathon. This is alongside grassroots sports being played across the borough and numerous Parkrun events. We need to build on those assets and make sure our green spaces are open and accessible and that we inspire a new generation of people where sport and physical activity is not a lifestyle choice, but something that we just do. I think it is eminently achievable.

How do you spend your free time? I’m participating in ten marathons this year! I love spending time exploring different cities on foot and keeping as healthy as I can at the same time. And travelling is my weak spot so it’s difficult to choose a favourite city – if I had to I’d say Barcelona for the city and I was lucky to get to the Galapagos Islands a few years ago - definitely my favourite place. theProfileClub is a private members’ business club that each year attracts individuals representing professional services and high-profile brands. (theProfileClub.com)

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Family For the hunting

and gathering, foraging for finds and toting of treasures. These playful and nostalgic apple baskets from Oli Ella make the perfect accessory for mini hunter-gatherers this spring. Ideal for storing toys, designed for exploration, adventure and chocolatey treats. Olli Ella Apple basket large, ÂŁ29 and small, ÂŁ20 (olliella.com)

Hunter

Gatherer

Family news words: anji foxx

Sole Food These soft sole leather baby and toddler shoes are made from baby safe leather and are perfect for protecting little feet. A tan suede sole means they are slip resistant and the lightweight flexibility means that they are a great choice for little ones learning to walk. Plus they come in a range of fun designs, and come perfectly packaged. (dottyfish.com)

Purchase of the month

Let your little ones fly first-class with BedBox a travel essential no child, or parent, should be without. This ride-on suitcase is perfect for navigating airports but it is when you board the aircraft the bed box works its magic. Suitable for children up to 6/7 the BedBox easily converts into a bed so when your child is tired and exhausted they can sleep in comfort during the flight. A hand-washable mattress with side cushions is also included. £139 (jet-kids.com)

Ice-Cream Time

A Little Help

Figure-eight ukulele, £14.99 (sueryder.org)

Sky High

Manchester based Little Edit has been created by sisters Shireen and Lisa, following the birth of Shireen’s first daughter, Marlowe. The collection brings together lovingly sourced stylish products from well-known brands to small businesses. We love it! (littleedit.co.uk)

Get your little girl party ready this season with this colourful ice-cream print dress from the Spanish brand Mayoral. A delightfully sweet design for any little fashionista. Made in stretch cotton poplin, the pastel shades are bursting with summer fun. Both smart and casual, the bodice is sleeveless, with a pleated skirt and back zip fastening. A statement piece for playful kids. White Ice Cream Print Dress, £36 (mayoral.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Shell-time An ultra-cool accesory designed by Stella McCartney Kids, this shoulder bag is perfect for your little ones to store their treasures. and takes inspiration from summers by the English seaside where memories are made. £81 (childrensalon.com)

Mr Hendrix approved Our favourite four-legged family member tries out some of the latest goodies

loves

Happy Hour Skin Caring Your baby’s skin is fragile and sensitive so finding a skin care product you can safely use is a must. The Cuderm range, suitable for babies of three months+ will provide the confidence you need. The creams and lotions are alcohol free, hypoallergenic and free from parabens, colouring, SLS and GMOs and have not been tested on animals. The cream creates a natural barrier to protect your baby’s skin against everyday irritants, giving you the peace of mind you need. (cuderm.co.uk)

What better way for the dog or cat about town to unwind than a refreshing drink of Pawsecco. It is of course non-alcoholic and made using elderflower, linden blossom and ginseng. Pour over food or serve as a drink, Pawsecco is the perfect tonic and treat for your furry friend at the end of a fun-packed day. Cheers! £2.99 (petsathome.com)

Up, Up and Away Take off to the sky for some aeronautical adventure with Sky One Plane from our favourites kids interiors company, Circu. Inspired by Disney’s Planes and Skipper’s mission to teach anyone to fly, Sky One Plane brings a little magic to bedtime, plus it’s a crib-to-bed with great storage. What every child and parent wants to hear. (circu.net)

Happy Pets Many pets can suffer from separation anxiety whether their owners are out for just an hour, or longer. So what better way to keep your pet happy and entertained than the Pawbo Munch. Using a remote control or through the Pawbo Life App you can keep your pet fed and entertained from anywhere at any time. £109 (Pawbo.com)

Academic success at the heart of an all-round education

OPEN WEEK 7TH - 11TH MAY 2018

NURSERY & PREP SCHOOL Are you looking for a nurturing environment with child centred learning and high academic standards? Places are available for our Reception Class in September. Come and visit our unique setting. Our Ready for School sessions on 18th April and 12th June are an ideal opportunity to meet the Reception teacher and tour the wonderful facilities we have, including our mud kitchen, stunning woodlands, farm and equestrian centre. Nursery places are also available from age 2.

