insideKENT Magazine Issue 4 - Jan/Feb 2011

insideKENT JAN-FEB 2011

kent’s premier luxury lifestyle magazine

COMFORT FOOD

Warm yourself from the inside out at Kent’s best eateries

WINTER ESCAPES From Kent to Suffolk to Switzerland

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

insideKENT chats with singer/songwriter Jason Mraz

WONDERFUL WEDDINGS Venues, honeymoons, dresses and more to help you plan your perfect day

gemma arterton FROM KENT TO HOLLYWOOD

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THE JAGUAR XJL // LOCAL NEWS // NEW YEAR’S BEAUTY AND FASHION // A MAGNIFICENT BREAK AT ROWHILL GRANGE // RICHARD PHILLIPS AT CHAPEL DOWN // LOCAL PROPERTY // BUSINESS // EXPLORE THE RIVER MEDWAY // MY KENT BIG WEEKEND // LUXURY TEA WITH ROSEBUD VINTAGE // ICE SKATING IN GILLINGHAM // KENT EVENTS AND MUCH MORE

Creating beautiful landscaped gardens in Kent from design to construction

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We undertake projects nationwide in both the domestic and commercial sectors, for both private clients and developers. Our projects range in size from vast estate designs & builds to maintenance of beautiful natural Kentish grounds and lakes.

Our experienced design team aims to unlock the full potential of your project or landscape whatever the size, whatever the location, whilst imprinting the client’s requirements. Prior to any project, one of our design team will visit your home or premises to survey the work in question. We can also provide terrace, driveway or patio sketches, planting schemes, landscape design, irrigation and lighting design.

Our work includes: Landscaping & Design / Driveway & Patio Construction Fencing & Decking / Garden Maintenance / Horticulture Planting Schemes / Earthworks & Aggregates / Ornamental Barks Loams & Topsoils / Conservation Work / Lake & Pond Construction Woodland & Pond Management Please feel free to contact us to book an initial site visit.

Happy New Year from all of us at insideKENT Magazine! We hope you’ve enjoyed the snowy Christmas holiday and can’t wait to see what 2011 has in store.

It’s the time of year for committing to weight loss, breaking unhealthy habits, spending less time at work (or maybe more), getting regular exercise, saving money – the list goes on. Have any unique resolutions you’d like to share? It’s said that if you make your resolution public and have a resolution buddy, you’re more likely to stick with it. If you’re feeling motivated, post your goals for 2011 on www.facebook.com/insidekent; we’d love to hear from you!

To get you started off on the right foot for 2011, this issue is full of the best of Kent – from Gravesend-born cover star Gemma Arterton (p40) to getting your fill of Kentish comfort food (p44).

With the snow coming down outside, there’s nothing better than cuddling up on the sofa by a roaring fire. Make sure you’re as comfy as can be with one (or two or three) of our featured cosy cushions (p28). If you’re up for braving the cold, how about a day out at Gillingham’s Silver Blades Ice Rink (p58), or if you’re feeling adventurous and fancy a luxury getaway, check out the 5-star Beau-Rivage Palace (p68). insideKENT is also proudly announcing its chosen charity for 2011, Canterbury-based Catching Lives. This incredible organisation takes a proactive approach to combating homelessness in the Canterbury area and has many exciting things in store for the upcoming year. Keep your eye out in each 2011 issue of insideKENT for more about what we’re doing with this spectacular charity.

Get your entertainment fix with the best grown-up toys (p80), Kent and London events listings (p75) and catch up with chart-topping singer/songwriter Jason Mraz in our exclusive interview (p82). Have a look on YouTube for his hit song ‘I’m Yours’ (with over 80 million plays!) and you’ll instantly fall in love.

Last but certainly not least, check out the first-ever insideKENT Weddings supplement filled with the best Kent venues, stationery, dresses and more to make your big day perfect (p85).

As always, we want to thank all of our readers for the incredible feedback and support we’ve received for insideKENT. Keep the comments coming, and don’t forget to join us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest and greatest.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: HAVE A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR from all of us at insideKENT Magazine and Sideways Media.

Donna Martin // Editor donna@sidewaysmedia.co.uk www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

Don’t miss a beat. Follow insideKENT on Facebook & Twitter. www.facebook.com/insidekent www.twitter.com/insidekent

CONTENTS 40

GEMMA ARTERTON

24

CHARITY: CATCHING LIVES

38

WINTER STYLE

48 RICHARD PHILLIPS AT CHAPEL DOWN

53

LOCAL ART

66

THE OLD NEPTUNE

68

THE BEAU-RIVAGE PALACE

WIN!

7

THE JAGUAR XJL

85

CINEWORLD TICKETS AND DINNER AT PIZZA HUT – P76

insideWEDDING

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KENT NEWS What's going on in the Garden of England

58

SILVER BLADES A day on the ice at the Gillingham rink

14

BUSINESS WK Finn Kelsey’s Colin Bannister on pension legislation

59

GREAT VALUE KENT Go ahead and put your pennies back in the piggy bank

16

LAW Gardner Croft Solicitors' guide to personal injury claims

60

MY KENT BIG WEEKEND Find out more about 2011’s event

18

PROPERTY Property news and listings from Grey Fox Prestige

62

ROWHILL GRANGE Unwind at Dartford’s luxury spa hotel

22

LOCAL BUSINESS Profiling Daryl Carter and The Chocolution.com

66

THE OLD NEPTUNE Hidden in the heart of Suffolk, this property is sure to wow

24

LOCAL CHARITIES A look at Canterbury-based charity Catching Lives

68

THE BEAU-RIVAGE PALACE A snowy break in Switzerland

28

CUSHIONS Spruce up your home with our pick of trendy designs

70

THE JAGUAR XJL Driving in the lap of luxury

32

VALENTINE’S GIFTS Perfect presents for the lady in your life

75

LONDON EVENTS What to do in the big city

34

HEALTH AND BEAUTY Your New Year beauty tips from makeup expert Gemma Morpurgo

76

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LOOK YOUR BEST FOR 2011 Everything you need to get ready in style

CINEWORLD GIVEAWAY Win cinema tickets and dinner for two, just in time for Valentine’s Day

78

37

A NEW STYLE FOR THE NEW YEAR Men's style tips from fashion expert Rachel Gold

EVENTS What’s happening in your neck of the woods

80

38

WINTER FASHION Add a sunny splash of colour to your winter outfits

GO ON...HAVE A PLAY Our top picks for playtime entertainment

82

40

COVER STORY From Gravesend to the big screen, get to know our cover girl Gemma Arterton

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH JASON MRAZ A catch-up with the American singer-songwriter

85

insideWEDDING Everything you need for the big day

44

KENTISH COMFORT FOOD Pubs to visit for a hearty meal

86

WEDDING DRESSES See if you can spot your dream gown

46

RECIPE FROM MICHAEL CAINES A Tartlet of Quail and Quails Eggs with Onion Confit

88

WEDDING STATIONERY Modern stationary from Joosi Design

48

RICHARD PHILLIPS AT CHAPEL DOWN Fine wine and fine cuisine are guaranteed at this Tenterden eatery

89

ETIENNE PRADIER Make your day magical with the French-born magician

50

THE JACKDAW Lunch at the popular pub in Denton

91

FLOWER TRENDS FOR 2011 Take a look at these blooming beautiful flowers

51

PEARSON’S ARMS InsideKENT’S verdict on Richard Phillips’ newest venture

92

52

WINTER WARMERS Get rid of your Christmas leftovers with these simple recipes

BRIDAL BEAUTY MADE SIMPLE Gleam from top to toe with beautiful hair, sexy feet and a winning smile

95

53

ARTS Local artist Colette Baumback

TOP HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS Where best to enjoy your first weeks of newlywed bliss

96

54

EXPLORE KENT Get snappy along the River Medway

WEDDING VENUES Perfect places to tie the knot, right here in Kent

98

56

READER’S CHOICE Vote for what you want to see in insideKENT’s next issue

TOP 10 insideKENT’s pick of the best 'first dance' songs

insideKENT www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

Editor Donna Martin 07506 328883 donna@sidewaysmedia.co.uk Publishing Director Adam Ready 07824 882086 adam@sidewaysmedia.co.uk Design Director Dave Leo Yogore Editorial Assistant Emma Hogan Fashion Editor Molly Neznanski Gil Motoring Editor Matthew Evans Finance Manager Charlotte Morrissey Account Managers Hayley Flowers Jeremy Yeo Feature Writers Lizzy Cline Gemma Morpurgo Contributors Sarah Orton, Paul Batchelor, Debbie Lepine, Colin Bannister, Bob Long, Steve O’Neill, Alex Ridings, Visit Kent, Rachel Gold, Kelly Law, Emma Bates Photographers Matthew Evans, Luke Yates

Publisher

Ingles Manor Castle Hill Avenue Folkestone Kent CT20 2RD 01303 884660 hello@sidewaysmedia.co.uk www.sidewaysmedia.co.uk

For all advertising enquiries, contact Adam Ready on 07824 882086 or adam@sidewaysmedia.co.uk

When you have finished with this magazine, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it.

© Copyright 2010. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. Neither the publisher nor any other person associated with the production and publication of this magazine make any guarantees, warranties or claims as to the accuracy, currency or truthfulness of any of the contents of this magazine. No part of this magazine may be copied, reproduced or transmitted in any form without the publisher’s written consent. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited editorial, images or photographs published. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and the publisher takes no responsibility for omissions or errors. Publisher is not responsible for any variation in image colour due to printing processes.

Cover photo ©Armando Gallo/Retna USA/HEADPRESSPHOTO.COM

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NEWS

KENT YOUNG CHEF WINNERS

insideKENT PROUDLY SPONSORS CHARING FOOTBALL CLUB insideKENT are proud to be named sponsors of Charing FC for the season 2010-11. The team, believed to have been formed between the years 19001910, are currently in the Saturday Canterbury Premier League, playing three home games at Charing sports ground, just off the A20 in Charing.

This January, the two winners of the Kent Young Chef Award 2010 will be heading to a top Tunbridge Wells restaurant to draw up a special threecourse meal for a charity dinner. The Produced in Kent organised competition, was won by Steven Yap, 16, who claimed the senior title, and Thomas Perkins, 11, the victor of the junior category.

Yap and Perkins beat six other contenders in the Live Cook Off at Thanet College where they had to transform their original ideas into a main course dish in just two hours. The youngest competitor in the finals, Perkins took the trophy for his original gamekeeper's supper, a "well seasoned and flavoursome dish that worked beautifully", made with pheasant caught by his gamekeeper father. Yap lifted the senior trophy with his technically outstanding ballotine of guinea fowl and duxelle stuffing with spinach tagliatelle, chestnut puree, mushrooms and bacon, which the judges said was a "good all-round dish with autumnal flavours".

The club’s most successful season of late was 2005-2006 where the club won an impressive four trophies: Canterbury Division Two Champions, Faversham Charity Trophy, the Division Two League Cup and the Whitstable Charity Trophy. The following season gave Charing FC back to back promotions from Division One, as runners up to the Premier. Charing FC then went on to be third in the Premier League during 2008-2009.

Both winners will work alongside Head Chef Claire Wood to produce a menu for the January 20 dinner at Woods restaurant. Wood acted as a judge at the Live Cook Off alongside local celebrity chef Richard Phillips. The £25 dinner will be a chance for both winners to be creative and £5 will be donated to the Kent Air Ambulance from every ticket sold. To book a seat call 01892 614411 or visit www.woodsrestaurant.co.uk.

KENT HALTED BY SNOW December saw Kent struck by heavy snow with parts of the country waking up to more than fifteen centimetres of snowfall. Plunging temperatures saw Kent Highway Services sending out an ice warning on December 2, warning drivers not to travel unless absolutely necessary. Dover and Folkestone were hit by blizzard conditions and both bridges on and off Sheppey were shut, cutting off the entire island.

The snow seriously affected events all over Kent including the Demelza Carol Concert, deferred from its original slot on December 3, and Gillingham’s game at home to Rotherham on December 4 which was postponed due to the wintry weather. Moreover, on December 2 East Kent Hospitals Trust, which operates the QEQM at Margate, the William Harvey Hospital at Ashford and the Kent and Canterbury Hospital at Canterbury, decided to cancel all outpatient appointment clinics after a heavy downfall struck overnight.

Although the adverse weather conditions saw misery for commuters with Southeastern’s entire service hit by delays and cancellations, all was not doom and gloom. With schools shut across Kent and employees forced to take snow days, there was sledging and snowman building galore. So did you enjoy walking in a winter wonderland or was outside a snow-go area as you stayed snug and warm inside? Let us know at www.facebook.com/insidekent or www.twitter.com/insidekent.

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Plans are currently underfoot for a brand new pavilion at the Charing sports ground in 2014 which will undoubtedly improve facilities for the Football club and other sporting teams within the local community. Charing FC’s Club Captain Joe Rogers and Club Chairman Robert Cook, pictured with insideKENT’s Adam Ready, would both like to thank the magazine for providing the club with a new kit and sponsorship for this season’s campaign.

The kit was unveiled for the start of the season, printed and embroiled by Style Brands (see www.stylebrands.co.uk).

NEWS

DOODAS CELEBRATES 28 YEARS WITH KAREN MILLEN

SPORTING NEWS FOR KENT Unfortunately, December saw Kent miss out on a great tourism opportunity after losing the 2018 World Cup bid. Despite an impressive final push that included speeches by David Beckham, Prime Minister David Cameron and Prince William, football’s world governing body FIFA decided that Russia should host the next tournament. The decision is a shame for Kent; a county in such close proximity to London would surely have reaped the tourist benefits of an English World Cup. Sports Minister Hugh Robertson, the MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, said he was at a loss to understand how England had lost the bid. Mr Robertson, who attended the announcement ceremony in Zurich, Switzerland, believed that the bid team had done everything in its power to try and secure hosting rights.

Meanwhile, in more optimistic sporting news, Biggin Hill airport recently unveiled full details of its plan to be a gateway for the London 2012 Olympic Games. The airport is seeking approval from landlord Bromley Council to extend its opening hours and carry fare-paying passengers during the Olympics. As it stands, the Second World War fighter station has strictly enforced regulations, including a ban on allowing passengers to use the airport if they have paid a fare.

The airport will need to adopt more flexible regulations and operating hours if it is to become a gateway for the athletic teams and sponsor companies that are synonymous with the Olympic Games. If given the go-ahead, the airport will see relaxed restrictions from July 13 until September 23, with flights exclusively for business jets carrying a few fare-paying passengers.

Biggin Hill has also newly appointed Jenny Munro as its new managing director. She will join the airport from Dubai International Airports on March 1. Peter Lonergan, the current airport director, is retiring after 16 years at the airport but will remain as a non-executive director of the board.

FELINE FRIENDS IN NEED!

Early December saw DooDas Hair Salon celebrate a very special anniversary; 28 years ago to the day on December 7th marked the opening of its flagship branch in Maidstone. Global fashion designer Karen Millen opened the salon with these words, “as a local girl myself it is a pleasure to open this lovely hairdressers.” Millen, born in Kent, launched her very first shop in Maidstone in 1983. That same year, the DooDas success story began with their first salon.

The success of the Maidstone salon allowed DooDas to expand early on; the Canterbury salon was opened just two years later, with a third opening in Loose. DooDas strives to give you the very best client care on every visit; David Worthy, who, in partnership with Jez Hawkins, owns DooDas, says “we are certainly trying our very best to be the first choice for hairdressing and beauty in each town we operate.”

DooDas now boasts a creative team comprised of over forty members who, split between the three salons, ensure that clients achieve their perfect style. They will also design a home maintenance programme to suit your needs. DooDas offer several regular client promotions to give you real value for your money, all year round. Existing customers can take advantage of half price colour treatments at all three salons; visit the Canterbury salon on a Monday or the Maidstone and Loose salons on a Tuesday for half price colour, all day.

Doodas work hard to help you enjoy your visit from the start; a hair and scalp massage is carried out during the luxury shampoo service to relax you. With a Day Spa comprised of three luxury state-of-the-art therapy rooms and a tanning area and shower, DooDas is a great place to treat yourself to a well-deserved pampering session.

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Do you have room in your home and heart for a new family member? The RSPCA Ashford Garden Cattery in Station Road has lots of lovely cats of all ages looking for new loving homes. Some, like Beth, a beautiful 7-8 year old black and white female have been in the cattery for some time.

She has been hoping for someone to fall in love with her since April 2010.

Although Beth is not a kitten anymore and is not comfortable around other cats, the main reason that she hasn’t found a home is most likely her colouring. Black and white and black cats are particularly difficult to rehome although they have just as much love to give as their colourful feline relatives.

The Ashford, Tenterden and District Branch of the RSPCA run the cattery, doing all of their own fundraising with the help of a fantastic army of volunteers. They also offer neutering vouchers to those on benefits and encourage all pet owners to have their pet neutered so as to reduce the number of unwanted and stray animals. Microchippping can also help with the problem of stray animals and can help reunite lost pets with their owners. The cattery are celebrating their 5th anniversary with an Open Day on 30th April 2011 and will be offering to microchip dogs, cats, rabbits and ferrets for £10.

If you are interested in adopting a cat the cattery is open to the public every day between 11am and 3pm, except Wednesdays. Staff at the cattery are always available during opening hours to show visitors around and introduce them to the cats. Visit the website to see some of the cats available for adoption and to find out about future fundraising events and volunteering opportunities with the branch at www.rspca-asforddistrict.org.uk

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BUSINESS

KNOW YOUR PENSION RULES

OVER THE LAST 18 MONTHS WE HAVE SEEN A NUMBER OF CHANGES TO THE RULES RELATING TO PENSION CONTRIBUTION LIMITS. DURING THIS PERIOD, WE HAVE ALSO HAD A CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT THAT IMMEDIATELY REPEALED LABOUR’S NEW PENSION LEGISLATION PLANNED FOR 6TH APRIL 2011.

In October HM Treasury published their document entitled ‘Restricting Pensions Tax Relief Through Existing Allowances’ and whilst this hasn’t taken us back to the various generous, pension contribution limits we enjoyed between April 2006 and 2009, the new Rules are, for many, better than expected.

KEY CHANGES

• The Annual Allowance will be reduced to £50,000 from 6 April 2011 • The Lifetime Allowance will be reduced to £1,500,000 from 6 April 2012 • Unused annual allowance from the previous three years may be brought forward • Tax relief on personal contributions will continue to be granted at an individual’s marginal rate • Benefits under Defined Benefit arrangements will be converted using a factor of 16 for annual allowance purposes and will remain at 20 for lifetime allowance purposes • The taxation of EFRBS will be increased

ANNUAL ALLOWANCE

To enable individuals to catch up for missed years, unused annual allowance from up to the previous three tax years may be carried forward, provided they were a member of a registered pension scheme for the years in question. The annual allowances for each of the three tax years before 6 April 2011 are assumed to be £50,000, so an individual who has made no contributions since 6 April 2008 will have a useable allowance of £200,000 for the 2011-12 tax year. This figure is increased to £250,000 if the pension input period in brought to an early close in the 2011-12 tax year; thereby bringing forward the 2012-13 annual allowance into the 2011-12 tax year.

Any contributions made in that period must be deducted from the appropriate year. Pension providers will be required to issue contribution statements at the end of each tax year to permit individuals to determine their appropriate contributions for the next year.

LIFETIME ALLOWANCE

The lifetime allowance will reduce to £1,500,000 for benefits coming into payment from 6 April 2012. Individuals who currently hold valid certificates for primary or enhanced protection from the 6 April 2006 changes will continue to have this protection. Arrangements will be made to protect the funds of any individuals whose funds are currently between £1.5m and £1.8m. There are no immediate plans to index the allowances and the trivial commutation limit will remain at £18,000.

PENSION INPUT PERIOD (PIP)

Current legislation permits individuals or trustees to specify contribution years that are not in line with the tax years. Although these rules are to be kept, there will be transitional rules to cover anyone who has already started a PIP that covers the 2011-12 tax year and its lower annual allowance.

EFRBS

The Government has identified that some employee benefit trusts such as EFRBS are being used to disguise remuneration and avoid income tax and National Insurance contributions. Legislation will be introduced to ensure that these benefits are taxed equally with other forms of remuneration.

Colin Bannister 01233 629255 colin.bannister@wilkinskennedy.com

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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LAW

Suffered An Injury?

A GUIDE TO PERSONAL INJURY CLAIMS

By Bob Long

Suffering injury, particularly when it is the fault of somebody else, is a stressful and worrying time.

It is hopefully a once in a lifetime experience, and the following may assist you on your journey.

Who do I contact?

The first person to contact is a specialist Personal Injury Lawyer, preferably somebody who is a member of Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL); they should be able to advise you at an early stage whether you may have a valid claim.

How will I pay for it?

Many firms will offer an initial interview free of charge. We do so, and in appropriate cases are happy to visit clients at home for the initial assessment. You may have legal expenses insurance (check your household, contents, car insurance policies; credit card; or you may be a member of a union). If so, they may pay for the cost of making the claim. If not, many solicitors will act under a no win – no fee arrangement.

