Town and County June 2023

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Can you believe we’re halfway through the year? Where has the time gone? It only feels like yesterday we were celebrating New Year, and now we’re thinking about barbecues! This month, we road-test two of the best grills on the market — turn to page 38 to find out more.

With the summer holidays looming, we also have a guide to the best beaches in the south and east of England. After all, if it’s sandy beaches you’re after, you need look no further than the golden shores of Suffolk or Norfolk, though there are some diamonds in Kent, Somerset, Essex and Sussex too. We take a walk on the wild side as well and look at upcoming festivals in these areas — let’s hope the rain stays away!

With June being Pride Month, we get up close and personal with LGBTQ+ icon Michelle Visage and talk about why playing gay is simply not cool anymore. We also check in again with Jemima Rooper — famous for playing George in the 1990s TV series The Famous Five — whose other roles have included Amanda Price in Lost in Austen. Head to page 32 to find out what’s on the horizon for her.

Before I sign off, I thought I’d remind you about Father’s Day on June 18. Don’t miss a look at page 58, where there are many fabulous ideas to keep Dad entertained this year.

We’re also as ever keen to hear from you, our readers, so if you have a story or would like to be featured, then please do get in contact with us at...

editorial@townandcounty.co.uk

Editor-in-chief Seán Kane

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BESIDE THE

Enjoy a visit to the coast with our pick of the best beaches that southern and eastern England have to offer. By Kate Jones

As an island nation, the UK is blessed with thousands of miles of coastline. Whether you’re in a rural part of Norfolk or a city like Birmingham, you’re never more than a few hours’ drive from the sea, with the country’s beaches offering

a range of different landscapes for visitors to experience. On top of this, the warmer months present an ideal opportunity to enjoy some time by the shore (provided any safety advice is followed, of course). We’ve rounded up our favourite beaches in southern and eastern England below.

SEASIDE...

One

Camber Sands East Sussex

Situated east of Rye and in front of the village of Camber, Camber Sands has been used in films including The Theory of Everything and TV shows like After Life Boasting more than two miles of beach (much of it being golden sand, which is uncommon among Sussex’s coastal spots), it constitutes its county’s only sand dune system, with this offering a natural habitat for many plants and animals. Largely unspoilt, it is also viewed as one of the best locations for beachcombing in the country, while a section of the beach is designated for water sports and kitesports.

Photo: Camber Sands and Kitesurfers / Clive Sawyer

Two Southwold Pier Beach (or Southwold North Beach) Suffolk

Boasting both Blue Flag and Seaside Award status in 2023, Southwold Pier Beach is a great place to be if you’re looking for a typical British seaside experience. Popular with visitors, the sand and shingle destination is complemented by a promenade with beach huts, as well as kiosks serving ice cream and the wellknown Southwold Pier. The construction, which is 190 metres long, offers views of the sea, food outlets, an arcade and the Under the Pier Show created by The Secret Life of Machines’ Tim Hunkin. Alternatively, you can head to the nearby Southwold Boating Lake & Tearoom, which features adventure golf and children’s paddleboats.

Photo: Southwold Pier / visitsuffolk.com

Three Holkham Beach (Wells-next-the-Sea) Norfolk

The Holkham Estate describes Holkham Beach as “one of the most unspoilt stretches of sand in the country”, and in 2022, it was named as one of the 10 best beaches in England by travel guide book publisher Lonely Planet. With its golden sand and dunes, this picturesque location close to Wells-next-the-Sea has been used in films such as Shakespeare in Love and Never Let Me Go. It is also musically connected, having been employed to shoot the music video for All Saints’ 2000 hit “Pure Shores”. Notably, naturism is allowed within a section of the beach, so be sure to do your research and avoid this area if this isn’t your thing.

Photo: ShutterStock and Holkham beach / Mike Page

Four

Portishead Beach (Or Woodhill Bay/ Kilkenny Bay)

Somerset

Portishead is just eight miles from Bristol, making it ideal for a trip to the coast from the city. Its beaches include Portishead Beach — an area of pebbles, sand, grass and rock on the south side of the town’s Battery Point (which has a small lighthouse popular with photographers). A map suggests that the beach, additionally home to fossils positioned within the Devonian and Carboniferous rocks, is made up of two bays, Kilkenny Bay and Woodhill Bay. A mere stone’s throw from this spot is also the Lake Grounds — a park referred to as “the jewel in Portishead’s crown”.

Photo: ShutterStock

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Five

Cuckmere Haven East Sussex

A pebbly beach, Cuckmere Haven offers views of the Seven Sisters, the arresting collection of chalk sea cliffs between Seaford and Eastbourne which make up one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast. It’s a place which has been captured on film more than once, having appeared in movies such as Atonement and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Rich in wildlife, Cuckmere Haven is additionally a popular angling location, with the mouth of the river a great spot if you’re looking to catch something.

Photo: Coastguard Cottages Cuckmere / Matt Kuchta

Brean Beach Somerset

Six West Mersea

Beach

Essex

Mersea Island is an island south of Colchester which is connected to the mainland via a single road (which can be covered by the tide at times). It is divided into two main areas, West Mersea and East Mersea, and the former’s sand and shingle beach represents an attractive spot with its old charm and colourful beach huts. Thousands of people use the site, which overlooks the Blackwater Estuary, for different leisure activities, and the area offers opportunities for crabbing and tranquil waters suited to paddleboarding. Another bonus is that dogs are allowed, but West Mersea Town Council prefers them to be kept on leads amid the busy summer season.

Located within driving distance of Bristol and Bath and just over two miles down the coast from Weston-super-Mare, Brean Beach boasts a sevenmile expanse of sand and dunes. A popular spot for walkers, beach sport fans and dog-walkers, it has one of the longest stretches of sand in Europe, with a large area of mudflats

additionally exposed at low tide (though it is dangerous to walk too far out at this time and the mudflats should always be avoided).

Bookending one end of the beach is Brean Down, a 97-metre headland owned by the National Trust, which provides views across the Bristol Channel towards Wales and over the Somerset Levels.

Photo: ShutterStock / West Mersea / Mark Draper

Botany Bay Kent

It’s not to be confused with the bay of the same name in Sydney, Australia (which it is actually named after), but Botany Bay in Broadstairs is delightful all on its own, with the popular beach’s scenery made up of attractive chalk stacks and white cliffs. Holding Blue Flag status in 2023, this sandy spot has a length of around 200 metres and is the northernmost of seven bays in Broadstairs. When the tide is out, the beach is ideal for rock pooling and fossil-hunting, and when it is in, there is plenty of exposed sand to profit from (but because of the bay’s shape, the ends are cut off at high tide). Other activities the beach is suitable for include kite-flying, bodyboarding and canoeing.

Photo: Botany Bay Broadstairs / Thanet Tourism

FANTASTIC

Whether you want to party hard or experience a more relaxed affair, the warmer months make for the ideal time to head to a festival. Here’s our collection of the best events in southern and eastern England.

Words: Kate Jones

Photo: ShutterStock

FESTIVALS W

ith the summer period having finally rolled around, there’s no better time than now to slap on some sunscreen and enjoy one of the many festivals the calendar has to offer. Be it music, food or other areas,

the events in today’s festival circuit cater to a number of interests, opening this type of occasion up to a greater number of participants. What’s more, the events hosted in southern and eastern England represent some of the country’s finest. Read on for our selection of the areas’ top shindigs.

