Wirral Life September 2016

WIRRAL LIFE

Wirral’s No.1 FREE premium lifestyle magazine.

September 2016

THE VIKING COMETH RIMMER RETURNS

Property • Motors • Fashion & Beauty • Food & Drink

/ Y A D N U S R E V O P O ST en v e t s la d n e k e e w e th e k Ma r e v o p to s y a d n u S e th h lo n g e r w it fr o m s m o ro h it w , n o is a lm a M at 5 7 £ d n e p s u o y n e h w o n ly £ 2 5 * in th e b ra s s e ri e .

To book, call

0151 363 3640 quoting “Wirral Life”

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EDITORS

Si Hall Nicky Rigby-Smith

Welcome to Wirral Life Magazine.

On behalf of all the WL team, we would like to welcome you to the launch issue of Wirral’s No.1 premium free magazine.

We would like to thank all of our contributors for their support in helping to produce this exciting first edition.

We’ve met some amazing people and experienced some great places - all covered within these pages and there are plenty of exciting features lined up for the month’s ahead.

Enjoy Wirral Life!

Si Hall & Nicky Rigby Smith.

FEATURE WRITERS Lynne Hague, Lifestyle Karen Booth, Food Clare Barber, Lifestyle Carla Kelly, Beauty Karla Powell, Guest Beauty Joel Jelen, Health James Weaver, Travel Christine Downes, Wine Connoisseur Jo Miller, Beer Sommelier Josh Bakewell, Cocktail of the Month Rob Adams, The Butchers Cut Richard Harris, Classic Cars Steven Nelson, Property Andrew Collinge, Hair Karla Powell, Beauty Dayle O’Hara, Food Giles Griffiths, Food Joanna Jones, Food Mark Scott, Home & Garden Tom Atkinson, Golf Club Pro COVER SHOT: Jack Kirwan CREDITS: Adam Kenrick Photography

JOIN WIRRAL LIFE FIND US ON FACEBOOK facebook.com/wirrallifemagazine FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @wirrallifemag SUBSCRIBE AT hello@wirrallife.com

Copyright Hall Smith Publishing 2016. All Rights Reserved. The content of the magazine is owned by the publisher. No part of this publication may be reproduced - in whole or in part, including advertisements - without prior written permission from the publisher. While we take every care whilst compiling the magazine, we cannot be held responsible for claims made, or accuracy of content provided by advertisers or contributors. All prices and dates within the magazine were correct at the time of print. The editor reserves the right to shorten or modify any materials submitted. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily held by the editor or publisher.

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CONTACT US GENERAL ENQUIRIES hello@wirrallife.com ADVERTISING advertising@wirrallife.com EDITORIAL editorial@wirrallife.com REVIEWS reviews@wirrallife.com

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IN THIS ISSUE 60 6

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INTERVIEWS 6 Richard Birchwood 18 Simon Rimmer 42 Kate Kingston FOOD & DRINK 10 Summer Beers 20 Restaurant Reviews 24 The Butchers Cut PROPERTY 38 Hot Properties 46 English Country Garden FASHION & BEAUTY 56 The Crayon Trend 60 Festival Hair 62 Handbag Trends 64 The Boodles Blossom Watch 70 Mr Burberry

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TRAVEL 72 California Dream Drives WELLBEING 80 Reset Breathing SPORT 82 Golf Equipment Reviews MOTOR 88 Classic Car Review 90 Porsche Review 92 Sunseeker Yacht Launch SOCIETY 94 Hot & Happening 99 What’s on?

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THE INTERVIEW

RICHARD BIRCHWOOD

BY CLARE BARBER

R

ichard Birchwood owns the Liverpool based company J & R Sports which distributes Zycom scooters stocked in Smyths Toy Stores. He talks to Clare Barber about his business, his love of Wirral and his passion for cars and food!

How did J & R Sports come to life?

We are a family business and have been lucky enough to still be here after 18 years. It all started at the toy manufacturer Berwicks in Wallasey, where my Dad worked. They made Etch–a–Sketch and Mr Frosty amongst others, so it was really cool for me. My father used to take me into work with him on a Saturday. I got to drive the fork lift and I think that’s when I decided I always wanted to work with my Dad! We started J & R in 1998 when we both found ourselves unemployed and wondering what to do with ourselves. We didn’t have a penny between us! We started distributing In-Line skates and skateboards to the toy and sports retail sector. Those first 12–18 months were possibly the hardest I’ve ever known! Then, the folding micro scooter craze went absolutely crazy in 2000, virtually every celebrity was featured with one in the news each week and the market went crazy.

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We now have a product portfolio of over 40 brands, most of which are brand leaders in their sector.

Have you always lived in Wirral?

I was born in Nottingham, but moved to the Wirral when I was a child as my Dad started working at Berwicks. I left home at 22 when I got my first house in Knotty Ash. I still came back to the Wirral every weekend to play rugby and socialise and I eventually moved back here in 2009. I wouldn’t move from here again, not sure what else you could want, Liverpool’s on our doorstep - it’s a great place to live.

I guess you don’t have too much leisure time but what do you like to do when you’re free?

Free time? What’s that? I would say my business is a big passion, I love what I do, it is more of a hobby than work. My family are number one to me. I have a partner, Carla and three sons who are my whole world. Aside from that, I love rugby and football - there is nothing better than a European night at Anfield! I also have a passion for cars which started when I was a kid and washed my Dad’s car and he used to let me drive it on and off the drive!

THE W L INTERVIEW

Now I know you have a penchant for cars, what have got in your collection?

I’m not sure you would call it a collection as such but I do like cars. Currently I have a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Carla (my partner) has a BMW, which she wants to change for a Mini, and I also have a McLaren 12C which I have had for over 3 years and love it! I have a new McLaren on order and I also have a request in for a Porsche 911 GT3 RS, whether that will happen I don’t know. After that I’d like another TVR Sagaris but then the last one of those I had got wrapped around a tree!

Where do you like to eat?

I love Chinese and I think the Chung Ku on Columbus Quay is fab. I also love The Art School Restaurant in Sugnall Street in Liverpool. I know it’s good, as I can never remember spending less than 5 hours there whenever we have been! Another is the Wheatsheaf in Raby, great pub for a quiet beer or two and the food is very good as well.

On a rare occasion when we get babysitters, Carla and I will go for a drink - there are always people there who like a chat. It’s a proper country pub.

Where do you like to get away to?

Portugal or Ibiza are my favourites, this year we have just booked Majorca. I’ve just got back from a long weekend away in Dubai with our son Zac. It was the first time I have been there and would definitely go back. Last weekend, we were in Barcelona for work and a long break with our oldest son Lewis - I really like Barcelona. At home, Zac our youngest boy likes New Brighton and the fair at the minute, Will is easy and will go anywhere and Lewis who is now 16, we never see as he is out riding and works at Rampworx all weekend!

What’s your guilty pleasure?

A Chinese take away on a Friday night with a cold beer. It’s the simple things.

You’ve achieved so much, what would you like to be doing in 5 years’ time?

I’m not sure I’ve achieved anything! I guess I would like to be working less and spending a lot more quality time with the family, but I doubt retirement is on the cards any time soon!

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The

Red Fox Thornton Hough

...the outstanding feature was the staff. What a great crew.

They made our experience so enjoyable I want to send them out to other places to show how it should be done. I definitely want a return visit.

- Trip Advisor review

0151 353 2920 | www.redfox.pub The Red Fox, Liverpool Rd, Thornton Hough, Wirral, Merseyside, CH64 7TL

TOP 5 SUMMER BEERS

BY JO MILLER

British summertime. Unpredictable for all, underwhelming for some and unmanageable for the rest. The one thing that is predictable though, is that come rain or shine we’ll be lighting the BBQ and heading for our gardens or yearning for the good old British pub garden. Jo Miller, Beer Sommelier and new beer columnist for Wirral Life gives her top five-artisan summer beer picks for 2016.

Beavertown - Gamma Ray - 5.4% I just can’t seem to get enough of this beer when the sun is out. Packed full of juicy fruity aromas and enough hop bitterness to quench any thirst this is my American Pale Ale of choice. In a handy, as well as pretty can, you will be pretty popular at any summer social with a few of these in your bag. £2.50 - Ales By Mail (www.alesbymail.co.uk)

Brighton Bier Pale Ale - 4.0% Touching the little seagull emblazoned can almost transports you onto Brighton beach, not far from where this beauty is brewed. For a 4% ABV beer it packs a delightful punchy aroma. Winner of a few gold medals for brewing standards along the way this still newish brew is set to be a timeless summer classic. £2.30 - Craft Can Directory (craftcan.directory)

Brewdog - Elvis Juice - 6.5% It’s a grapefruit infused beer. That’s right I said grapefruit and beer in the same sentence, so move over Campari there is a new lip-puckering sweetheart in town and it is a stunner. It was love at first sip for me with this beer and it’ll be a firm fixture in my fridge this summer. £2.39 - Beer Hawk (www.beerhawk.co.uk) 10 wirrallife.com

Time and Tide - Root of all Evil Beetroot Hefe - 8.0% The Kent Coast is as on trend as the off the shoulder top this year and their breweries are just as lovable.

Based in Deal these guys have made one of the most interesting wheat beers on the market. Such a treat for lovers of beetroot and wheat beers in this pink, dry, crisp and sweet. A perfect sunshine drop. £3.53 - Ales By Mail (www.alesbymail.co.uk)

Budweiser Budvar Tankové Pivo - 5.0 % If you were playing Top Trumps with your beers then any beer from this brewery would be hard to beat. Now us Brits can seek out their Tankové Pivo (Tank Beer) delivered as fresh as a daisy from the hallowed cellars of the brewery. Brewed only in Southern Bohemia this lager is the epitome of cool…and not just on the mouth.

Draught at VERY selected pubs including The Viking Pub and Bakehouse, West Kirby.

Jo Miller is one the UK’s first Beer Sommeliers, founder of Nurture Brand Building (a Sales and Marketing agency specialising in drinks and retail) and part owner of the Beer Marketing Awards. Jo@nurturedrinks.com

COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH

Woodland Martini Created by Josh Bakewell, Head Bartender at Oddfellows Chester 40ml of Burleigh Gin 10ml of Sweet Vermouth (we used Cocchi Americano) 10ml of Chartreuse Shaken hard over ice A splash of Rhubarb Bitters A lime Orange peel garnish Josh says the Burleigh Gin which has botanicals from a nearby British forest, combined with the aromatic Chartreuse and the Rhubarb gives a real taste of woodland countryside in a glass! wirrallife.com 11

THE WINE CONNOISSEUR

BY CHRISTINE DOWNES

Christine Downes, Wine connoisseur and owner of Wine & Tapas bar ‘Cabovino’ in New Brighton shares her experience and expertise with Wirral Life...

A GUIDE TO WINE TASTING When tasting a wine there are three main things to consider – appearance, smell and taste.

Appearance and smell: When you open a bottle of wine always smell it, it should have a clean smell and when you pour it in to your glass it should be clear. If the wine appears dull/cloudy or has a musty, ‘wet dog’ aroma, it could well be corked, been damaged in transit or during the bottling process.

The intensity of the colour of your wine can vary from pale, medium to deep. There are many different shades of wine, a few examples are below: White wines: lemon, gold or amber Rose wines: pink or orange Red wines: purple, ruby, garnet or tawny To taste a wine, first of all have a good smell and then gently swirl the wine around the glass to add air to the wine. This releases additional flavours and aromas. Try smelling the wine again and you will get the additional flavours on the nose.

NOSE / BOUQUET: When considering the nose/bouquet of a wine, there are three areas to consider: Condition: all wines should have a clean smell (as I mentioned above).

Intensity: light, medium or pronounced.

Aromas: fruit, floral, spice, vegetal, oak.

Take a sip of wine, swirl it around your mouth and taste buds to get the full flavour of the wine. The flavour and taste of the wine is defined on the palate:

PALATE: The areas to consider when tasting a wine are: Sweetness: dry, off dry, medium, sweet Acidity: low, medium, high Tannin: low, medium, high Body: light, medium, full Flavours: fruit, floral, spice, vegetal, oak Finish: short, medium, long That’s a short introduction to wine tasting. I hope you find it useful – give it a try at home next time you fancy a tipple.

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Winery: Veuve Doussot Region: Champagne Country: France Year: N/A ABV: 12% Grape: Chardonnay Chardonnay is actually a green grape.

Having originated in Burgundy, France it is now grown all over the world. In cooler climates, Chardonnay is quite a neutral grape, with acidity and aromas of green fruits such as apples and pears.

Champagne can only be classified as such when the grapes are grown in the Champagne region and the typical grapes used are a mix of Pinot Menunier, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. This particular Champagne is classed as ‘Blanc de Blancs’, meaning it is made solely from the Chardonnay grape between Cramant and Mesnil-sur-Oger in Cote de Blancs.

The soil in this area is very chalky and full of limestone providing the grapes with delicious minerality reminiscent of Chablis.

Veuve Doussot is a light and fresh Champagne, pale lemon in colour, with aromas of white flowers and citrus following through to the palate with minerality and a fine mousse.

This particular Champagne is a firm favourite of mine. Although not a lover of Chardonnay, having tried many bad ones over the years, this Champagne offers such light and fruity flavours and I feel it’s much softer and more refined than your typical Brut champagne with mixed grapes.

Food pairing suggestion: As an aperitif, with prawns in a beurre blanc sauce or any other seafood dishes but nothing spicy.

CHRISTINE’S TOP THREE I’ve selected three different wines to talk about below, all of which are sold in the bar and are excellent examples of quality wines. Why not try something a little different from your Sauvignon Blanc or Merlot, there are so many different grape varieties to try.

