The Cheshire Magazine November 2016

NOVEMber 2016 s issue 035

Game

changer

Manchester’s new Lord Mayor, Carl Austin-Behan, is living proof that anything’s possible

Perfect vintage The world’s best sommelier on the last century’s greatest wines

Autumn fayre Embrace the changing seasons with the latest designer offerings

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Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

From the

Editor

EDITOR’S PICKs #1 Minna Parikka kids’ sneakers (p.126)

2

1

#2 James Ganh ring (p.80)

#3 Happy & Co armchair (p.132)

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A

ge appears best in four things: old wood to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust and old authors to read.”

Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year, and this quote from Francis Bacon says it all for me: the season bringing with it an abundance of colour, warmth and cosy nights in front of the fire. It is also a perfect time to celebrate changing flavours, which is why we have spent a lot of time this issue on epicurean delights.

Gemma Knight can’t believe some of the products she finds in her feature on local and national products (p.24) – it’s quite a smorgasbord. The 100 most exceptional wine vintages are explored on page 30, and we bring you our very own top table of restaurants (p. 53).

As for the author element of the quote, John Timpson engages us with tales of his life as a racehorse owner’s husband as his new book launches later this month (p.48), and the Lord Mayor of Manchester is clearly writing his own rules on page 43 as he embarks upon his year-long tenure as ambassador of the city.

Celebrating more northern heroes, Natalie Anglesey interviews actor Daniel Rigby about playing the role of Alan Turing later this month (p. 72), and we talk to some of the judges who will be choosing the best of our northern design heroes on page 162.

It’s all about sleeves in our fashion pages (p.82) and Ratty and Mole in our exploration of the arts (p.65), while we’re also unwrapping the countdown to Christmas on page 55.

Enjoy the month of November,

Louisa Louisa Castle Editor Follow us on Twitter @TheCheshireMag

Proud to support: Variety – The Children’s Charity The Pink Ribbon Ball, Manchester & Breast Cancer now the babygrow appeal, countess of chester hospital Cheshire Ladies Philanthropy Club

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ONCE IN A LIFETIME FROM THE SKILLED HANDS OF OUR GOLDSMITH TO YOURS. IT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT RING YOU’LL EVER BUY

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Contents

November 2016

092 116

132

Features

collection

travel

024 | I can’t believe it’s British

We scour the county for its most exotic artisan produce 030 | The impossible dream

The world’s best sommelier catalogues his favourite wines 043 | Anything’s possible

Changing the rules with the Lord Mayor of Manchester 048 | Under orders

Local legend John Timpson on his most personal book yet 053 | Top of the tables

We bring you some of the very best eateries on our doorstep

079 | Watch news

Stunning state-of-the-art timepieces for him and her 080 | Jewellery news

A full round-up of all the latest in style and sparkle

114 | Travel news 116 | Enchanted islands

Why the Maldives is the most perfect place on earth to escape a hectic urban lifestyle 120 | Weekend away

Play Lady of the Manor while you absorb the true meaning of decadence at stately Luton Hoo

fashion & beauty

082 | Fashion news

From essential accessories to new trends, it’s all here 084 | Autumn sleeves

From coats to maxi dresses, swot up on the latest offerings for a wardrobe that will see you through this season and beyond regulars 092 | In her shoes 008 | Editor’s letter

Shoe designer Sophia 012 | Contributors Webster talks opening a 015 | My life in Cheshire shop and keeping her feet

The Dental Academy’s Jan firmly on the ground Dobbs on Daresbury’s delights 098 | Beauty news 016 | Notebook

New treatments, products

This month’s local events, and all the latest news news and best new products 100 | The tyranny of dieting 035 | Local scene

Holistic health coach Suzy

All the glamour and gossip Glaskie on why we may 041 | As I was saying... never have to diet again

Melissa Porter investigates the real meaning of a dirty mind 060 | Taylor talks motoring

5 minutes with... Lime 104 | Motoring news restaurateur Jo Vanderhook

The latest developments from the automotive world 106 | Game changer? art Has Aston Martin’s gamble 065 | For he’s a jolly good Fellowes paid off with the DB11?

Julian Fellowes’ newest work 112 | Drive of discovery 069 | Art & culture news

Our man on the tarmac 071 | Prize lots puts the Infiniti QX30 072 | Local lad makes good through its paces

Daniel Rigby’s rise to stardom

FAMILY 123 | The classroom 124 | Shopping spectacular

Start your Christmas shopping early at Cheshire’s Arley Hall 126 | Kids’ news

The very latest for little ones

homes & interiors 132 | Interiors news 145 | Rustic urbanity

Take a glimpse inside this stunning Swiss chalet-cumcosmopolitan haven 151 | Come dine with me

Our top tips on creating a cosy dining space for warm family meals and ambient soirées 156 | A hint of colour

Transform your garden into a winter wonderland with our guide to seasonal colour 160 | Pretty as a picture

Feed your feathered friends 168 | A new hideaway

Kentroma House in Corfu is the perfect place to soak up some autumn sunshine 174 | Overseas property

These stunning properties will have you yearning to emigrate

STONE & MORE — Since 1989 —

If you thought we only sold stone... think again.

We stock an extensive range of porcelain and decorative tiles alongside our natural stone.

Order online at: mandarinstone.com or visit your local showroom: 67-69 Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5BQ 01625 531 343

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

november 2016 s issue 035 s

Editor Louisa Castle

The

contributors

Deputy Editor Gemma Knight Editorial Director Kate Harrison Theatre Editor Natalie Anglesey Brand Consistency Laddawan Juhong Senior Designer Daniel Poole Production Hugo Wheatley Danny Lesar Alice Ford Jamie Steele Advertising Managers Kayleigh Penswick Kathryn Otto Danielle Mullen General Manager Fiona Fenwick Publisher Giles Ellwood

MELISSA PORTER Best known for her BBC prime time appearances, property developer Melissa is a self-confessed people junkie and certified coach and mentor. She hopes to bring a little fun and a lot of life to her new column As I was saying...

chris hall When he’s not reviewing supercars, Chris Hall is the deputy editor of luxury watch magazine QP, and a freelance writer who has contributed to publications including The Telegraph, The FT, Wired, GQ and Esquire among others.

CRISPIN HARRIS Crispin’s role as deputy chair of national estate agents Jackson-Stops & Staff gives him unparalleled access to knowledge of property trends and issues, as well as an accurate and up-to-date global view of the property industry.

PHILLIP WATERMAN Phillip has more than ten years’ experience at a wide variety of publications, including The Telegraph, and has also been involved with campaigns for Specsavers. This month, he helps us swot up on the latest designer offerings.

Iain Warde Iain is a self-confessed geek, having worked in computer gaming and tech magazines since the creation of Pac-Man. He is also a huge petrolhead who spends his spare time marshalling at Oulton Park and around the UK.

TIM BRADLEY Tim is an award-winning photographer based in the north west.

Discovering a passion for photography from his grandfather, he is a regular on the media scene and often works with TV chef Andrew Nutter.

Executive Director Sophie Roberts Managing Director Eren Ellwood

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

My life in CHESHIRE Jan Dobbs, Treatment Co-ordinator at The Dental Academy, Daresbury

I

clockwise FROM TOP: janet dobbs; snowdonia, wales; welsh flag; fresh produce; dental academy

“We have the most beautiful countryside, lovely towns and villages and a fantastic road network”

t was after time spent as a dental nurse and then working for two leading dental implant companies that Jan met and married Kevin Dobbs, coming to his practice – The Dental Academy – and becoming the stalwart of the Cheshire dental community that its residents know her as today. In her role as treatment co-ordinator, Jan now helps patients to understand and make decisions regarding their treatment options, while also giving clinical support to the implant team, developing her role all the time and previously gaining the certificate in implant nursing.

“It’s the people that make the job worthwhile, and meeting them is certainly the part I enjoy most,” Jan explains. “Especially when I am part of the process which helps them make decisions about dental care that will often change their lives. The challenging part is having enough hours in the day to ensure that I can give each patient the time that they need.”

Originally from North Wales, Jan moved to Cheshire 15 years ago and now lives just around the corner from the Dental Academy, regularly bumping into patients in and around Daresbury, which she loves.

“I am very proud to be Welsh but love living in Cheshire,” she says. “We have the most beautiful countryside, lovely towns and villages and a fantastic road network. A great advantage both personally and for our business. I love Chester but I do most of my shopping in Knutsford and Stockton Heath which have more individual shops and restaurants. My favourite dress shop is CHALK 33 in Knutsford, where I will always find that perfect outfit with help and patience from Pauline, who knows what I like, but who always encourages me to try something different. My favourite restaurant is Manchester House in Manchester city centre: simply the best.”

As a practice which prides itself on a thoroughly personal approach, taking the time to care for each patient and make them feel as comfortable as possible, it’s no surprise that The Dental Academy’s latest project is focused on improving the general health of their community.

“We’re very excited about our new project,” says Jan. “Having purchased FIELD 28 adjacent to the practice in Daresbury, we’re planning to grow and supply organically grown produce as part of our healthy living project – which falls in line with our goal at The Dental Academy, to promote good health in dentistry, chiropody, facial aesthetics and beauty, as well as very high quality care and attention to detail. Watch this space!” (dentalacademy.co.uk) 15

We love this new widget from Hillary’s (the blind and carpet people), which tells us how much day-to-day essentials used to cost in years gone by.

We can finally test those tales from our parents and grandparents that begin with ‘When I was a lad...’ and see if things really were a lot less. (hillarys.co.uk/back-in-my-day)

NOTEBOOK

© Roman Nerud / shutterstock

BACK IN MY DAY

St Peter’s School, York, where Guy Fawkes attended, refuses to burn effigies of its former pupil

The first fireworks display in England took place at the wedding of Henry VII in 1486 There is no mention of November in any of Shakespeare’s works

IN MY NEIGHBOURHOOD

The next site in the Neighbourhood brand, from East Coast Concepts, opens later this month, much to the excitement of its avid followers. Since opening in 2013, Neighbourhood Spinningfields has been a huge success, and now the the vibrant bar and restaurant concept will extend west and take over the Grade II-listed building on Liverpool’s Castle Street.

Expect the same capital city standards coming to a neighbourhood near you. See you there! (neighbourhoodrestaurant.co.uk) 16

“Stars fall and shoot in keen November.”

Christina Rosetti, SingSong: A Nursery Rhyme Book, 1872

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

5 top picks

For Foodies

#1 Crystal Harris, ink blue decanter, £130 (dartington.co.uk)

#2 Alessi cheese grater, £49 (furnish.co.uk)

GARDEN & GOURMET

C

heshire is launching a drive to attract more European and American visitors to experience its gardens and local food, after being one of five UK tourism destinations to receive a portion of a £40m fund to promote England to the rest of the world.

A consortium of destinations, including Marketing Cheshire as well as Visit Kent, Visit Essex, Visit Herts and Marketing Peak District and Derbyshire, have been awarded £240,000 from a first-year pot of £6.5m from VisitEngland’s Discover England Fund (DEF). The funding will be complemented by an additional £85,000 from match funding from the five destination teams and in-kind contributions.

The funding will basically deliver holiday packages to promote the countryside and food of the area, telling the world what we already know. The question is, are we ready to share our secret? (marketingcheshire.co.uk)

#3 Nessie family ladles, £30 (animicausa.com)

PURCHASE of the

#4 Mixer with spaghetti arm, £299 (smeg.fr)

MONTH #5 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory lunch bag, £12 (beckyandlolo.co.uk)

Hungarica tablecloth, £123 (juliabrendel.com)

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GUINNESS BOOK OF ICE-CREAM

With almost 10,000 sq ft of ice-cream heaven, The Ice Cream Farm has been awarded the title of the World’s Largest Ice Cream Shop from Guinness World Records. Celebrating 30 years of business this year, The Ice Cream Farm began when forward-thinking dairy farmers, the Fell family, saw diversification opportunities for their dairy farm in the 1980s. Today, it’s beating international competition for the coveted title. Huge ice-cream-and-sorbet-topped congratulations. (theicecreamfarm.co.uk)

NOTEBOOK

Food & Drink Awards of Note Renowned for its Michelin star held since 1990 and named in honour of Executive Chef, Simon Radley, The Chester Grosvenor has added to its extensive list of awards and accolades after being voted Best Hotel Restaurant at the European Hospitality Awards in 2015 and, more recently, retaining its listing in the Sunday Times’ Top 100 Restaurants in the UK. The restaurant has also received an AA Notable Wine List award for the hotel’s Riedel Cellar, under the stewardship of Head Sommelier Derek Scaife, which runs beneath Eastgate Street and is home to over 700 bins, including the illustrious Chateau Pétrus. Well worth a visit. (chestergrosvenor.com) 18

The

Sweetest

Thing

The only sweets we know to have a waiting list have been launched into Harvey Nichols.

Sugarfina Yes Way Rosé bear-shaped gummy sweets for adults have a huge following in the US, with accompanying waiting list – rumoured to have over 18,000 names on it and increasing every day!

They have just landed in Harvey Nichols, so get ready to bag your box of the Whispering Angel rosé-fuelled gummy sweets now. £15.95 per box, in store and online, Harvey Nichols

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

...with GINO D’ACAMPO, Chef and TV personality What is your favourite ingredient?

Definitely extra virgin olive oil: I love the smell and purity of the oil, such a versatile ingredient that is also very good for your diet. My mother still uses a little extra virgin olive oil to moisturise her hands, she says that it is the best way to keep ladies’ hands looking younger.

What is your favorite food?

Anything to do with pasta, I LOVE IT. Very versatile, quick to prepare, very filling and also very good carbs for your body. Don’t listen when people say that pasta makes you fat, they don’t know what they are talking about – Italians have been eating pasta for thousands of years and we still have the best Mediterranean diet in the world.

What’s your favourite piece of Kitchen kit?

The dishwasher: I hate washing up, such a waste of time. I love the dishwasher so much that in my kitchen at home I have two of them, just in case one breaks down!

What is your desert island recipe?

Linguine pasta with fresh lobster, cherry tomatoes, shaved garlic, a little chilli and a good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Winner Best Italian Restaurant North West (ginodacamporestaurants.com)

PURCHASE of the

MONTH Molten Coffee Table, £12,500 (touchedinteriors.co.uk)

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Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

SPOTLIGHT ON... LA BRASSERIE, Words: LOUISA CASTLE

The Chester Grosvenor

I

’ve been lucky enough to have eaten – and truly tantalised my tastebuds – at The Simon Radley on several occasions, but I have never popped in to the bustling La Brasserie next door for anything more than a coffee.

Tonight was going to be my first experience and, warmly greeted at the entrance, we were shown to our corner table – perfect for peoplewatching and taking it all in. You can’t miss the striking hand-painted glass skylight, which really sets the tone: sophisticated, classic but with flair.

And so to the menu. We dined from the à la carte, choosing dived scallops (£13.95) and soup and brioche to start (£7.95), followed by the rump of lamb (£21.95) and Lake District calve’s liver (£22.95).

To begin with, though, special mention has to go to the bread (£3.25). It is made on-site with locally produced flour and well worth the carbs, it was a challange to stop ourselves gorging on the brown, foccacia and rye slices of loveliness.

We also treated ourselves to a glass of wine.

There’s a good choice of by-the-glass options and, after some guidance, we chose a delicious new world Cabernet/Shiraz (£11) to accompany our mains.

The scallops arrived beautifully presented and accompanied by Cheshire ham hock, sea blackthorn and crispy squid, sprinkled with a hazlenut crumb, light and full of flavours. The soup was poured at the table, over delicious parcels of artichokes, truffle and chestnut. Both were just the right size, presented well without being over-done, and balanced in flavour.

It was 8pm on a Thursday night and there was a pleasant relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant, as we eyed the meals coming out to our neighbours with interest. For any meat lovers, the Welsh dry aged steaks from the Josper grill looked enticing, and the sea bass with glazed leeks also looked tempting.

A short pause later our mains arrived. The lamp on a bed of chickpea, rose harissa and pistachios, accompanied by a spiced pastilla and topped with rose petals. Cooked pink (though they do ask your preference on ordering), it was perfect for this early autumn evening. A hint of Africa and the perfect portion.

The good old calve’s liver was simply grilled 20

and melted in the mouth. It arrived on a bed of creamy mash with onion and balsamic and some streaky treacle-cured bacon. It was a great take on a traditional family favourite.

Pleasantly satisfied, we did have a look at desserts and were duly tempted by strawberries and cream (£6.95), which arrived like a mini cheesecake, and a fabulous chocolate dacquoise creation simply called Louis XV (£9).

Verdict: La Brasserie is the perfect informal spot for some great food with friends. With perfect portion size, modern takes on great dishes and a genuine team, it was a good pick for a mid-week meal out.

La Brasserie, The Chester Grosvenor, Eastgate, Chester, CH1 1LT (01244 324024; chestergrosvenor.com)

COURVOISIER.COM

Courvoisier. the Napoleon device and Le Cognac de Napoleon are trademarks of Courvoisier S.A.S. ©2016 Courvoisier S.A.S.

Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine

W

hen the festival season officially comes to an end, it’s comforting to know that, with The Fizz Festival returning to Altrincham, a festival of another kind is just around the corner.

Offering more than 100 wines to try, buy and learn about – including Cava, Prosecco and award-winning English sparkling wines – we are especially excited to know more about Champagne Thiénot, the youngest Champagne house and once the official Champagne of the Oscars for three years running.

Organised by Janet Harrison of Cracking Wines, the event will take place on the 12 and 13 November at Altrincham Town Hall, culminating in a People’s Choice Awards, where you can choose your favourite. Having tasted with the lovely Janet, we can also promise a modern, informal atmosphere, encouraging you to taste what you taste and like what you like. For lovers of the sparkling stuff, this one is a must!

Tickets at £25 and include Champagne flute and wine carrier (crackingwine.co.uk)

A Festival

of Fizz 22

WONDERS OF

AUTUMN 3 OCTOBER – 2 NOVEMBER

Discover autumn investment pieces for up to 60% less Autumn is the perfect time of year to invest in fashion.

From cocooning coats to flowing skirts, we’re celebrating the season’s key pieces with the Wonders of Autumn.

Take your pick from our edit of essential buys – all for up to 60% less at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.

DANIEL RRP £99.99/ OUTLET £49.99

TED BAKER RRP £69/ OUTLET £40

THE MUST-HAVE Our autumn wonder – the faux fur collar.

FURLA RRP £510/ OUTLET £255

JIGSAW RRP £695 / OUTLET £485

FRENCH CONNECTION RRP £69 OUTLET £39

EVENTS 4-6 NOVEMBER VIP Shopping Save an extra 20% on outlet prices.

9 NOVEMBER Tree Lighting 7.30 pm MORE TO LOVE

cheshireoaksdesigneroutlet.com

REISS RRP £125/ OUTLET £83

KAREN MILLEN RRP £235/ OUTLET £155

Take your pick from Joules, Coach,Ted Baker and many more.

Smith & Sinclair

The Pâté and Wine Company You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into a quaint French deli when confronted with The Pâté and Wine Company’s delicious fare, but you’d be wrong. Based in Macclesfield, the company is famed for producing some of the best homemade pâtés around, each one created from their own secret recipes, a mouth-watering list which includes spiced red lentil pâté, stilton and stout pâté, and a luxurious duck and Hunter Gin parfait.

Their website also features a helpful blog with tips on serving their produce in interesting new ways, including adding pâté to omelettes or scrambled egg, dicing it up and tossing it with a salad, and topping joints of meat with a slice to add to its flavour. (thepateandwinecompany.co.uk)

Think you can’t eat alcohol? Well think again.

This pioneering brand has been making enormous waves of late, thanks to a frankly genius invention. Founded by Melanie Goldsmith and Emile Bernard, the idea came about while the pair were running a series of date nights, during which they provided pastille-like sweets with a high alcohol content in order to stir up conversation. The sweets were a runaway success and, just one year later, are sold in Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. Just six sweets are the equivalent of a large glass of wine, and they come in all the nicest flavours, from G&T to Long Island Iced Tea. In this case, they’re actually based in London rather than Cheshire – but we thought a revelation of this magnitude earned it a place in our ranking nonetheless. (smithandsinclair.co.uk)

I Can’t Believe It’s British And not only British, but made in Cheshire no less! These wonderful examples of exotic, continental and nationallyrenowned produce are being made right on our very doorstep – so, keen to support local producers, Gemma Knight scours the countryside for the best our county has to offer

Time for Sweetpea Macarons might just be the prettiest sweet treat to come out of the institution that is the French patisserie – but, thanks to a recent renaissance, you no longer have to hop the next Eurostar to get your hands on the real deal. In fact, now we’ve discovered Time for Sweetpea – based in Northwich – you don’t even have to leave the county. Using locally (and ethically) sourced ingredients, these regular stallholders at The Treacle Market in Macclesfield and Rode Hall Farmers’ Market also offer a bespoke cake service and vintage crockery hire – and macaron wedding cakes, which we could not be bigger fans of. (07894 760159)

24

Carslake Tea While teabags are as English as roast beef, loose leaf teas still conjure up romantic images of the orient for most lovers of a good brew. Steadily growing in popularity, we’re lucky enough to have one of the UK’s finest brands right here in Cheshire, producing a range of quirky and unusual loose leaf teas.

Established in 2014, The Carslake Tea Co. is an independent family business based in Buckley, started out of concern that quality whole-leaf teas were not readily available in reasonable quantities and at a good price. Their range includes herbal infusions, green teas, black teas, white teas and flavoured teas, sourced from some of the finest blenders and tea brokers in the UK and sold at countless farmers markets, food festivals and Christmas fayres. (carslaketea.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

Alco Olives Olives are more commonly associated with sun-dappled Mediterranean villages than with Cheshire – but who’s to say that a British twist can’t make these popular nibbles even better? Warrington-based Alco-Olives imports the finest olives from Greece, then infuses them with premium brands of alcohol, creating a unique product that includes flavours such as whiskey & spice and classic martini. As the world’s first commercially-available alcohol infused olives, it’s the perfect way to spice up your party food. (alco-olives.co.uk)

Cheshire Chutney With a history on the Indian subcontinent dating back to 500BC, surely the last place you’d expect to find good chutney is in Ellesmere Port?

But find it you can, thanks to The Cheshire Chutney Co, founded in 2011 by Nick and Jill after customers at their café began asking to buy the handmade chutney used on the menu. Nick took to the kitchen to produce a range for sale, and the company was born – with the contents of every jar still handmade in their kitchen. (cheshirechutney.co.uk)

Jane’s Handmade Bread

Seville Orange Aperol Marmalade Marmalade is rightly considered one of the longstanding pillars of the British breakfast – but there’s certainly nothing English about Aperol.

Nevertheless, the much-loved (and Marmalade Awards 2016 double-gold-winning) Seville Orange Aperol Marmalade from The Artisan Kitchen brings a little of Italy into the homes of its devoted following, with a sweet tang and perfectly balanced flavour. Their other marmalades are pretty spectacular and unique too – including moonshine, espresso and Sicilian grappa – but the Aperol variety is our personal favourite. Oh, and did we mention it’s been named The World’s Best Marmalade for 2016? (theartisankitchen.co.uk)

Lovingly hand-crafted in small batches by Jane Tomlin in her Hoole Village kitchen, Jane’s Handmade Bread is one of the county’s biggest artisan success stories. Established when she returned to Cheshire after a stint living in North Wales to discover that many of her friends had left the area, Jane was keen to find a way to meet new people and began baking bread. Using only organic flours and British ingredients, she now makes more than 20 varieties of loaves, flat breads, rolls and tea cakes, selling them at various farmers’ markets – including the Chester Indoor Market and Cheshire Local Producers’ Market – as well as several shops and cafés. You can also order them online and pick them up from her home, if you fancy meeting the lady herself. (janeshandmadebread.co.uk)

Great North Pie Company This artisan pie maker has become one of the standout producers in the north. Based in Wilmslow, founder Neil Broomfield, a former Manchester policeman, wanted to create the perfect pie, using custom-made pie tins (exactly three-fingers deep for the ideal ‘mouthful’), an all-butter pastry recipe and a traditional, straightsided Scotch pie shape. Since then, Neil has won five categories at the British Pie Awards and North West Fine Food Producer of the Year – so he’s certainly doing something right. (greatnorthpie.co) 25

Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Burt’s Blue Cheese While Cheshire has a proud heritage of making blue cheese, this creamy, salty treat is still often more closely associated with French villages and crusty baguettes.

Following a resurgence in its local production, cheesemaker Claire Burt founded Burt’s Blue in 2009, a company creating ‘approachable’ semi-soft blue cheeses, including the Drunken Burt (washed in cider), Burt’s Divine (wrapped in vine leaves) and the classic Burt’s Blue (£30 for 750g of each, all handmade using local pasteurised milk). Claire’s cheeses are loved throughout the north west – even winning gold at the 2010 Nantwich Cheese Awards. (burtscheese.co.uk)

Hunter’s Gin This one might come as less of a surprise – but still, having one of the country’s finest single batch gins being distilled just down the road (in Knutsford) is – and should be – a great source of Cheshire pride.

