Absolutely Hertfordshire August 2022

HERTFORDSHIRE

Hertfordshire AUGUST 2022

PLU S GEORGIA HUMBERT

How the Ashwell local is wowing jewellery lovers •

ADDING SPICE

HEALTH &BEAUTY SPECIAL

Top tips for mental and physical wellbeing

Sampling Asian flavours at Omboo at Sopwell House • AUGUST 2022

NEW LOOK

St Albans as you have never seen it before

Frock &

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents AUGUST 2022

48 12

C U LT U R E AGENDA

The best August events in Hertfordshire

14

GEORGIA HUMBERT

The Ashwell entrepreneur on Smoothie London

18

HANNAH SESSIONS

Showing St Albans in a new light

22

FOOD & DRINK KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

Foodie news from around the county

42

42 THE SHOOT

Atterley's summer burst of colour

48 SARAH COOKE

On avoiding mental burnout

INTERIORS 66 INTERIORS NEWS The latest from the industry

68 MANOJ MALDE

The Brookmans Park garden designer on his flourishing TV career

24 OMBOO

75 TREND

30 RECIPES

E D U C AT I O N 86 SUMMER ACTIVITIES

Behind the scenes of the Sopwell House launch

Some summer stunners for August

FA S H I O N & H E A LT H 38 INDIGOWARES Something new in the fashion industry

24

Why the home is all about stripes

How to have fun and learn at the same time

89 SCHOOL IN FOCUS

Why Habs' Boys are making a splash

A B S O L U T E LYH E R T F O R D S H I R E .C O. U K The online guide to inspirational living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

O N T H E C OV E R Atterley SS22 (atterley.com)

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Visit one of our display showsites to discover our premium range of luxury gazebos W W W . B R E E Z E H O U S E . C O . U K

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Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S August issue highlights

1

5

Fashion Q&A Sustainable brand Indigowares (p38)

W

hat were you doing at 22? I was still at university – no, I wasn't kept back, I had a gap year before I headed off into a brave new world (bizarrely preparing for my career in journalism working as a cinema usher). It was my final year and the main memories are of me staring at my computer thinking how could I incorporate the wisdom of Foucault into an examination of The Sun's headlines.

So, I was floundering, desperately trying to get to the end of my journalism degree. Georgia Humbert? Well, at 22 she has already had a few successful business launches to her name, and now the Ashwell local has brought us Smoothie London, which is causing a stir in the jewellery industry.

How does she do it? We find out on page 14.

Business it seems is inextricably linked to wellbeing these days. We are all working a lot harder, and as such physically and mentally we are being pushed to the edge. We take a little time out this month with a mini health special. Sit back, have a read and relax.

4 Interiors Trend

The latest must-have for the home (p77)

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

Interiors Profile Garden inspiration with TV's Manoj Malde (p68)

2

Local Q&A

Artist Hannah Session's St Albans favourites (p18)

3

Lead Profile

The story behind Smoothie London (p14)

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Wish LIST

AQ UA SPLASH Oliver James' lilos are made to be loved.

The first collection includes six luxury upholstered lilos made from durable materials and striking fabrics, designed to be handsome pieces of floating furniture. oliverjameslilos.com

OCEAN FRESH Ocean-coloured Efforia from Prima Donna is available up to an H cup.

Bra £84 and Tanga £40 ameliesfollies.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

ON THE SCENT In Jo Malone London's Wild Flower candle pair, Florescent Honeysuckle & Davana sit with mesmerising Wild Bluebell for a radiant floral fragrance.

In a floral print box by fashion designer Richard Quinn. £100 jomalone.co.uk

ON THE NAIL Chanel's The Sky, The Sun and The Sea collection comprises six luminous shades of nail polish which reflect off the sea with each wave, and melt into a brilliant palette of mauve, green, and lilac. chanel.com

PENDLE HARTE

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

COOL BLUE This latest piece from Baker Brothers Diamonds will have you dreaming of the sea. It's a 18ct White Gold Sapphire & Diamond Vintage Style Pendant. £3,500 bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

G R E E N D AY Santorini and Mykonosthemed dresses are part of the vast collection of holiday wear at Aspiga. aspiga.com

H AT S O F F Emma Mulholland on Holiday's Happy Hawaii bucket hat is crafted from cotton and features a larger-than-life hibiscus print. koibird.com

CHECK OUT Featuring sturdy textile uppers with mixed gingham patterns and embroidery, the Gingham Block Sk8-Hi Tapered brings an old school Americana look to Vans' classic deconstructed high top shoe. vans.co.uk

S O L A R G LOW Bianca Balti is the face of Dolce & Gabbana's new Solar Glow Collection, which defines, illuminates and enhances the complexion. dolceandgabbanabeauty.com

FA S C I N AT I N G RHYTHM This hat is an accessory you can't get enough of watching.

The curvy silk organza flowers and the flat look of the pillbox complement each other. £645 mervebayindir.com

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RELAX IN THE COUNTRYSIDE …

Sample all that down hall offers, throughout August Children stay and eat breakfast for free Our newly refurbished Fox bar and lounge offers small plates to enjoy or you can enjoy a Pimm’s on the terrace and a game of boules.

The latest trend in sports our own padel tennis court offers the you the chance to play the fastest growing sport to hit the UK, or if you prefer the traditional tennis courts, we have that too.

Feel free to book the spa during your stay whilst the little ones explore the trim trail in the woods.

Matching Rd, Hatfield Heath, Bishop’s Stortford CM22 7AS t: +44 (0)1279 731 441 downhall.co.uk

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C U LT U R E

C L A SSI C M OTO R SH OW 28-29 AUGUST, KNEBWORTH

The Classic Motor Show returns to Knebworth over the August bank holiday weekend. There will be a static display as well as a show arena hosting parades.

Vehicles include saloons, sports, American, commercial, military and classic motorcycles. Tickets will also include access to Knebworth Park. knebworthhouse.com

Agenda 12 • Georgia Humbert 14 • Hannah Sessions 18 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda

AU GUST ' S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S

F I L M

Secret Garden Throughout August T H E G R OV E This summer, The Grove have partnered with cinematic legends, Everyman, to bring you an outdoor cinema experience like no other, the Everyman Secret Garden in the Walled Garden. Until 4 September, guests staying at The Grove from Wednesday to Sunday will be able to enjoy complimentary outdoor screenings. An August highlight includes Downton Abbey: A New Era. thegrove.co.uk

MU S I C

Paloma Faith 5 AU GUST, H ATF I E L D HOUSE

Double platinum and BRIT award-winning artist Paloma Faith is embarking on a huge UK summer tour, which brings her to the county in August. Performing an array of hits from her extensive and muchloved repertoire, these homecoming shows will have fans singing along to classics such as Only Love Can Hurt Like This and Lullaby, as well as new songs from her fifth studio album, Infinite Things. hatfield-house.co.uk

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FA M I LY

Wondrous Family Walks Until 30 August T H E R OA L D DA H L M U S E U M Strap on your walking boots and head off with the family to explore the village and countryside that inspired some of the best-loved children’s books, including Danny the Champion of the World. Walks are every Tuesday, but you can also enjoy crafts, storytelling and trails Tuesday to Sunday throughout the summer holidays. roalddahl.com/museum

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CULTURE • DIARY

EV E N T

Pioneer Plays Festival 14 August HERTS COUNTY S H OWG R O U N D, ST A L B A N S After years of successful and sold out events, it’s time to enter a new world as the very first Pioneer Plays Festival comes to St Albans.

Expect three stages showcasing everything from house music to RnB, special guests, dancers, flamethrowers, magicians and special VIP areas to make the event extra special for lucky visitors. skiddle.com

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

3 - 14 AU GUST, ROMAN THEATRE , ST ALBAN S

PAVEL GONEVSKI

This Month’s Must See

LITTLE WOMEN

ovo.org.uk

BWG Gallery presents Spirit Within Lovers of all things magical will be delighted by BWG Gallery’s latest group exhibition, Spirit Within.

The show features eight emerging women artists who explore spirituality, occulture, mysticism, and inner-worlds through their practices and coincides with a cultural resurgence of interest in witches, crystals, manifesting and more.

Highlights include expressive paintings by multidisciplinary artist Salome Wu, whose abstract and deeply emotional canvases present complex personal mythology.

A unique voice can be found in Lisbon-born figurative painter Mafalda Figueiredo. Her piece Burn it Down (2022) encapsulates the exhibition title perfectly. It depicts

16 August K N E BWO RT H H O US E Immersion Theatre invites you to enjoy an evening of open-air decadence and hilarity as they proudly present Oscar Wilde’s wittiest comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, on the Sunken Lawn of Knebworth House.

Join foppish bachelors Jack and Algernon on their latest Bunburying exploits replete with mistaken identities, icy women, trivial banter and, of course, muffins. Knebworth is the perfect outdoor setting for such hilarity. knebworthhouse.com

O

THE SOUL

FADING SPIRITS OF ALBION,

BY HAZEL FLOREZ

T H E AT R E

VO is delighted to present Stephanie Allison’s and Amy Connery’s smartly paced, fresh approach to Louisa May Alcott’s classic coming-of-age 1868 novel at the Roman Theatre in August. Allison and Connery have written a new script in collaboration with playwright Sophie Swithenbank to bring a modern outlook to the story while retaining the novel’s enormous, global appeal.

ART FO R

WE VOYAGE BETWEEN THOUGHT AND REALITY,

BY OLIVIA MANSFIELD

a naked woman, boldly staring out of the canvas as a ghostly spirit lurks behind her. Finally, esoteric surrealist artist Hazel Florez’s piece Fading Visions of Albion (2022), a talisman featuring varieties of the UK’s endangered flower species, is both intricately enticing and sweetly sentimental.

On Display at Ben Oakley Gallery 9 Greenwich Market, SE10 9JA Until August 28 brusheswithgreatness.co.uk

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GEORGIA HUMBERT

Stack ‘em

HIGH

Ashwell entrepreneur Georgia Humbert on launching a fashionable and socially responsible jewellery brand in the age of social media

By REBECCA PITCAIRN

14

A

nyone who thinks that members of Generation Z are work shy and spend all their time messing about on social media should meet Ashwell entrepreneur, Georgia Humbert. At just 22 years of age, she has already launched a number of creative businesses and her independent jewellery brand, Smoothie London, is proving so popular that the latest collection sold out in just ten minutes.

“The last few months have been really busy – I can't keep the ear party sets in stock for longer than a day, so keeping on top of inventory is a challenge, but it’s a nice challenge to have,” admits the former St Francis College pupil.

Humbert, who is in the last term of a business degree at the University

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• INTERVIEW • XXXXX CULTURE XXXXXXXX

“WHEN YOU WEAR THE SAME PIECE OF JEWELLERY EVERY DAY YOU WANT IT TO SHOW YOUR PERSONALITY”

of Exeter when we speak, launched Smoothie London during lockdown after she became frustrated with the fiddly clasps and quick tarnishing of jewellery she’d purchased from other brands.

“I live a hectic lifestyle so I tend to wear my jewellery for long periods of time and found most of the affordable jewellery out there would tarnish easily,” she explains. “It was either premium brands, who were great and socially responsible, or the cheaper high street shops, which were bad quality and didn't align with my values. I felt that something was missing in the middle that offered premium quality pieces, at high-street prices with social responsibility at the heart.”

Deciding to create a product line to fill that gap, Humbert took just £126 from her savings and, together with her best friend, started Smoothie

London. “We decided on the name because we initially wanted to make earrings with fruit charms on them, the type of fruits which might go into smoothies,” she explains. “In the end we couldn’t source what we wanted, but we thought the name was fun, frivolous and memorable, so it stuck.”

With jewellery maximalism and earscaping very much in vogue, the brand initially specialised in stackable huggie hoop earrings, but the product range has since expanded to over 100 pieces that include ear cuffs, rings, necklaces, anklets and pre-made ear stacking sets with prices starting from £9.

“The designs are very personality focused,” she goes on to say about her jewellery, which is crafted with recyclable materials. “I think when you wear the same pieces of jewellery

every day you want them to show your personality – way beyond your standard plain gold hoop. You want them to represent you, be unique and ideally get some compliments!”

It was perhaps inevitable that Humbert would use her creative mindset to become successful in business early on in life. At school she used to do Henna tattoos on her friends in return for charity donations, she started a t-shirt company as a teenager and, having worked a Saturday job at Pots of Art in Hitchin, went on to make and sell her own ceramics.

When lockdown forced her to return home to Hertfordshire from university in spring 2020, she began painting a mural on her bedroom wall, which she documented on Instagram, and that soon turned into a business too.

“When I was deciding what to do at university it was a toss-up between art and business. I went down the business route, but knew I wanted to keep art in my personal life,” she says. “The mural thing started because I was bored and people saw the work on my Instagram account, but then, when it was difficult to get into people’s houses to paint because of the lockdowns, I painted a mural for a Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge to give something back to the NHS.” A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

“Period poverty is such a taboo subject. I am pleased to be able to use my platform to speak about it” Humbert’s mentality to always give something back is also at the heart of Smoothie London, which donates 10% of its profits to The Pachamama Project – a charity which distributes reusable sanitary products in refugee camps.

