Absolutely Hertfordshire Magazine July 2025 by ABSOLUTELY Magazines

Hertfordshire

PLUS

TOP DRAW

150 years of creativity at St Albans School of Art •

NEXT COURSE

How Sopwell House reimagined The Brasserie •

SCENE SETTER

Everyman in the Garden returns with a new look

Green SCENE

We believe you should never be held back because you are tired. That’s why we have devoted 75 years to perfecting the sleep that sharpens your mind and strengthens your body. Our beds are built in Norway using passion, tradition and innovation to make the most of your sleep. So you can make the most of your day.

EDITOR

MARK KEBBLE

ART DIRECTOR

PAWEL KUBA

SENIOR DESIGNERS

SUZETTE SCOBLE

MIDWEIGHT DESIGNER

CARMEN GRAHAM

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MARIANA SUZUKI

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PAMELLA MORENO

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DANICA BRODIE

GROUP SALES MANAGER - SOUTH ABIGAIL GARDNER

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LOUISE PEARSON

SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT

STELLA ADAMS

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LEANNE LAWRENCE

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JERRIE KOLECI

CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER

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CRAIG DAVIES, JAMES FUSCHILLO

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ALEXANDRA HUNTER

MANAGING DIRECTOR

SHERIF SHALTOUT

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LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S July issue highlights

Summer for me has always meant the outdoors in some form or the other. There were our family holidays to Cornwall, which despite the drive were always eagerly anticipated; when back home, the longer days meant more time in the park playing football. I never wanted to leave.

As I got a little older, it became a time of festivals. I still remember as a 16-year-old going to my ﬁrst ever overnight festival down in Winchester, but falling asleep in a banging dance tent at 4am aﬀected my street cred. Then, a year later, I was one of the lucky ones to see Oasis at Knebworth (it's amazing how many people say they were there – but I really was). Although, oddly, I do remember how digusting the toilets were as much as the music. Those were the days.

I am a little older now, but that hasn't stopped a love for a summer festival, I just look for a more sedate pace. So, inside this issue, we present a mini summer special looking at some of the best ways to spend a day in the sun across Hertfordshire, from comedy in St Albans, to the wonderfully named vibes at Campo Sancho, with some family friendly fun thrown in too (as all my friends now have kids). Bring it on (just a little more quietly).

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

Pedro Almodóvar On bringing his unique colour palette into your home (p56)

Summer Special Fun for all the family (p22)

Galio The story of the family-run business (p47)

St Albans Comedy Garden

Wish LIST

BASKET CASE

Our pick of Roger Vivier's new summer bag collection is this striped raffi a shopper with its fl amboyant ruffl e and stylish monogramming. Leather handles and a drawstring closure give it strength and practicality. rogervivier.com

SEA BLUE

We're currently coveting Wiggy Kit's Esti top for its antique linen vibe. It has the perfect proportions, with a squared keyhole at the neck and tie at the back, a loose blouson sleeve and a lovely swing shape. wiggykit.com

SUMMER DINING

Scalloped shape? Tick. Stripes? Tick. This cheerful plate has it all, and it's part of a joyful collection of summer homewares from Dutch brand Anna + Nina. Look out for their lovely lampshades too. domesticsciencehome.co.uk

MIFFY IS 70

Everybody's favourite Dutch rabbit Miff y is 70 years old this year and, to celebrate, Cambridge Satchels have launched an adorable Miff y collection. We love this Hiding Miff y satchel, with the bunny taking a sneaky peek. cambridgesatchel.com

STONE FREE

LÖF creates bold, architectural ﬁ ne jewellery that makes an impact. Their distinctive pieces merge striking design with conscious luxury – cra ed from recycled 18k gold, lab-grown stones from solar-powered facilities, and ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones. lo ewellery.com

FAN GIRL

Carnaby Street's RS No9 sells wearable Rolling Stones merch that's stylish rather than cheesy. We love the slim ﬁt tees and the oversized hoodies. rsno9.co.uk

BLUE JEAN

Californian brand Mother has collaborated with Milanese fashion and homeware brand La DoubleJ to bring the vibrant ‘Ciao Mamma!’ Collection to life in a fabulous capsule collection. motherdenim.com

TIE ME UP

Graphic artist Zoë Zimmer founded The 87 to create beachwear that you'll want to wear everywhere. The two-piece scarves and sarongs are one size, and are designed to be tied in multiple ways to create diﬀerent looks. the87london.com

SUITS YOU

A top collection of swimwear can be found at Amelie's Follies, where they oﬀer one-to-one ﬁttings to make sure that you take home the perfect piece. ameliesfollies.co.uk

BLUE GLASS

Glass mugs are having a moment. Whether it's a matcha latte (hot or iced), a ﬂ at white or a cup of tea, serve it in glass, we say. Especially this Habitat one. habitat.co.uk

CULTURE

Fun & games

SUMMER SPECIAL

The sun is out, festival season is kicking off and the holidays are around the corner… Don’t have plans? Absolutely has you covered with a mini summer special, featuring comedy, music and the best in family entertainment.

The Agenda

JULY'S HOTTEST HAPPENINGS

Dinosaur World Live

18-20 JULY • THE ALBAN ARENA

Grab your compass and join an intrepid explorer across uncharted territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite ﬂesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex,a Triceratops, Gira atitan, Microraptor, Segnosaurus and many more.

everyonetheatres.com

EVENT

Organ Festival

7-19 July

VARIOUS

The 33rd St Albans International Organ Festival and Competitions returns this month, with exhilarating music and inspirational performers. Large-scale highlights include the much-anticipated return of Three Choirs, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, and London Handel Players. The list of exceptional festival guest artists includes Alim Beisembayev, Jacqui Dankworth (pictured), Lucy Crowe, and Dame Mary Beard with Nardus Williams and Elizabeth Kenny. enjoystalbans.com

EVENT

Watford Fringe

1-31 July

VARIOUS

A month-long festival in Watford with a range of comedy and music performances will be running across July at a whole host of venues. There are also some eye-catching exhibitions to see, including Patterns of Nature (which runs until 31st July) and Harpenden in WW2 (open until 30th September).

watfringe.co.uk

FAMILY

A Squash and A Squeeze

29-31 July

ERIC MORECAMBE CENTRE, HARPENDEN

This is a wonderful musical adaptation based on the original book A Squash and A Squeeze written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Sche er. Once upon a time, a little old lady lived all by herself in her cosy cottage, but she wasn’t happy – her house felt just too small. Whatever could she do? Will the wise old man’s solution of bringing in a ﬂappy, scratchy, greedy, noisy crowd of farmyard animals work?

everyonetheatres.com

Theatrical Royalty backs OVO’s vision to revive a historic barn

Ocean Exploration

21-31 July

NATURAL HISTORY

MUSEUM, TRING

Get up close to fascinating specimens as you discover the wonderful variety of sea life, from corals and seahorses to whales and sharks. Find out how plastics affect them and how together we can help look after these incredible creatures. nhm.ac.uk/visit/tring

Four of the UK’s most highly acclaimed actors are supporting the creation of a new theatre in Hertfordshire. Brian Cox CBE, Dame Joanna Lumley, Ralph Fiennes and Zoë Wanamaker CBE are the proud new patrons of this exciting venture supporting emerging actors, artists and technicians from a diverse range of backgrounds to become the stars of tomorrow.

OVO theatre company will transform a 17th-century barn in St Albans into a vibrant, year-round performance venue housing a new repertory company, employing a core group of actors and production sta for a season at a time. This will provide vital opportunities for early career performers, creatives, and crew who might otherwise ﬁnd it di cult to establish themselves in the industry.

Next Month’s Must

23 AUGUST • BEAM THEATRE

See

Taking audiences by storm from Land’s End to the Scottish borders, Saltlines is an immersive Prose and Music collaboration between bestselling author Raynor Winn (The Salt Path) and The Gigspanner Big Band, a top tier line-up which features some of the most inﬂuential names on

the British folk scene. Saltlines has a powerful originality which is compelling and transporting in equal measure. It is an unmissable experience for anyone with a love of lyrical writing and inspiring music. To experience Saltlines is to leave the theatre changed, windswept, salted. gigspanner.com/saltlines

Located in historic Verulamium Park, the barn has long been in disrepair and is listed on Historic England’s ‘At Risk’ Register. First mentioned in 1649, the building has deep theatrical roots, having been bought by Vice-Admiral Sir Henry Killigrew, whose father and uncle were both playwrights and theatre producers in the time of Charles II.

St Germain’s Barn will produce two seasons of work annually, in spring and autumn, focusing on OVO’s mission of creating bold, imaginative and surprising new versions of classic plays and stories. The venue will provide rehearsal facilities, a bar and restaurant. Renovation work will begin later this year, with the venue opening and the ﬁrst company of actors on board in summer 2026. Find out more at ovo.org.uk /

COURTESY OF SIMON KNIGHT ARCHITECTS

PHOTO: ELLY LUCAS

JUST FOR

LAUGHS

St Albans Comedy Garden is fast becoming the best festival in the UK for LOLs. Absolutely meets the siblings behind it to see why it has us rolling in the aisles

By MARK KEBBLE

Although it has never gone away, comedy seems to be having a moment. Wherever you look on streamers there are comedy specials, and even putting a few comedians in a room with the aim to make each laugh (so, conversely, there is no laughter at times) is absolutely hilarious as Amazon’s Last One Laughing highlighted. In my lovely position (not at the top of the ivory tower, as many of my colleagues believe) I also get to hear about countless standup tours, works in progress, and of course summer festivals – and none are bigger for us than the St Albans Comedy Garden, which returns to Verulamium Park from 24th to 27th July, with another unrivaled showcase of stand-up super talent live in the Big Top. Big names like Frankie Boyle, Ed Gamble, Russell Kane and Lucy Beaumont will be mixing with up-and-comers like Fatiha ElGhorri, Dane Buckley and Thor Stenhaug, but wherever you look there are plenty of LOLs. The Comedy Garden has been

brightening up St Albans since 2021 and is produced by sibling team Will Briggs and Cass Randolph of 57 Festivals, who we chatted to ahead of last year’s event. I didn’t need to be asked twice to revisit to ﬁnd out more about what’s in store this year.