Winery: Bodegas Trus Region: Ribera del Duero Country: Spain Year: 2014 ABV: 14% Grape: Tempranillo

Winery: Terra de Asorei Region: Rias Baixas Country: Spain Year: 2015 ABV: 12.5% Grape: Albarino

Tempranillo, often described as Spain’s ‘noble grape’, is a black, thick skinned grape and is the most commonly used grape in Spain. It is the main grape variety for the Rioja and Ribera del Duero wine regions which are renowned for exceptional wines. This grape is versatile in different climates and fares well when being aged in oak barrels as it picks up the flavours quickly.

Albarino is a white grape predominantly grown in Galicia in North West Spain in the province of Pontevedra. The climate has high rainfall and a moderate climate with temperatures rarely exceeding 30c and not usually dropping below 0c.

Ribera del Duero is a region in the northern plateau of the Iberian Peninsula with chalky soil and a fairly cool but changeable climate.

This wine is deep Cherry/Purple in colour with flavours of red fruits and vanilla on the nose with cherries/sour cherries to taste combined with a hint of spice, vanilla and oak on the palate. It lends itself to a smooth, long finish with medium tannin.

This wine has been aged for 6 months in oak barrels.

It is pale yellow in colour, with citrus and stone fruits on the nose such as peach which follows through to the palate with a hint of apple. A crisp, fruity wine with a long finish. This wine has been aged on the lees giving the wine a rich, full flavour. When a wine is left ‘on the lees’ it means the dead yeast cells are kept in the barrel to add yeasty flavours to the wine making it more complex.

Food pairing suggestion: Seafood, lighter salads or on its own.

Food pairing suggestion: Spanish Charcuterie and Cheese boards, tomato based dishes such as lasagne and red meat, perhaps a BBQ’d steak. wirrallife.com 13

TRY WINE TASTING AT

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• 0151 345 3232 • www.cabovino.co.uk • 84 Victoria Road, New Brighton, CH45 2JF

liverpool@fazenda.co.uk | 0151 659 1183 Unit 2, Horton House Exchange Flags, Liverpool, L2 3YL /FazendaGroup

/FazendaLiverpool

/FazendaLiverpool

Fazenda’s Executive Head Chef shares his secrets to grilling Picanha ‘Brazilian Style’ The award-winning Fazenda Bar & Grill is renowned for its mouthwatering cuts of meat and tasty traditional Brazilian dishes.

Bringing an authentic South-American dining experience to Exchange Flags, guests start their journey at the bountiful salad bar, with over 30 sides on offer including fresh vegetables, hot dishes, imported cheeses, artisan breads, cured meats and more.

Highly trained Passadores (meat chefs) then serve up a selection of freshly grilled cuts carved at your table. The restaurant offers a selection of chicken, beef, lamb and pork, with Alcatra (rump), Filet Mignon (beef tenderloin) and Frango (chicken thighs) amongst the most popular cuts.

Executive Head Chef, Francisco Martinez, is the mastermind behind the gaúcho-style restaurant’s famous meats, ensuring each dish leaves the kitchen full of flavour.

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Sharing his expertise, Francisco tells how to grill the perfect Picanha (pronounced ‘pea-can-ya’) – Fazenda’s signature cut. The tender cap of rump is guaranteed to melt in the mouth and is an extremely popular cut in the churrascarias of Southern Brazil.

Francisco says: “Picanha is a triangular cut from the top of the rump with a beautiful blanket of fat, which lends the meat flavour and juiciness. It is not a muscle that moves much during the cow’s life and so remains extremely tender.”

“In South America, when one thinks of churrasco (grilled meat), one often thinks of picanha. By the 70s, picanha became a sensation and the star of the show at any churrascaria, and today it has become symbolic as ‘authentic’ churrasco.”

Going into further detail, Francisco advises that the ideal Picanha weight is between 1.3kg-1.5kg and suggests you request an aged rump from the butcher. If you would like to enjoy the full churrasco experience, you should grill up with organic charcoal and a good BBQ – or for a simpler method, try a gas grill.

Picanha

(pronounced ‘pea-can-ya’)

Step-by-step guide: 1. Begin the process by scoring the fatty blanket in crisscross cuts, covering one side of the picanha. When cooked, fat behaves differently than meat as it loses liquid and therefore shrinks. By scoring the fat, you prevent the meat from curling while it grills.

2. Roll the pieces of picanha in coarse salt as it seals the

natural juices and goodness, nothing more needs to be added as the tradition of churrasco celebrates the natural flavours of the meat. Ensure you use coarse salt as finer versions result in a lightly salty crust.

3. Initially grill the steaks fat side-up for a few minutes, wait

until a little bit of juice leaks out of the top then grill to your desire (I use the finger poke to know if the meat is done, try and ensure that you don’t puncture the meat when grilling).

4. Remove the finished meats from the grill and tap them with the side of a knife to knock off any extra rocks of salt. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing.

5. The picanha can then be served all at once – in traditional churrascaria restaurants, all the meat is sliced and served very socially, allowing guests to choose the slices cooked suitably for them.

Fazenda

www.fazenda.co.uk/liverpool/ Horton House, Exchange Flags, Liverpool, L2 3YL For bookings, call 0151 659 1183 or email liverpool@fazenda.co.uk

W L

THE INTERVIEW The recipe is simple, the method has at times been a bit tricky but the end result has been well worth waiting for – Welcome to The Viking Pub and Bakehouse in West Kirby.

Wallasey born Simon Rimmer, 53 is a familiar face on TV, famous for hosting shows such as ‘Something for the Weekend’ and ‘Sunday Brunch’ along with being a successful restaurateur.

Tell us about yourself, did you always want to be a chef?

I graduated with a degree in fashion textile design and was a freelance designer. As a student, I’d always worked in bars and restaurants and I really enjoyed it. After 5 years of working within the creative and design industry, I decided it was time to take a change of direction. I taught myself to cook and in 1990, opened my first restaurant Greens in West Didsbury, Manchester – and I’ve never looked back!

How did the idea for The Viking come about?

Two years ago, we opened our first gastropub in Woolton, Liverpool, which was well received amongst the local community. Along with my two main business partners, Roy Ellis and Neil McLeod, who started the Revolution chain, we’ve always planned to expand our portfolio. Our philosophy is that we would look at the M56, M53, M62 corridor, so that everywhere would be accessible in about an hour. When the site came available at West Kirby, it was a no-brainer, it was perfect for us – and of course, it was great to be back in the Wirral.

What inspired the look and feel of The Viking?

West Kirby has a Viking heritage and so the name and design was an obvious choice. I wanted to ensure that The Viking had an authentic Scandinavian feel, so during the 12 months leading up to its’ launch, we had trips to Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland to ensure that this was achieved. The interior design features reclaimed timber panelling, reclaimed pitch pine floors, log burners and soft furnishings to add to the authenticity and ambiance of Scandinavia – I want all guests to have a fantastic, memorable dining and

SIMON RIMMER

BY LYNNE HAGUE

socialising experience. Personally, it is so important that the pub has a local family and community feel.

The Viking has a large dining area, public bar, a dining terrace and a function room upstairs that holds 60 people which is perfect for family celebrations, corporate events and local community events too. We’ve also got a free photo booth, a kid’s cinema room, boules court, table tennis, oh and I nearly forgot – a 25 foot Viking long boat complete with shields and oars in the garden! In fact, everything and more than you could wish for in a gastro pub.

Are you still hands on in the kitchen?

Yes definitely, I’ve been in the business for almost 30 years but I haven’t lost any enthusiasm or vision. I am passionate about my work and during busy times in the restaurant, you can expect to find me in the kitchen!

Tell us about the menu and what is your favourite dish?

When I developed the menu, I wanted to include an emphasis on fresh fish, smorgasbord’s for sharing and where possible, locally sourced products. We use Claremont Farm, Chorlton Cheese, Wirral Watercress, Appleby Farm eggs and Wirral Gin. I love all of the dishes, but if I have to choose, it would be either one of our signature dishes -pulled lamb vindaloo or marinated pork.

Tell us are you more of a red or white wine man?

Actually, at the moment, I’m a rosé man... Not your sweet sickly retro rosé but a beautiful crisp and dry little number called Rimauresq and we’ve got it in The Viking. I guarantee you will love it. (He wasn’t wrong).

Do you have any other notable projects that you are working on?

Yes of course, but I can’t go into detail about these just yet. What I can say is that you can expect to see me on TV throughout 2017 and I’m always looking forward to the next opportunity that comes along.

W L

RIVIERA RESTAURANT

by Si Hall & Nicky Rigby Smith

The Riviera restaurant is located within the wonderful 5 star Hillbark Hotel, offering a modern yet relaxed culinary experience with influences of the Côte d’Azur. The restaurant is headed by Chef Terry Davies.

for the subtle but present nutty flavour. For our large plates we opted for Loup de Mer (Fillets of Sea Bass) £18.00, Blanc de Poulet (Breast of Goosnargh Chicken) £14.00. Both dishes were accompanied with Pommes de Terre Lyonnaise (Lyonnaise Potatoes) £4.00 and Brocolis (Steamed Broccoli) £4.00.

The Riviera Restaurant is chic; a place where enjoying exquisite food in a relaxed atmosphere is the main focus.

Warmly welcomed by James Little (Restaurant Manager), he presented us with the menu and the extensive wine list, recommending a Sauvignon Blanc, Domaine de La Baume which was reasonably priced at around £20 per bottle.

Having ordered our large plates, we were joined by the restaurants’ sommelier, Duncan. He recommended a bottle of Miraval, a grenache Rose, priced at £44.00 - the vineyard owners being the world famous Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie. If you think you don’t like Rosé, think again! Excellent.

Once seated at Rory McElroy’s favourite table, we were presented with the amuse bouche. This consisted of a selection of warm breads including white truffle bread, beef tomatoes, fresh lemon, oil and seasoning - a nice Mediterranean touch. We opted to sample a number of dishes from the small and large plates menu. This offered an inspired yet simple and delicious interpretation of French Mediterranean, Ligurian and Niçoise cuisine.

With recommendations from James, we started with the small plates menu - the Salade de Crabe et Avocat (Crab & Avocado Salad) £8.00, Jambon de Pata Negra (Pata Negra Ham) £13.00 and Poulpe Finement Tranché à l’Huile de Citron (Thinly Sliced Octopus in Lemon Oil) £7.00.

Each dish was beautifully presented with a contemporary twist - the octopus was extraordinary and a real surprise for the non-fish lover in our group - as it was not fishy in the least.

The Pata Negra Ham was excellent - not overly salty and a very generous portion. James explained that the ham came from pigs fed purely on acorns, accounting 20 wirrallife.com

Large plates - the seabass was cooked to perfection buttery soft. The chicken - very moist served with a wild mushroom sauce. Both dishes were excellent.

For dessert we selected a classic Crème Brulée à la Vanille (Vanilla Creme Brûlée) £7.00, and the Sorbet de Citron avec Vodka Glacée (Lemon Sorbet with Iced Vodka) £6.00. Fromage (Cheese) £8.00, served with figs and quince jelly. Superb.

If you’ve not been then you really should. Hillbark Hotel is not just for events and weddings, it’s open to nonguests, seven days a week.

Overall, The Riviera Restaurant is excellent, set in beautiful surroundings with attentive staff, amazing food, great wines and is surprisingly brilliant value for money. The restaurant is perfect for couples, families and children... in a relaxed environment. We would highly recommend a visit anytime of the week and weekend.

Full marks.

To book call: 0151 625 2400

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THE VIKING PUB

by Si Hall & Nicky Rigby Smith

Wirral born TV Chef Simon Rimmer and his associates, Neil McCloud and Roy Ellis bring us a new exciting and quirky concept in casual drinking and dining.

To start, we selected chargrilled halloumi with chilli, lime and coriander served on fresh flatbread, accompanied with chargrilled vegetables drizzled in a lime and chilli oil; and the classic prawn cocktail dish. Both were excellent and really substantial portions.

The Viking Pub & Bakehouse is a Scandinavian twist on wholesome and hearty fayre, teamed with an excellent selection of beers, wines and cocktails. This is a place where enjoying a casual get together with the family or friends in a chilled, and spacious environment, is just what the original Wirral Vikings would have wanted.

For our mains we ordered a chicken summer salad, bursting with colour and plenty of fresh greens including broccoli, baby spinach and broad beans. We couldn’t resist the rump steak served with Viking fries, peppercorn sauce accompanied by garden peas, pancetta and crème fraiche.

Everything was cooked to perfection and really hit the spot.

Warmly welcomed by Sam (Restaurant Manager), he presented us with the menu and his recommendations.

The Viking menu is creative and varied. From pizzas to summer salads there is pretty much something for everyone.

We were seated by the open French doors overlooking the brilliant all weather ping pong table. It felt like alfresco dining in arguably one of the nicest beer gardens on the Wirral.

During our recent interview with Simon we asked whether he was a red or white wine man, and to our surprise it was a clear nod to a beautiful and somewhat familiar sounding rose, namely Rimauresq (not his own family vineyard we might add). What we got was a crisp, clean tasting quality rose wine and in our opinion is up there with the best whites. Good call Simon.

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Feeling somewhat full at this point, we decided to duck out of dessert and opted to taste the cocktail menu... The Viking offers a great range of cocktails and mocktails (non-alcoholic). We chose the Strawberry Fields and the Pornstar Martini. Delicious, smooth and refreshing on a warm sunny day, in fact, anytime whatsoever...

What’s not to like? Great food, great beer, great location, ping pong, free photo booth, mini cinema for the kids, 2 for 1 pizzas on Tuesdays which is also quiz night, etc. etc.