Made on an adaptation of a 300-year-old recipe, Hunter’s Cheshire Gin is created with natural botanicals such as juniper berry, citrus peel and coriander seeds and apples sourced from the company founder’s orchard and the Norton Priory Gardens in Runcorn (the exact recipe is a secret).

Hunter’s is now stocked in some of Cheshire’s finest pubs, bars and restaurants, as well as being sold in various local farm shops and delis, and specialist alcohol shops all over the country (including Booths, Harvey Nichol’s Manchester, The Vineyard and Whitmore & White). We like it best in a gin and tonic with fresh coriander and lime peel to complement the lemon notes. (huntersgin.com)

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Mafeking Biltong Biltong – for those not aware – is a dry, cured meat popular in South Africa, similar to jerky but thicker and unsmoked. It’s not always easy to find over here, so thank goodness for Macclesfield-based Mafeking Biltong, a company established 5 years ago by friends Ian (whose wife grew up in Johannesburg) and Giles, and their incredibly moreish Captain Long’s British Beef Biltong. Named after a Boer War commander, their biltong is made from the finest Cheshire beef, reared and produced in Lower Peover and sold at farmers’ markets and on their website. And if biltong isn’t your thing, the company also makes apricot and fig chutney, chorizo, pavé and salami. (mafekingbiltong.co.uk)

Mornflake Mornflake have been milling oats since 1675, making them the longest established miller of oats and cereal in Britain – and where are they based? Why, right here in Cheshire. Established by William Lea at Swettenham Mill (now a Grade II-listed building close to Holmes Chapel), before moving to Gresty Road in Crewe, the company has remained in the Lea family for 15 generations. The increasing popularity of oats – due to their health benefits and versatility in cooking – has made Mornflake a firm favourite, with foodies from across the country flocking to the Mornflake Mill Kitchen to create exciting new oat cuisine every month, continuing the company’s legacy as one of Cheshire’s most successful heritage brands. (mornflake.com)

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Rosso RossoisisManchester’s Manchester’s destination destinationrestaurant. restaurant.

The The finest finest food, food, iconic iconic wines wines and and luxurious luxurious cocktails cocktails thethe city city hashas toto offer, offer, not not toto mention mention anan unforgettable unforgettable and and unique unique ambience. ambience.

Rosso Rosso simply simply must must bebe experienced. experienced.

The Impossible Dream In this extract from The Impossible Collection of Wine, the newest addition to the Assouline Ultimate Collection, Enrico Bernardo, the world’s best sommelier, imagines the perfect cellar filled with the most exceptional wines of the twentieth century

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

I

t is both an honor and a pleasure to be able to write this book about the wines that have left their mark on my life as a sommelier, in a career that has lasted now for more than twenty years. Wine for me is about sharing, about taste, about memorable moments. When I was a child, after I had finished with my classes, after-school athletics, and homework, I used to seek refuge in my mother’s kitchen, a cocoon suffused with welcoming aromas – promises of joining together and sharing the sensual pleasures that intoxicated the grownup palate. I remember sitting around our joyous family table laden with dishes as delicious as they were abundant, a table at which neighbors and friends were always

“Wine for me is a way of life: It offers access to a deep and intimate relationship between the self and the mystery of the unknown” welcome. It was in that kitchen, where my mother toiled away at her chores, that I received my initiation: From the age of six, I watched her at work, tasting the dishes, smelling the ingredients, engraving in my memory forever the names of the spices and aromatic herbs. I was a born “nose”, sniffing everything: By age seven, oregano, basil, cumin, coriander, saffron, lemons, and tomatoes held no more secrets. Beyond doubt, for me it all started then and there.

Nonetheless, I would never have imagined that someday I would be named the best sommelier in Italy, then in Europe, and finally in the whole world!

Wine for me is a way of life: It offers access to a deep and intimate relationship between the self and the mystery of the unknown, the doubt, the magic of strong emotion, and the memory wreathed around each glass. I will never forget my first blind tasting, my first visit to a vineyard, my first formal class, and of

course the first tear I ever shed thanks to a bottle of wine – a 1978 Montrachet from the Romanée-Conti estate.

There is much more to wine than taste and aroma: Wine is an infinite world of surprises – it is one of smiles, sharing, generosity, joy.

Above all, wine accompanies and even provides some of life’s defining moments. Sensitivity, a good memory, and modesty are the essential qualities needed to truly live wine – and I remain convinced that we have to live wine as much as we live life. And so a wine invites us, without prejudgment or snobbery, to pause for a few moments to breathe, clear the mind, observe its color closely, inhale its bouquet, and, finally, savor its taste.

This book is a homage to all such extraordinary moments, each made unique by the beauty of the wines presented here – by their phenomenal complexity, their rarity, their multifaceted life so rich and luminous – and also to the people who, together with me, have shared these nectars that seem blessed by the gods themselves.

1924 Bollinger Champagne, France I sampled Bollinger’s splendid 1924 champagne at a historic tasting during which I was also given the chance to admire the exceptionally successful aging of the 1830 and 1914, to admire the splendor of the old French vines planted circa 1969, and to enjoy an astonishing still red wine, the 1928 Bouzy – a sheer marvel.

The 1924 vintage, which was not disgorged until 1969, is a blend of sixteen crus, principally Aÿ, Bouzy, Venteuil, Le Mesnil-sur-Oger, and Verzenay. The color is magnificent, a brilliant, luminous golden yellow. The bouquet is very noble and expresses a profound classicism – mineral, with notes of white pepper, candied lemon zest, chalk, and wood mushrooms. In the mouth, the wine is satisfying and well balanced.

It is impressive to witness the energy of this vintage, still so full of freshness.

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Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine

1978 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA

Right: Casing for champagne to be shipped to Great Britain, 1928 © Krug Archives below: A bottle of Château Lafite Rothschild © Harald Gottschalk

Chateau Montelena is one of the Californian estates that produces wines closest to European styles. Among the oldest wineries operating in the Napa Valley, Montelena experienced a renaissance in the 1970s and was lauded for its 1973 chardonnay at the Paris Wine Tasting.

This 1978 Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery’s first estate bottling, was timed to celebrate Montelena’s centennial. Today, the wine is a sheer joy to drink, with a garnet color and a nose that offers notes of forest floor, blueberry, sage, burnt earth, and dark fruit jam. In the mouth, the wine shows refined, mature tannins, while the finish reveals very pleasant forest notes, such as porcini mushroom. Pair with confit of lamb shoulder.

1997 Marcassin Vineyards Estate Chardonnay, Sonoma, California, USA This tiny boutique winery in Sonoma, whose vineyards are planted with almost equal quantities of chardonnay and pinot noir, owes the success of its extraordinary vintages to winemaker Helen Turley and her husband, John Wetlaufer. Marcassin’s 1997 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay represents a perfect equilibrium of finesse, elegance, and power, and is among the Californian white wines with the greatest potential for aging. The wine displays a golden hue, and its intense, wideopen bouquet offers notes of apricot, papaya, fresh butter, and orange. In the mouth, the wine is ample and broad: spellbinding. It is an ideal match for roasted spiny lobster.

The Impossible Collection of Wine: The 100 Most Exceptional Vintages of the Twentieth Century by Enrico Bernardo, foreword by Michael Broadbent (also available in French), published by Assouline, £550 ($845) Available from November 2016, Maison Assouline, 196A Piccadilly London W1J 9DY (assouline.com)

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CHRISTM AS AT THE SECOND FLOOR ‘Tis the season to celebrate, make sure you do it in style

THREE COURSES £30 12 midday – 5pm

T H R E E CO U RS ES A N D A CO C K TA I L £ 3 0 5pm – 10pm Available from Friday 18 November To book, call the Second Floor Brasserie on 0161 828 8898 or visit harveynichols.com/christmasdining

Enjoy a Traditional Grosvenor Afternoon Tea for just £25 per person when you visit throughout November 2016 (usually £32 per person)

The Chester Grosvenor Eastgate Chester CH1 1LT 01244 324 024 Restaurants@ChesterGrosvenor.com Offer must be booked in advance via telephone, quoting “Autumn Offer”. Maximum party size of 4 people per booking. Offer redeemable against Traditional Grosvenor Afternoon Tea only, Monday to Wednesday from 1st to 30th November 2016 and is not available for use with any other discount or gift voucher. A discretionary 12% service charge is added to all bills.

The Arkle Bar and Lounge is not suitable for children under the age of 12 years. Subject to availability.

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29/09/2016 17:38:47

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

Local scene Our social pages this month are filled with style, sport and superb events

Two Million Eaton Hall, Chester The Babygrow Appeal recently held their annual Ladies’ Lunch at the magnificent Eaton Hall. This year’s event, sponsored by Investec Wealth Management, Horseradish and Slater and Gordon, celebrated reaching the £2m milestone. Ladies enjoyed champagne in the magnificent grounds and then lunched in the Wolf Room, where they were then entertained by Babygrow Appeal patron and BBC Breakfast news presenter Louise Minchin.

The event raised nearly £5,000 for the appeal. (coch.nhs.uk)

Networking News Victor’s, Hale Victor’s Eatery in Hale played host to the monthly networking evening held in association with Hale-based marketing, PR and events company, Marketing Profile. Guests were treated to drinks and canapés from the fabulous sushi bar, as general manager of Victor’s, Henry Tonks – a restaurant legend who has come home and wants to share all he’s seen and eaten – spoke about the concept of his restaurant. (victorshale.co.uk)

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A Night at the Opera Opera Grill, Chester Cheshire’s foodies were out in force at the exclusive Black Card holders’ launch of the brand new Opera Grill last month. The latest offering from Individual Restaurants promises to add a new perspective to the Chester restaurant scene, with a 400-seater restaurant, live music lounge and fabulous south-facing roof terrace – needless to say, guests were definitely impressed.

Welcomed by local talent, Seb Morris, alongside his racing Bentley GT and speed painter, Dave Sharp, there was quite a stir on Pepper Street as the car, then the art, captured the imagination of guests and passers-by.

Once inside, the £3m investment into the former Methodist chapel and subsequent garage was clear. Designed by Bernard Carroll,

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

“It’s exciting to open restaurants in our heartland, and our loyal guests are in for a treat.

Opera Grill promises to deliver amazing food and drink mixed with great live entertainment.”

– Steven Walker, founder of Individual Restaurants

the interior takes on industrial charm with a touch of opulence, with exposed brick and plaster, polished concrete floors and Hermès -inspired orange leather furniture.

Guests were whisked to the first floor Gallery Restaurant, complete with stage and live music lounge, for the calendar of entertainment planned, including international DJs, live house band The Collective and a gospel choir.

Here, with soulful Collective performer Kiera Weathers setting the scene, cocktails flowed and bite-size samples from the menu circulated to tempt the tastebuds before guests wandered through to the terrace or back downstairs to sample the full menu. (individualrestaurants.com)

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Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Pets on the Hill Kelsall Equestrian Centre, Tarporley Animals of all shapes, sizes and species were the special guests at a weekend family event which celebrated the region’s much-loved pets.

Pets on the Hill, run by Willows Veterinary Group, welcomed visitors and their many four-legged companions to enjoy a range of pet-inspired activities and displays, from pony rides and have-a-go agility, to ferret racing and a dog show. (willowsvetgroup.co.uk)

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The Roebuck Inn is a beautiful

Grade II listed inn dating back to the early 1700’s, located in the heart of Mobberley village, near Knutsford. Recently it has been wonderfully restored into a ‘rustic country inn’ with six boutique bedrooms, intimate bar and bistro and tiered gardens and terraces.

The Bistro welcomes guests for relaxed drinks, offering a nostalgic drinks list and a menu brimming with bistro classics.

One can also enjoy brunch every Sunday from 10.30am

THE BEDROOMS …..

The rooms at the Roebuck Inn offer great comfort, with that little bit of luxury needed when one escapes to the country. Natural wood sits alongside leather and plaid while free standing baths, open fires and antique French beds make each bedroom truly special and individual.

Explore www.roebuckinnmobberley.co.uk The Roebuck Inn, Mill Lane, Mobberley, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 7HX

Telephone: 01565 873939 Email: info@roebuckinnmobberley.co.uk Twitter: @RoebuckInnMobb

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

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

A dirty mind Food is not what’s making you fat, your mind is.

Specifically your dirty thoughts. Melissa Porter explains

T

he dirty mind, as defined by the urban dictionary: ‘Prone to seeing the kinky aspect of everything...’ This may be relevant for the Killing Kittens clique, but I’m referencing for you, a mind set vs. sexual orientation. My version of a dirty mind, for the purpose of this article, is a mind filled with unchallenged, learned, limiting beliefs and thoughts that no longer serve your current values, dreams, goals and plans.

A cluttered mind filled with other people’s fear-filled stories you’ve long ago chosen as your truths. Piled with stinky unresolved shame and guilt, this type of mind is the home of negative inner dialogue (the ‘I should’ and ‘I can’t’ tribe). An added burden to the stench from the thoughts, beliefs and stories of this filthy-minded group of humans, is their related choices and behaviour. Prone to picking inappropriate partners, people pleasing in order to avoid confrontation, over-eating, body shaming, having affairs and playing small in life. This type of behaviour is characteristic of the victim. The dirty-minded version.

The clean mind is our ultimate way of being and preference. This tribe is characterised as the victor and seeks fulfilment via a passionate way of being. Their clean mind contains a freshly laundered selection of beliefs and stories that serve them via a love-inspired filter from which their powerful choices and intentional behaviour are born. This sparkly, clean-thinking tribe have ejected any learned and limiting beliefs such as ‘I can’t’ and ‘I should’ and replaced them with new beliefs designed to help them stretch and grow emotionally, spiritually and financially.

‘I can’ and a deep understanding of their ‘why’, are drivers for their intentional

behaviour. With a clean mind, regardless of shape, size or weight, they feel grateful and loving as self worth and esteem are always linked to being loving, accepting and kind.

This tribe intuitively knows what they feel like eating and exactly the amount to satisfy themselves without over filling. They make good food choices that serve to feed and nourish their soul and positive inner dialogue.

They’re energised by the nutritious food they feed themselves. Why? Because this cleanminded tribe holds a belief that they deserve the best of a wonderful life.

Remember, if you are seeking happiness (it starts with a clean mind), looking for it via diets, plastic surgery, handbags and shoes is like trying to satisfy hunger by taping sandwiches to your body.

Melissa is a professional, certified transformational life coach (melissaportercoach.com)

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Anything’s The new Lord Mayor of Manchester is setting some new rules. Louisa Castle meets him to find out more

Possible

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I

first met our current Lord Mayor on the eve of his appointment earlier this year. We were chatting about events, life and the weather with my husband, his husband and some mutual friends. Later, at a charity event we were both attending, he decked in deputy mayoral chains at the time, we picked up where we’d left off. A considered conversation about charity.

My husband pulled me to one side. “You never told me that was the Lord Mayor.” And that is the first thing of note with Councillor Carl Austin-Behan, The Lord Mayor of the city of Manchester. At the age of 44, he is the youngest Lord Mayor; he is also the first openly gay Lord Mayor. In addition, he is a businessman, fund-raiser, ambassador and known for being loyal to his friends.

“I know it sounds cliché, but I want to make a difference. My role as Manchester's first citizen is to promote the city in the best possible way at official engagements and to welcome visiting dignitaries. To do this, the Lord Mayor needs to engage and connect with all community groups and organisations across this amazing city.”

In just three months he has attended over 350 events, from the Queen's garden party to the local fun day. And by attend I actually mean attend, not just the grip-and-grin photo call and on to the next. He's set up Twitter accounts for the Lord Mayor's office, had official t-shirts made-up with the mayoral chains on so he can participate in the more adventurous events he is invited to (a zip-wire is mentioned), and even wore pink robes at this year's Pride.

His aim is to be accessible. “It's amazing that people still come up to me and say they didn't know that there was a Lord Mayor or that, at the very least, they wouldn't have been able to name them. There will always be the traditions and the ceremonies, which play such a key role, but there is absolutely no reason why they can't go hand in hand with accessibility and availability."

Born in north Manchester and growing up in Crumpsall, Manchester is in his veins. It's as much a part of him as he now is a part of it. He has been a part of Greater Manchester Fire Service, the launch of the Metro newspaper in

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

Manchester, as well as a local business owner and elected to Manchester City Council as Labour Member for Burnage Ward in 2011.

"I'm so proud to be in Manchester. It's a city which doesn't let things hold it back or down.

It always comes back, stronger. I love looking out of the window [here at the Town Hall] and seeing the cranes busy making it even better.

It has everything."

“I believe that anything’s possible.

I never thought I was clever enough to be a Councillor, let alone Lord Mayor” This sentiment of not being held back is one which resonates with Carl's story, too. After leaving school at the age of 16, he joined the Royal Air Force as a firefighter. During his time he was awarded the Good Show Award for Bravery, The Royal Humane Society Award for rescuing a pilot from a burning Hawk aircraft, and was mentioned in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 1996.

The following year he was dismissed from the RAF as his sexuality was deemed 'incompatible with service life'. He tells me this without a scrap of bitterness and with pride that he has since been consulted by the forces on this very matter.

This brought him back to Manchester, the fire service and roles previously mentioned, not least going forward as a Councillor as he was “fed up of complaining about little things, so decided to do something about it.

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“I believe that anything's possible. I never thought I was clever enough to be a councillor, let alone Lord Mayor. But circumstances and opportunities arose and I just made the decisions to take them. And this is the route they have given me.

“After leaving the Fire Service in 1999 and setting up OZ Promotions with my business partner Dale Vicker, many business connections were made as we were part of the team which set up the Manchester-based Metro. Living in the city I identified the business need to set up VA Clean, again with Dale, who’s support is invaluable and allows me to do what I am doing now.”

What's his secret? The drive that has got him to this point? He is a little embarrassed when I ask this. “Never underestimate yourself. Believe in yourself and your abilities. Surround yourself with people who believe in you too. And if you're true to yourself, you can't go wrong.”

The Lord Mayor's Consort is his husband, Simon Austin-Behan. They have been together for over twelve years and married last year. He works as Command and Control Officer for Greater Manchester Police and, from the little time I have spent with them both, it is evident that he is an incredibly supportive partner and friend, and extremely proud to be on this journey with Carl.

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Plus there's the couple's maltipoo dogs, Scrappy and Oleg, who have been known to accompany them to the Lord Mayor's apartments in the Town Hall. “They love it here. And, fortunately, Sir Howard [Bernstein] was quite happy to meet them, too.”

The Lord Mayor role lasts for just one year.

What legacy would he like to leave? “I want to get rid of the stereotype Lord Mayor people have in their heads, make it more accessible and celebratory.

“I am passionate about promoting the achievements and contributions the city's LGBT community brings to Manchester. I also want to educate people on transgender issues, HIV and AIDS. There's still so much stigma around even talking about these things. If we talk, we listen and understand. We're planning quite a few things around World Aids Day [1 December 2016] so watch this space...”

Returning to one of my first conversations with the Lord Mayor (we were discussing charity and fundraising), I note both Simon and Carl work hard for charity, raising money for children, people living with HIV and, more recently, the Alzheimer's Society. “Simon's grandmother passed away with dementia a few years ago so it's close to our hearts. It touches everyone's life. Ten years ago it wasn't recognised as a disease; now it is, so we want to raise awareness amongst everyone to identify the signs and help those who suffer from it.” Earlier this year Carl ran the UK Fast We Love MCR 10K as Lord Mayor and will be taking part in many events this year working for The Lord Mayor’s Charity - We Love Manchester.

And the future? He laughs. “There's another eight months as Lord Mayor. And we're currently going through the adoption process to add to our family. But after that you never know what opportunities may crop up!"

There's lots more to come from The Lord Mayor of the City of Manchester, Councillor Carl Austin-Behan, of that I am certain. Watch this space... (manchester.gov.uk; worldaidsday.org; welovemcrcharity.org: @CarlAustinBehan @LordMayorOfMcr)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

“I am passionate about promoting the achievements and contributions the city’s LGBT community brings to Manchester”

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under

orders John Timpson takes a break from his straight-talking management books in his latest writings, instead cataloguing his journey, with wife, Alex, into racehorse ownership. He shares some of his tales with Louisa Castle

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

M

r. John Timpson is a gentleman who’s been on my interview wish-list since I joined The Cheshire Magazine team three years ago.

My background is in writing for management consultancy, the theories and the hype and the new 'new' ways to do things. It wasn't for me.

Having absorbed the words I was writing, I always questioned if the art of management and success in business didn't really just have good oldfashioned common sense at its heart. After all I had heard and read, I was looking forward to meeting John Timpson at his home in Tarporley.

With a perfect English country garden as our backdrop, and coffee in hand, I begin. I am here to interview Mr Timpson about his latest book, and it’s not about business – well not the eponymous high street business we would all recognise. It’s about the business, pleasure and trials and tribulations of being a race-horse owner’s husband and making his wife's dreams come true; hence the title Under Orders: The Diary of a Racehorse Owner's Husband.

“There’s an old adage that if you want to make a small fortune, you need to start with a large one. It applies to the stock market, but I have also discovered it is the case with horse racing!

It’s an expensive hobby.”

Indeed the book begins: “It’s amazing how many astute businessmen abandon common sense and invest in a football club. I would never fall for such a foolish trap. My football investment has been limited to three season tickets and the 1,000 Manchester City shares I

gave Alex for Christmas in 1998. She liked the shares, but really wanted the racehorse she had coveted for 20 years.”

Alex is John Timpson’s wife who passed away peacefully at the start of the year, following a battle with cancer. “Under Orders may have been a better title for the book, but it’s already been done. Not only does it describe the start of the race but perfectly describes the relationship with my wife. She was the driving force in business, home and with this.

“Alex’s passion started at an early age when she was indulged by her uncle, who was clerk of the course at Aintree, and it stuck with her. I bought her a greyhound thinking I could satisfy the passion. He won at Bellevue, so it was a promising start. I then changed his name to While You Wait, thinking of being able to promote the business, too. Then he went lame.

“Not too long passed until we won a VIP day out at Uttoxeter. It was a real behind-thescenes day – we went into the jockeys’ changing room, stood on the starting line – that put the pressure on a bit.

“Alex sensed an open door and I found myself ringing a trainer and stupidly saying ‘Would you help?’ and within a few weeks we’d visited the yard, bought Transatlantic (a grey), and chosen

“Alex always did things her way.

She wasn’t really interested in rules. Only enjoyed breaking them to make things happen” her racing colours – City blue and white. I was officially a racehorse owner’s husband.”

And that is where the story begins. Asked by a friend’s daughter to write a short column for her website, John Timpson catalogued his journeys through the eyes of an owner. His book is a collation of his and Alex’s tales and experiences.

Friends have labelled it as a bit of a love story too.

I am two-thirds of the way through How to Make a Small Fortune at the time of writing. It is gentle,

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Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

warm and easy-to-read. It explains to an absolute novice (me) a world of ante-posts and Rule 4s without labouring the point. And offers a snapshot of life shared with a racehorse owner – as well as stories from Alex and John's life together, from campaigning with their son Edward Timpson MP to gain re-election, to a geriatric gap year in New Zealand and the compromise of watching the 2.10 at Uttoxeter or City at The Etihad.

“I wanted to make it something everyone could read and get something out of,” John says. “It’s a beginner’s guide to lessons learned, strange terms, expectations managed and even a few of our embarrassing statistics. I get a buzz out of writing. When I first started, I spoke into a dictaphone, but now I tap away on the computer – one-fingered stuff, mind you!”

John’s latest How to… book aims to get the school system thinking more about the care of adoptive children.

“As foster carers and adoptive parents, Alex and I were always grateful for the help we got from teachers and the support staff at our children's schools. We found the more they knew and understood, then the more we could help and the better chance we could give them.

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“Alex always did things her way. She wasn’t really interested in rules. Only enjoyed breaking them to make things happen. She was a strong character and big influence on so many people.

A nursery nurse, she knew all the names of all the children we ever met.

“She would have been amazed, though, to know the difference she has made. It just goes to show her example lives on.”

The Timpson business is run by eldest son James, but John still plays a key role. “I know all our shops and can tell you their history. And I visit over 800 stores each year. Luckily, James and I work really well together. He’s very much like his mum. " No sign of retiring then? “What a ghastly idea.

Retiring and the idea of nothing but playing golf fills me with horror!”

It is fair to say, then, that there is much more to come from John Timpson. My time with the proud, approachable businessman has flown by, we both have places to be, and it was just as we started to discuss the prospects of City this season.

We both have high hopes.

Under Orders - The Diary of a Racehorse Owner's Husband is published by Icon Books, £14.99, out October 2016. Sales from the book will be donated to the Injured Jockeys’ Fund.