Will I get all my money or will the solicitors take it?

In almost every case, you should expect to receive all of your damages. Your solicitor should not take a percentage of your settlement.

What needs to be done?

You will need to prove that the other party was to blame and that you suffered injury because of it. If you do, you are entitled to damages for your injury (generally assessed with medical evidence); special damages (e.g. lost earnings, medication, treatment, travel expenses, care etc); and in more serious cases future losses (for example lost earnings if you can not return to work). In simple cases it may be possible to give you a rough idea of what sort of damages you can expect at an early stage; in complex and serious cases, that cannot be done until the extent of your recovery is known.

How long will it take?

This will depend on how serious the injury is, and whether the insurers admit the claim or defend it. Simple cases may settle within a year, complex cases may take several years to finalise.

I have no money to live on, what can I do?

If liability is accepted, your solicitor may be able to obtain an interim payment, on account of your damages, and if necessary you should discuss this with him. Interim payments cannot be obtained where liability is disputed.

How long do I have to make a claim?

Generally speaking, a claim must be brought (i.e. proceedings, actually issued) within 3 years of the accident. For children, it is within 3 years from the age of 18. Different time limits apply abroad, at sea etc.

There may be rare circumstances where the time limit can be extended; you will require special advice on this, so do not automatically assume that if it is after 3 years you have no chance. On the other hand, seek advice as quickly as possible.

The insurers have made an early offer to settle my case. Should I accept it?

Generally speaking, be cautious of any early offers (usually made out of the blue) from the defendant. For example, £1,000.00 may seem attractive, but if you are going to have months or even years of suffering, or incur losses, once you accept that offer you cannot come back for more, the claim is finished. Remember, the other side’s insurers are not there to help you, but to save themselves money. Always seek specialist advice.

My legal expenses insurer wants to use solicitors in another part of England. Do I have to accept that?

Some legal expenses insurers wish to instruct their own panel solicitors, who may be located hundreds of miles away, as they have special arrangements with them. In a very simple, straightforward case, that is not a problem. However, if you have a serious or complex injury, you would probably be better served by a local solicitor, with the necessary specialist skills, who would be able to see you and your family to assess the problems and needs, and he will also know the best local medical experts to help you, which someone somewhere else may not be able to do. My advice is to always have a good local solicitor, except in the most simple of cases.

So do I have to accept my legal expenses insurers appointed solicitors?

No. Provided that you have a reasonably good case, a local specialist solicitor would probably be prepared to enter into some alternative arrangement, which again should not cost you.

In any event, even if you start with your insurer’s appointed solicitor, you can insist on transferring to a solicitor of your own choice once proceedings

are issued; or alternatively you can commence with your own solicitors privately and then insist that your legal expenses insurer covers your legal costs with your appointed solicitors, from the date of issue of proceedings. They cannot then reasonably object.

Can I change my Solicitor?

Generally speaking, yes. If you are unhappy with the way your case is handled, or the advice you receive or if you feel your solicitor does not understand your case, you are entitled to seek a second opinion, and to change solicitor if necessary.

Bob Long is a Personal Injury specialist and Senior Litigation Manager with Gardner Croft. He has been handling personal injury claims for almost 40 years, from a simple car accident, to the most complex brain damage, spinal injury, chronic pain and psychiatric cases. He has run cases in the County Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and the House of Lords (now the Supreme Court).

Bob’s philosophy is that he is there to help the injured person, and not just to claim damages. He regularly visits clients at home to reduce the stress, and also to enable him to see for himself any problems they have in their day-to-day lives or that of their family. He hopes to be able to help to restore quality of life, as far as is possible.

The types of claims Bob handles include: • Road Traffic Accidents • Employers Liability • Occupiers Liability • Product Liability • Trips and slips • Fatal accidents • Head/brain injury • Spinal injury • Chronic pain/fatigue/Fibromyalgia • Psychological injury • PTSD • Orthopaedic injury • Whiplash For more information or for a free initial interview please contact Gardner Croft today.

01227 813400 / enquiries@gardnercroft.co.uk / www.gardnercroft.co.uk

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

17

PROPERTY

property perspective 2011 OVERALL, 2010 HAS BEEN AN ‘ANNUS MEDIOCRIS’ FOR ESTATE AGENTS. OR TO USE A MORE CONTEMPORARY CLICHÉ IT HAS BEEN A YEAR OF TWO HALVES.

The first six months were rather good with the property market getting into its stride early in the New Year. In retrospect it looks as if all those people frustrated by the previous two or three years of stagnated market just wanted to get on and move. So, for the optimistic at least, it seemed for a while that the market was on its way back. This certainly included sellers who saw for the first time in years a market that was offering real choice and opportunity. Prices were also making gains and in some areas clawing their way back to 2007 levels. This came as good news for sellers who quickly saw the chance to extract a little more from their sale.

But – and there is always a but in property – halfway through the year the mood changed. A negative pall hung over everything, rather like the cloud of ash from that unpronounceable Icelandic volcano. Perhaps it was thought of a general election. Perhaps it was the relentless news of austerity, cutbacks and public sector layoffs. Perhaps everyone just wanted to think about the summer holidays or the World Cup. Perhaps they just grew tired.

Certainly they grew tired of the lack of mortgage funds and the lack of will

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on the part of lenders to provide any. The lenders still say they will lend but in many cases the over-harsh lending criteria has made buying difficult for anyone without cash or a very substantial deposit and gold plated job prospects. So now we are left at the end of the year with the lowest mortgage lending on record and much of the country snowed in; not such a good end to a property year that had started so well.

So the big question now is what will happen next year? It is a hard one to call. The snow will clear but the austerity and the mortgage problems won’t melt away quite so quickly. Also, all those over-optimistic sellers will have to readjust their price expectations as the market settles once again. But with the UK slowly climbing out of the economic crisis there are two things for sure next year: The British public will be anxiously looking forward to the royal wedding in April, and to a steadily improving property market.

EAST LODGE is one of two gatehouses of a grade II listed development known as St Andrews Park which was converted between 2001-2002 by Galliford Try in association with English Heritage. Built in circa 1820 and designed by John Whichcord Senior, a significant local surveyor to the County of Kent from the 1820s. East Lodge is believed to have been the home of Oakwoods Hospital’s head gardener and his family until it became the Gatehouse Studio in 1963, home of the Maidstone Hospital Broadcasting Service and eventually gaining its charitable status in 1967. In recent years, the property has been converted to a very high standard and whilst it retains its historical status, internally the current vendors have given the Gatehouse a more contemporary feel, and any prospective purchaser would need to view the property internally to fully appreciate the size of the accommodation on offer. On the ground level there is a spacious entrance hall, modern family bathroom and two double bedrooms, both of which have built-in wardrobes. There is a modern kitchen/breakfast room that has been finished to a high standard with granite work surfaces and benefits from integrated appliances. In the kitchen there are double doors that lead to the 21ft private courtyard, which is surrounded by the high original wall dating back to the 1800s. On the ground floor there is a fantastic dining area that leads to a 19ft lounge both of which overlook the rear garden. The lounge has French doors to the rear whereas the dining room has concertina doors, giving the feeling that the garden becomes an extension of the house. To the first floor there is the master bedroom which leads to the large 'L' shaped dressing room with built-in wardrobes. From the dressing room there is a door leading to the en-suite with a large double shower cubicle, low level w.c. and pedestal wash hand basin. Externally there is a good size garden which extends to the side and rear and is extensively laid to lawn. There is a large seating area and the garden is screened by mature trees and laurel bushes. To the front there is a gravelled drive which allows for off road parking for four cars.

CHESLEY FARM COTTAGE was built approximately 100 years ago, and retains a wealth of character. The current vendors have maintained the property to a high standard. The cottage is set in approximately an acre of gardens which is accessed via a five-bar gate and gravelled drive.

The property comprises of an entrance area, which leads to a spacious entrance hall. On the ground floor there is a cloakroom with a modern suite, a spacious lounge and formal dining room, and bedroom four/reception room. There is also a modern kitchen/ breakfast room with matching wall and base units and there is access to the garage and utility room. To the first floor there are three double bedrooms, the master bedroom benefits from an en-suite bathroom with modern fittings and original style beams.

Also on the first floor there is a modern family shower room. Externally there is an attached garage and ample parking. The gardens which surround the whole property and extend to approximately one acre are extensively laid to lawn with a large patio area. The gardens are surrounded by orchards, giving a sense of seclusion. This really is a property that warrants your early attention.

Location: Chesley Farm Cottage, Newington Price: ÂŁ559,000

For more information on these properties and many more, contract Grey Fox Prestige on 01732 617227 or visit www.greyfoxprestige.co.uk

Location: East Lodge, St Andrews Road, Barming Price: ÂŁ499,995

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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LOCALBUSINESS

DARYL CARTER

of Style Brands

– a Kent-based business and marketing supplies company – TELLS US ABOUT HIS BUSINESS, LIFE AND AMBITIONS. How long have you been in business?

The business started 7 years ago and has recently merged with another company to offer a wider product range with office supplies, printing, web design, promotional products and corporate clothing, providing a ‘one stop shop’, expertise, great deals, time saving and no hassle.

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I was born and raised in Ashford and I’m happily married to Melissa and have two daughters: Felicity & Florence.

In the past I’ve worked in New Zealand in a retail outlet, in California managing a Hallmark Card and Gift Shop, and spending 3 months in the South of France looking after 50 kids at a residential activity centre – so quite a varied background.

My interests are cricket, walking, reading and spending time with my family.

What made you want to start your business?

I had worked in retail since leaving University and after a year in America working for Hallmark, I came back to Ashford to run the family retail business.

Through this, ‘Promotional ID’ was born due to a high customer demand for personalised items, gifts and clothing.

Promotional ID ran as a standalone company lucratively for 5 years.

The opportunity then arose for the business to work with another company and re-brand to Style Brands.

What is the single best decision you've made in your business, and the single worst?

By merging the company, the business has been able to reach a wider audience and offer additional services, which has increased the stability of the business and its potential for growth.

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What's the hardest part about owning your own business?

Owning your business can mean long hours, having to have a range of skills from accountancy, production, management and even delivering orders to your client’s doors! However, you only get out of it what you put into it, so is satisfying in the fact that what you create and develop will be for your own benefit.

What makes you stand out from your competition?

We continually look at cutting costs & sourcing new suppliers to ensure we can offer our clients the best value products on the market. We have experienced and qualified staff that will help clients make the right choice.

What advice do you have for those looking to go into business?

Give great customer service, treat your customers like KINGS. Plan plan plan plan and then review, and get regular feedback from your customers.

What are you doing new to promote the business?

We have two great offers to prevent your marketing from freezing over this winter! Ice scrapers and ‘frosted’ pens printed with your company logo from 19p each. Please call us for more details.

Style Brands 01795 890900 info@stylebrands.co.uk www.stylebrands.co.uk

LOCALBUSINESS

The Chocolution L

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THE CHOCOLUTION.COM IS A NEW BREED OF CHOCOLATE COMPANY OPERATING A 'HEART, BODY AND MIND’ CAMPAIGN, BRINGING YOU THE FINEST IN LUXURY RAW CHOCOLATE TO WIN YOUR HEART AND A DELICIOUSLY HEALTHY WAY TO FUEL YOUR BODY, ALL FROM A CUTTING-EDGE SOCIAL BUSINESS TO WIN YOUR MIND. THIS SUMPTUOUS COMBINATION MIGHT SOON SEE THE CHOCOLUTION CLAIMING THE THRONE AS KENT’S FAVOURITE CHOCOLATIER. WITH A FANTASTIC START TO CHOCOLATE SEASON SALES ALREADY UNDER ITS APRON, THE CHOCOLUTION IS EXPECTING GREAT SUCCESS IN 2011, AND IT ALL BEGAN IN SOUTHEAST KENT.

In 2008 Kieran Renihan, Operations Director and Co-founder of The Chocolution.com, returned from travels and teaching in South America to his home town of Deal and was researching raw food diets when he learned about the fantastic properties of the cacao bean. As a long-term lover of chocolate, he was shocked when he compared the nutritional benefits accrued from eating raw, unrefined chocolate with the health problems associated with consumption of the mass produced version.

Jake Lawy

Kieran Renihan

This spurred Kieran on to experiment with a variety of high quality, organic ingredients, and then to begin making and supplying raw chocolate to friends and family. It was their overwhelmingly positive response which led to the idea of selling kits to allow people to easily make their own delectably fresh, raw chocolate at home. And

one of the friends of these friends, Jake Lawy, was so impressed that he joined Kieran as Cofounder and Co-Director and The Chocolution.com’s Mayan Magic Chocolate making kit was born.

According to Jake and Kieran, the magic of pure cacao is one of nature’s best-kept secrets. Kieran says, “Packed with 1500 separate chemical elements, it is regularly cited in lists of the top 10 functional foods you can eat. Raw chocolate has cardio-protective effects, mood-lifting qualities and of course legendary connections with love and lovers. Most notably Aztec chief Montezuma II, who was reported to drink 40 cups of a frothing spiced cacao drink before visiting his harem.

2010 saw orders for Mayan Magic Chocolate Making Kits pour in, and The Chocolution.com went Stateside with a number of wholesale orders for the kits from the US. It also saw this small, Kent-based company establish itself as a key player in the emerging raw chocolate market, which continues to grow as people discover they can literally have their luxury 'chocolate' cake and eat it, too.

The Chocolution.com’s very special Valentine edition Mayan Magic Chocolate Making Kit is the perfect gift for the chocolate lover in your life, and is available for order from www.thechocolution.com

“We use raw Nacional arriba cacao for its distinctive flavour. Arriba is an original species of Chocolate (Theobroma Cacao) as opposed to the more typically used and more cheaply produced hybrid varieties. It is less bitter and needs less processing which is ideal as more nutrients are available in our raw chocolate. All our ingredients are 100% certified organic, suitable for vegans, and hand-packaged to the highest standards.”

For information about joining The Chocolution Monthly Chocolate Club in which you receive fresh, bespoke chocolates each month please contact orders@thechocolution.com

The Chocolution.com also sees itself as “part of a bigger movement towards an informed, sustainable, and equitable future. As a social business, one of our fundamental goals is to facilitate further education and vocation in the world of chocolate making,” continues Kieran.

For details of enterprise projects for young people and information on how to start up a micro-scale chocolate company from your local school or university, contact Kieran Kieran at kieranrenihan@thechocolution.com

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

23

CHARITY

insideKENT’s CHARITY FOR 2011:

Catching Lives TACKLING HOMELESSNESS IN

CANTERBURY

IT WILL PROBABLY NOT BE A REVELATION FOR YOU TO HEAR THAT HOMELESSNESS IS A GROWING PROBLEM, NOT ONLY IN CANTERBURY BUT ACROSS KENT AND THROUGHOUT THE UK. HOMELESSNESS AFFECTS INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES ALIKE AND MANY BELIEVE THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CONDITIONS AND PLANNED CUT-BACKS, ESPECIALLY TO HOUSING AND OTHER SOCIAL BENEFITS, WILL ONLY SEE THIS PROBLEM INCREASE.

Homelessness is a term used not only to describe rough sleepers but also other vulnerable groups, including those who stay in squats or ‘sofa surf’.

It is also used to describe individuals and families who cannot afford rents or mortgages and who move in with friends and family.

The question is who is going to be there to help these individuals and families? Central Government? Unlikely, as there is little left in the Chancellor’s pot. The County Council? They have been trying to do what they can for some time on limited funds but they have been asked to cut back on everything but essentials. The Local Councils? They have even less and are still fighting to fund even their statutory services.

The answer now has to lie with charities like Catching Lives and other charitable homeless organisations. These charities have, in the last six months, already seen a concerted rise in homeless and rough sleeping numbers in Canterbury and the local area, making their work more demanding but more important.

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WHAT DOES CATCHING LIVES DO? Catching Lives is a wholly independent homeless charity working at the very front line of homelessness in the Canterbury area, its name carefully chosen to illustrate its work and help the public understand the challenges it faces in tackling what is to many a difficult and perhaps unglamorous subject. With the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams as its patron, its aim is to ‘catch’ the lives of people who have fallen through the gaps in society and who feel they have nowhere else to turn.

Catching Lives is battling on a number of fronts: to help the homeless and vulnerably housed in the area, to raise awareness and support for what will be a growing problem following the recession and its impact on local lives, and finally, with the support of the local community, to develop innovative solutions to tangibly tackle this problem.

According to Ewan Flack, the Service Manager, “The root cause of homelessness in Canterbury has not always been the lack of housing or willingness to address the problem, but an historic focus on short term measures only. This is evident when you visit our Canterbury Open Centre near the Canterbury East Station, which is visited by 15-25 homeless people every day seeking help and safety”.

Alongside its partners, including Canterbury City Council, KCA and CRI, Catching Lives is developing a new approach to tackling homelessness - a more complete solution. This common sense approach involves working together with local partners and bodies to not only help Canterbury’s homeless off the streets and into safe accommodation, but to tackle the root causes of homelessness and create long term solutions.

Each person who seeks help from Catching Lives has a different and often tragic story and is looking for a helping hand where others turn them away. Although providing access to daily human needs such as food, sanitation and clothing, the charity’s ultimate aim is to help its service users get back to society and towards a new beginning.

Canterbury Open Centre This new approach starts at the Catching Lives-funded Canterbury Open Centre, which welcomes homeless people for daily support and care, offering immediate respite plus food, washing facilities, donated clothing and at least temporary safety from what can be a harsh and dangerous life.

From here the charity works with the daily service users in tackling their issues or quickly finding access to accommodation, putting an end to their street living.

Having built up a level of trust, the Catching Lives team work to address underlying health and mental problems, and also to offer access to appropriate programmes designed to help rebuild self-confidence, pride and self-esteem – this, the charity believes, is the key to a lasting solution.

Most people who visit the Canterbury Open Centre are from the local area, and the majority of them are homeless. Catching Lives will immediately work to get them safely housed in designated accommodation as soon as possible.

As well as providing basic human needs, Canterbury Open Centre now provides case workers equipped to deal with the many challenging personal problems encountered: a mental health team, medical access through a nurse and visiting doctor, a dentistry advice service, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation services through partners KCA and CRI. Terry Gore, the Deputy Service Manager at Catching Lives, adds, “It is just a natural perception, and one often perpetuated through

the media, that homeless people are largely criminal junkies and substance abusers who have turned to the streets. In our extensive experience, the reality is that people living on the streets are there following serious financial problems, relationship breakdowns or through underlying mental health issues. Drugs and alcohol become effective and accessible tools to help them survive and block out their fears or pain. We know that if we can help them with their addictions we can then start to help them address their underlying issues. The public would be amazed at the difference removing addiction makes in tackling this problem, as they would in understanding the extent of the mental health care issues often overlooked. This wider care approach has allowed us to address many people’s underlying issues more effectively soon after they start to visit the Canterbury Open Centre and has seen great results, including over 90 people rehoused since last October (2009) alongside many more positive outcomes for other visitors to our Canterbury Centre”.

Working with the local community, council and businesses, Catching Lives intends to develop short-term work experience programmes, allowing individuals who already have skills and proven aptitude to get back into work and rebuild their self-esteem.

3. Schools’ Education Programme - This involves Catching Lives visiting schools, whether as presenters in assemblies or in curriculum-led tutorials on the root causes of homelessness and how we, the local community, can help address the problem and not sweep it under the carpet.

By engaging with local schools and working with them to fund raise, Catching Lives hopes to help build further awareness and understanding of this issue. Above all, it aims to educate young people that, if faced with this situation, they have somewhere to turn immediately.

Meeting Today’s Challenges

Working With The Community As a fully independent charity with a new lease of life and local backing, Catching Lives has started a programme of working with the wider community to help educate people about the reality of homelessness and gain their support through volunteers and fundraisers.

Development Programmes One of Catching Lives’ largest challenges is to develop sustainable solutions, programmes and methods to either prevent homelessness or get people off the streets and back to society as quickly as possible.

Three projects either in place or due to launch are: 1. Preventing Youth Homelessness in Canterbury - Working in partnership with Thanington Resource Centre to support the centre in tackling youth homelessness.

2. 'Building Futures' Programme - Building Futures is a cutting edge programme developed and managed by Catching Lives. Its aim is to boost self-confidence, work readiness and ultimately self-esteem through work experience, apprenticeship opportunities or (re)training.

Pilot Programme 1 (In Development) – Community Café Catching Lives are active in fundraising around £20,000 start-up capital in order to build a professional café/coffee shop at the front of its premises adjacent to Canterbury East Station and directly opposite the drop-off point for tourist coaches. The café plans to provide paid work experience to members of the programme hoping to gain not only selfconfidence but also practical and demonstrable skills, including customer service, food hygiene, working with money, management, and marketing.