Photo: Glastonbury / Andrew Allcock

Glastonbury Worthy Farm,1Somerset

The UK festival to end all UK festivals, Glastonbury has been entertaining audiences since 1970. Renowned for the calibre of its acts and the scale of its operations (its capacity is around 200,000), the five-day event is the biggest greenfield music and performing arts festival globally, boasting numerous areas that collectively appeal to an expansive range of tastes. Some of the big names due to join the party this year include Guns N’ Roses and Arctic Monkeys, as well as Lizzo. As is always the case in advance of the festival, tickets for 2023’s event (which will unfold from June 21 to 25) have already been snapped up, but you can still catch the action via the BBC. glastonburyfestivals.co.uk

Brighton & Hove Pride Brighton and Hove, East Sussex 2

Brighton & Hove Pride describes itself as “as famous, vibrant, popular and utterly unique as [the] city itself”. Its ethos is focused on promoting diversity, inclusion, tolerance and education within its communities, with the festival (which runs this year from August 4 to 7) vowing to work to eliminate all types of discrimination against LGBTQ+ communities by championing and backing LGBTQ+ lives. Its events include a community parade, a party in Kemptown and Brighton & Hove Pride’s official community fundraiser Fabuloso, which has a line-up including the Black Eyed Peas, Steps and Jax Jones. brighton-pride.org

Photo: Brighton Pride / Chris Jepson

Taking place close to the border with Essex, Standon Calling offers a boutique music festival experience in the Hertfordshire countryside from July 20 to 23 this year. Launched over 15 years ago with birthday garden party origins, it provides music from treasured acts along with top emerging talent, as well as food and family fun. It also promises “the friendliest

festival crowd in the land” — need you any more reason to buy a ticket?! This year’s stellar line-up includes Years & Years, Rick Astley and Anastacia, as well as The Human League headlining on Thursday. There’s also comedy from acts like Reginald D. Hunter, a dog show, a costume parade and even a swimming pool and hot tubs — the dream! standon-calling.com

3 4

Standon Calling Standon Lordship, Hertfordshire

Clockstock

Chelmsford City Racecourse, Essex

If you like dance music, Clockstock is the place to be on July 1! Clockwork Orange and Chelmsford City Racecourse are hosting the fourth edition of the dance music festival, with the latter claiming it will be “better than ever before”. The cashless, over-18 event will welcome a host of acts, including Masters at Work, Ultra Nate, David Morales and Roger Sanchez. Other talent set to appear at the festival include Gok Wan, Tyree Cooper, Slipmatt and Seb Fontaine. The racecourse claims it will be “the biggest party of the year”, and with such a big line-up, can you blame it?

clockworkorange.co

Photo: Clockstock / Clockwork Orange

Photo: Ania Shrimpton

in the

Caught Act

FROM PLAYING THE ROLE OF SCHOOLBOY GEORGE IN THE FAMOUS FIVE TV SERIES, TO A TEENAGE TEMPTRESS, TO A LESBIAN PRISON INMATE, JEMIMA ROOPER HAS PLAYED THEM ALL WITH APLOMB

WORDS: JOANNE ROTHERY

Jemima’s academic abilities were apparent from an early age, and her parents and school urged her to pursue a career in one of the professions, such as law or medicine.

It would have been easy to bow to such pressures, but her determination to pursue her childhood dream of becoming an actress never waveredthe stage was set for her.

“I remember writing ‘I want to act’ on my bed in lipstick when I was eight,” Jemima recalls. “I think I told my mum I wanted to be an actress, and she said I needed an agent to do that. I must have thought, ‘Well, I’m going to get one.’

True to her word, Jemima found herself an agent at the age of nine, and the rest is history.

“Mum was devastated and said: “Please don’t be an actress, be a doctor or a lawyer.” But I was very tunnel-visioned about it all. I’m an only child and spent a lot of time alone. I played a lot of imaginary games. I just wanted to dress up and be weird, I suppose. I was a born pretender. Though weirdly for my chosen career I don’t always like being watched!

“I’d always wanted to be an actress, and I think it was seeing things like Oliver and Annie, watching other children singing a song, being in another world, playing make-believe.

“My mum had done A-levels but didn’t go on to university, so I think that is something she had always wanted for me. I wasn’t particularly happy at school, though I found academic work easy.”

Jemima’s determination paid off, and her first professional roles were in the 1993 film The Higher Mortals and a year later in the movie Willie’s War. From 1996 she appeared in all of Enid Blyton’s The Famous Five television series.

Playing George in The Famous Five was a dream come true for Jemima, and the filming was a gruelling process for a 13-year-old, but one she revelled in.

“It was like being in a summer camp, four kids away from home and living in a bubble. It was a very special job, with amazing locations and a wonderful collaboration with everyone working together. It was tough to leave that special gang when it came time to go.

”The tough bit was going through

PLEASE DON’T BE AN ACTRESS, BE A DOCTOR OR A LAWYER.

Photo: ShutterStock / Previous page Faye Thomas

puberty on camera but playing the part of someone who passes as a boy.”

Despite being offered more roles, Jemima combined her acting with achieving nine GCSEs, all with As, and three A-levels, again all As.

“I was at a pretty academic school, and they were reluctant to let me take time off, so I had to knuckle down whenever I was back, which actually helped focus me. I felt I had to do that otherwise I wouldn’t have been allowed to keep on acting.

“I also thought about going to drama school, but at the time I would have applied I was working and all the older, experienced actors I asked just told me to keep going. And by then I knew uni wasn’t for me. I have friends who were already working but took the risk, went to drama school instead, and then haven’t worked when they’ve come out. It’s the unfair and unpredictable side of this industry. Without a crystal ball you just have to try and do what’s right for you at the time, I guess.”

Jemima is very self-deprecating about her distinctive good looks, saying she would have liked to have been less ‘squishy’. But her chiselled features and strong personality have given her tremendous stage presence, and the camera loves her.

Even at an early age, she began to make a name for herself by playing edgy, quirky and often risque roles. At the age of 16, she was cast as a 14-year-old junkie prostitute in the TV series Junk. In As If, she played teenage man-eater Nick, and on stage, in Her Naked Skin, she played a lesbian prison inmate.

Jemima’s determination to forge a career in acting paid dividends for her - by the time she was 19, she bought her first home.

“I was in the very fortunate position of having earned money as a teenager whilst living at home and heard that As If had been renewed for series 2 so I had enough for a deposit and my mortgage payments were less than paying rent each month. That sounds quite grand, but it was a one-bedroom basement flat, like a little cave, with cutlery from Argos and pretty basic furnishings.”

After her A Levels, Jemima took the role of Nicki Sutton in the popular Channel 4 teenage series As If, which successfully ran for three years. Her next appearance was in the supernatural drama Hex, where she played a lovable lesbian ghost named

Thelma. Hex aired on Sky One and ran for two series between 2004 and 2005.

Her career went on from strength to strength, and she made her Hollywood debut in The Black Dahlia. In 2008 she starred in the TV series Lost in Austen and played a role as Medusa in the Atlantis TV series. She has also guest starred in Agatha Christie’s Poirot and played a lead role in Her Naked Skin, a new play at the National Theatre.

She has featured in films including The Railway Children, A Sound of Thunder, Kinky Boots, One Chance and The F Word, and numerous guest roles on British series including Father Brown.

One of the personal highlights of Jemima’s career was acting alongside

the legendary Angela Lansbury.

“She was inspirational, and as an actress, she had an incredible work ethic. She was also such a lovely and interesting woman. She was still discovering new things right up until she died. She left behind an incredible legacy.

Very much a ‘people person’, Jemima takes enormous pride and satisfaction in the camaraderie of the acting profession and throws herself wholeheartedly into every new role.

“It’s a joy to work with people that you can look on as ‘my kind of person’, ‘’my tribe’. It’s also a privilege to step into the shoes of so many different characters - it becomes a fantastic creative process, working with and being with like-minded people. It’s brilliant being in this empathetic environment, a lovely community.”

Jemima has spent the past year and a half working on a mini-series for US television.

“That came about quite by chance out of doing a tape during the lockdown, just something I did while I was at home with a young baby. It’s turned out to be one of the meatiest jobs I’ve ever had.”

Jemima’s immediate plan is trying to move house. She and her husband, Ben, have two children; the four have outgrown their current flat. At the same time, she has a four-part TV drama coming up in January.

“Juggling work with motherhood has been more of a challenge than I expected,” she says with a laugh.

She and Ben have longstanding links with Suffolk, but moving there is only a pipe dream as they need to stay in or around London for work commitments.

“Ben and I have been together for 13 years and have family and friends near Southwold. Every year, usually around the summer bank holiday, we get together, about 20 of us. The kids love it, zip wire on the lawn, a barn to explore, and the beach nearby.

“I suppose I have a fantasy that we might live around there one day, with chickens and little goats. But I’m too much of a Londoner, so it will probably stay a fantasy.”

How does Jemima’s mum feel now about Jemima’s determination to join the acting profession?

“By the time I was 25, I hadn’t done much theatre work, but when mum saw me starring in a new play at the National Theatre, I think she finally thought I was a ‘proper’ actor!”

IT’S A PRIVILEGE TO STEP INTO THE SHOES OF SO MANY DIFFERENT CHARACTERS.

HOW TO CLEAN BASED ON YOUR

Star Sign

Many of us are seeing the effects of Mercury in retrograde, the experts at household cleaning brand, Method have crafted looked at the strengths of the zodiac to create the ultimate guide on how to clean based on your star sign.