Tel: 01889 590217

SENIOR SCHOOL & SIXTH FORM PLACES AVAILABLE IN OUR SIXTH FORM FOR SEPTEMBER

admissions@abbotsholme.co.uk

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AN INDEPENDENT DAY AND BOARDING SCHOOL EDUCATING BOYS AND GIRLS AGED 2 TO 18 YEARS

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

The classroom

Power of the Pen

far right image: Sam Howard (captain), Nathan Kingsley, Wolodymyr Krywonos, Callum Boyle, Lauryn Howard, Murray Jallands, Pippa Brown, Phoebe Micklefield and Alex Pollard

Australian children’s novelist Jessica Townsend, recently visited the Queen’s School, Chester to talk about her book and the importance of strong female characters in writing. Jessica is the author of the book Nevermoor, the Trials of Morrigan Crow which has been hailed as the next Harry Potter, shortlisted for the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize and recently bought by 20th Century Fox to be adapted for film. This was a timely visit, as the Queen’s School recently ran a writing competition open to all school children in years two to six, entitled ‘Grrrl Power’, which also promotes strong female characters. Jessica spoke enthusiastically to an invited audience of local school children about her passion for writing and what it’s really like to be a writer. (thequeensschool.co.uk)

Full STEAM Ahead TheDadLab and Trunkaroo have collaborated for the first time to release a co-branded, themed crafts and entertainment box. It’s centred around the theme of water science and is a box full of delightful puzzles, experiments and challenges. This collaboration makes for a great fit as the two companies are passionate about STEAM-based learning in young children. Trunkaroo is a start-up edu-tainment company making Science, Tech, Engineering, Art and Maths (STEAM) engaging and accessible for young children. They have come together with TheDadLab to encourage children to engage in the world around them. TheDadLab is the brainchild of Sergei Urban who began sharing the science activiities he and his young sons enjoyed, on Instagram. Sergei’s family-friendly content is hugely popular and TheDadLab has an ever-growing following of almost three million. (trunkaroo.com)

Cipher Success Pupils from Stockport Grammar School proved that they are the best codebreakers in the country after winning the National Cipher Challenge. Nine pupils from the Fifth Year and Sixth Form competed against over 3,500 teams in the National Cipher Challenge at the University of Southampton. The team, who called themselves ‘Pythag’R’Back’, performed outstandingly and travelled to Bletchley Park, the once top-secret home of the World War II codebreakers, to receive the top team prize of £1,000. Entrants were tasked with deciphering and unravelling a series of encrypted messages on Rome’s Lost Legion, which vanished in Northern Britain in 108 AD. (stockportgrammar.co.uk)

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Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Market Volatility Tristan Hartey addresses investing in the stock market and the importance of a balanced portfolio

or the first time in a few years we have had a major fall in the market. As per usual the doomsayers and those saying to get out have started to become louder. However, market volatility is a completely normal occurrence. In fact it should be seen as an opportunity. With markets going up and down a lot, as long as your investments are diversified, you have little to worry about. The key to investing is to ensure that your risk levels match the investments that you have. Now more than ever before it is important to take independent and impartial advice. With the correct type of diversification, a major drop in the stock market should be balanced out by other sectors such as fixed interest and property. Additionally, a drop in

the stock market also leads to a buying opportunity, particularly for those who invest on a regular monthly basis. By investing on a monthly basis rather than an all-in-one lump sum, you are taking away the issues of market price. By using the idea of pound cost averaging when the market is falling, you have an opportunity to purchase more units, therefore helping with greater returns when the market rises again. However, the returns you receive are ultimately based on where you invest and the split between different sectors. If you would like a free review of your current investments and to see if your risk matches your long term goals please give us a call at Hartey Wealth management and we can use our trademarked second opinion service to check that you are in the right place.

The above has been provided by Hartey Wealth Management Limited. Tel: 0808 168 5866. www.harteywm.co.uk. Registered in England and Wales No 8288660. Registered Office: Hilliards Court, Chester Business Park, Chester CH4 9QP. Hartey Wealth Management Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

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R I C H M O N D NA N T W I C H R E T I R E M E N T V I L L AG E

Aspirational Retirement Living Wouldn’t it be nice to live free of the stresses of modern living? To be surrounded by like-minded neighbours who want to get the most out of life? To be part of a safe community filled with social opportunities and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces to enjoy? Richmond Nantwich Retirement Village is a fabulous purpose-built retirement community that has the kind of luxury facilities that most people can only dream of.

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Richmond Nantwich, St Joseph’s Way, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 6TD

Cheshire Magazine_FP-11_Dec_2017.indd 1

24/11/2017 14:59

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homes and

interiors showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY IN CHESHIRE AND BEYOND

Home &

Cook

Up A Storm

AWAY International designer Ed Ng on crafting luxury hotels and homes

We get creative in the cooking department with Alex Saint from Kitchen Architecture

Fabulous Fixer Upper The paradise island for sale, complete with building plots and ruins

Kitchen KitchenArchitectureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Architectureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sdistinctive distinctiveinterpretation interpretationofofluxury luxuryliving living The TheFarmhouse Farmhouse The TheColony Colony Altrincham AltrinchamRoad Road Wilmslow WilmslowSK9 SK94LY 4LY Tel: Tel:01625 01625544 544890 890

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Homes and Interiors

Home & Garden News The very latest news, advice and trends from the world of interior design

Flower

SHOW Gardener’s World is back on our screens, spring is in the air, plans are well under way for RHS Tatton in July and we are all set to get into a floral frenzy. So, whether you are out in the garden or bringing the outdoors indoors, we have found some of the prettiest blooms to brighten your day.