“I met the founder, Emma Lambert, not long after she started the charity, which was around the same time we launched Smoothie London. So it felt like a no brainer that The Pachamama Project should be a cause we supported,”

Humbert explains. “Period poverty is such a taboo subject and a lot of the time period products are forgotten in aid packs distributed to refugee camps because the decisions of what to include are made by men, which is so sad but true. I’m just pleased to be able to use my platform to speak about it more.”

This ‘platform’ of course includes social channels such as TikTok, Pinterest and Instagram, which, while Humbert says have been key to the success of her brand, have also been one of her biggest challenges.

“I was really resistant to TikTok at first, I didn’t want to be on there, but one of my videos went viral and now 75% of my customers come from there,” she says. “It’s sometimes difficult to strike a balance. I don’t want to be spending all my time on social media, but it’s a really important marketing tool for business and if it means I can get the message out there about period poverty too, then it’s well worth it.”

Visit smoothielondon.com or follow @smoothelondon on Instagram and @smoothielondonjewelry on TikTok

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HUMBERT’S HERTFORDSHIRE

Where the entrepreneur loves venturing to in the county

•

I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for Hitchin, it’s one of my favourite places. I really like Los Reyes tapas, I go there with my friends a lot and also The Groundworks is great for coffee and brunch and has a really good vibe.

•

Baldock is really great for eating out. There’s a relatively new fine dining restaurant called Chez Burton, which I love going to. It feels like you could be somewhere in London.

The Arbury is also lovely.

•

When it comes to independent shops and businesses, Rhubarb and Mustard is a great little coffee and gift shop in my village, and I’ve got to mention Pots of Art, where I used to work in Hitchin, along with my mum’s floristry business, Susan Humbert Floral Design.

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PULL A POWERPOSE

NE XT TO M ATILDA Great Missenden, Bucks, book at roalddahl.com/museum

storytelling | crafts | trails | interactive galleries

22/07/2022 15:52

COFFEE AND CAKE AT FADE TO BLACK IS A WINNER

Q Were you a creative child?

A From a very young age I always loved

arts and colouring. I grew up away from all technology and TV, so creativity kept me busy in my free time.

Get to know…

HANNAH SESSIONS

ST A L B A N S A R T I ST

Q When did art become a career option for you?

A I studied Textile Design & Art in Central Saint Martins, the University of the Arts in London, and at my end-of-degree show, Mothercare spotted my work and offered me an interview and then a full-time job as a design assistant. I was very thankful for the opportunity and it was the start of my commercial career. I launched my own design business around eight years ago and offer house and building commissions, map designs and anything people would like drawn – pets are becoming very popular!

Q How would you describe your style?

A I would like to say that it’s colourful and

playful with a hand written and drawn feel.

My designs can be hung as pieces of art and are very adaptable, so can be used on a wide selection of products from home and children’s accessories to stationery and gifts.

Q How do you tend to work?

A I like to draw by hand and then

finalise the design on the computer or iPad. I paint by hand if that’s the style I need to create the look I’m after.

Q You recently designed a range with St Albans pubs and maps on it. Why? A St Albans is very well known for its huge variety of eclectic pubs, some of which are quite famous in their own right. I thought

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CULTURE • PROFILE SHE ENJOYS THE VIEWS FROM VERULAMIUM PARK

HANNAH SESSION'S DEPICTION OF THE ROSE & CROWN IN ST ALBANS

that the locals, who are very passionate about the pubs and their history, would enjoy a design that features all of the fun and entertaining names. Alongside pubs I thought a map of the city would be an interesting and meaningful illustration for locals and a great gift to give away or keep.

Q How did you come to be involved with St Albans BID? A I’m well-known for illustrations of St Albans landmarks and I can always be found on my stall at the Charter Market.

BID approached me about their new 22/23 Visitor Guide and asked if I would like to create a map of the town. I’m very happy to promote the city through my work, so I jumped at the chance to help.

“I am very happy to promote St Albans through my work, so I jumped at the chance” Q What does your map for the Visitor Guide show?

A My map directs people to the key shopping areas and highlights the streets where visitors can discover the city centre’s exceptional collection of independent shops and restaurants. It also shows the main visitor highlights including attractions like the Museum + Gallery and the Cathedral, and recreational places such as Verulamium Park and the Albans Arena alongside parking areas and train stations. It’s a fun and vibrant snapshot of St Albans.

The guide is packed full with helpful information about the area, it’s inspiring and helps people make the most of their visit. I’m really delighted to be part of it.

PART OF HER MAP FOR ST ALBANS BID

Q How long have you lived in St Albans and what do you love about it?

A I have lived here for about 16 years and I’m happy to call it home. I love the mix of art and cultures, both old and new.

There’s also a great sense of community

and I really enjoy the festival days when the town is transformed into a big party.

Q If possible, can you pick out your three favourite places in the area?

A Fade to Black is my go-to place for coffee and cake, it’s got a really relaxed and friendly vibe. I love the buzz of the Charter Market, which is on every Wednesday and Saturday – you can find me there on my stall so come and say hello. Verulamium Park is beautiful and there’s a stunning view of the Cathedral from across the lake, it’s very peaceful.

Q With summer here, are there any outdoor spots you particularly love visiting?

A St Albans has an incredible amount of green space. I love visiting Clarence Park for its historical beauty and Highfield Park for its wild and open space, you can take lovely longs walks there and be amongst nature.

Q What’s next for you?

A I’m busy working on Christmas

already! I have several projects that I’m completing and I’m always open to new commissions. I’d love to work on more maps and create new ranges of products for different towns and cities across the UK. Visit hannahsessionsdesign.com and go to enjoystalbans.com to download the new St Albans Visitor Guide 22/23 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The headline act.

Justifiably extravagant.

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FOOD & DRINK

LIFT THE TROPHY THE SILVER CUP

We covered its re-opening in these very pages, so we are delighted to hear that The Silver Cup in Harpenden has just been crowned the Best Pub in Hertfordshire 2022 for its superb fine dining and welcoming service. It has also been earmarked as The Good Food Guide’s ‘one to watch’ for ‘top beers, top food, exceptional banter’, which we can attest to. Read more over the page about what’s winning everyone over. thesilvercup.co.uk

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WHAT TO DRINK

IN THE spirit Gin recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

The latest news and launches from across Hertfordshire

By MARK KEBBLE

By PUDDINGSTONE DISTILLERY

Ultrasonic Gin 50cl 41% ABV  £35 This uses a unique ultrasonic process and pot distillation to extract flavour and aroma from the botanicals. Earthy juniper leads to the sweeter profile of elderflower and roasted barley. The light finish carries notes of apple and mint, and £2 from every bottle sold goes to the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust.

PUD PUD Cacao Gin 50cl 40% ABV  £36 PUD PUD Gin is back with a spectacular summer edition.

This gin is a new version of Puddingstone’s much-loved PUD PUD Gin using organic Peruvian cacao nibs. We’re loving the combination of distilled cacao with a lightly spiced gin that has been rested in port washed ex bourbon barrels.

Domestique London Dry Gin 50cl 42% ABV  £33 Domestique Gin is an exceptional London Dry style using botanicals sourced from the host nations of some of the world’s greatest cycling events. Alongside the required juniper and British coriander, Puddingstone distil Spanish orange peel, French hops, Belgian angelica, Italian rosemary and Californian raisins.

These limited-edition gins are distilled alongside the four strong Campfire Gin range by founders and operators, Ben and Kate Marston, at the multiaward winning Puddingstone Distillery in Tring, Hertfordshire. See more at

puddingstonedistillery.com

In full bloom T H E I V Y ST A L B A N S B R A S S E R I E

The Ivy St Albans Brasserie has launched a selection of new seasonal dishes for guests to enjoy during the warmer months.

With an abundance of vibrant flavour and colour, dishes include a Goat’s Cheese and Courgette Tart (£8.75), with artichoke tapenade, mixed herbs, and truffle crème fraiche sauce, and a Pan-Fried Salmon Fillet (£17.25) served with asparagus spears, courgette ribbons, toasted pine nuts, and a chive velouté. theivystalbans.com

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

HAVE YOUR CAKE Three of the best for Afternoon Tea Week

JUST DESSERT THE BRICKLAYERS ARMS

There are some top events planned at this Herts favourite. Look out for Salvi’s Dessert Masterclass this month (date TBC – sign up to emails to get the latest info), where their incredible pastry chef will host a masterclass demonstration in how to make two fabulous desserts to impress your dinner guests.

Bubbles are included. bricklayersarms.com .

T H E G R OV E

Indian summer

The Lounges at The Grove are steeped in history and, although recently refurbished, they have kept their character, with each room keeping its original fireplace, cornices and architraves. The perfect setting for afternoon tea. thegrove.co.uk

MOOLI

The masters of authentic Indian food Mooli, born in Herts, are launching a new ‘Thali’ Indian tasting plate, taking people on a journey of the exotic tastes of Kerala. This is perfect for tasty Indian cuisine on summer nights and entertaining with a selection of authentic Indian snacks launching too, with new ‘Snack Packs’ (£6) containing crispy samosas filled with spiced fluffy potato and peas, and crunchy kachori filled with sweet and savoury lentils. @mooliuk

HOUSE

MUS I C COPPER HOUSE

SOPWELL HOUSE By evening, new concept Omboo takes over the dining area at Sopwell House, but don’t miss afternoon tea before the lights dim.

Served on a beautiful tiered stand, it’s a treat not to be missed, with cakes, creams and as much tea as you can handle. sopwellhouse.co.uk

Summer Sessions are heading to Berkhamsted. On 12 and 26 August at Copper House, enjoy a cocktail or two whilst relaxing to a curated mix of funky, upbeat house music with Ibiza sounds. After last year’s opening of their lovely Moët Garden, their 2.0 version for this summer is even better. copperhousebar.co.uk

Taste of success T H E S I LV E R C U P

The award-winning Silver Cup in Harpenden is not resting on its laurels with its latest menu. The superb five-course tasting menu changes regularly and showcases the best seasonal ingredients, or diners can enjoy the a la carte menu and famous Sunday lunches too which, at £36 for two courses, are terrific value for money. The current menu includes Hereford steak tartare, beef fat crumb & Cacklebean egg yolk; and Cornish cod, chorizo, borlotti beans & courgette. thesilvercup.co.uk

THE ENCHANTED TEA ROOMS Enjoy freshly made finger sandwiches, homemade scones and melt in the mouth patisserie cakes at this St Albans favourite. Their afternoon teas are perfected daily to ensure you get the luxurious experience you deserve. theenchantedtearooms.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK • FEATURE

CHEF DERRICK CHEN

Eastern PROMISE

Sopwell House in St Albans is all set to introduce Omboo, which is sure to spice up the dining scene in Hertfordshire

F

or visitors enjoying afternoon tea at Sopwell House in St Albans recently, they would have been intrigued by an ongoing evolution of the dining space. Here, at Absolutely Hertfordshire, we too have been hearing snippets of a new restaurant concept arriving at the luxury hotel, and at the time of going to print the wait is almost over: Omboo has arrived.

For as long as I can remember, Sopwell House has been the pinnacle of hospitality in the county. For the uninitiated, Sopwell House is nestled in 12 acres of Hertfordshire countryside in St Albans, and is a 4-star Georgian country house hotel. It’s a family-owned luxury hotel that takes rest, relaxation and warm hospitality seriously.

The hotel boasts 128 rooms and suites including 16 individually designed stylish Mews Suites. There’s also 15 event spaces perfect for meetings, conferences and

By MARK KEBBLE

spectacular weddings, and it is home to Cottonmill Spa, a vibrant haven featuring cutting edge fitness, beautiful facilities and world class treatments by the very best British brands. It has also long made a name for itself for its food and drink offerings – so why the desire to do something new?

“For the past few years, we had considered moving away from the traditional ‘fine dining’ restaurant and an opportunity arose in the summer of 2021 to do a comprehensive review,” explains general manager Angelina Chua. “We sent out a survey to our past hotel guests as well as our local clientele to find out what is their preferred dining experience and cuisine when they choose to go somewhere for dinner. We have observed the trend over the past few years moving away from the course-by-course formal dining to a more relaxed dining experience with a communal aspect of sharing, and our survey confirmed our observations that sharing plates and A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Asian-inspired flavours featured very highly as favourites from our guests’ feedback.

From there on, our Omboo journey began.”

Once hospitality opened up again to the public, work continued behind the scenes on the new dining concept. “The restaurant finished its transformation back in March 2022, with a very fresh and vibrant look to the restaurant,” Chua explains. “Since March it has been used for afternoon tea, so many people have seen the new design already. In fact,” she adds, “we have even had a few hotel guests postponing their stay to after our opening in July!”