Q We chatted to you before last year’s St Albans Comedy Garden. How did the 2024 event go?

CR It was fantastic! Over 10,000 comedy lovers from St Albans and beyond came along to enjoy one (or more!) of the amazing mixed bill shows. It was a year of comedy legends like Harry Hill, Dara O’Briain and Ross Noble, and they did not disappoint.

Q For each of you, which comedian was a real highlight and why?

WB One of my favourite acts of the moment is Fatiha El-Ghorri, she stormed a newcomer slot with us last year, and is back this year to open the afternoon show on Sunday 27th July. You have to be pretty good to open a show in a whopping Big Top like ours so this is testament to her continued rise. She’s also recently joined the Taskmaster hall of fame,

CHLOE PETTS

it’s so rewarding to see an act develop like this and to be a part of that journey.

Q How soon do you start working on a new event?

CR Really we start straight away, with the fundamentals at least. This is our ﬁfth year in Verulamium Park and so much of the planning is straightforward, although saying that will no doubt annoy our production team! I’d like to think we’re an annual ﬁxture in the area now, our audience knows that we’re coming and that they’re guaranteed an amazing array of acts in a fun festival atmosphere, all they need to do is choose which show to come to.

Q When it comesto the comedians we will see at St Albans Comedy Garden, how do you decide on who to approach?

WB It’s a non-scientiﬁc process of approaching acts we love and pairing them well with other acts we love. But of course we’re at the mercy of their other commitments and so each year it’s a case of seeing who is available and piecing the wonderful puzzle together from there.

Q Do you spend a lot of your year watching stand up?

WB Yes of course! It’s absolutely necessary to keep up with all the emerging acts. It doesn't matter how entertaining a performer is on TikTok, you need to see them play a live room to get a true sense. Nothing beats live, for act and audience alike.

ST ALBANS'

Q What have been some of the funniest shows or people you have seen this year?

CR For me John Kearns and Adam Riches’ Ball & Boe at Soho Theatre was gloriously silly and lighthearted. Another stand out was Amy Gledhill’s Make Me Look Fit On The Poster, her ability to blend intimate life experience with belly laughs is exquisite to behold.

WB Ivo Graham hosted our huge Live at Christmas tour and watching him work the room each night with tons of audience interaction, mainly around Christmas cards, was an undeniable treat, even by the 21st night!

Q For me, it feels like comedians are starting to really dominate our TV screens. Is this a golden time for comedy?

CR There’s a lot of remarks about us needing to laugh now more than ever, and this is undoubtedly true! But there’s also so many more ways to consume comedy these days, with specials on Netﬂix, unlimited archives on Youtube, podcasts plus so many acts keeping us entertained around the clock on social media. It’s certainly a golden time for content.

WB That’s what I love about the Comedy Garden. We’ve done all the hard work for you and curated these incredible lineups starring the best of the best, all you need to do is come and be entertained.

Q So this year’s event… What can you tell us about the headliners?

CR We’ve got Frankie Boyle, Ed Gamble, Sara Pascoe, Phil Wang, Fern Brady and Russell Kane among our headliners this year, so a feast of talent. These are all acts that have reached the top of their game and then continued to exceed it, guaranteeing slick and seamless comedy

sets each time they take to the stage. I always like catching a rising star before they take o , and you have some intriguing names who are starting to take the comedy world by storm…

WB Every show at the Comedy Garden has an all-killer-no-ﬁller line-up, the acts opening the shows or taking the middle slots are all destined to be headliners, so it’s a must to see them as they ascend. My top recommendations for this year would be Lindsay Santoro whose frank observations are infectiously funny, and Michael Odewale, easily one of the sharpest acts around delivering beautifully executed material.

Q How do you feel the St Albans community have taken to what you are doing?

WB Judging by the ticket sales, very well! The Big Top will be jumping, the audiences here are always very lively, which makes the shows a lot of fun, and the acts feed o that energy too. We’ve got a quality selection of drinks and food plus the absolute best acts of the moment, what’s not to love!?

stalbanscomedygarden.co.uk

PHIL WANG

FERN BRADY

RUSSELL KANE

ED GAMBLE

LUCY BEAUMONT

FRANKIE BOYLE

‘A stroke of genius’ NIGHTWATCH MAGAZINE

‘Their collective elan has a forceful presence unmatched in British folk’ THE GUARDIAN

BEAM THEATRE

23 OF AUGUST AT 7.30PM

Double DELIGHT

Campo Sancho has become one of the best and friendliest festivals in Hertfordshire. Absolutely uncovers its origins

Born from Notting Hill Carnival legends Sancho Panza, Campo Sancho – held at Walkern Hall in Hertfordshire – has quietly become one of the UK’s most cherished independent festivals.

Lovingly curated by founders Jimmy K-Tel and Matt Brown, this year’s edition promises another eclectic mix of audio treats from house, disco, nu-disco and electronica, to soul, funk and reggae, played by legends, rising stars, and everything in between. Absolutely sat down with the founders to discover more

Q What inspired you to launch Sancho Panza?

JK We weren’t really thinking about starting a project that’s still running over 30 years later! We were just looking to create a brilliant New Year’s Eve party.

MB I was obsessed with house music and warehouse parties, I had an insatiable urge to DJ the music I’d been collecting. That and a desire to create our version of what a warehouse party could be…

Q Since launching, is it possible to pick out three stand out events?

JK We did a warehouse party called Wrestle in Spitalﬁelds in 1996. The venue didn’t want

us selling drinks so we did an all in price and free drinks all night… It was total carnage but absolutely brilliant. Wrestle ended up being a pretty accurate name for the dance ﬂoor!

MB That was one of my favourite Sancho warehouse parties, everything seemed to click that night, from the people (the most important element of course), the music, the space, the production we put in, we had The Egg perform live which was o the hook! A great night.

MB The Notting Carnival stage we produced for 20 years was a life-changing experience, all of them hold special memories for me.

JK Yes, the ﬁrst Carnival stands out as a very special memory… it was such a leap of faith and we didn’t really know what we were doing, but a crowd gathered and it properly went o . I got so excited I ended up MCing for some of it – very badly I might add, but felt good at the time!

JK The ﬁrst Campo Sancho in 2016 also stands out. We knew how special our site was, but very few of our friends had seen it – when everyone turned up people were blown away. I remember receiving about a million hugs that weekend.

Q Where did the idea for Campo Sancho come from?

JK We did Notting Hill Carnival for 20 years – we absolutely loved it, but the school where we used to build our stage got knocked down so the whole site changed. It was time to move on, but we weren’t quite ready to pack up the glitter ball. We did a tent at Glade Festival for ﬁve years and realised how much we loved the combination of being in the country, camping and great music. Campo Sancho was the logical next step after Carnival – it just took us three years to ﬁnd our perfect site.

“I honestly believe there is something special in the ground at Walkern Hall”

Q Why Walkern Hall as the location?

JK The ﬁelds there are magic! We always say that and it may sound cheesy, but I honestly believe there’s something special in the ground there. It’s a truly beautiful spot.

Q What do you look to o er with the line-up?

JK I’d say we look to o er a musical journey over three days. The early sets will be more mellow, soul, funk, reggae, electronica and then gradually the pace hots up over the course of the day. That’s the basic Campo trajectory, but then each day has its own feel too so peak Friday is maybe more disco ﬂavoured, peak Saturday is deﬁnitely house music, and peak Sunday is perhaps a bit of everything good!

Q What’s new for this year?

JK We have a lot of people playing their Campo Sancho debut so that’s really exciting – we’re welcoming Optimo, Luke Una, Aroop Roy, Grace Sands, Tia Cousins, Emma Noble and Gemma Rogers to name but a few, plus we’ve got Get Gospel choir on Sunday to start the day right.

We’ve also got a brand new area for 2025 called Upwoods, which is essentially a small stage hidden in the woods with a quality cocktail bar and a slightly di erent soundtrack to our other stages.

Q How do you make it a festival for all?

JK We hope to o er something that appeals to literally everyone in the world! Campo Sancho is family friendly which means there’s lots of kids running around during the day, going to the circus, being creative in the kids factory, generally laughing and enjoying an outdoor life, plus there’s a family dance o featuring Lisa Loud. There’s obviously a varied music o ering for adults, but we also do talks, classes, provide creative opportunities so there’s always something fun happening.

One of the things that I think I’m most proud of with Sancho Panza and Campo Sancho is the make up of our dance ﬂoors. We’re a very diverse bunch where all tribes are welcome. If you have a positive loving attitude, whoever you are and whatever you look like, you’ll ﬁnd kindred spirits at Campo Sancho campotickets.sanchopanza.org

Summer

LOVING

Campo Sancho isn’t the only fabulous family day out in the sun in Hertfordshire. Visit Herts shines the spotlight on 12 others

By HOLLY LOFTUS

HITCHIN LAVENDER, PHOTO BY VISIT HERTS

Here Comes the Sun and trust us when we say we’re just as excited as you are for those Summer Nights (and days) spent in Hertfordshire. With the county boasting unmissable festivals and experiences for all to enjoy, trust us, there’s no place you’d Rather Be. So, Lean On Visit Herts and let’s take a look at what the county has to o er. We’ve got a Good Feeling about this one…

KNEBWORTH HOUSE

GREAT BRITISH FOOD FESTIVAL

19th-20th July

knebworthhouse.com

Foodies, we’ve got just the thing to make you go “mmm”: the Great British Food Festival is back at Knebworth House. Think street food, artisan produce and combine that with bars and entertainment. Sounds like the perfect recipe. Knebworth House is also excited to announce the opening of their new Gardener’s Cottage. So, if you’re thinking of spending a couple of nights away with the family, or looking for a romantic getaway, you know where to go.