Although this retrograde cycle will last until the 14th of May, its shadow will linger much longer, until the 31st of May. The impacts can include:

• Plans for a deep clean with a partner

ARIES (21ST MARCH - 19TH APRIL)

Aries is an energetic sign that tends to jump from one thing to the next. Whilst its home may be low maintenance, the biggest challenge it faces is sticking to a cleaning project once it’s started! Opt for a cleaner that can easily be switched up for different tasks and areas of the home, such as the Wild Rhubarb Anti-Bac All Purpose Cleaner (RRP: £4.00). This will keep Aries on track when moving from one room to the next.

Created by the experts at household favourite cleaning brand, method

or housemate could fall through, due to miscommunication or last-minute changes in scheduling

• Prioritising could be trickier, with a lack of focus or clarity making it harder to stay on track and accomplish cleaning goals

• Known as the messenger planet through astrology, Mercury’s involvement with communication means there could be issues with technology. For example, delays when seeking tips online or advice on how to clean and declutter different areas of a home

TAURUS (20TH APRIL - 20TH MAY)

Practical and reliable, there is a tendency for Taurus to become set in its ways or take on solo challenges that would be better divided! Consider enlisting help from friends, family, housemates or partners to get the job done. If this sign is cohabiting and hasn’t already agreed on a division of tasks, using a free agreement such as method’s Clean Up Pre-Nup to divide household tasks would be incredibly beneficial for this sign.

GEMINI (21ST MAY - 20TH JUNE)

Curious and adaptable, Gemini can quickly become bored of repetitive and mundane cleaning tasks. Through this retrograde cycle, keeping a va-vavoom in a cleaning routine and opting for energising fragrances will help invigorate this sign to remain on task.

CANCER (21ST JUNE - 22ND JULY)

As a nurturing, sentimental sign that loves nostalgia, Cancer enjoys having items that remind it of positive past experiences in its home. With a tendency for perfectionism, ensuring its spring clean can keep each and every possession dust-free is crucial! The French Lavender Multi-Surface Cleaner (RRP: £4.00) removes grime and dirt while infusing the home with nostalgic scents and leaving a sparkling sense of satisfaction.

LEO (23RD JULY - 22ND AUGUST)

A Leo lives the good life and doesn’t settle for second best. Taking pride in the appearance of its home, this sign should opt for calming and uplifting scents to navigate any disruption caused by the retrograde. Investing in refillable products will ensure this sign has hardworking cleaners easily available for touch-ups.

VIRGO (23RD AUGUST - 22ND SEPTEMBER)

Known for being hands-on with a keen eye for detail, Virgo plans its cleaning routine down to every detail. Therefore, it’s important to embrace any routine changes or challenges that the retrograde cycle causes. As an Earth sign, keeping floors clean will help it stay grounded. Opt for a spray and mop solution that helps to get the job done

quicker, such as the Almond Wood Floor Cleaner Refill (RRP: £10.20).

LIBRA (23RD SEPTEMBER22ND OCTOBER):

As a harmonious sign, its love of balance means they can’t stand mess. A Libra needs to clean in a methodical and organised way to create a sense of equilibrium in its living space. However, a tendency to be indecisive can make tasks more difficult than they need to be. This sign should opt for targeted products that help encourage clarity and focus, to help eliminate decision-making fatigue.

SCORPIO (23RD OCTOBER21ST NOVEMBER)

Strong and passionate: this sign channels these core traits into everything they do. Scorpio is vigilant and precise with all cleaning tasks, down to the nooks and crannies. With a competitive mindset, Scorpio strives to be the best and cleaning is no exception! By focusing on the finishing touches with a specialist cleaner, this sign will feel satisfied at the end of their spring-cleaning routine.

SAGITTARIUS (22ND NOVEMBER - 21ST DECEMBER)

As one of the boldest star signs, routine is Sagittarius’ worst enemy. This sign hates being contained and often becomes restless when tackling everyday tasks. Cleaning needs to be quick and simple, to incorporate it into their spontaneous life. Opting for a flexible cleaner that helps make cleaning enjoyable, will mean Sagittarius can dream about its next adventure and spend less time cleaning.

CAPRICORN (22ND DECEMBER - 19TH JANUARY)

Ruled by Saturn, AKA the ‘task master’, Capricorn is the most responsible and disciplined star sign. Highly organised, cleaning comes naturally and is a part of their everyday routine. Opting for products that channel this

enthusiasm is essential to keep harmony in a Capricorn’s home, such as the Joyful Cherry and Bergamot Multi-Surface Concentrate (RRP: £5.00). A sweet and reliable multi-tasking master, that will bring happiness and satisfying results.

AQUARIUS (20TH JANUARY18TH FEBRUARY)

Unconventional and eccentric, Aquarius can be unpredictable while having a creative outlook on life. To avoid spending all its time on cleaning, this sign should get creative with its cleaning routine to help channel its imagination, like aiming to finish all cleaning tasks during the time it takes laundry to complete a whole cycle. Investing in the Wild Lavender Concentrated Laundry Detergent (RRP: £12.99) will leave all fabric stain free and aromatic even in the shortest of washes.

PISCES (19TH FEBRUARY20TH MARCH)

With its head often in clouds, Pisces need to try and focus on the bubbles when it comes to cleaning. Preferring an unstructured, free-flowing home that’s a sanctuary from the outside world, a refreshing cleaner that clears the mind and leaves more room for daydreaming will help this sign get the job done quicker.

This Summer Get smart

Genesis EPX 435 Smart Gas Barbecue RRP £2,429

Introducing the Genesis® smart barbecue - the biggest barbecuing innovation in decades, that creates a full garden culinary experience. Roast, bake, steam, or even stir-fry by replacing the cooking grate with customfit WEBER CRAFTED grillware, inspiring food never thought possible on the barbecue. And with WEBER CONNECT smart technology, you’ll receive real-time food temperature alerts, so that whatever you’re making turns out perfect every time.

• WEBER CRAFTED frame; expand your menu with custom grillware

• Know when to flip and serve with WEBER CONNECT smart technology

• Sear multiple steaks at once on the extralarge Sear Zone

• Expandable top cooking grate creates a second level of barbecuing

• Extra-large prep & serve table

Built with high-quality materials, ingenuity, and the craftsmanship Weber is known for, the GENESIS gas barbecue range is packed full of features to bring a complete outdoor kitchen experience to any outside space and the ultimate barbecue for grilling enthusiasts.

Features of a Genesis can include an expandable top-cooking grate, a Sear Zone burner, electronic ignition system and stainless steel Flavorizer bars.

Weber.com

RECIPE IDEAS

Teriyaki Pork Belly with Jasmine Rice  Serves: 4-6

Prep Time: 30 Mins

Cooking Time: 1.30 Hrs

Ingredients

• 1.2kg pork belly with rind, in a single piece

• Jasmine Rice

• 2 spring onions (green parts only), sliced

Braising Liquid

• 1 litre water

• 125ml soy sauce

• 5 tablespoons bourbon

• 3 spring onions (white & green parts), roughly chopped

• 75g packed light brown sugar

• 50g fresh ginger, peeled and cut into 1cm thick slices

• 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce

• 2 whole star anise

• 2 garlic cloves

Method

In the kitchen:

• In a 5-litre grill-proof cast-oven casserole or dutch oven on high heat on the stove, combine all the braising liquid ingredients and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Place the pork belly, rind-side down, in the braising liquid and add more water if needed to just cover. Raise the heat to high and bring the liquid to the boil. Turn down the heat to low, cover simmer for about 3 hours until the pork is very tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife, turning occasionally and

adding more water if needed to keep the pork covered. Transfer the pork to a plate and leave to cool. Reserve the liquid to make a sauce. Cover the cooled pork with clingfilm and refrigerate until chilled, about 2 hours.

• Set a sieve over a large bowl and strain the braising liquid through it. Discard the solid in the sieve. Let the liquid stand for 10 minutes, then skim the fat from the surface with a large spoon. Rinse the casserole, return the liquid to it and bring to the boil over a high heat. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 60-75 minutes until reduced to 250 ml. Remove from the heat, allow to cool, cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

At the Barbecue:

• Prepare a smoker or your barbecue for indirect cooking with very low heat (93-130ºC). When the temperature

Portobello mushrooms with parsley pesto and goat cheese

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 30 Mins

Cooking Time: 12-15 Mins

Ingredients

• 4-6 portobello mushrooms

• 1 roll of goat’s cheese (8-12 slices)

• Parsley pesto

• 150 ml vegetable oil

• 30 g broad-leafed parley

• 25 g parmesan

• 1/2 clove of garlic

• 30 g hazelnuts

• Salt

• Pepper

Mexican Beer Chicken

Serves: 4 to 6

Prep Time: 10 Mins

Cooking Time: 1.10 Hrs

BBQ Temperature: 180° C

Ingredients

• 1kg whole free-range chicken

• 1 tbs. rapeseed oil

• 1 bottle Mexican beer (Corona)

• 2 wedges of lime

• 1 split red chilli

Method

In the kitchen:

• Grate the parmesan.