Just as day turns to night, at Sopwell House as the sun sets there will be something entirely new to enjoy. “Omboo’s design is sympathetic to the history of the food, resembling an eclectic burst of colours and flavours intertwined,” Chua says. “The transformation from day (afternoon tea) to night (Omboo dining) will be quite something. The lights will go down, the tablecloths will disappear from the tables and Asian lounge/chill out music will accompany the hubbub of our dinners, creating a completely different feel to the space.”

Chef Derrick Chen will be the man behind the cooking and Omboo will adopt a “when ready” service policy. “In Asia, unless it is a ‘formal’ dining occasion, dining is seen more as a communal aspect of social life,” Chua says. “The flowing food, drinks and conversation will encourage a convivial feel to the restaurant space, fostering the vibrant, elegant and laid-back atmosphere we wanted.”

What can we expect on the menu?

“Inspired by the spice routes of Asia and the Far East, Omboo will serve up mouthfuls of fragrant Asian flavours,” Chua whets the appetite. “The menu is designed to be shared and experienced with friends and family. We wanted to have lots of choice of both small plates for guests to try new flavours and big sharing platters to allow everybody in the party to enjoy. The menu should be flexible to suit most moods, you can come and pick and try, or just completely indulge in your favourite dishes.

“The duck salad is bursting with flavours and colours, it is simply beautiful,” Chua continues about some of the dishes she believes will be huge hits. “The fried salmon (sushi) roll, with strawberry, cream cheese and teriyaki sauce is a personal favourite and very moreish. Our hot stone Japanese grade A5 wagyu will definitely be a hit, as well as the spiced jumbo prawns.”

Drinks, too, will be key. “The cocktail, wine and beer offerings have been carefully curated to complement the dishes without getting lost in the punchy flavours that run throughout the menu,” Chua says.

“From an Omboo Mojito, featuring sweet Japanese plum wine and Havana 3 rum, to a Lemongrass Old Fashioned and For Sake’s Sake, a twist on the 007 favourite Martini, there’s a cocktail for every taste preference.

In addition to a selection of palate-cleansing sake, Omboo will feature four beers chosen specially from around the world, including two award-winning local beers from Tring.”

A year in the making, Omboo certainly has all the ingredients to be a big hit. And, as Chua adds, it’s not just about the food.

“Omboo is the place to go when you want to try something a little different, when dining out requires more than just a meal, when it involves new experiences, laughter and sake shared with good friends.” omboo.co.uk

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distilled on our farm in North Yorkshire CARBON NEUTRAL F R O M D AY O N E

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FOOD & DRINK • FOCUS

Destination

DINING

“Aboremp orerisque et labor solo volorehenda eiunt, odiam fuga. quam eum volut”

Absolutely Hertfordshire visits the Bricklayers Arms in Flaunden and discovers a quintessential country pub

I

t’s easy to see why the Bricklayers Arms has been nominated for ‘best destination pub’. It is set in beautiful surrounding countryside, with nearby country walks over the rolling hills of the Chess Valley, perfect to work off a hearty meal. And after a visit here, you’ll certainly need that spot of exercise as the food is exemplary.

Stepping inside was like going back in time to a period pub – and trust us, that’s a good thing – and it is tastefully furnished throughout.

What really stood out was the lovely atmosphere that pervades every corner of the Bricklayers Arms. It’s a place that will put a smile on your face. There is also a lovely spot outside to enjoy your meal, perfect to make the most of the remaining days of summer.

On our visit, we had beautifully cooked food from their award winning head chef, Miro Schelling. The menu is exciting and is well prepared, served hot and delicious. The wines, bar and gin menu are exemplary for a countryside pub.

Our choice from the extensive menu to start was chicken parfait, rose & tarragon infused rhubarb, pistachios, followed by grilled hake, saffron chardonnay, green tomato & pineapple salsa. For dessert, we couldn’t resist summer pavlova, fresh strawberries, lime & strawberry cream. Our guest for this visit had, to start, grilled tiger prawns, polenta, sweetcorn velouté, followed by pan fried rump of lamb, pulled lamb croquette, butternut squash puree, and tarragon jus. All the courses were delicious and beautifully presented. We accompanied the meal with a beautiful New Zealand sauvignon blanc wine.

To be frank, this meal could have lasted all day and we wouldn’t have complained, but in actual fact the service was excellent by the very attentive staff. No question was too tricky, and they were only too happy to suggest what dishes to plump for, as well as the wine to accompany our food. Our return visit cannot come soon enough.

“It's easy to see why the Bricklayers Arms is up for awards”

T H E B R I C K L AY E R S A R M S Hogpits Bottom, Flaunden, Hemel Hempstead HP3 0PH, 01442 833322 bricklayersarms.com

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Recipes to

EXCITE

Bold, impactful dishes from Ottolenghi protege Ixta Belfrage Wo r d s I X TA B E L F R A G E • P h o t o g r a p h y Y U K I S U G I U R A

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Roasted cabbage

with mango and harissa sauce S E RV E S 4 A S A S I D E

INGREDIENTS

• 1 medium Savoy cabbage • 1 teaspoon flaked salt • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced into rounds (optional) • 5g fresh herbs (preferably a mix of dill and coriander) • Greek-style yoghurt, to serve (optional) • lemon wedges, to serve Mango and harissa sauce: • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 4 large cloves of garlic, very finely chopped • 1 mild red chilli, deseeded and very finely chopped • ⅛ teaspoon fine salt • 2 tablespoons rose harissa • 2 teaspoons tomato purée/paste • 100g very ripe, sweet mango flesh, peeled and chopped into 1cm cubes • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

METHOD

The mango and harissa sauce is the star here and couldn’t be easier to put together. It works well in so many contexts: try it with roast chicken, marinated tofu or grilled fish or prawns, or let it come to room temperature and use it as the base for a fish or prawn crudo dish. For a quick midweek dinner, serve the cabbage with fried eggs.

Preheat the oven to 220°C fan/240°C. 2 Separate the cabbage leaves to get 400g of the brightest green leaves (save the rest for another recipe). Cut the leaves in half along the ribs, then cut in half again. Put them into a large bowl with the flaked salt and oil and massage together. Transfer to a large, flat tray and spread out as much as possible – it’s fine if some leaves overlap, as they’ll shrink. Roast for 12 minutes, tossing the leaves halfway, until the edges are beginning to brown and crisp up. 3 To make the sauce, put 1

the oil, garlic, chilli and fine salt into a large sauté pan and place on a medium-low heat. Gently fry for 6–7 minutes, stirring often, until the garlic is very soft. You don’t want the garlic to brown, so turn the heat down if necessary. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the harissa and tomato purée/paste until combined, then stir in the mango and lemon juice. 4 Spoon the sauce on to a platter and top with the roasted cabbage leaves. 5 Squeeze over some lemon juice, then top with the jalapeño and herbs. Serve warm with yoghurt on the side, if you like.

Brown butter sea bass with tangerine dipping sauce and lots of herbs S E RV E S 2

INGREDIENTS

• 1 x 800g sea bass, at room temperature • 2 stalks of fresh rosemary • 40g spring onions (about 4 thin ones) • fine salt • 1 baby gem lettuce, leaves separated • 5g fresh mint leaves • 5g fresh coriander leaves • 5g fresh basil leaves • lime wedges Citrus butter: • 40g unsalted butter • 30g olive oil • 1.5 tablespoons tangerine juice • 2 teaspoons lime juice

• 3 cloves of garlic, skin left on and crushed with the side of a knife • 1 teaspoon fine salt • about 20 twists of freshly ground black pepper Tangerine dipping sauce: • 1.5 teaspoons pul biber (use red bell pepper flakes if you don’t like heat) • 1 small clove of garlic, finely chopped • 1/4 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger • 3/4 teaspoon tomato purée/paste • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt • 1.5 tablespoons mild and light olive oil • 40g sweet, ripe cherry tomatoes, such as Datterini, very finely chopped • 4 tablespoons tangerine juice • 2 teaspoons lime juice • 1/4 teaspoon fish sauce or light soy sauce

METHOD

Don’t be put off by the longish ingredients list and method. Read through it once and you’ll realise this recipe is actually very straightforward and requires very little hands-on cooking. This is a great interactive sharing dish; stuff pieces of fish into the lettuce leaves (fresh corn tortillas would be great, too), top with the herbs and dipping sauce and let it trickle down your wrists as you eat with your hands. You’ll need four tangerines and two limes in total for this recipe.

Preheat the oven to 190°C fan/210°C. Pat the sea bass with kitchen towel to make sure it’s as dry as possible. Transfer it to a 33 x 26cm non-stick high-sided baking tray, arranging it diagonally so it fits. The tray shouldn’t be much bigger than the fish, otherwise the citrus butter will burn. Use a very sharp knife to make 5 diagonal slits in the fish. Season the 1

2

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FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

cavity with ¼ teaspoon of fine salt, then stuff with the rosemary and spring onions. Put all the ingredients for the citrus butter into a small saucepan and place on a medium heat until the butter has melted. Pour over and around the fish. 3 Bake for 14 minutes (or longer if your fish is larger than 800g), then baste the fish well and turn the oven to the highest grill setting. Grill on the top shelf of the oven for 4–6 minutes, or until the skin begins to bubble and crisp. Keep a close eye, as some grills are much hotter than others. 4 While the fish is cooking, make the tangerine dipping sauce. Put the pul biber, garlic, ginger, tomato purée/paste and fine salt into a mortar and pound with a pestle to a rough paste. 5 Heat the oil in a small saucepan on a medium heat for 1 minute, then pour the hot oil into the mortar. Stir together, then add the chopped tomatoes, tangerine juice, lime juice and fish sauce.

6 Once cooked, transfer the sea bass to a large platter with the browned citrus butter. Discard the garlic skins.

Serve with the lettuce and soft herbs to make parcels with, and the dipping sauce and lime wedges alongside.

Whipped yoghurt: • 150g mascarpone, fridge-cold • 200g yoghurt, fridge-cold • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Whipped yoghurt

with roasted strawberries and peanut fudge sauce S E RV E S 4

INGREDIENTS

Roasted strawberries: • 300g frozen strawberries, defrosted (frozen strawberries will produce a redder syrup, but you can use fresh strawberries – stalks removed and roughly chopped – just make sure they’re extra ripe) • 50g caster sugar • 1/2 lime • 2 cinnamon sticks, roughly broken

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Extracted from MEZCLA by IXTA BELFRAGE (Ebury Press, £26)

Peanut fudge sauce: • 50g smooth peanut butter (I use Manilife) • 1.5 tablespoons cocoa powder (15g) • 75g maple syrup • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari) • 1.5 tablespoons water

METHOD

The lime-roasted strawberries and peanut fudge sauce are essentially a refined combination of peanut butter and jelly, and boy do they sing together!

Here I serve them with a simple whipped yoghurt, but you could serve with plain yoghurt or shop-bought ice cream. If you’re feeling wild, pile the whipped yoghurt, roasted strawberries and fudge sauce on top of a caramelised

roasted crumpet and dust with cocoa powder to offset the sweetness.

1 Preheat the oven to 200°C fan/220°C. 2 For the roasted strawberries, place all the ingredients in an ovenproof dish just big enough to fit the strawberries in a single layer.

They should be snug, but not piled on top of each other. Bake for 20 minutes, stirring halfway. Set aside to cool. 3 Place the mascarpone, yoghurt, vanilla paste and maple syrup in a large bowl and whisk together until completely smooth. Keep the bowl in the fridge until ready to serve. For the fudge sauce, whisk all the ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth. You may need to add more water or maple syrup, depending on the thickness of your peanut butter. You’re looking for a smooth, thick but pourable consistency.

In individual glasses, layer the chilled yoghurt with the warm strawberries and the fudge sauce and serve.

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Thursday Moët Menu 2 OR 3 COURSE SET MENU With complimentary glass of Moët Imperial

BOOK ONLINE AT

COPPERHOUSEBAR.CO.UK/BOOK-NOW/

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FOOD & DRINK • DRINKS

DRINKS CABINET What to drink this month

By PENDLE HARTE

SPOTLIGHT

PRETTY IN PINK LADUREE Ladurée's has teamed up with Provençal private vineyard Château d’Estoublon to launch the Roseblood collection.

Château d’Estoublon’s organic Roseblood Rosé wine has a beautiful and pale luminous colour and combines beautifully with Ladurée's exclusive Roseblood macarons that combine notes of red fruit, pomegranate and apricot.

laduree.com

CARBON FREE SELFRIDGES Selfridges' new own-brand Earthly Spirits Gin is made using entirely renewable energy and even removes more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it emits, making it carbon negative. So help the planet and have a cocktail. £39.99

selfridges.com

QUEEN OF GINS V I TO R I A R E G I A

Popular in South America and set to shake up the UK spirits scene this summer, Vitoria Regia is the awardwinning artisanal organic gin that combines quality handcraft distilling with exotic ‘new world’ flavours.

ginvitoriaregia.com

Behind the bar

Visiting a Sipsmith Garden pop-up

By EVE HERBERT

S

ipsmith has transformed The Lensbury Hotel's Rose Garden with a popup bar, stunning floral archway, and deckchairs.