“Ralph's Beach has had a summer glow up with luxurious day beds and a stylish bar”

HATFIELD PARK BATTLE PROMS

19th July

battleproms.com

It’s a yearly favourite, where families and friends come together for a day of celebrations. The iconic one-day festival takes place in the Queen Elizabeth Oak Field at Hatfield Park with a programme set to royally honour the summertime. With stunning displays, uplifting live music, dazzling fireworks, Spitfire flyovers, cannons, cavalry, and parachute, this is one not to be missed.

THE GROVE RALPH’S BEACH

Throughout summer

thegrove.co.uk

The Grove will be bringing the beach to you (and hopefully the weather!) this summer.

Ralph’s Beach has had a summer glow up, now featuring luxurious day beds, a stylish bar, and a dedicated treatment space – sounds like paradise. With a family games area and poolside activities, it’s one for the little ones to enjoy too.

SUMMER EVENINGS AT HERTFORDSHIRE ZOO

Throughout summer

hertfordshirezoo.com

Remember those ‘Summer Nights’ we mentioned? Well, Hertfordshire Zoo is bringing you a unique Summer Evening, every Saturday throughout July and August. This exclusive after-hours adventure will take you back in time through the World of Dinosaurs, featuring over 40 life-sized animatronic prehistoric creatures. Not only that, but you’ll discover new habitats, see the animals under the stars, plus exciting entertainment and delicious food will be available.

DOWN HALL HOTEL AND SPA

Throughout summer downhall.co.uk

Down Hall Hotel and Spa have got it all going on this summer and we’re sure you’re going to want to hear about it. Families look no further than their Teddy Bears Picnic Family Staycation, where your little ones will create their own cuddly bear to take home, enjoy a delicious picnic and a relaxing getaway. Or maybe you’re stuck for plans on a Friday night? Then take to Down Hall for their Live from

HATFIELD HOUSE, PHOTO BY VISIT HERTS

HOME FARM

LEE VALLEY WHITE WATER CENTRE

the Lawn events for music and cocktails. It’s bringing the summer vibes, that’s for sure!

DRIFT

LIMITS

Throughout summer driftlimits.co.uk

Seeking a thrilling experience this summer? Then you’re in the right place because Drift Limits are warming up their tyres and are ready to take you out for a spin. Whether you’re looking to take the driver’s seat in a supercar or you’re happy being a passenger princess, every experience will be sure to get hearts racing and adrenaline pumping. It’ll be a summer day out to remember.

TASTE OF THE CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL

Watford 12th July / Stevenage 2nd August tasteofcaribbeanuk.com

Bringing you another (yes, another!) foodie festival, because who doesn’t want to go to a festival dedicated to Caribbean cuisine. Taste of the Caribbean Festival is coming to Watford (12th July) and Stevenage (2nd August) so mark this one in your diaries, because it’s one you won’t want to miss. Think reggae, Motown, and R&B along with a diverse range of Caribbean cuisine. With funfair rides and plenty of entertainment to keep the kids entertained, it’s a fun day for all.

LEE VALLEY WHITE WATER CENTRE

Throughout summer better.org.uk

Head to Lee Valley Water Park this summer and you’ll be sure to have gallons of fun. From white water rafting on the Olympic course to family paddling on the lake, there’s plenty of ways to cool down this summer. Whether that’s canoeing, hydrospeeding, water wipeout… The list goes on and the fun never ends.

SUNDOWN CINEMA AT HITCHIN LAVENDER

Throughout August sundowncinema.co.uk

DRIFT LIMITS

It wouldn’t be a round-up of things to look forward to this summer if we didn’t have an outdoor cinema experience to tell you about. So, you’ll be pleased to know that Sundown Cinema returns to Hitchen Lavender for another year throughout August. Showing screenings of family-favourites before sundown and classic evening ﬁlms under the stars, all against the stunning backdrop of Hitchin Lavender’s ﬁelds.

FARM YARD IN THE FIELD AT TEWINBURY

19th July

tewinbury.co.uk

This summer, Tewinbury Farm Hotel is cranking up the vibes with Farm Yard in the Field, a brand-new family-friendly festival series packed with live music, mouth-watering street food, and countryside charm. Set against the stunning backdrop of Tewin Water, guests can sip a cold drink, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy incredible tunes as the sun sets.

MAGIC MEADOWS FESTIVAL AT HOME FARM

26th July

athomefarm.live

This one-day, family-friendly festival promises a magical experience with live music, interactive workshops, and delicious food stalls. Set in the picturesque At Home Farm, it’s an ideal outing for both children and adults looking to enjoy a day of entertainment and community spirit.

IBIZA PROMS AT ST ALBANS CATHEDRAL

26th July

stalbanscathedral.org

Experience the fusion of classical music and Ibiza club anthems in the stunning setting of St Albans Cathedral. A 40-piece orchestra will perform iconic dance tracks, creating a unique and electrifying atmosphere that bridges the gap between classical and contemporary music.

HERTFORDSHIRE ZOO

THE GROVE

Snowdrop House care home, Ware Healthy eating and managing diabetes

Thursday 17th July, 3pm - 4.30pm

In our interactive workshop learn the science behind eating healthily with diabetes with interesting insights, practical tips, and simple food swaps.

Knebworth care home, Woolmer Green Nutrition and hydration in later life

Wednesday 10th September, 2pm - 4pm

Meet our Head Chef who will share advice on nutrition and hydration, from preparing appealing snacks to tips on improving appetite.

TUCK IN

The Great British Food Festival returns to Knebworth House, Gardens & Park this July

Food lovers, mark your calendar: The Great British Food Festival is back at the stunning Knebworth House, Gardens & Park on the weekend of 19th/20th July, promising a deliciously entertaining experience for the whole family. Set against the backdrop of one of Hertfordshire’s most iconic estates, this much-loved event brings together a mouth-watering selection of local and regional artisan producers, sizzling street food vendors, live chef demonstrations, pop-up bars, craft stalls, and a packed programme of family entertainment – all accompanied by great live music.

CULINARY HIGHLIGHTS & CHEF DEMOS

This year’s chef demo stage will feature a fantastic line-up of culinary talent, including well-known faces and top chefs from acclaimed local pubs and restaurants. Join them as they showcase their favourite dishes and cooking tips in an interactive, light-hearted setting. Chef compère Nick shares: “It’s all about having fun while learning something new – and we always get the audience involved! Pull up a seat and enjoy a dish or two with us.”

FUN FOR ALL AGES

entry to the festival for all participants. Plus, don’t miss the adorable mini zoo!

MORE THAN A FOOD FESTIVAL

Beyond the food, the festival o ers a wide range of family-friendly activities. Children can roll up their sleeves in the Kids’ Cookery School, crafting treats like Rocky Road Tru es and Chocolate Flower Pots, while parents relax nearby. The weekend also features a foraging walk, funfair rides, bouncy castles, circus skills workshops, a treasure hunt, and the always-popular Man vs. Food challenge. Budding bakers can also take part in the Cake O – with free

Your ticket also includes full access to Knebworth Gardens, Park, Adventure Playground, and the famous Dinosaur Trail, making this a full day of adventure and discovery. Book online in advance to enjoy discounted ticket prices. Full-price tickets will be available on the gate. Children under 3 go free, and the event is included for Knebworth House season ticket holders. Come hungry and leave happy – the Great British Food Festival at Knebworth is a summer highlight not to be missed! knebworthhouse.com

Painting a PICTURE

A new exhibition celebrates 150 years of creative inﬂuence and innovation at St Albans School of Art

S

t Albans Museum + Gallery and UH Arts + Culture are celebrating the 150th anniversary of the St Albans School of Art with a major exhibition exploring the school’s history and achievements.

Firm Foundations: St Albans School of Art o ers visitors the chance to see works by some of the country’s most exciting artists and designers including a Turner Prize winner. Open now at St Albans Museum + Gallery, and curated by UH Arts + Culture, the group exhibition showcases the work of generations of artists, designers,

academics and creatives, and reﬂects on the school’s innovative ways of teaching.

The exhibition has been largely informed by ‘The Living Memories of St Albans School of Art’ project, which collected memories of those connected with the school. The Living Memories project was funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, through an award from the University of Hertfordshire’s AHRC Impact Acceleration Account.

Founded in 1875 at St Albans Town Hall (now the Museum + Gallery), the school has had a profound and long-lasting impact on its students and sta . Alongside a Turner Prize winner and nominees (one of the most prestigious and best-known visual

MICHAEL WRIGHT, SCHOOL PHOTO YEAR GROUP 1972-73 COURTESY OF HUGH SPENDLOVE ARCHIVES

arts prizes in the world) the school taught many internationally acclaimed artists and even saw Kim Wilde complete a one-year foundation course before pursuing her music career. English writer, actor and raconteur Quentin Crisp was also a life model at the school from 1968 until 1976.

Exhibition visitors will be able to see paintings, prints, photography, sculptures and video by over 30 alumni artists including Turner Prize winning Veronica Ryan OBE RA, Turner Prize nominee Simon Patterson, as well as celebrated artists such as Rana Begum, Marcus Coates, Graham Boyd, Jo Stockham, John Brunsdon and Arnold Van Praag.