• Combine the parsley, olive oil, hazelnuts, parmesan and garlic into a smooth pesto.

• Clean the mushrooms and brush them with the pesto.

• Place the mushrooms bottom up on

reaches 110ºC, add 3 handfuls of apple or cherry wood chunks.

• Brush the cooking grates clean. Smoke the pork belly, rind-side up, over indirect very low heat for 1 hour, with the lid closed. Add another large handful wood chunks and continue to smoke the pork about 30 minutes more until the internal temperature reaches 60ºC. Transfer to a chopping board and leave to rest for about 10 minutes (the internal temperature will rise 5-10 digress during this time).

• About 25 minutes before the pork is done, make the rice as directed. Re-heat the sauce on the stove. To serve, cut the pork across the grain into 1cm thick slices. Divide the rice between bowls, top with the pork, and drizzle with plenty of sauce. Garnish with the sliced spring onions.

a grill pan.

• Place 2 slices of goat cheese on each mushroom.

At the Barbecue:

• Fill the chimney starter one third with Weber briquettes.

• Prepare the barbecue for indirect heat - 180-190°C.

• Place the grill pan on the grate and place mushrooms on it. Cook for approx. 12-15 min until the goat cheese is melted.

Tip: The mushrooms can be sprinkled with coarsely chopped, crispy bacon before serving or garnish the mushrooms with air-dried ham and rocket.

Rub

• 2 tsp smoked paprika

• 2 tsp soft brown sugar

• 2 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp cumin, seeds ground

• 1 tsp chili flakes

• Zest of 1 lime

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

In the kitchen:

• First make the rub for the chicken by

finely grinding all the ingredients in a pestle and mortar.

• Lightly oil the exterior of the chicken and evenly coat with the rub.

• Half fill the GBS Poultry roaster cup with the beer followed by the lime wedges and chilli.

• Place the chicken onto the GBS Poultry Roaster cup, making sure the chicken is stable and upright. Cut a wedge of the remaining lime and plug the neck cavity of the chicken. This will help keep all the scented steam in the carcass and stop it from escaping.

• If desired, a selection of lightly oiled and seasoned mixed peppers can be added to the base of the GBS Poultry Roaster at this point.

At the Barbecue:

• Prepare the barbecue for indirect heat, approx. 180°C. If using a charcoal barbecue, you need ½ chimney starter of lit briquettes.

• Roast the chicken over an indirect medium heat for approximately 1 hour 10mins or until the meat has reached 75°c. It is recommended to probe the meat with an instant read or iGrill Thermometer.

• Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Satay Beer Chicken

infused with Thai spices

Serves: 4-6

Prep Time: 10 Mins

Cooking Time: 1.10 Hrs

Ingredients

• 1kg whole free range

chicken

• 1 tbs. soy sauce oil

• 200ml satay sauce

• 1 bottle of Tiger beer

• 1 stalk of lemongrass

• 1 peeled thumb of ginger

• 1 split red chilli

• 1 lime

For the rub:

• 2 tsp turmeric

• 2 tsp curry powder

• 2 tsp ground ginger

• Sesame seeds

Method

In the kitchen:

• First make the rub for the chicken by mixing all the ingredients together.

• Next create some shallow cuts all over the chicken with a sharp knife. This will help flavours infuse into the meat and reduce cooking time.

• Lightly coat the exterior of the chicken with soy sauce then evenly coat with the rub.

• Finally smother the whole bird with the satay sauce.

• Half fill the GBS Poultry Roaster cup with the beer followed by the lemongrass, ginger and chilli.

• Firmly sit the chicken onto the GBS Poultry Roaster cup making sure the chicken is stable and upright.

• Cut a wedge of the remailing lime and plug the neck cavity of the bird. This will help keep all the scented steam in the carcass and stop it from escaping.

At the Barbecue:

• Prepare the barbecue for indirect heat, approx. 180°C. If using a charcoal barbecue, you need ½ chimney starter of lit briquettes.

• Roast the chicken over an indirect medium heat for approximately 1 hour 10mins or until the meat has reached 75°c. It is recommended you probe the meat with an instant read or I Grill Thermometer.

• Allow the chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Jumbo Prawns with Garlic Breadcrumbs

Serves: 5

Prep Time: 30 Mins

Cooking Time: 8 Mins

Ingredients

• 5 Jumbo prawns (80g a piece)

• 100g White bread

• 1 Clove of garlic

• 1 tsp Lemon zest

• 4 tbsp Parsley

• 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil

• Sea salt

• Pepper

• 1 Lemon

Method

In the kitchen:

• Rinse the prawns and blot dry. Carve the prawn lengthwise from the tail to the end of the head but without cutting through. Clean the head removing the inside of it.

• Grate the bread and crush the garlic and put it in a bowl. Add the lemon zest.

• Wash the parsley, chop it finely and mix it in.

• Add olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mix.

• Using your hands, fill the head and back of the prawns with the mix. Gently force it to reach all cavities inside the head.

• Brush the fish basket with olive oil and place the prawns in it. Brush the

Sticky Bourbon Glazed Smoked Ham

Serves: 4-6

Prep Time: 20 Mins

Cooking Time: 3.45 Hrs

Ingredients

• 3kg unsmoked gammon joint

• 3 litres water

• 20 cloves (for studding)

For the glaze:

• 150g cherry jam

prawns with oil too and then close the basket.

At the Barbecue:

• Prepare the barbecue for direct heat –approx. 160 ºC.

• 150ml bourbon whisky

• 2 tbsp muscovado

• 4 tbsp light brown soft sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 thumb sized piece of ginger

Method

In the kitchen:

• Soak the gammon over night in a large pan of water. This will help reduce the saltiness.

• Place the fish basket on the hot barbecue. Grill the prawns for 6-8 minutes turning the basket only once. Make sure not to overcook them – they are ready when the flesh goes from translucent to white.

• To make the glaze, blend the cherry jam using a food processor or hand-held blender to get it as smooth as possible, then put it in a saucepan with the bourbon, ginger, sugar and cinnamon.

• Bring the glaze to the boil and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced enough to coat the back of a spoon, then allow to cool.

At the Barbecue:

• Add a drip tray in-between the flavorizer bars and the cooking grate.

• Start the SmokeFire and set it to 130°C. Place the gammon on a roasting rack then add to the SmokeFire. Smoke gently for 3 hours or until an internal temperature has reached 68°C, then remove.

• Turn the SmokeFire up to 260°C and allow it to preheat.

• Meanwhile, prepare the ham for glazing. Cut off the string and cut away the outer rind, leaving at least half the thickness of fat underneath attached to the ham. Score a diamond pattern on the fat and stud cloves into each corner.

• Brush the glaze over the ham, making sure you use it all.

• Place the ham in a roasting rack and place back in the SmokeFire for 20–25 minutes, or until it is well browned. Serve in slices.

Glory Flames of

Napoleon Grills Launches

New Premium Barbecues for 2023

Napoleon Grills, the premium grill and outdoor kitchen brand, have launched two new barbecues for 2023, one a hybrid of two best sellers and the other a brand new compact portable grill perfect for picnics.

The new Phantom Freestyle 425 SIB merges the entry-level aspects of the popular Freestyle range with the premium matt black finish of the fan favourite Phantom range. The stylish yet fantastic value gas grill is perfect for anyone wanting to start their bbq journey with signature Napoleon features that are easy to use whilst giving restaurant quality results.

The brand new TravelQ 240 is designed for bbq food on the go. The single but mighty stainless steel burner can cook for up to seven people at once (so space for seven steaks on the grill!) and features premium signature Napoleonfeatures for a seamless and consistent cook every time. The TravelQ 240 is easy to transport with a lockable lid, light handling and foldable legs.

NEW PHANTOM FREESTYLE 425

SIB RRP £949.99

• Featuring stylish matt black finish with satin coating

• Get restaurant quality seared steak or sizzle your side dishes with Napoleon’s signature Infrared SIZZLE ZONE™ Side

Burner, plus 4 stainless steel main burners

• Perfect sear marks with WAVE™ porcelain coated cast iron cooking grids

• New left hand opening door, and folding right side shelf

• ACCU-PROBE™ built-in temperature gauge and soft touch ergonomic knobs.

• Instant JETFIRE™ ignition system that lights the main burners with a fast jet of flame easily, every time.