‘I WILL HONOUR CHRISTMAS IN MY HEART AND TRY & KEEP IT ALL THE YEAR’ Charles Dickens

TO BOOK OUR CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AT RESTAURANT 1539 PLEASE CALL 01244 304 611

01244 304 611 RESTAURANT1539.CO.UK

THE RACECOURSE, CHESTER, CH1 2LY

Promotion | The CHESHIRE Magazine

A Bowl of Comfort As the autumn mornings grow darker and chillier, what better way to warm them up than with a creamy bowl of porridge? Start your day with this delicious and simple recipe created by Cheshire family millers, Mornflake, and foodie writer, Helen Best-Shaw

Mornflake Organic Oats Autumn Porridge with figs and pecans A classic quick-cook porridge – with a pinch of spice – topped with figs, pecans and seeds

Ingredients (SERVES 2)   

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80g Mornflake Organic Oats 290ml water 280ml semi-skimmed milk, or plant milk of your choice Pinch of ground cinnamon or baking spice blend One fig (sliced) 1 tbs pecan halves 1 tbs mixed seeds

To Prepare 1) Start by adding the water, milk and oats to a saucepan.

2) Bring it to the boil and simmer for one minute, then stir in the spice.

3) Take the saucepan off the heat and let it stand for one minute before serving.

4) Arrange the figs, pecans and seeds on top, before adding another pinch of spice and a drizzle of milk. Enjoy!

Mornflake Organic Oats are available in Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Waitrose, Ocado and direct from mornflake.com. For more recipe inspirations visit the website and follow @mornflake on Instagram

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

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Our writers have been scouring the region to bring you some of the latest and greatest eating establishments we have right on our doorstep... it’s a hard life but someone’s gotta do it

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The Lawns Restaurant, Thornton Hall Hotel

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LUNCH WITH THE GIRLS

Couple fabulous food and decadent surroundings, and you've got the perfect place to get away from it with your loved one. Head chef, Ben Mounsey and his team will take you on an exciting culinary journey using some of the very best local ingredients and the latest innovations.

Try the tasting menu if you can't decide! (thorntonhallhotel.com)

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Piste, Tarporley With a new autumn menu just launched, we love the relaxed dining and great atmosphere of Piste. Intimate and stylish it’s a great spot to catch up with friends for lunch – the nibbles, light bites and sharing boards are perfect accompaniments to tales being told – we’ve yet to sample the Fondue! (pistetarporley.com)

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HEALTH KICK

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Innside by Melia, Manchester Modern, sleek and European, Innside’s Street on First has made a name for itself as a social centre for work and leisure. Whilst we love the contemporary Spanish dishes, we recently discovered their healthy lunch options with fresh salads – great to eat in or takeaway. (melia.com)

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Opera Grill, Chester

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LUNCH WITH THE GUYS

The newest addition to Chester, Opera offers its own music lounge with in-house band The Collective performing classic to contemporary covers each week, plus international DJs and a Gospel choir on Sundays. One to try, if you haven’t already. The food is great, too. (whatsonatoperagrill.com)

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Rosso, Manchester Open for seven years, Rosso has stood the test of time in an ever-changing Manchester restaurant scene. A favourite of our resident foodie, he loves the bustle, the seasonal menus and the wine cellar, not to mention picking the brains of the knowledgeable staff. It’s a great spot for business or pleasure and we hope to still be talking about it in another seven years. (rossorestaurants.com)

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MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

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BRITISH FAVORITES

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Podium, Hilton Deansgate In the shadow of the iconic Cloud 23, Podium offers an amazing seven-course taster menu, thanks to executive chef, Stuart Duff and his team. Taking locally sourced, seasonal British produce (mostly from north of England, Scotland and our British coast line) the team manages to match innovation with informality perfectly. (hilton.com)

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Liquor & Co, Chester One of our hidden gems, Liquor & Co can be intimate or fun-fuelled. Quiet drinks after work or party with the gang: the setting and the drinks are something special.

We’re not sure how they do it, but it works, plus they’ve a fabulous secret that they may just share with you... (liquorandcochester.com)

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

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TOP FOR CHRISTMAS PARTIES

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As the office Christmas party looms, here’s our top venues for your consideration

Tattu, Manchester Tattu is an extraordinary venue on the best of days but Christmas at Tattu promises a host of experiences to be shared with colleagues, clients, friends and family. There’s cocktails and threecourse menus and festive specials like king crab dumpling, salt-and-pepper lobster and caramel soy fillet of beef. If you’re looking for a beautiful alternative, then look no further. (tattu.co.uk)

1539, Chester Racecourse The philosophy at 1539 is simple: all of the elegant dishes are created using only fresh, carefully sourced, seasonal ingredients, and Christmas is no exception. From succulent butter roasted Cheshire turkey, to winter fruits bursting with colour and flavour, Christmas at Restaurant 1539 is a tasty affair. Plus, the roof will be open throughout December for drinks: ideal for adding a touch of sparkle to your celebration. (restaurant1539.co.uk/christmas)

Cottons, Knutsford Winter Wonderland comes to Cheshire this year as Cottons welcomes snow white trees and twinkling lights, taking chestnuts roasting on an open fire to a whole new level! There’s party nights, Bublé, Barlow and Bauble nights and good old-fashioned disco, not to mention our favourite Gin garden to make the most of. What’s more you can get pre-party ready at the spa and treat yourself the morning after. (shirehotels.co.uk/cottons)

Chester Town Hall And if it’s tradition you want, this unique venue in the heart of Chester makes for a great setting to wow your guests this Christmas. Festive evenings at the Town Hall include a reception drink on arrival, three-course set menu, drinks package and band and disco to get you dancing! (horseradish-christmas.com)

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NOT TO BE MISSED

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Michelin-starred eateries Simon Rogan tops the northwest list with the two-starred L’Enclume in Cumbria offering delicious tasting menus and rooms to stay. But we also have five one-star establishments to discover: restaurant with rooms, Fischer’s at Baslow Hall; the relaxed approach of Marc Wilkinson’s Fraiche in Oxton; the long-standing excellence of Northcote; the elegant Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor and The Samling, with its highly anticipated new restaurant this autumn.

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Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

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A Merry Christmas

Party

With Christmas Party season fast approaching, there is no need to panic if you haven’t yet booked your works Christmas do. Kate Park is on hand to help you to celebrate the season in style

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o share or not to share? That is the question when it comes to organising the office Christmas party. I'm of the thinking ‘not to share’. Why not have your very own office Christmas party? It gives companies the perfect opportunity to boost morale in the workplace by thanking employees in the right way for them and not just those who enjoy a disco! It’s not just the young contingent in the office that deserve the thank you for their work this year; let’s make all employees feel valued and rewarded. A private party for 40 guests can just be as eventful as a shared party for hundreds. You might just get to have a conversation with a colleague you’ve only ever said hello to in the corridor, or actually talk to someone about something other than work, for a change – either way, it’s a good investment to create a long term happy workplace.

Finding the perfect venue for your numbers is key. There are plenty of hidden gems in Manchester or Cheshire to suit any size group and they may surprisingly just have that date you’re after! Maybe even transform the office into a Christmas Grotto? Set your own dress-code, start time and duration; let’s make it personal.

Dessert stalls are a firm favourite this year; invite your guests to be seated to enjoy a stylish two-course dinner and then leave them to mix and mingle for delectable desserts, thus allowing them to socialise with everyone from earlier in the evening. Crepes or churros stalls create wonderful aromas and get the debate going on

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which topping to choose: Nutella, marshmallows or simply sugar and lemon – mmmm how do you decide? How about an impressive centre piece with a tower of bite-size desserts - although taking from the bottom is strictly forbidden!

Décor is key to creating a festive feeling and is sure to guarantee that everyone gets in the Christmas spirit. A traditional red and green themed room with luscious fresh red roses, candle light and Christmas trees packed with baubles and decorations has the right impact.

Or a white winter wonderland with falling snow flakes and icicle gobos moving across the walls, floors and ceiling – perfect lighting solutions to set the scene and reignite a childlike excitement for the season.

Then there's the music. From a good ole DJ to a silent disco, maybe live music in the background or a sing-a-long to Christmas favourites. Get it all just right for a magical, memorable evening, day, weekend, week… the world is your Champagne and oyster!

Kate Park is director of Kate Park Events (0161 905 2052; kateparkevents.co.uk)

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

Northern Pride

With a new concept opening in Liverpool next month, Louisa Castle speaks with James Hitchen to talk brands, barbecues and brand new opportunities

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eighbourhood, Spinningfields was the first success, shortly followed by Victor’s in Hale. We’re all familiar with the brands but what do they mean to the man behind them, James Hitchen?

“There's no better satisfaction than creating something that people keep coming back to,” he explains. “Yes, cash flow and profit are crucial to any business’s success, but you can’t beat a manager passing on great feedback.

“We're a young team: I'm 33 and my older brother, Guy, is 35, and we're the oldest in the management team; yet we have attracted some of the most savvy numbers guys in the country.”

James is referring to the investment, both by way of capital and mentorship, from private equity fund managers, NorthEdge, who invest in businesses which ‘have real ambition and the potential to shape the global markets from the north of England’.

“I am so proud of everyone involved,” James adds. “We're at the beginning of our journey, but our goal is to be one of the most successful restaurant groups in the UK, in terms of quality, standards and profit.”

After university, James took a role with Lidl, responsible for stores totalling £8m revenue.

But that wasn't enough, so he headed to the US. “I knew I wanted to start out on my own, but I wanted a new concept, so set off on a bit of a journey of discovery. I got a job as a barbecue pit boss – at the time I was one in only a handful

of people from the UK who were trained in a proper Southern smokehouse.”

This led to the Southern11 concept and to working with Mike Ingall of Allied (the owners of Spinningfields), and a look at the proposals for a new arm of Spinningfields, Avenue North.

“I begged him to give me the space.

Everyone said I was mad! But Allied are great supporters of grass roots and were all for it. We wanted a no-holds-barred, everyone-welcome, let your hair down, New York vibe. It was an immediate success.

“We then realised that lots of our clients were coming from south Manchester. Twelve months later came Victor’s: a suburban Neighbourhood with much more of a food focus, including the more recent sushi bar.”

I ask what drives him forward. “My time in America taught me that if you never try you never know. Don't get me wrong, you have to have the basics, but for us, as a young company, it's been about ignoring the naysayers and trusting in our own judgement.

“It's always about evolving and striving to be the best and better. I guess we’ll never be where we want, we will always be looking for that extra something.”

The next big thing for the group is the launch of Neighbourhood Liverpool in November, and I have a feeling that’s just the start. By the end of next year, the plan is for three further sites. (victorshale.co.uk; neighbourhoodrestaurant.co.uk)

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Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

TAY L O R TA L K S

The restaurateur speaks with Liz Taylor about flats, boxing and Robbie

Full English or protein bar – how does your day start?

Your Martini – shaken or stirred?

Shower, face on, do the washing and a cuppa.

Shaken – always.

Flats or heels – which shoe fits your style?

Jog, gym or couch potato – is exercise in your routine?

Flats generally, I’m rubbish in heels.

I choose to box at Bells Gym in Altrincham. It has an amazing, no-frills atmosphere with really lovely people, and the workout is incredible!

What’s top of your iPod list?

Robbie Williams.

Still star-struck after three years of touring with him.

You own Lime Bar (The Quays) with husband and amazing chef, David, but where would you choose to eat on ‘date night’?

Nobu, Park Lane. We’ve always had a laugh whenever we’ve eaten there. If we’re choosing closer to home: Manchester House: the music is great.

Who cooks at home?

Definitely David, not often enough though!

What’s the big food and drinks trend for 2017?

Sophisticated non-alcoholic drinks. I know health foods have been making a massive impact over the last few years; however there may be a slight nod towards extreme indulgences!

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What three things do you never go to work without?

Phone, laptop, car keys.

jo

VANDERHOOK “Top of my iPod list?

Robbie Williams. Still star struck after three years of touring with him”

You have big plans in the pipeline – tell me more...

We are opening a bar/restaurant in Altrincham on Greenwood Street opposite the markets – a development which we both think is the best thing that has happened to Altrincham in years. Its called The Con Club, named after the original building, Altrincham Working Men’s Conservative Club. There will be an open flame grill, a raw bar and micro-brewery. It will be casual dining adding to the cosmopolitan feel the area is developing. (limeuk.com; tlc-ltd.co.uk)

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With its unrivalled beauty and captivating charm, Nunsmere Hall Hotel is truly Captivating at Christmas time. Indulge in the magnificence of the grounds or relax in our lounge or luxurious guest rooms, each individually designed and beautifully appointed.

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Soak up the sights and smells – with Glühwein, Schnapps and roasted chestnuts on arrival – and snap a selfie with our fabulous wintery props.

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

For He’s a Jolly

Good Fellowes As veteran screenwriter Julian Fellowes gears up to start rehearsals of his brand new adaptation of Wind in the Willows, Natalie Anglesey finds out from the man himself just what goes into creating a classic

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F

ans of Kenneth Grahame’s beloved novel, The Wind in the Willows, which has captivated generations of readers for over a century, will be delighted to know it‘s been adapted as a stage musical production at The Lowry.

The book for this exciting new musical is written by Academy Award-winning screenwriter and Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, who first fell in love with this classic as a child.

“I had a maiden aunt who used to read it to me and, while I didn’t identify with just one character, I loved Mole because you could sympathise with him – although I suspect there was a bit of Toad in me, as there probably is in all of us. I never shared his passion for fast cars, though!

"This new adaptation has been such a joy to write, and we’ve pulled together a really marvellous array of extraordinary talent in casting the production. Comedian and actor Rufus Hound will star as that lovable menace Mr Toad, alongside the lovely Mole, who is played by Irish actor and singer Fra Fee, who appeared in the film of Les Miserables. Awardwinning actor David Birrell is Badger while Thomas Howe, who played William in Downton Abbey is Ratty, and EastEnders and Shrek star Neil McDermott is Chief Weasel.”

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Rufus is thrilled to be cast as Toad. “I used to listen to this story on audio books when I was growing up, so this is an incredibly special opportunity. Bringing these adventures to a brand new audience is almost as exciting as a gleaming new motorcar. Roll on rehearsals!

Poop poop!”

Written by Julian, in collaboration with Olivier Award-winning composer and lyricist duo George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, they’ve previously collaborated on a couple of successful shows. The first was the international hit musical, Mary Poppins, which ran for three years in the West End and six years on Broadway, as well as the new version of Half a Sixpence which won rave reviews recently at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

Julian explains how that collaboration works.

"I write the script and will make notes where I think music or a song would be appropriate, but we all three have an equal say in what stays and what goes. I’m not precious about changing the script if it’s not working and we all fight for what we think will benefit the production.”

Lyricist Anthony Drewe supports Julian’s work practice. “Our collaboration has worked successfully before and it shows how much we care when we do stand firm over what we think will make the show better. Sometimes it’s only in

previous page: Rufus Hound and Julian Fellowes (Credit Marc Brenner) left: Anthony Drewe, George Stiles and Julian Fellowes below: julian fellowes (credit marc brenner)

“You know it’s going to be a quality production and I’m just excited to be in it” rehearsal that we discover something we all thought was great just doesn’t work – so we have to be flexible about making changes.”

Julian is also quick to point out that the original idea for the show came from producer Jamie Hendry. “Jamie thought it was time to take a fresh look at such a popular classic, and I was delighted as I’d loved it as a child and had read it to my own son. In fact, I gave him a rather special copy of it and he loved it too – so it has wide generational appeal. He’s certainly

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

looking forward to seeing the finished product.”

Although its world premiere was in Plymouth, it comes straight from there to The Lowry. "It’s ages since I’ve been to the north,” Julian explains, “although I filmed there many years ago when I was an actor in Our Friends In the North. I remember we filmed a wedding in – I think – the Town Hall. It was all very grand – more like a royal wedding – and I recognised a few faces from Coronation Street. How did I know they were from The Street? Because I watch it, of course!"

As rehearsals begin, the cast is in fine form.

Thomas Howe, who plays Ratty, is suitably enthusiastic. “When I first got the role in Downton Abbey I was over the moon as it was such an incredible show to work on and the cast, particularly Maggie Smith, were all incredibly supportive. Now, with Julian Fellowes’ book, you know it’s going to be a quality production and I’m just excited to be in it. My parents will definitely be coming over from Yorkshire for the opening night.”

Neil McDermott who played Eastender’s villain Ryan Malloy is Chief Weasel. “They say the

baddies get all the best lines and I’m hoping that’s true in this case,” Neil chuckles. “I’ve some great songs to sing and, after Shrek, I can’t wait to see the costumes. I’ve a feeling it’s going to be fun!”

With such creative talent behind the scenes and on stage it’ll be interesting to see how the exuberant Mr Toad comes to life as his friends Ratty, Badger and Mole join him on adventures and misadventures caused by his insatiable need for speed. Featuring spectacular stagecraft and a company of over 50, this sparkling new musical, with an original score, will bring this treasured British classic to life.

“It’s a very gentle story about friendship,” explains Julian. “Most entertainment is about romantic love, whereas this book is about the love of friends – that, to me, is its appeal. I also liked the idea of adapting it for a new generation. I’ve no doubt our actors are going to have the time of their lives taking these memorable characters on the journey from page to stage. The audience will also have a lot of fun. But I also hope that, after the show, those not familiar with the book will get a copy and read it!”

The Wind in the Willows, The Lowry 27 October – 6 November 2016 (thelowry.com)

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

A Ghostly Hunt This Halloween, experience a serious ghost hunt at the historic – and haunted – Lyceum Theatre. Join the Haunted Houses team as they investigate five reported ghosts who are said to dwell in the Lyceum Theatre, using intriguing psychic and scientific methods. Will Charlie, the deceased stagehand, play some tricks? Will they meet the lonely ballerina, who is said to have ended her life alone in her dressing room? There are plenty of rumoured spirits to choose from, including a child who roams the building, a Lady in White seen on numerous occasions and thought to be a former star of the stage, and a hooded entity dwelling in the cellar which some say is a monk from when a church stood on the spot. It’s over 18s only, so you know it’s going to be a fabulous fright-fest. £25 (including two-course meal), 19 & 24 October, Crewe Lyceum Theatre (crewelyceum.co.uk)

Arts & Culture Gemma Knight brings you not-to-miss shows and news from Cheshire’s thriving arts scene

bear grylls image © s.bukley / shutterstock

Can You Bear It? TV host and adventurer Bear Grylls will be embarking on his very first live arena tour this October. Endeavour: Your Adventure Awaits will give fans the chance to immerse themselves in the action as Bear takes them on a hair-raising expedition across the globe, joined by a cast of expert aerial artists and stunt crew who, using video mapping technology and special effects, will celebrate some of the greatest feats of courage and endurance live on stage. A fantastic family treat, whether or not you’re a fan of Bear’s shows.

28 October, Manchester Arena (eventim.co.uk)

Autumn Reading If you’ve heard of Irish author Tanya Ravenswater, it’s because she’s already been short-listed and published in the Cheshire Prize anthologies, while her children’s poem, Badger, was the winner of the 2014-15 Cheshire Prize for Literature.

Now her latest work, a novel entitled Jacques, is making waves and becoming a mustread. The book deals with the tale of Jacques Lafitte, a young French boy who is orphaned and forced to move to England to live with his guardian, following his struggle to find his place in the world. A beautiful and emotive read, it’s the perfect book to curl up with this autumn.

Paperback £7.99 (amazon.co.uk)

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

PRIZE LOTs

#1 Smoke by Mert & Marcus, 2011 It is fascinating to consider how different fashion photography would look today if this creative duo hadn’t met in London in the early nineties. This month, Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott are celebrating 20 years of collaborative success with their first major solo show and selling exhibition, which will be hosted by Phillips in collaboration with Art Partner. One of the highlights is this polished print from a S/ S11-12 LOVE magazine editorial starring model Anja Rubik; which reminds us of the pioneering images shot by Hiro, who paved the way for fashion photography to be considered art.

Starting price £16,000, 24 October–3 November (phillips.com)

#2 Thais by Demetre Chiparus, circa 1925 Romanian-born Demetre Chiparus was an art deco sculptor who based himself in Paris for much of the 1920s and 30s. The influence of this decadent era is reflected in his work, which often portrays performers such as the infamous Dolly

sisters. The subject of this rare, intricate sculpture due to be auctioned at Christie’s is the courtesan Thais: protagonist of Anatole France’s redemptive 1890 novel set in fourth-century Alexandria. France’s tale became a highly charged opera, which enthralled Parisian theatregoers of the Jazz Age, thus inspiring Chiparus.

Estimated value £100,000-£150,000, 26 October (christies.com)

#3 Rare Iznik pottery tile, circa 1580 A fine and rare Iznik pottery tile is one of the highlights of Bonhams Islamic and Indian sale.

The tile dates from 1580, the height of Iznik pottery’s golden age. The tile is unusual in the application of the chrome black outlines used to emphasise the form of the decorative elements. The softer black outlines were made, as usual, before the glaze was applied to the tile, but the darker outlines seem to have been painted on top of the glaze before it was fired.

Estimated value £25,000-35,000, 18 October (bonhams.com)

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Local Lad Makes Good A trite but accurate summary of Daniel Rigby’s successful career, explains Natalie Anglesey

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Art & Culture

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s the 34 year-old actor returns home to appear at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Breaking The Code, he reflects on his unusual journey from stand-up comedian to Hamlet and then from BAFTA winner to the Teletubbies.

“I was about ten when I first got laughs playing Fagin in Oliver at junior school in Offerton,” Daniel confesses. "It was the best feeling in the world and I didn’t want it to end.

I moved on to Cheadle Hulme School and studied performing arts at Stockport College before going to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London.”

During his time at RADA, Daniel pulled pints to pay the rent and even ended up in prison.

“A temp agency got me an office job – only for me to discover it was in Brixton prison,” he laughingly explains.

“I decided I’d try my hand as a stand-up comedian, as I loved making people laugh, and appeared at the Latitude Festival, won the 2007 Laughing Horse New Act of the Year, and was a

“I was so convinced I wasn’t going to win that I hadn’t prepared any kind of speech” nominee for winner of the 2007 So You Think You're Funny competition. But I was also being offered theatre roles touring in Hamlet as well as television roles in Spooks and Lilies. So I had to make a decision which direction to go in – although I still do the odd stand-up at the Edinburgh Festival, just to keep my hand in.”

Getting the odd television commercial also helped Daniel to pay the rent, although sometimes he didn’t know he was working with famous directors. “I was a big fan of Blackadder, and my first commercial was directed by John Lloyd – I could have bored him for hours if I’d known he directed my favourite show! Much later the BT adverts helped enormously with the rent as London isn’t the cheapest place to live.”

Through those early years Daniel’s family always encouraged him. “My mum and dad were incredibly supportive – although I suspect my dad would have preferred me to go the university route. However, I know they were extremely proud when I won the 2011 BAFTA Best Actor for playing comedian Eric Morecambe in Eric and Ernie.”

Not only did Daniel win in competition with fellow actor Jim Broadbent, whom he greatly admires, but he also beat both Matt Smith and Benedict Cumberbatch, who were nominated for their roles as The Doctor and Sherlock Holmes.

“I was so convinced I wasn’t going to win that I hadn’t prepared any kind of speech, and when they announced my name I’m told I showed

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Art & Culture | The CHESHIRE Magazine

top right: daniel with victoria wood; bottom left: daniel as Eric Morecambe with bryan dick as ernie wise

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no reaction at all. Victoria Wood, who wrote [Eric and Ernie], nudged me to go up on stage as I was just gob-smacked – but goodness only knows what I said – it’s all a blur!”

Daniel’s quick to give much of the credit for his award-winning performance to Victoria. “I met her at the first of several auditions for Eric and Ernie before I got the role. She was a dear lady, very proud of her northern roots, and a stickler for research. I worked my socks off as I wanted to do such an important comic figure justice for her sake, and for my parents, as they were all such big fans. She kindly invited to take me in as a lodger and when I went to her house I noticed that, although she was born in Bury, she had a picture of Stockport in her hall and that made me feel at home straight away. In a way she became my mentor and later invited me to play a role in That Day We Sang. She is dearly missed.”

Winning the BAFTA led to an increase in roles, and one of the highlights for Daniel was appearing with James Corden in One Man Two Guv’nors at The National Theatre. “That was such a happy show to work on and we had such a laugh. In fact after Breaking The Code in Manchester I’ll be returning to The National to appear in Twelfth Night. I actually auditioned for the romantic lead of Orsino, but I must have made them laugh, because they’ve invited me to play the comedy role of Sir Andrew Aguecheek!”

Most recently Daniel’s worked on television series Jericho as Charles Blackwood. "Working on

“I worked my socks off as I wanted to do such an important comic figure justice for her sake” that frontier town set in the Yorkshire Dales was an amazing experience. It was a bit surreal as it felt a bit like the Wild West!”