Ewan Flack adds, “With these cuts [to housing and other social benefits] and homelessness more than likely to be pushed to the back of the political agenda, the questions are who will tackle this problem, how and with what resources? The answer is that whilst Catching Lives is prepared to take the lead, we, the local community, need to all play a part. It is not just the lives we are saving but our local community we are enhancing”.

James Walker, Chairman of Board of Trustees for Catching Lives says, “Much more, of course, remains to be done before the charity can once again offer the full range of services that it was formerly able to offer the homeless.

What is also clear is that, in large measure, financial support will no longer come from government, either at a local or a national level, so in order to move forward this charity must find funding from other sources and needs the continuing moral and financial support of the people of Canterbury and its surrounding area.

Government by itself isn't capable of tackling the issue of homelessness in our society and it needs the ongoing work of charities like Catching Lives to be able to do so.”

How You Can Help The answer is simple - through donating, fundraising or volunteering. For more information on all of these please visit www.catchinglives.org

Pilot Programme 2 (In Development) – Community Work Experience

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

25

HOME+GARDEN

Kitchen components can be greater than the whole

BY PAUL BATCHELOR, DIRECTOR AND HEAD DESIGNER AT KEYSPACES KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS

REGARDLESS OF THE SIZE OR STYLE OF THE KITCHEN YOU ARE TRYING TO CREATE, THE OLD ADAGE OF ‘THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL’ IS STARTLINGLY RELEVANT. IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER EACH ELEMENT OF YOUR KITCHEN FROM BOTH AN AESTHETIC AND A PRACTICAL STANCE IF YOU ARE TO ACHIEVE THE PERFECT BALANCE OF DESIGN AND FUNCTIONALITY. WORKING SURFACES Worktops can make or break a kitchen when it comes to both style and functionality. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you should play it safe and choose either granite or wood. In fact, the choice of materials and colours is so extensive it can be almost overwhelming.

There used to be a clear distinction between man-made and natural materials, but modern

If you want a purely natural material, granite not only comes in a wide range of colours and textures, its natural makeup means that no two pieces are ever exactly the same. Slate and marble can also be used as an alternative to granite, although marble can be quite high maintenance due to its porosity.

But there are no rules that state you should stick with just one surface; a mixture of different textures and colours can create an impressive look and feel to any kitchen, that is also practical as well as attractive.

TAPPING INTO THE RIGHT DESIGN

techniques have lead to a much more blurred line; especially when it comes to some of the manmade composites and even some of the laminates, which can mimic a natural stone effect.

One of the benefits of the manmade surfaces is that they tend to be less porous than natural materials, and also come in a wider range of colours.

Toughened glass is becoming increasing popular as a kitchen work surface because it is completely impermeable and heat resistant, making it durable and hygienic.

Choosing the right tap can be less than straightforward. There is more than just the aesthetics to take into consideration; both ergonomics and efficiency need to be factored into the equation. Most manufacturers, however, have greatly improved their green credentials, using clever flow restrictors to minimise water usage. This generally means that you can choose a tap that will not only fit in with the overall design of your kitchen, but which also reduce your environmental impact.

Even those looking to install a traditional style of kitchen tend to gravitate towards a more contemporary tap, which is able to combine functionality with design.

If you are looking for the most hygienic option, there is a whole new generation of electronic sensor taps that minimise the risk of cross contamination from different foods – which is great for releasing the inner Ramsay in you.

You can also have filtered water delivered through your tap, which is not only hygienic but also a lot more cost effective and environmentally friendly than buying endless amounts of bottled water.

There are even taps that use LED lighting, which change colour according to the temperature of the water.

AVOIDING THAT SINKING FEELING Even the humble kitchen sink is moving away from its traditional utilitarian feel as more and more people are tending to branch out from stainless steel towards more attractive materials, such as ceramic, granite or other solid surface materials.

Although Belfast sinks still remain a popular choice for more traditional style kitchens, quirky alternatives such as hand-crafted copper sinks, are much more attainable. And sinks don’t necessarily need to be confined to washing dishes; trough-style sinks built into the middle of a large work surface can provide the perfect platform for chilling drinks, desserts or even seafood, when filled with ice.

KeySpaces Kitchens and Bathrooms Evegate Business Centre Station Road Smeeth Nr Ashford TN25 6SX 01303 812985 info@keyspaces.co.uk www.keyspaces.co.uk www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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HOME+GARDEN

cosy cushions Damask Cushion £40.00, Warbeck & Cox

Autograph Silk Pillow Case £25.00, Marks & Spencer

Deck of Cards - Queen of Hearts Cushion £115.00, Jan Constantine

Alice Cushion in Gold £30.00, DigetexHOME.com

Clouds £35.00, Lasso the Moon Ltd Factory Spots Cushion £20.00, hunkydory home Donna Wilson Green Owl Cushion £65.00, North Rock Gallery

Dunelm Mill Love Cushion £16.99, Dunelm Mill

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GIVE YOUR LIVING ROOM A LIFT WITH SOME OF THESE STUNNING DESIGNS. WHETHER PLAYING IT SAFE WITH FLORAL PATTERNS OR PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES WITH BOLDER IMAGES, YOUR SOFA IS SURE TO LOOK EFFORTLESSLY STYLISH.

Kapow £29.99, DIGITEX

Lambswool Bumpy Cushion

By La La Loop £30.00, Ethics Girl

Moustache Cushion £49.00, Lifestylebazaar

Hand-stitched Union Jack Cushion £34.00, Fairwind

Lotus Flower Cushion £25.00, Not Mass Produced Wool USA Map Cushion £65.00, Jane Hornsby

Yukari Sweeney Design - Manor House Damask £65.00, Garrendenny Lane Interiors Love Letters £49.75, Jonny's Sister www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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 

Specialist Garden Rooms

Your picture perfect garden room A beautiful garden room of character. An ideal home office or hobby room.

For more details or to download a brochure visit:

www.chameleongardenrooms.com or to discuss your personal requirements contact us on:

01634 200695

VALENTINE’S GIFTS STRUGGLING TO FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOUR YOUR LOVED ONE FOR VALENTINE'S DAY? LET INSIDEKENT DO THE HARD WORK FOR YOU! SHOW YOUR OTHER HALF YOUR ROMANTIC SIDE WITH OUR PICK OF PERFECT VALENTINE'S DAY GIFTS. Extra Large Long-stemmed Red Rose Hand Tied £99.99, Interflora

Amethyst Diamond Heart Pendant £1800.00, Dominic Walmsley

Rob Ryan His & Her Mugs £16.99, The Gifted Penguin

Redman Orchid Fragrance Bottle £475.00, David Redman London

Kisses Cushion £65.00, Jane Hornsby Redman Amethyst Champagne Flutes £150.00, David Redman London

Bow Leather Glove £22.00, Accessorize

Pure Lace Underwire Bra and Short £34.00 (Bra £16.00, Short £8.00), Ann Summers

Magnetic Forget Me Not Memo Board £59.99, The Contemporary Home

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HEALTH+BEAUTY

YOUR NEW YEAR

Beauty Resolutions

BY GEMMA MORPURGO

HAPPY NEW YEAR insideKENT READERS! I HOPE YOU ARE ALL PLANNING ON GOING THE DISTANCE WITH YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS. YES, MOST RESOLUTIONS ARE LIKELY TO BE BROKEN BEFORE JANUARY’S EVEN OVER BUT I’M HOPING YOU’RE ALL MADE OF STERNER STUFF.

We make resolutions with the intention of bettering ourselves and improving our happiness. For me, beauty equals happiness and vice versa; these two go hand in hand, which is where I come into the equation. Here are some simple and easy to keep resolutions that you are guaranteed to love and continue with, well into the foreseeable future.

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THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH Did you know that your skin is the largest organ of your body? That’s why it’s so important that it is kept in tip top condition. Skin should always be polished and preened. As long as this is adhered to, then the rest is a piece of cake.

The world we live in exposes us to toxic chemicals and environmental pollutants on a daily basis, so our body requires a constant intake of water, both to flush these toxins out of our systems and repair any physical damage which may have been done.

Wellbeing comes from within, so it’s important to remember to top up our fluid levels throughout the day; our skin is two thirds water after all.

Although it’s initially hard to get used to drinking so much water every day, the benefits are obvious.

Maintaining a healthy body water level hydrates the skin both internally and externally; healthy and hydrated skin slows down the aging process and leaves you looking much younger. A great rule for you to follow would be to drink between 5 and 8 servings of pure, unfiltered water a day to enhance your health and make your skin glow.

So whether you are 16 or 60, make sure you ‘get quenched’.

mundane, however. Be positive, take advantage of this time to experiment and inject a bit of colour into your life. So, if you received any make-up for Christmas, don’t be shy. Your Nan might have picked out some eye shadow that you think would only be seen on an eighties throwback, but don’t just leave it in your drawers to never get used. Get creative; sometimes the last thing you would normally opt for turns out to be a must-have product.

To help you, here are some handy pointers to consider when faced with the sometimes overwhelming decision of what colour eye shadow to wear.

Blue Eyes: Blue eyes are a make-up artist’s dream; even the simplest of colours and techniques can transform blue eyes into deep, crystal waters. Opt for silver or grey shades, to create a sultry evening smoke effect or work a gold look to encourage the blue to ‘pop’. Gold and blue together is a great example of contrasting shades complimenting each other. To complete the look, keep your lips simple with a neutral or pale pink shade of lipstick.

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

Green Eyes: Gold shades are a clear winner.

Depending on how adventurous you are, try to veer more towards coppery tones and darken the socket line with a charcoal or dark brown shade.

For many, January can seem like a pretty dull month, a complete anti-climax after the fun of Christmas and New Year’s Eve. This is no excuse to simply blend in with the

Brown Eyes: Being a brown-eyed girl is really lucky; as a neutral shade, it’s almost impossible to find a colour that doesn’t compliment this eye colour. In the November/December issue, I really

pushed purple and it works brilliantly against brown eyes. This shade creates the illusion of the whites of the eyes being even brighter.

Subsequently, the iris seems darker and, forgive the pun, more eye-catching.

BE MY VALENTINE! February, the month of love! For the singletons amongst you, it’s definitely a great time to be bold with colour and get noticed. Experiment with shades until you find a look that you’re completely comfortable with; after all, beauty is all about confidence.

Remember that a healthy body makes for a happy soul and look after yourself. Detox with water after a Christmas period filled with Eggnog and Alcohol and your skin will positively glow. If you feel attractive, you are more likely to be attractive to other people!

Gemma Morpurgo is available for makeup artistry of all kinds. Get in touch at gemmamorpurgo@hotmail.co.uk or follow Gemma on Facebook www.facebook.com/GemmaMUAMorpurgo

Gemma would like to thank Natachia Vecsi of NV-ME for the amazing photography.

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HEALTH+BEAUTY

Look Your Best

FOR 2011

Whether you're having a beauty session with the girls or getting glammed up for a night on the town, treat yourself to some of insideKENT's top pampering products.

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1. Tokyomilk Bon Bon Bubbling Bath £29.00, The Renovation Store 2. Eco Lipstick - Cherry £10.99, Green People

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3. Limited Edition Freeze and Shine Super Spray £10.25, Paul Mitchell 4. Naturally Gorgeous Book £9.99, Green People

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5. Nougat Top To Toe Balm £14.99, pressies4princesses 6. Nvey Eco Eye Palette Natural £31.50, EthicalSuperstore.com 7. Organic Body Spa Body Brush £19.09, Green People 8. Organic Sugar Scrub £17.12, Green People 9. Oriflame Beauty 2fx Mascara £9.95, Oriflame 10. Oy! Peel Off Face Mask £13.99, Green People 11. Dressing Gown with Bright, Multi Spots £40.50, Objects of Design

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STYLE

A NEW STYLE FOR THE NEW YEAR RACHEL GOLD SHOWS YOU HOW TO WOO WOMEN WITH A NEW STYLE, JUST IN TIME FOR VALENTINE’S DAY.

© Loake Footwear

© Hotel Verta

“Men only wear 10% of their entire wardrobe” Most men really struggle with smart/casual and weekend wear, with dress down Friday in the city causing traumatic fashion dilemmas. Most men find that the least stressful thing to do is to wear what they had on the previous week, hence the 10% syndrome. A good way to solve this problem is a huge wardrobe clearout.

1. Throw out any clothes that are too tight. Yes, you might think that they’ll fit you again one day in the future but realistically, it’s just not going to happen. More importantly, how long have you had them anyway?

2. If you have made an impulse purchase in the sales that doesn’t fit, take it to the tailor or local dry cleaners and have it altered to fit you properly.

Although it doesn’t seem very financially viable, the fact that you bought it in the sale means that you can splurge a little on alteration costs, and still not equal the original price.

3. Separate the seasons. Mixing all your summer clothes with the winter ones will only serve to frustrate you when you can’t find what you’re looking for.

4. Be ruthless, if you have not worn an item of clothing at all in the past year, chuck it. There is no point in filling up your precious wardrobe space with unworn items. Plus, get a great feeling from giving your unwanted garments to a worthy charity.

“Why do some guys get all the girls?”

While flicking through a magazine in the company of one of my male friends, he landed on a picture of a scantily clad female model and asked “how do I get to date her?” My advice to him was to “try changing the way you dress”; my friend wears the same clothes he has been wearing for the last ten years, just updated. A new year should definitely be tantamount to a complete style overhaul. To give you some idea of where to start, here are my tips on male styles that women love.

• Men who smell nice – try Paul Smith MAN 2 but remember, a little goes a long way.

• Men who wear cool boots – Geox Anatomic Gel (Natal) are stylish and comfortable or look for Loake footwear.

• Men who wear rockin’ jewellery – anything from Thomas Sabo’s bestselling Rebel at Heart range. Look out for his striking leather bracelets.

• Men in cashmere – visit the Savile Row tailors Gieves and Hawkes and pick out their Truffle 100% Cashmere Vest. © Tommy Hilfiger

• Men in scarves – wrap up warm in Tommy Hilfiger’s Elroy Check Scarf in Charcoal.

• Men in hats – pick up a classic Fedora from Lock & Co Hatters.

• Men in check shirts and ties – try Thomas Pink on for size.

• Men in sharp suits – Enjoy a five star service in Pogson & Davies.

And remember style’s not just about clothes. Treat a girl to a Valentine’s Day in style with an overnight stay at Battersea’s Hotel Verta or Pandora jewellery.

Are you a little self conscience about the way you dress, knowing that you could look better but not having a clue where to start? If your wardrobe needs updating so you feel more confident and on trend then look no further. Rachel Gold, © Pogson & Davis owner of Wardrobe Junkies and top London Men’s Personal Stylist will help you achieve a style that will make you look and feel confident and well groomed.

For more information or to book, contact info@wardrobejunkies.com, call 07766 838731 or visit the website at www.wardrobejunkies.com

www.insidekentmagazine.co.uk

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STYLE

WINTERYWHIMSY

LEAVE DREARY BEHIND THIS WINTER! CELEBRATE CHILLY DAYS WITH SUNNY COLOURS AND THESE PLAYFUL LOOKS. Skip through the snow in bright bold coats, whimsical hats, and not-so-serious dresses. No matter where you go, bring sunshine with colour-popping handbags and accessories that dream of spring.

Pavia Coat in Red £149.99, Fever Designs Robin Brooch £19, Hobbs

Ladies' Leather & Pashmina Tassel Gloves £49, Southcombe Gloves

Merino Knit Cowl Neck Tunic £85, EAST

Double Waistband and Pocket Skinny Jeans £35, Jane Norman

Black Folk Crochet Dress, Apricot

Ted Baker Yellow Leather Cross Body Bag £189, House of Fraser

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H by Henry Holland Fox Scarf Jumper £35, Debenhams

Bobble Hat £14, Accessorize

Cream Peruvian Fur Pom Pom Hat £19.99, River Island

Limited Black and White Flower Earrings £16, Marks & Spencer

Birdie Ring £12, Accessorize

Basic Eva Boot Tan £9.99, Internacionale

MEN’S FASHION // Snow goes with every colour. Keep things light with a bright sweater – interesting colours will make even your staples look stylish.

CAT Original Denim Jeans £45, Jacamo

Autograph Jacket £69, Marks & Spencer

FFP Lightweight Vneck Knitwear £30, Debenhams

LOVE IT? HATE IT? THIRSTY FOR MORE? FOLLOW OUR FASHION EDITOR ON twitter @lolachiffon’

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from SC H O O L GI R L t o

© David Fisher / Rex Features

COVERSTORY

Starlet

WITH ALLURING EYES AND A FETCHING SMILE, GEMMA ARTERTON CAPTIVATES ANYONE WHO SEES HER ON THE BIG SCREEN.

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© Rex Features

Mathieu Amalric, Olga Kurylenko, Daniel Craig and Gemma Arterton at the Quantum of Solace photocall

Since winning a role in Quantum of Solace, the most recent James Bond offering, her rise to fame has been decidedly swift. This year saw Arterton, aged 24, play her first lead in Tamara Drewe, in which she plays a successful young journalist who shocks the locals when she comes back home to the village of her childhood. If Gemma Arterton was to return to her roots it would perhaps be similarly striking; for it wasn’t all that long ago that the famous actress was a grammar school girl from a Gravesend council estate, a world away from the glamour of being James Bond’s leading lady.

Born in Kent, Gemma Arterton’s parents divorced when she was five and she was brought up by her mother alongside her younger sister. When asked about her school days at Gravesend Grammar School for Girls, Arterton says, “I was good really. I was the creative one, a bit lippy but not in a bad way, in a silly way.” Upon leaving school, Arterton’s desire to act led her to take a performance arts course at The Miskin Theatre in Dartford while working as a makeup sales representative. A theatre award in 2004 led to a full grant that gained her acceptance at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. RADA was the complete antithesis of everything Gemma Arterton was used to; her family had a long tradition of practical employment with her mother working as a cleaner and her father as a welder. Moreover, Arterton initially felt that her roots were at odds with the other students also in attendance. Speaking of her time at RADA, Arterton says, “I felt like I was too common to be there, and didn't have a good enough education – even though I had an amazing education. I went to a grammar school and got straight As at GCSE. But I didn't go to Oxford or Cambridge, and there were lots of graduates, very bookish, and I suppose I was from Gravesend and had quite a thick estuary accent then, and it was just my own insecurity.”

After graduating from RADA, Arterton made her London stage debut in a 2007 production of Shakespeare's Love's Labours Lost, while also obtaining her first on-screen role in Capturing Mary, a BBC drama which also starred Dame Maggie Smith. Later that year she appeared in her first feature role in St. Trinian’s alongside an all-star cast that included Colin Firth, Rupert Everett and Russell Brand. Arterton played the school's head girl, who gets involved in a wild scheme to help save St. Trinian's from bankruptcy. When asked about the way in which her career has carved itself out, Arterton often remarks that she has “just rolled where the fate has allowed her to go.”

Her next project was Guy Ritchie's RocknRolla, a male-dominated British crime film. There was, of course, a decidedly marked contrast between the screaming girls of St. Trinian’s and the macho environment of RocknRolla. Speaking of her time on set, Arterton says, “I came on set and I, literally, was the totty. I had tight jeans on and a tight top with a push-up bra. Everybody was like, ‘A girl?!’ and talked to me at boob height. I thought, ‘I’ll let you off, as you haven’t had any boobs to stare at for a while.” Although equally at home in a female-dominated set, as Arterton affirms, “Sometimes it’s nice to be around blokes though, because I don’t fuss too much about hair and make-up and neither do they.”

2008 saw Arterton cast in two major TV productions: starring as Elizabeth Bennet in ITV’s Lost in Austen and as the eponymous heroine in the BBC production of Tess of the D’Urbervilles.

At this time, Arterton had made a name for herself in the British film and television industry, but was still an unknown quantity in the international market. That immediately changed when she unexpectedly won the role as the newest Bond girl in Quantum of Solace. It was rumoured that she won the audition thanks, in part, to the fact that she shared an agent with Bond himself, Daniel Craig. In the end it was obvious that it

was, in fact, her drive and unique persona that helped her land the role of Agent Fields over 1,500 other actresses.

She was filming her last scene for A Deal is a Deal when she was told that she had won the part in Quantum of Solace. Arterton’s response to her casting is exactly what fans have come to expect from such a humble actress, “In comparison to many actresses I think I'm really average. When I got the Bond film there was this big hoo-ha about me not being hot enough, and I have to say I agree - I don't think I'm in that realm.” Stepping onto the set for the first day of filming was a whole new experience and challenge. The first scene she shot was the love scene with Daniel Craig who shocked her when he kissed her back unexpectedly. When asked about his impulsiveness in the role, she giggles sublimely and says, “It was a bit of a whoa moment in my life."

The storm of international press that flurried around Arterton as a result of the Bond film helped bring her to the attention of other filmmakers, most notably Mike Newell, director of Prince of Persia: the Sands of Time. Arterton was soon cast in the film, based on the popular video game series of the same name. When asked about the hunt for a female star, Newell observes that he was searching for an exotic fresh face, looking as far afield as India and Persia before stumbling across Arterton, who, as he states, was “totally unexpected but exactly what we had envisioned.” Her accent training at RADA certainly helped when, upon first meeting Arterton, Newell questioned her Gravesend accent; as she succinctly puts it, “When Mike first met me for the film he said, 'Oh dear. Can't you do posh?'