The Viking has it all. A great all round family pub with hearty grub.

Well done to everyone at The Viking, your time has truly cometh. See you soon.

Booking is advisable. Call: 0151 601 1888.

THE BUTCHERS CUT

BY ROB ADAMS

Butcher Rob Adams from ‘Adams of Oxton’ shares with us their special steak sandwich recipe and how to cook the perfect steak.

Enjoy!

COOKING THE PERFECT STEAK

•

The secret to the perfect steak is to start with a great product. Typically this will be from beef that has been aged for a minimum of 21 days. This allows the muscle to oxidise and ‘break down’. This results in a steak that has a great mature flavour and will be tender and juicy.

• •

The best steaks for grilling or barbecuing are: • •

Rib eye – prepared from a boneless rolled rib, with an open texture, very succulent as it is a well marbled cut. Each steak should weigh approx. 280g.

Sirloin steak – these have a firm texture and great flavour – usually cut approx. 2 -2.5cm thick.

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•

Fillet steak – this is a muscle from the inside of the rib and rump – it is extremely tender and cooks quickly especially if it is well trimmed. It is usually cut between 175g – 225g.

T–Bone – Cut from the chump end of the sirloin – it’s called after the T shape of the bone and it has the sirloin and fillet steak attached.

Flank steak – A lean flat cut, course texture with a great flavour – it marinates really well. You have to cook it really quick – but don’t overcook it or it will be tough. In restaurants this steak is sometimes called Bavette.

Skirt – ‘goose skirt ‘steak – this has a lot of marbling and well-trimmed it produces really flavourful steaks. This can only be cooked rare and then thinly sliced otherwise it can be very tough.

However you cook your steak – it is vital that you allow it to rest in a warm place for at least 10 minutes.

This allows the muscle to rest and for the juices to redistribute throughout the steak ensuring that the meat will be juicy and full of flavour.

There is a lot of mystery in cooking great steak – but it is simple if you remember some key points.

• If you are cooking it in a grill pan it needs to be near ‘white’ hot before the steak hits the pan.

• If you are cooking it on a BBQ allow the coals to be white rather than flaming up.

• Season just before cooking – or immediately afterwards (I do both).

• Limit marinade pre cooking to prevent burning.

• •

Don’t pierce the steak when cooking – use a pair of tongs.

If in doubt – always undercook a steak, you don’t want to ruin it by overcooking.

Based on a steak cut 1 inch (2.5cm) thick – I would recommend these cooking times: BLUE – 1-2 minutes each side RARE – 2-3 minutes each side MEDIUM RARE – 3-4 minutes each side MEDIUM – 4-5 minutes each side MEDIUM WELL – 5-6 minutes each side WELL DONE – 6-7 minutes each side VERY WELL DONE – 7-8 minutes each side

ADAMS ARTISAN BUTCHERS STEAK SANDWICH Serves 4 – You can use the steak of your choice – trim any back fat, they should weigh about 150g. My preference is an aged rump steak, although my personal favourite is flank steak, it is often known by it’s French name Bavette (cook flank steak quickly- don’t overcook it or it’ll be tough).

INGREDIENTS:

METHOD:

4 x 150g rump steaks trimmed of all fat Olive oil Salt Cracked black pepper 4 ciabatta rolls, split (or sour dough) 1 small red onion, peeled and very thinly sliced ¼ cucumber, thinly sliced 50g watercress (or lettuce/rocket) 50g wholegrain mustard mixed with 50g of mayonnaise

1. Remove the steaks from the fridge, 30 minutes before you cook them to allow them to lose their chill.

2. Whilst the steaks are gently losing their chill – place a thick bottomed grill pan on the stove and heat until very hot.

3. Brush the steaks lightly with a little oil and season well with the salt and pepper – place them onto the grill pan and cook to your liking.

4. Meanwhile toast the ciabatta rolls, then top the bases with onion, cucumber and watercress. Spread the mustard mayonnaise on the top.

5. Once cooked, let steaks rest for 5 minutes – slice each steak into 5. Place into ciabatta.

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ALFRESCO FEASTS ON THE GO

BY GILES GRIFFITHS - FOUNDER OF ASADO GRILLS

I love food, as most of us do. I watch Masterchef and many other cooking shows. They make it look so easy with their pre-prepared sliced onions and heated ovens but I wonder how many of us actually have followed through and made these dishes. It is almost habitual, religious, a salivation addiction, where we get off watching something amazing being created, but never having the ability or the patience to do it ourselves. Perhaps once we have seen the completed delights, we have received our fix!

However, I do like to BBQ, as they say – it’s a man thing!

The whole point for me is enjoying a few sausages and burgers with my family. The whole journey of ASADO started in Anglesey where we trialled our first rotisserie. You know, lads/dads.... when you are going to the beach for an impromptu day out and you need to keep yourself entertained with a little side project... this usually means burying someone in the sand or some such thing. For this trip I decided on something different. I secretly loaded up all my components, rotisserie motor, large instant BBQ and frame into the family car for a weekend away with our family and close friends. I told my very patient wife that I had the picnic covered. This lead to instant suspicion, after all “a man never has anything organised and leaves 90% of his life to chance”.... but on this occasion, I was somehow convincing.

Once in Beaumaris, we men went out for the groceries and gin for our wives. Over a sneaky pint, I brought my friend Leigh up to speed on my plans. The excitement had started to build. The next day everyone carried dinghies, spades, rugs the usual mountain of beach clobber along with my contraband rotisserie design stashed amongst it - to our chosen spot. The rotisserie was kept a secret because I know that my wife would have seen this as a test - that had yet to be proven with a reliable outcome, unlike the cucumber sandwiches we usually take with us. She would have visualised the whole thing going wrong and thus leaving hungry kids without a meal... literally a recipe for disaster, not the ideal barbecued lunch she’d imagined. So, Leigh and I went back to our cave man roots and we made fire! We drove the rotisserie support into the sand, got the chicken turning nicely over the hot coals of a large disposable BBQ and went off to play footie with the kids.

28 wirrallife.com

As we played, relaying our own boyhood dreams of being profootballers ‘when we grew up’, desperately trying to remember those long lost skills. We noticed that we had drifted down the beach some distance from our picnic spot over the last hour, so we thought we should get back to see how our little “side project” was working out.

As we got closer, it became apparent that there was quite a crowd gathered above our picnic area and... there were our wives chatting and laughing with this unexpected crowd. Hmm it seems that the smell of the rotisserie chicken had drawn the public in from all over, who were joking about us having our Sunday lunch on the beach. The rotisserie had been a surprise success, with the girls enjoying a moment of ‘celebrity’. The BBQ had worked and we all sat down to beautifully roasted chicken watched by a crowd of salivating onlookers (which felt a bit weird to be honest). I felt like Andy Dufresne from The Shawshank Redemption watching them drink their ‘suds’, thinking of a potentially bright future.

Leigh is now my business partner at ASADO, so the rest - as they say - is history.

Since then we have extended the range dramatically and will be bringing out a new improved rotisserie very soon. Our aim is to achieve simple, convenient cooking whether at home or away. If you have never tried a rotisserie chicken, then you have missed out big time, it’s the art of doing very little to achieve such a great taste which of course, makes you look just brilliant.

The convenience of the Instant BBQ cartridge - it fits into our modern lives perfectly and there are a few tricks of the trade to get the most out of them. Like being able to shake off the ash to reinvigorate the coal and heat. I count myself lucky to have invented a range that provides the equipment you need for impromptu BBQ’s. I wish all you Wirral Life readers a happy, hot, summer and remember, if you want a barbecue in an instant think ‘ASADO.’

Wirral Life Readers can get 25% off Asado’s brilliant range of BBQ goodies by entering the code ‘CoolBBQ’ at asado-grill.com What are you waiting for?

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THE JACKFRUIT

by Blackberry Grove’s Joanna Jones

At Blackberry Grove, we strive to bring you something for everyone - the best of both worlds - meat and vegan. The finest ingredients and produce. Tasty, imaginative and also healthy alternative dishes. One interesting ingredient which is relatively unknown to the masses is the Jackfruit.

Jackfruit or simply know as Jack is a fruit which is a species of tree in the mulberry and breadfruit family.

It is native to parts of South and Southeast Asia.

The jackfruit is composed of hundreds of individual flowers, and it is the fleshy petals that are eaten.

Ripe Jackfruit is naturally sweet, while an unripe jackfruit has a meat like taste. In common with other tropical fruits such as durian. Being rich in energy, dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins and free from 30 wirrallife.com

saturated fats or cholesterol, this makes a super healthy summer dish and all round treat to relish!

It can be purchased frozen, dried or canned either in brine (for savoury dishes) or in syrup (for sweet dishes).

As the texture of Jackfruit is similar to that of meat, here at Blackberry Grove we use it regularly as a meat substitute. The Jackfruit in brine is often called vegetarian meat and we use it in a number of different ways; our most popular Jackfruit dish is the BBQ mock pulled pork burger. We also have a starter of mock thai fishcakes and a mock chicken mayo sandwich - which when accompanied with beautiful Wirral watercress are all a delicious healthy alternative and well worth trying.

We love Jackfruit, so much in fact that even my Dad thought his chicken sandwich last week was ‘lovely’.....awesome!

BBQ Pulled Jackfruit 1 can of young green jackfruit BBQ Sauce 500ml of tomato ketchup 250ml of wholegrain mustard 1tbsp of Worcester sauce 1tsp of Chinese spice 1tsp of paprika Combine all ingredients in a saucepan using a whisk. Place on full heat for 15 minutes, whisking frequently, then remove from stove. Preheat oven to 180c. Open can and drain jackfruit. Place onto a tray with a tsp of vegetable oil and a pinch of salt. Place into the oven for 15 minutes. Remove from the oven, allow to cool, once it’s at suitable temperature, pull the jack fruit. Place pulled jack fruit into a frying pan with 2 ladles of BBQ sauce (more or less can be added depending on preference). Add a small amount of water and place pan on the stove on a high heat. Mix with a wooden spoon until piping hot. wirrallife.com 31

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W ZOOLIFE L

Montserrat tarantulas hatch in ‘world first’ at Chester Zoo A clutch of about 200 rare and unusual tarantulas has hatched at Chester Zoo - a momentous event which has never been achieved before.

Invertebrate keepers at the zoo are the first in the world to successfully breed the Montserrat tarantulas, marking a crucial step towards discovering more about the mysterious species.

Native to the Caribbean island of Montserrat, very little information is known about the tarantulas and how they live.

But now, new behavioural observations made for the first time by experts at the zoo, have revealed crucial insights about the tarantulas which, prior to their breeding, had never before been seen in zoos or in the wild.

Dr Gerardo Garcia, curator of lower vertebrates and invertebrates at Chester Zoo, said: “Breeding these tarantulas is a huge achievement for the team as very little is known about them. It’s taken a lot of patience and care to reach this point.

The data we’ve been able to gather and knowledge we’ve developed over the last three years since the adults first arrived has led us to this first ever successful, recorded breeding and hopefully these tiny tarantulas will uncover more secrets about the behaviour, reproduction and life cycle of the species.

We know that males have a very short life span when compared with females and gauging their sexual maturity to select the best possible time to put them together for mating, is vital to the breeding process.

It’s successes like this which really highlight the work that zoos are doing behind-the-scenes to conserve a range of endangered species, including the smaller, less known species that contribute to the world’s biodiversity.

Importantly, the skills and techniques the team has developed with this new breeding success will now be transferred to other threatened species”.

Montserrat tarantulas were first formally described by science from a single male over 100 years ago. Since then, a team of researchers have observed the tarantula as a prey item for another threatened species from the island, the mountain chicken frog.

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WHAT BUYERS ARE LOOKING FOR

BY STEVEN NELSON

Steven Nelson, Managing Director at Constables Estate Agents shares with us the top features that will sell your home and what buyers are looking for.

amenities so it is not surprising that a wellinsulated home and efficient boiler are priorities ahead of period features and open plan kitchens.

Preparing your home for sale or staging as it is called is important and cannot only ensure your home sells quickly; it can potentially add thousands in value.

Once a buyer has decided on their ideal location, it can often be practical features that seal the deal especially when deciding between two houses. When asked what factors buyers would pay a premium for the most common answers where proximity to work, transport links and shops, being in the catchment for good schools, closeness to green space and having good long term investment potential.

Whilst aesthetics are important to help sell your home, today’s potential buyers are often putting practical concerns ahead of aesthetics when it comes to finding their perfect home.

For buyers, the ongoing costs of running a home can be a real and expensive concern.

In a recent survey the top ten features that buyers named as the ‘must haves’ were: • • • • • • • • • •

Central Heating Double Glazing Garden Secure doors and Windows Off Road Parking Reliable broadband and mobile signal Bath tub Shops and amenities Friendly neighbours Good energy efficiency

Today’s buyer is looking for a home that is warm, efficient and well connected to

When it comes to selling it is important to know your target market and highlight the key features, for example if you have three bedrooms you will appeal to the family market so point out the closeness to schools or parks. If you have a two bedroom city centre apartment that would appeal to a professional couple let them know how close transport links are or how efficient the apartment is to run. If your property has the potential to extend, highlight how value could be added in the future - making the property a good long term investment.

In today’s market, sellers have to be ahead of the competition and it is important to grab a buyer’s attention and stand out!

wirrallife.com 37

BEST PROPERTIES OVER £750K EDITOR’S CHOICE

Red Latches, Kings Drive, Caldy. £1,995,000

Occupying an elevated position with sensational panoramic views across the Dee Estuary towards the Welsh Hills, Red Latches is a substantial eight bedroom detached residence in the prestigious area of Caldy.

A home of immense proportions designed to fully encapsulate the stunning views and flooded with an abundance of natural light with a south westerly aspect.