Transporting guests from their everyday lives, the Sipsmith Garden is tucked away in the Teddington hotel’s expansive 25-acre grounds with views of the Thames, its own wildlife pond and the estate’s impressive rose collection.

Gin lovers can stick with the authentic London Dry Gin in a classic G&T, enjoy a citrus G&T with Sipsmith Zesty Orange Gin or try a Spritz served with the Sipsmith Strawberry Smash Gin. The Lensbury is also serving a brandnew Afternoon G&Tea menu, including quintessentially British treats such as finger sandwiches, handmade cakes, and scones with Sipsmith gin infused strawberry jam and clotted cream, as well as a selection of teas with the option to add a refreshing Sipsmith Spritz.

Not only is The Lensbury and the Sipsmith Secret Garden a great spot for locals, the hotel’s close proximity to the capital makes it an ideal choice for Londoners looking to escape the city, whether for an evening drink or an overnight stay. During their visit, guests can also discover the hotel’s first-class sport facilities, including 22 tennis courts, a watersports centre that offers kayaking, sailing, and motorboat hire, as well as a state-of-the-art gym.

The Lensbury has designed an overnight stay package for gin lovers: ‘Gin, Bed and Breakfast’ includes a one night stay with breakfast, a Sipsmith gin cocktail and full access to the hotel’s leisure facilities. Prices start from £170 per room/ per night.

lensbury.com

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FA S H I O N

REUSE, RECYCLE STELLA MCCARTNEY

For next season, 72% of the ready-to-wear collection by Stella McCartney is crafted from responsible materials.

New innovations include pieces crafted with repurposed deadstock fabrics from LVMH’s Nona Source platform. stellamccartney.com

Indigowares 38 • Jewellery 41 • The Shoot 42 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Q&A

High and

DYED

We meet Lisa Reddings, the Herts local who is behind the sustainable fashion brand Indigowares

Q How did you first come across indigo dyeing?

A After I became a mum, I took time away from the industry to care for my kids. During that time, I had taken up indigo dyeing as a hobby. I fell completely in love as I learned about its magical dyeing processes, as well as the cultures that did and still do use it. Having worked in the fast fashion industry for so long, I grew a bit disillusioned with it all. Indigo dyeing brought the focus back to making pattern, which was always my passion, and the traditional processes and history behind it.

Q Why were you keen to convert your interest into a business?

A As I became more and more entranced with indigo dyeing and the process, I spent a lot of time thinking about the techniques and traditions that have been forgotten due to our ever-quickening demand for fast fashion throw away trends. This is one of the huge things that led me to start Indigowares in 2016 – a need to return garment making to an ethical, sustainable practice that celebrates cultural tradition.

Q Can you explain how the dyeing process works?

A One of the things that I speak about a lot is how the indigo dyeing process is something that comes straight from the earth. We work very closely with our indigo farmer (and amazing artisan) Kiran Sandhu, who grows the indigo that we use on her farm in Uttarakhand, India. If you take a look on our website, we’ve written quite a few blogs about the process of how indigo is grown as a green plant and extracted to create this magical blue pigment.

The dyeing process itself starts with creating an indigo vat, which involves mixing an alkaline solution to make the indigo soluble, letting the indigo ferment, then adding the indigo stock to the vat.

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FASHION • Q&A

After all of the mixing, measuring, and waiting, the next steps are all about dipping your fabric. This can be as simple or complex as you like really, depending on the technique you want to use. For example, Shibori patternmaking is traditionally done with indigo – this is a resist dye process where the fabric is folded, stitched or clamped to leave parts of it undyed. The results might be familiar to you as a lot of similar techniques show up in tie dye.

INDIGOWARES FOUNDER LISA REDDINGS

Q How do you create a new design?

A My new designs are gathered from

inspiration found in vintage textiles, experiments and studio trials. We create sample garments and patterns both here in my studio and with our collaborators in India. For example, I’ll indigo dye on different fabric contents to see how they take, test different patterns and natural dye techniques – everything needed to land on the perfect combination of idea and implementation.

After the design is set, production is split between my home studio here in Hertfordshire and in India, so the process of creating pieces can look different depending on where the resources are coming from, where the weather is suitable for dyeing, where the vintage materials can be found, and so many factors. Each design has a unique journey to production.

Q What are your most popular items?

A Our vintage kantha jackets are always

very popular due to their one-of-a-kind nature; I personally select the vintage quilts that are used to create these jackets, and still get surprised by all the unique colours and patterns that I get to discover.

We launched our first dress collection this year which has also been very popular. The patterns on these dresses are created through both indigo dyeing and block printing.

PHOTOGRAPHER: JACK HOBBS; MODEL: HANNAH PAUL

Q Where would you like to go from here?

A This year we are travelling to India to

source more vintage textiles and also help in the Indigo harvest in the foothills of the Himalayas with our friend and Indigo farmer Kiran. In terms of design, we have some beautiful indigo patchworks planned and also some heritage printed pyjamas for autumn.

We'd also like to take on bigger collaborations, like our ongoing partnership with Levi’s, to try to help larger brands bring sustainability into their model. In the next month we are working with Muji to naturally over dye 100 garments donated back by customers for their ‘Re Muji’ project. This will be launched early September in their London Islington store. All in all, lots coming up!

indigowares.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FASHION • JEWELLERY

Elegant Enamel Wear something fun this summer B y R AC H E L H O G G

FRY POWERS

BOOCHIER

BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

Unicorn Rainbow Silver, Enamel and Topaz Ring, £580 net-a-porter.com

Purple Fruit Hoops Bangle, £9,405 boochier.com

Shaun Leane Rose Gold Vermeil Cherry Blossom Pendant, £350, bakerbrothersdiamonds.com

CARRIE ELIZABETH

EMILY P. WHEELER

ANNA + NINA

Eivissa Enamel Ring in Orange, £60 carrieelizabeth.co.uk

Tiered Gold, Enamel, Sapphire and Morganite Earrings, £4,675 net-a-porter.com

Gold-Plated Green Twirl Enamel Hoop Earrings, £60 libertylondon.com

KURT GEIGER

BOTTEGA VENETA

ALICE CICOLINI

Enamel Eagle Bangle in Fuschia, £99 kurtgeiger.com

Enamel and Sterling Silver Triangle Earrings in Wave, £715 matchesfashion.com

Memphis Candy Gold and Enamel Ring, £950 alicecicolini.com

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MIX &

M ATC H

Atterley is a fashion destination that celebrates the boutique experience, supporting shops like Amelie in Berkhamsted. Here’s a snapshot of their summer collection AT T E R L E Y. C O M

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TM

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HEALTH & BEAUTY S

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MIND & BODY Never has our physical and mental wellbeing been so important. It's been two years like no other and we are still suffering the consequences of a pandemic that refuses to go away. Work is harder, the days seem shorter, and happiness feels a distant dream for some. Hopefully the following pages will help to put a smile on your face and show how you can relax a little.

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Q&A

Mind

G A M E S

A Berkhamsted local writes about evolving from playing lacrosse for England to becoming an acclaimed life coach

By SARAH COOKE

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• XXXXX HEALTH &XXXXXXXX BEAUTY • PROFILE

F

or as long as I can remember I’ve been active and have always had an interest in sports – both watching as well as participating. My parents both played sport when I was a child and encouraged me to try as many different activities as possible that were available to me at school. I competed at county level in several sports including lacrosse, netball, athletics, and swimming.

Looking back now, it was a progressive journey of me not being the best, or even considered being that good at lacrosse – I remember being told by my PE teacher at school that I’d never be good enough to play at a high level. Even at such an early age, it became a catalyst for my inner determination and drive that you can achieve what you set out to, rather than rely on someone else’s opinion to tell me what I could achieve.

I had a dream of playing for England, so I looked at what I needed to do to improve my fitness, my speed, and my skills. I was proactive about what I could control; for example I woke up early before school to do extra runs around the neighbourhood and I spent weekends and after school practising skills as often as possible. I focussed on the things I could do and started seeing incremental improvements.

I went on to become the only person from my school in my year group to be selected for England at the age of 15 and continued playing for my country for the next five years until a serious injury at university ended my lacrosse career and resulted in foot reconstruction and having to learn to walk again.

In some ways, I have always been coaching others from as early as my sporting journey, supporting friends who’d come to me for advice, as well as during my days in the corporate world, especially in my final job as Regional Marketing Manager where I was managing a team of ambitious people who were spread across Asia.

I’ve always sought the support from others when I’ve wanted to achieve more or do things in a different way, and I have a real passion to give back and support others, especially women, to achieve the levels of success that they want and truly believe with the right focus and mindset people can thrive in business and in life.

I see so many people pushing hard to achieve

“There is no cookie cutter approach to health; it is about finding what works for you” the results they want within their work life or working so hard just to enjoy the weekend or their annual holidays, and that can often come at the expense of their health and wellbeing.

All businesses want to hit financial goals, which is obviously very important to have a sustainable and profitable business, but results don’t come from just hard work. They rely on the people working in the business to achieve those results and that requires effective and efficient working and in turn that requires you to perform at your optimal levels.

As a society we’ve been conditioned to work hard from an early age and in some ways to believe that results only come at a price – this was the premise of me writing my Healthy You Wealthy Business book because there is a different way. Working smart means you’re intentional – it’s not about the number of hours you spend working vs your home life.

I’ve hit burnout twice in my working life and it literally stops everything, including being able to hit business results. Whilst I do believe an element of stress can be a good thing because it fuels our inner fire so to speak, if left to build up it can lead to serious health problems.

Sadly, I see so many people viewing success as everything to do with their business results when the reality behind the scenes is that they are anything but healthy, and one day life and therefore business will come crashing down. Our bodies are amazing, but we need to look after and nourish them (both physically as well as emotionally) to get the best out of them.

Over the last few years, I think the pressures of the pandemic resulting in changes to work patterns and balancing business, home-schooling, caring for others etc and then the follow on of trying to “get back to normal” means many people haven’t given their minds or bodies time to re-calibrate.

Life is busy, and if you’re like me, life is for living. I like that I have a full life, but I also recognise that I can’t go 100 miles an hour 24/7 – actually no one can! There is no cookie cutter approach to health; we are all so individual, but it is about finding what works for you and doing it in a way that works for you because otherwise there will be wider and much bigger issues, which are stress, burnout and wellbeing related.

For more information about Sarah Cooke visit sarahcookecoaching.com. Her book Healthy You, Wealthy Business is available from sarahcookecoaching.com/book

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Tired of waiting weeks to be able to see your GP? Do you feel like your GP is too busy to give you the personalised care you deserve? Dr Suhail Hussain can help Dr Suhail Hussain provides reliable private GP care in Hertfordshire and Greater London. He has been working with patients like you for over 20 years, helping both adults and children to get back on their feet again quickly. Services include: •

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y R AC H E L H O G G

EDITOR’S PICK

Reduce

FOCUS

& REUSE

MORALE BOOSTER

PAC I F I CA

Love pampering yourself, but hate harming the planet, Pacifica has you covered. The brand has released a range of eco-conscious face masks that you can feel good about using.

The innovative silicone patches are designed to be reused up to 15 times and can be applied alongside any of your favourite serums, £15.

We head to Stevenage to visit a medical spa that puts you first

cultbeauty.co.uk

Smoother Summer S E R E I A S K I N CA R E

Sereia Skincare’s smoothing duo is perfect for creating a sleek silhouette this summer. The exfoliating body cleansing bar is packed with powerful marine nutrients and has been developed to work exclusively with the ergonomically shaped body mitt to stimulate blood flow and help create smooth and glowing skin, £32. sereiaskincare.com

EVERYDAY S KINCA RE BONDI SANDS

One of the most trusted tanning brands has recently expanded to skincare, with the release of their ‘Everyday Skincare’ range. Bondi Sands has designed a range of products that are packed full of a combination of active ingredients and their trademark natural Australian botanicals, from £8.99.

A

esthetics Life Medical Spa in Stevenage, formed in 2007, offers a refreshing and rejuvenating experience to boost the body and the mind. Their patients’ wellbeing and happiness is their priority, which is why each patient receives a signature ‘Confidence Boost’ tailor-made treatment plan based on their individual desired results. The ‘Confidence Boost’ plan is free to take home and shows patients exactly what they had, what was spoken about and any other details about their treatment with Aesthetics Life. With them you are never at risk of cheaper or counterfeit products being used. They will only ever recommend treatments that fit with your wanted outcome and will never oversell. No wonder they have a 97% patient satisfaction rate. At Aesthetics Life Medical Spa, they know that treatment is a journey and not a singular procedure. Their dedicated team is there throughout your journey with them, even out of hours post-treatment should a concern arise. They offer a free no obligation initial consultation (secured via a fully refundable deposit) and welcome all manner of questions from patients throughout.