Katie Alice Ditsy Floral Afternoon Tea Set, from £24 (creative-tops.com)

Megan Blossom Upholstery and Drapery Fabric (boeme.co.uk)

Colour Crazy We started the year with a bright pop of purple, as Pantone announced ultra-violet as the official colour for 2018. The craze for colour is set to continue with bright and energetic colour palettes including yellows, reds and oranges being at the top of the key trends for spring. Create a more sophisticated look by teaming bright colours with shades of soft grey. Lola Chair in Mustard Yellow and Grey Velvet, £399 (atkinandthyme.co.uk)

Pip Studio Floral Storage Jar, £35 (daisypark.co.uk)

Gardening Apron, £25.95 (annabeljames.co.uk)

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Home & GARDEN news

Hive of Industry This console table is an ideal finishing touch for whose wanting to create an industrial look. Made using reclaimed elm, it’s inspired by loft-living and the utilitarian surfaces, stripped-back architecture, iron pipework and weathered surfaces characterised by this cool trend. Maddox Industrial Console Table, £589 (modishliving.co.uk)

Be Brave Online boutique and gallery, Brave, champions British based artists and designers who create one-of-a-kind, bespoke or limited edition pieces with a more unusual twist. Brave is a one stop shop for those looking for a unique piece to stand out and make an impact in any space. Artist Gary Hogben’s work is inspired by the pop art movement and includes his Marylin Trump limited edition. (braveboutique.co.uk)

Rise and Shine One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of adjustable beds and riser-recliner chairs has recently opened for business in Macclesfield, with the launch of a new store by Adjustamatic. All Adjustamatic products include built-in Cyclo-Therapy massage technology which is designed to improve blood circulation, provide relief from various health conditions and promote relaxation. The system is recognised as a Class IIa medical device and used by the NHS to provide treatment in spinal injury units throughout the UK. Located off Churchill Way, this store will showcase Adjustamatic’s full range of adjustable beds, riser-recliner chairs, mattresses, bedroom furniture and accessories which are made at the company’s factory in Denbigh. (adjustamatic.co.uk)

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TWEET of the MONTH Little Greene @littlegreene ‘Invisible Green’ was made popular by the landscape gardener Humphry Repton who recommended it for fencing and railings so that they would blend better into the background.

Dulux @duluxuk Bathtime Funtime. Dulux #easycare moisture resistant formula keeps your #bathroom the way you painted it.

# H o m e W e bw a t c h : I T ’ S T I ME F O R T H A T

Eclectic Avenue Time-tested craftsmanship informs Timothy Oulton’s flamboyant 2018 collection, which includes reclaimed timer cabinetry and ‘70’s-style crystal infinity mirrors. Meanwhile an assortment of antique oddities from the Rare by Oulton offshoot has arrived in the UK for the first time, with a pop-up shop at Harrods, until June. Rarities include items such as the Leather Goyard Trunk (rarebyoulton.com), Serpentine Sofa (timothyoulton.com)

A L L - I M P O R TA N T S P R I N G C L EA N . W E ’ V E G O T T H E D EC L U T T E R B U G A N D H AV E F O U N D THE BEST SITES FOR STORAGE SOLUTIONS

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Words of wisdom

“Life should be chic, glamorous and colourful, and so should your home” – Jonathan Adler

New Horizons Deirdre Dyson’s latest collection of carpets, Horizons, has been painstakingly hand-knotted in Nepal. Complicated tones and colourways depict grey sea mists and the dark indigo depths of the oceans. POA (deirdredyson.com)

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Home & GARDEN news

Perfect Particulars W O R D S : Crispin H a rris M R I C S

rather wordy property description hit the headlines recently, begging the question: when marketing your home, should you write the description or leave it to the experts? The particulars in questions described the journey from car to front door as: “Serene and still, save for the soft crunch of gravel underfoot as you step alongside the perfectly pruned box hedging, the established array of oak and silver birch trees heralding your approach to the classic solid wood art deco front door.” Marketing your home is an art and a good estate agent will have professional staff on hand to write copy and check the content of your particulars with a fine tooth comb. They are aware of best practice when it comes to writing property descriptions and brochures and can conjure up perfect content designed to target the right audience for your home.

“Marketing your home is an art and a good estate agent will have professional staff on hand” They will have a robust system in place to check for errors and understand that less is more. If a potential purchaser has to trawl through four paragraphs of copy before they can establish how many bedrooms your home has, chances are they may switch off. Short, sharp and informative property particulars are the way to go, so if you’re tempted to have a go yourself perhaps you should take a back seat! Once your agent’s succinct description has piqued interest, you are free to wax lyrical about how “The starlight twinkles through the windows, lighting your way ahead. As you reach the first-floor landing, glance upwards as you are bathed in light from the glow of the full moon overhead as it shines through the vaulted apex window”.