• Two large weather-resistant wheels

• Includes a multifunctional grilling rack, durable grill chamber made of cast aluminium and heat distribution system made of enamelled steel. napoleon.com

RECIPE IDEAS

CHINESE BEER FISH

Samantha Evans & Shauna Guinn

We absolutely love making this dish. It’s a real showstopper of a centrepiece and you only need some simple boiled rice to serve with it. This dish is fragrant, beautiful and healthy. We also recommend taking your time with garnishing at the end, release your extrovert side and go overboard with the presentation!

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 20 Min

Grill Time: 30 Min

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

•2 x Whole 600gm Seabass

Fish Stuffing

•Handful coriander with stalks, minced

•2 large red chillies, minced (deseed if you prefer)

•2 garlic cloves, minced

•1/2 thumb of ginger, peeled and finely chopped

•1/2 bunch spring onions, minced

•3tbls sesame oil

•Zest of one lemon, save the juice for the sauce

•Pinch of sea salt

•2tbls Neutral Oil for brushing

For the beer sauce

•200ml Chinese lager

•100mls of freshly squeezed orange juice

•1/2 bunch spring onions, sliced diagonally (whites and greens separated)

•2 large red chillies, diced

•2-3 tomatoes, roughly chopped

•3tbls light soy sauce

•1tsp Szechuan Peppercorns, toasted and ground

•2tbls dark soy sauce

•2tbls Oyster Sauce

•1tsp white sugar

•Juice of 1 lemon

•4 garlic cloves, sliced thinly

•3tbls neutral flavour oil (vegetable, ground nut, sunflower)

•1tsp conflour and 1tsp water to make a slurry

Fish Garnish

•1 thumb of ginger, peeled and sliced into matchsticks

•1 large red chillis, sliced into thin rings

•1/2 bunch spring onions, sliced diagonally

•Handful chopped coriander plus a few coriander stems

•1 tomato, deseeded and finely diced

To serve

•Steamed long grain rice with Black sesame seeds on top

Additional Equipment Needed:

•Fish Basket

•Large BBQ safe pan

Method:

1. Start by patting dry the seabass with a paper towel inside and out. Make three diagonal cuts along one side of both the fish. Mix your stuffing ingredients and stuff the majority into the cavity of the fish. Tuck a teaspoon or so into the diagonal cuts also. Brush bothe sides of the fish with the oil

2. Set the fish in your fish basket and cook directly over a high heat. We’re not necessarily trying to cook the fish at this stage, but we do want a little BBQ char on both sides to add flavour. When you see a little of the skin bubbling and getting some colour, around 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside. Do not try and reove from the basket straight away, allow the fish to cool for at least 5 minutes and the skin it should not stick to the basket.

3. Next get a roasting pan big enough for the two fish to sit side by side. Place the pan directly over the heat of your grill. Add the oil and saute the garlic, diced tomatoes and white parts of the spring onion. When these have softened, and you have some good heat in your pan, add the chillies, cook for a few seconds then deglaze with the beer. This should bubble up and come to the boil. Now add the orange juice, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, Szechuan pepper sugar and Oyster Sauce. Mix well.

4. Now place the two fish into the sauce, making sure they’re placed slashed side up. Add some extra wood to the BBQ for some smokiness and close the lid. Allow the fish to steam cook in the aromatics and wood smoke for 19 - 21 minutes. Enough time to make some rice.

5. Carefully remove the fish and set on a large serving platter. Add the roasting tin back on the BBQ and thicken the remaining sauce with the cornflour slurry. Mix well, season with a little more light soy sauce if you think it requires more salt.

6. Carefully spoon the sauce around the fish, now build the beautiful garnish: You’re going to concentrate on the middle of the fish, so you can see the head and tail. Start with the ginger matchsticks, then some coriander stems, spring onions and repeat. Finishing by placing a few red chilli rings on the top.

7. Serve your bowls of long grain rice garnished with black sesame seeds and a frosty glass of crisp beer. Enjoy!

CHALA-STYLE PORK WITH PIRI-PIRI SAUCE AND GRILLED GREENS

Chala is beautiful plaited bread and when cooked this pork reminded us of that delicious loaf. Piri Piri isn’t just for chicken, and a grilled and smoked pork loin in the perfect vehicle for this spicy sauce. This recipe is vibrant, tasty and above all, easy to rustle up.

Serves: 4-6

Prep Time: 20 Min

Grill Time: 40 Min

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

• 2 x 500gms of Pork Tenderloin fillet

• 4tbls BBQ seasoning (of your choice)

Pork Glaze

• 30gms butter

• 60mls BBQ Sauce

• 20mls Lemon Juice

Peri-Peri Style Sauce

• 2 red peppers, halved, deseeded

• 2 red onions, peeled halved

• 8 cloves of garlic

• 1 birds eye chilli

• 2 large red chillies,

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 20ml Sherry Vinegar

• 30ml Olive Oil

• 1tsp Smoked Paprika

• Sea Salt to taste

Side Veg to grill

• 2 packs of tenderstem broccoli

• 2 packs of Asparagus

• 1 red peppers

• 1 Lemon, cut in half

• 30mls Olive Oil

• Sea Salt Flakes

• Chopped Chives for garnish

Additional Equipment Needed:

• Small blender

Method:

1. Start by slicing the pork tenderloin into three long strips, leaving the strips attached at the top.

2. Dust the pork in BBQ seasoning, then tightly plait the the three strips together. Secure the end using a wooden bamboo skewer

3. Place in a low-medium heat BBQ, cook indirectly for around 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 64C. Add all the pork glaze ingredients to a pan and

warm up directly over the heat. In the last few minutes of cooking, brush generously with the pork glaze. Allow the glaze to set and remove from the grill to rest for 15 minutes. You can add extra glaze to the pork just before cutting and serving.

4. While the pork is resting, it’s time to make the Peri Peri sauce and gilled vegetables. Roast the peppers and large red chilies over the flames until lightly charred and softened.

5.Add the roasted Peri Peri vegetables, alongside all the other ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.

6.Toss the green veg and red peppers in olive oil and salt and grill directly until lightly charred, around 5-7 minutes, turning frequently.

7.To serve, we prefer a large sharing board. Present the Chala-Style pork in the middle, slice one up. Arrange the greens around the pork, interspersed with charred lemon halves and red peppers. In a g bowl with a spoon, add the Piri Piri sauce, with a few dollops some of the cut pork slices.

KOREAN VEGAN TACOS WITH KIMCHI YOGURT

Who doesn’t love tacos? These are real crowd-pleasers with great flavour and texture. We make the humble butternut squash extra delicious by using Gochujang (a sweet, Korean red chilli paste) and a super tasty, and dare we say, even healthy Kimchi yogurt along with lightly salted, lime-marinaded veggies.

Serves: 4-6

Prep Time: 25 Min

Grill Time: 20 Min

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

• 12 x 15cm Soft Wheat Tortillas

• 1 medium butternut squash

• 4 tablespoons of Korean gochujang paste

• 3tbls Neutral Oil

• Juice and zest of 1 lime

Taco Veggies

• 1 courgette, ribboned

• 1 carrot, julienne

• 1 red onion, finely sliced

• 1 lime, zest and juice separated

• Small handful coriander, finely chopped

• 2tsp Sea salt

• Pinch of caster sugar

Kimchi Yogurt

• 200mls vegan Greek-style yogurt

• 4 heaped tablespoons of vegan kimchi

• 1/4 tsp turmeric

• 1tbls Sesame Oil

• 1/2tsp Fennel Seeds

• Few cracks of black Pepper

To Garnish

• Black sesame seeds

• and a small handful if finely chopped chives for garnish

Additional Equipment Needed:

• Small blender

• Small cast iron, or bbq compatible, frying pan

Method:

1. Start by washing and drying the butternut squash. You can eat the skin (it delicious) so no need to peel. Cut in half lengthways. Remove the seeds with the pulp and pop in a bowl of water. Cut the squash into 2cm thick half moons and place in a large mixing bowl. Add the Gochujang, lime zest and juice and oil

and set aside while you light your bbq.

2. Cook the squash directly over the coals, turning often until they char slightly and are aldente, around 10 minutes. The Gochujang will look quite dark, almost charred when grilled. You might need to use a fish slice to release the squash from the gills initially.

3. Next, ribbon the courgette using a speed peeler. Place in a medium bowl, mix with a pinch of salt and 2tbls lime juice and 1/2 tsp lime zest and set aside to marinade. Next julienne your carrot, finely slice your red onion and chop the coriander, mix together in a bowl with the remaining lime juice and zest and a pinch of caster sugar.