AESTHETIC S LIFE MEDICAL SPA 106 High Street, Stevenage, SG1 3DW 01438 300 111

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Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is delighted to announce that it has received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, an award given for outstanding achievement by groups of volunteers.

We feel incredibly honoured to be recognised and would like to thank all our team for their commitement and hard work.

If you are interested in ways in which you could be involved with the Helpline, see www.hertsdomesticabusehelpline.org If you are affected by domestic abuse call the Helpline free on 08 088 088 088 or email: kim@mailpurple.org

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22/07/2022 16:37

HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

CLINIQUE Superdefense City Block SPF 50, £23 clinique.co.uk

KATE SOMERVILLE Daily Deflector Mineral Sunscreen, £46 katesomerville.co.uk

LA ROCHEPOSAY Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid, £18 laroche-posay.co.uk

GLOW HUB Defend Yourself Sun Silk, £12 glowhub.com

EDITOR’S PICK SISLEY

KIEHL’S

All Day All Year Protective Shield, £304 sisley-paris.com

Ultra Light Daily UV Defense, £40 kiehls.co.uk

SUPERGOOP! Glowscreen SPF 30, £32 cultbeauty.co.uk

SAVE FACE Enjoy the sun, and avoid the damage, we've found our favourite SPFs

GLOSSIER Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen, £20 glossier.com

CLINIQUE Superdefense Moisturiser SPF40, £43 clinique.co.uk

REN SKINCARE Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30, £33 renskincare.com

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Longing for more vitality and wellbeing? This 8-week programme gives you the tools, the wisdom and the practices you need. Join the hybrid course to experience blissful gentle resilience and recover your health.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

SUMMER HOLIDAYS CAN PLAY HAVOC WITH HAIR

T h i nk w it h y ou r H E A D How to protect your hair during the summer months

By TRISHA BULLER

W

ith summer holidays fast approaching, now is the time to prepare for the potential harm that the sun, sea, UV rays, and environmental toxins can cause to our hair and scalp condition.

Hair is hygroscopic, so will absorb atmospheric moisture, such as sea water, chlorine from swimming pools, fumes from traffic and many other pollutants. To protect your hair from absorbing harmful elements it is essential to use the correct products on your hair to protect the inner fibres and avoid potential breakage.

Shampooing your hair daily will help to remove unwanted waste, toxins, and product build up and is essential in maintaining healthy hair growth, also assisting the oxygenation of blood supply to the hair

follicles. Cleansing the scalp correctly helps to keep pores clear, allowing the new hair growth to emerge in the best way.

It is a common myth that daily shampooing will cause excessive dryness of the hair shaft; providing you are using the correct product for your scalp and hair type this will not happen; in fact it’s the reverse, helping to rehydrate and strengthen the hair shaft.

Products contain far better quality ingredients now than in previous times, and play an important role in rehydrating and strengthening the hair fibres. Conditioner protects the outer layer of the hair called the “cuticle”; this resembles scales of a fish, laying in an overlapping downward movement. This not only protects the inner structure, which is where colour molecules and structural changes take place, but also helps to reflect light, creating a healthy shiny glow. If cuticle scales become damaged, gaps can be created in the structure, and sunlight is absorbed as opposed to reflecting, causing a dull matt appearance. This can also be the reason for colour fade and a lack of hold once styled.

An intensive hair treatment should be applied at least once a week. The treatment has smaller molecules and acts quite differently from a conditioner; penetrating the cuticle, it enters the inner structure helping to replace lost moisture, protein, carbohydrates and essential fatty acids. An intensive treatment can be left on the hair from as little as five minutes to 30 minutes, depending on your hair type, texture, and density.

Always rinse thoroughly and apply the conditioner which protects the cuticle and/or a heat styling protector spray or cream, again depending on your hair type and texture as to what you should be using. This is why it is important to seek advice from a professional knowledgeable stylist, to establish your own personal recipe for your best hair health.

CIENTE Trisha Buller is a trained and qualified trichologist and is the founder of Ciente Hair & Health Spa. Find out more by calling 01442 877273 or visiting ciente.co.uk or trishabuller.com

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TUB THERAPY How installing a hot tub can set you on the way to better health and wellbeing W o r d s C A S P A R D AV I D

S

itting in a hot tub may be a pleasurable way to spend the evening – but there are countless health benefits too. Hydrotherapy is a whole-body therapeutic treatment that can help with all kinds of conditions including arthritis, stress, headaches, diabetes, muscle and joint injuries, bursitis, tendonitis, scoliosis and fibromyalgia. Plus it’s an excellent form of pain relief too.

Warm water helps to stimulate the body and release endorphins. Warmth

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can help your blood vessels to open up and reduce blood pressure, while massage jets stimulate circulation.

Pressure is taken off joints and limbs as you float, and muscles loosen and relax.

For conditions such as arthritis, simply taking the pressure off joints in a hot tub can provide relief. Studies show that hot tub therapy can help with type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar, normalising blood pressure, enhancing insulin sensitivity and encouraging weight loss.

Hot water helps create a balance in your nervous system and encourages your body’s

release of natural feel-good hormones such as endorphins and dopamine, resulting in feeling happier and relaxed.

Additionally, the heat can help open up lung capacity for greater oxygen intake and thereby reduce the risk of heart attack.

HOT TUB HAVEN Whether it is for long relaxing evenings beneath the stars, kicking back with a glass of bubbles after a challenging day or enjoying sunny weekends of fun time with the kids, who wouldn’t want a fabulous hot tub in their back garden?

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • WELLBEING

“HOT WATER HELPS ENCOURAGES YOUR BODY’S RELEASE OF NATURAL FEEL-GOOD HORMONES”

ARTESIAN ELITE AT HOT TUB HAVEN

ORLESTONE OAK HOT TUB GAZEBO

Hot tub owners enjoy significant health benefits. Numerous scientific studies and masses of customer feedback prove that regular use of a hot tub can reduce stress, relieve muscle pain, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, help prevent heart disease, reduce headaches, help in weight loss and even benefit mental health by diminishing feelings of anxiety.

Ar hot tubs costly to run? If you buy a cheap Chinese hot tub or an inflatable, you could see your electricity bills soar, but buy a genuine American-made, energy-efficient hot tub like the awardwinning range made by Artesian Spas in Nevada and it should only cost between 80p and £1 a day in electricity.

Artesian Spas are also among the most eco-friendly and easiest to maintain

hot tubs you can buy; they require no chlorine, just a small amount of the more gentle and user-friendly bromine, due to their built in Ozone sanitizers.

Hot Tub Haven in Bookham, near Leatherhead, has many years experience in the hot tub industry, and their showroom displays the most popular models in the Artesian range; their friendly expert staff will help you choose exactly the right hot tub for you. hottubhaven.co.uk

MALVERN HOT TUBS A hot tub and gazebo make a practical combination. Putting a roof over your spa gives you privacy, shade and shelter.

Our premium gazebos are made from sustainable redwood in a choice of sizes, roof styles and side sections. Personalise your building by adding a bar, louvre screens, painted Hi-Lite roof finish and bespoke clear or marine grade canvas panels.

Malvern Hot Tubs & Spas offer hot tubs and swim spas by four brands – Hydropool, Coven, Aspen and Garden Leisure – to cater for individual requirements and budgets. malvernhottubs.co.uk/hot-tub-gazebos

ORLESTONE OAK Orlestone Oak creates gazebos specifically to go over hot tubs. These structures feature a full handmade oak frame bespoke to customer specification and made up of mortice and tenon joints that are traditionally pegged together.

Just 20 minutes immersed in warm water at around 37oC dilates your blood vessels and improves circulation, which helps move inflammatory substances away from the joints, muscles and tendons. Combining this heat with pulsating hot tub jets is the perfect recipe to relax your muscles.

Today’s advanced hot tubs are even fitted with powerful massage jets that can replicate the petrissage (kneading, knuckling and wringing), effleurage (gentle, flowing strokes), and tapotement (rhythmic tapping using the edges of the hands) strokes a professional masseuse would use to relieve your muscle tension. orlestoneoak.co.uk

MALVERN HOT TUBS

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Create Your Perfect Home Gym

Let us be your expert designer to help make YOUR GY and feel so good that you WANT to go back to all the

Let us be your expert designer to help make YOUR GYM look Gym Design & Supply and feel so good that you WANT to go back to all thegives time! you 20 years’ of experience with an exclusive personal service, offering a wide range of options as well as an online price match guarantee

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Gym Design & Supply offers 20 years’ of experience with an exclusive personal service and a wide range of options helping you create your dream gym space.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

HOW CAN VEINCENTRE HELP?

SIMPLY

VEIN

Exploring the specialists who can make unsightly varicose veins disappear

I

f you are suffering with varicose veins, look no further as the UK’s largest varicose veins treatment specialists Veincentre provide modern treatments that are accessible to everyone.

WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS? Varicose veins affect one in three people, so are much more common than you might think. They do not discriminate, and although they can be hereditary, they can affect anybody at any age.

Veins carry blood back to the heart, using the muscles to act against gravity.

Inside the veins are tiny valves that prevent blood flowing back to the feet.

When those valves fail, blood refluxes inside of the vein, causing excess pressure in the veins that are close to the surface, which leads to them bulging outwards.

Veincentre are the UK’s largest varicose veins treatment provider, with 22 clinics nationwide. All their treatments are minimally invasive, walk-in, walk-out procedures, meaning no surgery is needed, and no time off work is required.

Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLA) is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence as the gold standard treatment for varicose veins, and this is the most commonly performed treatment at Veincentre. This is laser treatment and uses heat to destroy the faulty valves. This treatment restores healthy blood flow to the legs, and in turn gets rid of any symptoms associated with varicose veins in the first couple of weeks.

As well as using EVLA to treat the underlying medical problem, Veincentre use another technique called foam sclerotherapy to treat the visible veins.

Veincentre’s number one goal is to provide safe and proven treatments which are accessible to everyone, and they pride themselves on giving the highest quality of care to all patients who walk through their doors.

Veincentre are on hand to help you start your journey to healthy veins and happy legs. If you suffer from varicose veins, you don’t need to suffer in silence.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF VARICOSE VEINS? Varicose veins develop over time, and the signs can vary from person to person.

Some people may notice prominent veins developing, other people may notice symptoms like aching, burning, throbbing, heaviness and itching. Over time, unsightly, bulging veins can appear as the pressure within the vein increases.

CAN YOU PREVENT THEM? Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to prevent the onset of varicose veins. There are ways that you can help relieve the symptoms of varicose veins, including wearing compressions stockings and elevating your legs, but it will not fix the problem long term.

Undergoing treatment is the only way of fixing the underlying medical problem and improving the appearance of the legs.

VEINCENTRE If you’d like to find out more about the specialist treatments Veincentre provide, please contact the team on 0333 363 76 59

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HORWOODHOUSE.CO.UK 01296 722222 | ENQUIRIES@HSPAHORWOOD.CO.UK

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HEALTHXXXXXXXX & BEAUTY •• XXXXX FOCUS

Press

PAUSE

Dawn Fable, the founder of CBD brand Press Pause, shares her advice prioritising self-care

By R AC H E L H O G G

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FOCUS

PRESS PAUSE FOUNDER, DAWN FABLE

Q Why do you think so many women struggle to prioritise caring for themselves?

A Well, frankly, because we are too busy looking after everyone else. As women we do it all, and are often so busy ensuring everyone around us is taken care of that we do not prioritize taking care of ourselves. In doing so, we compromise our own health and wellness. The mission of Press Pause is to change this narrative, even if it's helping just one person.

Q What advice would you give to women

“When a woman takes charge of her wellbeing, she impacts everything she touches” Q What separates Press Pause

Q How do you incorporate CBD

trying to build a self-care ritual?

A It is single-handedly the most important thing we can do for ourselves and others. Self-care rituals serve as a reminder that we as women deserve those moments of "PAUSE" to recharge.

When a woman takes charge of her wellbeing, she impacts everyone and everything she touches. In our opinion, a well woman can do just about anything.

from other CBD brands?

A Press Pause is more than a CBD brand.

Not only do we have high-quality lifestyle products that appeal to several important pillars of women's health, but Press Pause represents a movement, a community and advocacy for women's wellbeing. A brand, for women, by women with a very important mission of starting important conversations around important topics.

nature to help a woman throughout her day and life cycle. Our SOOTHE comforting body balm is incredible, I just toss it in my bag and use it throughout my day to help ease sore muscles, inflammation and tension headaches. The SOAK lavender bath salts also make for a great end-of-day relaxation ritual.

Q Who did you have in mind when

Q Can you describe your

Q Do you have any advice for

you created Press Pause?

A I wanted to create a lifestyle brand that addresses a number of issues we as women struggle with as well as educate women about the healing benefits of CBD. Many CBD products, including ours, are crafted to boost women's wellbeing and support us through the different pillars of women's health, including hormonal, sexual, physical and mental wellbeing. Beyond our products, however, I saw the opportunity to create a movement in the power of Pressing Pause.