I thought, 'I can't believe he's asked me that!'

So I said (firmly, through gritted teeth), 'of course I can, I went to the Royal Academy of Dramatic F***ing Art!’”

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© W. Disney / Everett / Rex Features

COVERSTORY

Jake Gyllenhaal and Gemma Arterton in Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

She undoubtedly rose to the occasion, embodying the part of the princess in every way. Indeed, the role required a full commitment in many forms.

“They sent me to a personal trainer, wanted to get my teeth done, hair extensions, make me look like somebody else. And that's fine I had the tan, I had the hair, I went to the gym. I became the thing they wanted me to be for the part.” Despite her strict beauty regimes, Arterton often says that she still feels like “a bit of an oddball.” With her sculptured cheekbones and smouldering eyes, it is hard to see how anything could be farther from the truth.

It is, however, extremely refreshing to come across an actress who isn’t completely hung up on beauty. The Disappearance of Alice Creed, for instance, is a decidedly unglamorous affair for Arterton, who, as a kidnap victim, is mascara-stained, stripped and dressed mostly in an unflattering tracksuit. Speaking of her role, Arterton says, “I wanted something that was getting down and dirty, and really not about how you look.” The role was a shrewd move from Arterton, stopping her from simply being pigeonholed as a romantic heroine.

Time and time again, Arterton proves herself to be far more than just another classically trained actress. Just four years ago, she was working as a karaoke hostess in Honest Dave’s Karaoke Bar, a “rough, gangster pub near Waterloo”. Now blessed with an ever-climbing career, Gemma Arterton is still as down-to-earth as ever. She still goes for a pub lunch in South London with her mates every Sunday. When asked how her friends would describe her, Arterton says, “crumpled, prim and sunny.” Her outlook on life is clearly one of humbleness and level headedness; “my family keeps me grounded, both my parents, they just won't let me get a big head. My mother, she had a very good attitude toward money. I'm very grateful for the fact that we had to learn to save. I used to get 50 pence a week and I'd save it for months, then I'd spend it on Christmas presents. I'd save up around eight pounds. It's nothing, but we did that.”

Gemma Arterton is full of surprises. Did you know, for instance, that she played in a punk band as a teen? Talking about her time singing for Violent Pink, Arterton reminisces, “We were angsty girl punks, I think that's my thing. I am a punk rock star underneath that's dying to come out.” Arterton keeps her personal life firmly out of the spotlight, marrying Stefano Catelli

in a secret hilltop ceremony in the village of Zuheros in Spain last June.

Rumours that her husband was Daniel Craig’s stunt double in the Bond flick, Quantum of Solace, make her giggle. "All I can tell you is that he is my significant other and he's not even in the industry. Nobody knows anything about him and that's how I want it to be."

After starring in the remake of Clash of the Titans, Arterton made her West End debut in the UK premiere of The Little Dog Laughed. Arterton says that she feels much more natural when appearing on stage; “I'm not sure if it’s because of my training or it just feels a bit more real. When you’re filming you know there's always room for let’s do it again but on stage this is it.” Featured in April's GQ Magazine as ‘This Year's Girl’ and in Empire Magazine's ‘The Hot List’, Gemma Arterton’s star continues to shine.

A true labour of love for Arterton was her involvement in launching The National Lottery's Britain Has Balls tour, celebrating the great talent, charities and communities that the lottery supports all over the UK. Each week National Lottery players raise £28 million for good causes across Scotland and the UK, and that money launches projects to recruit and support thousands of volunteers who help change lives. Arterton’s support for the project is clear; "every day they get out there and use Lottery money to help make Britain a better place to live - whether it's a local community project or a big national initiative. Their hard work and dedication is truly awesome. And, of course, loads of it is about supporting the arts - in fact, the film St Trinian's, which I starred in, received Lottery funding."

When asked about her aspirations for the future, Arterton’s humour shines through when she declares, “I'd love to play Eliza Doolittle in Pygmalion because the story is so similar to mine. Not that I'm a right Cockney sparrow or anything, but I was a bit less refined a few years ago, ha ha!”

Arterton is full of admiration for fellow actresses like Rachel Weisz, “I have a lot of respect for her: brilliant, intelligent, a witty sort of woman.” Rachel is clearly not the only one with these traits; Arterton is the gorgeous, clever girl next door. Women want to befriend her and men think she is charmingly beautiful. Her star is sure to shine more and more brightly in the future.

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FOOD+DRINK

WHILST MANY OVERINDULGE HOLIDAYS, IT’S FOR WARMING WHERE BETTER ENGLAND – TO MADE USING F

kentish comfort food Whilst many of you may have overindulged during the Christmas holidays, it’s still the best time of year for warming comfort food, and where better than Kent – The Garden of England – to find good quality food made using fresh local produce. This year though, get out and about and indulge in a different way, enjoy a brisk walk or cycle ride followed by a tasty lunch or check out some of Kent’s great attractions who also have a fabulous food offering.

Pegwell Bay Country Park near Sandwich – Kent has one

of the longest coastlines in England and this bay offers a chance to enjoy parts of the long distance path, the Saxon Shore Way. A great place for lunch is The Old Dining Room at The Bell Hotel, Sandwich, which prides itself on seasonal menus using the freshest local ingredients, simply cooked

The Goods Shed

The Secret Gardens of Sandwich

Along the main high street The ABode offers Michael Caine’s Restaurant serving delicious modern European cuisine in professional yet not too formal style, or why not try a pint and a pie or chargrilled fish or steak in the traditional Old Brewery Tavern?

Shorne Woods Country Park near Gravesend is full of accessible

to bring out the fullest flavours. Also good for lunch or an afternoon tea is the Secret Gardens of Sandwich. Situated in the Old Gatehouse is a rather special tea room with crockery, cake stands and silverware sourced from The Savoy Hotel. There is a light lunch menu - think soup, quiches, scrambled egg and smoked salmon and delicious chocolate cream teas.

The Elham Valley Way Walk and Stour Valley Walk are excellent ways to discover the delights of Canterbury and explore the many winding streets and beautiful architecture. Stop off at the magnificent Cathedral or Canterbury Tales, then for lunch pop into Deesons British Restaurant for excellent food served in a relaxed and family-friendly environment at affordable prices. Or alternatively, try The Goods Shed situated next to Canterbury West Station. Opened in 2002, The Goods Shed is a daily farmers market with an excellent onsite restaurant using the local market produce. There is also the opportunity to browse and purchase from the stalls here for great quality, fresh produce to take home with you.

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trails, perfect for pushchairs and wheelchairs. There is lots of fun and adventure for the whole family including coppice woodland, ponds and wetland and play areas to suit children up to the age of 16 years old. The Visitor Centre here hosts a great café with an extensive menu of drinks and snacks to choose from.

Flavours of Faversham – There are some excellent walks around

this area. Some of the many highlights include old gunpowder factories and parts of the Pilgrims Way, the birthplace of the electric current and Brogdale Farm, home of the National Fruit Collection. At Brogdale you can taste a wide variety of Kent seasonal fruits, enjoy the Market Place of shops and crafts and experience a range of fruit and drink in the tearoom.

Shepherd Neame in Faversham is Britain’s oldest brewer and

guided tours of the brewery are available to see how beer is made, discover a 300-year heritage and sample award-winning ales and lagers. The Shepherd Neame Brewery also hosts food and beer evenings throughout the year around various themes, giving you the opportunity to sample great food and specially selected beers to complement your meal.

Penshurst Place and Gardens

Quex Park, Birchington is a unique country park set in 250 acres

on the Isle of Thanet and home to several different attractions in one. The Powell-Cotton Museum, Quex House and Gardens is one of the UK’s most fascinating visitor attractions, the home of the Powell-Cotton family and their extraordinary collection of treasures. The new Hannah Dining Suite offers the opportunity to rediscover robust British dishes created with precision and finesse using locally grown ingredients. Try a six-course taster menu for £25 per head, including Cullen Skink and Welsh Rabbit!

Also at Quex Park you will find Jungle Jim’s indoor adventure playground for children, the Secret Garden Centre, Quex Craft Village and the Quex Barn – a local farmers market and restaurant using locally caught fish and estate reared beef. Try an epic breakfast of free-range eggs, freshly baked bread, best quality bacon, sausage and black pudding.

Tonbridge Castle to Penshurst Place – For a change from walking, why not encourage the family onto their bikes to venture onto some of the best cycle routes in Kent? From Tonbridge Castle – which has Kent’s best example of a Motte-and-Bailey Gatehouse – this route passes through the medieval town of Tonbridge, the tranquil Haysden Country Park and then onto Penshurst Place and Gardens: a medieval masterpiece and the seat of the Sidney family since 1552. The self-service Garden Tea Room is a great place to enjoy morning coffee, hot and cold lunches or a delicious afternoon tea. Visitors arriving by bicycle get reduced rate entry into Penshurst Place.

The Chapel Down Winery is the UK's largest English wine producer.

Visit the Wine and Food Store for award-winning wines, stroll along one of the Vineyard Trails or enjoy the beautiful herb garden. Vineyard tours followed by tastings are popular and afterwards pop upstairs to Richard Phillips at Chapel Down Winery

Chapel Down for a truly inspiring dining experience in stunning surroundings.

Richard’s ethos encourages guests to broaden their horizons and awaken their senses and the delicious dishes available in his restaurants throughout Kent – Thackeray’s in Tunbridge Wells, the Hengist in Aylesford and his newest venture Pearsons Arms in Whitstable – certainly deliver this opportunity.

Kent also has five Michelin starred restaurants to tempt the foodie in you or for a special occasion including Chapter One in Bromley, The West House in Biddenden, Apicius in Cranbrook, Read’s in Faversham and The Sportsman in Seasalter.

For further information on any of the above or more ideas of things to see, do and experience in Kent go to visitkent.co.uk

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest

Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest near Royal Tunbridge Wells - Open 364 days a year this is a world-class collection

of dramatic conifers and a beautiful setting for a country walk in all seasons.

The two-thousand acre site offers miles of family cycling, mountain-biking, riding, walking and adventure play for all ages and abilities. The Visitor Centre has cycle hire, refreshments and showers and the Pineatery sells baguettes, soup and sandwiches plus children’s tapas - a range of small dishes to tempt even the fussiest young eaters.

If you have a favourite restaurant or day out in Kent, share it with others on mykent.co.uk. There is no limit to the number of things you can share – you could even become Kent’s top explorer!

Additionally, why not try a great day out for FREE? The first My Kent Big Weekend will be taking place on 26 and 27 March, 2011.

From the end of January you can register for free tickets to many of Kent’s great attractions on mykentbigweekend.co.uk

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RECIPE

A TARTLET OF QUAIL

and Quails Eggs with Onion Confit This is a simplified recipe for one of my favourite and most popular signature dishes. The combination of flavours and textures really works well, and the dish is robust enough for winter eating. Make sure that the quail eggs are only lightly poached so that the yolks are still runny as they make a gorgeous sauce that flavours the mixed mushroom, onion confit and spinach tartlet. Boning out the quail breast meat isn't as fiddly as it sounds. Simply bone-out the breasts and leave the legs and thighs bonein. Garnish the plate with spinach and mixed mushrooms or a dice of braised winter vegetables.

Serves 4 Ingredients 4 tartlets 4 oven-ready quails 16 poached quail eggs 100g mixed diced mushrooms, sautéed in butter 200g spinach, sautéed in butter and drained Tartlets 250g plain flour 65g butter 1 egg yolk 60ml water 5g salt 30g sugar Planning ahead: Prepare this dough at least 4 hours in advance so that it can firm up and lose its elasticity.

Method 1. Rub the butter and the flour until the mixture resembles fine grains of sand. Mix the remaining ingredients together and add progressively. Blend until mixed, shape into a ball, wrap in cling film and refrigerate.

2. Roll out the pastry and take four buttered brioche moulds and line. Rest in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking, then bake at 160°C for 15-20 mins. Leave to cool then remove from the moulds.

Onion confit 200g button onions sliced 50g smoked bacon cut into small lardons 100ml whipping cream 50g butter

3. In a saucepan, slowly cook the sliced onions with the butter and a pinch of salt.

4. Pan-fry the lardons in a little oil and then strain off the excess fat. Mix together the onions and lardons. Reduce the cream by half, add to the onions and lardons, and season with salt and pepper.

6. Add a dash of vinegar to simmering salted water and lightly poach the quail eggs for 11/2 to 2 minutes. Remove from the water and immediately refresh in iced water. When needed, heat back up in simmering water in a sieve.

7. Place a small amount of cooked spinach into the bottom of each tartlet and then some of the mushroom dice. Season with salt and pepper.

Now spoon in some of the onion confit and then top with the poached quail eggs.

8. Re-heat the quail meat and place onto the top of the tartlet. Garnish the plate with diced mixed mushrooms and sautéed spinach drizzled with a little of the quail pan juices.

Enjoy!

5. Roast the quail in the oven at 200°C for 6 minutes. Leave to rest 10 minutes and then take off from the bone.

MICHAEL CAINES is one of Britain's most acclaimed chefs. AA Chef's Chef of the Year in 2007, and awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to the hospitality industry, Michael is an Operational Partner and Director of ABode Hotels and Michael Caines, in overall charge of all food and beverage operations throughout the fast-growing group. He is also Executive Chef at Gidleigh Park, the acclaimed and prestigious country house hotel on the edge of Dartmoor at Chagford, Devon, where he has earned his reputation - as well as two Michelin stars - serving distinctive modern European cuisine utilising the finest local and regional produce and ingredients. Since February 2009, he is also Executive Chef at The Bath Priory, Bath, Gidleigh Park's sister establishment.

In 2000, he founded Michael Caines Restaurants and took over food and beverage operations at The Royal Clarence, Exeter, Britain's first hotel. A chance encounter with Andrew Brownsword led to the creation of ABode Hotels. Amongst numerous other recent accolades, Michael has cooked in 10 Downing Street for the Prime Minister, and he took part in ‘The Great British Menu' chef's competition broadcast on BBC2 television for the honour of cooking for the Queen's 80th birthday.

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FOOD+DRINK

THE RICHARD PHILLIPS EXPERIENCE

LUNCH AT CHAPEL DOWN RICHARD PHILLIPS AT CHAPEL DOWN IS A STUNNING RESTAURANT SITTING WITHIN THE GROUNDS OF ARGUABLY ENGLAND’S FINEST VINEYARD. ONE OF ENGLAND’S FINEST CHEF’S COOKING LOCALLY PRODUCED AND REARED FOOD, PAIRED WITH THE CHAPEL DOWN VINEYARD, FAMED FOR ITS AWARD WINNING ROSE AND BACCHUS WINES, PROVIDES DINERS WITH A SUPERB EXPERIENCE THAT REWARDS THE TASTE BUDS AS WELL AS BEING A VISUAL DELIGHT.

An invitingly bright and fresh atmosphere, the restaurant has large floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto a patio terrace where an early evening glass of wine can be enjoyed in whilst watching the sun set. The lively upholstering within the restaurant adds a further injection of colour.

Understanding and promoting the importance of sustainability, co-owner and executive chef, Richard Phillips, has created a menu around local producers to deliver fresh and exciting dishes for his customers. He offers a variety of locally produced and sourced ingredients, including Chapel Down wines, Tenterden-grown potatoes, fish from Rye Harbour, local cheeses and Sussex beef.

On a cold winter’s day, insideKENT’s Editor and Publishing Director met at Richard Phillips at Chapel Down for what turned out to be one of the best meals they’ve experienced.

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ADAM’S REVIEW

DONNA’S REVIEW

Driving through the picturesque Tenterden High Street, then on to Small Hythe, I started to get excited at the thought of dining at celebrity chef Richard Phillip’s restaurant set in the beautiful grounds of Chapel Down Vineyard.

I’d never been to Richard Phillips at Chapel Down before, but I had heard plenty of recommendations. “It’s amazing”, “The atmosphere is superb”, and “The food is exquisite” were some of the statements I’d taken in over the past few months. Needless to say, my expectations were quite high for this review.

We were greeted on arrival by the giant corkscrew host stand and taken to the chic bar area to have a pre-meal drink, where we lounged in unique wingback arm chairs that sport country jacket fabric. We then headed into the bright restaurant area which has a real wow factor – fabulous design, floor to ceiling windows, and an overall great atmosphere with an open kitchen area to see the chefs hard at work. Even Richard himself took time out to chat to diners who were certainly enjoying their visits as well.

After being seated with a glass of Chapel Down white wine and some freshly prepared bread rolls, we got down to business choosing from the wide range of selections on the à la Carte menu, including starters such as Potten Salmon with Fennel and Carpaccio of Kentish Beef. Being a seafood lover it was my duty to try the Pan-Fried Scallops with Creamed New Season Broad Beans with Pancetta, Sorrel and White Wine Cream Sauce. The taste was immense, 5 stars!

Donna already had her eye on the Fish & Chips so I went for the Roast Best End of New Season Park Farm Lamb with Baby Gem Lettuce, Roast Baby Artichokes, Fondant Potato and Nicoise Sauce. Beautifully seasoned, the lamb was so tender it fell apart into delicious accompanying vegetables and sauce. I enjoyed each and every individual mouthful. It was evident that the ingredients were fresh, and as stated by Richard, ‘the finest local Kentish and regional produce’. I couldn’t help but try Donna’s Fish & Chips, and I have to agree with every word she said about it. Simply fantastic.

Our waiter was on hand throughout our meal to talk us through the many wine and menu choices. Dessert time was upon us, but as there were too many yummy deserts tempting us, we took our waiter’s advice and chose to indulge in the ‘Chef’s’ Dessert Sharing Plate which included a Chocolate Tart, Layers of Shortbread Biscuit with English Strawberries, Gooseberry Fool and Raspberry Soufflé to finish off the arrangement. We also tried a few dessert wines with our selection – both lovely – the red dessert wine tasting like Christmas in a glass!

To finish our incredible dining experience (which has been one of our best lunch reviews so far), we ordered two frothy lattes while we talked about the great food we had just eaten before heading back into the real world.

Adam and I met on a dreary winter day, but as I walked in the entrance, the frigid weather melted away as I was surrounded by bright, modern and simply gorgeous surroundings. The design is a mix of contemporary minimalism with a rustic and traditional English twist, an interesting and stunning combination.

After a pre-lunch drink in the classy bar area, we sat down to have a look at our menus. Freshly baked bread was brought out within minutes, along with a glass of smooth and crisp Chapel Down wine. Already impressed with the service and surroundings, it was time to decide about the most important element: the food.

My starter was the Poached Lobster and Crayfish ‘Tian’ (tower), with Roasted Red Peppers, Avocado, Baby Watercress Leaves and Gaspachio.

The fusion of flavours and textures was heavenly.

For my main, I decided on the Deep Fried Fillet of Cod in Light Curry Infused Chapel Down Beer Batter with Triple Cooked Chips, Crushed Peas and Tartare Sauce. I’ve always found fish and chips to be much of a muchness – none being extraordinarily better than the others. Richard Phillips has changed my feelings about fish and chips forever; there is such a thing as gourmet fish and chips. After putting the first forkful into my mouth, I went completely silent for a moment, and with wide eyes sputtered something along the lines of, “This is hands-down, no joke, without a doubt the best fish and chips I’ve ever had”.

Our waiter suggested the ‘Chef’s’ Dessert Sharing Plate for our last course, and I’m glad he did. The Gooseberry Fool was to die for, the Shortbread & Strawberries and Raspberry Soufflé were both perfectly prepared and presented, and the Chocolate Tart made for an absolutely perfect ending with my latte.

My expectations were not only met at Richard Phillips, they were exceeded by leaps and bounds. I’ve already recommended this fine restaurant to all of my friends and family, and I’m sure after trying it, you will too.

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FOOD+DRINK

Food, Glorious Food A T

T H E

J A C K D A W ,

D E N T O N

A beautiful pub off the beaten path offering gourmet specialities along with traditional ‘pub grub’, The Jackdaw is one Kent restaurant you don’t want to miss. W O R D S B Y D O N N A M A R T I N

Your partner fancies pie and mash, you want something a bit special – where do you go? The Jackdaw, that’s where. The traditional pub in Denton (between Folkestone and Canterbury) offers a fantastic menu of classic English fare such as Fish and Chips and Ploughman’s Lunches, but also boasts a full menu suited to the gourmet in all of us including dishes such as Coriander-crusted Lamb Rump and Pan-roasted Chicken Breast with Thyme Risotto.

After closing for a short period in 2009, The Jackdaw reopened its doors – much to the delight of locals and visitors – after a complete refurbishment. The new and improved Jackdaw is a perfect fusion of traditional and contemporary with its welcoming bar area complete with exposed beams and homey décor, while the main restaurant draws you in with its modern furniture and wall-to-wall windows.