Although Daniel may have thought he was in danger of becoming an icon of children’s television when he was invited to narrate the reboot of the popular television series Teletubbies, he soon found otherwise. "When my friends with children tried to point out that I was the voice telling the story, their children just told them to stop talking so they could watch and listen – which I suppose puts everything in perspective.”

Still jet-lagged after returning from filming in Malaysia, Daniel’s looking forward to playing Alan Turing in Breaking The Code at the Royal Exchange. “I think it’s very important that we tell the story of Alan Turing – an amazing scientist who was a genius. He was instrumental in finally breaking the German code and escalating the end of the Second World War. The tragic way this brilliant man was treated, because of his private life, is a reflection of the attitudes of the times. I’m just thrilled to tell his story in the city where he worked and died – in the very theatre I used to visit as a schoolboy.”

Breaking The Code, Royal Exchange Theatre, 28 October to 19 November 2016 (royalexchange.co.uk)

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NOVEMbEr 2016 s issuE 035

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

F

ans of The Swarovski Group will be beside themselves with excitement when they hear about the new contemporary jewellery brand they’ve just launched.

Named ADORE, the brand capitalises on The Swarovski Group’s European heritage, passion for design and timeless style, creating a debut collection with crystals from Swarovski that’s cutting edge yet traditional, sophisticated and refined, with a delightfully definitive feminine sensibility. The brand will design two seasonal collections each year, as well as offering a core collection of bestselling pieces – perfect if you like to update your favourite staples every now and then.

Prices from £25-£150 (adorejewelry.com)

J’ADORE 77

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Collection

Watch news words: richard brown

Space Age

Scene Stealer

Launched in 2004, Harry Winston’s Project Z aimed to elevate the humble sports watch into the realms of haute horology.

Its mission, the brand said, would be achieved by matching groundbreaking mechanics with next-generation materials. To that end, the project’s 10th iteration, the Z10, sports a double retrograde display in an ultralightweight case composed entirely of Zalium – an extremely corrosion-resistant alloy of aluminium and zirconium trademarked by Harry Winston.

The Z10’s openwork dial is inspired by the Manhattan Bridge.

Days of the week are displayed at 4 o’clock and seconds, on a scale of 0 to 30, are shown at 8 o’clock.

Hands travel 120 degrees before automatically jumping back to resume their operation. Only 300 examples will be produced.

Z10, £16,800 (harrywinston.com)

IWC has launched a limited-edition timepiece in celebration of its partnership with the British Film Institute. As the BFI London Film Festival celebrates its 60th anniversary – IWC has served as the event’s official time partner since 2014 – the watchmaker presents a customised version of its Spitfire Chronograph.

Engraved with ‘BFI Film Forever’ on its caseback, the stainless steel chronograph features an in-house movement alongside a flyback function. This year, the IWC-BFI partnership extends to a £50,000 bursary, which will be awarded to a UK-based writer/director with a film premiering in the Official Selection of the festival. £7,950, IWC (iwc.com)

Investment Management

ONE TO WATCH “The PAM00630 in a 44mm Luminor case, housing a manual wound in house manufactured movement is the latest offering for 2016. With a crisp white dial, contrasting jet black numbers gives a fresh new look. It is a great investment piece for those looking to start their Panerai collection.”

To coincide with its 20th anniversary, The Watch Club has launched a brand new website to showcase more than 250 of the company’s rarest and most desirable watches, many presented to the public for the first time in 20 years. Highlights include an extremely sought after 16520 Zenith-powered Rolex Daytona, bearing one of the finest Patrizzi dials ever to come to market. The brown colour on the subdials (seen here) has developed over time, the result of a chemical reaction in the Zapon varnish then used

by Rolex. Find your latest investment online now. (watchclub.com)

– Chinda Jim, David M Robinson’s Manchester Showroom

PAM00630, £3,800 Available at David M Robinson in Manchester (davidmrobinson.co.uk) 79

Collection | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Jewellery

The High Seas Jeweller Tessa Packard is never content with sitting still. Her latest collection, For King and Country, quite literally covers the globe as Packard was inspired by the Age of Discovery when the likes of Christopher Columbus took to the high seas. From South Sea pearls to semi-precious stones, the collection highlights the many treasures they unearthed. Star pieces include the Explorer necklace, featuring a spinning globe, and the one-of-a-kind Opera length pearl necklace.

This is the first time the designer has worked with pearls – demonstrating how she, too, is never afraid to take on a new challenge.

For King and Country, from £50-25,000 (tessapackard.com)

news

WORDS: OLIVIA SHARPE

Magic Touch Cartier conveys the magic of transforming a precious stone into an exquisite piece of jewellery in its latest collection, Magicien.

Conjured up in the French maison’s workshops by master craftsmen, the collection’s pièce de résistance, the Incantation necklace, comprises meticulously small geometric designs paved with interlacing precious diamonds. The platinum necklace can also be inverted so that the embedded 22.84-carat cushion-shaped Ceylon sapphire can double up as a ring. The real trick, however, may well lie in overlooking the six-figure price tags.

Magicien collection, POA (cartier.co.uk)

inset: Magie Blanche necklace, photography: Ben Hasset @Cartier RINGS, FROM LEFT: Incantation ring, photography: Ben Hasset @Cartier Quetzal bracelet, photography: Vincent Wulveryck @Cartier;

Take a Stand Since debuting prêt-à-porter in 2015, Kova is reaching new heights with its first Haute Couture jewellery collection. The range, by Russianborn designer Katie Kova, considers the concept of Russian Suprematism in six handmade cocktail rings. Rare gemstones – including quartz, aquamarine, nephrite, blue spinel and pearls – have been sculpted in ivory and rose, while the 18-karat gold setting comes in white, pink or black. Kova worked with artist Naomi Filmer on the campaign, which sees the graphic jewellery pieces elevated to objet d’art status.

From £11,200 (kovajewels.com) 80

Home Stretch Regarded by his peers as a ‘jewellery engineer’, British designer James Ganh (formerly at Fabergé) is fast making waves in the industry with his shape-shifting designs, including the 3 Way Tiara Bangle, part of the Princess collection. The fine jewellery piece (designed in either 18-karat white gold with white diamonds and pearls or 18-karat yellow gold with white diamonds, amethysts, tourmalines, peridots, topaz, yellow and blue sapphires) can be stretched out as a tiara or kept in its original bangle form. (jamesganh.com)

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Autumn Essentials At this time of year, we can’t help falling back on our luxury heritage favourites – and, as usual, this autumn it’ll be timehonoured brand Barbour getting us through the autumn chills with its characteristic style and grace. New for AW16 is the Timeless Originals collection, Barbour womenswear classics reimagined by the menswear design team with clean lines and boxier cuts. Updated for the modern woman, the pieces feature contemporary detailing and classic styles in A-Line silhouettes, with modern essentials such as knitwear and trousers to complete a minimalist, timeless look. (barbour.com)

Fashion news A Girl’s Best Friend In its own words, Little Black Dress was ‘born out of the affinity all women share with the LBD’. And after all, what woman doesn’t fall back on her most treasured, reliable and flattering piece when the need arises? Little Black Dress is already a pioneer when it comes to creating gorgeous silhouettes and flattering cuts, and its AW16 collection is without doubt our favourite yet. Perfect for the festive party season, the brand has injected sparkles, ruffles, feathers and cut-outs into the new pieces, with plunging necklines and cap sleeves in velvets and lace galore. (littleblackdress.co.uk)

A La Maison

Going Native

loves

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If, like us, you’re rather enjoying the burgeoning trend for ethical designer products, beautiful, bright new bag-makers Brand Native should be added to your watch-list. With each bag handmade in Columbia by the local Wayuu tribe, funds raised from their sales go towards improving local facilities such as water tanks. Each design is a one-off, with hints of quirkiness, courtesy of pom-poms and tassels to keep your look nice and fun.

Prices from £126 (brandnative.co.uk)

If you haven’t yet heard of Maison de Nimes, House of Fraser’s new lifestyle brand, you’ll want to pay very close attention. Launched in August, the range takes inspiration from Southern-Californian chic and the casual lifestyle of coast-tocoast living, combining it with a European edge to create the epitome of laid back cool. We’re already in love with the authentic denim and its nod to boho femininity, but you’ll also find a colour palette anchored in indigo and prints inspired by traditional Shibori dying techniques. For an off-duty wardrobe, this is guaranteed to be your new staple. (houseoffraser.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

I Should Coco Attention ladies – if you don’t own a pair of Cocorose London, you are doing ballerina flats wrong. Honestly, we’ve tried them, and nothing else comes close to their hand-crafted, soft, supple 100 per cent premium leather, double cushioned insoles and padded Achilles heels – and, what’s more, they come in fabulous quirky styles, and fold completely in half; so all you have to do is pop them into the accompanying tiny leather travel purse, drop them in your bag, and go. A commute-and-night-out staple if ever there was one.

Available online from £50 (cocoroselondon.com)

To Infinity When, in 2005, Sydney-born Donna Ida Thornton couldn’t find the perfect jeans – knowing what style suited her but dreading the hours of searching – she decided to set up a company that would give women all the advice and guidance they needed in one place. And, with that, Donna Ida was born. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, and since branching into other wardrobe staples which pair well with denim, the brand has just unveiled its AW16 ‘To The Moon and Back’ collection. Designed to reflect the beauty of the night sky, expect dark midnight hues and playful prints aplenty – perfect for a well-put-together autumn ensemble. (donnaida.com) 83

Left: Jacket, £3,050; Dress, £1,650; Trousers, £610, all Céline (celine.com); Shoes, £495, Jimmy Choo (jimmychoo.com)

Right: Dress, £3,860; Boots, £1,030; Belt, £1,200, all Hermès (hermes.com)

Autumn sleeves From buttercup coats by CĂŠline to lace maxi dresses by Temperley London and pencil skirts from Dior, swot up on the latest designer offerings for a wardrobe that will see you through this season and beyond P h o t o g r a p h y : P h i ll i p W a t e r m a n S t y l i n g : D av i d H aw k i n s

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

ABOVE Dress, £1,295, Temperley London (temperleylondon.com); Boots, £1,145, Paul Andrew (paulandrew.com); Necklace, £7,750, Stephen Webster (stephenwebster.com)

RIGHT Coat, £ 3,630; Shirt, £1,140; Tie, £147; Boots, £668, all Ralph Lauren Collection (ralphlauren.co.uk); Trousers, £332, DVF (dvf.com)

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

LEFT Jumper, £760; Skirt, £960; Bag, £1,950, all Dior (dior.com)

ABOVE Dress and jumper, POA, both Phillip Lim (31philliplim.com); Bag, £2,495, Jimmy Choo (jimmychoo.com); Ring, £19,400, Stephen Webster (stephenwebster.com)

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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

ABOVE Jacket, £940; Trousers, £495; Shoes, POA; Bag, £795, all Mulberry (mulberry.com)

RIGHT Coat, £3,995; Dress, £1,595; Bag, £1,295, all Burberry (uk.burberry.com)

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CREDITS Models: Sonya Derviz and Tijana Tamburic from Select Model Management Hair: Bettybeehair using Unite Eurotherapy Make-up: Molly Portsmouth Stylist’s assistant: Annie Ounstead Photography assistant: Kiti Swannell Shot on location at ME London, the flagship hotel for the ME by Meliá brand. Designed

by Foster + Partners, ME London is one of the leading hotels in the capital and is home to the renowned Radio Rooftop Bar, which offers panoramic views of the city’s skyline.

Rooms from £285, ME London, 336-337 The Strand, WC2R, melondonhotel.com

IN her It’s been a busy year for Sophia Webster. Lauren Romano meets the shoe designer to talk about opening her first shop, her inspiration for AW16 and keeping her feet firmly on the ground

A

s cobblers will attest, you can tell a lot about someone from their feet. If you had to sum up Sophia Webster in shoe form, vertiginous heels in candyfloss pink emblazoned with the words “Boss Lady” might seem fitting – so it’s just as well that the designer behind the eponymous label has already created a pair matching that very description.

Webster frequently wears her heart on her soles – turn over her wedding heels and “Wifey for Lifey” is scrawled on the bottom. But while her whimsical, wacky designs don’t exactly toe the traditional footwear line, the label isn’t all gimmicky slogans and no substance. From polka dot slippers laced with deep red velvet bows, to crystal-embellished block heels and the trademark Chiara butterfly winged sandals in every shade from turquoise to pumpkin – Webster has injected an infectious dose of fun into her shoe business, one pom-pom-adorned ballet pump at a time.

This spring she made a permanent home for her fairytale-like creations by opening her first boutique in Mayfair, which is all lavender toned upholstery, flamingo drawer handles and a light installation that makes customers look as though they have sprouted wings of their own.

It’s a testament to how far Webster has come since launching her brand back in 2012.

Once upon a time, Webster was a keen dancer travelling the length and breadth of the country with her sister to compete, and the only shoes that interested her were of the dancing kind. She eventually gave up her leotard to concentrate on her A-Levels and her love of art. It was while studying at Camberwell College that she discovered she enjoyed drawing shoes more than anything else.

“To this day, sketching is my favourite part of the design process,” she tells me when I catch her preparing for the release of her AW16 collection. “I love being able to put my headphones in and zone out. Usually I will

all A/W16 collection imagery: Bradley Bell all Sophia Webster portrait photography: Hazlett-Beard

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

“I was over the moon when Gwen Stefani wore my over-the-knee Delphine boots in her music video”

think of a concept and let my imagination run away with me, focusing on putting all of my ideas on paper.”

Of course, sketching is just the start of a process that requires technical vision.

Her designs might appear to be all glitter and sparkle, but a foundation in the craft has been an essential building block. Her artisanal approach was nurtured at the historic Cordwainers College (a charter in 1439 meant The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers was licensed to control the shoe industry within the City of London), now part of the London College of Fashion, where Webster completed a BA in footwear design.

“I learnt how to make key shapes, such as a court shoe, Derby and brogue. I believe that, to be a shoe designer, you really need to understand the construction of shoes and how a pattern is cut,” she says. “I think the degree

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Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

course there is really special, as it allows you to spend time both studying and gaining experience in the industry, which is important in making the transition from student to employee.”

Later, Webster hooked up with another Cordwainers alumnus – Nicholas Kirkwood – whom she met during her MA at the Royal College of Art. She ended up working as his assistant before he helped her to set up her own

“Shoes are incredibly powerful.

They make women feel confident – they improve posture and the way women hold themselves” brand. “He taught me that mistakes are your best lessons, but you have to learn fast,” she says.

Today Webster still agonises over the technical details of her shoes, telling me that she relies on a team of skilled craftsmen to bring her intricate designs to life. “I have worked with the same factory in Brazil since I first started and they are fantastic. I am very specific in what I want and I’m fortunate that they are always up for a challenge; they’re true artisans.”

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Webster might wear winged heels but she is decidedly down to earth and prefers to share the limelight with her team. She describes winning the 2016 BFC/Vogue Designer Fashion Fund as a “huge achievement for us” and stresses how appreciative she is to receive the recognition. But she still gets excited when she sees people wearing her shoes. “I was over the moon when Gwen Stefani wore my over-theknee Delphine boots in her music video for Misery,” she laughs.

Webster is a self-confessed shoeaholic, with an entire room dedicated to her collection – not to mention the pairs in storage. “I do bi-annual clear-outs and take a lot to charity shops,” she confesses. “Shoes are incredibly powerful. They make women feel confident – they improve posture and the way women hold themselves.”

She used to wear heels every day at college, but since falling pregnant with her daughter (Bibi Blossom was born in 2014), she has started to wear flats more. “My first collection was about statement high heels, but I learnt very quickly that not everyone can wear – or wants to wear – that type of shoe, so I extended my offering.

Now I’m doing trainers and flat shoes and for this season I have introduced a lot of different heel heights. I don’t think women need to be uncomfortable to be fashionable.”

She describes her A/W16 collection as a season of evolution – “collecting my thoughts from the past, present and future”. It was inspired by her favourite Tim Burton movie, Beetlejuice. “You can see a real cult gothic theme come through in the styles. I used a rich colour palette, decadent textures and embellishments that explored a darker side. The collection is about daring to be strange or unusual, but, most of all, beautifully unique,” she explains.

When I ask what else she has up her sleeve she hints at expansion and that rolling out more stores globally could be in the pipeline. “It’s hard to say exactly what the future holds,” she says vaguely. “But it’s definitely exciting!” As for her quest for shoe domination, there’s a pair of Boss Lady heels with her name on them. (sophiawebster.com; cordwainers.org)

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ConventionalÊdentureÊsolutionsÊsuchÊas Totally fixed, permanent theyÊprefer,ÊmayÊreturnÊhomeÊforÊaÊcouple advancementÊof,ÊandÊinvestmentÊin,Êdental OneÊofÊtheÊbiggestÊfearsÊpeopleÊwhoÊhave confidentÊsmile,ÊandÊlookingÊforwardÊtoÊthe All in One Day... itsÊpatients. removableÊdentures,ÊoftenÊrequiringÊtheÊaid ofÊhoursÊwhilstÊtheirÊbespokeÊteethÊare implants,ÊandÊitsÊdedicationÊtoÊoffering lost,ÊorÊareÊaboutÊtoÊlose,ÊallÊofÊtheirÊteeth enhancedÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊthatÊgoesÊwithÊitÊ-Êall set of teeth TheÊÒTeethÊinÊOneÊDayÓÊconceptÊalleviates PatientsÊcanÊthenÊrelaxÊinÊtheÊcalmingÊand TheÊbridgeÊandÊreplacementÊteethÊwillÊthen ofÊadhesives,ÊdoÊnotÊadequatelyÊaddress constructedÊbyÊourÊtechnician. dentureÊwearersÊmoreÊchoiceÊhasÊledÊtoÊa haveÊisÊtheÊprospectÊofÊbeingÊwithoutÊany inÊoneÊday.

OneÊofÊtheÊbiggestÊfearsÊpeopleÊwhoÊhave TreatmentÊbeginsÊearlyÊinÊtheÊmorning.Ê thisÊfear.ÊPatientsÊleaveÊatÊtheÊendÊofÊthe privateÊatmosphereÊofÊtheÊAcademyÊor,Êif beÊexpertlyÊfittedÊandÊpatientsÊleaveÊwithÊa theseÊissues.ÊOverÊrecentÊyearsÊTheÊDental significantÊimprovementÊinÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊfor teethÊatÊallÊforÊaÊperiodÊofÊtime. lost,ÊorÊareÊaboutÊtoÊlose,ÊallÊofÊtheirÊteeth AnyÊfailingÊteethÊareÊremovedÊandÊthe dayÊwithÊtheirÊÒveryÊownÓÊnewÊteeth.ÊThe Life-like natural smile theyÊprefer,ÊmayÊreturnÊhomeÊforÊaÊcouple confidentÊsmile,ÊandÊlookingÊforwardÊtoÊthe AcademyÊhasÊbeenÊatÊtheÊforefrontÊinÊthe TheÊbridgeÊandÊreplacementÊteethÊwillÊthen itsÊpatients. haveÊisÊtheÊprospectÊofÊbeingÊwithoutÊany dentalÊimplantsÊareÊplaced. conceptÊusesÊanÊimplantÊsupportedÊbridge ConventionalÊdentureÊsolutionsÊsuchÊas ofÊhoursÊwhilstÊtheirÊbespokeÊteethÊare enhancedÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊthatÊgoesÊwithÊitÊ-Êall All in One Day... advancementÊof,ÊandÊinvestmentÊin,Êdental beÊexpertlyÊfittedÊandÊpatientsÊleaveÊwithÊa TheÊÒTeethÊinÊOneÊDayÓÊconceptÊalleviates teethÊatÊallÊforÊaÊperiodÊofÊtime.

-ÊaÊbridgeÊofÊreplacementÊteethÊfixed removableÊdentures,ÊoftenÊrequiringÊtheÊaid constructedÊbyÊourÊtechnician. inÊoneÊday. implants,ÊandÊitsÊdedicationÊtoÊoffering Nothing covering the confidentÊsmile,ÊandÊlookingÊforwardÊtoÊthe OneÊofÊtheÊbiggestÊfearsÊpeopleÊwhoÊhave thisÊfear.ÊPatientsÊleaveÊatÊtheÊendÊofÊthe PatientsÊcanÊthenÊrelaxÊinÊtheÊcalmingÊand securelyÊbyÊdentalÊimplants.ÊTheÊbridge ofÊadhesives,ÊdoÊnotÊadequatelyÊaddress dentureÊwearersÊmoreÊchoiceÊhasÊledÊtoÊa enhancedÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊthatÊgoesÊwithÊitÊ-Êall lost,ÊorÊareÊaboutÊtoÊlose,ÊallÊofÊtheirÊteeth dayÊwithÊtheirÊÒveryÊownÓÊnewÊteeth.ÊThe TreatmentÊbeginsÊearlyÊinÊtheÊmorning.Ê roof of the mouth TheÊÒTeethÊinÊOneÊDayÓÊconceptÊalleviates privateÊatmosphereÊofÊtheÊAcademyÊor,Êif representsÊanÊexcitingÊadvanceÊinÊtheÊuse theseÊissues.ÊOverÊrecentÊyearsÊTheÊDental TheÊbridgeÊandÊreplacementÊteethÊwillÊthen significantÊimprovementÊinÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊfor inÊoneÊday. haveÊisÊtheÊprospectÊofÊbeingÊwithoutÊany conceptÊusesÊanÊimplantÊsupportedÊbridge AnyÊfailingÊteethÊareÊremovedÊandÊthe thisÊfear.ÊPatientsÊleaveÊatÊtheÊendÊofÊthe theyÊprefer,ÊmayÊreturnÊhomeÊforÊaÊcouple ofÊimplantÊretainedÊdentures,ÊrequiringÊthe AcademyÊhasÊbeenÊatÊtheÊforefrontÊinÊthe beÊexpertlyÊfittedÊandÊpatientsÊleaveÊwithÊa itsÊpatients. teethÊatÊallÊforÊaÊperiodÊofÊtime.

-ÊaÊbridgeÊofÊreplacementÊteethÊfixed dentalÊimplantsÊareÊplaced. dayÊwithÊtheirÊÒveryÊownÓÊnewÊteeth.ÊThe ofÊhoursÊwhilstÊtheirÊbespokeÊteethÊare useÊofÊjustÊfourÊdentalÊimplants.

Perfect solution for advancementÊof,ÊandÊinvestmentÊin,Êdental confidentÊsmile,ÊandÊlookingÊforwardÊtoÊthe securelyÊbyÊdentalÊimplants.ÊTheÊbridge conceptÊusesÊanÊimplantÊsupportedÊbridge constructedÊbyÊourÊtechnician. implants,ÊandÊitsÊdedicationÊtoÊoffering enhancedÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊthatÊgoesÊwithÊitÊ-Êall patients who are losing OneÊofÊtheÊbiggestÊfearsÊpeopleÊwhoÊhave TheÊÒTeethÊinÊOneÊDayÓÊconceptÊalleviates representsÊanÊexcitingÊadvanceÊinÊtheÊuse PatientsÊcanÊthenÊrelaxÊinÊtheÊcalmingÊand -ÊaÊbridgeÊofÊreplacementÊteethÊfixed dentureÊwearersÊmoreÊchoiceÊhasÊledÊtoÊa inÊoneÊday.

ConventionalÊdentureÊsolutionsÊsuchÊas ConventionalÊdentureÊsolutionsÊsuchÊas lost,ÊorÊareÊaboutÊtoÊlose,ÊallÊofÊtheirÊteeth teeth due to gum disease thisÊfear.ÊPatientsÊleaveÊatÊtheÊendÊofÊthe ofÊimplantÊretainedÊdentures,ÊrequiringÊthe privateÊatmosphereÊofÊtheÊAcademyÊor,Êif securelyÊbyÊdentalÊimplants.ÊTheÊbridge TheÊbridgeÊandÊreplacementÊteethÊwillÊthen significantÊimprovementÊinÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊfor haveÊisÊtheÊprospectÊofÊbeingÊwithoutÊany removableÊdentures,ÊoftenÊrequiringÊtheÊaid removableÊdentures,ÊoftenÊrequiringÊtheÊaid dayÊwithÊtheirÊÒveryÊownÓÊnewÊteeth.ÊThe useÊofÊjustÊfourÊdentalÊimplants. theyÊprefer,ÊmayÊreturnÊhomeÊforÊaÊcouple representsÊanÊexcitingÊadvanceÊinÊtheÊuse beÊexpertlyÊfittedÊandÊpatientsÊleaveÊwithÊa itsÊpatients. teethÊatÊallÊforÊaÊperiodÊofÊtime. conceptÊusesÊanÊimplantÊsupportedÊbridge ofÊhoursÊwhilstÊtheirÊbespokeÊteethÊare ofÊadhesives,ÊdoÊnotÊadequatelyÊaddress ofÊadhesives,ÊdoÊnotÊadequatelyÊaddress Often only four dental ofÊimplantÊretainedÊdentures,ÊrequiringÊthe confidentÊsmile,ÊandÊlookingÊforwardÊtoÊthe TreatmentÊbeginsÊearlyÊinÊtheÊmorning.Ê -ÊaÊbridgeÊofÊreplacementÊteethÊfixed TreatmentÊbeginsÊearlyÊinÊtheÊmorning.Ê constructedÊbyÊourÊtechnician. theseÊissues.ÊOverÊrecentÊyearsÊTheÊDental theseÊissues.ÊOverÊrecentÊyearsÊTheÊDental useÊofÊjustÊfourÊdentalÊimplants. enhancedÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊthatÊgoesÊwithÊitÊ-Êall implants are required OneÊofÊtheÊbiggestÊfearsÊpeopleÊwhoÊhave TheÊÒTeethÊinÊOneÊDayÓÊconceptÊalleviates securelyÊbyÊdentalÊimplants.ÊTheÊbridge AnyÊfailingÊteethÊareÊremovedÊandÊthe AnyÊfailingÊteethÊareÊremovedÊandÊthe inÊoneÊday.