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personal journey with CBD? A As a working mother of three, drowning in my own beautiful disaster I never prioritized myself. I was introduced to CBD and it had life-changing effects on my overall wellbeing. Like many women, I found myself silently struggling without a safe space to open up about topics that were not being discussed. This inspired me to create a community where I could share my very real and raw struggles as a woman while educating about the healing benefits of CBD.

into your daily ritual?

A Our products are very ritualistic in

nervous first-time CBD users?

A I always encourage others to do their

research, fortunately this industry has come a long way and there are some tremendous resources out there. When considering what brand to use, as there are so many options, it's important to check the credentials and quality of the products.

I always recommend topicals as an easy entry point to experience the benefits.

presspauseproject.com

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Your local Bupa care homes in and around Hertfordshire

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INTERIORS

N O RT HER N LI G HT HADELAND

The Hadeland lighting portfolio, and in particular the Archive Collection, is rooted in and informed by midcentury influences that speak to a timeless Scandinavian aesthetic.

The heritage and craftmanship associated with the brand ensures an authenticity that is present in every design. hadeland.com

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INTERIORS N OT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home

By PENDLE HARTE

LEARNING CURVE DAVID HUNT LIGHTING

Scallop is a two-tone, hand-finished pendant with a scallop-edged detail in a pretty palette of contrasting colours.

Choose your own bespoke version from a ten colour paint palette. Each finish offers a vibrant style that creates a fresh new lighting design. £390 davidhuntlighting.co.uk

A R T I S T ' S PA LE T T E DIPT YQUE

Diptyque continues its expansion into homeware with a new tabletop collection named Artist’s Palette featuring beautiful marbled glass vases and candle jars. The brand has also launched a new range of luxury cleaning products. diptyqueparis.com

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INTERIORS • NOTES

TA K E FIVE Coffee essentials KITCHENAID Artisan espresso machine, £449 kitchenaid.co.uk

C AT NAP

LE A N I N MATTHEW HILTON

Just launched at Milan Design Week is Matthew Hilton's reclining Ewelina armchair, a generously proportioned design with ultimate comfort in mind. From £6,739 scp.co.uk

ROUND HAUS

SMEG

Round Haus is a new multifunctional furniture collection designed for cats, from luxury cat accessories brand Cheshire & Wain and furniture designer-makers Lozi Designs. cheshireandwain.com

Espresso machine, £329 smeg.com

KITCHEN CRAFT Stainless steel tamper, £17.99 east2eden.co.uk

VON HAUS Five piece coffee accessory set, £14.99 vonhaus.com

CLEAR WINNER CASA CELVA

SAGE Barista Pro machine, £729.95 sageappliances.com

All handmade Murano glassware at Casa Celva is sustainably sourced from small artisanal suppliers across Europe and are handmade with longevity in mind. casacelva.com

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PHOTO: JONATHAN BUCKLEY

F R O M C R I N O L I N E S T O C A M E L L I A S Brookmans Park garden designer, Manoj Malde, on how colour, fashion, and travel have influenced his desire to create the perfect outdoor space

By REBECCA PITCAIRN

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PHOTO: REMARKABLE TELEVISION

INTERIORS • FEATURE

MANOJ MALDE

MANOJ MALDE'S AWARD WINNING CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW GARDEN

W

hen award-winning Hertfordshire garden designer Manoj Malde tells me wild gardens are in fashion, I look out to my own overgrown patch of lawn and breathe a sigh of relief. “Gone are the days when heavily manicured gardens were in vogue,” he tells me. “You don’t have to be overly tidy in a garden and by not being overly tidy, you’re going to help to create wildlife habitats in your garden. And is it such a bad thing to have a few weeds in your garden anyway?

After all, the dandelions are feeding the bees.”

It is exactly this sort of down-to-earth comment that has made him such a popular component of the BBC TV show Your Garden Made Perfect, which sees cutting edge technology used to reveal the paradise ordinary gardens could become.

Malde was picked for the show, an offshoot of the popular Your Home Made Perfect

PHOTO: REMARKABLE TELEVISION

WITH THE TEAM ON YOUR GARDEN MADE PERFECT

presented by Angela Scanlon, after producers saw him being interviewed at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. “They sent me a clip of the home version, which had already been made, and what really struck me as interesting about it was that it was about real people, with real budgets and how designs are put together using those budgets,” the 55-year-old explains.

I’m speaking with Malde following a busy day filming for a new TV show called Garden of the Year, which will see him, keen gardener Zoe Ball, and former young horticulturalist of the year, Lachlan Rae, travel the length and breadth of the country on the hunt for the UK’s most spectacular home gardens.

Each episode of the six-part series for More 4 features contrasting gardens in different regions of the UK, with Malde and his co-hosts voting for their favourites to go head-tohead and be named ‘Garden of the Year’.

“The programme is very inspirational; there’s all sorts of gardens, large, small and a mix of styles as well,” Malde, who recently presented Secrets of the Royal Gardens also

“Skills I built up in fashion transfer well to garden design” for More 4, tells me. “Some of the contributors have no garden design or horticultural experience at all, so it’s really fascinating to see what they’ve done with their garden.”

Malde, who is of Indian descent and lived in Kenya until he moved to the UK when he was four-years-old, has been creating gardens for private clients since 2011. He is known for his love of colour, which he says has not only been influenced by his Indian heritage, but also his previous career as a fashion designer.

“A lot of the skills I’d built up during my time in fashion transfer really well into the garden design process,” he says. “The concept still begins with themes, mood boards, colour A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • FEATURE

INTRICATE DESIGN AT THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

“It is another room to your house so why wouldn't you spend money”

Planting ideas Manoj Malde’s top garden design tips

PLAN  That’s where a lot of people go

wrong and then nothing fits together cohesively. Don’t rush things, sit and live with those plans for a while to make sure it’s what you want.

G E T TO K N OW YO U R S O I L

 Most people go to a nursery, see

something they like and so buy it and then wonder why it dies when they’ve planted it at home. It’s most probably the soil, so do your research first, test what soil you have and then buy plants accordingly.

DON’T BE AFRAID O F C O LO U R  It can be added in so many

different ways. A paint pot does not really cost that much and if you find you’ve made a mistake you can always paint over it. Do a little tester and see how the light falls on it at different times of the day.

PHOTO: JONATHAN BUCKLEY

palettes, textures and form. When you’re designing a print on a piece of silk or cotton for example, looking at the depth of colour and how they sit alongside each other, when I’m designing a planting scheme, I work in the same way. For me, that changeover is like going from crinolines to camellias – their form and shape are very similar.”

During his 18-year fashion career, Malde travelled the globe designing for brands in Italy, Germany, New York, Hong Kong and India and he continues to enjoy holidays with his partner, Clive, regularly taking inspiration from gardens, architecture and artwork he discovers while abroad.

“When I see colour, I find that really quite inspirational and it doesn’t just have to be through planting schemes, it can be through

architecture, interiors, we are surrounded by so many inspirational things,” he says.

“In January, I was in Crete and saw some amazing colourful graffiti on the wall and so took photos of that to incorporate into a design – it’s things like that that inspire me.”

Indeed, it was photos of work by Mexican architect Luis Barragán that were the inspiration for Malde’s 2017 silver gilt award winning Chelsea Flower Show garden, Beneath a Mexican Sky. “I wanted that garden to be very different from others that had been created in the past at Chelsea – it had a completely different planting palette that hadn’t been seen at Chelsea before and it was, of course, really colourful,” explains Malde, who is now a RHS ambassador and, this year, was made a judge. “I believe I’m the first Indian RHS judge and I’m super proud of that and I think it shows what effort the RHS are going to be inclusive.”

While Malde says he was honoured to enter his show garden in 2017 and work on others in previous years (he has contributed to gardens designed by Chris Beardshaw, Diarmuid Gavin and Nick Bailey), it’s working on shows like Your Garden Made Perfect and Garden of the Year, which give an insight into the challenges of creating home gardens that he enjoys the most.

“They’re real programmes that offer a realistic insight into the industry,” he says.

“Designing and creating a garden can be the same cost as creating a kitchen or a bathroom and, let’s face it, it is another room to your house so why wouldn’t you be willing to spend the same amount of money per square foot as you would indoors?”

While we’re on the subject of ‘keeping it real’, I ask what his garden at home in Brookmans Park is like. “It’s absolutely rubbish, at the moment,” he admits with a laugh. “We’ve been here for four years, but there’s so many things to do in the house that the garden has taken a bit of a back seat. I will get around to designing it at some point!”

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

OAK PARQUET SILVER WHITE OILED FLOORING COMBINES THE BEAUTIFUL CHARACTERISTICS OF WOOD WITH A MODERN TWIST FEATURING A LIGHTLY BRUSHED SURFACE, A SUBTLE SILVER WHITE OIL HIGHLIGHTS DISTINCTIVE GRAIN PATTERNS

BEAUTIFUL OAK-AGED PARQUET FLOORING ADDS WARMTH AND TEXTURE TO A LARGE, OPEN-PLAN KITCHEN AND LIVING SPACE. EXTREMELY FORGIVING EVEN IN HIGH-TRAFFIC AREAS OF THE HOME DUE TO ITS HIGH DURABILITY, THE REAL WOOD PARQUET FLOOR SETS THE TONE FOR THE WHOLE SPACE, PERFECTLY BLENDING OLD WITH NEW FOR A TIMELESS FINISH

KNOCK ON WOOD

For weekly cleaning, a capful of wood floor maintenance concentrate mixed with water and applied with a damp mop is all that is required. To refresh the look and lustre annually in high traffic areas periodically use a concentrated polish, again applied with water and a damp mop.

One of the many good things about real wood flooring is the variety available in pattern options. From straight boards to parquet, there is an option to suit any setting. Just as when choosing a colour for your walls, choosing the right shade of wood flooring should be based on how large the room is, how much natural light it enjoys and on the overall décor. Smaller rooms benefit from lighter woods, while larger spaces can more comfortably accommodate darker tones such as walnut.

LACQUERED FLOORS GIVE A SUBTLE BOOST TO THE WOOD SURFACE BUT STILL RETAIN A NATURAL LOOK AND FEEL

How engineered wood flooring is a durable solution for all kinds of spaces, says Natural Wood Floor

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ew flooring gives any room an instant facelift.

The material chosen needs to be functional of course, but such a highly visible surface also needs to have visual appeal. Real wood is an on-trend flooring option that works practically and aesthetically and due to its sheer versatility will blend seamlessly into any style of property.

Engineered wood flooring creates a high-end finish and affords the room the luxury of timber, while being surprisingly simple to care for and highly durable thanks to its construction.

Whereas solid wood flooring isn’t suitable for underfloor heating, high humidity areas and acoustic insulation, engineered boards can be fitted in all rooms, including most

kitchens and bathrooms where humidity may be present. It can also be floated over acoustic underlay in apartments or to insulate games/children’s rooms etc.

An engineered board has up to 11 layers of plywood backing, with each layer glued at a 90-degree angle to the adjoining layer.

The surface layer of a precious hardwood is then glued on top, resulting in a much more stable floor with a robust construction. It can be floated over an existing floor, making it perfect for basements or apartments when damp or noise transfer between neighbours below may be a concern.

Once laid, keeping engineered wood flooring looking as good as new is straightforward too; a combination of dry cleaning to remove dirt and dust particles, and damp cleaning to protect it against scratches is all that is needed for a lacquered or oiled floors.

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A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

PRODUCTS GARDENS.indd 73

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INTERIORS • TREND

CONRAN SHOP Julie-Anne Pugh Watering Can, £85 conranshop.co.uk

SWEETPEA & WILLOW Lime Stripe Cushion, £120 sweetpeaandwillow.com

ELOISE HOME AROUND THE HOUSE FURNITURE Seki Large Monochrome Stripe Vase, £54.95 aroundthehousefurniture.co.uk

Ikat Stripe Fabric in Green, £125 eloisehome.com

ABODE LIVING Ada Stripe Vase, £39 abodeliving.co.uk

WALTON & CO Tuscan Stripe Runner 40x180cm, £19 waltonshop.co.uk

LINES OF BEAUTY

EDITOR’S PICK

ANDRASSY LIVING Stripe Laundry Bag, £16 andrassyliving.co.uk

All the most striking stripes

POOKY Robin Lamp with Candy Stripe, £62 pooky.com

By P E N D L E H A R T E THE RUG RETAILER Multi Stripe Rug, £71 therugretailer.co.uk

MINDTHEGAP Transylvanian Roots Stripe Armchair, £1,500 mindtheg.com

PRODUCTS STRIPES.indd 75

BOHEMIA DESIGN Milan Stripe Hammam Towel, £42, bohemiadesign.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TREND DAR LIGHTING Klaxon 1 Light Pendant Ombre Copper Glass, £102 darlighting.co.uk

QUINCE & COOK Hobnail Glass Jug, £75 quinceandcook.co.uk

INSIDE OUT LIVING Melbury Cocktail Glass Amber, £14.99 ioliving.co.uk

WISTERIA TREE Glass Candle Sticks, £14 thewisteriatree.co.uk

CASA CELVA Murano Bud Vases, £32 casacelva.com

ALL CLEAR

MAISON CHERIE Bee Wine Glass in Purple, £8 maisoncherie.shop

Gorgeous glass pieces for the home

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DIBOR Coloured Glass Wine Goblets, £14.95 dibor.co.uk

MELODY MAISON

Glass Water Jug, £30 orlakiely.com

Glass Candle Holder, £8.95 melodymaison.co.uk

AROUND THE HOUSE Aditya Retro Brown and White Speckled Glass Vase, £74.95 aroundthehousefurniture.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

IDYLL HOME Pink Swirl Glass, £9.95 idyllhome.co.uk

FY Rialto Tulip Glass set of two, £85 iamfy.co

CULT FURNITURE Century Medium Coffee Table, £299 cultfurniture.com

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Food for

THOUGHT Julia Steadman, commercial director of Brandt Design, weighs up larders against walk-in pantries

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reative British interior design specialists, Brandt Design, who have an outlet in Pinner, welcomes the rise in demand for dedicated kitchen storage, as homeowners seek to optimise and refine space management in the home.