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It’s a Jungle Out There The jungle inspired interior trend has been a big hit so far this year and has seen us incorporating palm and leopard prints aplenty into our homes. Graham and Green has curated a collection of jungle-inspired accessories and lighting for 2018, including these cheeky money lights. Finished in black or white they are also available as outdoor versions, perfect for hiding in trees or adding some light to early summer evenings. Prices start from £210 (grahamandgreen.co.uk)

Bench Mark We love this hand-crafted Banc de Jardin key wood outdoor bench. Made from solid teak slats with a tubular metal frame this classic garden piece cleverly combines tradition and retro-style with modernity. £349 (tikamoon.com)

RURAL & COUNTRY DEVELOPMENTS CHESHIRE, ENGLAND

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Call 0845 643 2233 Visit www.ruralandcountry.com Design & Build | Renovation | Extensions | Oak Frame Specialists

LIFE IN DESIGN

Alex

SAINT We meet Alex Saint, design manager for Kitchen Architecture at The Colony, Wilmslow

challenge them to make sure you are giving them the right solution and ensuring they have considered things from a different perspective. It is a collaborative process and you are not doing your job as a consultant if you do not lead clients and offer them a better solution for their lifestyle.

Proudest career moment to date... The highpoint was definitely moving into our new showroom last spring - a 3,500 sq ft destination design centre and the result of five years’ hard work. It’s fantastic to be able to showcase the best products in the high-end marketplace and present our own interpretation of luxury contemporary life styles in such an amazing setting.

The best thing about working in the industry and what you love about the design process...

What’s important to you when beginning a design on behalf of a client? Taking the time to listen to the client listening is the most underappreciated skill in design. Unless you are listening to what a client is trying to achieve you are never going to fulfil their brief or even get them excited. Saying that, it’s also important to

Kitchen Architecture is different from other kitchen suppliers. It isn’t just about arranging kitchen units on a wall for us. It is a design-led approach using revered, world class products to produce world class projects. You just never get bored of seeing the finished spaces and how happy clients are at the end of projects. Being at the sharp end of the design process, where you are face to face with the customer, getting direct feedback and coming up with solutions is where I like to be.

How would you design your own dream kitchen? It would have to be our signature look: the simple architecture of a tall block of furniture and one or two islands, incorporating some of bulthaup’s unique finishes which I always call ‘understated luxury’. I love the rough

“You never get bored of seeing the finished spaces 114

Homes and Interiors

sawn black-brown oak and champagne aluminium. I would then pair this with the iconic Gaggenau appliances such as their extra-large 76cm-wide oven. I’d also have to specify a large Bora Professional hob with built-in extraction on the island, looking out over the living and dining space. What Bora have done with hob cooking and particularly worktop-mounted extraction is changing the rules of what anyone thought was possible. Their products have really given us superb new solutions to the challenge of extraction in open-plan living spaces.

Do you enjoy cooking? I am a very keen cook and have always enjoyed cooking. I often find myself cooking for clients, architects and specifiers in the showroom – it’s so nice to be able to demonstrate

the social and functional reasons that we design and lay the kitchens out like we do while enjoying food and a glass of wine with colleagues, clients and specifiers.

Who is your design hero or icon? It would have to be Dieter Rams, one of the pre-eminent and most celebrated industrial designers of the 20th century. Rams became famous for his work with Braun - notably his calculator and alarm clock designs which have become so iconic and timeless. Apple still base the calculator layouts on their phones on Rams 60-year-old design, to this day - and his 606 shelving system for Vitsoe is still available to buy and looks as fresh as the day it was conceived in the 1950s. He famously said, “Good design is as little design as possible.” And one of his design principles was ‘less but better’. That line has always been my inspiration for design; remove the superfluous, the clutter and the noise; focus on the essentials and maximise their potential and quality. Less, but better. (kitchenarchitecture.co.uk)

and how happy clients are at the end of projects” 115

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THE EDIT

head chef Kitchen Architecture’s dream designs have inspired us to get creative in the kitchen with the latest must-have, stylish gadgets

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Sagaform Cook ‘n’ Read Tablet Stand, £15 (henrytibbs.com)

ALESSI Neopolitan Coffee Maker – Stainless Steel, £280 (black-by-design.co.uk)

Menu Salt and Pepper Bottle Grinders in Ash/Carbon, £78 (norsu.com.au)

Sabatier 5 Piece Knife Block Set, £160 (creative-tops.com)

Savora Red Vegetable Peeler, £7.99 (kitchencraft.co.uk)

Wesco Space Master Bread Bin – White, £89.95 (redcandy.co.uk)

Vinturi Red Wine Aerator Deluxe Tower, £62 (gyrofish.com.au)

Stelton Emma Electric Kettle – Grey £139 (cloudberryliving.co.uk)

Marble Rectangle Chopping Board, £23 (marquisanddawe.co.uk)

north west fireplace centre fireplaces as indiviual as you are

Call us on : 01204 658 889 steph@northwestfireplaces.co.uk

www.northwestfireplaces.co.uk

2 Salford Road, Over Hutton, Bolton, Lancashire BL5 1BL

Somerford Booths

W i l m s low

An impressive and beautifully presented Georgian country house with cottage, staff flat

wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

and extensive equestrian facilities, all nestled in approximately 40.6 acres.