AcademyÊhasÊbeenÊatÊtheÊforefrontÊinÊthe lost,ÊorÊareÊaboutÊtoÊlose,ÊallÊofÊtheirÊteeth AcademyÊhasÊbeenÊatÊtheÊforefrontÊinÊthe to replace a full set of teeth thisÊfear.ÊPatientsÊleaveÊatÊtheÊendÊofÊthe representsÊanÊexcitingÊadvanceÊinÊtheÊuse TheÊbridgeÊandÊreplacementÊteethÊwillÊthen dentalÊimplantsÊareÊplaced. dentalÊimplantsÊareÊplaced. haveÊisÊtheÊprospectÊofÊbeingÊwithoutÊany advancementÊof,ÊandÊinvestmentÊin,Êdental advancementÊof,ÊandÊinvestmentÊin,Êdental dayÊwithÊtheirÊÒveryÊownÓÊnewÊteeth.ÊThe ofÊimplantÊretainedÊdentures,ÊrequiringÊthe beÊexpertlyÊfittedÊandÊpatientsÊleaveÊwithÊa teethÊatÊallÊforÊaÊperiodÊofÊtime. conceptÊusesÊanÊimplantÊsupportedÊbridge implants,ÊandÊitsÊdedicationÊtoÊoffering implants,ÊandÊitsÊdedicationÊtoÊoffering useÊofÊjustÊfourÊdentalÊimplants. confidentÊsmile,ÊandÊlookingÊforwardÊtoÊthe No more loose dentures PatientsÊcanÊthenÊrelaxÊinÊtheÊcalmingÊand -ÊaÊbridgeÊofÊreplacementÊteethÊfixed PatientsÊcanÊthenÊrelaxÊinÊtheÊcalmingÊand enhancedÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊthatÊgoesÊwithÊitÊ-Êall dentureÊwearersÊmoreÊchoiceÊhasÊledÊtoÊa dentureÊwearersÊmoreÊchoiceÊhasÊledÊtoÊa TheÊÒTeethÊinÊOneÊDayÓÊconceptÊalleviates securelyÊbyÊdentalÊimplants.ÊTheÊbridge privateÊatmosphereÊofÊtheÊAcademyÊor,Êif privateÊatmosphereÊofÊtheÊAcademyÊor,Êif inÊoneÊday. significantÊimprovementÊinÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊfor significantÊimprovementÊinÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊfor A new set of teeth, complete thisÊfear.ÊPatientsÊleaveÊatÊtheÊendÊofÊthe representsÊanÊexcitingÊadvanceÊinÊtheÊuse theyÊprefer,ÊmayÊreturnÊhomeÊforÊaÊcouple theyÊprefer,ÊmayÊreturnÊhomeÊforÊaÊcouple itsÊpatients. dayÊwithÊtheirÊÒveryÊownÓÊnewÊteeth.ÊThe itsÊpatients. and fitted all in one day in ofÊimplantÊretainedÊdentures,ÊrequiringÊthe ofÊhoursÊwhilstÊtheirÊbespokeÊteethÊare ofÊhoursÊwhilstÊtheirÊbespokeÊteethÊare conceptÊusesÊanÊimplantÊsupportedÊbridge useÊofÊjustÊfourÊdentalÊimplants. a simple T H E D E N TA L T H E K N U TS F O R D procedure, leaves constructedÊbyÊourÊtechnician.

-ÊaÊbridgeÊofÊreplacementÊteethÊfixed constructedÊbyÊourÊtechnician.

OneÊofÊtheÊbiggestÊfearsÊpeopleÊwhoÊhave OneÊofÊtheÊbiggestÊfearsÊpeopleÊwhoÊhave patients AC A D E M Y D A R E S B U RY D E N TA L AC A D E M Ysmiling confidently securelyÊbyÊdentalÊimplants.ÊTheÊbridge lost,ÊorÊareÊaboutÊtoÊlose,ÊallÊofÊtheirÊteeth lost,ÊorÊareÊaboutÊtoÊlose,ÊallÊofÊtheirÊteeth and naturally once again. representsÊanÊexcitingÊadvanceÊinÊtheÊuse Using the latest technology andRoad, expertise, The Dental Academy offers TheÊbridgeÊandÊreplacementÊteethÊwillÊthen TheÊbridgeÊandÊreplacementÊteethÊwillÊthen Chester Daresbury WA4 5LR Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford, WA16 6ES haveÊisÊtheÊprospectÊofÊbeingÊwithoutÊany haveÊisÊtheÊprospectÊofÊbeingÊwithoutÊany ofÊimplantÊretainedÊdentures,ÊrequiringÊthe T H E D E N TA L T H E K N U TS F O RD 01925 740510 Phone: 01565 755765 the perfect solution to missingPhone: or failing teeth. beÊexpertlyÊfittedÊandÊpatientsÊleaveÊwithÊa beÊexpertlyÊfittedÊandÊpatientsÊleaveÊwithÊa useÊofÊjustÊfourÊdentalÊimplants. teethÊatÊallÊforÊaÊperiodÊofÊtime. teethÊatÊallÊforÊaÊperiodÊofÊtime.

AC A Dwww.dentalacademy.co.uk E M Y D A R E S B U RY D Ewww.dentalacademy.co.uk N TA L AC A D E M Y

Why choose “Teeth in One Day”

AllOne in One Day...

All in Day...

Teeth in One Day

confidentÊsmile,ÊandÊlookingÊforwardÊtoÊthe confidentÊsmile,ÊandÊlookingÊforwardÊtoÊthe

T H E D Ein NenhancedÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊthatÊgoesÊwithÊitÊ-Êall TA T H E K N U TS F O R D With more than 25 years’ Chester experience theLWA4 field enhancedÊqualityÊofÊlifeÊthatÊgoesÊwithÊitÊ-Êall Road, Daresbury 5LRof dental implants, the Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford, WA16 6ES TheÊÒTeethÊinÊOneÊDayÓÊconceptÊalleviates TheÊÒTeethÊinÊOneÊDayÓÊconceptÊalleviates AC A D E M Y D A R E S B U RY D E NPhone: TA L 01565 AC A755765 DEMY Phone: 01925 740510 team at The Dental Academy understands the impact that total tooth inÊoneÊday. inÊoneÊday. thisÊfear.ÊPatientsÊleaveÊatÊtheÊendÊofÊthe thisÊfear.ÊPatientsÊleaveÊatÊtheÊendÊofÊthe www.dentalacademy.co.uk www.dentalacademy.co.uk loss can have on personalChester confidence and quality Road, Daresbury WA4 5LR of life. Everyday Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford, WA16 6ES dayÊwithÊtheirÊÒveryÊownÓÊnewÊteeth.ÊThe dayÊwithÊtheirÊÒveryÊownÓÊnewÊteeth.ÊThe TPhone: H E talking D01925 E N TA L appearance can all T H EPhone: KNU TS F755765 ORD 740510 01565 functions such as eating, smiling, and conceptÊusesÊanÊimplantÊsupportedÊbridge conceptÊusesÊanÊimplantÊsupportedÊbridge www.dentalacademy.co.uk www.dentalacademy.co.uk AC A D E M Y D A R E S B U RY D E N TA L AC A D EMY be adversely affected. Removable dentures often require the aid -ÊaÊbridgeÊofÊreplacementÊteethÊfixed -ÊaÊbridgeÊofÊreplacementÊteethÊfixed of adhesives and do not adequately address the Chester Road, Daresbury WA4 5LRissues. However, Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford, WA16 6ES securelyÊbyÊdentalÊimplants.ÊTheÊbridge securelyÊbyÊdentalÊimplants.ÊTheÊbridge Phone: Academy 01925 740510 is at the forefront in Phone: 01565 755765 there is an alternative – The Dental representsÊanÊexcitingÊadvanceÊinÊtheÊuse representsÊanÊexcitingÊadvanceÊinÊtheÊuse www.dentalacademy.co.uk T H E D Ein, N TA L T Hwww.dentalacademy.co.uk E K N U TS F O R D the advancement of, and investment dental implants. The team’s ofÊimplantÊretainedÊdentures,ÊrequiringÊthe ofÊimplantÊretainedÊdentures,ÊrequiringÊthe ADEMY D R E S B U RY dedication to offering anAC alternative toAwearing dentures has seen a huge D E N TA L AC A D E M Y useÊofÊjustÊfourÊdentalÊimplants. useÊofÊjustÊfourÊdentalÊimplants. improvement in quality ofChester life forRoad, many patients.

Daresbury WA4 5LR Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford, WA16 6ES Phone: 01925 740510

Phone: 01565 755765

www.dentalacademy.co.uk T by H E people D E N TAwho L have lost, or are about T Hwww.dentalacademy.co.uk E K NCall U TS Ffor O R Da complimentary, One of the biggest fears faced AC A D E M Y D A R E S B U RY D E N TA L AC A D Eno-obligation MY to lose, all their teeth is the prospect of being without any teeth at all for a period of time. The “Teeth in One Day”WA4 concept alleviates this fear.

Chester Road, Daresbury 5LR Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford, WA16 6ES and quote consultation Phone: 01565 755765 Patients leave at the end of thePhone: day01925 with740510 a full set of fixed teeth, a natural www.dentalacademy.co.uk www.dentalacademy.co.ukTC1116 smile, and growing confidence.

They find themselves looking forward to an immediately improved quality of life – all in one day.

E NLTA L T H ET H D E NDTA DYE M B U RY AC AAC D EAM DYA RDEASRBEUSRY Chester Daresbury WA4 5LR Chester Road,Road, Daresbury WA4 5LR Phone: 740510 Phone: 0192501925 740510 www.dentalacademy.co.uk www.dentalacademy.co.uk

E UKTS N UFTS T H ET H KN O RFDO R D E NLTA L AAC DYE M Y D E NDTA AC D EAM Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford, Malt House, Malt Street, Knutsford, WA16WA16 6ES 6ES Phone: 755765 Phone: 0156501565 755765 www.dentalacademy.co.uk www.thedentalacademyknutsford.co.uk www.dentalacademy.co.uk

Winter Warmers

Plus many more of Cheshire’s favourite brands...

Autumn is here; the weather is frosty but you can stay toasty with the fabulous selection of new season fashions here at Vicki Allen. Coats, hats, scarves, gloves, jeans, jumpers, trousers and skirts...we have it all.

Our autumn winter collection also includes a dazzling array of sparkly accessories, pashminas and gift ideas for Christmas. @vickiallenhale

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Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9.30-5.30pm Sat 10-5.00pm.

Private appointments can be arranged.

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

From

ItALy with love

A

fter a 25-year partnership with mytheresa.com’s bricks-and-mortar store in Munich, Prada has entered the digital age and chosen the e-tailer to be one of two brands to sell the label’s mainline collection online; it includes ready-to-wear, bags and shoes.

To celebrate the union and the luxury online shop’s 10th anniversary, photographer Hordur Ingason has shot a special commemorative campaign.

Starring Alexa Chung, it debuts Prada’s AW16 runway collection in the ornate Aman Venice hotel, which was chosen as a tribute to the fashion house’s Italian heritage. To coincide with the launch, a behind-the-scenes video of the shoot, directed by Jim Gramming, will also be available to view online.

From £215 (mytheresa.com) Photography: Hordur Ingason

97

Beauty news Playing Vinyl Red lip fanatics, this is for you. YSL has launched Vernis à Lèvres Vinyl Cream, a high-shine lip lacquer that’s ultra glossy and full of colour. Yes, it takes attitude to wear it, but YSL promises serious staying power, and a comfortable skincare-like base underpin its latest launch. Those in-the-know tell us it’s best thought of as a combination of lip stain, lip gloss and lipstick, with the benefits of all three.

Thanks to a specially-shaped applicator, avoiding smudges is suprisingly easy, too. Vinyl Cream comes in 12 shades including 401 Rouge Vinyl – a rock and roll red. We dare you.

Vernis à Lèvres Vinyl Cream, £26, YSL (ysl.com)

The New Natural Those who are not quite brave enough to wear bare lashes, but like the fresh-faced look that seems to be everywhere at the moment, take note: Benefit has just launched its super-curling mascara Roller Lash in brown for more subtle definition.

The formula separates and lifts lashes and is said to stay put for 12 hours. The special hook-design brush has a patent pending – it manages to coat even the tiniest of lashes for a wide-awake look.

Roller Lash in Brown, £19.50, Benefit Cosmetics (benefitcosmetics.com/uk)

98

loves Botox in a Bottle?

Not quite. But Chanel has unveiled one of the most exciting launches we’ve seen to date. Le Lift V-Flash is an anti-wrinkle gel, designed to provide an instant tensing effect for brighter, tighter-looking skin. It works best applied to the jawline, cheekbones, temples and forehead, and gives a refreshing sensation. Apply using upward strokes: it’s time you mastered facial massage.

Le Lift V-Flash, £67, Chanel (chanel.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

TREATMENT OF THE MONTH

IONZYME FACIAL WORDS: louisa castle

Ever in search of younger-looking skin, I was delighted to be invited to The Mere Resort Spa for the launch of a new facial – one which Harpers & Queen rate very highly.

Welcomed by my therapist Faye, we began by taking a super clear shot of my skin, identifying areas in need of attention. This is the starting point, with a new one taken each time you visit to show areas of progress or new areas which need work. In my case, Faye recommended a focus on hydration with special attention paid to those little wrinkles creeping in around the eyes.

Cushion the Fall This autumn Lancôme has taken the make-up ‘cushion’ technology that’s given an air-soft finish to foundation of late, and created a blush with similar levels of smoothness. Cushion Blush Subtil dispenses a pop of colour with a light melt-away texture. The finish is almost translucent. It’s available in six tones – from bronze to rose.

Cushion Blush Subtil, £28, Lancôme (lancome.co.uk)

A Touch of Rouge Since its first makeup collection launched in 1924, red has been a core lipstick colour for Chanel. But Lucia Pica – the new global creative designer for makeup and colour – has led the brand out of its comfort zone for her first collection. From orange and rosebud to shades of brick and burgundy, crimson undertones run throughout the fall 2016 collection. Try the Rouge Radical polish, which gives nails a jelly-like coat of transparent colour.

From £17.50 (chanel.com)

The facial involves a Ionzyme DF machine from IIAA (International Institute for AntiAgeing), which uses pulsed electrical current to aid penetration of vitamins into the cells, then sound waves to transport vitamin molecules through the skin.

Scary sounding, but the nodes from the machine acted like mini massage fingers.

Apparently the sound waves are the same as those made by dolphins transmitted through a vitamin-packed face mask, which produced a gentle, pleasant tingling sensation.

As the mask was peeled back, my skin was instantly lighter and brighter – like silk to the touch. To maintain the results, I was given a personalised treatment plan, and I’ll be back next month to check on the progress. The results so far are promising.

Make-up Made Simpler

For more details on the treatment and Environ, contact The Mere Resort Spa 01565 830155 (themereresort.co.uk)

If it feels as if every make-up product you’ve bought recently promises ‘a glow’ or ‘strobing’, we don’t blame you for feeling like you’re off to a disco. Getting the right level of pearlescence can be tricky, which is why we had to share news of Studio Quiktrik Sticks from MAC. The double-ended crayons offer perfect levels of highlighting in slightly graded shades of bronze, champagne and pink.

We’re obsessed with them.

Studio Quiktrik Stick, £26, MAC (maccosmetics.co.uk) 99

The Tyranny of

dieting Breaking news: we may not have to ever diet again! Suzy Glaskie discusses

L

eafing through a women’s weekly at the dentist’s the other day, my eye landed on a feature headlined: “20 summer foods that will sabotage your diet”. I sighed as I spotted – wedged between a Magnum and a glass of Prosecco – an avocado.

With wrong-headed advice like this being constantly doled out in the media, it’s no wonder that the public is utterly confused –

not to mention sick to the back teeth of conflicting dietary advice.

For decades, we’ve been told to avoid fat, which we were warned would make us fat and give us heart disease. So we virtuously filled our shopping trolleys with an ever-growing selection of low-fat dressings, spreads, cakes, snacks, ready meals. Meanwhile, an avocado, one of the most nutritious foods you can find,

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was recast in the role of “fattening”.

But the low-fat promise of health and a flat tummy turned out to be a hollow one. As the nation has embraced more and more low-fat foods, obesity and chronic disease have exploded. The reason? It is not fat that makes us fat and ill. It’s sugar and refined carbohydrates.

We continue to be sold the fiction that all we have to do is eat fewer calories and exercise more and we’ll reach our target weight. We just need more willpower. If there’s one thing you take away from this article, let it be this: the long-held theory that a calorie is a calorie is a calorie is a complete myth. A hundred calories of Magnum does not equal 100 calories of avocado. Your body does something vastly different with the Magnum than it does with the avocado. One is a sugar-laden fake food that your body doesn’t recognise as fuel; it sparks the production of insulin which encourages your body to lay belly fat; it creates a cascade of reactions that lay the path for chronic disease.

The other helps boost heart health, regulates your cholesterol and blood sugar, fights inflammation, feeds your brain and is great for your skin, hair and nails.

In addition to being a disaster for our health, cutting out good fats from our diet can never work because fat is the thing that not only makes food taste good but makes us feel full and satisfied, whereas sugar propels us on a brief high, followed swiftly by an unpleasant crash.

Yet, we are convulsed by a fixation with calories.

Every which way we look, we’re urged to calculate and control our calorie intake – and now we have a raft of apps that can take the paranoia to a whole new level. The truth is that most diets are likely to leave you starved of real nutrition and ultimately create an internal environment that puts the weight back on. And what’s worse, you’ll revert back to eating the inflammatory foods that made you feel so bad in the first place.

Recently, a client thanked me for releasing her from what she described as ‘the tyranny’ of dieting. I think her choice of word is apt. We’re plagued by a tendency to launch into yet another extreme of self-deprivation and follow a

set regime slavishly – for a while. Research shows that a full 90 per cent of people who start a new diet will come off the rails, quickly returning to their pre-diet weight and, often, piling on more pounds on top. Again and again, they follow a regime 100 per cent, 100 per cent, 100 per cent…and then zero per cent, followed by corrosive feelings of failure, guilt and shame that they’ve failed yet again. Not a recipe for health or happiness. And when one diet fails, there’s always another to invest your faith in.

It’s no surprise that diets fail. Counting calories and measuring portions is not only restrictive – it’s soul-destroying. Being made to feel restricted is a sure recipe for cravings, and simply sets us up for another fall. I passionately believe that food is there to be enjoyed, not treated as part of a grim mathematical equation.

The weight-loss industry is a multi-billion pound sector that feeds off people who are constantly trying to lose weight. They run slick marketing campaigns to push their programmes: their heavily processed, additiveladen, sugar-filled, nutrient-poor branded diet foods; their gimmicks and promises…over and over again. Countless people have been brainwashed by the diet industry not to trust their own bodies; instead they’re duly trained to count calories and weigh themselves obsessively.

Enough of this madness. It’s time to turn the tables on the diet industry. Focus instead on making small, manageable changes to your lifestyle that you can sustain for good. Become wise to “Frankenfoods” manufactured in a lab, and allow yourself to enjoy real, whole foods that are delicious and which your body will thrive on. Focus on the quality of the calories you are eating, rather than the quantity. Focus on your health rather than weight loss…and you’ll regain your natural weight as a side effect, without even trying.

Suzy Glaskie is a holistic health coach and founder of Peppermint Wellness. She works with individuals, groups and companies in helping people make life-transforming shifts to become their healthiest, happiest and most successful selves. (peppermintwellness.co.uk)

good but makes us feel full and satisfied” 101

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f you like the idea of hearing your music through what might just be the world’s most supremely luxurious speakers, then pay attention.

Painstakingly designed and crafted from precious materials, the AI-03-Au premium speaker system by River’sTone is the ultimate statement when it comes to design and audio quality, with a sonic performance as exquisite as its looks. The audiophile acoustics are arranged by renowned former Sony recording engineer and systems designer, Mr Michio Sakamoto, and – hand-crafted in Japan – the cutting-edge design includes an enclosure flawlessly finished with thick gold plating and custom-designed grilles. Oh, and if gold plating doesn’t quite cut it, solid gold models are also available. (rivers-tone.com)

The Midas

Touch

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Motoring news words: Iain Warde

ALL-TERRAIN

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rom unpaved tracks to steep, serpentine, snow-bound roads, the new E-Class All-Terrain promises to tackle routes where conventional estates have to give up, thanks to greater ground clearance and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The first cars will arrive in the UK from spring 2017, while pricing and specification will be announced in early 2017.

Thanks to off-road styling elements, the All-Terrain has a powerful and robust appearance which also distinguishes it from 104

the classic estate. Dynamism and modern luxury unite to make it an ambassador for the Mercedes-Benz design philosophy of the sensuous clarity that defines modern luxury.

The All-Terrain will be launched as an E 220 d 4MATIC 194bhp, with the newly developed four-cylinder diesel engine. A short time later a variant with a six-cylinder diesel engine will follow. Both models come with the new 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission as standard. (mercedes-benz.co.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

Power TT

History in the Making Brand Events, the company behind a raft of successful motoring events including CarFest, Top Gear Live and the recent IGNITION Festival of Motoring, has developed a dynamic new international exhibition in London to champion and celebrate historic motorsport.

Special features include the inaugural Historic Motorsport Conference, hosted by broadcaster and journalist Henry Hope-Frost, and there will be up to 100 competition cars for sale from leading specialist dealers, while exhibitors will include motorsport clubs, governing bodies, officials, sponsors and media owners.

An impressive number of highprofile companies and organisations have already jumped at the opportunity afforded by this new, far-reaching international showcase, including competition car sales specialists such as Taylor & Crawley and Duncan Hamilton & Co, plus Dunlop Motorsport.

They will be held at ExCel London, on 23-26 February, with access to both shows included in the entry price which starts at £24. (historicmotorsportinternational.co.uk)

The brand new Audi TT has snuck upon us and is now available in the UK, with 400bhp and available in a Coupé or Roadster format. The most powerful series production TT to date merits comparison with the supercar elite, with its sub-four-second acceleration capability and potential 174mph top speed.

The considerable uplift in power and torque – from 340bhp in the outgoing ‘standard’ car to 400bhp and from 450Nm to 480Nm – facilitates a searing 0-62mph sprint time of 3.7 seconds (Roadster 3.9 seconds) on the way to a governed top speed of 155mph.

This peak can be raised to 174mph if the optional Dynamic Package Plus is specified. The cost-effective package also includes a sports exhaust system which helps to further distil the very essence of this car, namely its addictively offbeat five-cylinder engine note.

Priced from £51,800 (audi.co.uk)

Guy is at it Again Tricky course conditions at the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats have once again proved challenging during the latest stage of the Triumph Motorcycles Land Speed Record attempt. With clear sun and virtually no wind, rider Guy Martin set off smoothly to record his FIM-required certification run, making good power in mile one, when the Triumph Infor Rocket Streamliner lost traction on a damp

section of the salt surface, causing the rear of the machine to step out of line.

Guy was uninjured in the incident, but the streamliner will require a full inspection before any further runs can take place.

Guy Martin said: “It’s all part of the job, isn’t it? I guess if it was an easy thing to do, everyone would have done it by now. So we’ll get a plan sorted and get on with the next go at it as soon as we get the chance.”

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Talked up by brand CEO, Andy Palmer, as the most important car in the company’s 103-year history, Aston Martin has gone all out with the new DB11. Has it paid off? Chris Hall test drives the 200mph speedster alongside its ultimate soft-top stablemate, the Vanquish Volante

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t’s funny how it takes a new arrival to make something seem really old. I remember the DB9 launching, and of course, in a vague sort of way, I’m aware that some time has passed since then. But it wasn’t until I arrived at a palatial Italian villa in the very heart of Tuscany, and saw an original DB9 parked next to its successor, that those 13 years really hit home.