Demonstrating a greater appreciation for added-value features in the ‘lifestyle kitchen’, homeowners are prompting new layouts, furniture styles and interior solutions that are pantry-inspired and provide a designated larder space for storing dry goods, long-life food, drink and, more recently, next-generation breakfast cupboards.

Julia Steadman, commercial director at Brandt Design, says: “Being prepared seems to be more important than ever as the global pandemic has changed all our lives and when it comes to groceries, kitchens are now having to factor in space, which accommodates increased bulk buying and more frequent online deliveries.

Added to that, improving our wellbeing

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has also become a hot topic as we all find ways to stay healthy and this is being reflected in the type of food and dietary habits that UK homeowners are exploring, such as plant-based foods, veganism, and new meat and dairy substitutes.”

As the number of multi-generational households continue to rise, Brandt Design expect their customers will continue to enjoy preparing, serving and eating a greater variety of food and drink, which inevitably will fuel further attention on lifestyle-centred storage like larders and walk-in pantries. Steadman adds: “As concerns about food security comes at a time when inflation is at a 30-year high, we anticipate that grocery shopping will take up a greater share of household budgets going forwards, and so providing ample space to store large numbers of provisions in the kitchen and utility room will only increase.”

Brandt Design has noted two clear food storage trends step to the fore: one, a renaissance in traditional larder storage either freestanding or built-in, and two, the convenience of a dedicated walk-in pantry space. So how do you

XXX IMAGE CAPTION XXX

choose which style is right for you, and what are the features and benefits?

WALK THIS WAY

The appeal of a dedicated ‘room within a room’ to house all your foodstuffs is hard to beat, especially if you are catering for a large household. “The pantry has a rich and varied history in the home, and I am delighted to see it making a comeback with the ability to be personalised to suit the needs of today’s busy families,” Steadman says. “As with every kitchen there is no ‘one size fits all’ solution and we always recommend that you consider

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INTERIORS • FEATURE

the architecture of your home to see which will work best for you. The advantages of having a walk-in pantry include the ability to keep your store cupboard essentials away from the main work area, which frees up more space for dining, relaxing and more appliances to make life easier.”

The new generation of quartz surfaces available ensure that you can have the classic ‘look and feel’ of the traditional marble counter for keeping foods cool in your pantry without the high maintenance.

Your kitchen designer can help you decide how to fit out your dedicated floor to ceiling space, with shelving and cupboards to

separate and manage items. This cuts down on visual clutter and enables you to store like with like and maximise your storage potential so that you can store packet foods by use by date and avoid overstocking and understocking. A dedicated area for storing multi-packs and snacks is ideal when you’re catering for teenagers and their friends.

CUPBOARD LOVE

Having well-organized larder storage within your kitchen is ideal when you love to ‘cook together’ and so zoning the kitchen around different tasks is fundamental. By arranging your food cupboards next to the fridge-

freezer, it’s easy to have a dedicated cooking area with everything in easy reach to make meal prep a breeze. The latest kitchen wirework and storage components mean that you make every inch of your larder count with dedicated racks, drawers and pull-outs for the ultimate in store cupboard style. Today’s clever designs ensure that all elements can be adjusted to suit you so you can store the ingredients and breakfast goods which you use frequently at a comfortable height as well as keeping recipe books and Tupperware containers to hand.

Steadman says: “Centralising your larder at the planning stage sets you up A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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JULIA STEADMAN

for success for a well-organized kitchen living space which is truly life-enhancing.

Being honest and realistic about what you like to cook and how often will help your kitchen designer to create a blueprint which is uniquely tailored to support your routine. Rather than having food items scattered in various top units or UTC cabinets, today’s highly desirable tall units work well in contemporary and classic kitchen schemes to enable smoother household management, especially as the kitchen continues to function as an open-plan zone for cooking, dining, working from home and entertaining.”

SPACE SAVING SOLUTIONS

Making the most of the available kitchen space means that you can bring an unused corner into play as an extra storage area. With the simple addition of customised L-shaped shelving and tongue-and-groove panels, it can be transformed into a practical place to keep your essentials tucked safely away from the main prep zone, but convenient for regular use.

“We believe there are no barriers to family-friendly kitchen storage, which is why we encourage our designers to get to know every aspect of your kitchen space.

Finding creative and functional solutions is something we are very proud of, as we want our bespoke kitchens to evolve with our customers’ changing needs over a lifetime, whether you have a young family, are looking to upsize or updating your forever home” says Steadman.

B R A N DT D E S I G N 431 The Broadway, Uxbridge Road, Pinner, HA5 4JR, 020 3758 4455 brandtdesign.co.uk

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“BE HONEST AND REALISTIC ABOUT HOW OFTEN YOU LIKE TO COOK AS THIS WILL HELP YOUR KITCHEN DESIGNER CREATE A BLUEPRINT”

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INTERIORS • PARTNERSHIP

OAK CRAFTSMEN How Orlestone Oak takes care of the entire process, from forest to floor

O

rlestone Oak has been producing oak flooring for many decades and have a wealth of knowledge and experience in doing so. This is a familyrun company headed up by a father and son team with keen values on producing products that meet high standards of quality and longevity. Over the years they have secured some incredible sources for supply of timber, allowing them to thrive and expand over the years.

One big advantage that Orlsestone has over most others is that they are in complete control of the entire

production process. They mill the oak trees and dry them themselves; they run the flooring, oil it and offer fitment.

All of this means that they cut out multiple middlemen to offer an amazing product at very competitive prices.

The team makes regular trips to the forests to check the trees that they are purchasing and go through the quality control with suppliers. This also means they can make sure they know what is coming in the coming weeks and months.

This hands-on approach is very important to maintain a handle on the brand's values.

Orlestone Oak offers a range of bespoke finishes and colors, including a distressed sawn and worn look. There is a huge range of colours and even color matching, so

they can produce a floor for any property.

These finishes have been developed over the years and often came into creation for one-off jobs where customers have specified what they hoped to achieve, and the result was added to the repertoire.

They're able to offer flooring up to 6m long and 350mm wide in solid oak, along with more standard sizes. They also supply engineered flooring up to 400mm wide. These amazing sizes are all possible due to them being in full control of the process. To be able to offer these large boards is something they are very proud of. If you have a project your planning or would like more information on some of the products, contact Orlestone Oak. O R L E STO N E OA K Orlestone oak sawmill, Nickley Wood Road, Shadoxhurst, Ashford, Kent, TN26 1LZ 01233 732179 orlestoneoak.co.uk

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E D U C AT I O N

KEEPING AN EYE ON So, the summer holidays are here. Children all over Hertfordshire are rejoicing, whereas parents are probably thinking August will be a very long month. However, there is so much you can do to keep the little ones entertained, but also keep up their learning journey too. The back garden, for example, has a whole world to explore. What insects and wildlife can you spot in one hour? Turn over for more inspiration.

Summer Activities 86 • Water Polo 89 • Books 90 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ADVENTURE HOLIDAY At a loss how to keep the children busy over the summer?

There’s plenty you can do, while learning at the same time too

By S U E L A I D L AW

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ell, another academic year is over and another long summer holiday stretches ahead.

School is out for everyone. Here at Laidlaw Education, we always have questions from parents about what work and activities will benefit their children through the holidays. In other words, how do we keep the young minds of our children ticking over?

For the Latin scholars amongst you, perhaps the clue lies in the word, “education”. The noun “educatio” can be translated in a number of ways obviously “education”, but also “bringing up”, “training” and “instructing”. All these translations seem excellent starting points for guidance on how to spend the summer holidays.

So, in answer to the question that so many parents consider, the answer is simple

– balance all the wonderful opportunities that weeks of no school can embrace.

You will, no doubt, take them out and about – to the local park, to woodlands, to the seaside – and maybe, at last, to overseas destinations. Outings and expeditions do not have to be planned, children love to explore with you. It may be as simple as playing in the garden, watching a snail, chasing a butterfly, playing in the water sprinkler. All these things are “bringing up” children in the way they should go – and educating them.

I have also written, on many occasions, of the need to let children get bored. In other words, have times when you don’t organise them or make plans. Days of nothing can lead to creativity. I can still remember, as a child, playing in the garden until dusk – our bare feet could feel the evening dampness of the grass. I can remember being told to “put everything away” – the bits and pieces that had formed the obstacle course. It is much the same for my own children – the dog was constantly asked

“Sailing, kayaking, pottery... There is so much around to absorb” to be an active participant in the obstacle course, and the companion in the tent!

All these opportunities are the substance of childhood, and I am sure that so many of you will recall similar happy days.

And of course, there are opportunities for education, hence training. Wonderful opportunities to learn how to sail or kayak or throw pottery, there is so much around to absorb young minds.

It would be naive not to address academic opportunities and, at Laidlaw, we have planned a rich, creative and varied program of courses and lessons.

A morning or afternoon or a few lessons each week is a good balance amongst all the other opportunities and adventures that the summer weeks will hold. The key is to present everything in a targeted and fun way and present academic work creatively. As well as courses and lessons delivered by professionals, you might enjoy a few suggestions of how to present academic work to your children.

My wonderful, non-teacher husband hit the jackpot with our children one summer. He took them on local adventure walks to aid their creative writing – one daughter was taken to the fish and chip shop, bought fish and chips and sat eating them out of newspaper with Daddy, on the church steps. “Smell, taste and listen, and then we will think of all the words that we can think of to describe everything!

You know Mummy wouldn’t approve, so we will tell her when we have finished!”

Such is the fun of summer – and how could Mummy disapprove of that?

Enjoy all that the summer holidays have to offer to your children.

Sue Laidlaw is founder of Laidlaw Education LLP, and her team offer educational advice, lessons and courses for children of all ages through their centres, including Laidlaw Hall supporting children with special needs, and the Laidlaw Virtual Academy. Book courses and find out more by calling 020 8487 9517 or visit laidlaweducation.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Now taking registrations

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EDUCATION • FOCUS

MAKING A

SPLASH

Sporting stars at Habs Boys take home the second place trophy in the UK-wide U13 ESSA National Water Polo Championships

A

team of 14 boys from a leading independent school in Hertfordshire, Habs Boys, have celebrated a worthy secondplace win at the U13 ESSA National Water Polo Championships recently.

Competing against a number of strong school water polo teams from across the country, the squad at Habs Boys secured qualification to the national finals having won in the quarter-finals match against hosts, Northampton School for Boys. At the finals in Northampton, the team at Habs Boys faced some equally tough competition, playing matches against schools such as Trinity and King Edward School in Birmingham.

In the first match of the championship finals, Habs Boys

played a challenging game against Trinity, losing 6-1 to them. However, the spirited team at Habs showed courage and ambition, going into the next match against King Edward School and coming out victorious with a 3-1 win. In the final match, the team started well, only conceding the first goal in the final moments of the first half. The game ended with a 3-0 score to Trinity, and Habs Boys were awarded a well-deserved second place.

Ryan McIntosh, Director of Sports at Habs Boys, says: “This was an exciting and challenging experience for our lower school pupils. The team demonstrated some fantastic play, grit and strength of character during the water polo championships.

We were already super proud of them for coming away from the semi-finals with a 5-3 win, which led them to qualify for the finals against

“Their charcater has been a real showcase for the positive values held at Habs”

THE SUCCESSFUL TEAM

Trinity. Bringing home second place nationally is an incredible achievement and is testament to the hard work and resilience they have all shown throughout the competition.”

The ESSA has been providing an opportunity for all schools across England to actively engage in competitive water polo since 1976.

Water polo has become increasingly popular within schools for boys, and also girls since 2003, and there are now a significant number of competitions that reflect this.

“It has been our ambition as a school to provide all pupils with opportunities to play within our threetiered sporting structure of Priority, Performance and Participation, featuring franchise competitions, Inter-House events, social and recreational activities and of course, numerous competitive fixtures with other schools,” adds McIntosh. “We are immensely proud of the conduct our pupils have shown throughout the water polo championship. Their character has been a real showcase for the positive values that underpin everything we do here at Habs.”