Offered for sale with no onward chain. In brief the accommodation comprises a welcoming reception hall, three generous reception rooms all with original features, large well fitted breakfast kitchen with utility room off and a cloakroom. To the first floor you have four good sized bedrooms, shower room, bathroom and separate W.C. This level also boasts separate accommodation with a lounge/ bedroom eight, kitchen/diner, two bedrooms and a shower room. To the second floor there is a spacious landing/office and large bedroom. This superb home further benefits from a long sweeping driveway and detached double garage.

The aforementioned gardens are truly stunning, beautifully landscaped with manicured lawns, patio areas and mature well stocked borders.

Contact Move Residential for more information on 0151 342 0999

38 wirrallife.com

Pine Ridge, Column Road, West Kirby. ÂŁ969,950

Extensive family residence! This five bedroom detached family home has been carefully renovated by the current owners to give the property a contemporary edge - yet keeping hold of it’s character and charming embrace.

Upon approach the property is set back from the road via a long drive and is marooned by private gardens that are shielded by mature trees to all sides. Running throughout the whole of the ground floor is under floor heating which again helps with the modern dĂŠcor and fittings, yet making the property warm and cosy.

For the large family, there are three comfortable sized reception rooms with an open flowing kitchen/diner.

At one end of the ground floor is a newly built annex above the double garage. There is a heated swimming pool that boasts resistant spa jets, to help all the comprehensive swimmers out there. For all the ecofriendly buyers you will be pleased to know it is also run by solar panels that actually create enough energy to warrant a reimbursement from the National Grid.

Just beyond the pool room is a gym, sauna and shower room. On the first floor there are five double bedrooms including the one in the annex, two of which have en-suite shower rooms. The main bathroom consists of a four piece suite.

Contact Karl Tatler for more information on 0151 625 9300

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BEST PROPERTIES UNDER £750K EDITORS CHOICE

Fairways, Blakely Road, Raby Mere £385,000 An imposing family home, ideally located and set with mature gardens and woodland aspect to the front. The accommodation is spacious and free flowing with the main living area enjoying an abundance of natural light and vaulted ceilings. This truly needs to be seen to be appreciated.

Contact Brennan Ayre O’Neill on 0151 343 9060

Benty Heath Lane, Willaston £650,000 Gypsy Corner is a most attractive, individually designed property that has been extended to create very spacious and well-planned accommodation that retains many character features. The property is surrounded by private established gardens. A welcoming entrance hallway leads to a dining room and large living room with an open fire and feature bay windows. To the first floor there are five bedrooms; the master has a dressing room and ensuite and there is also a family bathroom.

Contact Constables on 0151 353 1333

40 wirrallife.com

BEST NEW BUILD PROPERTIES EDITORS CHOICE

Eastham Green, Bridle Road, Wirral £349,995 or £279,996 with Help to buy The Berrington Plot 17 - A wonderful four bedroom detached family home. The ground floor comprises a spacious lounge and a stunning open plan kitchen, dining and family room. Both the lounge and kitchen benefit from French doors leading to the rear garden.

Upstairs you will find the family bathroom with it’s very own separate shower and four double bedrooms with the master bedroom benefiting from an ensuite shower room and fitted sliding wardrobes. The garage with additional storage space and driveway parking for two cars completes this superb property.

Contact Bloor Homes on 0151 909 4702

West Vale, Neston £249,950. (last one remaining) This semi detached property has been constructed to the highest specification with impeccable attention to detail and high quality fittings throughout. This stunning home is ideal for modern living with a large open plan living space incorporating the kitchen that opens out to the rear garden. There is a separate reception room, utility room, and cloakroom on the ground floor and upstairs there are three bedrooms and a stylish bathroom and en-suite. The property occupies a fantastic sized private plot and at the rear there is a large lawned garden and paved patio area.

At the front there is a tarmac driveway providing off road parking for several vehicles.

Contact Constables on 0151 353 1333

W L

THE W L INTERVIEW

Life of an interior designer with Kate Kingston.

Kate Kingston tells Nicky Rigby-Smith about her life as an interior designer, why she loves her job and top trends for 2017

I

nterior Designer Kate Kingston is Managing Director of Kingston Shaw Ltd, an Interior Design company with offices on the Wirral, London and Dubai.

I am very lucky to be able to perform a job I love, in an industry I am passionate about, with people who I adore. Born on the Wirral, I went to boarding school in North Wales, lived in Paris, Los Angeles and London and I’m crazy about travelling, English breakfast tea and cashmere.

How and why did you get into the design industry?

I was living in Los Angeles at age 19, clueless and directionless, as a ‘punishment’, yes punishment - I was sent to Palm Springs to organise the refurbishment of our family house. Kicking and screaming I dragged myself to the desert, realising the quicker I got the project done, the quicker I could return to my life in LA. During the process of co-ordinating the furnishings and deliberating on the paint colours etc, it occurred to me that I could move walls and change the size, shape and orientation of any space I wanted and it began to fascinate me. I also quickly realised my limitations and it was there and then that I decided that I wanted to be an interior designer and looked into where I could study the subject and learn what I knew I lacked. I discovered the Inchbald School of Interior Design in London and informed my Father that this is where I wanted to go

42 wirrallife.com

and this is what I wanted to do - I think he was just delighted that I had found a direction and so supported my endeavour. I studied at the Inchbald for three years and learnt everything from how the history of fashion and art have influenced the interiors of our homes and public spaces to how to install a socket, space plan and take a detailed brief from a client. Armed with my newly garnered education and the naivety of youth, I returned to Los Angeles to start my first company Kingston Interiors.

Can you remember your first design project?

Strictly speaking my first project was the Palm Springs house, but my first paid project through my company was for a lovely family who lived in Bel Air who wanted to refurbish their Living Room and Library.

I remember working for hours on the presentation, cutting out items in magazines and books for the mood boards. Trawling around interiors and fabric shops for days, (no internet in those days), hand drawing the perspectives and layouts - frankly today it is so much easier, but I still insist that all presentation material has a personal touch. The clients loved the designs and were happy with the costs, so I won the job and implemented it on time and on budget, something I am still proud of today - my first clients are still my clients. I have had the privilege of watching their family grow and change and now I help their children with their houses!

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What are some of your most popular projects?

Because of the nature of our clients we do not ever directly discuss specific projects, but what I will say is that some of the more challenging projects have been the most rewarding. When you commit to a design and convince a client that it is right for them and then see it implemented it is an amazing feeling to watch their reaction.

I adore working on large open plan spaces that encompass family living, in particular ‘zoning spaces’ without using walls, so by using colour, art or different flooring.The projects that really let my imagination go to town are the projects where the client has a very particular aesthetic which allows me to exceed their expectations.

As a company we are known for our contemporary, colour forward designs, which lend themselves to commercial spaces, restaurants and hotels. Inspiration always strikes in the most unusual places, I can be in the supermarket and be struck by two colours on packaging and translate that into a design for a new rug. Nature is also a big inspiration; she never gets her colours wrong or her mix of materials. My biggest inspiration is travel, whenever I travel I am journaling from the moment I get to the airport - you have no idea how many design ideas I have had from the outfits people travel in!

44 wirrallife.com

What do you love about being a designer?

Design, like any creative endeavour is about communication and interpretation, as a designer it is a privilege to be invited into someone’s home or business and given the responsibility of transforming their space, that is my favourite element of being a designer. I am fascinated by the relationship we as humans have with our personal spaces and what we choose to show about our personalities and traits through design.

You may not know it but the colour that you choose to paint your front door can tell you a lot about a person!

Think about your front door and what it says about you, it’s colour condition and style, what does it portray about you as a person, are you a happy, colourful neat freak with your hot pink door or a thoroughly modernist and controlled individual with a dark grey door with chrome fittings?

Along with being a designer I am also a business owner and part of the business community, this is an element which satisfies the other part of my brain. I have successfully run three businesses and find the busier I am the more productive I am. Co-ordinating and merging the two aspects of my life allows me never to be bored, always challenged and always in need of a cup of tea!

How would you describe your design style?

I would describe my style as contemporary and eclectic, but every project we embark on as a company has an element of originality about it, because our clients are individual and original. When I first started Kingston Shaw we left a surprise gift for every client and sometimes they saw it immediately or sometimes it takes them months to spot it, but you would have to be one of our clients to know what the gift is…..

Is there anything exciting that you are working on at the moment that you can tell us about?

We are excited to announce that we are just about to embark on a new hotel project in the South of France and a large residential project in Cheshire.

What colours, textures and furniture pieces do you love the most?

I have always had a desire to own a Flos Sky Garden, I love the design and would want a space big enough to hang 7 of them. I will always wear black until they develop a deeper colour! I love the feel of cashmere and would die for a handmade Savoir bed.

What is the most frustrating aspect of your job as a designer? And the most rewarding one?

The most frustrating part of our industry and possibly every other industry is logistics, having to rely on other

people getting their job right. One slip in the supply chain and a project could be held up for weeks; ensuring that you are dealing with likeminded individuals can be frustrating. Without a doubt the most rewarding aspects of my role is working with my fabulous team and exceeding our client’s expectations.

Describe what you are going through (feeling and thoughts) on your way to work.

A little secret, I love travelling to and back from work for no other reason than I get to sing at the top of my voice without embarrassment and or comment!

If you had no limits, what would you create?

I would create a recording studio in Italy (already working on it).

In your opinion, which will be the top trends in interior design for 2017?

Interiors follow fashion, and are influenced by politics!

Next year you will see tweeds and twills, strong country colours camels, olive greens and purples. The design will be pared back and possible austere and don’t be surprised if you see the comeback of chintz!!!

Describe yourself in three words.

Outgoing, spontaneous and creative (I asked my team, I am far too modest to comment). wirrallife.com 45

THE ENGLISH COUNTRY GARDEN

BY MARK SCOTT, GORDALE

The quintessential English country garden is admired by gardeners all over the world.

Bursting with colour and oozing with charm and character - it is easy to get the essence of this style in your own garden.

Plenty of herbaceous perennials such as foxglove, rudbeckia, salvia, dahlias planted in groups of 3 can give stunning summer colour to your borders. English lavender and heritage roses from renowned English grower David Austin are also a must have.

Cover your fences and walls with stunning climbing plants such as award winning Raymond Evison clematis and create the perfect retreat with a garden bench or elegant bistro set – perfect for afternoon tea!

Traditional tool store – modern twist: available in 3 colours as well as natural. £199

English Lavender from £8.99

David Austin Gertrude Jekyll® (Ausbord) Roses from £17.99

Chester Weave Bistro set by 4Seasons Outdoor £699

Zephyr solar garden lantern £19.99

Weber MasterTouch charcoal kettle BBQ £269

Alexander Rose Traditional Hardwood Bench from £375

Cashmere Cast Aluminium Garden Furniture from Supremo £249-£1450

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The ESSE Fire Stone, available from Hot Stuff Stoves, is a stunning outdoor oven that can cook delicious, wood-fired pizzas in as little as two minutes. Enjoy great food, in the great outdoors, from a Great British oven!

Why not come along to our next cookery demonstration to see the Fire Stone in action?

Simply call: 0151 632 1610 to find out more and reserve your place. Our collection also includes fire pits, barbecues, charcoal, camping cookers and seasoned fuel.

Wonderful woodburners, glorious gas stoves and more multi-fuel models than you can shake a stick at.

Visit the Hot Stuff showroom to explore the complete collection of hand-built ESSE stoves. We also offer a beautiful range of stove accessories including companion sets, log baskets, coal buckets, log stores and stove-cleaning products. Order your new stove before the end of September and receive a free fuel starter kit and companion set!

Simply quote *ESSE Earlybird*.

hot stuff stoves

hot stuff stoves

teL: 0151 632 1610 | www.hotstuffstoves.com

92 Market st, hoylake, Wirral, Ch47 3BD.

VISIT OUR STUNNING SHOWROOm FOR A TRUly WARm WElcOmE

Stove Advice. Get it while it's hot!

Gavin Scott of Hot Stuff Stoves, Hoylake, is a

specialist in all things stove related. With more than 20 years' experience designing, manufacturing and installing fires, stoves and cookers, Gavin is well placed to advise on the 'hottest' heating solutions.

During my 20 year career I have seen all aspects of the stove industry. I've been proud to win national awards for design, including 'Best Fireplace of the Year' three times.

My stove designs are still currently very popular in America and are available in more than 60 outlets.

When I decided, several years ago, to move away from manufacturing my own designs to open a stove showroom - there was only one brand I trusted enough to supply exclusively.

I had a strong relationship with ESSE and was even asked to undertake some designs for them. The decision to become a specialist 'ESSE Centre' was a simple one as the precision engineering and impressive technology of these British-made stoves made all installations trouble free.

As well as residential work, we have undertaken several restaurant/bars including the award-winning Art School restaurant (Liverpool), The Albert’s Schloss (Manchester) and most recently Simon Rimmer's latest venture The Viking Pub and Bakehouse in West Kirby.

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As an exclusive ESSE Centre, our showroom houses an extensive range of solid fuel and gas stoves, range cookers, firewalls and The Firestone. All stoves within the range are approved for burning in a smoke control zone, which is essential for Wirral.

We are very excited to have the brand new ESSE 100 KC on display in our showroom. (The only one on show in the country at the moment!) This contemporary longlegged stove is available in gunmetal or black and is compatible with the ESSE auto-ignition system. It has decorative layered fins above the fire door and can be ordered as a 5kW or 8kW version. In my opinion, this stunning new stove is going to become one of our biggest sellers this year.