When visiting The Jackdaw for a mid-week lunch, the first thing I noticed was the simple beauty of the exterior. The landscaping and building are impeccable, with a lovely lawn and scattered tables out front for enjoying a drink on a warm spring day. As it most definitely wasn’t a warm

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spring day when I visited, I headed straight inside to a most welcoming cosy interior and settled down at my table by the blazing fire.

The menu offers just the right number of dishes – not too many, not too few. After ordering drinks, our server brought out a plate of fresh bread with dipping oil and olives to tide us over before our meals. I ordered the Warm Goat’s Cheese and Red Onion Marmalade for my starter which came served over a bed of crisp rocket salad, while my guest chose the Deep-fried Spicy Calamari.

Both were brought out quickly, and were full of lovely flavours.

My dining companion and I are perfect examples of disagreeing eaters: my fellow diner usually wants good ol’ fashioned home cookin’ while most of the time I fancy something a bit more adventurous. The Jackdaw is a great place for people like us as the menu has meals at both ends of the spectrum.

For my main, I chose the Forest Mushroom and Baby Onion Stroganoff with Paprika, Spinach and Tagliatelle, while my guest chose the Pie of the Day (chicken, leek and ham) with large

portions of chips and veg. My pasta dish came out brimming with fresh local mushrooms and a delectable mix of flavours. My guest didn’t say much at all, which means it was delicious.

Whether you want a hearty home-cooked meal, a Kentish cream tea, a simple glass of wine or a gourmet dinner, The Jackdaw has something for everyone. The secluded but convenient location makes it the ideal choice for a quick bite or romantic event – even for those with the most opposite of tastes.

The Jackdaw The Street Denton Canterbury CT4 6QZ 01303 844663 info@thejackdaw.info www.thejackdaw.info

FOOD+DRINK

WHITSTABLE’S NEWEST TREASURE FRESH FROM REVIEWING CHAPEL DOWN, insideKENT WENT ALONG TO THE LAUNCH OF RICHARD PHILLIPS’ NEWEST VENTURE, PEARSON’S ARMS IN WHITSTABLE. words by Emma Hogan

December 2010 saw the launch of Pearson’s Arms by Richard Phillips, the latest culinary enterprise from Kent’s resident celebrity chef.

The eighteenth century pub, ideally located in the heart of Whitstable, has been beautifully refurbished with roaring log fires and cosy seating, perfect for banishing the winter weather. The 60seat upstairs area boasts stunning sea views, with both Sheppey and Southend-on-Sea visible in the distance.

Somewhat refreshingly, an extensive selection of ales is not just confined to regional offerings, so ales produced as far afield as Alsace sit nicely alongside Kentish favourites. The Meantime Brewing produced Chocolate Beer is sure to go down a treat with chocoholics; needless to say, it’s a firm favourite here at insideKENT. Flights of wine are another novel idea for exploratory drinkers; whether you wish to stick with Sauvignon Blanc or venture into New World offerings, pick any three wines that take your fancy and sample them all in 75ml measurements.

As well as an inspiring drinks list, Pearson’s Arms gives visitors exactly what they’ve come to expect from Richard Phillips; a menu filled with local, wholesome and filling food, sourced from the

very best of British produce. Steak and ale pie, served for four people, is guaranteed to warm even the coldest winter walker. For a smaller appetite, be sure to order the exquisite pea and ham soup, or simply nibble on a selection of delectable bar snacks; the acorn-fed ham from the charcuterie area upstairs is a definite must-have.

For those tempted by the thrice cooked chips, why not add a dollop of Tommy K, the pubs very own passata-style ketchup.

Pearson’s Arms has universal appeal and is sure to delight; whether you’re a Whitstable resident just popping in for a pint after work or an avid foodie wishing to sample Richard Phillips’ latest culinary delights.

Locals need not fear; Phillips has been very considerate in his renovation. The venue has retained much of its original charm, including the

original bar staff, re-trained under Phillips. Indeed, many features have been updated rather than removed. Phillips doesn’t want Pearson’s Arms to become a pretentious gastro-pub, he wants it be a local that just happens to do really good food.

After gastronomic success with his three restaurant businesses, Thackeray’s, Hengist and Chapel Down, Phillips is undoubtedly extremely proud of the newest addition to the fold, and it’s easy to see why. With a proper pub atmosphere, Pearson’s Arms under Richard Phillips is bound to become an intrinsic part of the seaside town’s heritage.

Pearson's Arms The Horsebridge Sea Wall Whitstable CT5 1BT 01227 272005 www.pearsonsarms.com

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FOOD+DRINK

WINTER WARMERS AFTER A HECTIC WINTER'S DAY, SOOTHE YOUR SOUL WITH THESE DELIGHTFUL CHILLY WEATHER RECIPES. Winter Warming Soup Here’s a great way of using up your leftover turkey meat from Christmas.

Ingredients • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 clove garlic • 1 large onion, halved and sliced • 2 tbsp ground coriander • 1/2 tbsp chilli flakes • 3 tbsp pearl barley • 1 1/2 litres hot turkey or chicken stock • 250g turkey meat, cut into thin strips • 1/2 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed • A handful of fresh coriander, roughly chopped (to garnish) • 1 spring onion, sliced (to garnish) Method • Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onion and fry for 5 minutes or so, stirring every now and then until they start to soften.

• To make the soup, add the ground coriander, chilli and pearl barley and stir round the pan for about a minute. Pour in the hot stock, stir in the turkey and chickpeas and season well. Bring to the boil, cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, until the vegetables and barley are tender. Stir in the coriander, sprinkle the spring onion on top and serve.

Christmas Trimmings Pie Try this post-Christmas dinner for the entire family.

Ingredients For the shortcrust pastry: • 300g plain flour, plus extra for flouring • pinch salt • 115g cold butter, cubed • 2-3 tbsp cold water • 1 egg, beaten (for glazing) For the filling: • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 1 onion, finely chopped • 2 medium leeks, thickly sliced • 500g turkey trimmings (or 4 chicken breasts) • 1 garlic clove

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• 1 celery stick • 1/2 tbsp peppercorns • 150ml white wine • 150ml chicken stock • 142ml carton double cream • 1 bunch tarragon (leaves only) Method: For the pastry: • Sift the flour and salt into a large mixing bowl.

• Add the butter and, using your fingertips, rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Lift the flour into the air as you do so, to get some air into the mixture and keep it cool.

• Add just enough cold water to form a dough and mix together.

• Then, using your hands, bring the dough together in the bowl. Turn it out onto a floured work surface and knead briefly. Shape into a flattened circle, wrap it in cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.

For the filling: • Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Add the celery, onion and leeks and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened.

• Add the turkey or chicken and cook, stirring, for another 4-5 minutes.

Stir in the garlic, add the wine and bubble away until reduced by twothirds. Pour in the stock and simmer until reduced by half. Add the cream and tarragon, Bring to the boil, then simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.

Season with peppercorns, then spoon into a pie dish. Set aside to cool.

To top the pie: • For the pastry top, allow the pastry to get up to room temperature. Lightly flour a clean board and roll out the pastry into a rectangle about oneand-a-half times the size of the pie dish.

• With a knife, trim long, half-inch wide strips from the pastry. Use the trimmings to make an edge around the pie dish by brushing them with a bit of water (to help the pastry adhere) and placing them in a single layer around the outer edge of the pie dish.

• Lift the remaining pastry sheet and place it on top of the dish to form a lid. Trim around the edge of the pie dish with a knife to cut off the excess pastry. Use your fingers and thumb to crimp the edges. Make a hole in the centre to allow steam to escape.

• Preheat the oven to 220C. Beat the egg with a little salt, then brush over the pastry. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the pastry is golden.

ARTS Sunlight through the Cloisters

Cathedral Cloisters

Whitstable Sunset

Minnis Bay

Dawn

ARTIST PROFILE:

Entrance to the Cloisters

Colette Baumback

insideKENT SHOWCASES SOME LOCAL TALENT WITH AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT ONE ARTIST’S STUNNING INTERPRETATION OF CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL. WORDS BY EMMA HOGAN Colette Baumback has always painted; as far back as she can remember. A self-taught artist, she has a very unique style which has been developed considerably over the years; her paintings specialise in acrylic and mixed media and are predominantly contemporary land and seascapes. Working with just a palette knife, Colette uses a combination of dramatic colour and bold texture to communicate her perception. For Colette, “the process of painting and creating something is so exciting, starting with an idea and developing it.” Her art is a result of an experimental process; she explores the structure of the subject before building up layers of paint, colour and texture until she achieves her vision.

Colette’s stunning paintings have received a good deal of recognition. 2010 was a particularly busy year for the artist with a solo exhibition at the Maidstone Library Gallery, paintings featured in Whitstable’s Harbour Gallery, and a key role in Canterbury Festival’s Artist’s Open Houses. Evidently, if 2010 was anything to go by, Colette Baumback is certainly an artist to look out for in the coming year.

Colette says her paintings “are a reflection of my fascination with the natural elements in our surroundings. I am inspired by the richness of colour and texture in the natural landscape.

This is conveyed by the strong organic feel within my work.” She believes that in today’s world, it is easy for is to take our surroundings for granted and become oblivious to natural beauty. Her work showcases nature, highlighting the dramatic changes in form, colour and light that each season brings. And for a painter of nature, where better to draw inspiration from than the Garden of England?

2010 sparked her focus on Canterbury Cathedral, an intimidating prospect for any artist.

The project came about following a visit Colette made to the Cathedral, the first for many years.

With sunlight streaming through the windows and onto the stone, she had her inspiration; “I suddenly saw the Cathedral for the amazing building that it is and the more I looked around, the more fascinated I became.” Studying the Cathedral’s architecture was a moving experience for Colette, which, she says, has made her “wonder at the building of such a magnificent place of worship and begin to appreciate the dedication and passion of its creators.”

The Cathedral project has been extremely challenging for an artist who is so used to painting free and flowing landscapes, as seen, for example, in the visually stunning Whitstable Sunset. The Cathedral paintings are noticeably different from Colette’s usual work; she has traded in her vibrant use of colour for more muted tones. Moreover, trying to convey “the power and strength and endurance of the building, yet equally, its stillness and the ethereal quality of the interior” has been the challenge at the very heart of the project.

For Colette, trying to recreate the Cathedral’s arcs, lines and angles on canvas has, in her own words, “taken my work to a totally different dimension.” Reflecting on the project, she says, “I hope that, through my painting style, I have been able to express the stillness and beauty of the building.” By layering paint and texture, as seen in Cathedral Cloisters, she has undoubtedly captured the atmosphere of the Cathedral interior. As someone who has visited the Cathedral countless times, I can certainly attest to this.

For more information on Colette Baumback and her paintings, email her at colettecolour@hotmail.co.uk.

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OUT

GET SNAPPY ALONG

THE RIVER MEDWAY THE ICY SPLENDOUR OF THE WINTER WEATHER CAN REALLY INSPIRE YOU TO GET OUT AND EXPLORE. ESPECIALLY IN THE SNOW, A DAY SPENT INDOORS IS OFTEN A DAY WASTED. SO WHY NOT WRAP YOURSELF UP, ARM YOURSELF WITH A CAMERA AND DISCOVER THE WILDLIFE AND SERENITY OF THE RIVER MEDWAY? There are various circular walks along the River Medway to choose from, depending on what area you want to explore. Or, if you enjoy longer walks, why not challenge yourself and try the 28mile (45.2km) linear route that runs from Tonbridge to Rochester? Contact Explore Kent and you will receive a certificate for your efforts.

East Peckham hosts one of the river’s short circular routes that provides excellent photo opportunities for those with a keen eye. Starting and finishing in the village and taking you along a delightful stretch of the river, the walk is mainly flat.

Traditionally, the Medway is seen as dividing the old Kentish kingdoms – reflected in the titles ‘Man (or maid) of Kent’ and ‘Kentish Man’ depending upon which side of the river you were born. Those born on the East are ‘Men of Kent’, those on the West are ‘Kentish Men’.

A well known ‘Kentish Man’ from East Peckham, Walter Arnold received notoriety in 1896 for being the first person in Britain to be successfully prosecuted for speeding. Walter was caught doing four times the speed limit, which in 1896 was just 2 miles per hour.

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The River itself is almost entirely in Kent and flows for 70 miles (113 km) from just inside the West Sussex border to the point where it enters the Thames Estuary. On route you may notice the point where the River Bourne joins the Medway. The Bourne, like the Medway, was once a very productive river and was used to power many mills.

For the observant among us, an abundance of wildlife can be found along the riverbanks: birds that include the kingfisher and barn owl, and many insects including butterflies and dragonflies.

You might also spot water voles and otters – if you’re very lucky.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS There are many attractions in the area that could be coupled with your walk. You will notice one of them, The Hop Farm country Park when you pass by it on route. The family attraction offers fun for all with over 30 rides and attractions.

Within five miles:

• Haysden Country Park - a Green Flag Award winning park that includes Barden and Haysden Lakes and a stretch of the River Medway within its boundary. The Park has been designated a Local Nature and is part a Site of Nature Conservation Interest.

• Tonbridge Castle - Reputedly England's finest example of a motte and bailey castle with a splendid 13th century gatehouse set in landscaped gardens overlooking the river Medway. The site is well interpreted and there are audio tours of the gatehouse.

If you would rather rest and find refreshment after your walk, the Man of Kent Pub in East Peckham offers traditional and modern pub food, all cooked to order.

All this history and atmosphere coupled with the beautiful landscapes and abundance of wildlife makes this an ideal walk to enjoy and get creative with your camera. To discover more free walks in Kent visit www.kent.gov.uk/explorekent.

WALK INFORMATION LOCATION: EAST PECKHAM, TN12 5BE DISTANCE: 3 MILES (4.7 KM) - ALLOW 1HR 30MINS OS EXPLORER MAP: 136 TERRAIN: SURFACED PATHS AND GRASSY WATERSIDE BANKS STEP COUNT: APPROXIMATELY 5,800 GATES: 1

The Medway Valley Countryside Partnership looks after the special and varied landscapes along the River, its tributaries and a wide section of the surrounding countryside. To encourage people to explore the River, they run an annual photographic competition. The winner will win a photographic workshop day with professional photographer Terry Whittaker.

Terry Whittaker

Terry is a freelance photographer and writer specialising in wildlife conservation and the environment. He is particularly interested in freshwater and coastal habitats and has been photographing water vole conservation for several years. His work is used in a range of international publications and he has won

STILES: 5 BRIDGES: 7 PARKING: THERE IS A FREE CAR PARK IN THE VILLAGE CENTRE REFRESHMENTS: THERE ARE A FEW SHOPS AND PUBS AROUND EAST PECKHAM

several awards including ‘British Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2010’.

“One of England’s major rivers, the Medway, flows almost entirely within Kent before becoming part of the Greater Thames ecosystem.

“There are endless opportunities for photography on and around the river itself as well as nature reserves and country parks scattered along its course. Birds are the most obvious and perhaps the easiest subjects to photograph. Mute swans, mallard and coot can be found anywhere on the river.

Kingfishers may be seen on overhanging branches but are more difficult to approach.

Watch out for barn owls hunting on floodplains and meadows.

“Leybourne Lakes Country Park is good for swans and geese in flight and great crested grebe. This is also one of the best places to see and photograph endangered water voles.

Damsel and dragonflies are everywhere along the river. As well as macro why not try a wide angle, close-up view to place the insect in the context of its habitat? Do the same with plants

and flowers. Don’t forget wildlife in the towns.

Swans look very nice at night when you combine a little flash with urban lighting.

“The main things to remember for the competition are to get out early and stay late to catch the best light. Early mornings offer the best chance of seeing a fox or, if you are very lucky indeed, an otter. Think about how a scene might look at a different time of day or in different conditions. A little mist rising off the river could make all the difference between an ordinary shot and something a bit special.

Don’t be afraid to shoot in bad weather and once you have that obvious, quick shot in the can, think about different ways to approach your subject. Good luck!”

Terry Whittaker So why not put your photographic and artistic skills to the test and enter? The theme this year is ‘Life on the River Medway’ and the closing date is 1 May 2011.

You can find out more and view entries from previous years at www.rivermedwayphoto.org

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READER’SCHOICE

CALLING ALL insideKENT READERS:

WE WANT YOUR VOTES Be a part of the first ever insideKENT Reader’s Choice Issue

The March/April issue of insideKENT will be our first ever where you, our fabulous readers, get to vote for our main features including the cover star, motoring review, competition and more.

Vote online between 3 Jan – 21 Jan for the following: MOTORS • Audi A1 • Mini Countryman • Lexus CT 200h TRAVEL • Lisbon • Copenhagen • Madeira & Porto Santo HEALTH & BEAUTY • Luscious Lips • Evening Bling • The Perfect Highlight TOP TEN • 10 Best Easter Getaways • 10 Best Easter Egg Hunts • 10 Best Chocolate Easter Eggs

COVER STAR • David Beckham • Ricky Gervais • Katherine Jenkins

READER COMPETITION • 3-course Dinner for 2 at The Mulberry Tree • Spa Day for two including treatments and lunch at Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange • Family photo shoot with Way Ahead Photography including CD of images

ENTER ONLINE AT WWW.INSIDEKENTMAGAZINE.CO.UK/READERSCHOICE 56

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WINE NIGHT @ UTOPIA

Be a part of Utopia’s popular wine night. Enjoy a four course meal with a wine specially selected to accompany each course. We will also have a wine expert present to give you an insight into the wines that you will be drinking. £35 per person Wednesday January 19th, February 16th, March 16th

WORLD FOOD NIGHT @ UTOPIA

Brand new for 2011 we have our monthly world food night. Each month we’ll be bringing you dishes and drinks from across the globe with a special themed night. Future nights include ‘Taste of Spain’, ‘Polish Theme Night’ and ‘Spices of the World’. £20 per person Wednesday February 2nd, March 2nd

COMEDY @ UTOPIA

Utopia’s Comedy night is back for 2011. Enjoy some of the UK’s best comics hosted by Lone Star Comedy Club. Tickets for this event are only £6. Food will be available to order throughout the evening. Why not make a night of it and enjoy a meal with a reserved table and comedy afterwards for just £10 per person. 7PM onwards Wednesday January 26th, February 23rd, March 30th

LADIES NIGHT @ UTOPIA

Once a month we say ‘Here Come the Girls’ for Ladies Night @ Utopia.

Each month we’ll bring you a night of girlie entertainment with everything from Health & Beauty to Pole Dancing Lessons. With a meal and a welcome drink on us for only £10, this is a night not to be missed.

Wednesday January 12th, February 9th, March 9th

£10 NIGHT @ UTOPIA

Each and every Thursday night you can enjoy Utopia’s finest food at a fraction of the price.

For just £10 per person enjoy a three course meal.

WEEKENDS @ UTOPIA

Every weekend dance the night away in The Annexe, Utopia’s very own dance floor hosted by some of Kent’s biggest DJs and events. With great drinks promotions, free entry and a late license every Friday and Saturday it’s the perfect place to party your weekend away.

2011 DATES FOR THE DIARY

Friday 11th February – “Example” After-Show Party 9PM till late Monday 14th February – Valentines @ Utopia Friday 25th February – Ska & Reggae with KMFM’s Webbo – 9PM till late Sunday 3rd April – Mothers Day @ Utopia

OUT

Ice Skating at Silver Blades WORDS BY EMMA HOGAN

If, like me, you indulged in one too many mince pies this Christmas, why not ease yourself back into exercise at Silver Blades in Gillingham, the South East’s premier ice rink. With a full size ice pad that boasts seating for over a thousand people, Silver Blades is further complimented by its bright modern surroundings. For those frozen with fear at the prospect of skating, get a spectator ticket and relax in the comfortable Bar Blu, overlooking the ice.

With nine plasma screens and a great selection of food and drink, the bar is perfect for whiling away the hours while your children or friends have a great time skating.

For absolute beginners, the Silver Blades team are on hand with helpful tips to have you dancing on ice before you know it. First things first, dress sensibly. It’s going to be cold out there so make sure to wrap up warm, but don’t restrict your movement under a multitude of layers. Equally, if you don’t want to resemble Bambi on the ice, don’t wear long, baggy trousers that you could potentially trip over. Tie your skates correctly, not too tight or too loose, and away you go.

Initially, it pays to warm up slowly because your muscles are going to be cold and you want to avoid straining them. Start with a few cursory bends before you go skating off into the distance.

For absolute beginners, try walking without holding on to the wall; this will help you get used to the friction of the ice. When you set off, make sure to keep your head up, looking in front of you and not down at your feet. Keep your knees bent and your weight forward, with your arms held out in front of you for balance. Leaning back will almost always send you sprawling on your behind so try and stay upright.

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To skate, lean on your weak foot, pushing in a diagonal direction outwards with your strong foot. Bring the right foot back next to the left and repeat the process. It’s almost like shovelling snow! Move with the strokes, keeping your body loose and relaxed. Try not to move stiffly because it makes it that much harder to skate.