Founded in 1690, Haberdashers’ Boys’ School (Habs Boys) is a leading independent school for students aged 4 to 18 years. Habs prides itself on ‘nurturing excellence’ while offering a world-class education and enthusiastic learning environment for inquisitive boys. Its rural, 100acre site and exceptional facilities also provide an outstanding setting for a well-rounded, stimulating educational experience. Based on the same campus as Habs Girls in Elstree, Hertfordshire and within easy reach of London, Habs Boys is able to provide the best of single-sex education, in a unique co-educational environment, nurturing happy, energetic students and preparing them to become citizens of a global 21st century. habsboys.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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TOP SUMMER M U ST READ 8+

From an exploration of trees and the inspiring life of Leonardo Da Vinci to a new edition of a book about the ultimate ‘keel’ hero and a mystery out at sea, here’s our pick of great reads for the summer

Leonardo Da Vinci’s Life of Invention

by Jake Williams PAVI LI ON, £1 2 .9 9

T

he life of Leonardo Da Vinci is a worthy subject for any age group, but Jake Williams combines context and detail to make the story fascinating for younger readers. It begins with an exploration of the man – reminding us that in his lifetime the world’s most celebrated polymath thought of himself as a failure.

Then the book covers his achievements, dividing them up into The Natural World, Inventions and Work of Art. It’s an inspiring dip-in guide to encourage further reading and exploration of both his life and his inventiveness.

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8+

THE RIDDLE OF THE SEA

by Jonne Kramer translated by Laura Watkinson Illustrated by Karl James Mountford P ICCA D ILLY, £7.99

First published in the Netherlands in 2019, and now translated by Laura Watkinson, Jonne Kramer’s debut novel was nominated for several prizes, including the Dutch Children’s Jury Prize. It’s a gripping yarn centred on Ravian’s search for his fisherman father. Troubled by the stories of The Night Raider and fearsome Pirate Bank, he sets out with his trusty seagull friend Marvin.

The adventure that follows includes an encounter with a bad-tempered pirate, help from a kind boy and epic battles with storms and giant squid.

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EDUCATION • BOOKS

6+

THE YOUNG DESIGNERS

Editor's pick

by Paul Smith illustrated by Sam Usher PAVILION, £12 .99

This is the second book from the iconic British designer Sir Paul Smith detailing the adventures of the famous designer Mr Brown (a monkey) and his assistant Moose. In this story, Moose is put in charge of the office when Rainbow Class schoolchildren come to learn how to be a designer. A madcap trip round London for design inspiration and a mishap with the new-season collection ensue, but all ends well. It’s a fun read, and with delightful illustrations by Sam Usher.

2+

4+

THE WILD GARDEN

All Around Bustletown: Nighttime

by Cynthia Cliff PRE STEL , £11.99

The Wild Garden centres on two distinct patches of land in Mirren. There’s the orderly community garden and, on the other side of the wall, a lush wilderness of trees, meadows and pond. This is where Jilly, her dog Bleu and her grandfather explore nature and forage, so they are unhappy when the community decide to tame the wild place. But a plan is agreed that encourages the best of both worlds – produce to eat and space for nature. Clear text and evocative illustrations make this a great introduction to gardening and the benefits of working together.

by Rotraut Susanne Berner PRESTEL, £9.99

7+

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 TREES

by Ben Lerwill illustrated by Kaja Kajfež

WELBECK EDITIONS , £14.99

This fact-packed book tells stories about the world’s trees – from the ancient Bristlecone Pine in the White Mountains of California to the vast Montezuma Cypress in Santa Maria del Tule, Mexico. Travel writer Ben Lerwill brings a globetrotter’s perspective to the most distinctive trees of every region of the planet. There’s also plenty of scientific information – from ‘family trees’ to the wonders of pollination and collaborative root systems.

Illustrations by Kaja Kajfež add detail and a sense of place in a book that will inspire budding botanists and geographers alike.

T

his new book in the Bustletown series explores life in the busy town after dark.

As ever, wonderfully vivid illustrations by Rotraut Susanne Berner bring a whole community to life.

The large format size and sturdy boards make it a perfect way to engage toddlers with the world of books, with minimal text but lots to explore in each of the seven illustrations.

Each of the scenes can be used to help children identify familiar objects and activities and discuss what’s going on in the pictures.

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MAKING

magic

As Waterstones Children’s Laureate, Cressida Cowell champions reading for the pure joy of it. She talks to Absolutely about her own magical childhood and the power of words on page

By LIBBY NORMAN

C

ressida Cowell MBE needs no introduction to her vast global army of readers, transported into magical universes via her bestselling series’ The Wizards of Once and How to Train Your Dragon. She is also champion of younger readers everywhere as the 11th Waterstones Children’s Laureate – a role given to a distinguished author or illustrator every two years. Cowell has the distinction of being both writer and illustrator. Her 2019 tenure – extended to 2022 due to Covid – is an opportunity for her to continue her good work. She is, quite simply, passionate about getting young people into reading – and

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her passion is infectious. Her Laureate’s Charter sets out exactly what we need to do, declaring first and foremost that every child has the right to: ‘Read for the joy of it’.

What she believes in is the discoveries – the connections – created by the books children love. “Words are the pathways of thoughts,” she says. “The more interesting and complicated, and the wider the vocabulary of the child, the more interesting the thought paths they can take. So that’s why we want to get them reading because they unconsciously absorb, in the form of joyful stories, so many words, so many connections.”

This joy of reading – and of finding connections – is something that Cowell experienced in her own childhood, split between London and a remote Scottish island

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CRESSIDA COWELL’S CHILDHOOD INCLUDED MAGICAL FAMILY HOLIDAYS IN SUSSEX (PICTURED) AND A REMOTE HEBRIDEAN ISLAND

“MY STORIES ARE ALL FANTASY STORIES, BUT THEY DEAL WITH PROBLEMS MODERN CHILDREN FIND VERY RECOGNISABLE” in the Inner Hebrides. It’s a childhood that sounds delightfully Famous Five from the outside, but she says J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan is a better match. “The Darlings’ house always felt like our London house, and then Peter Pan comes along and they go to this magical island Neverland. I identified with Peter Pan very much – it’s a touchstone book because it felt very much like my childhood,” she says.

On the island, the family were without television or, indeed, electricity (before they built a house, they camped), so entertainment was self-generated. “In many ways it was a classic 1970s childhood,” says Cowell. “In all 1970s childhoods there was an element of freedom – we were just told to come back when we were hungry.” It sounds idyllic, and what harm could small children possibly

come to on their own on an uninhabited island? Actually, in true Famous Five fashion, it had its perils. “Scrambling over rocks, exploring caves, going out on our own in rubber dinghies,” she says. “When I look back, climbing the cliffs and investigating the caves completely unsupervised was incredibly dangerous!” There were more practical and necessary activities when adults were involved. “Catching food and making food was a big deal – this was often cooked on a barbecue or open fire.”

Cowell was head of entertainment, tasked with keeping the younger cousins and siblings amused – a role she threw herself into. “I put on plays, I was very bossy. I had to be because otherwise they wouldn’t listen to what I said. I made up the scripts, I designed the costumes – there was a lot of imaginative life in which I was in charge,” she says. Again, this sounds delightfully innocent in a very 1970s way, although, as she points out, this style of childhood has a far longer history. “Really I’m talking for all of human history – it’s how it was until now!”

Books featured heavily throughout Cressida Cowell’s childhood. “I was mad about books,” she says. On the island you could only read what could be carried on the boat. But what got left on the island was often revisited. “There were a lot of

books left on the island – spotty, damp books that I read and reread,” she adds. When children’s fiction ran out she read what was left. “I was reading Dickens and other adult books way younger than normal.”

As part of her role as ‘Ents Officer’, Cressida Cowell would read aloud, and she can still recall the sense of power this gave her. “When I was about nine or ten I had a book I absolutely loved called The Ogre Downstairs. I remember reading it to my little siblings and cousins,” she says. “And I remember the feeling when they got so excited – ‘read me another chapter, don’t stop there’ – or I made them laugh. I think that was the ‘oh wow’ moment, the beginnings of me wanting to do what I do now.”

Secondhand bookshops and libraries were a source of endless discovery. “Like a lot of children in the 1970s, we went to the library once a week – that’s just what you did. They were like sweetshops, and so well stocked back then.” She remains convinced of the importance of libraries, both as a route to get children reading – and to help them find the authors and the genres that inspire them to carry on. “In order to create a reader, we need to give children opportunities to try things and find what books they love.”

Like her childhood, Cowell’s schooling was split between city and country. She attended St Paul’s, moving on to Marlborough because she wanted art in the mix at A level. St Paul’s had said she might be better off doing Latin.

She proved them very wrong, since her Art and History of Art A levels meant that after studying English Literature at Oxford she got into Central Saint Martins (then plain Saint Martins) and then University of Brighton to study illustration. “I use every single part of my education now,” she says.

She is critical of the attitude, still prevalent in some sectors, that creative subjects are lesser subjects. “I think that’s not very

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TRAINED AS AN ILLUSTRATOR, CRESSIDA COWELL BELIEVES PICTURES ARE A VITAL TOOL FOR DRAWING CHILDREN IN TO BOOKS

forward thinking,” she says. “To treat arts subjects – art in particular – as if they are on the edge rather than at the beating heart of our economy, as well as part of happy, wise and thoughtful lives, seems strange.”

When it comes to the value of art in engaging young readers, Cressida Cowell has no doubts at all. “We are competing against the best screen ever.” She believes children’s visual literacy now runs so far ahead that illustrations have become more important than ever. “They are a way in for highly intelligent children who look at a book and find it a bit baffling. And especially if children have a learning difficulty, books can make them feel stupid – and how can you love something that makes you feel stupid?”

Cressida Cowell has personal insight into learning difficulties. Her sister is dyslexic so she has a profound sense of how this can affect children’s sense of themselves.

“So often, and I thought this with my sister, children were written off.” While things have improved since the 1970s, it’s no coincidence that dyslexia features in Cowell’s stories. In The Wizards of Once, Wish is dyslexic – it is important that she is the writer of the story.

While Cowell wasn’t dyslexic, she was, she says, “profoundly disorganised” – something that meant she was often in trouble. “I was very well meaning, but I

couldn’t do things that other children seemed to find easy. I couldn’t get my homework in on time, I didn’t know what the homework was. I didn’t know where my books were. I was in a constant state of bewilderment!” Again, this chimes with her approach to characters in her stories.

“My heroes don’t fit in in different ways.

Wish is dyslexic. With Xar, the other hero of The Wizards of Once, his inability to fit in results in defiance. These are behaviours children develop because they struggle to fit in. Hiccup in How to Train Your Dragon is a child who is bullied. My stories are all fantasy stories, but they deal with problems modern children find very recognisable.”

Both The Wizards of Once and How to Train Your Dragon draw on Cowell’s most familiar childhood landscapes – not only the Scottish island of secret caves and rugged cliffs just made for dragons, but the Sussex countryside where many happy holidays were spent at her grandparents’ house on the South Downs. Writing for her young fan base, she has described that Sussex landscape as the place where you could almost imagine bumping into a Roman soldier.

She has no doubts about why battles between good and evil continue to be among the most treasured elements of

“I REMEMBER READING ALOUD TO MY SIBLINGS – THE FEELING WHEN THEY GOT SO EXCITED OR I MADE THEM LAUGH. I THINK THAT WAS THE ‘OH WOW’ MOMENT” 94

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EDUCATION • PROFILE

children’s fiction. “They are the most important things that we should all be thinking about and talking about. That’s also what has attracted many adults to children’s literature – we know in our hearts that we’re all still struggling to work out what makes a hero, what is our responsibility to our family, to our loved ones, to our wider tribe and the whole world.” Here, she says, younger readers have a very clear vision: “Children are interested in the truly important things in life”.

Beyond helping their development as people, Cowell sees reading as the gateway to so much more for children – which is why she takes her role as Children’s Laureate so seriously. “The two key factors in a child’s later economic success, let alone their happiness, their educational success and all the other things, are parental involvement in education and reading for the joy of it.

And that’s the really key thing – for the joy of it – not because somebody says so,” she says.

“Children who read for the joy of it are just imbibing words. They are just taking them on without having to have a spelling test or an explanation of what that word means.”

Cressida Cowell writes about magical places, but she is as intrigued – both as author and Children’s Laureate – by the magic created when children discover reading for joy. “There are three magical powers that reading brings out in children – intelligence, creativity and empathy. Intelligence is the words. Creativity, often through illustration, is the jumping off point for them to create their own worlds.

And the empathy is inside a child’s head – they are that hero with magic powers.”

C R E S S I DA C OW E L L The Wizards of Once, Never and Forever, is now available in paperback (Hodder Children's Books, £7.99). Find out more at cressidacowell.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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You have a choice of Home Styles from leading Manufacturers Stately-Albion and Omar.

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