4. Remove the pumpkin seeds from their pulp, the water should help this. Dry them off with some paper towels. Preheat a small cast iron pan dry toast until they puff up and are crispy, season with some fine sea salt and set aside.

5. To make the kimchi yogurt add all the ingredients to a blender and whizz until smooth, transfer to a serving bowl.

6. Toast the tortillas directly over the flames on the grill. To pull the tacos together, lay a couple of slices of the butternut squash, then a couple of ribbons of salted courgette, a tablespoon or two of the carrot, onion and coriander mix, then a couple of tablespoons of the kimchi yogurt. Garnish with a couple of toasted pumpkin seeds, black sesame seeds and chives.

All advice is free and without obligation:

• Approved contractor to numerous local authorities

• Award winning projects undertaken

•

Trades Undertaken:

Pink Bear the

MULTIDISCIPLINARY BRITISH ARTIST PAUL ROBINSON (AKA LUAP) TACKLES MENTAL HEALTH, THE CLIMATE AND ECOLOGICAL EMERGENCY, AND ISOLATION HEAD-ON.

WORDS: EMMA CARBONI

In a world where boundaries are meant to be shattered and imaginations set free, LUAP’s artistic endeavours serve as a beacon of inspiration. Through the fusion of adventure and art, he creates vibrant artworks that inspire us to embrace life’s wonders with an open mind and unyielding spirit. His adult-size Pink Bear suit, a whimsical companion on his extraordinary escapades, traverses mountains, surreal landscapes, bustling cities, and far-flung realms, illuminating the world with its presence.

Arriving at his London studio, I feel immediately surrounded by positive energy, with the candy-coloured teddy bear images adorning the walls. They are reminiscent of Pop Art, but also coupled with the soft grunge of modern Urban Art. Masterfully painted Photorealism merging with flowing lines of abstract mark making.

LUAP explains more, “The Pink Bear exists somewhere between reality and make-believe, a youthful innocence finding a place in the real, often corrupt world. He’s basically reincarnated from an old childhood memory I had during CognitiveBehavioural-therapy. He’s become a symbol of positive reinforcement and recovery – not hiding in a corner and running away from things, it’s really about just standing out and being strong. They were all qualities I wanted to draw on to improve myself, it was all about self-improvement”.

The Pink Bear has zigzagged the globe, fusing together the ideas of adventure and art. LUAP is drawn to extreme adventure and it’s this continual discovery which he credits with maintaining the balance in his life.

“I’ve travelled globally, often to extreme environments, scaling mountains or crossing deserts to make my images. For me, hiking, travelling and being in nature used to act as an unconscious form of therapy and now it is a conscious one and offers me an opportunity for reflection.”

“THE PINK BEAR EXISTS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN REALITY AND MAKE-BELIEVE.”

LUAP uses the photographs, made during these trips, to act as the studies for large scale, layered paintings which each take months to complete. LUAP has exhibited alongside internationally renowned artists, created bespoke artworks for exclusive Member Clubs and worked with charities to raise money. His works are much in demand – a Pink Bear print recently sold for three times the listed price at Christie’s. Last year he embarked on an expedition on horseback across one of the most remote and inhospitable places on Earth, the Mongolian wilderness.

“As part of my preparation for the trip – my most ambitious yet which required three years of planning - I underwent intensive physical training, as well as learning to ride a horse and giving up alcohol. I never use photoshop or ai to composite The Pink Bear into the scenes, so it’s necessary for me to carry all my equipment which can mean up to 20kg on my back for up to 12 hours a day. I was joined by British survival expert Megan Hine, who has worked alongside Bear Grylls on a number of his shows, and I’m now very happy to call a friend.

The nomadic life is slowly dying out

in Mongolia, as younger generations are drawn to modern amenities and wealth in the main city of Ulaanbaatar. As the ancient traditions fade away and a life lived sustainably from the land is replaced by instant-gratification attitudes, it is more important than ever to shine a light on the traditional. A key focus of my artwork is the impact on the planet from overconsumption. The decision to make the whole trip on horseback, rather than in an off-road vehicle, was made in order to have a minimal carbon footprint and to celebrate tradition.

We lived as the nomadic people have done for generations, sleeping under the stars around an open fire in the wilderness. It sounds romantic but in reality the expedition was extremely demanding – both

physically and mentally. We experienced +25°C (77° F) sunshine, snowstorms and -15°C (5° F) nights. The outside of my sleeping bag would develop a thin skin of frost each day. When I needed the toilet in the middle of the night I had to be quick – it would take too long to put all my gear on so I just had to brave it. To have drinking water in the night I had to bring it in my sleeping bag or it would simply freeze inside the tent. During our days in the isolated landscape of the Altai region, the Pink Bear often caused amusement and delight with those we met. My hope is that my artwork will encourage others to explore and conserve our beautiful world. Mongolia has won a permanent place in my heart.” @luap Www.luapstudios.co.uk

“THE AMBITIOUS TRIP YET WHICH REQUIRED THREE YEARS OF PLANNING”

THE ULTIMATE Father ’s Day GIFT GUIDE

GILLETTE LABS NEON NIGHT RAZOR

£22.49 Gift the ultimate shave with our popular Gillette Labs Neon Night. The razor’s premium design and exfoliating bar gives that effortless shave in one stroke, and it comes with a money back guarantee - your ultimate shave or your money back! Gillette.co.uk

KING C. GILLETTE STYLE MASTER RRP £20

No matter whether he sports a moustache, stubble, or a full beard, King C. Gillette has a gift for him with its Care, Trim and Style products – all coming with a money back guarantee. The Style Master is a stand-out for gifting with 1 simple tool offering 3 stubble styling options, so you can flex your creativity. Gillette.co.uk

OPPO ENCO FREE2 £89.99

Designed for those who want a premium listening experience, created in partnership with Dynaudio, these earbuds strike the perfect balance between luxury and affordability at a wallet-friendly price point of £89.99 (perfect for a Father’s Day gift!). They’re Android and IOS compatible, so great to pair with any smartphone.

HEADS AND TAILS JEWELLERY

We’ve been making personalised, beautifully designed jewellery for both him and her for over 10 years. We like to design innovative products, which can be treasured by your loved ones for years to come. With every gift handcrafted using high-quality materials, you can guarantee each gift will be unique and bespoke to you. The key to picking the right jewellery gifts is finding the balance between style and sentiment. Not to worry, Heads and Tails Jewellery has just the collection. Headsandtailsjewellery.co.uk

MILLER HARRIS HYDRA EAU DE PARFUM, £95 50ML

Introducing Hydra Figue, the latest launch into Miller Harris’ portfolio of fragrances created with sustainably led ingredients, utilising upcycled notes of both Sage and Oakwood. Hydrolat Sage (a by-product in the extraction of oil from sage) brings a gentle aromatic freshness, paying homage to the long-treasured natural springs of the island, while up-cycled Oakwood, selected for its rich and unforgettable scent, has been extracted from pre-used wine barrels.

Millerharris.com

HUMBER MOSS GREEN HOLDALL

£125

This Father’s Day, give dad the gift that keeps giving and will go the distance with the Humber holdall, by sustainable UK bag brand - Kovered. As you travel together, or even when you’re apart, he will always have a reminder of you close. Whether you set off to see the world, or pack it full of your favourite hobbies, adventure is never far away.

Kovered’s ruggedly handsome Humber holdall is a large capacity bag with a spacious zipped interior.  Fusing modern functionality with bygone

vintage style it combines all of today’s desired features with a timeless, wanderlust feel. Full-grain leather straps and carry handles are attached by robust steel rivets and quickrelease clasps, which add to this carryall’s striking personality. A bestseller for a reason, Humber is made from reclaimed leather and heritage canvas and comes in three colourways - moss green, tan and black. With a 45 litre capacity, this holdall will take you on weekends away, a business trip, to the gym or on the road - wherever you go, Kovered’s trusty Humber will

TAKE YOUR BATTLE TO NEXT LEVEL WITH GEL BLASTER SURGE RRP £60

Gel Blaster takes you to the next level in awesome outdoor fun with the exciting new Gel Blaster SURGE.  Adrenalin filled, competitive play doesn’t need to be messy!  The Gel Blaster SURGE is a fun filled blaster with barley any mess or clean up.

Unbox your Gel Blaster and get blasting! The rechargeable Gel Blaster SURGE shoots water based beads or “Gellets” that burst

KITCHENAID

on impact. This innovative blaster is ready to blast straight out of the box – fully charged with a hopper full of hydrated Gellets. Think airsoft but with no pain, stain or clean up, bring the battle to the garden, park or anywhere else you can think of.