My other favourite product in the range (especially at this time of year) is the Fire Stone cook stove. We used this at our last showroom event in June to cook pizzas, which went down a treat. It never fails to deliver the most amazing wood-fired food.

If you'd like to see our cookers in action, why not come along to our next event? Email kate@hotstuffstoves.com and we'll put you on the invite list, where you'll be first to hear about any upcoming cookery demonstrations.

In the meantime, please feel free to drop in to our unique showroom; you're sure of a warm welcome!

Kate Darroch and Gavin Scott.

SPECIAL WIRRAL LIFE READER OFFER! Get a FREE Fuel Starter Kit and Companion set when you order your stove in September.

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Claire House helps families smile again when life couldn’t get any tougher.

Claire House Children’s Hospice helps seriously and terminally ill children live life to the full by creating wonderful experiences and bringing back a sense of normality to family life, by providing specialist nursing care and emotional support.

Debi, mum to Alex and Oscar explain’s how Claire House is supporting her family.

When Alex was born in 1993, my husband Nimal and I were a high-flying career couple - Nimal was a surgeon and I was a nurse. That all changed when Alex was starved of oxygen during labour. Alex now suffers from cerebral palsy, blindness and epilepsy.

He needs care 24/7.

My career came to an abrupt end so I could care for my son. Nimal made an incredibly difficult decision to walk away from his dream of being a surgeon. He wanted to be the best Dad he could to Alex and I needed his support too.

A year later, Oscar was born and is a wonderful brother to Alex. But then my sister died suddenly aged 40. With very little family support nearby, we were left to look after the boys alone. Nimal at one point worked five jobs to provide all the equipment needed for Alex and maintain a happy balanced family life for us all.

Aged 15 years, Alex was introduced to Claire House, he had an assessment and was offered 21 nights a year respite care.

The very first time we stayed as a family was more than memorable but also life changing. We had

never been apart from Alex, even during his many long periods in hospital we never left his side.

Our first weekend in Claire House was lovely, homely and welcoming, like being amongst one big family unit. At lunch time, we sat together chatting with other children, carers & parents.

During that visit, Nimal and I fell asleep after lunch in the Parents Room upstairs and I remember rushing down, wracked with guilt that I wasn’t with Alex & Oscar. But we were greeted by smiling Oscar and giggling Alex, they were being well looked after.

Eventually, we had our first trip out without Alex.

After a lot of persuasion, we went for a meal. It was tasteless because I was so worried about Alex, but when we got back to Claire House he was completely fine. We then had our first full night’s sleep in 15 years!

Hospices are seen as a place to end your life in comfort and with support, but people don’t realise hospices like Claire House are so much more. They are a lifeline, giving on-going support to families, children and young adults like Alex. Alex donated his 16th and 18th birthday money to Claire House and we have remembered the hospice in our Will.

Please consider gifting in your Will to Claire House.

It doesn’t need to be a huge amount, it’s the thought that counts. If everyone supports this wonderful place it will continue to support families like ours for years to come.

BEAUTY STYLE

BY CARLA KELLY

Photographer: Colin McMahon Photography

THE CRAYON TREND

I am so excited to welcome you all to my page, where I will be talking all things beauty and makeup. I want to give our readers a snippet of what looks are the current and latest trends, new products and how to be a step ahead by knowing what’s coming next.

So we’ve all heard of the buzzwords such as contouring, strobing and even baking!! Well forget those because we now bring you the ‘Crayon’ trend!

To find out exactly what this is, we spoke to Thomas Jack [Instagram] @thomasjackmakeup, who is an industry makeup artist and lives in New Brighton. Thomas is also an events artist where he gets to work backstage at fashion week and has some inside info on all the latest trends!!

Thomas says the ‘Crayon’ trend is where you apply eyeshadow in 1 or 2 similar bright colours all over the eye blending it upwards towards the brow or if this is too daring for you, try simple flicked lines and a bright colour on the lower lash line. This look is all about a bright block of colour.

TIP: Using Mac ‘Electric Eel’ eyeshadow The trick is not to place the shadow perfectly and the best tool to use is the MAC 217 brush. This brush is perfect to pack on colour while also blending it out.

Right now the festival season is here and wearing bold colours and body art are not only acceptable but encouraged and can be seen everywhere. So ditch the dull and drab and go straight for that bright blue mascara as like most trends we won’t be able to get away with it for long!

And speaking of bold colours, recently it was National Lipstick day. A whole day dedicated to wearing our lippy with pride, experimenting with colours and perfecting those pouts.

To help our readers get into the Lipstick spirit, I am excited to introduce to you, my guest artist and the queen of lipstick herself, Karla Powell.

Karla Powell is an award-winning artist and recently toured the UK teaching her sold-out Lip Art Workshops. If there’s anyone who can teach a granny how to suck eggs this is the gal...!

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INTRODUCING HUDA BEAUTY Hollywood Makeup artist and international blogger Huda Beauty has taken the beauty world by storm and has recently launched her new eyelash range at harrods.com. She has also provided a super-simple guide to applying and removing false lashes in an exclusive video available to watch on the Harrods website. We have managed to get our hands on 5 pairs of these lashes which retail at around £18 each and we are giving them away to our lucky readers. To enter the competition email your details to: hello@wirrallife.com. Closing date is 30th September 2016.

Makeup Artist: Karla Powell Model: Ryo Love Photographer: Alex Kee Retoucher: The Beauty Retoucher

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Makeup Artist: Carla Kelly Model: Caprice Johnson Photographer: William Clark Photography

MAKE LIPSTICK REALLY LAST

BY CREATING A SMOOTH CANVAS FOR YOUR PERFECT POUT by Karla Powell LIP PREP IS A MUST

ALWAYS LINE YOUR LIPS

Exfoliation ensures removal of dead skin cells and flaky skin, leaving behind soft and smooth lips. Exfoliate at least 2 times a week with a homemade or store brought lip scrub. Use a soft toothbrush or damp wash cloth to rub over the lips for some extra exfoliation.

Pay special attention to your cupid’s bow and fill colour into the lips for added definition and drama. Perfecting perfect lined lips is like demarcating, it keeps the lipstick from smudging. And filling in basically helps the colour last longer by acting as a base. Apply two coats of lipstick for even coverage. Dab lightly with a tissue to remove any excess colour.

KEEP LIPS HYDRATED Lip balms and conditioners help keep the lips well moisturised and protected. Apply a lip balm or a natural oil like coconut oil to seal in moisture and help your lip colour go on more even & smooth.

DO YOU WANT A NEW LIPSTICK SHADE TO TRY OUT EVERYDAY? Simply mix two lipsticks together! Invest in a nude matte lipstick and keep it with you forever, then mix any dark shade and the nude shade together.

HENNA GLAM Recently the Henna and Mehndi style body art has taken the festival trend by storm ever since Beyoncé debuted her Bollywood styled self in Coldplay's Hymn for the Weekend video and then posted her Mehndi on Instagram. Now women are going Henna crazy! Natural Henna comes from the Henna plant, and creates a reddish coloured stain and fades over 2 -3 weeks. But for those like myself that would prefer a more temporary solution, you could try an amazing product which I have been using for years called ‘HennaGlam’. It is not absorbed by the skin, is water resistant and lasts for days if you want it to.

This comes in a range of colours including the popular black which is an amazing alternative to the "white henna" craze.

Henna Glam can be bought at www.hennabyshagufta.com 58 wirrallife.com

To book your Custom Blonde colour visit andrewcollinge.com

Custom

Blondes

FESTIVAL STYLE

by Andrew Collinge

British summer time is underway and festival season has officially begun.

Whether you’re braving the British weather or heading to an overseas festival, you’ll need a hairstyle that’s carefree, playful and adaptable to adverse weather conditions.

We give you our top 3 style tips for perfect festival hair this summer.

BRAIDS Braids are top of the style file for many this summer, and whilst celebrities such as Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne have helped braids soar in popularity, we’ve also seen brands including TIGI run braid bars at festivals such as Coachella.

Working a braid into your look doesn’t have to be complicated and whilst a full braided crown looks great, simple plaits are a casual alternative that can be great for controlling unwashed hair.

HAIR ACCESSORIES Flower crowns are out this season, however, hair accessories have had their fair share of exposure on the catwalk. Colourful headbands, ribbons and hair clips can all act as simple tools to transform any style and whether your hair is long, short, curly or straight, it’s time to get creative.

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LOOSE WAVES For those that prefer to keep hair loose and feminine, Dry Shampoo should be the top of your festival shopping list. CO by Andrew Collinge Dry Shampoo is great for absorbing natural oils between shampoos and will add texture and fullness to unwashed hair. Lack of electricity at a festival may rule out hair wands and curling tongs, however, a quick way to add texture and waves to your hair is to braid or plait the hair prior to arrival. Once taken out, shake the hair to loosen curls, spray with hairspray and you’re ready to go.

For more hair tips, follow @andrew_collinge on Twitter.

BAGS OF STYLE FROM HOUSE OF FRASER

From fringing and tassels to leather and suede, these are this seasons best bags to watch out for...

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1. Radley Bag £189 2. Linea Bag £45 3. Biba Chain Bag £75 4. Biba Eloize Tote Bag £99 5. Label Lab Bag £85 6. Label Lab Bag £110 7. Biba Bag £79 8. Linea Freya Bowler £45

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THE BLOSSOM WATCH COLLECTION FROM BOODLES

For the first time, the British family owned jeweller Boodles is delighted to extend it’s fine jewellery offering, delving into new realms with the introduction of The Boodles Watch.

Now available in all Boodles showrooms, the Boodles Watch is available in three different sizes, with a 28 or 37 mm case and available with or without a diamonds. The strap has been created using the finest, ethically sourced alligator leather.

Individually created by hand in Bienne, Switzerland, The Boodles Watch fuses the finest craftsmanship with the very best of British design from Boodles Head of Design, Rebecca Hawkins.

Specifications:

During the creative process Rebecca used one of Boodles most popular and iconic jewellery collections, Blossom, as her inspiration. In addition, she says ‘we wanted to stay true to what Boodles is known for, and this is of course jewellery. The new watch is delicate and feminine, and combines diamonds, mother of pearl, white and rose gold to create what we believe to be a truly special, as well as functional, piece of high jewellery’.

Whereas the original jewellery collection pared the blossom flower down to its essence and focused purely on the stylised motif of a single flower, the watch layers this motif to create an asymmetrical, diamond set pattern. The overall effect of the design is enhanced by the iridescence of the mother of pearl dial, which takes its cue from the shimmer of the fine silk thread used in oriental fabrics, the original inspiration for the Blossom motif.

In creating this watch Boodles has revisited its heritage, taking inspiration from William Wainwright one of the company’s original founders who designed and created his own pocket watches almost exactly 150 years ago!

Boodles chairman, Nicholas Wainwright says ‘We are very excited about launching our first ever Boodles Watch. It is something that we have wanted to do for a long time now, but this year we finally felt the time was right. My GreatGreat-Great Uncle William Wainwright designed and created two of his own pocket watches in 1865 therefore we are following in his footsteps…’

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• Created using 18ct white and rose gold.

• Ethically sourced alligator leather straps.

• The dials are engraved natural mother of pearl and set with diamonds.

• The 37 mm full set diamond watch contains 403 diamonds totalling almost three carats.

• The smaller 28 mm watch contains 350 diamonds totalling almost two carats.

• The watches use the finest quality diamonds: D-F colour and IF-VVS clarity.

• The glass is synthetic sapphire crystal and glare-proofed on both sides.

• Watch crown set with a briolette diamond.

• Water resistant up to 30 metres.

8603RW Blossom Full Bloom Watch. £29,750

8600RW Blossom Full Bloom Watch. £22,500

8603WB Blossom Full Bloom Watch. £29,750

8604RW Blossom Early Bloom Watch. £12,500

8600WW Blossom Full Bloom Watch. £22,500

8602WB Blossom Mid Bloom Watch. £14,950

For further information and to arrange a viewing, please call 0151 227 2525.

Contact: Paul Holmes at Boodles House, Lord St, Liverpool L2 9SQ www.boodles.com

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TIFFANY & CO. PRESENTS THE 2016 BLUE BOOK COLLECTION

THE ART OF TRANSFORMATION The editorial team at Wirral Life were delighted to hear that Tiffany & Co had launched a new collection - and we couldn’t wait to find out more.

The D colour, internally flawless 8.56-carat centre stone, framed with baguette and round diamonds; and a 10.25-carat stone in diamond-encrusted platinum are but two of the spectacular rings in Blue Book.

The Tiffany & Co. Blue Book collection highlights the evolution of a 179-year legacy of glamour and style.

Collectors and connoisseurs covet Blue Book for its fancy colour diamonds, as well. Tiffany Yellow Diamonds radiate like the sun that renews all life.

Its warmth and limitless energy are reflected in rings with a 2.16-carat Fancy Intense Yellowish Green diamond and a 4.13-carat Fancy Yellow Green diamond with white diamond baguettes.

The sun shines too in a pendant’s 22.11-carat yellow sapphire, with white diamonds swirling around it like clouds. Other vibrant-colour gemstones capture an ever-changing spectrum with tanzanites, tourmalines, aquamarines and diamonds.

Magnificent jewels are its symbol—and Blue Book its greatest showcase. For 2016, Tiffany turns this celebrated collection into an exploration of nature—and The Art of Transformation.

The jewellery is the vision of design director Francesca Amfitheatrof, who utilises the finest diamonds and colourful gemstones to capture the brilliant world that unfolds in nature and in one breathtaking moment, bursts into an extraordinary beauty.

“In this collection, we are taking you on a journey through nature. From the deep ocean, we float to the edge of the water where stillness reigns. In this world, cocooned in calm, transformation occurs.