• 5 bedroom farm house • Extensive range of brick barns with stabling & office • 2 bedroom cottage • 2 bedroom flat • Indoor arena • 2 storage buildings • 20 x 60 lit sand and rubber manège • Horse walker • Outdoor swimming pool • Paddock land • Sand turnout area • Small lake • In all about 40.6 acres

Guide Price £5,000,000 EPC Rating F

01625 540 340

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

Guess where we rank selling properties valued over ÂŁ1m in SK9 and SK10?

*SOURCE: Rightmove sales data for SK9 and SK10 postal regions for the period 18/02/2017 - 19/02/2018

Prestbury 3 newly built, contemporary semi-detached houses with breathtaking views over the Bollin Valley, within Prestbury.

• 2 open-plan reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) • 2 bath/shower rooms • Garage • Gardens

Guide Price £798,000 each EPC RATING B

W i l m s low

01625 540 340

wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

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Nether Alderley An opportunity to create a 7 bedroom country house (approximately 8,643 sq ft) with leisure suite, in a lakeside setting, nestled at the end of a no-through lane. Further land and development opportunity available by separate negotiation. Proposed: • 6 reception rooms • Study • Kitchen • Breakfast room • 7 bedrooms (4 en suite)

• Bathroom • Leisure suite with pool, Jacuzzi & sauna • Carport • In all just under 5 acres

Guide Price £2,500,000 EXISTING EPC RATING F

cgi

W i l m s low

01625 540 340

wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

Moston, Sandbach

EPC Rating E

A substantial Georgian family house with far-reaching views, with about 5.16 acres, only a short drive from central Sandbach.

• 3 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room • Cellar • 6 bedrooms (1 en suite) • Bathroom • Garaging • American barn • Gardens • Paddock land • Lake • In all about 5.16 acres Guide Price £895,000

CGI

Mottram St Andrew A substantial Georgian family house with far-reaching views, with about 5.16 acres, only a short drive from central Sandbach.

• 3 reception rooms • Study • Games room open-plan to cinema room with bar • Kitchen/breakfast/family room • 4 bedrooms (2 en suite) • Bathroom • 1 bedroom annexe • Garaging • Gardens

Guide Price £1,850,000

W i l m s low

01625 540 340

8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AA wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

Wilmslow

W i l m s low

An immaculately presented, modern house, nestled at the end of a private no-

wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

through road in Wilmslow.

• 2 reception rooms • Garden room • Study • Breakfast kitchen open-plan to morning room • 5 bedrooms (3 en suite) • Shower room • Garaging • Gardens

Guide Price £1,750,000 EPC RATING C

01625 540 340

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

Hale Barns

EPC Rating C

A handsome, individually designed detached family house offering excellent accommodation set in mature gardens. • 3 reception rooms • 2 studies • Kitchen/breakfast room • 5 bedrooms (2 en suite) • Dressing room • Garaging • Gardens • ‘D’ shaped drive

Guide Price £1,350,000

Altrincham

EPC Rating d

An enchanting barn conversion in an extremely quiet courtyard location just minutes walk from Altrincham. • 3 reception rooms • Study • Breakfast kitchen • 4 bedrooms (2 en suite) • Bath/shower room • Garaging • Gardens

offers in ExCess of £1,000,000

Hale

0161 928 8881

174 Ashley Road, Hale, Cheshire, WA15 9SF hale@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

Bowdon

EPC Rating E

A contemporary, exceptionally extended, double-fronted Victorian house in a highly sought-after Bowdon location. • 3 reception rooms • Open-plan kitchen/dining/living room • Games/media room • 5 bedrooms • 3 bath/shower rooms • Wine store • Workshop • Gardens

Guide Price £1,750,000

Whitefield

EPC Rating E

A beautifully presented 8 bedroom Tudor house with 2 detached bungalows. • 3 reception rooms • Conservatory • Study • Kitchen/breakfast/family room • 8 bedrooms (3 en suite) • 2 bathrooms • Two 2 bedroom bungalows • Garage • Over 1 acre

Guide Price £1,500,000

Hale

0161 928 8881

174 Ashley Road, Hale, Cheshire, WA15 9SF hale@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

British Luxury Since 1977

1 - 3 Bank Square, Wilmslow SK91AN

Visit the largest range of quality garden furniture in Wilmslow, featuring exclusive fully waterproof and virtually stainproof cushions â&#x20AC;&#x201C; great for the unpredictable British weather or even the odd wine spill.