Historical archive material will also be on display including two still life drawings dating back to 1883, and prospectuses, yearbooks, photographs and catalogues will share the memories and stories of those who have worked, or studied at the school.

St Albans School of Art became known for its creative and innovative ways of teaching; its Art Therapy and part-time Fine Art courses were the ﬁrst of their kind accredited in the UK o ering a ﬂexible learning environment and allowing individuals to pursue their

MICHAEL WRIGHT, THE METAPHYSICS OF POWER

JONATHAN MCCREE, HIGH FOLLY, 2021 INSTALLATION SHOTS COURTESY OF SIM SMITH. PHOTOGRAPHY ANNA ARCA

© UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE ARCHIVES

artistic interests and gain qualiﬁcations. Its trailblazing Foundation course (the inspiration for the exhibition’s name) was a jewel in the school’s crown and many students went onto major art schools in London and regional art colleges.

The school opened in the Town Hall 150 years ago and o ered lessons in art and science. In 1882 it moved to a purpose-built school on Victoria Street (initially shared with the library, and now The Maltings Surgery building). In 1973 it moved to a new building on the Hatﬁeld Road, before merging with Hatﬁeld Polytechnic and becoming the University of Hertfordshire’s School of Creative Arts which continues to foster creative arts students to this day.

Michael Wright, who is a practising artist, a former student, and a long-time tutor in Fine Art, said of his time at the school: “The newly created art school in 1973 on Hatﬁeld Road was a revelation for me. As students we were subject to so many

new and radically other experiences, not just visual art but also to music, poetry, theatre and ﬁlm which were part of the role of the art school provision to both the students and the wider community. It was without exaggeration a life transforming and inspirational experience.”

Curator and head of UH Arts + Culture

Inna Allen, who attended the university herself, adds: “The exhibition embraces the school’s wide-ranging history, and its impact on the region’s art world. The school has taught and inspired generations of young artists and designers, many of whom have gone on to make outstanding careers in a wide range of creative ﬁelds.”

Dr Stephen Partridge, Dean of the School of Creative Arts at the University of Hertfordshire, says: “We are proud that the incredible legacy of the St Albans School of Art continues to this day at University of Hertfordshire’s School of Creative Arts, which has been ranked the best creative school in the UK, and within the top 20 places to study creative arts in the world (2024 Rookies Global School Rankings). These results highlight the exceptional quality of our creative programmes, and reﬂect the university’s growing reputation as a leader in creative arts education.”

Arts, tourism, culture and heritage manager at St Albans District Council and head of St Albans Museums, Farhana Begum, says: “It is a ﬁtting tribute that we host this fantastic exhibition as the very ﬁrst lesson at St Albans School of Art was held within our building’s walls. To see so many progressive and internationally acclaimed artists in our space is thrilling and we can’t wait to see visitors’ reactions.

“According to a recent report by the Centre for Economic and Business Research for Arts Council England, the wider arts and culture sector contributed £19.1 billion in Gross Value Added in 2023. It’s clear to see that art makes such a huge impact on society today and deserves to be given space and time for people to reﬂect on the achievements and experiences of others.”

Firm Foundations: St Albans School of Art is a free exhibition curated by UH Arts + Culture and runs in the Weston Gallery at St Albans Museum + Gallery until 21st September. A second, sister exhibition will follow later in October 2025 in the Art + Design Gallery on University of Hertfordshire campus and will show di erent sets of artworks, celebrating the present era of the creative arts.

stalbansmuseums.org.uk / uharts.co.uk

BENET SPENCER, MODERN HOUSE IV

JULIE COOPER, AND IN THE FOREST I MADE A HOME

MICHAEL WRIGHT BREATH, 2013

Letters to Forever

A journey through grief, art and healing

By NATALIA MILLMAN

Cruse Bereavement, Letters to Forever is more than an exhibition – it’s a living, breathing invitation to reﬂect, connect and transform pain through creativity. Alongside drawings and sculpture, visitors will encounter a sound bath, a bespoke scent, performance, video art, sculpture and a guided meditation – an immersive experience that engages all the senses, held within and around this ancient church. This is not simply a viewing experience; it’s a space for contemplation and healing, rooted in both art and wellbeing.

An artist talk and performance with ﬁlm screening are scheduled as part of the exhibition’s public program, o ering a deeper insight into the creative process and the personal stories behind the work. I will be leading a series of workshops in collaboration with local practitioners – mindfulness-based and accessible to all – that explore loss through clay, movement, and drawing. These sessions are open to the public.

Grief can be isolating, but it is also deeply unifying. I believe in art as a vessel for empathy and connection. By creating space for shared vulnerability, Letters to Forever o ers not only solace but also beauty – a chance to witness how grief, expressed and acknowledged, becomes something transformative.

This August, the historic walls of St Peter’s Church in St Albans –one of the three oldest churches in town –will hold something quietly moving. My new exhibition, Letters to Forever, will ﬁll the beautifully refurbished space with over 200 works that explore grief not as an ending, but as an ongoing relationship with what has been lost.

Born out of my own experience of losing my father to dementia, this project began as a personal process. But as I opened a space for others to write their own “grief letters”, the work quickly became a shared journey. Each letter – almost 200 in total – has been answered with a drawing, forming the emotional core of the exhibition: a large-scale structure bearing these private-yet-universal conversations. Supported by Arts Council England, and developed in partnership with

I warmly invite you to step into this space. Arrive with an open heart, and leave with something deeply felt and remembered.

NATALIA MILLMAN: LETTERS TO FOREVER

6–28 August 2025, St Peter’s Church, St Albans Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm nataliamillmanart.com/letters-to-forever instagram.com/nataliamillmanart/ Supported by Arts Council England

WORK FROM LETTERS TO FOREVER

NATALIA MILLMAN

THE RAIL JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME

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Step aboard the Rocky Mountaineer rail journey, where breathtaking landscapes unfold beyond the panoramicwindows. Indulge in gourmet cuisine, top-tier service, and a journey that promises not just views, but memories to last a lifetime. Let this be the holiday where the journey truly becomes the destination.

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YOUR HOLIDAY INCLUDES:

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Cruise Itinerary includes: Inside Passage

Tracy Arm Inlet • Juneau • Skagway • Glacier Bay • Ketchikan

· 2 nights post-cruise hotel stay in Vancouver

· Coach transfer from your hotel to railway station

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· 2-night hotel stay in Banff

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ADDED VALUE

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Ajourney on the Rocky Mountaineer is more than just a train ride – it’s an unforgettable passage through some of the most breathtaking landscapes Western Canada has to o er. With several incredible rail routes to choose from, this luxury train experience takes you deep into the heart of the region, o ering awe-inspiring views, impeccable service, and a journey like no other.

Travelling on Rocky Mountaineer allows you to follow in the tracks of the great explorers, weaving through mountain passes, lush forests, and sparkling rivers. The journey begins in Vancouver, a vibrant city perched on the Paciﬁc Coast, and extends to one of three stunning destinations: Jasper, Ban , or Lake Louise. Each route provides passengers with an unparalleled view of Western Canada’s diverse geography, from towering peaks to expansive valleys, all while experiencing the reﬁned comforts of luxury rail travel.

Journey of

discovery

Rocky Mountaineer: a rail trip like no other

THE ULTIMATE CANADIAN EXPERIENCE

Rocky Mountaineer o ers two exceptional levels of service: SilverLeaf and GoldLeaf. SilverLeaf Service provides a single-level glass-dome coach, allowing guests panoramic views of the landscapes. An outdoor viewing area o ers the chance to take in the crisp mountain air while enjoying delicious, chef-prepared meals served at your seat.

GoldLeaf Service elevates the experience further with bi-level glass-dome coaches, providing an even more immersive vantage point. GoldLeaf guests also enjoy a spacious outdoor viewing platform and gourmet dining in an exclusive lower-level dining room – an indulgent experience.

For those seeking the ultimate adventure, pairing Rocky Mountaineer with an Alaska cruise creates a journey unlike any other. This introduces travellers to two contrasting yet equally spectacular landscapes –Canada’s rugged mountains and rivers, and Alaska’s dramatic coastal scenery.

On board Rocky Mountaineer, you’ll travel through parts of Western Canada that remain mostly untouched by humans. The experience is a deep dive into nature, moving e ortlessly through landscapes where civilization feels far away. Meanwhile, an Alaska cruise o ers the chance to explore hidden bays, glaciers, and inlets that are accessible only by ship. One of the highlights of an Alaska cruise is sailing through the UNESCO-listed Inside Passage, an area renowned for its dramatic scenery and rich marine life.

A Rocky Mountaineer journey o ers a one-of-a-kind adventure that elevates any travel experience, and Canada Travel Specialists are here to make it happen. Their team are experts in crafting tailor-made itineraries, ensuring that your Canadian and Alaskan adventure is everything you imagined – and more. So why not take the leap and embark on a journey that blends luxury, nature, and pure wonder?

canadatravelspecialists.com

FOOD & DRINK

THE WICKED LADY

Despite the name, The Wicked Lady in St Albans is anything but – in fact, it’s one of the most wonderful places to get together in the quaint village of Wheathampstead, near St Albans. What’s more, a new summer menu gives you another reason to visit. thewickedladypub.co.uk

WHAT TO DRINK GRAPE news

Wine recommendations for the month

By THE WINE SOCIETY

Familie Mantler Gemischter Satz, Niederösterreich 2024

 £8.75

A traditional Austrian dry white wine style; historically a ﬁeld blend of various varieties which would have been drunk as a house wine. This example is a delicious take on the style and is fruity, dry and easy drinking with a delicate spritz that makes it extra refreshing.

Côtes de Provence Rosé Merle, Château Pas du Cerf 2024

 £13.50

Stylish, well presented and utterly delicious, this is made from mostly grenache and cinsault and tibouren in support. This tastes dry and fruity, yet soft and gentle and with a hint of strawberry on the ﬁnish.