Life changes, and nature reaches to the surface and takes its first breath of air. It’s a story about evolution and all that is possible in silence and peace, where nature plays its magic and creates the mysteries of the world we live in.”

Tiffany diamonds are among the most sought-after of these treasures. They are even more alluring in virtually invisible settings that maximize movement and play of light. Master stonecutters and setters create a wide, flexible bracelet with streams of round diamonds that flow around square-cut and pear-shape stones. Beautifully matched for colour and clarity, the diamonds release an electrifying sparkle.

The artisans’ skill in mounting diamonds in ring settings underscores a tradition of craftsmanship that continues to produce the ultimate in luxury.

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In a statement of Tiffany craftsmanship, a triplerow necklace of lush green and blue stones circles upward, with a 52.80-carat aquamarine drop. More gemstones are mounted in lavish cocktail rings with diamonds and platinum. Like the forces of nature they are, a 6.70-carat emerald, 28.08-carat pink spinel, 20.43-carat sapphire and 19.99-carat green tourmaline unleash rich, saturated colour.

These mesmerizing hues are intensified by exquisite cuts and settings that lead the eye deep into the stones.

Blue Book also features brilliant creatures that evolve in myriad and wondrous ways. Among these creations are a trio of starfish in a cuff of diamonds, sapphires and tsavorites; an Octopus of diamond tentacles surrounding an outsize baroque pearl; and earrings of emerald-cut tanzanites that anchor fanciful fish of green tourmalines.

Collected in the 2016 Blue Book, these consummate jewels are in harmony both with nature and Tiffany’s unparalleled design heritage.

For additional information, please visit Tiffany.com

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• There are 200 pieces in the 2016 Blue Book.

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$80 million is the value of the collection.

15 different colours of diamonds in the series 30: Different stone cuts.

52.8 weight in carats, is the largest stone, an aquamarine set in a triple-row necklace.

• The price of the Blue Book’s most expensive piece is $15 million, a design comprising a 40.22-carat internally D-flawless diamond pendant on a diamond-and-platinum necklace.

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Introducing the Patek Philippe World Time Chronograph 5930 A rare combination long awaited by collectors and aficionados this new World Time Chronograph Ref. 5930 presents a combination of two long-standing Patek Philippe specialties that true connoisseurs so far have seen only in a single piece from the 1940s. This debut will delight many collectors and enthusiasts of top-tier timepieces. Patek Philippe World Time watches are among the most coveted timepieces in their category.

To date, only a single Patek Philippe World Time Chronograph is known, a one-of-a-kind piece crafted over 70 years ago and it probably belonged to a physician.

With the Ref. 5930, Patek Philippe is now adding the World Time Chronograph as a new member to its regular collection, upgrading it to the 21st-century state of the art. This is an ambitious venture, because the watch and chronograph mechanisms have become more precise but also more complex.

Each new Patek Philippe watch is subjected to months of painstaking tests to verify its long-term dependability and rate accuracy. The new World Time Chronograph Ref. 5930 passed these tests hands down.

The chronograph movement and the World Time mechanism were enhanced with extensive modifications so it can legitimately be called a new movement. It embodies everything that belongs to Patek Philippe's proud watchmaking heritage while featuring technical and functional innovations that make it a latest-generation movement.

All the time in the world The World Time Chronograph has a moving city disk with place names that each represent one of the 24 international time zones as well as a moving 24-hour ring on which the time is indicated for the city that stands directly above it. The World Time function is also very easy to use: The hour and minute hands indicate the time in the city and time zone whose name is shown at 12 o'clock. When travelling from one -time zone to the next, pressing the corrector button at 10 o'clock advances the 68 wirrallife.com

city disk and the 24-hour ring counter-clockwise in one-hour steps as well as the hour hand clockwise, also in one-hour steps.

All displays at a glance A look at the dial shows how seamlessly the complications are integrated.

The outermost display element in blue lists the 24 city names that each represent an entire time zone. It has been updated with new cities for some time zones – for instance Dubai instead of Riyadh or Brisbane instead of NoumÊa.

Mechanical complexity and sleek elegance.

The new Ref. 5930 presents itself with a classic round case in 18K white gold. It features the same winglet-style strap lugs and needless to say, the case is endowed with a sapphire-crystal display back that reveals the stunning beauty and flawless finish of the movement.

It has bright numerals on a dark background and a moon symbol for the nocturnal hours and dark numerals on a bright background and a sun symbol for the daylight hours. The design is not only artistic but also assures optimized legibility.

The new Patek Philippe World Time Chronograph Ref. 5930 launches in 2016 in a version with a white-gold case and a blue, hand-guilloche dial centre. It is worn on a hand-stitched matt navy blue alligator strap with large square scales to match the dial. An 18K white-gold Calatrava fold-over clasp keeps the watch comfortably secured to the wrist.

You never actually own a Patek Philippe.

You merely look after it for the next generation.

ALL THE TIME IN THE WORLD AVAILABLE FROM BOODLES, LORD STREET, LIVERPOOL

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INTRODUCING MR. BURBERRY THE NEW FRAGRANCE FOR MEN Inspired by Burberry’s iconic black trench coat and by London.

The Mr. Burberry fragrance captures the essence of London, a city of great contrasts and contradictions – traditional yet irreverent, elegant without being pristine.

The Mr. Burberry bottle is inspired by the black trench coat and its signature design details. Together, the fragrance and the bottle combine to encapsulate Mr. Burberry: the man and the world he lives in. Mr. Burberry was created by Chief Creative and Chief Executive Officer Christopher Bailey, working in collaboration with renowned perfumer Francis Kurkdjian.

A grooming line and a collection of ready-to-wear pieces and accessories will be released as part of the launch. The Mr. Burberry campaign was shot in London by Oscar and Turner Prize-winning British director Steve McQueen in his first commercial film, and features British actor and musician Josh Whitehouse and British model and actress Amber Anderson.

The soundtrack was created by British singer-songwriter Benjamin Clementine.

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“Contemporary yet classically British “Contemporary yet in its structure, Mr. classically British in its structure, Burberry radiates Mr. Burberry modern and radiates modern masculine sensuality.” and masculine FRANCIS sensuality.”

Francis Kurkdijan, KURKDJIAN, Perfumer.

PERFUMER

THE FRAGRANCE

A sensual herbal woody eau de toilette, Mr. Burberry fuses classic scents of British perfumery with unexpected ingredients.

Contemporary, sophisticated and sensual, the fragrance opens with notes of crisp zesty grapefruit, cut with a seductive base of earthy vetiver and smokey guaiac wood.

TOP: GRAPEFRUIT, TARRAGON, CARDAMOM Sensual and elegant with a striking brightness, Mr. Burberry sets the tone with uplifting grapefruit. Establishing a halo of masculinity that permeates through the fragrance, the introduction of cardamom contributes complexity and sophistication with its spicy facet.

HEART: BIRCH LEAF, NUTMEG OIL, CEDAR WOOD A broad and robust heart centres Mr. Burberry, its classic fougère structure uniquely remastered into a thoroughly contemporary creation. An accord of birch leaf warms the core while cedar wood provides power and balance to the livelier top notes.

BASE: VETIVER, GUAIAC WOOD, SANDALWOOD The light and luminous base is a celebration of vetiver’s vibrant allure. Layered with guaiac wood, it graduates into a richly smokey scent without ever compromising its clean, earthy codes. Mr. Burberry captures the essence of London, a city of great contrasts. Traditional yet irreverent, elegant without being pristine, it perfectly encapsulates a mood and an attitude that today’s Burberry man will recognise as his own.

THE BOTTLE

The bottle is inspired by the iconic black trench coat and its signature design details. Bold and masculine, the weighted cap references horn-look buttons, while a hand-tied knot in English-woven black gabardine sits around the neck, celebrating the innovative fabric invented by Thomas Burberry more than 100 years ago. Customers will be able to personalise their 100ml or 150ml Mr. Burberry bottle with up to three initials through monogramming service available on Burberry.com and selected Burberry and wholesale stores.

THE WARDROBE

Fusing the worlds of fashion and beauty, the launch of Mr. Burberry is celebrated with a ready-to-wear collection including the new Chelsea fit Heritage Trench Coat. Capturing the essence of the new men’s fragrance, the edit pays tribute to classic tailoring with a sense of relaxed, quintessentially British style and attitude.

FAIRMONT SAN FRANCISCO

CALIFORNIA DREAM DRIVES

BY JAMES WEAVER

James Weaver is the Managing Director of award-winning luxury travel agent Worldwide Escapes. Providing tailormade holidays to some of the world’s most exciting and exotic destinations for over a decade.

HIGHWAY 1 With a business specialising in luxury tailor made travel it will come as no surprise that the most common dinner party question I get asked is “what is your favourite place you have travelled to?”

Undoubtedly my chosen career path has indeed led to some truly incredible experiences, from trekking into Machu Picchu, taking a sunset cruise on Lake Pichola in Udaipur aboard the 150 year old former Maharana’s boat to night diving with Marine Biologists in the Maldives not to mention stays in some of the world’s best and most recognised hotels.

It is certainly hard to pick a favourite and while there is plenty still on my ‘bucket list’ there is one holiday that I would recommend to everyone and one which is synonymous with North American culture – the seminal US Road Trip. For me there is a reason the iconic Pacific Coast Highway is known to so many as Highway 1 – because it is quite simply the one route all of us should do at some point in our lives. Hiring a 72 wirrallife.com

car and driving the coastal road from San Francisco to Los Angeles is a 380-mile journey that you will never forget. It is the sort of road you see in car adverts and movies, one that begs to be driven in a red convertible (preferably the muscle car variety) as it snakes past wide, clean beaches and cliffs that plunge into the frothing ocean waters below. Just when you begin to think you will never tire of such dramatic scenery the road opens up to wide landscapes, passing through characterful towns, National Parks and attractions along the way. The most popular route is North to South and if time is not an issue there are plenty of possible additions such as extending as far as San Diego, however San Francisco through to Los Angeles is the most popular and scenic part of the route that most will take.

SAN FRANCISCO & NAPA VALLEY Start your adventure by flying into San Francisco famed for cable cars, hilly streets and that iconic bridge. The trams, the island prison, the National

BEVERLY WILSHIRE

Parks, China Town and the cosmopolitan city vibe are only part of the picture. The city sits on an undulating, lofty peninsula amidst spectacular scenery which results in the steep rolling street system, immortalised in many a Hollywood movie. Even the shortest visit here is an adventure and there is plenty to cover in one go but there are some things definitely not to miss, such as a half day city-tour, a visit to the Golden Gate Park, Alcatraz Island (book well in advance), ride a cable car on the Powell-Mason line plus a trip down to Fisherman’s Wharf. After a few days in the city pick up the keys to your convertible and head out over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Napa Valley wine region to the north of San Francisco. This is an area where Farmers' Markets are rife, rolling hills are planted with year-round vineyards and where wineries of every stature dot the landscape. With a host of luxury rustic-style hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants, it is the perfect place to spend a couple of days after the buzz of the city before hitting the open road of Highway 1.

MONTEREY & CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA The first leg of the Pacific Coast Highway brings you down through Santa Cruz, famed for its worldrenowned surfing spot and historic boardwalk, before heading onto Monterey. Craggy cypress trees, spectacular ocean views, rich Californian wine and a world-class aquarium are some of the reasons visitors are drawn here. Best known for the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey delivers plenty of experiences

beyond the tanks. Nearby Cannery Row boasts hotels, dining, shopping and entertainment all within one location but as you head to Carmel it is well worth taking the famous 17-Mile Drive spanning California’s Monterey Peninsula along a privately owned strip off Highway 1. Stretching from the towns of Pacific Grove to Carmel, the road runs through the Del Monte forests belonging to the exclusive Pebble Beach golf community. Paying the few dollars’ entry fee to use this private road is a worthy investment as you will see extravagant mansions, surf-beaten cliffs, colonies of seals and spectacular sunsets over the Pacific. Carmel-by-the-Sea, the posh, pretty beach town where Clint Eastwood used to be mayor, is truly delightful and a good place to stop. This idyllic town is a real treat and favourite amongst golfers and gourmets, with its cobblestone paths and pretty houses, plus chic boutiques, cosy bistros and small wineries.

THE BIG SUR The Big Sur is by far the most dramatic stretch of coastline on the route, encompassing 90 miles of winding road, skirting sheer cliffs above the fierce blue sea, redwood groves and headlands scattered with wildflowers. The entire area has a secluded, secretive feel; even electricity didn’t arrive here until the 1950s. Great for those with shaky sea legs, the Big Sur has striking land-based whale-watching opportunities. Hike along the coastal trails and wirrallife.com 73

SAN YSIDRO, SANTA BARBARA

POST RANCH INN, BIG SUR

beaches to observe blue, grey and humpback whales virtually year round. Stop off at Nepenthe Restaurant: this large, terraced and popular restaurant boasts stunning views and is built on the site of a cabin Orson Welles gave to Rita Hayworth. Nature enthusiasts should make time to explore either Pfeiffer State Park or Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

Walk the high trails that lead to waterfalls, where long narrow bands of water plunge directly into the coves, churning furiously and gleaming blue. At this point on the map it is also possible to navigate to Hearst Castle – the former home of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst – one of California's famed attractions.

SANTA BARBARA Santa Barbara lies on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, close to the Santa Ynez Mountains, and is often referred to as the ‘American Riviera’. The city, with its colonial-style Spanish architecture of white-washed buildings amidst a sea of red tiled roofs, offers plenty, such as wonderful sandy beaches lined with palm trees and boutique shopping on State street, the main thoroughfare, which is full of restaurants, bars and other entertainment options. A few days can easily be spent in Santa Barbara soaking up the quiet oceanfront pathways and trails, taking a fishing trip and visiting the historical buildings, such as the 74 wirrallife.com

SHUTTLES ON THE BEACH, SANTA MONICA

striking 1786 Santa Barbara Mission at Laguna. Those wanting an extra special stay here should consider the San Ysidro Ranch nestled in the Montecito foothills.