The DB9 aged so gracefully because it was a fine piece of design – one of the

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best-looking cars this side of the millennium – and because it ushered in a design language that spread across Aston Martin’s entire range. We come to Aston Martin at another such formative point: under new CEO Dr Andy Palmer, a new generation of cars is being born, and the DB11 is number one.

Big shoes then. You only need to look at the DB11 to realise that it’s not short on confidence. Neither is Palmer, nor the rest of his team. I mean, for one thing, we’re

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db11 MAXIMUM POWER: 447kW (600 bhp / 608 PS) at 6500 rpm MAXIMUM TORQUE: 700 Nm (516 lb ft) from 1500 rpm MAXIMUM SPEED: 200 mph (322 km/h) ACCELERATION: 0-62 mph (0 -100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds PRICE: £154,900

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giving it the runabout in central Italy – Modena itself is just half a fuel tank away.

So what’s the DB11 brief? It’s got to set the tone for the next six years of AM. It’s got to pick up where a much-loved line leaves off, and show us how much more there is to come from a company that is already enjoying a pretty positive patch. Oh, and it will also serve to introduce turbocharged engines to Gaydon – something the brand is committed to across the board as it plans its next generation of cars.

All of this was on my mind as I nosed down the twisted track from our villa. It’s a lot of pressure, but the first impressions are of a car more than equal to the expectation. With a new infotainment system (nabbed from Mercedes, so you know it works), things inside the cabin are slicker than ever – although the central console could still lose at least a third of its buttons.

As an Aston Martin, it is by definition a tasteful place to be sitting, but the devotion to customisation means it’s down to you where your DB11 sits on the spectrum from Cheshire to Chesterfield. Luckily, you can’t do too much to mess with the outer looks. It’s a whole lot more muscular and aggressive than the DB9 (like going from Pierce Brosnan to Daniel Craig, if you will), with that big front grille and tighter creases that flow all the way back to the rear

“You really wouldn’t know this V12 was aided by blowers, and you wouldn’t necessarily guess it from the noise either” aeroblade spoiler. Later, as sultry clouds massed for a summer storm, it looked positively devilish.

So perhaps it’s odd that the first thing you notice about the driving is that the ride is a lot smoother. A lot. It’s a grand tourer that you really want to do a grand tour in; but it’s also a lot sportier than its rivals. Ferrari has recently pepped up the California T with a Handling Pack, but I’d wager it’s still woollier than this Aston, while the Bentley Continental GT V8 S,

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which I happened to be driving the week after I drove the DB11, is a rival in initials only.

With every top-line carmaker accepting that turbocharging is the only way to be fast, petrol-

“Aston made a point of quickening up the steering ratio and it shows.” powered and law-abiding (ok, not every carmaker – Lamborghini will get there in its own time), we are seeing very rapid improvements in what that means for an engine.

In terms of lag, you really wouldn’t know this V12 was aided by blowers, and you wouldn’t necessarily guess it from the noise either. The old V12, still found in the Rapide or Vanquish, makes a simply gorgeous, guttural sound, but this new unit has character all of its own. Like the rest of the car, it’s got more of an edge – almost a rasp, as you rise up the revs – but

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purists shouldn’t worry: you’ll be too busy having fun, in any case, because what really does mark the DB11 as a modern turbo supercar is the ready availability of torque.

More than once I gave it a spurt to overtake and the gearbox would drop to maybe fifth, if I was lucky. Take it by the scruff of the neck, though, and it’s very willing. It wants to rev – the redline arrives at 7,000, only 200 rpm below the old V12 – and there’s great feel from the steering. Aston made a point of quickening up the steering ratio (in their own words, close to Ferrari 458 territory), and it shows. We ate up Tuscany’s backroads like hungry, hungry men.

Oddly, this only served to give us an appetite.

And so we drove and we drove. It may have been our eagerness to make the best of the terrain, but it felt like the DB11 was its truest self left in Sports Plus – pushing on, dashboard doing its red mist bit, using as much of the 600 horsepower as we dared. If it’s true that the DB line has always had something of a brute-in-asuit character, this one really struggles to keep its tie on.

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Drive of

Discovery James Fossdyke enjoys a cruise through the best of Cheshire and the Peak District in the Infiniti QX30

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riving is one of the greatest talents we possess. Okay, so it’s an everyday thing, but think about it for a moment: working those levers, wheel and pedals in the correct order is a real skill. It always amazes me how many people are actually able to do it. The truth is that to be able to drive is a privilege, so it would be a travesty, surely, if you didn’t enjoy and savour all the freedoms your driving licence gives you.

Forget getting from A to B, and actually enjoy driving. That’s what I was told when I got the call from Infiniti, who asked me if I fancied taking the QX30 for a drive around Cheshire.

I give myself a couple of hours to explore the best scenery and roads in the county, pushing thoughts of deadlines from my mind as I crawl out of the car park in Macclesfield’s market place. After quickly navigating the Hibel Road, I’m up Buxton Road and in the clear; then, reaching the top of the hill, following the road around to the left and avoiding the narrow lane up to Tegg’s Nose, I plunge into a tunnel of trees. Bursting out into the flat light, I feel like a pilot emerging from a cloud bank into a brighter world. Below, Macclesfield has vanished, replaced by a world of rolling hills and drystone walls.

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There’s no time to enjoy the scenery, though, because the wet road throws up a handful of satisfying, climbing S-bends that require every ounce of my attention. The road requires respect, but rewards in just the right measure. My first reward appears to the left where, as I glance out between the hills, the Cheshire Plain lies like a patchwork of green and brown fields below. A millstone flashes past the passenger window as I climb, signalling the beginning of the Peak District. Pondering the beauty of the landscape for too long is not advisable if you want to enjoy the challenge of the road, however.

As the road climbs, weaving around the mountainsides in a distinctly Alpine style, a solitary block of grey stone hoves into view. The Cat and Fiddle Inn, which lends its name to the road, isn’t a particularly beautiful building, but the stone walls have withstood the Pennine elements for more than 200 years. After the Cat and Fiddle, the road straightens across the moors, allowing drivers to enjoy the view. One wicked S-bend later, I’m dropping into the old Roman market and spa town of Buxton.

A quick snoop around the middle of town is all I get, though, and I’m soon climbing out towards my next stop: the Goyt Valley, dominated by the reservoirs of Errwood and Fernilee, which were built in the 1930s to provide water for Stockport. Turning off the main road onto a single-track lane, I’m back among hostile peaks and windswept moors. The Infiniti QX is a crossover, so I’m sitting higher to get a better view around the corners.

I creep past the fishing lake and then dive down the arrow-straight road to the bottom.

As I cross the valley on the road that runs along the top of the Errwood Dam, I can’t help but imagine how the area looked before it was flooded with 9.1 billion litres of water. To my left, beneath the murky depths of Errwood, lies the once-pretty hamlet of Goyt’s Bridge. There’s no dwelling on the views of yesteryear, though, because the road once more commands my attention. I emerge from the valley on a single track road and fall into another valley. Ahead, the tiny Jenkin Chapel marks the convergence

of three old salt-traders’ routes. Having just come down one, and seeing another marked as a dead end, I’m left with just one choice. I throw the car into the left-hand turn and head off down the oddly-named Hooleyhey Lane.

The road forks, and I veer to the right, confronted by some of my last impressive views of the Peak District and a handful of houses, huddled together as if for warmth.

After a couple of miles, I come to another fork, and though the navigation system implores me to slide left, I follow the road around to the right. My rebellious disobedience of the navigation system is rewarded with arguably the best view in Cheshire. To the left is White Nancy, the folly built by John Gaskell to commemorate Wellington’s victory at Waterloo, while to my right Manchester’s landmarks reach towards the rumbling clouds.

On the move again, I’m descending back into Macclesfield, and the prospect of normality hangs over me like the grey clouds – but for a couple of hours I have concentrated solely on the business of driving. Like everyone else, I’m often too busy to just go for a drive, but with such fantastic roads and incredible scenery, I can’t recommend it enough.

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Travel news Taking Tea As autumn takes hold, our thoughts are turning to long evenings curled up in front of roaring fires and soothing cups of tea – and where better to indulge than at Ireland’s beautiful Ballynahinch Castle, a spectacular hotel set in 450 acres of mature woodlands overlooking the famous Ballynahinch Salmon. Blow out the cobwebs with fishing, lobster potting, clay pigeon shooting, cycling and foraging, then retire to the fireside of the hotel’s library and indulge in the newly designed Irish afternoon tea; a combination of traditional high tea and the finest products of Connemara, created by new head chef Ultan Cooke. We already feel cosy. (ballynahinch-castle.com)

Located on the Seychelles’ private island of Félicité is the new Six Senses Zil Pasyon hotel. Being the sole resort on the island, Zil Pasyon provides guests with a much-needed break complete with ultimate privacy and serenity – it can only be reached by a helicopter flight from Mahé island, or a short boat journey from La Digue or Praslin. Its 30 pool villas all feature a plunge pool, private sundeck, outdoor dining area, private wine cellar and butler – so you really can have it all without leaving your accommodation, if you’re so inclined. (sixsenses.com)

PHOTOgraphy: Matthew Shaw

She Sells Seychelles

The haute heights of Saigon Ho Chi Minh City may not be one’s first port of call for a style splurge, yet a new three-night experience from The Reverie Saigon makes a compelling case. It is headlined by three hours of personalised shopping arranged by a private guide. Hit the designer boutiques by all means, but guides are set to advise on where to find the best traditional áo dài Vietnamese dresses, too.

Guests will also receive three treatments at the hotel’s spa.

From £1,132 (thereveriesaigon.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

GOING FORWARDS

From Pitti to Pucci Set alongside the Arno river, Villa La Massa – the Florentine sister of Villa d’Este – is to celebrate the glamour of Italian fashion in September. A five-day itinerary will include visits to the costume gallery at Palazzo Pitti and the Roberto Capucci museum, where the designer’s sketchbooks are on display. Most special of all, the terraces of Palazzo Pucci – a botanical wonderland created by Pucci’s nephew Giannozzo – will open especially for an afternoon tea.

13-18 September, from €5,355 (villalamassa.com)

Short haul vs long haul

loves Short haul

imageS courtesy of Villa La Massa

Midnight in Paris

A Wing of Your Own

Sofitel London St James hotel is now giving visitors a glimpse into the dazzling lifestyles of Paris with its new travelling exhibition, La Parisienne by Sofitel.

Featuring photographs of some of the world’s most famous women, the exhibition will stopover in the capital until November, when it will continue its voyage to other European destinations. (sofitelstjames.com)

We do rather like a luxury minibreak with a good dose of culture, so we’re already thoroughly intrigued by Combermere Abbey, a stunning six-star luxury B&B on the Cheshire/Shropshire border. Following an extensive restoration, the 12th Century Abbey’s north wing now boasts two lovely bedrooms – Bhurtpore and Salamanca – and a series of reception rooms over two floors, with all the interiors personally styled by world-class interior designer Nina Campbell. Book the rooms individually or hire out the whole wing, then settle in for a weekend of gorgeous views, sumptuous surrounds, full English breakfasts and a good dose of historic charm. (combermereabbey.co.uk)

Long haul

Season’s Greetings Marking a new era in Indonesian hospitality, hotel giant Four Seasons has just opened its property in Jakarta.

Situated on Jalan Gatot Subroto, the hotel has 125 rooms, all of which are suites.

With designer Alexandra Champalimaud on hand, its interior is inspired by the historic Dutch colonial period in the Indonesian capital. Refined details such as a personal refreshment bar and rich furnishings, the hotel also boasts a spa, with treatments such as traditional Balinese massage. (fourseasons.com)

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Enchanted

ISLANDS Cast yourself away in the Maldives – it’s the perfect place to escape a hectic urban lifestyle, as Grace Smith discovers

The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

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ocated deep in the heart of the Indian Ocean and consisting of an archipelago of approximately 1,200 idyllic islands, 200 of which are inhabited and 100 of which are hotels, the Maldives is firmly on the map as a paradise holiday destination. With its crystal clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, green palms and breath-taking pure white sandy beaches, it’s no surprise that it’s a geographical wonder. Little do visitors know that just over 40 years ago – the first resort opened in 1972 – not that many people had heard of the land of luxury that now offers unrivalled service, secluded villas and exquisite food in some of the world’s top resorts. Indeed, its “No News, No Shoes” policy makes it a popular holiday retreat for royals, including HRH the Duke of Cambridge and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge.

Just a 30-minute scenic seaplane transfer from Malé airport is the five-star Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, made up of two

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islands joined together by a 500-metre walkway, under which you can spot rainbow-coloured fish, turtles and even the odd shark. Here, holidaymakers can choose from a villa or suite, each offering an exclusive, hideaway feel.

I stay in a Deluxe Beach Villa, complete with private plunge pool, bathing pavilion, garden and direct beach access – the ultimate escape.

Catering for absolutely every whim or need, it’s easy to while the hours away. The most I have to think about is choosing which of the 12 restaurants and bars to dine or drink in, an almighty selection given that even the most luxurious resorts only tend to have one or two restaurants; it’s no wonder Rangali Island is on the bucket list for foodies. Critics clearly agree with its gourmet offering as the island has won awards aplenty: just a few months ago it took home an impressive seven accolades at the Annual World Luxury Restaurant Awards.

One of these was the Global Winner of

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

Luxury Scenic Setting for the world’s first underwater restaurant, Ithaa, meaning ‘mother of pearl’ in Dhivehi. Eleven years ago, it was submerged five metres below sea level using 85 tonnes of sand to weigh it down. As well as enjoying a 180-degree submarine outlook, the six-course European menu is a feast for all the senses with a typical dish serving Maldivian lobster carpaccio, reef fish tartare and poached quail egg with passion fruit dressing.

For me, there’s nothing better to end a meal than cheese and wine, so my luck is in store, The Conrad’s dedicated wine cellar and cheese bar.

With more than 20,000 bottles of fine wines from 1,400 labels and 101 of the world’s best cheeses, there’s plenty to choose from.

After experiencing some of the finest dining in the world, I decide on a more laid-back approach for one of the evenings. Brought by a dhoni boat to the nearby reefs, I fish Maldivian-style, using a hand-reel line, and pull

in my catch of the day. Back on land, it’s prepared for us for evening meal and lunch the next day.

This is just one of the activities that the resort offers. There’s absolutely no fear of getting ‘Maldives cabin fever’: as well as countless activities such as beach volleyball, yoga and watersports, guests can make the most of the Spa Retreat. With nine floor-toceiling glass treatment rooms where you can watch the sea life below while enjoying one of the treatments from the extensive spa menu that includes Elemis and Valmont products, it also boasts an organic restaurant and accommodation. That’s if you can’t make the arduous journey back to the villa, of course.

Nightly rates at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island start from US$1,240 (approx £735), based on two sharing a Beach Villa on a room only basis. Rates are subject to change. Prevailing taxes and service charges apply (conradhotels.com/Maldives)

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The Residence Maldives

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wo resorts are better than one and this year sees the opening of The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah. It will be linked by a footbridge to The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi, which opened in 2012. Both lying in the Gaafu Alifu Atoll, they will form one of the largest resort offerings in the Maldives. Along with properties in Mauritius, Tunis and Zanzibar, it brings the total number of The Residence by Singapore-based group Cenizaro to five hotels and resorts in total with further expansion plans in the pipeline.

What strikes me immediately, is the warm welcome that I receive at The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi. In fact, this is the case throughout my stay: the hospitality and personal service is impeccable and no request is too much. For the duration of my stay I reside in a Water Villa, just one of 94 beach and over-water villas that have been designed with inspiration from the island; think thatched roofs, lush fabrics and natural materials.

Intended to be a home-from-home, it’s easy to relax and unwind here – it’s the ideal ‘fly and flop’ resort, and perfect for honeymooners who want to remain in their own bubble.

The wow-factor is without doubt the ocean views: waves lap on the villa’s doorstep while a school of fish flits between the bright coral reefs; it’s as though I’m in an aquarium. The veranda is the perfect spot to indulge in some Maldivian sunshine and kick back and relax. In fact, it’s quite easy to spend your whole time in somewhat of a lazy daze.

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If you can be stirred from your slumber, however, start or end your day with sun salutations on the open-air deck, which is dedicated to yoga or meditation classes. It’s also the spot to be to watch the sun rise or set. For further relaxation, Clarins’ only spa can give you that added push.

For those who are more active, guests can not only enjoy a number of excursions such as swimming with dolphins, but can make the most of the hotel’s PADI 5* Dive Centre. Offering all types of water sports, from snorkelling to scuba-diving, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover the coral reefs and rich marine life.

After burning off some energy, it’s important to refuel. The Residence Maldives offers a number of settings in which to dine: whether you’re after a light bite or a sumptuous à la carte meal. A highlight is the private dining experience where a personal chef creates a bespoke menu. I enjoy a candlelit meal on the beach as the sun sets and a canopy of stars is revealed. It’s the ultimate finale to a magnificent Maldives experience.

Nightly rates at The Residence Maldives start from US$450 (approx £336) until October 2016, based on two sharing on a room only basis. Rates are subject to change. Prevailing taxes and service charges apply (cenizaro.com/theresidence/maldives-fm)

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Weekend away …Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa, Bedfordshire WORDS: GEMMA KNIGHT

B

eautiful, sprawling manor house hotels are easy enough to come by these days – well-manicured facades and interiors filled with top-notch décor, cutting-edge tech and chic contemporary design that’s pleasant, but completely at odds with any sense of period charm. Not so at Luton Hoo, where guests staying in the Grade I-listed mansion house could be forgiven for thinking they’d accidentally stumbled past the velvet ropes of an immaculately preserved National Trust attraction. It’s Edwardian authenticity itself and is, in a word, majestic.

Set in 1,065 acres of rolling countryside, the 18th Century estate boasts a historic pedigree that gives most of its rivals a run for their money – testaments to which include its full-size Russian Orthodox chapel, and Churchill’s former office, unassumingly situated beneath The Queen Mary Suite; our home for the weekend and formerly host to the eponymous monarch (though also boasting Johnny Depp as one of its more recent inhabitants).

And what a suite it is. At 135sqm, it’s utterly palatial, with high ceilings, ornate fireplaces, antique furnishings, enormous gold-plated mirrors and even a cherub-heavy ceiling fresco, its walls panelled and huge windows framed by heavy drapes. Cleverly noting that this style isn’t for everyone, the mansion house’s 35 antique rooms are complemented by a further 193 in the Parkland, Flower Garden and Club House, all of

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which are more modern, light and informal.

Famed for its 7,107-yard long and par 73 golf course, those not enamoured by the sport will have no trouble filling their time with long, luxurious lunches and trips to the first-class spa, located in The Country Club (formerly the stables), 300m from the main house. There are excellent treatments, plus sauna, steam room and infinity pool – the latter of which looks out onto pretty gardens from which you may, like us, find yourselves being watched by the curious resident peacock. And if you don’t fancy the five minute stroll, never fear: complimentary on-site Hackney Carriage taxis are always on hand to ferry guests across the enormous estate.

Truth be told, the hotel could almost certainly get away with serving decidedly average fare, given that diners would likely be too distracted by the lavish Ritz-inspired décor of The Wernher restaurant to notice – but, of course, it doesn’t.

Instead, the marble panels and gilded mirrors are accompanied by champagne cocktails and the likes of dill-crusted hen’s egg with truffle emulsion, spiced foie gras brûlée, veal saltimbocca and pan-fried halibut with oyster beignet and white wine velouté. Needless to say, we indulged with gusto – after all, when the hotel goes to such trouble to make you feel like an Edwardian aristocrat in every other sense, it would seem rude not to eat like one too. (lutonhoo.co.uk)

“The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning�

Pele

2016 OPEN DAYS

Junior School For girls aged 7-11

Senior School For girls aged 11-16

Sixth Form For girls aged 16+

Thursday 3rd November 4.30pm to 6.30pm Saturday 5th November 10.00am to 12noon An Open Evening for Sixth Form students will be held on Thursday 13th October, from 6.00-8.00pm

To arrange a tour call 0161 224 1077

Wellington Rd, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6BL

wgs933_openday-campaign-2016-i_297x210_v2.indd 1

Means -tested bursaries now available from Year 5 upwards

wgs.org 30/08/2016 10:51

Information Evening 3rd November 7pm

Where futures are shaped.

Buy in to Boarding...

You may not have thought about your son or daughter going to a boarding school. But can you afford not to devote one evening to finding out how a boarding education could shape their future?

“Buy in to Boarding” is an event designed to tell you in one evening how boarding could work for your family. A huge range of extra-curricular activities, both at a participatory and elite level, all organised within the school. A house-based system that provides high level pastoral care whilst developing the leadership, communication and team-working skills sought by top employers. And high-class academic results and facilities into the bargain.

Shrewsbury School Co-educational 13 – 18

Shrewsbury School is a co-educational school for pupils aged 13-18 with a national and international reputation, and we firmly believe we can provide the “best years of their lives” in a safe, friendly and exciting school community. A wide range of scholarships and bursaries are available.

We invite you to join us for a sociable information evening at Capesthorne Hall at 7.00pm on Thursday 3rd November.

We look forward to meeting you – don’t let the opportunity pass you by. To sign up, please complete the online form at www.shrewsbury.org.uk/boarding-event

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Star Success

The classroom Going for Gold Daniel Pittard Wheeler and Luca Warwick from The Firs School, Chester, won gold medals in the 4 x 100m relay for the North at the recent ISA National Athletics Meet held in Birmingham.

Despite the damp weather, both athletes competed in other races too: Daniel came fourth in the 80m sprint but secured a close third in the 150m sprint; meanwhile Luca came a respectful sixth place in the cricket throw competition in torrential rain! (firsschool.net)

Beryl on the Blitz Former head teacher, feminist and Maxonian treasure, Beryl Footman, recently visited King’s Girls’ Division to speak about her own school days during The Blitz and how she went to school in one of the country’s industrial heartlands, Dagenham, a constant target for the Luftwaffe.

A fabulous 88-years-old, she also spoke about “always questioning authority” saying “I lived through two

Withington Girls’ School has celebrated another set of exceptional A Level results this year. From this year’s 67-strong Upper Sixth, 49 were from Cheshire and all are looking forward to their next steps.

82 per cent of subjects were passed at A*and A grades and 92 per cent of all subjects passed at grades A*, A or B. An impressive 38 per cent of all A Levels were passed with the A*and nearly two-thirds passed all their examinations with A* or A grades.

Proud of its girls, Withington Girls was also pleased to announce eight girls will be taking up places at Oxford and Cambridge, reading philosophy, politics, economics, medicine and law. (wgs.org)

totalitarian regimes, fascism in Germany and communism in Russia – always question what you are told and above all think for yourself”.

Miss Footman was headteacher at Macclesfield County High School for Girls (now King’s Girls’ Division) from 1963 to 1978 and was part of the revolution in women’s education that finally began to see women take their place in the working world. (kingsmac.co.uk) 123

Shopping Spectacular The Arley Hall Shopping Spectacular returns this year and, for many of us, marks the unofficial date to start your Christmas shopping. The Cheshire Magazine takes a look at just a few of the stallholders who will be attending this year

food Silcocks Stephen Silcock opened his first shop in Salford, Manchester at the turn of the last century, selling fresh fish, fruit and vegetables.

Success and expansion came swiftly and, within a few years, he had several shops and market stalls to his name. His ten children, five daughters and five sons, continued to grow this thriving business which has been handed down from generation to generation.

Today Silcocks Fine foods are every bit as good, if considerably more exotic, than the produce originally sold by the company’s founder. The

company specialises in award-winning premium products ranging from smoked fish, caviar and charcuterie to fine chocolates, champagne, liqueurs, cheeses and other delicious delicacies.

“We attend many trade fairs across the country in the run up to Christmas, but one of our favourites has to be Arley Hall Shopping Spectacular as the location is just stunning.

There is a great Christmas spirit to the event and it is always a hugely popular event for us. We are really looking forward to November,” comments owner Charlie Silcock. (silcocks.co.uk)

ART Ruth Sarah Smith Ruth's work has adorned our pages before so we're huge fans. Her delicate layering of translucent watercolours makes her style ephemeral, catching a transient and fleeting moment. Her painting style and design philosophy are deeply rooted in nature and inspired by the varied landscape and wildlife of Britain, in particular the countryside surrounding

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Cheshire, where Ruth works from her studio.

Ruth has produced a range of cards, prints and home wares which you will be able to pick up.

There will also be fine bone china in association with Stoke on Trent potteries and a collection of printed cushions produced in partnerhsip with a Cheshire cushion manufacturer.