Blanquette de Limoux M le Mauzac Réserve, Antech 2022

 £12.95

From the world's ﬁrst sparkling wine region, comes this crisp and fruity Languedoc ﬁzz. Soft and appealing with a lively mousse and a hint of apple. A crowd-pleaser!

Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business.

The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers. Become a member today and receive £20 oﬀ toward your ﬁrst order. thewinesociety.com

TASTING

NOTES

Hertfordshire’s food news and most exciting openings this month

By MARK KEBBLE

Worth sharing

LAS IGUANAS

Las Iguanas Watford, home to bold Mexican and South American cuisine, is launching its most ambitious menu overhaul yet. The popular restaurant is introducing a fresh line-up of mouthwatering dishes, bringing back long-lost favourites: think sublime tapas made for sharing, stacked fajitas, mouth-watering burgers, and unbelievably good curries.

iguanas.co.uk

Going for gold

THE SILVER CUP

The team at The Silver Cup in Harpenden are thrilled to share that they have come 36th in the Top 50 Gastropubs round up. To celebrate, they are going to be launching a new menu this month, so the perfect time to see what the fuss is all about. thesilvercup.co.uk

Feeling Skewd

THE GROVE

Absolutely headed to the highly anticipated return of Skewd at The Grove - a celebration of award-winning Anatolian cuisine, reimagined. We had the opportunity to enjoy a specially curated selection of Skewd’s signature dishes, blending Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean ﬂavours. An event to remember. thegrove.co.uk

CUPBOARD LOVE

New pantry essentials

TOP FIVE

Delli is bringing iconic restaurant dishes to home kitchens, with the launch of their 'Five Chefs, Five Recipes Box' – featuring restaurantmade condiments and a recipe zine. delli.market

OTTOLENGHI X BOLD BEAN CO

These Queen Black Chickpeas diﬀer from their cream-coloured counterparts in that they’re smaller and slightly ﬁrmer, with a deep, roasted undertone that makes them perfect for salads, tossed with spices or even spooned straight from the jar. ottolenghi.co.uk

TINNED FISH

The Tinned Fish Market is part of a culinary revolution. With tins from artisanal, family-run canneries in Portugal, Spain, Scandinavia, Latvia and the UK, the brand focuses on seasonality and the importance of small-batch production. thetinnedﬁshmarket.com

THE WHITE HORSE

To mark the launch of its new menu, The White Horse in Harpenden has launched a collaboration with chef and author Gemma Ogston, to bring more plant-based options to your plate that are perfectly in tune with the lighter tastes of summer.

thewhitehorseharpenden.co.uk

ROTHAMSTED ENTERPRISES

On 21st June we enjoyed a gastronomic experience at Rothamsted Manor, a stunning Grade I listed historic house. Their talented chefs created exquisite dishes before our eyes, while we could engage with them. A great night out.

rothamstedenterprises.com

Feeling FRESH

Marilena Ungureanu, Head

Chef at The Brasserie, Sopwell House, on the restaurant’s revamped look and revitalised menu

The Brasserie at Sopwell House is back as the St Albans’ restaurant has reopened its doors following a refurbishment, complete with a vibrant new menu. Executive Chef Gopi Chandran and Brasserie Head Chef Marilena Ungureanu have taken great care in curating a reimagined menu packed with creativity and ﬂavour. With a passion for local, quality ingredients, The Brasserie’s menus

are a celebration of comforting British classics featuring elevated twists. E ortlessly executed to make each ingredient sing, new signature starters include Chicken liver parfait served with apple and blackberry chutney and toasted brioche; Baked scallops served in the shell with a bacon crumble and garlic parsley butter; and Goats’ cheese croquettes with roasted red pepper sauce. Must-try mains include Cornish cod with crushed sweet garden peas, shaved fennel and dill; a Braised lamb shoulder pie in a red wine jus; and the ever-popular Slow cooked beef cheeks with mashed potato and red wine sauce.

From the grill, indulge in 28-day dry aged Hereford prime steaks, from ﬁllet to sirloin on the bone, cooked to perfection and accompanied by fries and choice of sauce. For a true showstopper, share the 900g rib of beef, cooked on the Mibrasa charcoal grill to lock in maximum ﬂavour.

Sundays are all about the roast with a selection of premium cuts available, from the 28-day aged Angus striploin of beef, to a Gloucester Old Spot pork belly. Every plate is

served with an abundance of crispy-on-theoutside, ﬂu y on-the-inside roasties, along with seasonal mixed vegetables, Yorkshire puddings and a generous helping of gravy. Absolutely headed to Sopwell House to meet Marilena Ungureanu and uncover the thinking behind the new look and why we should be excited about the new menu.

Q Can you sum up The Brasserie’s new look?

A The new Brasserie look is classic but still elevated, comfortable and light. Decorated with taste and with love, the space provides the perfect spot for dinner with friends and groups, while discreet nooks and smaller tables set the mood for intimate date nights.

Q What design touches do you like the most?

A As you walk in, you will be greeted by light from the sun which ﬂoods the room, complementing the tones of blue and amber of the furniture, which I think is really lovely and inviting. I also like how some of the tables resemble the marble mountain you can ﬁnd in Northern Italy.

Q Is it exciting when you sit down to prepare a new menu?

A Developing and devising recipes and drafts of the menu is indeed exciting. You can see the process and hard work come to life from the start and ideation before seeing the ﬁnished product when it goes to print. I like to draw the plating process, using my imagination and creativity, usually at home on the ﬂoor surrounded by books and all of my notes.

Q With The Brasserie’s new menu, what did you want to o er?

A We wanted to o er to guests a culinary journey and quality experience of British cuisine, with a tiny touch of contemporaneity, inspired by day-to-day trends. We serve familiar and well executed comfort food as well as light and healthy dishes as well as nostalgic and classic plates.

Q Is summer a wonderful time for produce?

A Spring is a great time with lovely ingredients, but for really good produce, early summer is my favourite, as you can combine both spring and summer and create really stunning dishes.

Q Are there 2-3 dishes on the menu you are particularly excited about introducing?

A Beef cheeks are part of my own childhood, and my absolute favourite comfort food. I would also recommend trying the Goat’s cheese croquettes with roasted red pepper sauce and the beautifully presented baked scallops with bacon crumble.

Q Anything else special planned this year?

A This year we are going back to school, with a management development programme for chefs, creating new dishes and having more people coming in, tasting our food and becoming part of the Sopwell family.

sopwellhouse.co.uk/dine/the-brasserie

MARILENA UNGUREANU

FASHION

Sparkling service

BAKER BROTHERS DIAMONDS

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Hansine encompasses the freedom of spirit that travel and the discovery of new cultural inﬂuences inspire, as their SS25 collection highlights

HANSINESHOP.CO

NLOCAL

GEM

Exploring the story of St Albans’ Galio Family

“Galio is built on warmth and care, and a deep love of helping others celebrate their special moments”

estled in the heart of St Albans, Galio Jewellers is so much more than a jewellery shop, it’s a family story that’s been woven into the community for over 30 years. Founded in 1992, they blossomed from a small shop into an award-winning independent jeweller, loved for their distinctive sense of style and commitment to quality. Their airy showroom is a welcoming haven, home to one of the UK’s widest selections of contemporary jewellery and exceptional watch collections. Every piece is thoughtfully chosen for people who appreciate creativity and craftsmanship.

Led by Sarah and David, partners in both business and life, Galio is built on warmth, care, and a deep love of helping others celebrate their special moments. Their artistic ﬂair and intuitive understanding of design shine in every bespoke commission, while the team’s decades of experience ensure every customer feels valued and understood. Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift, restoring a treasured piece, or simply want to look and feel your best, they make every visit personal and memorable. At Galio, they welcome you as part of their extended family. With repairs, valuations, and expert advice always on hand, they’re here for jewellery lovers across the community and beyond.

Celebrate Your Love With Galio Weddings hold a special place at Galio Jewellers. They appreciate that choosing wedding, engagement or eternity rings is a deeply personal and meaningful part of your relationship. Their collection includes an extensive range of both timeless and contemporary bands, classic solitaire engagement rings, vintage-inspired designs, and modern settings, each of which can be tailored to your preferences.

Set against the breathtaking view of St Albans Abbey, from their medieval walled garden, you will be invited to collaborate with their in-house designer, allowing for personalised touches. Their goal is to provide a relaxed and welcoming experience, making you feel comfortable and supported throughout the process. So, try on as many rings as you like, explore customisation options, and let them help you ﬁnd or create the perfect symbol of your love.

Their unique wedding package o ers a 10% discount on your initial purchase of engagement ring or wedding bands. A further 15% discount on your subsequent purchase of wedding bands, and a Galio care plan for your rings.

galio.co.uk

SARAH AND DAVID

BEAUTY

NOTES

By CARLY GLENDINNING

BELIF

Hailed for its skin-quenching abilities, hydration-focused K-beauty brand Belif has ﬁnally landed in the UK. Packed with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, the Aqua Bomb Sleeping Mask will have you waking up with a dewy glow, £29. skincupid.co.uk

ELIM PEDICURE

An at-home medical grade treatment

TBRUSH OFF NIGHT HERO

WHOSE HAIR?