Once you’ve mastered the movement, you’re going to need to know how to stop. To do so, bend your knees, turn the toes of each foot inwards and point your heels out, pushing out on your heels. This is guaranteed to slow you down. When you’re confident with stopping, you’re bound to feel more relaxed on the ice, so try skating all the way around the ice rink, avoiding the supporting edges if you can. Follow the directional rule of the ice rink; if you skate against everyone else you’re far more likely to hurt yourself.

Above all, skating for pleasure is supposed to be fun so don’t take yourself or your skating too seriously; remember, people who are most afraid of falling over, usually do it the most. So, if you do fall, which is pretty common, don’t let it stop

you. Pick yourself back up, laugh about it and set off again; you’ll be a better skater for it. If you go with a big group of friends be sure to award a prize for the most spectacular fall.

For those who decide they’d like to progress past the beginner stage, private skating lessons are a must. Professional coaches are able to offer lessons to suit your ability and your available time. Alternatively, why not join one of the clubs?

With options for every kind of skater, Silver Blades is definitely a versatile ice rink. So whether you’re looking for a family day out, a bit of post-Christmas exercise or something more permanent, be sure to make the trip to Gillingham.

Times and prices do vary so see www.silver-blades.co.uk for details or call 08700 852929 or 01634 388477.

great value kent

OUT

KENT OFFERS PLENTY OF ENTICING THINGS TO DO THAT ARE EITHER FREE OR INEXPENSIVE, WHICH IS GREAT NEWS IN THE CURRENT CLIMATE AND PARTICULARLY AFTER THE EXCESSES OF CHRISTMAS. HERE IS JUST A TASTER OF SOME OF THE GREAT THINGS ON OFFER. Bewl Water

Rochester Cathedral

Pantiles, Tunbridge Wells

All over Kent are local museums and galleries with free entry. Many towns such as Whitstable, Herne Bay, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Maidstone, Rochester and Sittingbourne have their own museums, which chart the history of the area, often have art collections on display, as well as archaeological finds, and many host community events.

There are other free general interest attractions as well. At the Spitfire and Hurricane memorial museum in Ramsgate, you can see immaculately restored classic fighter planes, with comprehensive displays telling the story of the air combat over Kent and during World War Two.

The Friars – Aylesford Priory is an ancient religious house of the Order of Carmelites dating back to the 13th century. It was, in mediaeval times, a stop for pilgrims on their way to Canterbury.

At Oare Gunpowder Works Country Park follow the marked trails that lead through the woodlands and grassy glades, past the millpond and discover the remains of the Gunpowder industry.

Rochester Cathedral is England's second oldest, having been founded in 604AD by Bishop Justus but it also displays the first real fresco to be created in an English Cathedral for 800 years, entry is free although donations are welcome.

Rochester Cathedral is featured in the new Arts and Crafts Trail leaflet, a self-guided walk around the town. Leaflets available from Medway Visitor Information Centre.

And for very little cost you can visit Margate’s Shell Grotto – ancient temple or Regency folly?

Circumnavigate Bewl Water’s nature reserve and reservoir or follow the seasonal trails at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest.

For further details and opening times on any of the above, go to visitkent.co.uk

BOOK A KENT GREETER Greeters are volunteers who love the town or village they live in and want to share their passion and knowledge with visitors. They will give you a unique and personal insight into the area, which will inevitably include those bits of local knowledge and local anecdotes that make up the character and spirit of the place. They may take you to unusual and often hidden places that you may otherwise not find, recounting their history (or even folklore), or plan the greet around your specific interest, be it local history, architecture, art and culture or shopping.

A greet can typically last one to one and a half hours and can be arranged for individuals or groups of up to six people. Greets need to be booked at least one week in advance of your visit, but it is a completely FREE service.

New for 2011 are rural trips with a greeter, whether it is cycling in Lyminge Forest or walking along the River Stour or White Cliffs.

To find out more and book go to www.visitkent.co.uk/greeters

Thanet Greeters Outside

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OUT

my kent big weekend Walmer Gardens

Kent & East Sussex Railway

Biddenden Vineyards Canterbury River Tours

KENT AND MEDWAY’S TOP VISITOR ATTRACTIONS ARE MAKING THOUSANDS OF FREE TICKETS AVAILABLE TO LOCAL PEOPLE FOR THE MY KENT BIG WEEKEND, WHICH IS BEING HELD ON MARCH 26 AND 27.

Details of all the free tickets to castles, gardens, steam trains, river cruises and more will be available from mid-January at www.mykentbigweekend.co.uk. People without access to the internet will be able to register for tickets through their local visitor information centre.

Visitors to the site, which will be live for three weeks, will be able to sign up for free tickets to discover destinations of their choice.

The My Kent Big Weekend has grown out of the Kent Big Day Out, which was first launched by Visit Kent, the county’s tourism champion, five years ago.

The aim is to raise awareness of all the attractions and destinations across the county that welcome 44million visitors every year contributing more than £2.5 billion to the local economy.

“The Kent Big Day Out was a hit from day one,” said Sandra Matthews-Marsh, chief executive at Visit Kent.

“It has grown year on year with more attractions opening their doors, more free tickets and more local people enjoying a great day out in the county and exploring new attractions and destinations.

“We are now ready to make it a whole weekend dedicated to celebrating our world-class tourism, leisure and hospitality businesses. Two days will enable even more people to take advantage of the free tickets and discover the many new and established attractions on their doorstep.”

Allowing ticket-seekers to select their destinations of choice online over three weeks will alleviate any pressure on the behind-the-scenes IT systems supporting the event.

“Last year we did experience problems with too many people trying to log on at the same time to access free tickets to 128 attractions. This year we are following in the successful footsteps

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of such popular ticket events as Strictly Come Dancing and Wimbledon.

“Once ticket registration has finished, we will hold a ballot and people will only be allocated tickets for attractions they want to explore for themselves,” said Mrs Matthews-Marsh.

The My Kent Big Weekend is part of wider ongoing campaign in the run-up to the 2012 London Games ensuring local people are well placed to advise their visitors, including friends and family, about the many different attractions available in the county.

The campaign now also includes the Nord-pas de Calais, which staged its first Big Day Out this year and is looking forward to an even bigger event in 2011.

For more info, visit www.mykentbigweekend.co.uk.

happy new year

from sideways media

From all of us at insideKENT Magazine and Sideways Media, we hope you have a very happy and prosperous New Year.

Sideways Media offers a smorgasbord of creative services including graphic design, printing, logo design, brand creation and rebranding, advertising, website design and digital communications, contract publishing, and magazine management and design.

publishing design print 01303 884660 hello@sidewaysmedia.co.uk

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LOCALESCAPES

ROWHILL GRANGE

NESTLED BETWEEN THE QUIET VILLAGES OF HEXTABLE AND WILMINGTON NEAR DARTFORD LIES THE STUNNING ROWHILL GRANGE HOTEL AND UTOPIA SPA. BY EMMA BATES

The grange was first built as a summerhouse in 1870, but don’t let that fool you; the Victorians weren’t big on subtlety and this ‘summerhouse’ is about as big and grandiose as they come.

Walking to the entrance through the mature grounds, you’d be forgiven for thinking that you were entering a very traditional hotel. In fact, the romantic exterior belies a stylish and very modern interior.

Each of the hotel rooms are individually designed with absolute luxury in mind and with painstaking attention to detail. Some rooms feature fourposter or sleigh beds fitted with deep-filled mattresses. All offer the finest Egyptian cotton sheets, plush pillows and personally selected designer fabrics.

The hotel offers several different dining experiences which are open to both visitors and residents. All are attended by their new Executive Chef, Luke Davies, who has worked at the likes of The Milestone, Kensington and The Capital, Knightsbridge.

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Our table was booked at RG’s Restaurant which prides itself on using only the best Kent produce from local suppliers. To begin our meal we ordered both the Kentish Goat’s Cheese and Fig Tart, and the Oak Smoked Weald Salmon.

Presented with a micro herb salad and a port reduction, my tart was crisp and the sweetness of the fig was the perfect accompaniment to the tangy goat’s cheese. My guest was equally impressed by the freshness of the salmon and the accompanying crunch of the pickled cucumber salad.

Just the rich reds and caramel browns of my main course of Roasted Loin and Confit Haunch Pithivier of Kentish Fallow Venison were enough to make my mouth water. The venison was extremely tender and the braised red cabbage was sweet and tart at the same time. A beautiful mouthful.

Not to be outdone, my guest’s Kentish Pork Belly with Creamed Cabbage and Caramelised Apple Purée was divine. Of course, in the interest of the review, I had to sample her dish too.

To round up a most appetising meal, and to keep with the fruity theme, our open English Apple Tart with Caramel and Sea Salt Ice Cream was delivered along with Kentish Rasberry Souffle with Thick Custard Ice Cream. Caramel and sea salt is a very fashionable mix right now, and for good reason. The salt really brought out the essence of the caramel and complimented the delicious mix of crumbly pastry and soft apples.

I was interested in sampling the soufflé, as having tried making it myself (without the benefit of being a top chef) I found it tricky to master. Our waiter cracked the top of the soufflé and plunged the custard ice cream right into the centre and, as good as the menu promised, the soufflé was light and delicately fruity with a crunchy outer.

The Utopia Spa boasts 19 treatment rooms, a hair salon, exercise pool, therapy pool, spa pool, sauna, steam room and gymnasium.

I was absolutely bowled over by the spectacular Roman bathhouse interior of the spa, complete with Tuscan frescos and fallen stonework. Here stands a little piece of Italy right in the middle of Kent which has to be seen to be believed. The cleverly detailed wall paintings have you standing in the middle of a crumbling roman bath with ivy climbing the marble columns and with the odd lizard sleeping lazily on the warm stonework.

The therapy pool is surrounded by a fallen colonnade and from which can be found buttons to activate the various jets and bubbles in the pool. Despite the typeface on the wall, “Romani Quiden” meaning “Italy indeed”, the showerheads on the far side of the 6-metre diameter pool are actually of Japanese design. These high-pressure jets of water are designed to deeply penetrate the muscles in the back and shoulders. The centre of the pool is home to another jet which is designed to massage the lower trunk and at the edge of the pool, with an area made for perfect relaxation, are the air beds. This is a shallow shelf with small jets placed at regular intervals. These little jets produce the most beautiful gentle bubbles that invigorate you from head to toe.

Hidden under the portico next to the therapy pool is the spa pool. This is much like a Jacuzzi and recommended as the last pool to visit because the temperature is much higher than the others.

The second floor houses the main pool. This area and even the walk up past the stone balustrade is as magnificent as the first; the walls having been painted with stunning Tusan frescoes and more wonderfully evocative stone pillars and Italian statues. The fantastic pool boasts poolside loungers with a telephone bar service serving non-alcoholic drinks.

My guest and I were booked in for a Spa Signature Facial called My Kinda Skin Prescriptive Facial.

Following some analysis of your skin type this facial offers a range of treatments and products specifically for you. In my case, after a few questions, this meant that after looking at my

skin under a microscope and determining that my skin needed some proper hydration, my therapist began with my bespoke program.

As well as the wonderful products, the 55-minute facial also comes with an Indian head massage and arm and leg treatments. It truly is a top-totoe treatment that left me feeling wonderfully clean, fresh and a bit dreamy. While I lay there luxuriating in the after glow of my treatment, my therapist wrote me a ‘prescription’ detailing all the products she’d used (which you can purchase to take home) and the frequency I should use them. A trip to Utopia Spa is designed to stay with you for longer than the few short hours that you are there.

Utopia Spa at Rowhill Grange has been named as one of the World’s top 50 Spas by The Mail on Sunday, has been awarded Elite Spa of the Year in 2007 and 2008, and Best Hotel Spa of the Year in 2005. But despite the prestigious awards, amazing scenery, wonderful food, fantastic hospitality and total relaxation you would imagine from an elite spa only open to the privileged few, Rowhill Grange Hotel and Utopia Spa is still as welcoming as the summerhouse it started life as.

ROWHILL GRANGE HOTEL AND UTOPIA SPA Wilmington, Kent DA2 7QH 01322 615136 admin@rowhillgrange.com www.rowhillgrange.com

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leeds castle open air classical concert Saturday 16 th July 2011 C

M

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CM

MY

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CMY

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Conducted by John Rigby & Narrated by Robert Powell Guest appearances from Wynn Evans, Patricia Orr, Rebecca Bottone & The Royal Marines Band

Heritage Special Events

Book online at www.heritageevents.co.uk or call 0845 652 62 62

GETAWAYS in association with

magnificence MEDIEVAL B Y

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M A R T I N

LOOKING FOR A TRULY SPECTACULAR SETTING FOR YOUR FAMILY REUNION, HEN WEEKEND, TEAM BUILDING EXPERIENCE OR LARGE GROUP GATHERING? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE OLD NEPTUNE, SUFFOLK.

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Driving through Ipswich, you’d never realise The Old Neptune – in all its glory – is there. Hidden along a busy street, looking like a ‘regular’ little house from the front, the 15th century mansion is anything but regular.

Walking into The Old Neptune’s courtyard will extrude all sorts of gasps and wowed expressions from guests. The U-shaped building surrounding the serene courtyard boasts such beauty and character you can’t help but be in awe.

Once inside, you could spend hours upon hours investigating all the many nooks and crannies throughout the massive space. The Old Neptune has over 6000 square feet, 12 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, a dining hall which comfortably seats 24 (kitted out with its own DJ equipment and sounds system), and plenty of living areas for even the largest of parties.

The kitchen is any cook’s dream, with three ovens, eight gas hobs, an American fridge/freezer, two dishwashers and enough crockery, glasses and dishes for at least 30 guests. Anyone for a party?

Once you’ve explored the house, picked your bedroom in one of the many wings, spiralled up various staircases and had a quick look for Fred the resident ghost, snuggle up in the drawing room with its massive inglenook fireplace, exposed beams and comfy sofas for an unparalleled relaxing rest.

outwards with gorgeous leaded windows, giving the impression of being in a ship. Many have luxurious four-poster beds with Egyptian cotton bed linen, ensuring a fantastic night’s sleep.

The most impressive bedroom, Il Palazzo, runs across the whole of the west wing and includes a specially imported Indonesian teak 4-poster bed, original 15th Century ceiling timbers, a separate sitting area, dressing room/bathroom, and even its own balcony and sauna.

When it’s not too cold outside (or perhaps even if it is), your party can enjoy some time in the spectacular courtyard with its 30-year-old grape vines, flowing fountain, Mediterranean planting featuring olive and fig trees and a large Beefeater BBQ for grilling your favourite dishes.

Only about 1.5 hours from Maidstone, The Old Neptune is the perfect getaway for any large gathering. Imagine celebrating your wedding week, or holding a special birthday bash in your own medieval mansion? It can’t get much better than that.

For more information on The Old Neptune, visit www.homeaway.co.uk/p9479 or www.thebighouseboutique.com.

Find your perfect self-catering holiday at HomeAway Holiday-Rentals www.homeaway.co.uk

Each bedroom in The Old Neptune is individually designed and has its own unique history. One of the most distinctive, The Galleon, is bordered floor to ceiling on three walls with 19th Century wooden printer’s blocks. The fourth wall is sloped

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TRAVEL

THE

Beau-Rivage PALACE W O R D S

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Lux•u•ry: FREE OR HABITUAL INDULGENCE IN OR ENJOYMENT OF

COMFORTS AND PLEASURES*. WHEN IT COMES TO THE BEAU-RIVAGE PALACE ON THE SHORE OF LAKE GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, THERE IS NO OTHER WORD QUITE AS FITTING. Opulence, extravagance, spendour. All synonyms of the word ‘luxury’, they all describe The BeauRivage Palace to a T. The 5-star hotel in Lausanne, Switzerland is a traveler’s paradise with its gorgeous rooms, Michelin-starred restaurant and relaxing spa.

For nearly one hundred and fifty years, the hotel has been one of Switzerland’s finest hotels, and for good reason. It remains at the forefront of The Leading Hotels of the World and is an exquisite example of what ‘5-star’ should truly be.

*dictionary.com

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From the moment you walk into the Beau-Rivage, you feel like a celebrity. It’s an oasis of grandeur, hospitality and unashamed luxury. Set in a picturesque park of ten acres overlooking Lake Geneva and the snow-capped Alps, the BeauRivage is sure to impress any guest. The hotel’s immaculate leather-bound guest books even contain the names of such famous faces as Coco Chanel and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

The hotel has 169 rooms (33 of which are suites), many of which boast unparalleled views of Lake Geneva, Jacuzzis, Bulgari products, minibars, remote control blinds and lighting, balconies and free wi-fi.

I don’t know about you, but when I’m on holiday (sans kids), I like to relax, take baths, lounge around in my dressing gown, relax, eat delicious food, have some drinks and relax some more.

The Beau-Rivage Palace left me wanting for nothing – the beautiful room and balcony (with views to die for), huge bathroom and super-king bed made it hard for me to leave, even for dinner.

Outside the sanctuary of your room you’ll find three on-site restaurants, two bars, twelve banquet rooms, a conference centre and the chic Cinq Mondes Spa offering everything from Ayurvedic massage to body scrubs to a Japanese bath for a relaxing soak. The six treatment rooms are simplistically decorated and kept at the perfect temperature for an incredible experience.

I was lucky enough to enjoy a 40-minute personalised facial in the Cinq Mondes Spa, and didn’t even have to change out of my dressing gown to go from my room to the spa. The spa’s entrance, with its own private lift, makes entering the spa seem like an extra-special event, and walking around the hotel in your dressing gown will again, have you feeling like a celebrity in no time.

Dinner was reserved for us at the hotel’s Café Beau-Rivage, offering seasonal dishes in its sophisticated but laid-back atmosphere. My guest and I enjoyed dishes such as Mallard Terrine with Mushrooms and Confit Quince, and Grilled Sea Bass with Linguine Vongoles and Razor Clam au Gratin. Simply delicious.

For those looking to sample the best-of-the-best, the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, AnneSophie Pic at The Beau-Rivage Palace, is a place you cannot miss. Opened in April 2009 following an extensive refurbishment, the restaurant’s chef Anne-Sophie Pic is the only female French chef to gain three stars.

Following an after-dinner drink in the hotel’s bar, retiring to your room is not something you’ll avoid even for a moment. The remote-control blinds shut out all outside light, leaving you to sleep in complete peace for as long as you’re able. Waking up, rolling over and pressing a button to let in the morning light and mountain views was one of the many reasons The Beau-Rivage Palace is a place I’ll never forget.

The Beau-Rivage Palace Place du Port 17-19 CH 1000 Lausanne 6 Switzerland www.brp.ch

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MOTORING

AS EASY AS

ABS

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHS: MATTHEW EVANS

EBA? ACC? WHO CARES WHAT THE ACRONYMS STAND FOR, AS LONG AS THE TECHNOLOGY WORKS? AFTER SOME UNSCHEDULED EXCITEMENT DURING HIS TEST DRIVE, OUR MOTORING CORRESPONDENT DOES.

Normally, I’m not really one for getting lost in the undergrowth of acronyms that seems to pad out every new car brochure I pick up. I get as far as ABS and then generally lose interest, but it took a full five minutes in the Jaguar XJL to convince me I should pay more attention in the future, and read on at least as far as the Es. I don’t know whether it was CBC (Cornering Brake Control), DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), ETC (Electronic Traction Control) or a combination of all three that saved my bacon on the Orpington bypass, but I’m in little doubt that the manner in which the big Jag decided to take control of its own destiny saved me from having to place the kind of embarrassing phone call a motoring writer hates needing to make.

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Thing is, it would have been just the sort of prang that catches so many people out. I wasn’t hitting any silly speeds or trying any handling heroics, but quietly negotiating a rush-hour roundabout made treacherous by the first winter snow. A touch of impatience, a heavy right foot and suddenly forward wasn’t where forward should be – ahead of the steering wheel – but somewhere off to the right. I started to apply some opposite lock, but I’m the first to admit that I have the reaction speed of a bush-baby, the driving skills to match, and probably wore a similarly wideeyed expression as the car headed flank-first towards my chosen exit.

I was at the point of hoping I’d get away with a couple of dinged rims and a red face rather than a full-on trip to the bodyshop, but the XJL clearly wasn’t going to give up so easily. Through the steering wheel and my clenched buttocks I could sense the split-second application of brakes and throttle – all much more deftly accomplished than I could hope to manage – and as if by magic the road reappeared in it’s traditional position.

It wasn’t the first time that the car’s electronics kicked in to keep things moving in the right direction, and while there was nothing as dramatic as my earlier escapade, the Jaguar managed to demonstrate that when it came to optimising forward progress there was more than one way to, erm, skin a cat. One particularly steep, snow covered hill had the car crawling along at snail’s

pace, with the vehicle dynamics systems restricting power to just what the 20-inch Orona alloys and 275mm wide rubber could handle, and all in spite of my best efforts to interfere and break traction. In the interests of science I flipped

off all the gizmos and tried to see if I could do better unaided, and soon found myself slithering to a halt.