Call: 01625 529585 Visit: www.bridgman.co.uk 1 - 3 Bank Square, Wilmslow SK9 1AN

01625 529585 www.bridgman.co.uk

Homes and Interiors

outdoor living

Green Room Jan Clarke takes inspiration from the experts and goes outside to discover the secrets to creating a great outdoor living space

Step Outside The days are getting longer and spring is officially here which means it’s time to open the doors wide and head out into the garden. Our gardens represent an extra room in our homes and there’s no reason why they can’t be used year -round. With clever design, attention to detail and the latest in furnishings, technology and innovation you can enjoy your garden whatever the weather. So, how will your garden grow for 2018? Whether you want something

traditional or a stylish contemporary living space, we speak to the experts and do a little digging so that you can create something great, outdoors. We love Clear Living’s free flowing inside-outside concept which epitomises making the garden an integral part of your home.(clear-living.co.uk)

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Traditional Tranquility If owning a beautiful country garden full of tumbling romantic roses, herbaceous boarders and manicured topiary is more your dream, but the thought of trying to establish such a garden has you feeling a little more green gilled than green fingered, then follow our top tips. The National Trust’s spring garden collection is also a great place to shop for the traditional look. (shop.nationaltrust.org.uk)

Call to the Wild

Go for an effortless look, if you don’t have time to spend on perfectly trimmed topiary. Plant wild flowers which always look beautiful, no matter how unruly. #1

Potted History

Lavender has been grown in Britain since the mid-1500s and is a must-have for many a quintessential English garden. With a beautiful fragrance and healing properties, this plant will attract butterflies and bees. Plant in large reclaimed and vintage urns or clusters of terracotta pots.

#3 #2

To Dine For

Add a pergola to a secluded dining area; plant and encourage climbers such as wisteria, climbing roses, clematis, fragrant honeysuckle or jasmine for the perfect romantic outdoor dining room.

Room with a View Convert an outbuilding or invest in a garden room to make a magical haven to sit, relax and enjoy the garden. This hybrid indoor/outdoor room can be installed with lighting and heating and styled using an eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings – a home away from home, at the bottom of the garden.

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#6 #5

create the look #1 Verdi 4 Plant Shelf Unit, £109 (cookooland.com); #2 William Morris Pruners, £17 (vam.ac.uk/shop); #3 Lene Bjerre Dealia Bench, £1,250 (sweetpeaandwillow.com); #4 Extra Large Vence Planter, £80 (gardentrading.co.uk); #5 Unicorn’s Breath Dead Flat Matt Emulsion paint 2.5ltr, £34.99 (dowsingandreynolds.com); #6 Rustic Zinc Topped Storage box, £245 (thefarthing.co.uk)

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FINISHING TOUCHES Ad excestis maio beribuscim volum accabor mod et acculluptus et ut quas untio excererferum velectios molore corum volupti aut invel ius apelignitiis inis non conem il ipsam, cuptate mpellorempos est ut et re re, sam laut quuntios mod maio. Itae quistot atempor ehendit eiunt

#5 #6 #2

create the look

#1 Meridiani Claud Collection, from £2,500 (llamagroup.co.uk); #2 Pablo UMA Sound lantern, £538 (nest.co.uk); #3 Kitchen Outdoor Island 5M with Bar, £26,290 (chaplins.co.uk); #4 Spruce Square Planters, from £85 (theluxecompany.co.uk); #5 AK47 Artu Wood Burning Outdoor fire pit, £34,600 (houseology.com); #6 Large indoor/outdoor Lounging Floor Pillow, £464.50 (thedesignhunter.com.au)

“Quality materials and stylish, designer furniture enhances and beautifies your outdoor space” - Llama Group Cultivating a Contemporary Space A stylish indoor/outdoor living space is ever more popular for today’s modern family. Design-led furniture and sophisticated materials blur the lines between the interior and exterior and create spaces which can be used for chilled out family time or glamorous entertaining, complete with lighting, fireplaces and outdoor kitchens. For those looking for a contemporary feel, we’ve taken inspiration from the award-winning Llama Group and this beautiful sunken garden space. (llamagroup.co.uk)

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Homes and Interiors

FINISHING TOUCHES

AN APPLE A DAY A giant day bed is the ultimate, stylish indulgence when it comes to outdoor furniture, and turns the garden space into a relaxing sanctuary. Kick back and sink into the inner compartment full of sumptuous cushions, and let the day float by. This contemporary and quirky apple-shaped design has a rotating top section that can be opened in a number of different apertures, allowing for the perfect amount of privacy and shade. Designed for the outdoors, it’s crafted for comfort, durability and garden chic.… turns out an apple a day definitely is good for you. Midnight Montana Apply Day Bed £3,500 (gardenfurniturecentre.co.uk)

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When Mr and Mrs Ellis extended their Cheshire home to create a new conservatory/dining extension to an existing kitchen space, they chose Scott Donald Architecture and Stuart Frazer to complete the work. Having a clear idea of what they wanted, they worked with both companies at inception stage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The minimalist approach wanted relies on a limited palate of materials combined with a predominant white aesthetic in which the spatial form and surfaces provide the visual interest. We were delighted with both Scott Donald Architecture and Stuart Frazer. The outcome is extremely impressive.â&#x20AC;?