Q+A

Q+A have launched an effective targeted haircare range consisting of 11 products in four categories: clarifying, strengthening, curl defining and volumising. You’ll find them all at Holland & Barrett. qandaskin.com

SISLEY

Sisley’s new Pocket Brush is a miniature version of the Radiance and Softness Brush from the brand’s popular Hair Rituel collection: a must-have hairstyling accessory that ﬁts easily into your handbag. It stimulates the scalp, relieves impurities and spreads sebum to the lengths, leaving your hair soft, sleek and dreamy. sisley.com

he main drawback, for me, in having a pedicure is the flipflop situation. Sure, there are possibly two months in the course of the year during which I’m comfortable wearing flipflops in London – but there are no guarantees. So a pedicure in winter is not an option to me, at least it wasn’t until I discovered the at-home treatment. And for an all-round foot health treatment, Elim’s medical pedicure is a cut above most treatments. In fact, Elim says that 98 per cent of their clients would recommend their treatments to a friend, which is a strong claim. Elim’s speciality is a treatment based on advanced podiatry techniques. Unlike traditional pedicures, it uses medical-grade products, featuring a chemical peel that removes dead skin and softens calluses without abrasive filing, followed by a deep cleanse, nail care, and moisturizing using active ingredients like AHAs and vitaminrich creams.

My therapist Khristine turns up fully equipped and I install myself on the sofa. Unphased by our enthusiastic kitten, she liberates my feet from several layers of dead skin (“it’s so satisfying,” she says) and addresses all of the hard bits before filing my nails and painting them a fetching shade of orange. And she’s done in almost exactly an hour, leaving my nails to dry in the comfort of my house. No flipflops required.

ELIM elimspaproducts.co.uk

“WE OFFER MORE THAN JUST DENTAL TREATMENT, WE OFFER PERSONALISED JOURNEYS”

TWO'S COMPANY

Absolutely meets Dr Kush and Dr Vish, the duo behind Watford Smiles dental practice

Q Can you give us a brief overview of your dentistry background before Watford Smiles?

DR KUSH: I started my career in both NHS and private practices and eventually worked alongside Dr Vish in Ruislip. I also had experience in a leading private-only clinic in Berkshire, where I developed a passion for advanced cosmetic and digital dentistry. Over the years, I’ve become Top 1% Invisalign Provider in Europe, Africa and Middle-East, recognised as one of the Top 150 Invisalign dentists globally in 2025 and now serve as an ambassador for Labs 1503, one of the top Invisalign clinics in the world based in Prague.

DR VISH: I also have worked in NHS and private clinics across Hertfordshire and North London, where I’ve honed my skills. I’ve always had a strong clinical interest in oral surgery, and completed my Diploma in Implant Dentistry at Bristol University, enabling me to treat a wide range of implant cases from single tooth to full arch restorations.

Q What is your vision for Watford Smiles?

DR KUSH: We acquired a single-surgery practice in 2019, with a vision to transform it into something exceptional. We saw the potential

to bring in innovation, cutting-edge technology, and a new level of patient experience. Watford Smiles became the perfect platform to create a space that reﬂects modern dentistry at its best.

DR VISH: It was about building a clinic from the ground up – where clinical excellence, team culture, and technology could all work hand in hand. We wanted to create a practice where patients felt comfortable, cared for, and truly listened to.

Q In a nutshell, what do you o er?

DR KUSH: We provide general dentistry and I have a speciﬁc interest in tooth straightening via Invisalign, composite bonding, porcelain veneers with minimal to no prep, and whitening – all tailored through bespoke care plans. I place huge emphasis on understanding the patient’s overall oral health, aiming for long-term beneﬁts through minimally invasive, enjoyable, and pain-free dentistry that feels far from clinical.

DR VISH: Alongside this, I focus on providing pain-free extractions and implant dentistry, o ering guided treatments ranging from simple single-tooth cases to complex full-arch restorations. Our patients beneﬁt from a complete, digitally

driven approach under one roof – whether cosmetic, general, or surgical care.

Q What do you think makes you di erent?

DR KUSH: We o er more than just dental treatment – we o er personalised journeys. From AI-powered simulations to digital scans and virtual consultations, our approach is transparent, tech-led, and patient-focused.

DR VISH: And it’s our people that truly set us apart. We’ve built a strong, welltrained team that shares our values of trust, clarity, and care. The result is a calm, collaborative experience for every patient.

Q What are your ambitions for the future?

DR KUSH: To continue leading in digital and aesthetic dentistry, while expanding our inﬂuence as educators and innovators within the ﬁeld.

DR VISH: We want to educate our patients, expand the Watford Smiles brand, and help shape the next generation of dentists – all while staying true to the high standards and ethics we’ve built our practice on.

01923 231 861 / watfordsmiles.co.uk

DR KUSH

DR VISH

FUNCTIONAL DESIGN

Børge Mogensen’s functionalist approach is evident in the foldable set of table and benches created by the furniture designer in 1971. Rediscovered by Carl Hansen & Søn, the iconic designer’s outdoor table and bench set is reworked to modern sensibilities, yet remains true to the spirit of its original design. BM1771 Table £1,502 |

Børge Mogensen

INTERIORS

LIGHT UP YOUR LIFE

CRITTALL WINDOWS

Effortlessly connect your indoor and outdoor spaces with high quality steel doors. Modern systems manufactured today perfectly combine traditional style with premium performance, keeping homes well insulated and protected for many years. Featuring impressively slim sightlines, these external doors flood homes with natural light, creating bright and uplifting living areas. Choose from a range of sizes, styles and colours to create a bespoke solution. crittall-windows.co.uk

DRAMATIC LOOKS

Pedro Almodovar has designed a collection of furniture for Roche Bobois. Here he reveals his thoughts about colour, furniture and ﬁlm sets

Q Where does your fascination with colour come from?

A Since I began working as a director, initially unconsciously and later with intention. When I was a child, the ﬁlms that interested me were from the 1950s, particularly the late '50s, the era of Technicolour. In a way, I tried to recreate the colours of Technicolour; they were very vibrant colours, highly contrasted and explosive. Due to technological advancements, it is no longer possible to achieve those colours nowadays, as they were tied to the chemistry of the liquids used to develop the negative. But they weren’t realistic colours. They truly weren’t. Nowadays, the trend is to achieve a photograph as realistic as possible.

Q Do you have a favourite colour?

A I remember, for example, that red has always been present in my films. But green also comes to my mind, which I currently use a lot. I remember perfectly the first time I used it, in Tie Me Up! with a green sofa in which Victoria Abril appeared. That was the first time. Green is a complex colour when it comes to its gradations; you must find the right shade. Moreover, if you look closely, few women wear green, except for redheads, who require a particular setting. There’s also another colour I’ve used a lot since the beginning, especially on walls:

mustard or albero tones. We call it albero here because it looks like the colour of the sand in bullﬁghting arenas. I started using it in the Law of Desire, where I painted the walls of that colour for the ﬁrst time, and then again in Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown. This tone pairs very well with all kinds of furniture and with the actors’ faces.

Q Do you believe there’s a similarity between the decoration of a space, a house and a ﬁlm scene?

A For example, my house appears in Pain and Glory; it’s the house where Antonio

lives. There are many paintings and colours, and that corresponds to the kind of colours that appear in my ﬁlms. It often happens to me that I buy a piece of furniture, a lamp, or an object that I don’t need at the time, simply because I like it, and I know it will eventually appear in one of my ﬁlms. I’m constantly collecting small elements, little details, that later will be brought to life on screen.

Q Are there any furniture styles you’re especially drawn to?

A In the case of my ﬁlms, it depends on the time period in which they’re set. They’ve almost always been contemporary or, at most, set back in the 1960s.

In Broken Embraces, for example, when I was drawn to pop, I used a red piece of furniture from Cassin, the chairs, because it was so representative of that style. Red and white are iconic colours of early 1960s pop art. Later on, pop became more complex. On the one hand, I like clean lines, deﬁned edges, and strong silhouettes. But within that framework, anything is possible. I try to ﬁnd a coherent style.

In Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, for example, the furniture was Italian. On the terrace, there was a turquoise piece completely rectangular and very minimalist. In the 1980s, that kind of furniture was often used in bold colours, with matching cushions. Then you place the actress sitting on it, and you start composing the image. In general, I’m quite eclectic. I like many styles, regardless of the period in which the ﬁlm takes place.

The 1950s, for example, were very rich in furniture design. Even today, you can still ﬁnd chairs and armchairs from that era in antique shops. I’m interested in everything that belongs to the pop universe. But of course, after, it all has to be mixed and depending on how you do it, the result can be entirely di erent.

Q In Pain and Glory, you used Roche Bobois furniture, didn’t you?

A Yes, of course, and also in my latest ﬁlm.

Q How do you feel about the idea that this furniture, this collaboration, will suddenly enter people’s homes, becoming part of their daily lives?

A Well, I’d love to see it. If someone decides to decorate one of their rooms with this furniture, I’d love to see who those people are living there.

Q How would you describe this collaboration?

A I believe it’s furniture you can truly live with, and there’s a very positive feeling, like a kind of joy of living in the colours and patterns we’ve used. I think that simply getting up and walking across this rug, or sitting down, will give you a certain sense of optimism. Or at least, that’s how I perceive it.

Q You once said that your interior sometimes resembles the universe of your ﬁlms. Your interior, your own house, would you say it looks like your movies or is it the other way around?

A Both. Because, for example, especially if you look at Pain and Glory, it’s my house, and you can see everything there. In other words, I live surrounded by paintings, furniture and lamps, chosen very carefully and of all the secondary elements, like wall sconces, small tables, co ee tables. All of this is essential for creating a set. At ﬁrst, I thought I would go for the serenity of a home that comes together little by little for the minimalism. But I quickly realized that as soon as I started buying furniture,

the minimalism disappeared right away. The idea of "lack" used to appeal to me (my home is very eclectic; it has many things), but of course, if I buy things, I want to place them there because I like to see them. I mean, it’s like with paintings, why keep them away? No, I want to see them. In fact, I have a new house, and I think I bought it more to decorate it than to live in it and display all the paintings I’ve been collecting over the years.