“I am delighted to be taking part in this year’s Arley Hall Shopping Spectacular raising money for The Joshua Tree Charity. It’s a lovely way to commence the festive period in the knowledge it’s helping raise money for a good cause. I’m really looking forward to it and hope as many people as possible will come along to enjoy the experience.” (ruthsarah.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

FASHION Abi Fisher

home The Lavender Tree The Lavender Tree, owned by sisters Sarah and Emma, is situated just outside Alderley Edge village. For the last 15 years the lifestyle business has been selling accessories for the home, and lovely gifts for friends, family or little ones, all beautifully gift wrapped.

Over the years the Lavender Tree has extended its interior styling service which includes advice on fabrics, colours, carpets, upholstery and interiors solutions, all coordinated from beginning to end by Sarah and Emma. They work with residential and corporate clients, giving them inspirational ideas and a bespoke customer service.

Alongside the shop they run a variety of creative workshops including vintage furniture painting, watercolour painting, and willow weaving, as well as lots of special Christmas workshops. The lifestyle shop also offers a bespoke floral arranging service including decorating your house for Christmas.

“Arley Hall Christmas Shopping Spectacular is one of our favourite events of the year. It has a fabulous festive buzz and is always a great start to our Christmas season!” (thelavendertreeshop.com)

Abi Fisher is fast making a name for herself in an industry that has captivated her family for generations. Exposed to the fashion world from a young age, Abi now runs an award-winning luxury womenswear boutique near Tarporley.

Abi travels Europe in search of unique and exceptional quality clothing, delivering them to the wardrobes of the region’s most inspirational women.

The Abi Fisher exclusive collection of clothing has grown rapidly since 2011 and offers ladies, through private appointment and designated open days, access to clothing and style advice that cannot easily be found on the high street.

Abi’s hand-picked European delights sourced from a vast collection of luxurious brands and sophisticated bespoke styling service removes the chaos of the fashion world.

“I always look forward to Arley Hall Shopping Spectacular. It really marks the start of the Christmas season and is a wonderful event where you can find some beautiful and unusual gifts.” (abifisher.co.uk)

ARLEY SHOPPING SPECTACULAR Arley Hall, 8 and 9 November, 2016

The hugely popular annual Christmas Shopping event is held in the grounds of Arley Hall and this year it is sponsored by Boodles, with all of your ticket cost and 10 per cent of everything you spend going to The Joshua Tree, a local charity supporting families affected by childhood cancer.

Tuesday 8 November

Champagne and shopping from 6pm until 10pm.

Tickets are £12 in advance/ £15 on the night which includes a glass of champagne and canapés from the Piccolino Champagne Bar.

Wednesday 9 November

Stalls will be open 9.30am until 4pm.

Tickets are £7.50 on the door.

(01606 331 858 (credit card facility), arleyhallshoppingspectacular.co.uk)

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Dream On

Kids’ news

Calling all young designers: the Helen Green Design Foundation is encouraging kids to drop their electronic devices and embrace their creative side with an interior design competition. Youngsters in full-time education are challenged to design their dream bedroom using drawings, collage and the written word. Split into three age group categories – 12 and under, 13 to 15 years and 16 to 18 years – the competition offers each winner a £500 prize, which will be received at an award ceremony held at the Helen Green Design showroom.

Until 12 November (helengreendesign.com)

Family Fortunes As a member of one of the world’s most famous fashion families, there is no doubt that Margherita Missoni is well educated within the world of style. Now a mum herself, the designer is offering her knowledge and experience through her childrenswear collection, Margherita Kids. Her signature bohemian charm graces an assortment of dresses, tops, bottoms and outerwear for girls – designed to be mixed and matched.

From £20 (johnlewis.com)

New Heights Elegant and graceful are two words that, in our mind, sum up the new AW16 collection by Jacadi. With a heavy focus on craftsmanship and quality, the French brand has introduced a number of new styles, including traditional 17th centuryinspired shift dresses and smart shirts.

Adding a playful touch, animal motifs, Peter Pan collars and splashes of neon give the classic pieces a contemporary update, while flashes of bold pinks and reds inject a bright finish.

From £20 (jacadi.com)

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Magic Touch Minna Parikka has already attracted several young fashionistas – including the children of Coco Rocha and Erin O’Connor, to name a couple – with her footwear range, and we can certainly see why. Her wacky designs scream style and fun. A Kind of Magic, her AW16 girls’ collection, sees her signature bunny pumps decorated with glitter, fluff and leopard print, adding an element of glam rock to the covetable shoes.

From £100, available at Harrods

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

loves

MR HENDRIX leashed

A Paws On Trend Calling all those with a four-legged friend – we dare you to resist the latest collection from pet brand Hiro + Wolf, including newly designed dog harnesses in hand-screen printed nebula, comet-inspired patterns trimmed with deep purple and blue leathers, and a truly gorgeous range of velveteen-lined cat collars. The products are all designed and sampled in their East London studio under the watchful eyes of the in-house hounds, with all leads and collars skilfully hand-trimmed with luxury vegetable-tan leathers and fitted with high quality pet-specific hardware by the brand’s all-female workforce in Staffordshire.

Wagging tails and purring all round. (hiroandwolf.com)

Bear Necessities Cath Kidston has become synonymous with classic British design, offering a full range of lifestyle products in its signature floral and polka dot prints. This season sees the brand pay tribute to one of the world’s most famous bears, Winnie the Pooh, as he celebrates his 90th anniversary. The collection comprises clothing, accessories and cutlery decorated with the beloved bear, along with two classic Cath Kidston prints: Button Spot and Bramley Sprig.

From £4 (cathkidston.com)

Un

s the winter chill sneaks up and bites me on the tail, I’ve decided to take matters into my own paws by growing my fur out until the spring and finally changing over my wardrobe – no more vest tops and shades; from now on the sweater and bomber jacket will take pride of place in my chambers.

Canine couture is huge all over the world, often giving fashion weeks a run for their money – and though not all dogs need to wear a coat, small dogs, dogs with medical conditions, seniors and puppies will welcome the additional warmth. So, now that winter’s around the corner and it’s time to wrap up warm, now’s your pooch’s chance to flaunt his fur with latest collections. When purchasing a coat or sweater, make sure your furry friend can move easily, is comfortable and, although we all like to look good in the latest season’s swag, is first and foremost being kept warm and cosy.

With my new sartorial goodies waiting to be shown off, there really is no excuse for me to sit by the fire – I must get out and about to see what Cheshire has to offer in November. First I meet up with my friend Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer for our monthly book club; and this month he gives me an exclusive – on November 22 and 23, Prancer and Dancer will be leading the way for Father Christmas as he arrives at Tatton Park during a beautiful lantern parade. You can help, too, by lighting the route for Father Christmas with your own lanterns glowing, as he makes his way through the twilight parkland to Tatton’s festive stable yard. The reindeers would also love you to bring along any toys you no longer want to donate to the Manchester Children’s Hospital.

Rudolph also told me about The Magical Woodlands in Blakemere, a marvellous outdoor experience in the Cheshire countryside that’s not to be missed. Taking place from October 27 to November 6, guests can walk through the woodlands and experience a play of light dancing across the skies, accompanied by music and sound to create a truly enchanting family experience.

But first it’s time to remember, remember the fifth of November – and, for those of you with furry friends, remember, too, to look after all your pets, bring those who live outdoors inside and walk your dogs in the daytime so we don’t get frightened.

Love & Licks,

Mr Hendrix (facebook.com/mrhendrixandfriendshttp; magicalwoodland.com; tattonpark.org.uk)

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The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Bag It

Up

W

e can’t quite get over these cute matching purses by changing bag brand Jem + Bea. Designed to make life easier without compromising on style, the waterproof nylon Baba pouch is perfect for storing wet clothes and changing essentials on the go, while the leather Mama clutch keeps essentials safe and works surprisingly well as an evening bag, too. Who’d have thought?

From £16 (jemandbea.com)

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homes and

interiors showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY IN CHESHIRE AND BEYOND

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urbanity

Plusdesign and Boca do Lobo create a divine Alpine paradise

Homes & interiors news

Home Comforts Get cosy this season with Ralph Lauren Home’s Modern Chalet collection, a wintery range of oak furniture, shearling throws, embroidered bed linen and cashmere pillows that wouldn’t look out of place in a cottage in the country. Those after something a little more urban should look to the Hoxton range, which offers leather furniture, 1920s-inspired pendant lamps and glass crockery. (ralphlaurenhome.com)

loves

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Culti Classic Italian brand Culti is said to be the originator of the home diffusion technique that uses rattan sticks to carry a scent into the atmosphere.

Founded in 1990 by Alessandro Agrati, the company has since explored the worlds of perfume, spa products and textile accessories. This year Culti modernised its bottle designs and launched a selection of new fragrances. The classic citrusy Aramara remains one of our favourites, at a generous full litre size: its blend of bitter orange, bergamot and sandalwood creates a fresh yet sensual aroma.

Aramara diffuser, £93 (culti.com)

Collector’s Edition Calling all art and design enthusiasts: leading art collector Chara Schreyer’s 40-year collaboration with interior designer Gary Hutton can now be enjoyed from the comfort of your home. Art House, a new tome by Assouline, takes readers on a stunning visual journey through five residences specially created by the duo to house 600 works of art. Discover how Hutton’s spaces provide the perfect backdrop for Schreyer’s extensive art collection, which includes masterpieces by Andy Warhol, Marcel Duchamp and Frank Stella, to name a few. £55 (assouline.com)

Homes and Interiors

TWEET of the MONTH Polar Black Events @PolarBlackLtd Peacock: Nature’s most resplendent bird is the latest interior décor trend

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“The alternative to good design is always bad design.

There is no such thing as no design.”

– Adam Judge, author of The Little Black Book of Design and The Little Blue Book of Design

A Happy Home For a little injection of joy this autumn, we love Happy & Co: a chic new brand which is changing the landscape of design-led interiors. Founded by Penny Capper and her Godfather, interior designer Gary Elton, Happy & Co believes happiness starts at home and, with a few small touches, you can transform the personality of any space. The brand’s statement furniture, cushions, tableware, bed linen and home accessories are all inspired by Penny and Gary’s love of travel, with a minimum donation of 10 per cent of the profits from each product going to their co-venture, Happy & Co Farm in Cambodia, which employs 40 local young people who grow fresh produce in an area that previously relied heavily on importation. (happyandco.com)

Soft Touch Rubelli presents a selection of exclusive home textiles for the 2016 Armani/Casa collection. Crafted in Italy and designed in close collaboration with Giorgio Armani, the collection features lavish textures that remain faithful to Armani/ Casa’s elegant style philosophy. Inspired by a rare combination of urban environments and nature, a colour palette of golds and greys is fused with warmer tones, which feature alongside more traditional Armani colours of ruby red, jade green and sapphire blue From £154 per metre (rubelli.com)

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Homes and Interiors

Homes & interiors news

Looking to the Far East W O R D S : C r i s p i n H a rr i s M R I C S , J a c k so n - S t o p s & S t a f f

I

n the month after Brexit, UK property enquiries from China increased by 40 per cent due, in part, to the reduced value of Sterling against the dollar and the Yuan. The UK is now the most popular country for Chinese property investment, and plans for a northern powerhouse have attracted investors looking to capitalise in Manchester, Cheshire and the surrounding areas.

The north west economy is the strongest performing in the North of England and is home to a highly skilled workforce, highest proportion of degree educated working population and working rates above national averages.

The region is home to a major, diverse and international economy with many world-leading businesses choosing to make it their home and a private sector-led and knowledge-rich economy. ‘Invest in Cheshire’ predicts that the region will double the size of its economy over the next 25 years to £50 billion, which will create 127,000 new jobs and 139,000 new homes.

With this in mind, it comes as little surprise that the next influx of Chinese investors is targeting the region as a safe bet for investment. The Beijing Engineering Construction Group is investing £800m into Manchester International Airport, and new direct routes to Beijing and Hong Kong signal the beginnings of a burgeoning relationship between China and the north west of England.

This interest from the Far East is bound to have a positive impact on the region’s property market, as businesses look to house their staff close to their new investments and employment increases in the area.

Jackson-Stops & Staff is very conscious of this emerging marketplace and is developing lines of communication to ensure Chinese buyers have easy access to the properties they sell.

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City Break The hustle and bustle of city life can often prove tiresome, which is why Italian fashion house Agnona has designed its new home collection with relaxation in mind. Inspired by metropolitan living, the collection aims to provide a welcome respite after a busy working day, with cashmere, alpaca and fine wool throws, and plush pillows. With a long-standing tradition of selecting quality fabrics for its fashion line, Agnona has ensured that the same level of luxury is present in its homeware. All you need to do now is put your feet up.

From £350 (agnona.com)

Whatever your style, a beautiful treasure from FrithRugs makes the perfect finishing touch to your home.

Our stunning selection of oriental rugs and large rugs is the largest in the UK and includes finest quality hand-crafted designs from all over the world. There are over 30,000 rugs and large rugs in stock across our stores with styles to suit every taste, setting and budget - from machine woven rugs from Europe’s leading manufacturers to precious hand-knotted masterpieces from India, Pakistan, Turkey, Afghanistan, Persia and China. A world of choice for any home.

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jackson-stops.co.uk

Alderley Edge An exemplary 7 bedroom family house with an exceptional bespoke interior nestled in mature gardens within Alderley Edge.

• 2 reception rooms • study/playroom • kitchen/breakfast/family room • 7 bedrooms (4 en suite) • bathroom with sauna • garaging with gym/potential annexe above • gardens • EPC - C Guide Price: £2,450,000

People Property Places

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

Nether Alderley An exquisite contemporary manor house nestled in a private idyllic setting.

• Reception hall • 4 reception rooms • 5 bedrooms (all en suite) • study • leisure suite with pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, bar, gym, games room and wine cellar • garaging • 2 bedroom annexe • woodland • approaching 13 acres • EPC – C Guide Price: £7,250,000

People Property Places

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

jackson-stops.co.uk

Worsley

Alderley Edge

An immaculate family house with a stunning interior.

A substantial 4 bedroom family house in stunning gardens.

• 2 reception rooms • study • 6 bedrooms • 6 bathrooms • gym/bedroom 7 • garaging • gardens • EPC - C

• 3 reception rooms • breakfast room • 4 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • garaging • about 0.48 of an acre • EPC – E

Guide Price: £1,400,000

Guide Price: £1,200,000

Macclesfield

Brereton Park

An Grade II Listed family house combining traditional & contemporary.

A contemporary barn conversion set in private parkland.

• 3 reception rooms • study • gym • 5 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms • garaging • about 2.7 acres

• 3 reception rooms • study • 4 bedrooms • 3 bathrooms • garaging • approximately 0.6 of an acre • EPC - C

Guide Price: £1,125,000

Guide Price: £975,000

People Property Places

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

CGI

CGI

Alderley Edge Surely the best plot within Alderley Edge. Potential to build up to 8,578 sq ft (797 sq m).

A wonderful opportunity to create a contemporary property in Japanese style garden with lake sitting at the top of one of the most prestigious roads in Alderley Edge. In all about 5.33 acres.

Guide Price: ÂŁ3,500,000

People Property Places

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

CGI

jackson-stops.co.uk

Moston, Sandbach 3 stunning, newly converted, 4 bedroom barn conversions with exquisite interiors and far-reaching views, sitting on a quiet rural lane.

• architect certificated • drawing room • kitchen/breakfast room • 4 bedrooms (1 en suite) • bathroom • gardens • garage • parking for 2 cars • visitor parking • EPC – D Guide Prices: from £495,000 to £550,000

Ormskirk, Lancashire An architect designed masterpiece and courtyard of 18th Century barns with stunning parkland views.

• 3 reception rooms • study • kitchen/breakfast room • 6 bedrooms • 2 bathrooms • first floor kitchen • indoor pool • courtyard buildings suitable for conversion, subject to the necessary consents • former sawmill • tennis court • just under 4 acres • EPC – E Guide Price: £1,650,000

People Property Places

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

Henbury A truly stunning house with an exquisite interior and beautiful gardens and paddock land.

• 4 reception rooms • kitchen/breakfast room • 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) • bathroom • garaging • small lake • paddock land • in all about 8.6 acres • EPC - D Guide Price: £1,950,000

Swanscoe An exquisite stone manor house with commanding pastoral views nestled in 8 acres.

• 3 reception rooms • breakfast kitchen/living room • 7 bedrooms (3 en suite) • bathroom • cellarage • garage • outdoor pool • approximately 8 acres • EPC - E Guide Price: £1,495,000

People Property Places

Wilmslow 01625 540 340 wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

jackson-stops.co.uk

Hale An individual architect designed house standing in mature gardens in one of Hale’s most sought-after locations.

• 3 reception rooms • dining kitchen • 5 bedrooms (2 en suite) • bathroom • garaging • gardens • EPC - E

Guide Price: £1,500,000

Grappenhall An imaginative contemporary barn conversion in a beautiful courtyard setting adjacent to open countryside.

• 2 reception rooms • kitchen • 4 bedrooms (3 en suite) • bedroom 5/study • bathroom • garaging • work room • parking • in excess of half an acre • EPC – E

Offers in excess of £950,000

People Property Places

Hale 0161 928 8881 hale@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

Bowdon A handsome and elegant period family home standing in stunning grounds with planning permission for a separate dwelling.

• 4 reception rooms • study • kitchen/breakfast room • 6 bedrooms (1 en suite) • bathroom • staff annexe • planning permission for garaging • outbuilding with planning permission for 2 bedroom accommodation • garaging • in all approximately 1.5 acres • EPC - E

Guide Price: £2,750,000

Houghton Green A stunning and characterful Grade II Listed country house set in wonderful gardens of approximately 3 acres.

• 3 reception rooms • study • breakfast kitchen • 5 bedrooms (1 en suite) • bathroom • garage block • formal gardens • orchard and vegetable areas • woodland garden • children’s play area • approximately 3 acres

Guide Price: £1,650,000

People Property Places

Hale 0161 928 8881 hale@jackson-stops.co.uk

Offices in London and across the country

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Homes and Interiors

INTERIORS INSPIRATION

Rustic Urbanity We look at a recent project of esteemed Swiss creative studio Plusdesign, in which the works of dreamy Portuguese interiors brand Boca do Lobo play a starring role

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he Cheshire Magazine has long fawned over emotive Portuguese furniture brand Boca do Lobo – so, naturally, when we discovered they had recently collaborated on a daring Alpine design project with architectural and interior design consultancy firm Plusdesign, we were desperate to see the results. We weren’t disappointed.

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Created for a private client with what the teams describe as a ‘cosmopolitan spirit’, the holiday chalet is perched in the valley of Gerignoz, near Gstaad in Switzerland, complete with all the spectacular mountain views one expects of an Alpine retreat. Despite this rustic setting, it was important to the owner that the interiors reflected a sense of the urban, as well as a fresh,

Homes and Interiors

Some materials and finishes had already been set before the team’s intervention

contemporary edge that was just a little bit different from anything the teams had created previously.

The intention, we were told, was to convey a discreet sense of luxury combined with the cosy atmosphere of an Alpine chalet, so the Plusdesign team – Italian architect Claudia Sigismondi and architect/ designer Andrea Proto di Santa Dorotea – set to work fusing contemporary touches of design with unexpected pieces of artwork and photography to add interest and visual twists to the interiors.

When it came to furniture, they immediately called on Boca do Lobo – renowned for their quirky, handmade pieces, crafted with a combination of traditional manufacturing techniques and the

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latest technological methods, to achieve a truly unique result, and one which naturally lends itself to experimental, luxury surrounds. The most spectacular of their pieces used is certainly the Eden table, taking its shape from that of a massive wood trunk, recalling the Alpine woods and the local materials they yield, but putting a contemporary spin on the traditional with its delightfully incongruous and sophisticated metal coating, enhancing the connection between shape and surface.

Keen to use a mixture of new, contemporary furniture, and antique, vintage and traditional pieces, they also sourced products from all over Europe and the US, including pieces from the likes of Artemide, Jacques Dewarrat, Dornbracht, Fashion for Floors, Flexform, Flos, Globo, Fritz Hansen,

Ingo and Louis Poulsen. Owing to its location, transporting them to the chalet wasn’t always easy – resulting, in the case of the enormous onepiece sofa by Vladimir Kagan, in a helicopter delivering the piece directly onto the chalet’s balcony.

Some materials and finishes had already been set before the team’s intervention, so it was necessary for them to painstakingly blend their additions with existing features to create a seamless overall aesthetic – including enclosing the staircase with a glass wall, aiming to increase the overall brightness of the room by reflecting the open-space living area and stunning views around it. (bocadolobo.com; plusdesign.ch)

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The Old Stables, Capesthor ne Hall, Nr Alder ley Edge , Cheshire . SK11 9JY

By Appointment

W: j a n e y b u t l e r . c o . u k E: hello@janeybutler.co.uk T:

01625 861935

Janey Butler Interiors I n t e r n at i o n a l A w a r d W i n n i n g D e s i g n e r in collabor ation with Er ic Kuster

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recreate the look

Come Dine With Me

W

hether you like to invite hordes of your nearest and dearest over for lavish feasts, or prefer a private candlelit supper for two at the end of a busy day, your dining room is a central hub of your home and one of its most crucial and conspicuous design spaces.

It’s also one of the most versatile rooms when it comes to interior design, as – once you’ve got a big table and some chairs – there really are no rules at all.

Industrial, Brutalist chic is very on trend just now but, if you fancy something a little warmer, an opulent, Edwardianinspired look is always the height of glamour – while, personally, we love a bit of rustic, farmhouse style for cosy dining.

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1. Back to Basics First things first: a space is always cosier when it feels personal and lived in (even if your design style is all chrome sideboards and industrial-chic dining chairs, personal touches will help to soften its severity). Start with a really big, plush rug over bare floors, then add in quirky, fun pieces like an oversize terrarium and colourful art to bring personality, while still fitting with a modern aesthetic.

TOP

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Dining Room Tips

Making your dining room as cosy as possible over the autumn and winter months can often be a challenge – our interiors gurus and a local expert from the Northwest Fireplace Centre bring you their top tips for creating the perfect space for warm family meals and ambient dinner soirÊes

2. Colouring In An easy way to avoid your dining room feeling cold or vacuous (especially if it’s large, as big spaces can feel chilly and empty very easily) is to use rich, warm colours on alternate walls. Any hue with depth will create a cosier feeling in a cavernous space, although some colours naturally lend themselves to different design aesthetics (chocolate brown, for example, works well in rustic-inspired rooms, while dark indigos and rust-oranges help lift contemporary spaces).

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3 Fabric, Fabric, Fabric Covering bare surfaces helps a space feel softer and more inviting, not to mention adding the very practical advantage of insulation.

Try adding coverings to the table top, in the form of fabric placemats and a table runner if you don’t fancy a full cloth, and cushions to protect your fellow diners from the chill of a bare chair.

5. Light My Fire

4. Bits and Bobs Nothing says olde-world charm and character like a cabinet of curiosities.

Get yourself a nice kitchen armoire or pretty farmhouse-style shelving unit, then choose accessories to fill it based upon the tone you’d like to create.

Stack your collections a bit haphazardly rather than in perfect order to loosen up the space and, for an organic, nature-inspired look, use pretty stones, moss and leaves to accent stacks of dishes.

Installing a fireplace in your dining room is a sure-fire (no pun intended) way of injecting a warm, snug sense of homeliness.

For this we recommend a trip to the Northwest Fireplace Centre’s showroom in Bolton, a company which has been designing beautiful bespoke fireplaces and high-end gas fires for more than 20 years (they even do electric fires, accessories and wall coverings, too). Working with esteemed brands such as Dru, and using gorgeous, quality materials, their statement fireplaces – whether your dining room suits a sleek, contemporary look or a period-inspired marble hearth – will make dining by firelight the highlight of your winter. (01204 658889; northwestfireplaces.co.uk)

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#2 #1

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DINE IN STYLE #1 Cosworth 5 light Pendant Bronze, £270, där lighting group (darlighting.co.uk) #2 Baker Boy Kitchen Table, £545, Loaf (loaf.com) #3 Wickerworks Rattan Morin Dining Chair, (Set of 2), £155, Space & Shape (spaceandshape.com) #4 Hessian Table Runner – Vintage Affair, £9.99, Ginger Ray (gingerray.co.uk) #5 Cradle Vase Oval, £72, Harley & Lola (harleyandlola. co.uk) #6 Small Patterened Glass Lantern, £3.99, Dobbies (dobbies.com) #7 Out There Interiors Pranati Woven Stool in Black, £65, Out There Interiors (outthereinteriors.com)

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Individual bathrooms... ...beautifully designed

Luxury Bathrooms | Exclusive Tiles | Venetian Mosaics | Designer Radiators

Artisan Tile and Bathroom Studio. 19-22 The Paddock, Handforth, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 3HQ Tel: 01625 526186 Email: info@artisantbs.co.uk Web: www.artisantbs.co.uk Follow us on Twitter: @artisan_19 ARTELINEA | DORNBRACHT | DURAVIT | KEUCO | BISQUE | HANSGROHE | STARCK | AXOR | TEUCO | FALPER | KALDEWEI | VICTORIA & ALBERT

gardens

A Hint of Colour As winter approaches, it’s all too easy to simply prune your garden into survival mode and forget about it until spring – but this year, why not lift your spirits with a winter wonderland full of luscious hues?