An exclusive and tranquil hideaway for over a century, it is known for its blend of natural beauty, romantic heritage and classic luxury and was the setting for John and Jackie Kennedy's honeymoon retreat.

SANTA MONICA & LOS ANGELES The final leg of the journey sees you arrive into Los Angeles while taking in the famous beachside celebrity studded enclave of Malibu en route. If you’ve never visited before then you will no doubt be drawn to the main attractions; from the Universal Studios theme park, the Hollywood Sign, the stars of Hollywood Boulevard, shopping in the boutiques of Pretty Woman’s Rodeo Drive to taking a drive around Beverly Hills’ star studded homes. There is however much more to this ‘City of Angels’ so be sure to blend the obvious with the not so obvious.

Time is well worth spent on a stay in Santa Monica to soak up beach life LA style, with its iconic Pier and vibrant nightlife, wide boulevards for roller blading, bicycle rides or simply lazing at the beach. As you board your flight back to the UK you will finally have time to reflect on life on the open road along what is widely regarded as one of the world’s most scenic drives.

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THE ‘PROS’ IN PROTEIN FOR FEMALES. Discover how women everywhere are shaking it up.

Jessica Weaver, Co-Founder of health & nutrition lifestyle and dietary needs of women, who have been brand SheProtein puts the spotlight on health alienated by the male-oriented messaging and branding that has dominated the industry. We not only offer high and nutrition for women everywhere.

Jessica is a business savvy 29 year old with a passion for living a healthy, sociable lifestyle. Her background in marketing led her to believe that there was an urgent need for a brand that offered premium protein supplements that gave women like her sister Geraldine and herself the convenience and confidence in what they were consuming.

Teaming up with nutritional biochemist & TV health expert Jeannette Jackson, they have watched their concept come to life making SheProtein a brand that really is 'by women, for women’.

‘Protein Powder’ has been the mainstay of many nutrition and workout regimes for many years now, ever popular amongst bodybuilders and the macho masses. It has been the diet supplement ‘go to’ for gym goers and those seeking to increase their protein intake conveniently and cost-effectively, but is there more to it than that? Well yes actually, protein shakes are not just for fitness enthusiasts, nor are they just for men.

What many women don’t realise is that regular protein intake has a multitude of benefits for our overall wellbeing.

Not only is it essential for cellular development and for healthy skin and hair, but it can also be instrumental in aiding weight loss, helping to improve muscle tone and maintaining a leaner body – irrespective of age or physique.

SheProtein is the brainchild of three ladies, a nutritional biochemist Jeannette Jackson and sisters Jessica who is a Marketing Executive, and Geraldine, a Personal Trainer.

Our brand ethos ‘by women, for women’ is rooted in the belief that we are best placed to understand the mindset, 78 wirrallife.com

quality, delicious and nutritious products women can have confidence in, but ones that are convenient for their everyday lives. Gone are the cumbersome, borderline intimidating tubs and shaker bottles and in their place are subtle pouches and handy sachets that can fit into a bag or pocket and be poured into any water bottle ‘on-the-go’.

However, we are not just about convenience, we also want to help women understand the genuine health and fitness benefits of protein supplements and provide a range that they can trust in and relate to.

What many women forget is that we are physiologically different to men, we don’t build muscle in the same way or to the same extent, and therefore increasing our protein intake won’t add unwanted bulk. In fact it’s quite the opposite, it helps to develop and maintain leaner muscle tone. Our bodies don’t store protein like they do fats and carbohydrates, so we need a regular intake (on average 1g to every 1kg of bodyweight) throughout the day. It is also naturally satiating, great for helping to stabilise blood sugar levels and stop fluctuations in energy that can leave us reaching for unhealthy snacks. The ‘pros’ in protein really are endless!

So this is why our new brand aims to ‘shake it up’, shaking off the negative perceptions many women have towards protein supplements and to help them take the next step towards a healthier lifestyle.

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THAT SILENT EPIDEMIC FROM TECHNOLOGY & DIGITAL OVERLOAD. TIME TO RESET AND REGAIN OPTIMAL BREATHING. Joel Jelen, founder and MD of Reset Breathing.

Technology is a wonderful thing. But slowly over the last two decades since it's become so prevalent in society and particularly in work, a silent epidemic has emerged following the over use of smart phones, televisions, and other electronic devices.

shown teenagers spent approximately 7 hours per day on average with electronic devices over a three month period.

At Reset Breathing, we are seeing a greater propensity overall for young people to predispose themselves to this condition and succumb to hyperventilation without being able to classify the cause when they fall ill. The variety of symptoms as a result really are quite You’ll have probably heard about ‘digital detoxing’ frightening... as illustrated by the Reset Breathing before but all the articles I’ve ever found never questionnaire we use in-house, designed to identify mentioned how technology overdosing can lead to mild to chronic cases of hyperventilation. hyperventilation or overbreathing syndrome. Very few experts in their field related to e.g. the world of work If you, like us, need technology to drive your business, and stress management consider what happens to our you may too have been suffering from the health natural breathing patterns when we are obsessed with effects found from too much exposure to technology. technology in all its forms.

Blue light technology is particularly good at disrupting I've seen so many clients over the past year with a human being's sleep (always put your technology resulting hyperventilation or overbreathing, in which away to bed two hours before you put yourself to they take on average more than 20 breaths a minute bed) and electromagnetic fields from electronics may contribute to DNA damage, reproductive issues, and when the recommended number is between 8 & 12.

Overbreathing mid to long term leads to health neurotoxicity. Yikes! complications related to more than 150 conditions.

And for starters, the list includes anxiety, panic attacks, Furthermore, too much exposure has further chronic fatigue and an increase in asthma symptoms. debilitating effects and can contribute to obesity, A recent independent study carried out in conjunction negatively influence your brain (which is still with clients of Reset Breathing and their siblings has developing until age 20) and nurture unhealthy habits that are hard to break.

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circadian rhythms, suppress melatonin and For example, how many of us know e.g. young people more. who can't leave their mobile phone alone regardless of the time of day? They are in a perpetual state of 4. Learn and practice Buteyko reduced breathing techniques that you can utilise morning, noon heightened anticipation and this also can lead to and night. These will generate calm, relaxation hyperventilation. and mindfulness by helping you reduce the number of inhalations you take in a minute and I’ve met many people suffering from mild to a more chronic state of debilitating hyperventilation at Reset prevent overbreathing or hyperventilation. And if you’re in a business like us that is technology Breathing consults and workshops, as a result of being burnt out from the overuse of their phone, I-pads, driven, you can practice them whilst you work, once you know how! And when you know how, laptops, etc. you'll not only feel better at work and produce better work, you'll have more energy socially too So what's the solution and the path to return to normal and sleep better. or as we refer to, optimal breathing? To create an overall healthier balance, I would encourage everybody who feels gripped by technology to consider a change of Optimal breathing is the stuff of life! technology lifestyle as follows: 1. Detoxing your bedroom - Turn your devices off at night! And maybe take them out of the bedroom!

2. Develop technology mini-detoxes - Take minidetoxes for an hour or more each day. Exercise in fresh air and even better, walk barefoot on grass or the beach…did you know, electrons from the earth can dramatically boost immunity.

3. As mentioned, release yourself from technology two hours before you go to sleep. Blue light from electronic screens can hinder sleep by disrupting

Reset Breathing has just begun a series of workshops helping CEOs, SMEs and charitable organisations upskill their teams with optimal breathing techniques.

For enquiries and details about a consultation, please contact, Joel Jelen via joel@resetbreathing.com www.resetbreathing.com

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NIKE GOLF CLUB REVIEW

BY TOM ATKINSON - HESWALL GOLF CLUB PRO

Tom Atkinson, Heswall Golf Club Pro shares with us his review of the latest Nike equipment available.

This month, I will focus my attention to the current products available from Nike. Years ago, I associated Nike hardware to 'toy town' equipment, quite simply - I didn't think it stacked up against it’s competitors.

Having been a Nike Swoosh advisory staff member for 2 years now - I have completely changed my mind.

Vapour Fly Pro Driver This driver makes a statement with its appearance, when you see Rory swinging it at the Open you know straight away what it is, it’s awfully difficult to miss the bright blue and volt heads from afar.

With its classic pair shaped head and low spinning face, it's a great driver for those who are looking to control their ball flight. If maximum forgiveness is top of the agenda for you though, take a look at the Vapor Fly Driver as an alternative.

In both cases as Nike quote "the shortgame just got shorter".

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Engage Wedges There are 3 different grinds available in these rustic looking wedges. Toe Sweep for those who feel like they need maximum help from the sand and tricky lies as it will sit and stay open during the shot. Dual sole for versatility to match into the needs of your own swing and can be adapted to any situation and Square sole - which is geared towards the golfer who seeks clean straight square lines in their game. They have been cleverly designed with x3x grooves to improve spin and control on fuller shots.

Method Origin Putter This is Rory's putter!! For me it delivers the most important component in any golfers putting game, distance control. The groove technology allows for a consistent forward roll off every putt, even the off centre ones. These deep grooves also offer up a very soft feeling strike. There are interchangeable weights to suit the individual. As an added extra to all of this, it doesn't break the traditional mould as so many of the modern day putters do.

An all round winner and a must try for any serious golfer.

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TAYLORMADE INTRODUCE THE SPIDER PUTTER

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TaylorMade Golf launches the Spider Limited range, a specially designed duo of putters inspired by Jason Day, the #1 Player in the World.

On the back of Jason Day's emphatic win at THE PLAYERS Championship, TaylorMade Golf Company formally announced the release of the new Spider Limited and SpiderLimited Red putters, both inspired by the #1 player in the OWGR and one of the PGA TOUR’s best statistical putters, Jason Day. During his storybook rise to #1 late last autumn, Day came to the TaylorMade team with a request for a putter similar in style to his trusted Itsy Bitsy prototype, the putter he’s used for multiple wins on the PGA TOUR which included his first major victory at the 2015 PGA Championship. His ask was for a putter that incorporated red, one of his favorite and most sentimental colors.

Using the Redback Spider, a venomous spider indigenous to Day’s native Australia as inspiration, the TaylorMade team embarked on a mission to create a palate of colour options, working intimately with Jason throughout the process to create a colour he would prefer.

When the final colour was selected, Jason suggested the team build him two different models, each showcasing the colour in a different way that would allow him to test & select which suited his eye before determining which would be put into play. Available at selected UK stores from £199.

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CARS & COFFEE

BY NORMAN SHUM

Lord Mayor of Liverpool Roz Gladden and Consort Roy Gladden with Norman Shum.

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Cars & Coffee Liverpool is

held at the Chung Ku Restaurant in the Columbus Quay area.

The riverside gathering brings together a variety of vehicles, from factory fresh cars i.e. Tata JLR (Jaguar Landrover), BAC Mono to local collectors of classic and modern sports cars, quirky trucks, even military vehicles.

The meeting - held every month, was founded and coordinated by Norman Shum - Marketing Manager for OCD Porsche Specialist and Chung Ku Restaurant, he is a diehard ‘Petrolholic’, well known on the show car scene.

The charity driven, free event takes the idea from meetings popularized in California. The gathering is designed to fuel regular conversation with like-minded motor lovers. It’s a great place to network and mingle with car fans from all backgrounds. In a relatively short period, the event has built up a lot of support from industry contributors such as Tesla UK, GMB, WSR Recycling, Sping City, EAD, Philangles, TATA, BAC Mono, 6R4.com, Auto Renew, GT Classics, SMC & APM and HR Owen -Lamborghini & Maserati, the list keeps getting longer!

The latest meeting was attended by the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Roz Gladden and Consort Roy Gladden. They devoted their Sunday morning to chatting with owners and enthusiasts. Every month, the Cars & Coffee crew choose a group of charities to assist, July was Tom Harrison House, Claire House, R Charity and Liverpool Heart Beat.

If you have a sports, classic, vintage, retro, or quirky vehicle, come along to the next meeting on Sunday September 4th, 9.30am-12pm. Our main contributors will be Tata Jaguar Land Rover Factory & Jaguar Heritage, Leica Manchester, WSR Recycling and a few other surprises.

The coffee is laid on by Lavazza and Chung Ku serve up their famous Chinese Bacon Butties - home-made steamed Char Sui Buns!! But be warned, one is never enough.

JAGUAR E-TYPE

BY RICHARD HARRIS

Modern cars are wonderful things.

They are safer, quieter and more economical with each new model released. But where they excel in mollycoddling us and keeping us safe, they fall down in one important area.

Soul. To find a car with a soul, where better to look than arguably one of the most sensational sports cars of all time, the Jaguar E-Type. Since its 1961 launch the E-Type has somehow transcended being a mere car and is now firmly established as a British icon.

The key to the E-types success was that it had the performance to match its looks. Not just a pretty face, the early cars were fitted with Jaguars 3.8 ‘XK’ engine which in contemporary road tests achieved top speeds of 153 mph.

These headline speeds, coupled with a purchase price of less than half that of an Aston Martin, made this an attainable, must have car. Over 72,000 cars were sold in the E-Types 14 year production run.

This 1969 Coupe sits in the middle of the E-Type time line -known as the Series 2. Engine size had been increased in the series 1 in 1964 to 4.2 litres, which was carried over. As with the majority of E-Types, this car was an export model and was sent to British Leyland in New York in June 1969.