Q Are you also your own interior decorator at home?

A At home, I decorate less. It’s much more relaxing, because in my house there’s a selection of the furniture used in the ﬁlms I’ve made. Therefore, they don’t occupy the same place they had in the movie. That is to say, they’re not as harmoniously arranged as they are on screen. But for example, as soon as you enter the house, you see a Jonathan Adler table, a designer I really like. You walk in, and there it is, a Jonathan Adler table. It’s not in its ideal spot. In the ﬁlm I made, The Human Voice, it was perfectly

placed. But what I mean is that sometimes, in my house, the furniture I’ve used in ﬁlms ends up there because I bought it, but it doesn’t have the same harmony it had in the movie, since it’s not always placed in the best possible spot. So sometimes, it kind of looks like a furniture store, a boutique. When I was a child, well, between 15 and 20-years-old, I used to walk past furniture stores, past department stores, and look through the windows. I would dream of having all kinds of furniture, and I could perfectly imagine a house like that for myself. I mean, sleeping in one bed one night and in another the next. In fact, I once made a short ﬁlm for television called Trailer for a Forbidden Lover, in which the two main characters live inside a furniture store. I thought the idea was funny. Because for me, living in a furniture store, surrounded by so much furniture, maybe even too much doesn’t bother me. And I don’t feel like I’m in chaos. For someone else, I imagine it would be pure chaos.

roche-bobois.com

PHOTO BY NICO BUSTOS

TOMAS KITCHEN LIVING

CRAIG & ROSE

Etruscan Red Paint, £45 craigandrose.com

JONATHAN ADLER

Miami Flush Mount, £1,095 jonathanadler.com

BESSELINK & JONES

Flat Ring Chandelier, £2,117 besselink.com

Dip Dye Candles set of 4, £8.95 rexlondon.com

By PENDLE HARTE

RICHARD GRAFTON Orange Jellyﬁ sh, £109 & £73 richardgra oninteriors.com

JONATHAN ADLER

Portoﬁ no Tray Set, £98 jonathanadler.com

PEUGEOT

Wooden Pepper Mill, £52.90 peugeot-saveurs.com

SCIENCE OF SLEEP

Sanjay Verma, the Chief Sleep O cer at Jensen Beds, on helping Olympic athletes to prepare and how the same principles can help you too

Q When did you ﬁrst start studying the science behind sleep?

A I began in 2008, while working for a luxury bed brand. At the time, I was launching the brand in an emerging economy, but we struggled to make sales – despite our target customers having the means to buy, they felt the products were too expensive. To shift perceptions, I realized we needed to emphasize more than just luxury; we needed to focus on the value of truly restorative sleep. This forced me to quickly learn everything I could about what sleep is, why it matters, and how a bed or mattress can make a di erence.

Q How did this lead you to being a sleep coach for Swedish athletes?

A Later in my career, I joined Hilding Anders as Chief Sleep O cer to establish a Sleep Centre of Excellence, part of the company’s broader move to reposition itself as a “sleep company”.

“Every Jensen bed is designed to support sleep by providing ergonomic support”

Around the same time, the Swedish Olympic Committee approached Hilding Anders for sponsorship. We struck a deal: part of the sponsorship fee would be paid in services – speciﬁcally, sleep coaching. In return, Swedish Olympic athletes became brand ambassadors. I became the o cial Sleep Coach in 2020, and even after the sponsorship ended, I continue to work with both Sweden’s Summer and Winter Olympic teams.

Q Looking at athletes, how much would you say sleep plays a key role?

A It varies by athlete and sport, but the impact is undeniable. Walter Wallberg, a gold medalist at the Beijing Olympics, once told the media that his performance drops by 30% after a poor night’s sleep. In my view, sleep is signiﬁcant enough to make or break an athlete over the long term.

Q What types of things do you encourage the athletes to do?

A I encourage a range of practices – primarily improving sleep hygiene, managing stress, and creating a bedroom environment that’s conducive to restful sleep.

Q When did the opportunity come up to join Jensen Beds?

A I joined Hilding Anders – the holding company of Jensen – in 2019, eager to move beyond simply selling high-end luxury products, which I’d done for over 15 years globally. I wanted to contribute to Hilding Anders’ mission to democratize good sleep. The company launched a new bed brand focused on sleep, with production handled by Jensen. Over time, that brand has been absorbed into Jensen itself. I continue to support Jensen’s drive to bring better sleep to new countries beyond its home market of Norway.

Q Today you are Chief Sleep

O cer: can you give us an idea of how a day in your life looks?

A No two days are the same. I spend time reading books, scientiﬁc journals, and listening to podcasts to stay on top of the latest sleep research. I collaborate with Jensen’s marketing team to help position the brand around sleep and support the new product development team with sleep-related insights. I also participate in PR activities –appearing as a guest on podcasts, attending marketing events, and giving sleep talks.

Q How much science goes into a Jensen Beds creation?

A A great deal. Even before I joined, a professional chiropractor led product development for nearly three decades. After his retirement, Jensen brought in another expert. Every new product is developed with the latest sleep research in mind and is rigorously tested in a Swiss laboratory. Only products that meet the highest standards

for ergonomics, hygiene, climate control, and sustainability are ever launched.

Q Looking at any recent mattress launch from Jensen Beds, how would you say it aids sleep?

A Every Jensen bed is designed to support sleep by providing optimal ergonomic support – thanks to a wide selection of models and ﬁrmness options, along with mechanisms to control ﬁrmness. They also isolate movement, maintain a comfortable climate by dispersing excess heat and wicking away moisture, and use sustainable materials throughout production.

Q Can you give us 5 top tips for the perfect night’s sleep?

1. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule. Your brain thrives on routine, and going to bed and waking up at the same time each day builds a powerful, compounding habit for better rest.

2. Seek bright morning light and dim evening lights. Morning sunlight signals your body to wake up, while avoiding bright and blue light at night tells your brain it’s time to wind down.

3. Keep your bedroom cool. A cooler room helps your body temperature drop naturally, making it easier to fall asleep.

4. Limit evening ca eine, alcohol, and heavy meals. What you consume before bed can disrupt your sleep quality.

5. Choose the right bed, mattress, pillows, duvet, and bed linen. Quality sleepsupporting bedding adapts to your body and preferences, turning your bed into a sanctuary for rest and recovery.

To see the range of beds, accessories and to ﬁnd out more, visit jensen-beds.com/uk

SANJAY VERMA

GAME changer

How you can transform your life with Origin Pools

An indoor swimming pool isn’t just about having a space to swim – it’s about transforming your entire lifestyle. It becomes the heart of your home, a sanctuary that blends wellness, ﬁtness, relaxation and social connection.

With Origin, every indoor pool is an exclusive creation, meticulously designed to complement your home life. From the style and ambience to the lighting and temperature, Origin empowers you to curate every detail of your pool and its surrounding environment. Their team works with you to realise your vision, guiding you through every step of the process, from design to completion, so your pool not only enhances your home, but also elevates your life.

A HEALTHIER, HAPPIER LIFESTYLE

Swimming is renowned for its transformative e ects on both body and mind. An indoor pool o ers the perfect setting for these benefits. The low-impact nature of swimming makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. It allows you to stay active, maintain joint flexibility and improve cardiovascular health without putting undue strain on the body.

For older adults, swimming is a powerful tool to combat the e ects of ageing, helping to maintain mobility and support heart health. But the advantages of owning an indoor pool extend far beyond just physical fitness. Swimming also o ers significant mental health benefits, including reduced stress, improved mood and enhanced sleep quality. Research consistently highlights how swimming can combat depression, cognitive decline and anxiety, making it an essential activity for maintaining emotional well-being. By incorporating swimming into your daily routine, you’re not just taking care of your body – you’re nurturing your mind, too.

“You are not just caring for your body, you are nurturing your mind too”

A SPACE FOR EVERY NEED

An indoor pool is a multi-functional space that serves far more than one purpose. It’s where you can unwind, stay ﬁt, entertain or enjoy the calming e ect of water on your mind and body. When you partner with Origin, they take the time to understand your unique needs and design a pool house that caters to your desires. Do you dream of a wellness-focused retreat with a sauna and steam room, or a familyfriendly space with room for fun and relaxation? The possibilities are endless. For those who cherish their outdoor spaces but don’t want to miss out on summer swims, Origin o ers the perfect solution. Bi-folding or sliding doors seamlessly integrate your indoor pool with your garden, allowing you to bring the outdoors in. These features ensure you never miss the beauty of nature while enjoying the comfort of your indoor oasis.

EFFORTLESS LUXURY, EXPERTLY MANAGED

Exceptional craftsmanship is the baseline. What sets Origin apart is their ability to integrate design, experience and emotion into one seamless whole. From the moment they begin discussing your ideas to the ﬁnal handover of your stunning new pool, they handle every detail with care. No need to worry about hiring separate contractors for di erent aspects of your pool project, Origin takes care of everything.

With their experience and expertise, they ensure your pool is built to the highest standard, with precision and quality at every stage. Their award-winning service model includes ongoing maintenance and aftercare, giving you the peace of mind that your pool will continue to perform ﬂawlessly for years to come. Whether it’s upgrading your ﬁltration system, adding new energy-e cient features or simply providing a routine check-up, their team is always here to help.

THE ORIGIN EXPERIENCE

An indoor pool from Origin is not just a place to swim; it’s a lifestyle upgrade, a statement of luxury and a space that reﬂects your success and aspirations. With their bespoke designs, you’ll have the perfect pool, expertly crafted to meet your needs and enhance your home. Don’t settle for ordinary – create a sanctuary that brings wellness, comfort and joy into your daily life. Let Origin guide you in transforming your garden into a year-round retreat with an indoor pool that exceeds your expectations. It’s time to transform your life.