Unfortunately, having lost forward momentum no amount of computer wizardry was going to help get me going again, so I was glad of the optional rear-view camera as I engaged reverse – using the unusual and innovative gear selection knob – and retraced my tracks. Lesson learned, and having found a flat stretch of road to use as a launch pad, I just let the XJL do its stuff and haul me slowly to the top with more patience and selfcontrol than I could have mustered.

There’s no doubt that it’s this tech which, in conditions more suited to unleashing the 3.0 litre V-6 diesel’s 275 horsepower, contributes to the XJ’s reputation as a fine-handling car capable of making surprisingly light work of a snaking Broad. Even the long-wheelbase version we drove – that’s what puts the L in XJL – can hit 60mph in six seconds and there’s very little dynamic trade off in exchange for the extra 125mm of legroom the backseat passengers get to enjoy.

A full glass roof floods that extended cabin with natural light, and the new-tech is neatly combined with more traditional Jaguar virtues to create a luxurious, high quality space. Hide, walnut and LEDs might, at first glance, seem to be inappropriate bed-fellows but in the XJ they’re combined perfectly, and the design of the car’s interior is as sure-footed as its handling. Leather is thick and soft, controls such as that gear selection knob are pleasingly tactile, chrome detailing is lavish without being over the top. Oh, and the high definition LED display in the instrument binnacle is downright gorgeous.

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MOTORING

JAGUAR XJL PREMIUM LUXURY

Price from: £60,400 Price as tested: £64,500 Engine: 3-litre V6 diesel Power: 275bhp Top speed: 155mph 0-60mph: 6.0 sec Combined economy: 39.2mpg CO2 emissions: 189g/km

Find yourself a stretch of motorway and as you’d expect the XJL makes an accomplished cruiser. The air suspension automatically softens to give a more relaxed ride, and the car’s wind-cheating teardrop profile, a secondary bulkhead and laminated glass in all the main windows keep noise levels impressively low. Even the colour of the “virtual instruments” adapts to suit the mood, while adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) monitors the gap to the car in front just in case your concentration should wander.

All on board can share the aural experience provided by a Bowers and Wilkins 20-channel audio system, or if the passengers want to watch a movie then headphones provide the soundtrack, while Jaguar’s seriously clever Dual-View technology means that the central eight-inch touchscreen can display navigation or route info to the driver, and TV or a DVD to his companion.

And while you’re amusing yourself by flicking through the various screens of information on offer, you might well come across something that’s distinctly un-traditional: the fuel consumption. In spite of its impressive power output the diesel powerplant is highly efficient, and combines with an innovative, lightweight chassis and bodyshell – the XJL weighs in at an impressively svelte 2.3 tonnes – to return claimed extra-urban fuel consumption of nearly

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50mpg. A CO2 emissions figure of 189g/km is also excellent for a car of the Jag’s size and performance.

Having sifted through all the acronyms and the hi-tech though, it occurred to me that there was one missing: GSP. It stands for “Grace, Space and Pace”, the advertising strapline that Jaguar made extensive use of in the past. After driving the XJL, perhaps the company should revive it.

LANCASTER JAGUAR SEVENOAKS 114 – 115 London Road Riverhead Sevenoaks Kent TN13 2DN Tel 01732 456300 Email sales@sevenoaks.lancaster-jaguar.co.uk Web www.lancaster.sevenoaks.jaguar.co.uk

LONDON IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR IN LONDON

VIEW LONDON GIVES US THE INSIDE SCOOP ON SOME FABULOUS LONDON EVENTS TO BRING IN THE NEW YEAR. Cirque du Soleil

Sexual Nature Exhibition at Natural History Museum

Cirque du Soleil makes a dramatic return to the Royal Albert Hall with dance, acrobatics, clowning and gravity defying aerial displays. This time around the circus troupe’s Totem show traces the journey of the human species from its nascent amphibian state to the present day, taking in a number of origin myths along the way. Expect highly polished performances in a show that features everything from hoop dances and foot juggling to trapeze acts and roller skating.

The Cirque du Soleil Totem show runs from 7th January – 17th February 2011. For more information, go to http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/cirque-du-soleil-london-article3303.html

Looking at the reproductive habits of everything from the fruit fly to Guy the gorilla of London Zoo, the Sexual Nature exhibition takes a scientific look at how species across the planet go about the business of procreation.

Leave all euphemisms about the birds and the bees at the door and immerse yourself in a world of fascinating facts. The multimedia exhibition includes live creatures such as stick insects, museum specimens, dramatic wildlife footage and much more.

The Sexual Nature exhibition runs from 11th February – 30th September 2011. For more information, visit http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/sexual-nature-exhibition-londonarticle-10299.html

Frankenstein One of the real highlights on the 2011 theatre calendar see acclaimed director Danny Boyle sprinkle his Academy Award-winning magic on this stage version of Mary Shelley’s classic novel at the National Theatre.

Boyle will direct Benedict Cumberbatch and Johnny Lee Miller, who will alternate the roles of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature, offering an intriguing twist to Nick Dear’s brand new interpretation of one of literature’s best-loved tales.

Performances of Frankenstein run from Saturday 5th February until Sunday 17th April 2011. For more information, go to http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/tickets/frankenstein-tickets-feature-3609.html

Sadler’s Wells: Sampled Sampled gives you a tantalising taster of a variety of dancing styles, cramming everything from ballet to hip hop into a two-day showcase at Sadler’s Wells.

Highlights of the 2011 festival include performances by Balletboyz The Talent, the American Ballet Theatre and hip hop dance company ZooNation.

Tickets start from just £6.00, making this a cheap and accessible way to see innovative dance in London.

Sampled at Sadler’s Wells takes place from 28th January – 29th January 2011. For more information, go to http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/sampled-at-sadlers-wells-article6062.html

Doctor Who Experience Everybody’s favourite Time Lord touches down with his TARDIS at London Olympia in February 2011, bringing an array of Doctor Who themed fun to fans of all ages.

The interactive exhibition features props from the most recent series, including the Pandorica Box. There’s also the chance to come face to face with the Cybermen, watch specially filmed clips starring Matt Smith, meet a Dalek and see two TARDIS sets from the days of Peter Davidson and David Tennant.

The Doctor Who Experience runs from 20th February – 30th November 2011. For more information and to book tickets, visit http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/doctor-who-experience-londonarticle-10366.html

Ne-Yo The RnB sensation makes a very welcome return to the capital after wowing London with two huge concerts last year. This time he takes over the mighty O2 Arena, giving twenty thousand of his swooning fans the opportunity to hear one of the definitive RnB voices bring hit songs like Mad, Miss Independent, Part of the List and of course the smash hit single, Closer, to the world’s most successful live music venue.

Ne-Yo performs at the O2 Arena on Saturday 26th February 2011.

For more information, go to http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/ne-yo-ticketslondon.aspx

Wizard of Oz Andrew Lloyd Webber brings the enchanting tale of Dorothy and her journey down the Yellow Brick Road back to the West End for a huge new stage version of the ever-popular tale. Star of stage and screen, Michael Crawford, will play the Wizard, with the role of Dorothy going to Danielle Hope, the winner of the BBC’s Over The Rainbow. All of the much-loved songs from the original film will be kept in, complemented by a number of brand new ones from Lloyd Webber’s always-impressive quill.

Performances of Wizard of Oz run from Monday 7th February until Saturday 17th September 2011. For more information, click your heels and go to http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/whatson/wizard-of-oz-musical-ticketsarticle-6950.html

Gaucho International Polo Top class international polo canters into the O2 Arena in February, as three eagerly anticipated games showcase just why this sport is one of the most popular in the world. The highlight will undoubtedly be the hardfought grudge match between EFG’s England and Camino Real’s Argentina as they lock horns for the 2011 Churchill Cup, but fans can also look forward to live music, fashion shows and a whole day of entertainment and activities.

The Gaucho International Polo event takes place at the O2 Arena on Thursday 24th February 2011. For more information, go to http://www.viewlondon.co.uk/gaucho-international-polo-tickets-o2

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EVENTS

PICTURES IN PRINT // 1–4 JANUARY Whitstable Museum and Art Gallery plays host to this free exhibition showcasing some significant local print collections. Call 01227 276998 for more details.

BACK TO THE FUTURE (PG) // 24 JANUARY

Whitstable Museum and Art Gallery, 5 Oxford Street, Whitstable (SAT NAV: CT5 1DB)

FILMS AT THE THEATRE – CASABLANCA // 7 JANUARY Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman star in the iconic Casablanca. Set in World War Two, the film focuses on Rick Blaine, a man torn between love and virtue. Tickets are £4.00 with the screening starting at 7.30pm.

To book call the Box Office on 01227 366004.

Herne Bay Little Theatre, 44 Bullers Avenue, Herne Bay (SAT NAV: CT6 8UH)

It’s time to get back in the DeLorian as Back to the Future returns for its 25th anniversary. Michael J. Fox is Marty McFly, the teenager who is accidentally sent back in time to his parents’ youth by scientist Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd). Meeting his parents in high school, he changes history and must repair the damage before it’s too late, all the while finding a way to return to 1985. The quintessential ‘80s movie... don’t miss it on the big screen! Tickets are £3.50, screening starts at 9.20pm, 109 minutes. To book visit www.kent.ac.uk/gulbenkian or call 01227 769075.

ALADDIN // 18–22 JANUARY

The Gulbenkian, University of Kent, Canterbury (SAT NAV: CT2 7NB)

For great post-Christmas family entertainment, look no further. The wicked Abanazer is seeking the magic lamp that contains the all-powerful Genie so that he can rule the world, and is just steps away from succeeding. Is all hope lost? Luckily Aladdin, the cheeky Wishee Washee and Widow Twankey are ready to intervene and save the day.

HAYWIRE – A COMEDY BY ERIC CHAPPELL // 3–5 FEBRUARY

To book call the Box Office on 01227 272042, open Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 12.00pm. Online booking is also available via www.theplayhousewhitstable.co.uk. Tickets are £9.00, shows start at 7.45pm except for the 2.30pm matinee on 22 January.

Playhouse Theatre, 104 High Street, Whitstable (SAT NAV: CT5 1AZ)

SPEED DATING // 11TH JANUARY, 17TH JANUARY

Bookseller Alec is having an affair with his assistant and plans to take her on holiday to Spain without making his wife remotely suspicious. What could possibly go wrong? Tickets are £6.00 for adults, the show starts at 7.45pm. To book please call 01795 4711140.

Avenue Theatre, Sittingbourne (SAT NAV: ME10 4DN)

Speed Dating is a fun way to try and meet someone special in your area while having a great night out in a safe environment. Singles Speed Date has over seven years experience in running professional events in Kent and the South East for singles. 11 January at the Cuban, Canterbury (ages 1832), 17 January at the Loft Bar (ages 30-43). Book online at www.singlesspeed-date.co.uk, tickets are £15.00, meeting at 7.45pm both nights.

The Cuban, 41 High St, Canterbury (SAT NAV: CT1 2RY) The Loft Bar, 5-6 St. Margarets St, Canterbury (SAT NAV: CT1 2TP)

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JIMMY CARR’S LAUGHTER THERAPY // 6 FEBRUARY Laughter Therapy is Carr’s ninth solo show, showcasing his trademark deadpan delivery and satirical banter. Not suitable for under-16s or the easily offended! Tickets are £25.00, show starts at 8.00pm. To book please visit www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk or call 01892 530613/532072.

Assembly Hall Theatre, Crescent Road, Tunbridge Wells (SAT NAV: TN1 2LU)

ALEXANDRA BURKE // 16 FEBRUARY

THE SNOWDROP TRAIL AT HALF TERM // 21–27 FEBRUARY

Follow the snowdrop trail through the grounds and enjoy the early blossoms of camellia and quince. The Lady of the Wildwoods returns with stories of spring to delight young visitors. For further information please telephone 01732 865224, or alternatively visit www.hevercastle.co.uk Hever Castle, Nr. Edenbridge (SAT NAV: TN8 7NG)

JON RICHARDSON – FUNNY MAGNET // 26 FEBRUARY

Edinburgh Comedy Award nominee, regular Have I Got News for You panelist and star of Live at the Apollo will be bringing his new show to Kent in 2011.

With a sold out run at the Edinburgh Fringe behind him, the show features the best bits from his critically acclaimed show ‘Don’t Happy Be Worry’ as well as some brand new material. To book please visit www.quarterhouse.co.uk or call 01303 858500, show starts at 8.00pm.

Quarterhouse, Folkestone (SAT NAV: CT20 1JT)

Alexandra Burke’s All Night Long tour stops at Margate for one night only.

The X Factor winner will be performing hits from her debut album including ‘Bad Boys’ and ‘Broken Heels’. Call the Box Office on 01843 296111.

Tickets are £27.50. Doors open at 6:45pm, show starts at 7:30pm.

FASHION SHOW AT COUNTY SQUARE// 26 FEBRUARY

Winter Gardens Margate, Fort Crescent, Margate, Kent (SAT NAV: CT9 1HX)

WEDDING FAYRE // 20 FEBRUARY Find everything you need to plan your perfect wedding at Eastwell Manor’s prestigious wedding fayre.

For more information email: enquiries@eastwellmanor.co.uk

Spring isn’t too far away and soon it’ll be time to throw away those winter blues and aim for a fresh new look. For inspiration on what’s hot this season, shoppers should visit County Square Shopping Centre, to see the latest fashions paraded on the catwalk on Saturday 26th February.

Eastwell Manor, Nr. Ashford (SAT NAV: TN25 4HR)

Four toe tapping performances will take place on the catwalk in the main mall, outside Costa Coffee at 11.30am, 1.00pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm and there’ll be dozens of outfits to choose from with accessories to match.

For more information please visit www.countysquareshoppingcentre.com County Square, Ashford (SAT NAV: TN23 1YB)

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ENTERTAINMENT

Go on…

Have a play IF YOU DIDN’T GET YOUR FILL OF KID-FUELLED EXCITEMENT OVER CHRISTMAS, RELEASE YOUR INNER CHILD AND HAVE SOME FUN WITH INSIDEKENT’S TOP PICKS FOR PLAYTIME ENTERTAINMENT. X-Rocker Gamebag Gaming Chair

Hear, feel and experience gaming, music and movie action from the new state-of-the-art X-Rocker Gamebag. This new Gaming Chair will have you pulled right into the action with stunning, immersive surround sound. £23.95, www.boysstuff.co.uk

USB Plasma Light Ball

Snow Future Sledge

With winter in full-force and snow covering the ground, this modern lightweight toboggan is a must-have. Suitable for children and adults alike, the Snow Future Sledge has been designed with a comfortable seat suspension system and is made from cold-resistant material, double-walled plastic and has stainless steel runners and metal brakes on both sides. £139, www.pedalpusherslimited.co.uk

Nintendo DSi XL

The USB Plasma Light Ball is perfect for brightening up your desk. Watch the coloured lightning flash around the sphere, and when you touch it the lighting moves to greet your fingertips wherever they are! £9.95, www.prezzybox.com

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Get ready to experience your favourite Nintendo DS games like never before with the bigger screens and wider viewing angle of the Nintendo DSi XL. Featuring two 4.2 inch screens - 93% bigger than the screen on the Nintendo DS Lite -the DSi XL also comes preloaded with Dr Kawashima's: Little Bit of Brain Training: Arts Edition and Dictionary 6-in-1 with Camera Function. Plus, it has a DSi web browser which you can use to surf the internet whenever you're in a Wi-Fi hotspot. £159, www.marksandspencer.com

Bigtrak

Re-live your childhood with this 21st century Bigtrak. A real 80's retro toy, Bigtrack has a 23-button keypad to enter instructions for Bigtrak. Where do I want Bigtrak to go? In what direction? How many units will it take to reach my goal? When do I want Bigtrak to fire? Do I want Bigtrak to return to me along a different course? With a 16 command memory, you’ll have hours of fun. £34.99, www.totallyfunky.com

Rubik’s Touch Cube

A new spin on a classic, swipe your finger across the vibrantly lit squares to effortlessly slide the lights, mimicking every move of the original puzzle.

Rubik's Touch Cube can even give hints or solve the puzzle step by step right before your eyes. £69.95, www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Hexbug Starter Pack

Wiki M-Cube

Wiki M-Cube is composed of individual high-energy NdFeB magnets, allowing you to create and recreate an outrageous number of shapes and patterns. Utterly addictive, Wiki M-Cube is literally a puzzle with billions of solutions. £19.95, www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

Everything you need to start your own Hexbug Nano habitat! Hexbug Nanos are micro robotic creatures; just turn the little critter on and watch him dart all over the place, bouncing off things and changing direction, flipping over and zooming around as fast as he can. Hilarious, addictive and endless fun! £13.99, www.totallyfunky.com

HM Armed Forces Night Vision Binoculars

Mensa Brain Trainer

This addictive little touch screen gadget gives you a choice of nine brain teasers, each with three levels of difficulty and time limits. Playing games like this is recommended to keep your mind active, and also provides hours of fun! £19.95, www.houseofbath.co.uk

Powered by real night vision technology the HM Armed Forces Night Vision Binoculars are the real deal. With a dual eye display the invisible infrared illumination means you can see them, but they can't see you thanks to the built-in sensitive optics and LCD screen. With two viewing modes for short and long-range vision, you’ll have trouble waiting until nightfall to play with these! £69.95, www.gettingpersonal.co.uk

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ENTERTAINMENT

insideKENT

E X C L U S I V E INTERVIEW

words and interview by Lizzy Cline photos: © Justin Ruhl

JASON MRAZ

Jason Mraz, the man behind hit single ‘I’m Yours’ (with over 80 million hits on YouTube), has turned into a worldwide sensation.

And does he know it? Well, it’s hard to tell. Sitting in the lounge across from him, he relaxes on the sofa like we've been chums forever. Old faded jeans, a t-shirt he made himself and his trademark hat, he snacks on homemade sugar-free, all-natural cacao bean cookies without a care in the world.

In 2002, Mraz released his first major-label debut album, Waiting for My Rocket to Come. Since then he has received numerous Grammy nominations and awards for his number one singles and collaborations.

Mraz recently returned to the US after some time in London where he worked on his new album with producer Martin Terefe and collaborated with British singer-songwriter Dido on his upcoming album.

Besides his musical success, Mraz holds life sacred, and it shows in his smooth easy sounds that match his personality and aura.

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You recently took a trip to Ghana to help find and liberate children that have been taken into slavery.

This is a huge undertaking – what is the most important thing you took back home that changed you?

I’d have to say courage, I took back courage. I was working alongside a man named James who was a former child slave. He escaped when he was thirteen after working on fishing boats as a slave. All he ever wanted as a kid was for a rescue boat to come and take him away to freedom, so now he spends his whole life as a rescue boat runner. He goes into villages and looks for kids that have been reported missing or have been sold, and he builds a case like a social worker. Its dangerous work; there are other fishermen out there who could easily kill him or sink his boat, but he just goes for it and as I was there alongside him I thought, ‘What the heck am I doing here? What did I get myself into?’ All of a sudden I'm on this crazy Indiana Jones mission to go get a child back to his

family. It was as if I was able to use his strength and I’ve taken that with me ever since. I know I have the capacity to be courageous.

What is one issue that you struggled with as a teenager?

Being accepted.

Do you think you've overcome that feeling?

Yes, there are always going to be cliques and there’s always going to be gossip about other kids. At one point or another we all feel like we don’t belong. I got plenty of that in high school, but I think you just have to wait, and when you get out of school you’re going to show everyone how cool you really are. On my new record I have a song where I thank the guys that beat me up in high school because they helped me shape my life.

Knowing what you know now, what’s the one thing you would tell the youth today to stay encouraged?

[Long thoughtful pause] Just to be yourself. We are all born so unique and there’s a place for individuality. Whether it’s a gift of communication, a gift of drawing, to solve problems or operate machinery; whatever it is, we are all born with a talent. Also, truly don’t be afraid to try your talents on like one of my hats, you know? Try it on and see how it feels to know, ‘Hey, this fits me and I’m good at it.’

I recently read on Twitter that you wrote, “I’m so afraid I just put the gay in reggae.” What was that about? What’s going on with your new album and what makes it different from your others?

Um, well I was working on lots of reggae that particular week, a couple of songs it was working

and some others it just wasn’t I think I was forcing a square peg in a round hole. You know I was taking it out on myself making light of the situation.

I like taking all these crazy things making up all these scenarios on twitter you know.

I’ve heard you write a song a day – is this true?

No. I did that for a long time but now I’ve really had to take on a lot of other things, and as we are getting to the end of the year I’m putting everything into getting my new album finished instead of doing a song a day. I guess you could say I mend a song a day. Sometimes a new song is born, but I try to go back in and renew other songs to see where they went wrong.

How do you know when one of your songs is finished?

When I love to listen to it. When I put it on and I think, ‘Wow, this is so cool this is.’

While writing it, did you think your Grammynominated number one hit “Im Yours” was ‘the one’?

You know, I didn't think it was ‘the one’ in the way it really became ‘the one’, but I did think it was a great song and I knew immediately, ‘I love this and I'm going to have fun playing it.’