It retains its original colour of ‘Sable’, with beige leather which is a prefect period colour and certainly stands out from the more common reds and greens.

Lowering yourself into the driver’s seat of an E-type takes a little practise to execute with finesse. Once you’re in place though the cabin is a very pleasant and comfortable place to be with plenty of leg, head and shoulder room. The 4 speed gear box is slick and easy to use, the steering has a light yet accurate feel when on the move.

The thing that stands out more than anything is the power and torque. The power delivery is very linear and the speedometer climbs quickly to motorway speeds with very little effort. You really could cover many comfortable miles without taking this car out of its comfort zone, and this is what the E-Type is really all about, it’s a GT car, and most importantly, one with soul.

• Cost New: £2,177 • Cost Now: £62,999 • 0-60: 7.2 seconds • Top Speed: 142 mph • Engine size: 4,253 • BHP: 265 • Number built: 4,855

To find out more about this car, call Richard at Classic Cars of Wirral on 0151 653 0100

The Porsche Panamera.

The sports car among luxury saloons.

sloping) roof line that is 20mm lower at the rear. This typical Porsche outline silhouette, or ‘flyline’, creates a stylistic link to the Porsche 911.

Since it’s unveiling in 2009, the Porsche Panamera has reconciled two contrasting characteristics: the performance of a sports car and the comfort of a luxury saloon.

New V6 and V8 bi-turbo engines with ample power and full-bodied sound.

The second generation of the new Panamera advances further its benchmark performance in the luxury class. In this evolution, Porsche has systematically improved the Panamera – a four-door Gran Turismo that has been further refined down to the last detail.

The engines and transmissions have been redesigned, the chassis and the suspension optimised, and the driver display and control interfaces reinterpreted for the future – yet available today.

A Porsche has always impressed with more than just power; efficiency is equally fundamental. To elevate this formula to a new level, all of the second generation Panamera engines have been redesigned. Each has been made more powerful, while significantly improving fuel economy and reducing emissions.

Three new bi-turbo direct injection engines are being introduced at the market launch: in the Panamera Turbo, the Panamera 4S and the Panamera 4S Diesel.

911 design language with a much more dynamic flyline.

The turbochargers of the new Panamera engines are integrated centrally into the V of the cylinder banks.

This central turbo layout yields numerous benefits.

The engines are more compact which enables a lower mounting position. The short paths between the two turbochargers and the combustion chambers produce spontaneous throttle response. Engine response can be further increased using the optional Mode

Visually, the unique design of this Porsche is reflected in a new expressive appearance: unmistakably a Panamera, unmistakably a sports car – with long, sleek, dynamic proportions, pronounced shoulders, athletic flanks and an extremely ‘fast’ (rearward 4 wirrallife.com

Switch with the Sport Response Button. The Mode Switch, which was first introduced in the Porsche 918 Spyder, is in intuitively operated rotary ring on the steering wheel, which can be used to activate one of four driving modes (Normal, Sport, Sport Plus or Individual). Located at the centre of the switch is the Sport Response Button. It can be used to free up the maximum power potential of the Panamera at the press of a button.

a completely new interior design. In many areas, touch-sensitive surfaces replace traditional hard keys, and high-resolution displays merge into the interior.

In the luxury saloon segment, the digitalisation of the Porsche interior, which began with the 918 Spyder, has reached the next development stage aboard the Panamera in the form of the new Porsche Advanced Cockpit.

Initially, the Panamera Turbo has the most powerful petrol engine of the model series. Its 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 develops 550hp (at 5,750rpm) and a maximum torque of 770 Nm (between 1,960 and 4,500rpm). It has 30hp more power than the previous model, and its maximum torque has been increased by 70 Nm. The eight-cylinder engine accelerates the Panamera Turbo to 62mph in 3.8 seconds; with the Sport Chrono Package the sprint time in just 3.6 seconds.

The Porsche can reach a top speed of 190mph.

The gearshift console between the driver and the front passenger is dominated by the 12.3-inch touchscreen of the next generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system. Integrated into the PCM are features such as on-line navigation, the online functions of Porsche Car Connect, smartphone integration via Apple Car Play and a new voice control system that responds to natural language input.

In addition, the Porsche Panamera offers the best versatility of any model in the luxury car category, making it the most practical for everyday use.

These extraordinary performance figures contrast with lower Combined fuel consumption figures of 30-30.4mpg, which are up to 3mpg better than that of the previous model. The new Panamera exhibits

For further information on the new Panamera, contact Porsche Centre Chester on 0845 845 4911 or email info@porschechester.co.uk.

SUNSEEKER LAUNCH NEW MANHATTAN 52

Sunseeker International unveils plans to

launch its smallest flybridge model for over a decade, the new Manhattan 52, in Summer 2016. This important new model signals Sunseeker’s intentions to re-establish its strong position in an important segment of the market, confirming its commitment to producing an unrivalled portfolio of luxury performance motor yachts from 50155 feet.

The innovative new 52 foot model sets a new benchmark for the smaller flybridge format. Designed to maximise entertainment options, light and living space throughout, its hull incorporates unparalleled amounts of curved glass to emphasise its sleek lines as well as bringing the outside in. It sets the design direction for a new wave of Manhattan models that will be introduced over the coming years.

Throughout the main deck there is a strong focus on creating fun and easy to use sociable spaces. Its layout flows effortlessly from the astonishingly spacious bow seating and sunbathing area – a unique and unrivalled feature for a boat in this class – to the completely open cockpit space and upper aft galley. The open layout continues right through to the wonderfully well-equipped bathing platform and transom, where an optional barbecue, full shower and range of other features truly set the Manhattan 52 apart from its peers.

The galley doubles up as a bar and opens up the whole main deck as an entertainment space, with hinged glass

doors opening upwards and outwards to create a unique inside/outside environment for owners to enjoy hosting family and friends. The reconfigured helm seating area is another new feature which provides exceptional space for entertaining and socialising.

Thanks to the galley being situated on the main deck, there is space for three very large cabins below deck.

The master cabin is a real standout feature for a boat of this size, with full height headroom all the way around the bed demonstrating yet again the attention Sunseeker has given to creating exceptional living spaces for its customers. Powered by Volvo Penta D11-725 engines on shaft drive or Volvo Penta IPS-950, the Manhattan 52 can cruise comfortably at 24 knots with a cruising range of 250 nautical miles or achieve an exhilarating 33 knots at full throttle.

Sean Robertson, Sales Director at Sunseeker International said: “We’re really looking forward to launching the new Manhattan 52 later this year.

Following on from three much larger models launched this Spring, this flybridge option makes an important statement about Sunseeker’s plans for the future. It underlines our ability to keep giving our customers the best in class across every segment we operate in”.

The Manhattan 52 will make its world premiere at The Cannes Yachting Festival from 6th to 11th September 2016.

SANTA MALUCO LAUNCH Liverpool

More than 200 guests attended the launch of the hotly

anticipated cocktail bar and Brazilian Rodizio Santa Maluco, the newest addition to the burgeoning scene of bars and restaurants in Castle Street. Guests were treated to signature cocktails and wood-fire oven pizza with spectacular entertainment from Katumba Bloco and Simone Reeves' Viva Brasil Samba.

L -R: Naomi Nom, Andy Duckworth, Charlene Mo, Ngunan Adamu

DISTRICT HOUSE LAUNCH Liverpool

Andy Duckworth director of District House, the new bar, restaurant and event space located on the site of the former Newz Bar welcomed guests to their official launch.

The restaurant offers breakfast and brunch from 8am-3pm, an express lunch menu from 12 noon-5pm and dinner from 5pm until close.

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BUBBLES BEACH CLUB LAUNCH Liverpool

Liverpool’s first beach club opened its doors to over 600 specially invited guests including a host of celebrities.

Bubbles Beach Club is the first of its kind and is positioned at the Pier Head adjacent to The Museum of Liverpool.

A fleet of Rolls Royce vehicles welcomed guests with free flowing champagne while serving up a taste of Mediterranean with cool beach inspired cabanas, fabulous cocktails, live music and a 2 storey luxury champagne lounge.

Bubbles Beach Club also has a selection of chefs serving up the ultimate BBQ, including prime beef sliders, king prawns and lobster in its dedicated area near the four poster day beds.

Bubbles Champagne Lounge and Bubbles Beach Club opens every day throughout summer until 11pm.

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CARITA LAUNCH at Hillbark’s Solaia Spa

L-R- Maxine Bristow, Don Pattinson, Kate Eugeni, Lisa Baker

Carita Launch Evening at Solaia Spa, Hillbark Hillbark Hotel hosted an exclusive champagne and canapés launch reception to showcase their new luxury Carita range at Solaia Spa. Guests enjoyed Veuve Clicquot champagne and canapés from the hotel’s Riviera restaurant whilst being the very first to try samples of the fantastic new range of products on offer from Carita.

The spa team offered one to one consultations to the VIP’s, advising them on their skin type and the best range suitable for them, as well as allowing them to try the exclusive Cartia Cinetic machine, designed to deliver ultimate results in gaining visibly flawless and firmer skin.

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L-R - Polly O’Gorman, Callam Warrington

L-R- Patsy Crocker , Kate Eugeni, Sharon Stanton

L-R- Emily Little, Will Vennard, James Little, Sharon & Geoffrey Little.

L-R- Adrienne, Lindy, Dot, Sue

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LIVERPOOL LOVES 2016

FUN IN THE SUN AS THOUSANDS DESCEND ON PIER HEAD FOR LIVERPOOL LOVES 2016!

Thousands of people descended on the Pier Head for the Liverpool Loves Festival with an estimated audience of over 45,000 people having fun in the sun and enjoying a range of activities and entertainment for all the family.

As crowds built during the early afternoon, The BBC Radio Merseyside and The Guide Liverpool main stage hosted up to 10,000 revellers - as well as stages by The Rider, Liverpool SoulFest, Liverpool Disco Festival and Merseyrail Soundstation drawing large audiences of people young and old.

Festival Director, Josh Boyd said “Due to our success this year, we would like to confirm that the festival will return in summer 2017”.

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11 SEPTEMBER 2016

EXHIBITION

SPORTING

Picasso Linocuts Exhibition This exhibition features 17 large linocut prints by Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), on display for the first time outside the British Museum. Linocutting was a technique that Picasso explored in the late 1950s and early 1960s and the prints included in this exhibition were made in 1962 when Picasso was 80 years old. The artworks featured will include prints from the ‘Jacqueline Reading’ series - his wife and muse - and the ‘Still Life under the Lamp’ series.

Where: Lady Lever Art Gallery, Port Sunlight, Wirral Cost: FREE Admission For more info: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

UNTIL 2ND OCTOBER 2016 FAMILY Roald Dahl’s Tremendous Adventures at Tatton Park inc Mr Fox and Matilda Working closely with the Roald Dahl Literary Estate and legendary illustrator Quentin Blake, events at Tatton Park are just one of a host of activities taking place throughout 2016 as part of Roald Dahl 100. Amongst the jam-packed year of surprises at Tatton Park are the most imaginative trails for children. You’ll be invited to go on a journey with Danny the Champion of the World in the Gardens, Fantastic Mr Fox at the Farm and Matilda in the Mansion….and out in the Parkland The Enormous Crocodile will be lurking. Each trail has been lovingly imagined and brought to life by the teams at Tatton Park.

Where: Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire Cost: Adult £6, Children £4 For more info: www.tattonpark.org.uk/roalddahl

SEPTEMBER 2016 EXHIBITION Heritage Open Days The Heritage Open Days are an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the local buildings in Wirral such as Birkenhead Priory & St Mary’s Tower. It is an opportunity for the doors of history to be opened and the heritage inside to be revealed and celebrated.

For more info: www.wirralhistoryandheritage.org.uk

WHAT’S ON

Wirral Half-Marathon & 10K Run The Wirral Half-Marathon and 10k will start in Historic Birkenhead Park and then via Seacombe Ferry, down the Promenade to New Brighton along Kings Parade, turning to the finish on Coastal Drive.

There will also be a 10k run using part of the route.

For more info: www.btrliverpool.com

19-23 SEPTEMBER 2016 SPORTING Wirral Golf Classic The 7th Wirral Golf Classic, a 72 hole Stableford competition for men and women amateur golfers, will be held on 19th-23rd September 2016 on four beautiful golf courses in Wirral - Caldy, Heswall, Wallasey and the magnificent Royal Liverpool Golf Club at Hoylake.

For more info: Call 0151 625 9994 or visit www.wirralgolfclassic.co.uk

24 - 25 SEPTEMBER 2016 FESTIVAL Birkenhead Park Festival of Transport The Birkenhead Park Festival of Transport showcases transport through the ages particularly the Victorian and Edwardian era. The festival features steam traction engines, steam boats, steam powered fairground, brass bands, trade stands and vintage buses.

Where: Birkenhead Park Cost: £5 per adult and free for under 16s accompanied by a paying adult For more info: www.bheadtransportfest.com

25 SEPTEMBER 2016 SPORTING Annual Hoylake 10k Coastal Fun Run The annual Hoylake 10k run is held annually to raise funds for the Wednesday Special Needs Club.

The club runs and maintains the Soft Play Sensory Resource for Wirral’s special needs people of all ages. The money raised from the 10k is used for the upkeep of the Sensory Resource, Hoylake.

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Porsche recommends

The new Panamera.

Courage changes everything.

Discover more at porsche.co.uk/panamera

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Official fuel economy figures for the Panamera 4S in l/100km (mpg): urban 10.2 – 10.1 (27.7 – 28.0), extra urban 6.8 – 6.7 (41.5 – 42.2), combined 8.2 – 8.1 (34.4 – 34.9). CO2 emissions: 186 – 184 g/km. The mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU‑regulated tests, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

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