Courtesy of Scott Donald Architecture

To see more of this and other fabulous kitchens visit the case studies page on our website.

MANCHESTER 554 - 556 Bury New Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 3BD (Junction 17 M60) PRESTON 4 - 6 Stanley Street, Preston, Lancashire PR1 4AT (on ringway, opposite prison) RIBBLE VALLEY Friendship Mill, Whalley Road, Read, Lancashire BB12 7PN

Tel 0161 7984800 Tel 01772 204004 Tel 01282 770800

interview

House

STYLE Ellen Millard finds that interior designer Ed Ng’s hotel and restaurant designs – from Beijing to Ten Trinity Square – bring new meaning to ‘taking a global view’

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hould you have been wandering around Belgravia’s Pimlico Road on a Monday afternoon this winter, you may have passed an inconspicuous gentleman browsing the shelves of the area’s myriad design shops. On closer inspection, you may have noticed a small “EN” embroidered on the cuff of his shirt sleeve. The monogram – stitched by a tailor at Tom Ford – stands for Ed Ng, co-founder of Hong Kong-based interior design firm AB Concept and the brains behind some of the world’s most beautiful hotels and restaurants: the W Beijing, the Shangri-La Qufu in China and Mei Ume at the Four Seasons Ten Trinity Square, to name just a few. It’s at the latter that we meet the following day, the towering Corinthian columns of the former Port of London Authority headquarters a stark contrast to the Shard and the Walkie Talkie that you can see from the square. The hotel’s restaurant, designed by Ng and his business partner Terence Ngan, opened at the beginning of 2017. It was the firm’s first project in the UK and, Ng admits, one of their more challenging.

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from above left: Founders of AB Concept Terence Ngan and Ed Ng; CĂ&#x2030; LA VI, Hong Kong, image credit: Edmon Leong

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interview

this page top: ce la vi, hong kong (edmon leong) Trinity Square; below: Shangri-La Qufu; OPPOSITE: MEI UME AT THE FOUR SEASONS

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“It’s a Grade II-listed building, so we weren’t allowed to touch most of the things in here,” he begins as he shows me around. “It’s all beautiful Corinthian columns that are 100 per cent, unmistakably Western, and I had to design an Asian restaurant that looks like it belongs here. It’s like working on a spectrum, and you’re trying to push two polar ideas – East and West – together.” The result is an Asian fusion eatery, which he says is 30 per cent Japanese, 70 per cent Chinese. Even the name, Mei Ume, is a blend of Mandarin and Japanese (both words mean ‘plum blossom’ in their respective languages). The link to London comes in the floor-to-ceiling artworks of traditional Japanese and Chinese fishing ports, a nod to nearby Tower Bridge and its trading heritage. Such a project is the stuff that Ng’s dreams were made of as a budding interior designer. He met his business partner, an architect, through mutual friends. A shared interest in being their own bosses sparked the idea for AB Concept. It

was founded in 1999 and began with small-scale residential projects. “My ambition has always been international hospitality, but you have to have a very strong track record. You can’t start on day one and expect the Four Seasons to come to you,” Ng laughs. Since then, the pair have worked on projects across the globe, fashioning hotels in Malaysia, Thailand and India, restaurants in Hong Kong and Taiwan and wellness retreats in Singapore. His travels fuel his inspiration, and he admits he has a particularly soft spot for London. “I think London is very embracing when it comes to design. Unlike a lot of the neighbouring European cities, you’re very receptive to different ideas and different cultures,” he says. “I like things that are more of a discovery; things that don’t have to be sparkly or flashy. “You want to take your time and find some hidden jewels, and Pimlico is definitely the area where I’ve found this quality in London. There’s a very old antiques store called Gallery 25 on

Homes and Interiors

Pimlico Road, where there are so many things just piled up. “Another shop I like is the British fabric company de Le Cuona. It specialises in linens, velvet, cotton - all these natural materials. Everything is so inviting.” Ng makes a habit of timing his trips to the UK with the Adams Antiques Fair that takes place every month in Victoria. On this occasion, he snapped up a glassware set from the Napoleonic period. “It’s nothing expensive, but it’s the reason I enjoy London,” he says. “The problem is shipping it back, because I still have to go to New York and Tokyo before I go home.” Ng’s upcoming projects include a W Hotel in the Algarve – the brand’s first in Europe – and a restaurant, Paper Moon Jardino, in Milan. But

the one he’s most excited about is happening back in China: The Beijing Hotel, a 100-year-old establishment on the edge of the Forbidden City, has tasked AB Concept with redesigning its restaurants, with a view to opening more across the globe. “They want to make it into a flagship, because it’s very important that China starts to develop its own brand of hospitality. America has an abundance of Hiltons and Marriotts, but so many Chinese people are travelling now that they want their own brands,” he explains, before sheepishly adding: “I feel like I have 1.3 billion people looking over my shoulder, waiting to see what I will do with this hotel.” No pressure, then... (abconcept.net)