Gel Blasters starch based Gellets are eco-friendly, nontoxic, non-irritating and burst on contact.   All you need to do is soak them in water for 2+ hours and watch your ammo grow!

Toytownstores.com

INTRODUCING…

THE BRAND NEW E-TERRA FROM SODASTREAM

• The E-Terra is SodaStream’s only machine to feature OneTouch electrical technology, meaning sparkling water lovers can enjoy sparkling perfection every single time

• The E-Terra is the perfect combination of style, innovation, and sustainability

• The arrival comes hot on the heels of SodaStream Organics, a premium range of vegan-friendly and glutenfree flavours, available for £5.99 from SodaStream.co.uk Available now for £144.99 from SodaStream.com

The latest addition to the iconic KitchenAid Stand Mixer range is the new Artisan 5.6L Bowl Lift Stand Mixer. With 11 speeds for low folding to high whipping, there’s also a new ½ speed which mimics folding by hand, allowing you to gently add delicate

ingredients like blueberries and egg whites without overbeating or knocking air out of the batter.

The NEW Artisan 5.6L BowlLift Stand Mixer (RRP £749) is available in Matte Black, Empire Red, Almond Cream and Pistachio at kitchenaid.co.uk

HORL PREMIUM SHARPNESS SET - FOR THE FATHER WHO ALREADY OWNS A HORL SHARPENER - £119

Exquisite accessory for the finest kitchen knives. The corundum whetstones with grits of #3000 and #6000 in the Premium Sharpness Set maximises the sharpening potential of particularly fine blades and ensure an even finer sharpening pattern. Both whetstones can be used without water. For the final sharp finish, the knife can be stropped with the HOL leather provided.

MÀZO CANDLES LONDON - A NEW LONDON-BASED, LUXURY CANDLE BRAND CO-FOUNDED BY SISTERS, MAZ AND ZÖ CHRISTIEN.

Launched in 2022 and pronounced Marzo, each hand-poured Màzo candle uses only 100% natural, biodegradable wax and carefully-balanced blends of natural essential oils (traceable to individual farmers who are paid a fair price for their products) to create four incredible aromas infused with top, middle and base notes, so the fragrance evolves throughout the long, slow burn to bring beautiful natural scent to any room, both when lit and unlit. Each candle is housed in a glass cube encased in a stylish, botanical-inspired, polished metal cradle and available in three sizes, 200g, 1kg or 2kg with two, four or five pure cotton wicks. Prices from £67 for a 200g two-wick candle to £365 for a 2kg five-wick candle.

All of Màzo’s candles are vegan and wrapped in recyclable packaging and contain no paraffins, artificial chemicals or synthetic fragrance enhancers, making them both child and pet friendly too. mazocandleslondon.com

MEN’S HH LIFA TECHNICAL ZIP HOODIE: £90

A technical, lightweight zip hoodie for hikers who conquer trails with speed. This performance zip hoodie has everything you need for speed on the trail. The soft, technical LIFA® ACTIVE fabric is breathable and excellent at wicking moisture. It delivers light, extremely comfortable insulation.

QUEST 2 (£399.99)

Meta Quest 2 is the all-in-one, completely wireless VR headset that provides immersive ways to stay connected with family and friends, so you can work up a sweat, travel together, enjoy one-of-a-kind gaming, or lay back and catch a movie - all from the comfort of your home. With the various apps and experiences available on the headset, Meta Quest 2 offers something for everyone on your list - and with a host of ongoing updates and new experiences there’s always something to discover. Meta.com

FEATHERSWIFT TRAIL RUNNING SHOES:

£90

As swift as their name implies, these are supportive and sleek trail running shoes with excellent traction. The Featherswift shoes are our entry level trail runners, designed to support you wherever off-roading leads. They’re rugged and stable, yet cushioned and flexible. Lightweight, they’re designed to be nimbler than our heavy-duty Hawk trail running shoes. With the environment in mind, these trail running shoes have a 70% recycled upper, including recycled laces, lining and webbing, as well as zerowaste design elements. Hellyhansen.com

TIPPLES Father ’s Day

8 TRACK RUM

MAKE

THE WORLD’S BEST GIN & TONIC WITH THE AWARD-WINNING KYRÖ GIN.

Herbal and sweet, this is Finnish summer in a bottle.

Made with 100% rye and local wild botanicals including birch leaves and

meadowsweet, Kyrö Gin embodies the fragrance and flavour of a fresh Finnish summer. Just add tonic, plenty of ice and garnish with cranberries and a sprig of rosemary for a delicious Kyrö Gin serve.

An award-winning spirit, Kyrö Gin was voted the ‘World’s Best Compound Gin’ in the 2023 World Gin Awards

Available to buy in Waitrose, RRP £29.95 for 50cl / 5000ml, ABV 42.6%

KYRÖ MALT IS AS RYE AS IT GETS!

Kyrö Malt is a single batch Finnish malt whisky made with 100% rye. It is double potdistilled and aged in new white oak casks. It tastes intense pepperiness, balanced with sweet notes of caramel and vanilla.

It’s perfect sipped as it is, in a whisky sour – or any way you like.

Available to buy on the Kyrö Distillery website. ABV 47.2%, 500ml. RRP £49.95

The official drinks partner to a host of independent music festivals across the UK including Tunes in the Dunes, Valley Fest and The Great Estate Festival, 8Track will bring a taste of sunshine to party-goers no matter what the weather brings! Created by two friends in Cornwall, who shared a great love of music and fine rum, 8Track is a premium quality, spiced rum, made from fine Caribbean rum and smooth 8-year-old vintage Barbados rum. The bespoke blend is infused with Seville oranges, vanilla, cloves, ginger and cinnamon, resulting in a smoothly balanced, fine-tuned and zesty spirit. Available nationwide from £31.95 for 70cl (37.5% ABV) on www.8trackrum. com and www.Masterofmalt.com.

BUSHMILLS 10-YEAR-OLD SINGLE MALT

Matured for a minimum of 10 years in bourbon-seasoned barrels, this whiskey is fresh and zesty with aromas of honey, vanilla and milk chocolate. Approachable and supremely smooth, the fruity flavours of the 10-Year-Old are delicious served neat, over ice, or mixed in a range of classic and creative cocktails. £35 at Waitrose

MERMAID VODKA & RUM

Mermaid Salt Vodka is grain distilled, with a subtle addition of Wight Salt rock sea salt for smoothness. Each batch is hand-crafted in a column still and then blended with the Isle of Wight spring water in small batches. A delicate vein of salt creates a back note that makes Mermaid Salt Vodka an essential ingredient and ideal flavour enhancer for adventurous cocktails, or a classic dirty martini. Distinctive and unique, Mermaid Salt Vodka is a favourite with

creative mixologists, adding a hint of sea air to their creations.

Mermaid Vodka RRP from £38.00. ABV: 42%. Available from John Lewis, Harvey Nichols, Amazon, Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange, Fenwick Tesco,

Mermaid Spiced Rum is produced in harmony with the Island’s coastal elements. The Caribbean rums from Trinidad and the Dominican Republic are finished at the Isle of Wight Distillery. The rum, which is aged between 2-5

years in oak bourbon whiskey barrels, is infused with the Isle of Wight Distillery’s signature botanical rock samphire, fresh white cherries, apricots, honey from their beehives and black salt from the Island’s coastal flood tides. The rum is gently spiced with local holy grass, cassia and vanilla resulting in a smooth yet complex rum with a hint of sea air, delicate caramel notes and vibrant fruity spice. RRP from £40. ABV 40%. Available from John Lewis and Isle of Wight distillery

Living IN Luxury

The Vale is a desirable collection of 21 luxury new build homes nestled in 5 acres of idyllic Sussex woodland. These 2 and 3-bedroom detached houses and 1 and 2-bedroom apartments — on the outskirts of Burgess Hill just over three miles from Haywards Heath — offer you luxury like no other.

Situated north of Burgess Hill and a short walk from Wivelsfield railway station, The Vale boasts the ideal blend of countryside living whilst maintaining easy access to the South Coast and London. London is under an hour away by train, and Brighton can be reached in just 16 minutes.