I heard a couple of eight-year-old kids singing, “I’m Yours” with different words, the ones you wrote for Sesame Street. What was your favourite part of being on Sesame Street?

Just the fact that I was on Sesame Street! You walk onto the set and it’s like, ‘Whoa, there it is.’

I took my niece and nephew and they were a bit shocked because the first thing that happened was the guy that does Cookie Monster greeted them with the puppet, but they couldn't really

look at Cookie Monster – they were just looking at the guy. I was nervous for them because I didn't want to ruin it for them. But it’s so charming and hilarious and they are so good with the characters that it was only a few minutes before the kids started communicating with Cookie Monster. It was amazing.

Quick fire from Twitter fans: London or LA? London!

If you could take one thing on a desert island, what would it be?

A surfboard.

One thing you try to do everyday?

Feel awesome!

One person you want to write a song for that you haven't yet?

My dad.

One artist/group that you would love to perform with?

YaHoWha 13. They're extraordinary.

Follow Jason on twitter @jason_mraz

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insideKENT Weddings JAN-FEB 2011

kent’s premier luxury lifestyle magazine

GORGEOUS GOWNS

The hottest wedding dresses for 2011

FLOWER TRENDS Designer flowers for your big day

HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

Get away from it all

INVITATION BLISS

Set the tone for your wedding with exquisite stationery

wedding venues FROM QUAINT TO MAJESTIC, KENT IS HOME TO SOME OF THE UK’S MOST GORGEOUS

++ AWARD-WINNING WEDDING MAGICIAN ETIENNE PRADIER // LOOKING YOUR WEDDING DAY BEST // THE BEST ‘FIRST DANCE’ SONGS AND MORE Bride photo © Luke Yates / www.wayaheadphotography.com Gown from Signature Brides Hythe

WEDDING

THE HOTTEST Cloisonne, www.clairepettibone.com Madame Butterfly, www.clairepettibone.com

Harmony, www.katesherford.com Amore, www.suzanneneville.com

Emma, www.katesherford.com

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Serenade & Ella, www.katesherford.com

GOWNS for 2011 Yvette, www.sassiholford.com

Amanda, www.sassiholford.com

Stansie, www.augustajones.com

Bobbi, www.augustajones.com

Harper, www.augustajones.com

Fleur, www.sassiholford.com

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WEDDING

invitation bliss

AS ANY BRIDE AND GROOM WILL TELL YOU, A WEDDING SHOULD BE AS UNIQUE AS THE COUPLE GETTING MARRIED, AND IF YOU WANT TO MAKE A LASTING IMPRESSION WITH YOUR GUESTS, THE BEST PLACE TO START IS WITH YOUR INVITATIONS AND STATIONERY.

Since 2007, Joosi Design has been creating unique and modern photo stationery for delighted couples everywhere.

With a huge selection of designs, colour schemes, layouts and the inclusion of your own photo, no two sets of stationery are the same.

Joosi Design’s Head Designer, Emma Bates, says, “You’ll always talk directly to the designer about your stationery as it’s very important for us to offer the level of service that you require; whether that means just a quick chat or getting you right in the middle of the design process.”

With usability in mind, it’s easy to chose which element suits you best. There are five ‘off-the-rack’ layouts from a simple postcard design to a luxurious three-panel invitation with tear-off RSVP. Each of these are available in one of the twenty-one design collections ranging from stylish spring flowers to modern swirls. Any colour scheme can be catered for, but if you need a little help choosing, Joosi Design’s featured colour palette and a chat with the designer can work wonders.

Joosi Design offers a fresh alternative to the more usual invitation styles, and sways away from the handmade look to give those looking for something modern and sleek a fantastic option; something that will get your guests talking long before your big day.

Often overlooked, it’s so important to find the right tone of voice for your invitations. Joosi Design offers a selection of tried and tested wording for any occasion. Whether you’re inviting your friends and family to watch you get hitched or are requesting the honour of their presence, there’s something perfect for everyone.

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05602 533385 hello@joosidesign.com www.joosidesign.com

WEDDING

A Magical Day

HAVING A MAGICIAN AT YOUR WEDDING IS A GREAT WAY OF MAKING YOUR BIG DAY AS MEMORABLE AS POSSIBLE. WHILE MOST BRIDES WOULD NO DOUBT BE WARY OF A MAGICIAN STEALING THEIR THUNDER, IN ACTUALITY, WEDDING MAGICIANS ARE EXTREMELY TACTFUL, PROVIDING A SUBTLY MAGICAL BACKDROP FOR YOUR BIG DAY. Ashford-based Etienne Pradier is an award-winning Magic Circle magician who uses pick pocketing, mindreading and illusions to dazzle people of all ages at a variety of events, including weddings. In fact, Pradier performed for HRH Prince William at a charity event the night before he announced his engagement to Kate Middleton.

Pradier clearly recognises the compatibility of marriage and magic, performing at over eighty weddings a year. The French-born magician comes highly recommended, with glowing testimonials as seen on his blog such as, “The timing was perfect and the guests enjoyed and relaxed to Etienne’s warmth, charm, humour and magical entertainment,” and “He made a great deal of difference to our afternoon. Our guests were entertained, relaxed and very happy.”

For guests who are left standing around while wedding photographs are being taken, mingling magic is the perfect entertainment. During the reception, magic is performed at tables and later, for the evening function, Pradier works to entertain the guests who are not interested in dancing, along with those who are just taking a break. Pradier can also box up personalised tricks as wedding favours, something that has become more and more popular with brides and grooms.

If you are interested in making your day truly magical, contact Etienne Pradier on 07772 727432, etienne@frenchmagician.co.uk, or visit his website at www.frenchmagician.co.uk

Your perfect wedding at ABode Canterbury All prices include the entire divine wedding package: 50 people

70 people

90 people

100 people

Total payable £3995.00

Total payable £6695.00

Total payable £5495.00

Total payable £7495.00

Our divine wedding package comprises: Invitations complete with RSVP. Arrival drinks - a glass of Pimms or sparkling wine per person.

One bottle of white wine and one bottle of red wine per table, served with the wedding breakfast.

Three course wedding breakfast. Coffee and petit fours. A glass of sparkling wine for the toast drinks. Evening buffet. DJ for the evening entertainment. Individual place cards. A3 custom designed table plan. Accommodation for the bride & groom on your wedding night, in an Enviable room. Room hire for the County Room for the day. Cake knife and stand hire for the day.

Private cash bar. White chair covers with choice of sash. White linen napkins and tablecloths.

Customised menus printed for the day. Preferential accommodation rates for your friends and family. Hotel event manager to act as a toastmaster. Complimentary late check out for the bride and groom. Under 12’s eat for half price. Under 5’s eat for free.

www.abodehotels.co.uk

Your Wedding at ABode Canterbury - High Street, Canterbury, CT1 2RX T: 01227 826676 E: salesexecutivecanterbury@abodehotels.co.uk

www.michaelcaines.com

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flower trends

WEDDING

for 2011

WITH SO MANY STYLES, COLOURS AND ARRANGEMENTS AVAILABLE, CHOOSING YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS CAN BE ONE OF THE TRICKIEST PARTS OF YOUR PLANNING. TANYA HENTON OF STEM BY STEM FLOWERS SHOWS US SOME OF THE MOST GORGEOUS COMBINATIONS FOR 2011.

1. Bride's bouquet along a vintage theme with dusky pinks, creams and pearls 2. Cake decorated with spray roses and astilbe

3. Candelabra arrangement with roses, ornamental cabbages and lisianthus 4. Lily vases with ostrich feathers and delphinium

5. Bride's bouquet of roses, freesia, statice and crystal decorations 6. Pedestal arrangement with gerbera, molucella, lilies and chrysanthemums

Stem by Stem Flowers / 8-10 Church Street / Folkestone / CT20 1SE / 01303 252626 / www.stembystemflowers.co.uk

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WEDDING

Bridal Beauty MADE SIMPLE

FOR A BRIDE-TO-BE PLANNING HER WEDDING DAY, THOUGHTS WILL UNDOUBTEDLY BE CONSUMED

BY DRESSES, VENUES AND SEATING PLANS. TO SPARE YOU THE STRESS OF THINKING ABOUT YOUR BEAUTY REGIME TOO, HERE’S INSIDEKENT’S GUIDE TO LOOKING YOUR BEST ON THE BIG DAY.

A STUNNING SMILE

SEXY FEET

UP-DO OR DOWN?

With sneaky indulgences over Christmas including coffee, tea, red wine and chocolate, teeth can stain and tarnish leaving a less than perfect smile, something you definitely don’t want for your wedding day. Combine this with a must-have red lipstick and you are heading for trouble!

After submitting to painful waxing and exfoliation in preparation for your big day, why not relax with a nice calming bath…filled with fish!

For a bride, wedding hair is another important part of the big day, enhancing your overall appearance. A bride not only needs to find the perfect hairstyle, but also the perfect stylist to make her look her absolute best. At Mac Salons in Canterbury, your stylist will be very hands-on and will know exactly what to do to make you look truly stunning.

For teeth that gleam, make sure Jade Dental Practice is on speed dial. With a bespoke range of tooth whitening services, Jade will ensure you smile with confidence.

Using a ‘white’ scale and ‘lipstick chart’, Jade Dental can devise the perfect level of tooth whitening to suit each individual. Taking into consideration external factors including hair colour and skin tone, your teeth will gleam with a natural (not fake) finish.

With treatments including in-office laser whitening and take home trays, Jade Dental provides safe and effective tooth whitening everyday. Combine this first class service with their lip colour analysis and you are guaranteed a perfect smile for your big day.

Jade Dental Practice 30 Parkfield House Loudon Way Godinton Park Ashford TN23 3JJ 01233 632228 www.jadedental.co.uk

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Sittingbourne salon Anewu has introduced the famous fish pedicure to Kent. For any skeptics, there is a long tradition of fish therapy in Asia, with the Japanese even introducing whole-body, full-immersion spas.

Garra Ruffa fish have been softening the skin of bathers for centuries. As well as gently exfoliating the skin, their saliva contains a healing enzyme which improves the skin regeneration process.

The exotic pedicurists have suctioncupped mouths that gently lift away dry skin without damaging the healthy cells underneath; they get a good feed while your feet are exfoliated to reveal soft, supple skin. And for the squeamish, the fish pedicure is far from painful.

Customers have likened the experience to having your feet in a Jacuzzi, with a tingly, gentle sensation.

Anewu 13a Park Road Sittingbourne ME10 1DR 01795 599393

Your stylist will advise you on what hairstyles suit the structure of your face as well as take into consideration your wedding dress and any theme you have for the big day. Consider where the wedding will be held; long curly locks are great for the beach, while a traditional up-do is more suited to a church wedding.

Grow your hair for a few months before the wedding, giving you more styles to choose from and saving you from costly hair extensions. Accessories are another aspect to consider; a single well-placed clip can create an elegant look whilst ribbons or tiaras are sure to be memorable.

Your hair should suit your personality; if you’ll be uncomfortable with an elaborate up-do, then don’t have one. Beauty is all about confidence so make sure you’re completely happy with your hairstyle. Finally, one week before the wedding day, have a trial run with your stylist, complete with makeup. Once you’ve seen the finished look, if anything is amiss, your stylist has time to make adjustments.

mac salons 3 Palace Street Canterbury CT1 2DY 01227 762332 www.macsalons.co.uk

Looking for a more intimate wedding venue?

Look no further than The Mulberry Tree, a boutique wedding venue with bespoke service, award-winning cuisine and a relaxed, welcoming environment.

You’ll find no hidden charges and an in-house wedding coordinator to help you organise your big day.

hermitage lane boughton monchelsea ME17 4DA 01622 749082 / 741058 www.themulberrytreekent.co.uk

WEDDING

insideKENT’s

TOP

HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS WORDS BY EMMA HOGAN

PARIS, FRANCE

Why go: Arguably the most romantic city in the world, Paris has long been a top honeymoon destination for newlyweds. Share a river cruise along the Seine, taking in such landmarks as the Eiffel Tower Tower and and Notre Notre Dame Dame on on your way. Alternatively, Alternatively, visit visit the the luxurious luxurious Palace Palace of of Versailles, Versailles, aa short short train train ride away from central Paris. After being wined and dined, take a stroll around the Champs Elysees, the perfect backdrop for some very French kissing!

FLORENCE, ITALY ITALY

Why go: Florence, a small city nestled in the Tuscan Tuscan hills, hills, is is all all about about intimacy; honeymooners can enjoy walking hand-in-hand through the beautiful Boboli gardens before enjoying some Italian rustic cooking. Take Take in the Renaissance culture and visit Michelangelo’s Michelangelo’s David David and and the the Basilica Basilica di Santa Maria del Fire, the Cathedral Church of Florence. Newlyweds looking for an intimate cultural experience should look no further.

SANTORINI, GREECE

Why go: With white-washed buildings, blue-domed churches and cliffs looking out onto the Aegean Sea, Santorini is the perfect place to recuperate after stressful wedding planning. Pay a visit to the island’s island’s wineries wineries before before settling down to enjoy some classic Greek food–think freshly caught fish, olives and crumbly feta. Newlyweds can experience breathtaking sunsets aboard a traditional Santorini boat on a sunset cruise.

ST LUCIA, THE CARIBBEAN

NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO, ONTARIO, CANADA CANADA

Why go: Niagara Falls is a popular honeymoon destination; the views of the falls – whether from high above in a helicopter or at the bottom on a boat – are said to be transcendent, especially standing beside your loved one. Aside from water watching, stroll through the picturesque town of Niagra-on-the-Lake. Alternatively, spend your vacation in two different different countries simply by crossing the American-Canadian border over the Falls.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, NEVADA, U.S.A U.S.A

Why go: For any couples who weren’t quite brave enough to get hitched in Las Vegas, here’s here’s your your chance chance to to enjoy the sights on Honeymoon. If you can afford to, do Vegas in style and check into a renowned renowned hotel hotel like like the the Bellagio, if only for one night. Hit the casino to test your luck as newlyweds before relaxing in the hotel pool. Furthermore, experience the romance of Venice in Las Vegas Vegas with with aa gondola gondola ride ride on on the the canals canals inside inside the the Venetian Venetian hotel. At At night, night,dress dresstotothe thenines ninesand andgogoforfor dinner dinner before before watching watching a Cirque a du Cirque Soleil dushow Soleilorshow venturing or venturing along the along Strip. the Strip.

KENYA, AFRICA KENYA, AFRICA

Why go: Going on an African safari is an option for the most adventurous of honeymooners who want to do something truly memorable. Couples will have unforgettable face-to-face encounters with wild animals in the jungles of Kenya and potentially witness the Wildebeest migration of the Masai Mara, one of the most famous game reserves in the world. A Kenya safari gives great views of Mount Kilimanjaro, an impressive backdrop for any newlyweds.

Why go: St Lucia is an outdoor loving couples’ dream honeymoon destination as they can indulge in some bird watching and hiking, as well as exploring the mountainous rainforest preserves. Scuba diving, snorkelling and zip lining are also on offer for adventurous couples, with other leisure pursuits available like sailing, golf and tennis. St Lucia is an eclectic blend of Britain and France, with tropical weather thrown in!

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WEDDING

FROM QUAINT TO MAJESTIC, KENT IS HOME TO SOME OF THE UK’S MOST

GORGEOUS

ABode Canterbury The County Room, the ABode’s largest room, offers the opportunity to hold a formal meeting or dinner in a relaxed and elegant environment. The room seats up to 100 guests for a ceremony or sit down meal and up to 150 for an evening reception. This beautiful room is airconditioned and has high elegant ceilings, a grand chandelier, dance floor and its own private bar. ABode is home to Michael Caines Restaurants serving Michael’s innovative and award-winning modern European cuisine based on the best local produce.

ABode Canterbury High Street Canterbury CT1 2RX 01227 826676 salesexecutivecanterbury@abodehotels.co.uk www.abodehotels.co.uk

Hotel du Vin

Sublime. One word to express the greatest of all days. With exquisite private rooms, gorgeous suites, a tranquil terrace, heavenly dining and your own dedicated events organiser, there can be no more fitting a stage as you glide elegantly from ceremony to wedding breakfast and beyond. Hotel du Vin is the perfect venue for weddings and civil partnerships. For your Big Day. Think du Vin. Hotel du Vin Crescent Road Tunbridge Wells TN1 2LY 01892 526455 events.tunbridgewells@hotelduvin.com www.hotelduvin.com

Leeds Castle – The Maiden’s Tower Bell Hotel, Sandwich

Sandwich is reputed to be the most complete medieval town in England.

With its riverside setting, double height Regency Room, refurbished Old Dining Room, thirty-seven individually designed bedrooms and reputation for serving fresh, local and seasonal food using the finest Kentish produce, the Bell Hotel is a natural choice for the bride and groom seeking a quintessential English experience. The Bell Hotel has a dedicated Wedding Coordinator and only one wedding at a time to help make your day perfect.

The Bell Hotel The Quay Sandwich Kent CT13 9EF llee@bellhotelsandwich.co.uk 01304 613388 www.bellhotelsandwich.co.uk

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The Maiden’s Tower is a 16th century Tudor bakehouse that has been fully refurbished to create a luxurious wedding venue. The stone flagged entrance hall gives way to two reception rooms with French doors opening onto a charming walled garden. Upstairs there are five stunning bedrooms with contemporary en-suite bathrooms and fantastic castle views. Surrounded by the moat, the venue provides luxury, peace and seclusion for an idyllic wedding setting.

The Maiden’s Tower at Leeds Castle Maidstone ME17 1PL 01622 767813 hospitality@leeds-castle.co.uk www.leeds-castle.co.uk

WEDDING VENUES Ramada Hotel, Whitfield

Rowhill Grange & Utopia Spa Built in 1870, Rowhill Grange Hotel is a charming country house venue steeped in history and surrounded by beautifully tended gardens and grounds in the heart of Kent. Newly and stylishly refurbished, it is picture perfect, whether you intend to have an intimate wedding or larger celebration. Rowhill Grange boasts an awardwinning kitchen, luxurious rooms, exclusive feel and a passionate team equipped with helpful ideas to make your special day just what your heart desires.

The 4-star Ramada Hotel, Whitfield is set within 4 acres of gardens and is licensed for civil wedding and partnership ceremonies which can be held in the Garden Gazebo or with in the hotel itself. The hotel can accommodate receptions for up to 290 guests in the Grand Marquee and their team of chefs are skilled in providing a variety of international cuisines to create the perfect menu for your wedding celebration. Special wedding packages start from just £995.00.

Ramada Hotel, Whitfield Singledge Lane Whitfield, Dover CT16 3EL 01304 821230 / 01304 821841 events@ramadadover.co.uk www.ramadadover.co.uk

Richard Phillips at Chapel Down If you are looking for somewhere a little out of the ordinary, a venue that’ll be notably different from other weddings you may go to this year, consider making your vows surrounded by rows and rows of lush vines at Chapel Down vineyard. With wedding breakfasts prepared by one of Kent’s leading chefs, award-winning wines produced onsite and the most stunning of locations, it couldn’t be more romantic. And it needn’t cost the earth. Chapel Down’s flexible events team will tailor every detail of your day to your budget, resulting in the wedding you’ve dreamed about at a price you can afford.

Richard Phillips at Chapel Down Tenterden Vineyard Small Hythe Tenterden TN30 7NG 01580 761616 / 07980 767635 www.weddingsatchapeldown.co.uk

Rowhill Grange Hotel & Utopia Spa Wilmington DA2 7QH 01322 612778 www.rowhillgrange.co.uk

St Edmund’s Canterbury – The Venue with a View The beautiful, historic setting of St Edmund’s overlooks the city and cathedral of Canterbury, giving you and your guests a stunning panoramic view from St Thomas Hill. Newly approved for civil marriages, civil partnerships and renewal of vows for up to 120 guests, St Edmund’s is the quintessentially English venue that promises to make your occasion truly memorable. Step inside and you’ll discover the Drawing Room & terrace with its scenic views, and the traditional oakpanelled Dining Hall, both perfect for your ceremony. Outside, the elegant limestone-arched colonnade provides a wonderful location for an outdoor ceremony.

St Edmunds Canterbury St Thomas Hill Canterbury CT2 8HU 01227 475629 events@stedmundscanterbury.co.uk www.stedmundscanterbury.co.uk

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10BEST

BEST 10 WEDDING SONGS TOP

1. THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT – FRANK SINATRA 2. AT LAST – ETTA JAMES 3. WONDERFUL TONIGHT – ERIC CLAPTON 4. YOU DO SOMETHING TO ME – PAUL WELLER 5. MAKE YOU FEEL MY LOVE – ADELE 6. SHE’S THE ONE – ROBBIE WILLIAMS 7. CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE – ELVIS PRESLEY 8. DON’T WANNA MISS A THING – AEROSMITH 9. GRAVITY – EMBRACE 10. JUST THE WAY YOU ARE – BRUNO MARS

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