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hot property Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve scoured the world to bring you some of the finest homes on the market

best of HOME Sandleheath Farm Bollington Lane, N. Alderley

andleheath Farm offers an unrivalled lakeside setting nestled in a highly desirable location. It comes to the market together with planning permission to build a magnificent country house of stately proportions. This plot and the planning permission provide an opportunity to create a unique property in a location that is unsurpassed. Situated just three and a half miles from Alderley Edge, Sandleheath Farm is perfectly placed to benefit from excellent road, rail and airport links and great schools, while still enjoying a peaceful and rural location. At just under five acres the plot provides for privacy, with mature trees lying to the northern boundary and a no-through

lane which runs behind the house. The lawns reach down to the southern boundary, which enjoys truly stunning lakeside views. The discerning buyer is presented with the chance to commission a bespoke home constructed of mellow red brick with timber-cladded elevations. An abundant use of glass will flood the house with natural light as well as allowing the buyers to fully appreciate the beautiful, southerly lakeside views. There are two first floor terraces off the master suite and

bedrooms five and six, again providing the opportunity to enjoy the setting and views. With modern-day living in mind, the house has also been designed to incorporate an open-plan kitchen, breakfast room and snug. Located on the first floor this wonderful space is light, airy and makes for a great family area. The master bedroom suite has a roof terrace, ante room, his-and-hers dressing and ensuites and forms just one of a total of seven bedrooms. In total this house covers an internal floor area of 8,643sq ft and is laid out over two floors, it includes a leisure suite and makes for a very impressive country house. Sandleheath Farm with planning permission is on the market at a guide price of ÂŁ2,950,000 with Jackson-Stops and Staff, 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AA (01625 540340; jackson-stops.co.uk)

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HOT PROPERTY

best of away

Whale Cay The Bahamas

e have fallen in love with this this idyllic island paradise, which has to be the ultimate ‘fixer-upper’. If you’ve ever wanted to join the likes of Richard Branson or the late Marlon Brando by owning an island paradise, then step this way. Whale

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Cay is a private island located in the fishing mecca of the Bahamas and is an island primed for residential development. 507 to 711 acres are available with this listing together with twelve miles of shoreline, seven of which are dedicated to the 13 white sandy beaches, just waiting to be explored. The island can be accessed by boat, seaplane or by the 4,000ft paved airstrip. Chub Cay is just five miles to the west of the island and is the main port of entry with customs, immigration, marina, restaurant, fuel and supplies. Once on the island, the sale includes a number of buildings such as the great house, guest cottage, music room, staff dormitory, storage buildings, laundry room, maintenance buildings sea plane

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hanger and more. Not to mention your own museum and lighthouse. Many of these buildings were built between the 1930s – 1970 by the notable writer as the great house, guest cottage, music room, staff as dormitory, storage buildings, laundry room, maintenance buildings, sea plane hangar and more. Not to mention your own museum and lighthouse. Many of

these buildings were built between 1930 and 1970 by the notable writer Marion Carstairs and the island was the domain of this British heiress for more than four decades. Carstairs was famously known for her eccentricity and associations with the very glamorous Greta Garbo and Marlene Dietrich. So, if you too “want to be alone”, this could be the perfect place.

“The ultimate fixer-upper: an island paradise in The Bahamas” If spending your days fishing is your thing then Whale Cay is also the ideal spot to cast your net. The area has long attracted visitors who enjoy fishing and boating and its location

just 30 miles north of Nassau, means it has great proximity to Florida too. But, with many of the buildings on the island now having fallen into disrepair, you may want to pack up your nets and this purchase could make for an incredible project - with plenty of added sunshine. A plotted and surveyed subdivision has been carried out which has been divided into two phases. Phase one extends around the coastline in the southern section of the island and includes 75 lots, many of which have ocean frontage. To the north of the island phase two consists of 60 lots which have preliminary government approval for development. So, whether you want to relax or re-develop. Whale Cay awaits and is full of sunshine, charm and a little bit of history left by Marion Carstairs. Available at a guide price of $20,000,000 USD through Damianos Sotheby’s International Reality (sirbahamas.com; +1242 424 9699)

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New Showroom Store Street Bollington Cheshire SK10 5PN t: 01625 466200 e: showroom@portraitpools.com w: portraitpools.com

BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED KITCHENS DESIGNED JUST FOR YOU

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FINISHING TOUCHES

SIDE ORDER Resource décor are synonymous with quality, innovation and design and are proud to have collaborated with award-winning interior designer Kelly Hoppen. Their Gray Side Table is a classic piece with a twist: he solid oak base is finished with Kelly’s signature taupe oak, with a stylish cut-out detail and an elliptical, snow white lacquer top. £2,399 (houseology.com)

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J aney B utler I nteriors & L lama A rchitects form part of the L lama G roup . C reat ing awa r d wi n n i n g r e si d e nt ia l a n d c o m m er c ia l p roj e c t s in t h e UK and abroa d . I n t e r n at i o n a l A w a r d W i n n i n g A r c h i t e c t s & D e s i g n e r s The Old Stables, Capesthor ne Hall, Nr Alder ley Edge , Cheshire , SK11 9JY

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