Each beautifully designed house has been carefully crafted to enhance your standard of living – Brookworth Homes believes in building houses with marketleading specifications and finishes that are a pleasure to live in. Some of the standout features include:

• German designer Nolte high-end Kitchens with integrated Siemens appliances and Quooker boiling, hot and cold-water taps

• Composite stone worktops and matching full height upstands

• Built in Sonos system with fitted ceiling speakers

• Lutron Smart Home lighting systems

• Wardrobes come fully carcassed with soft-close doors and internal drawers

• Spa-like designer bathrooms, with porcelain tiles and full-height mirrors, underfloor heating and feature lighting

• USB Power Sockets

• Provision for fibre broadband

• Large single garage with doubledriveway space

• Electric vehicle charging point

• Large Indian sandstone patio

• Fully turfed gardens

With the cost of living being an ongoing concern for many people, we build all our properties to be energy efficient. With the latest in insulation, efficient boilers, and LED lighting, our EPA ratings are among the best in the industry.

If you are looking for the rural life, The Vale is nestled on the edge of the beautiful South Downs National Park and Ditchling Common where dog walkers, hikers, runners, and mountain bikers

can find many a hidden trail. The area is dotted with many picturesque villages for those who wish to spend some time in the antique shops, tearooms, or county pubs. And for the more athletic walkers, you can climb Ditchling Beacon for the stunning

views atop the South Downs.

From tennis and squash to golf and cycling, sports enthusiasts have much to enjoy in and around Burgess Hill. And with various festivals, an

independent cinema and a thriving theatre club, there is plenty to see and do throughout the year.

Close at hand are an excellent choice of schools, sports clubs and local amenities, making the area one of the UK’s most appealing residential locations.

Brookworth Homes takes great care to understand the lifestyle aspirations of our community and create exceptional residences in prime areas. Our attention to detail ensures we deliver beautiful homes that enrich the quality of life at home, work, school, and play.

Discover the Brookworth difference at Brookworth.com

The brand new 3-bedroom show home is now open. Viewings are available 10am - 5pm Saturday, and during the week by appointment. Please call 01444 615090 or visit Brookworth.com to find out more or book a viewing.

Used to be Mainstream but According to MICHELLE VISAGE, it’s

‘PLAYING GAY’ “Not Cool Anymore”

Michelle Visage is an LGBTQ+ icon and a vocal advocate for the community. She found her fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race after a successful music career, and since then, Michelle has become one of the top speakers on LGBTQ+ issues, particularly at Pride events. She recently reflected on the importance of LGBTQ+ representation and revealed why she believes some people are so threatened by inclusion.

In a world where drag artists are considered dangerous for children, Michelle defined what it means to be a drag queen and how the community inspires people to feel self-empowered.

“A drag queen to me is giving a big FU to society. It’s for all the people who never felt like they fit in. They have a place in drag, and they have a place within the community.”

People often picture drag as platform heels and wigs, but Michelle believes that everything is drag. From hoop earrings to a doctor’s scrubs, anything that makes us feel powerful is drag.

“For me, I’ll throw some glasses on and some hoop earrings, I’ll wear leopard, get my nails done - it’s all drag! If you go to work and you’re a doctor, you put on your scrubs, you put on your stethoscope, your hat – drag! You work at Nando’s, you put on your outfit – drag! Anywhere you go, that’s your drag.”

Like the conversation around drag queens, gay representation has been a hot topic in mainstream media, with audiences expecting more authentic representations of LGBTQ+ characters. Michelle is one of many celebrities speaking up against the way the gay community has historically been portrayed.

“For me, it is super important we have gay representation in mainstream media

because when I was growing up, being gay in mainstream media was a parody, it was inauthentic and an over-the-top caricature of a gay man. It was always about making fun of, instead of including.

“We need authentic gay representation in mainstream media right now, with gay actors actually performing gay-scripted roles, and trans actors actually performing trans-scripted roles. These things are super important to further society. Playing gay is not cool anymore, never really was cool, but it was way more accepted then, and it shouldn’t be accepted now.”

Michelle revealed that she was asked to play the role of a drag queen after auditioning for a separate role. The RuPaul’s Drag Race judge recounted how

she handled the situation.

“I auditioned for a role recently and it was a drag queen role they wanted me to do. I went in and I said, ‘I don’t feel comfortable taking a role away from a drag performer.’ So, I got a different role instead, and it’s kind of that simple. I mean, an actor can easily say, ‘this should go to a gay, non-binary, or trans actor.’ I know it’s a challenge for the actor, but there are other challenges out there.”

When we discuss LGBTQ+ inclusion, the topic of toxic masculinity soon follows. Michelle urged the importance of fighting back against toxic masculinity, which she believes has held women to unreachable standards for far too long.

“Toxic masculinity tells women we’re not hot unless we’re thin, have big boobs, a juicy booty and a tiny waist. But that’s not reality. Most of us aren’t born that way, and when I mean most of us, I mean 99% of us are not born that way and 98% of us can’t get there without a doctor!

“It’s not fair that they get to call what’s sexy and what’s not sexy. It’s not fair that after the age of 30 we’re thrown out, kicked to the curb and of no need anymore. They don’t get to tell us that! Not at all. We need to rise up and be the strong women that we are, and we need to tell ourselves that we are valid, important and matter enough to have a partner that supports us.”

Toxic masculinity affects the LGBTQ+ community, too. Though we have come a long way and sexual diversity is more normalised, some long-held toxic beliefs continue to put young people at risk of harm.

“This lives in the gay community as well, because it’s a lifetime of men, fathers telling their children they should kill themselves, that they don’t matter, they’re not welcome and they’re not loved because they’re gay. So, it lives everywhere, and it needs to be eradicated.”

“I’LL THROW SOME GLASSES ON AND SOME HOOP EARRINGS, I’LL WEAR LEOPARD, GET MY NAILS DONE - IT’S ALL DRAG!”

Michelle went on to explain how toxic masculinity reared its head when she was a child.

“As a kid, around 7-8 years old, I remember a local person who was back then considered a ‘cross-dresser’ and I was so enamoured with her, I couldn’t wrap my head around it. My mother would say, ‘don’t stare, look away’, but I just thought it was really cool.

“There’s a person here who’s very hairy, wearing heels, a very bad wig and a dress at the local delicatessen getting a sandwich, and I’m thinking, ‘this is really cool. I don’t know what it is, but it’s different and I want more of that’.”

This exposure at a young age and later involvement in the LGBTQ+ community continues to help Michelle support her loved ones.

“I continue to learn. I have a gay daughter who sometimes goes in and out of the non-binary wheelhouse. It’s so important that people understand all these things in life are valid, they all matter, and we should stop trying to force our beliefs onto other people and start opening up and accepting people for who they are.”

A lack of gay representation in the media ultimately comes down to inclusion. Diversity and inclusion have recently become buzzwords, but Michelle spoke about how difficult some people find it to be accepting, because of their own self-loathing.

“A lot of women don’t accept and include other women. A lot of gay people don’t accept and include or lift each other up within the community. It’s so important that we stop that now,

especially for those two groups - women and the LGBTQIA+ community - because we have fought so long and so hard to be where we are now. To tear each other down and not lift each other up is doing a disservice to all our ancestors and all the trailblazers before us.”

“Inclusivity and acceptance are so important, now more than ever, because a lot of people are struggling. So, let’s learn how to lift each other up through communication, support, even people you don’t know! Everybody deserves to feel love.”

The TV personality spoke with such confidence and self-assuredness, you would be surprised to hear that Michelle has experienced dark times, too.

“For me, in the dark times - there have been some and there will be some - my struggle is anxiety. Not as much depression, but like panic attacks, I’ve gone to A&E for panic attacks, not knowing what it was over the years.

So, how does Michelle cope with stress and pressure? She believes in the power of therapy and meditation – but Michelle admits that British people may not share her beliefs.

“I think therapy is a big deal. I know Brits don’t look at therapy the same way Americans do, but they’re getting more and more in touch with it. I know there’s a backlog and that’s been a problem because the waiting list is so long, but there’s a lot of online options for help now.

“I think meditation is great. I have some good apps on my phone that I listen to when I’m feeling stressed or anxious and that really does help. It could be anywhere from 60 seconds to a full hour, whatever you need to calm yourself down. “

For many, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, a figurehead like Michelle is a source of empowerment. When asked about empowering others, she credited her confidence as the driving force behind her self-empowerment.

“When it comes to empowering myself or empowering others, I think it comes from confidence. I know it sounds weird because you think it’s like knowledge or education or wisdom or something like that. But I think it actually comes from confidence.

“If somebody asked me for advice and I give them advice, if I’m not really confident about the advice, they’re going to be like, ‘no thanks, I’m OK’. But if I’m really confident about it then people are more likely to take it.”

“I’m ambitious, I’m a hustler. We’ve all got to do what we’ve got to do, so go for it and do not let anybody take you down.”

This Q&A with Michelle Visage was conducted by Sophia Hayes.