Preparing for Winter Before you can start thinking about adding winter colour, you’ll need to do a bit of pre-winter maintenance to ensure that your garden flourishes in the coming year. Start by deadheading autumn-flowering plants and pruning summer-flowering shrubs before the first frosts – and don’t forget to ease the weight on branches by brushing off any snow that does fall, starting from the bottom and working upwards. It’s also worth using fallen leaves to create a thick mulch and spreading it over plants and soil to protect them from the cold weather, as this is a crucial time for hardier bulbs and newly planted shrubs to begin taking in nutrients.

If you have a vegetable garden, make sure that you cover root vegetables such as parsnips and carrots with leaves or straw (laying it roughly 15cm deep should do the trick) – this way they can still be harvested throughout the colder months. A good – if odd – tip is to cover the whole patch with old carpet if snow is forecast, ensuring there’s a nice thick protective layer between the ice and your veggies.

You’ll also want to give your grass a

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good breather over the winter, so remove as many weeds, leaves and patches of moss as possible now so you can avoid trampling on it for a few months.

Of course, preparing your garden for winter isn’t just about caring for your plants – now is a good time to get everything else in your garden well in order, too. Start by gathering up all the tools you’ve been using throughout the summer and giving them a good clean to remove all the dirt and rust that’s built up, then disinfect your seed trays and pots with a nice mild detergent. Next you should check that all the various structures – fences, gates and sheds, for example – are up to withstanding the turbulent weather ahead; doing this sooner rather than later will give you a chance to get any repairs that need doing completed before the winter really sets in. It’s also a good

idea to give sheds and greenhouses a good clean around this time of year, as well as wiping down tables and chairs (particularly if they’re going to be put away for the winter).

Autumn is also the perfect time to start a compost heap (or stir and add to one, if you’re already a keen composter). Collect up all the cuttings, leaves and other vegetal scraps you’ve accumulated during your clean up, then pile everything into an aerated, open container which sits on bare earth, adding to it as the season goes on and giving it a good turn every once in a while.

Finally, do your bit to help your garden’s resident wildlife survive the cold months by putting out fat balls and birdseed. This not only gives birds, frogs and hedgehogs a helping hand, but also ensures that they stay in your garden and continue to keep it free of a multitude of pests.

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gardens

Choosing Your Plants Now that everything’s in order, you can start choosing your winter colour palette. Two of the best secret weapons for any gardener trying to brighten up a garden at this time of year are the humble shrub and stem – both of which boast a variety of dazzling autumnal colours and impressive hardiness.

Start with Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina Domestica), nothing like actual bamboo but an evergreen shrub which erupts with stunning red leaves and berries nonetheless – very festive, very colourful, and guaranteed to be left alone by any hungry rabbits paying your garden a visit.

For another shrub that provides a beautiful pop of colour, try Skimmia Japonica with its clusters of bright red berries and sweet white flowers.

Another evergreen, this one looks

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fantastic along the edge of borders or in pots, and usually produces a good crop of both flowers and berries when planted in slightly acidic soil.

A favourite for its stems is the Scarlet Willow (Salix Alba var.

Vitellina ‘Britzensis’), which presents as a mass of beautiful blood-orange branches – or, if you prefer, the Golden Willow and Salix Myrsinifolia for stems of gold and purple. They’re large and boisterous, so in need of hard pruning, but the effect is more than worth the effort. For a more subtle, stylish statement, go for the striking white stems left behind once the blackberries are gone from the aptly named Ghost Bramble (Rubus Thibetanus).

If striking stems and shrubs don’t pack enough of a punch, there are also plenty of flowers hardy enough to survive the winter months if properly cared for. An excellent starting point is Winter Aconite (Eranthis Hyemalis), whose egg-yolk yellow blooms with their frills of bright green foliage will pop up around January in a scintillating carpet of colour. Complement them with a splash of Witch Hazel (Hamamelis Mollis), with its oddlooking streamer-like flowers which come in yellow, orange or red and, as a bonus, give off the most incredible smell of seasonal spices. After all, what’s a beautiful, colourful garden without a fabulous fragrance or two to waft in on early winter evenings? If you’re looking for something truly delicious, add in a little Wintersweet (Chimonanthus Praecox ‘Luteus’), with its syrupy, slightly sultry, far-reaching scent, perfectly enhanced by its crop of creamy yellow flowers, followed by handsome vase-shaped seed capsules.

BERKELEY BERKELEY HOUSE, HOUSE,WILMSLOW WILMSLOW THE THE BEST BEST OF OF BOTH BOTHWORLDS WORLDS

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Situated Situatedwithin withinananexclusive exclusiveresidential residentialarea areaofof Wilmslow, Wilmslow,Berkeley BerkeleyHouse Houseoffers offersthe thebest bestofof contemporary contemporaryopen openplan planapartment apartmentliving livingyet yetitsits character characterechoes echoesthe theVictorian Victorianarchitecture architectureofof bybygone goneyears. years.ItIttruly trulyisisthe thebest bestofofboth bothworlds. worlds.

Think Think spacious spacious light light filled filled living living rooms, rooms, ideal ideal forfor relaxing, relaxing, dining dining and and entertaining. entertaining.

With With elegant elegant interior interior design design and and thoughtful thoughtful layout, layout, they they areare perfect perfect forfor today’s today’s relaxed relaxed lifestyle. lifestyle.

Also Also featuring featuring thethe latest latest touch touch button button media media forfor watching watching TV,TV, listening listening toto your your favourite favourite music, music, oror controlling controlling thethe ambient ambient lighting. lighting.

Think Think SieMatic SieMatic kitchens kitchens that that areare a cooks a cooks dream dream with with plenty plenty of of worktop worktop space space and and state-of-the-art state-of-the-art Siemens Siemens appliances. appliances.

Think Think two two oror three three bedroomed bedroomed apartments, apartments, allall designed designed toto bebe a sanctuary a sanctuary of ofrest restand andcalm, calm,with withen-suites en-suitesand andbathrooms bathroomsthat thatboast boasthigh highquality quality Hansgrohe Hansgrohe finishes finishes and and clean clean contemporary contemporary lines. lines.

Alternatively Alternatively if aif private a private study study is is your your preference preference thethe spare spare bedroom bedroom can can equally equally fulfi fulfi l this l this function. function.

Think Think ‘alfresco’ ‘alfresco’ breakfast breakfast oror a cup a cup of of coffee coffee in in thethe fresh fresh air,air, where where your your private private covered coveredloggia loggiaororoutdoor outdoorbalcony balconybecomes becomesa welcome a welcomeextension extensiontotoyour your home. home.

Some Some ground ground floor floor apartments apartments also also feature feature private private terraces, terraces, where where you you cancan enjoy enjoy thethe manicured manicured surrounding surrounding garden, garden, all all looked looked after after byby someone someone else. else.

SetSetin inmature maturelandscaped landscapedgrounds groundsBerkeley BerkeleyHouse Housefeels feelsprivate privateand andquiet, quiet, despite despite itsits convenient convenient location, location, just just a short a short walk walk from from thethe centre centre of of town. town.

The The town town itself itself is is filled filled with with attractive attractive red-brick red-brick buildings buildings and and leafy leafy streets streets with with a wide a wide range range of of independent independent coffee coffee shops, shops, delicatessens, delicatessens, restaurants, restaurants, a post a post offioffi cece and and a newsagent’s, a newsagent’s, allall onon your your doorstep. doorstep.

There’s There’s lots lots of of choice choice forfor dining dining out out with with friends friends and and family, family, from from wine wine bars bars toto cosy cosy country/gastro country/gastro pubs. pubs.

Wilmslow Wilmslow also also boasts boasts a mix a mix of of well-known well-known and and independent independent stores, stores, including including thethe iconic iconic Hoopers Hoopers department department store. store.

AA weekly weekly ‘MAKERS’ ‘MAKERS’ market market offers offers thethe best bestof ofartisan artisangoods goodsand andthetheHandforth HandforthDean/Cheadle Dean/CheadleRoyal Royalretail retailparks, parks, which which include include a large a large M&S, M&S, Tesco, Tesco, John John Lewis Lewis and and Sainsbury’s, Sainsbury’s, areare both both within within easy easy reach reach byby car. car.

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Berkeley Berkeley House: House: 2020 Chapel Chapel Lane, Lane, Wilmslow, Wilmslow, Cheshire, Cheshire, SK9 SK9 5HX 5HX T. T. 01942 01942 263 263 485 485 E. E. info@berkeleyhousewilmslow.co.uk info@berkeleyhousewilmslow.co.uk www.berkeleyhousewilmslow.co.uk www.berkeleyhousewilmslow.co.uk

04/10/2016 04/10/2016 10:20 10:20

promotion

Meet the Judges With the Northern Design Awards just around the corner, we meet six of the seventeen esteemed judges tasked with deciding who deserves one of the architecture, retail and design world’s greatest accolades

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Alison Vance

Wayne Hemingway

You just might’ve heard of this talented lady if, like us, you’re fans of the hugely successful Jeffreys Interiors – a thoroughly unique, exclusive furniture and accessories business specialising in top end residential projects. Having been born in Northern Ireland, and run her own interior design practice there for 22 years, it was when Alison and partner Jeff moved to Edinburgh in 2005 that they decided to establish the business, since becoming a well-loved favourite of design-o-philes everywhere. (jeffreys-interiors.co.uk)

Born in Morecambe, Lancashire, fashion designer Wayne is known the world over for the supremely successful label Red or Dead, which he established in 1982 and built up into an iconic brand before eventually selling in 1998, choosing to focus on Hemingway Design, a company specialising in affordable and social housing. The company’s projects have won such notable high-profile awards as the 2005 Housing Design Award for best large project and Building Magazine's Best Housing-Led Regeneration Project. (hemingwaydesign.co.uk)

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Mick Goode As Regional Chair for the North West RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects), President of the North Lancashire and Fylde Branches of RIBA, and director of Croft Goode Architects, as well as a member of both the North West RIBA Practice Committee and RIBA/NBS BIM Expert Panel, it’s fair to say that, when it comes to architecture, Mick Goode knowns more than most. Based in Kirkham, Lancashire, he is also involved in a number of important regeneration and community projects across the UK. (croftgoode.co.uk)

Jan Constantine Hailing from Bury in Greater Manchester, and now living with her husband and daughters near Nantwich, textile designer Jan is being credited with producing what design-lovers are calling the ‘heirlooms of the future’, creating characterful, distinctive, hand-embroidered pieces made from natural cotton, linen and silk. Having studied fashion at Bolton College of Art, she worked first in fashion then interior design, before eventually founding Jan Constantine Ltd, creating home textiles ranging from wall hangings and cushions to bags and bunting. (janconstantine.com)

Nick Munro

Susie Rumbold

Having trained in engineering and design at Imperial College of Science and Technology and The Royal College of Art, London, it was only when Chester-based designer Nick turned a bedspring into an eggcup, and marketed it to mega-brand Habitat, that his big break into the world of commercial design finally came. It was this success which won him became the UK’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and he’s since gone from strength to strength, opening stores in Chester and London. (nickmunro.com)

As BIID (British Institute of Interior Design) President Elect for 2016/17 and creative director of London-based multi-disciplinary BIID Design Practice, Tessuto Interiors, Australian-born Susie is a star of the creative interior design world. Having worked with both private and commercial clients for more than 20 years, her company does everything from planning to construction, and design to decoration, and is responsible for some of the capital’s most beautiful homes. (tessuto.co.uk)

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Cheshire and Manchester’s Leading Independent Estate Agents Visit our new web site www.jordanfishwick.co.uk

HALE ROAD, HALE Guide Price £1,950,000 Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Office 36/38 Alderley Road, SK91JX Sales: 01625 532000 Lettings: 01625 536300 E: wilmslow@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Built in 1901 and with Grade II listed status, ‘Greystoke’ was designed by eminent architect Edgar Wood. Wood designed an enclave of just nine properties in Hale forming an integral part of Hale’s history and our national heritage. ‘Greystoke’ being the largest and most geographically elevated of these houses is the most prominent.

It is a fine family home, beautifully maintained and full of character. The house offers a wealth of accommodation throughout including four reception rooms and seven bedrooms totalling over 4100 sq ft within the main house and a further 600sq ft within the separate coach house. Also worthy of mention is the fact it has a self contained coach house, four car garage and sits behind secure gates in 0.6 of an acre.

Hale Office 172 Ashley Road, WA15 9SF Sales: 0161 929 9797 Lettings: 0161 929 9898 E: hale@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Didsbury Office 757-759 Wilmslow Road, M20 6RN Sales: 0161 445 4480 Lettings: 0161 434 5290 E: didsbury@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Macclesfield & Prestbury Office 84-86 Waters Green, SK11 6LH Sales: 01625 434000 Lettings: 01625 502222 E: macclesfield@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Sale Office 95-97 School Road M33 7XA Sales: 0161 962 2828 Lettings: 0161 976 5080 E: sales@jordanfishwick.co.uk

CHARCOAL ROAD, BOWDON Guide Price ÂŁ2,500,000 Glossop Office 44 High Street West, SK13 8BH Sales: 01457 858888 Lettings: 01457 858888 E: glossop@jordanfishwick.co.uk

MAGNIFICENT VICTORIAN RESIDENCE SITTING ON OVER AN ACRE OF GROUNDS IN A STUNNING SECLUDED LOCATION! Backing onto Dunham Forest Golf course and only a short walk to Bowdon & Altrincham yet residing in beautifully maintained grounds that have to be viewed to be appreciated. Over the past two years our client has undertaken a programme of refurbishment and renovation both internally and externally where a substantial terrace has been installed immediately adjacent to the rear of the house with magnificent views over the landscaped gardens. The lawn has been completely remodelled and now offers an expansive area stretching away to the rear of the property with far reaching views. The property boasts over 5000sq ft of current living accommodation with a further 2300 square feet of Loft space ripe for conversion!

Chorlton Office 410-412 Barlow Moor Road, M21 8AD Sales: 0161 860 4444 Lettings: 0161 860 4444 E: chorlton@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Manchester City Centre Office 217 Deansgate M3 3NW Sales: 0161 833 9499 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 E: manchester@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Salford & Media City Office City Point Unit 2, 156 Chapel Street M3 6BF Sales: 0161 833 9499 opt 3 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 opt 2 E: salford@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Northern Quarter Office 45 Tib Street M4 1LT Sales: 0161 833 9494 Lettings: 0161 833 9494 E: nor thernquar ter@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Cheshire and Manchester’s Leading Independent Estate Agents Visit our new web site www.jordanfishwick.co.uk

NEILDS BROW, BOWDON

Stunning unique build of the highest specification. The interior has been carefully configured and furnished with the finest quality fixtures and fittings. The property comes equip with CCTV, electric security gates and a media system throughout. 6 double bedrooms, 5 bathrooms. Fabulous modern interior Basement level includes gym area, bar and cinema room. The property includes a double garage with twin level car storage. There is ample parking for visitors and a private garden.

ÂŁ14,500pcm Wilmslow and Alderley Edge Office 36/38 Alderley Road, SK91JX Sales: 01625 532000 Lettings: 01625 536300 E: wilmslow@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Hale Office 172 Ashley Road, WA15 9SF Sales: 0161 929 9797 Lettings: 0161 929 9898 E: hale@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Didsbury Office 757-759 Wilmslow Road, M20 6RN Sales: 0161 445 4480 Lettings: 0161 434 5290 E: didsbury@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Macclesfield & Prestbury Office 84-86 Waters Green, SK11 6LH Sales: 01625 434000 Lettings: 01625 502222 E: macclesfield@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Sale Office 95-97 School Road M33 7XA Sales: 0161 962 2828 Lettings: 0161 976 5080 E: sales@jordanfishwick.co.uk

RAPPAX ROAD, HALE ÂŁ12,500pcm Glossop Office 44 High Street West, SK13 8BH Sales: 01457 858888 Lettings: 01457 858888 E: glossop@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Stunning 6 bedroom detached residence with swimming pool and recreational basement. The property is situated on of the most popular roads in Hale and is guarded by electric security gates. The interior is of contemporary design and the fixtures and fittings are state of the art with modern lighting and heating monitored from a Control 4 system throughout the house. The house extends to over 6500 square feet with a fabulous live in kitchen with seating area and views of the gardens. Recreational basement with cinema screen, gym area, sauna and steam room. To the rear is a large terrace with heated swimming pool, and modern landscaped gardens. Double garage with access into the utility area. Available furnished or unfurnished

Chorlton Office 410-412 Barlow Moor Road, M21 8AD Sales: 0161 860 4444 Lettings: 0161 860 4444 E: chorlton@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Manchester City Centre Office 217 Deansgate M3 3NW Sales: 0161 833 9499 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 E: manchester@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Salford & Media City Office City Point Unit 2, 156 Chapel Street M3 6BF Sales: 0161 833 9499 opt 3 Lettings: 0161 833 9499 opt 2 E: salford@jordanfishwick.co.uk

Northern Quarter Office 45 Tib Street M4 1LT Sales: 0161 833 9494 Lettings: 0161 833 9494 E: nor thernquar ter@jordanfishwick.co.uk

property pick

A New Hideaway The newest addition to The Hideaway Club’s Classic Collection of luxury villas, Kentroma House in Corfu is the perfect excuse to soak up some autumn sun on a group getaway to the Med

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I

f you have a penchant for hyper-luxurious holiday homes, and haven’t yet heard about The Hideaway Club, it’s high time you were introduced. Founded in 2007, the exclusive traveller club boasts a portfolio of 40 luxury residences in its Classic Collection, each worth at least £1.2 million and in a variety of locations across Europe, Asia and Africa, combining investment in a diversified portfolio of luxury properties in some of the world’s most desirable locations, with holidays accessed through the quality of a destination and lifestyle club.

As its most recently acquired property, Kentroma House is already causing a stir rivalling many of its Classic Collection peers. Perched neatly on a pretty hillside on the north east coast of Corfu, the four-bedroom villa has spectacular views over Agni Bay and a wonderfully secluded setting that’s nevertheless just a ten-minute drive from the popular town of Kalami with its beaches, restaurants and shops, and only a 45-minute drive from Corfu airport.

Inside, a programme of renovation and redecoration has just been completed by London design company Cocovara, whose creative team has created a Greek-inspired interior, combining sophistication and comfort. Luxury was brought into the dining area with upholstered dining seating and a banquette featuring layered cushions with blue accents while, in the master bedroom, gold highlights in handles, chandeliers and artwork contrast beautifully with a white and earthy background.

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property pick

The house also has three bathrooms, an open plan kitchen, dining and living area and air conditioning throughout. A highlight of the property is its wonderful heated outdoor pool and seating area, with spectacular views over the bay below, and there are a variety of different outdoor areas, including an upstairs sunset sofa, balcony armchairs, hanging chairs, plus sun loungers and umbrellas by the pool.

As part of your membership of The Hideaway Club, your stay at the villa is supported by a first class concierge service to attend to all travel needs, such as organising transfers, holiday itineraries, dinner reservations and sightseeing, meaning that you quite literally won’t need to lift a finger (except to raise your martini glass) the whole time you’re there.

“Kentroma House in Corfu was a natural addition to our European portfolio of beautiful holiday homes,” explains Poonam Dhawan-Leech,

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CEO of The Hideaways Club. “It has all the ingredients that make The Hideaways Club portfolio appealing to our 500+ members. Sitting high in a tranquil location with stunning panoramic views of the Agni Bay, Kentroma House is perfect for relaxation, yet within easy reach of various places of interest including all the coves, beaches and tavernas dotted along the prestigious northeast coast of Corfu. Through extensive renovation we’ve created a beautiful interior and a number of fantastic outdoor living spaces in keeping with local styles. We are confident that Kentroma House will not only become a much loved holiday home by our members, but will also realise its potential for growth in future value, therefore meeting the two key criteria fundamental to our acquisition decisions.”

Entry level prices for the Classic Collection start with a Lifestyle Associate membership for £88,000 (thehideawaysclub.com)

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23/09/2016 14:50

New showroom opening soon in Bollington Cheshire

t: 01704 544 222 e: info@portraitpools.com w: portraitpools.com

OVERSEAS PROPERTY we’ve picked OUR FAVOURITE properties from AROUND THE WORLD for your viewing pleasure

USA The Nineteen Seventy at Sunnyside Lake Tahoe Located on the west shore of Lake Tahoe, Nineteen Seventy offers approximately 12,000 sq ft of glamorous, yet relaxed, lakefront living in its truly custom sevenbedroom, eight-bathroom main house, which is centred around a grand living room with soaring ceilings, a massive wood-burning fireplace, and a stunning wall of glass that frames Lake Tahoe and the majestic High-Sierra Mountains beyond.

On the market for $16,800,000 (£12,588,874) with Christie’s International Real Estate (+1 530 525 5100; christiesrealestate.com)

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Homes and Interiors

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

Villa Antigua

This immaculate hilltop estate adorned by a beautiful exotic beach is in the vicinity of three notable estates owned by Oprah Winfrey, Giorgio Armani and Eric Clapton. The main estate has six rooms and 12 bedrooms, with three single level guest villas along the waterfront with 13 rooms and 26 guest suites.

On the market for $44,000,000 (£32,970,861) with Christie’s International Real Estate (+1 310 738 2298; christiesrealestate.com)

MARBELLA

Contemporary Villa in La Zagaleta This new, state of the art villa is located on the hills of one of the most prestigious residential areas in Europe and offers spectacular sea views. Situated in a gated community that offers the highest levels of security, privacy and facilities, including a private golf course exclusively available to residents and guests, the property comprises five spacious en-suite bedrooms. Features include a large, bright living space with panoramic views of the coast, and a beautiful open concept kitchen which merges with the formal dining area. The home also boasts manicured gardens and an infinity swimming pool, as well as a home cinema, gym, sauna and steam room, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi, outdoor bar and a BBQ area.

On the market for €6,750,000 (£5,640,998) with Christie’s International Real Estate (+43 676 394 0837; christiesrealestate.com)

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Homes and Interiors

OVERSEAS PROPERTY MARBELLA

Magnificent Classical Chateau This grand villa is built in a classical chateau style, yet is complete with all the modern amenities. The main house has six bedrooms and a staff apartment on the ground floor.

The ground floor also includes an indulgent spa with large sauna and Jacuzzi. The property is set at the heart of “Golf Valley” in the prestigious residential zone of Aloha, and world famous Puerto Banús is just a few minutes’ drive away offering luxury boutiques, beaches and stylish restaurants.

On the market for €4,600,000 (£3,844,596) with Christie’s International Real Estate (+43 676 394 0837; christiesrealestate.com)

CANADA

10 Highland Avenue, Toronto Perfectly positioned on one of Canada’s finest streets, this magnificent home encompasses 17,000 sq ft of living space with one acre of landscaped gardens.

Boasting six bedrooms and ten bathrooms the home also features various grand spaces including a panelled great room and library, billiards room and an impressive outdoor swimming pool.

On the market for $27,500,000 CAD (£15,940,557) with Christie’s International Real Estate (+1 416 925 9191; christiesrealestate.com)

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north west fireplace centre fireplaces as indiviual as you are

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

www.northwestfireplaces.co.uk

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

Homes and Interiors

FINISHING TOUCHES

Maurizio Pellizzoni for Bang & Olufsen, image courtesy of: AC. Cooper

LIP SERVICE As technology comes to play an intrinsic part in our everyday lives, interior designers are collaborating with tech houses to find new and exciting ways to integrate the latest devices into our homes. Take Maurizio Pellizzoni’s artistic new cover for B&O PLAY’s iconic A9 music system, for instance. Pellizzoni’s eye-catching design truly speaks for itself, featuring statement red lips set on a stark white background and taking its inspiration from classic Federico Fellini films and actress Sophia Loren in her early career days. The speaker can either be placed freestanding in a corner or hung on the wall, and can also be personalised to suit your interior, with the legs available in oak, maple and walnut, and the cover in white, black or rose gold.

From £1,999, Bang & Olufsen, exclusive to Harrods (beoplay.com/A9; mauriziopellizzoni.co.uk)

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The llama group is a collection of design companies, all working from our prestigious offices in cheshire, creating award winning residential and commercial architectural and interior design projects.

Our brands include our own riba architects practice, our architectural interior design practice & our projects division. Our companies work hand in hand to bring together every aspect of our construction, renovation and design needs on each project. With every possible element under one roof we can guide you effortlessly through the process to achieve truly beautiful high-end, luxury residential or commercial projects throughout the uk and beyond.

The Old Stables, Capesthor ne Hall, Nr Alder ley Edge , Cheshire . SK11 9JY

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