Find out more by scanning the QR code, calling 01895 823366 or visiting originpools.co.uk

Roundround

Exploring an historic and beautiful country house in the heart of Bayford

Dating from the 16th century, The Round House is situated on the edge of the rural village of Bayford, surrounded by wellmaintained countryside and woodland. The home is an elegant period property with beautifully presented accommodation ﬂowing across two ﬂoors, with an adjoining two bedroom property o ering the potential for multigenerational living. In the main house, the accommodation includes a drawing room with a double aspect with views over the grounds, dining room with a galleried landing and open plan kitchen/breakfast room.

There are four bedrooms on the ﬁrst ﬂoor including the principal bedroom suite with two dressing rooms and two en-suite bathrooms, as well as a spacious guest suite, two further double bedrooms and a family bathroom.

The Round House connects to The White Lodge, which has been completely remodelled and refurbished and comprises an open plan sitting room/kitchen with double doors opening to the garden and terrace, along with two bedrooms and two bathrooms on the ﬁrst ﬂoor. The leisure suite can be accessed via The White Lodge, or from a separate entrance, and comprises a striking indoor swimming pool with bi-folding doors onto the garden, a changing area including steam

“It is a fabulous country house in a desirable village”

shower, a gym with sauna and o ce space which is ﬂooded with natural light.

The Round House is approached through electric gates to a gravelled driveway with a double garage with electric car charging point. There is another access which leads to the four car garage with electric car charging points, and the leisure suite.

The landscaped gardens are beautifully planted and surrounded by mature trees and woodland with rolling, countryside views. A lovely feature is the recent addition of the courtyard garden which enjoys full sun.

This wonderful home beneﬁts from an all-weather tennis court along with carefully maintained formal gardens with a kitchen garden and orchard, along with meticulously kept lawns leading on to a paddock and woodland.

The Round House is located in a beautiful village, which includes a pub, a church and primary school, with a comprehensive range of shopping and leisure facilities available nearby in Hertford, about three miles away.

The area provides numerous opportunities with access to footpaths, bike trails and bridle paths. Sporting facilities in the locality are plentiful with golf available at Brickendon (one mile), Essendon (three miles), The Hertfordshire (four miles), Hanbury Manor (eight miles) and The Melbourne Club at Brocket Hall (nine miles). Bayford has an active village life including a cricket club and village hall social events, and Hertford runs numerous football, hockey, netball, cricket and rugby teams for all ages.

There is an excellent selection of schools available nearby. Within the State sector, East Herts is a blue-ribbon education provider. Within the Private system, nearby preparatory schools include St Hugh’s, Heath Mount, St. Joseph’s in the Park and Duncombe. There are also a number of highly regarded secondary schools including Haileybury College, Queenswood School for girls, St Edmunds College and St Albans High School.

The property is well placed in a rural, yet accessible location with good transport links to the M25 accessed at Junction 23 and Junction 24. The A1M and A10 are all approximately eight miles distant. There is a twice hourly train service from Bayford village station reaching Moorgate with a travel time of about 47 minutes. Potters Bar station provides a fast train to Kings Cross (approximately 15 mins) and Moorgate (approximately 30 mins), with St Albans running direct to London Gatwick in just

over one hour. Hertford East o ers a service direct into London Liverpool Street with alternative trains available nearby at Hertford North, Cu ey, Brookmans Park, Broxbourne and Hatﬁeld stations. International airports include Luton (approximately 14 miles) Stansted (approximately 18 miles) and Heathrow (approximately 25 miles).

“The Round House is a fabulous country house in a highly desirable village in Hertfordshire,” says property agent, Hugh Maconochie. “The accommodation is so ﬂexible with so many options for someone, it could even be a multi generational family home. We are excited to be marketing the property.”

The Round House, Bayford, is on the market for £4,995,000. For more information, contact Savills Harpenden on 01582 465000 or visit savills.co.uk

DINNER GAMES CORNILLEAU

This might not look like a billiard table – but remove the tabletop and that's what it is. French brand Cornilleau's clever outdoor games tables convert into dining tables. Ping pong a er dinner? Why not. cornilleau.com

TABLE MANNERS HABITAT

Habitat's Hania outdoor dining table and chairs are built to last in solid wood, with curved details for comfort and elegance. Waterproof cushions add to the practicality of the set. habitat.co.uk

NICE SERVE MONOWARE

Outdoor dining is all about salads, whether they're accompanying barbecued meat or acting as the main attraction. Monoware's beautiful new wooden salad servers are a stylish addition to your outdoor table. monoware.com

SUN SHADES

EAST LONDON PARASOLS

Six limited edition handmade bamboo parasols have been designed in collaboration between Celia B and East London Parasol Company. The patterns are hand drawn by Celia Bernardo, and lined with parachute fabric. eastlondonparasols.com

PRETTY THINGS

ANNA + NINA

Anna + Nina's SS25 collection ranges from playful ceramics to frilly striped cushions, all full of character and Dutch charm and designed for pretty outdoor settings. anna-nina.nl

LES OTTOMANS

Hand painted Sicilian head vase, €383 fashionclinic.com

LALIQUE

Magnitude vase, Persepolis blue, £1,950 lalique.com

REX LONDON

Large glass bottle vase, £19.95 rexlondon.com

CASA BY JJ

Delilah Lemon Drop Bulb vase, £144 casabyjj.com

WHERE SAINTS GO Urbi Stoneware vase, £59 wheresaintsgo.co.uk

L'OBJET Douro vase in oat, £445 l-objet.com

HABITAT

Art Glass Stripe vase, £18 habitat.co.uk

ODE TO AN URN

A bunch of lovely vases

By PENDLE HARTE

PETERSHAM NURSERIES

Dutch Delight vases, from £25 petershamnurseries.com

BJØRN WIINBLAD

Eva vase, £41.15 nordicnest.com

YUTA SEGAWA Porcelain cylinder vase in green and lilac, £30 notjustashop. arts.ac.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

FLORENCE MYTUM

Wevy vase in orange, £135 npgshop.org.uk

HAPPY TIMES

WOODLANDS

Joining the DOTS

The growth of prep school mergers: an illusion of rescue?

By JON GRAY

If you consider the landscape today, the number of pupils going from prep to senior boarding is decreasing along with the distance that families expect to commute to and from school. As a result, the standalone prep school that can no longer support itself may look towards acquisitions and mergers by way of survival. Once the merger is agreed, an announcement usually follows around how the school has been “rescued” or “strengthened” by becoming part of a larger entity or being owned by a surrounding senior school. It is of course understandable for those schools that are unable to continue by themselves to seek a way of remaining aﬂoat. In these cases, those decisions happen from the prep school side, with good intentions.

Despite this, all over the country, you will ﬁnd schools that have previously been “rescued” or “strengthened” sadly being shut down. In their previous incarnation, the person running the school was 100% intent on the good of that school and their pupils. But when schools are taken over by larger organisations, that autonomy often dissipates and with it goes security. Take the following scenario: the same group owns two schools within a few miles of each other, numbers are falling, so they make the decision to close one of them – selling it to provide resources to the group or the senior school, while hoping that combining the two in some way will work out in the end. In this case, many sta will have to reapply for their own jobs, leaders of schools could be demoted or dismissed, long-standing culture and heritage is also merged, and sometimes oil and water just don’t mix. So, it is clear to see how this so-called rescue can be complete falsehood, especially in the cases where autonomy and the soul of the school is diluted or lost.

MODERNISE BUT HOLD FAST

Unfortunately, this trend is damaging the wider concept of what a traditional prep school stands for. Prep schools and their headteachers have always been entirely child centred and a voice of experience.

Giving advice to families on the best next destination, based on years of knowledge including hundreds, if not thousands of children taught. If a prep school is suddenly owned by a senior school its true KPI (Key Performance Indicator) will likely change from – ‘send each child to the best school for them’, to ‘send all the best children to us’. Rather like a GP (General Practitioner) in the thrall of a particular pharmaceutical company, the impartiality of your consultancy has departed, which is a great shame for the pupils involved. Of course, prep schools must do what they can to survive. But ideally the o ering from the school will be strong enough that pupils, in su cient numbers, can continue to enjoy a genuine childhood in their chosen prep environment. Prep schools should remember that it is their core business, ‘happy children making strong progress’, that will help to attract future generations to the school. The prep school sector is currently in the face of the ﬁercest storm, and we should be mindful that some of those lifeboats cruising around looking for survivors are only after the salvage fee. That means we need to hold fast.

Jon Gray is the Head of York House, Hertfordshire. Find out more at york-house.com

JON GRAY

BEST START in LIFE

Woodlands Nursery in Markyate is named one of the top 20 nurseries in the East of England

Woodlands Nursery, part of Beechwood Park School in Markyate, is proud to announce that it has been named one of the top 20 nurseries in the East of England by daynurseries.co.uk, one of the UK’s leading nursery review websites.

This prestigious recognition is based on parent reviews and is a true reﬂection of the exceptional care, teaching, and environment provided by the Woodlands team. The nursery received glowing feedback from families, praising the nurturing atmosphere, inspiring outdoor setting, and the commitment of sta to each child’s development.

One parent wrote: “The setting is absolutely lovely – surrounded by nature, which gives children plenty of opportunities to explore and learn through play. The teachers and sta are incredibly patient, caring, and dedicated. They truly go the extra mile to ensure each child feels safe, valued, and supported in their development.”

Head of Woodlands Nursery, Zoe Pritchard, says: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this recognition. It’s a testament to the hard work, passion, and dedication of our entire team, who create such a warm, welcoming, and inspiring environment for every child who comes through our doors. We are also incredibly grateful to our parents and carers for their kind words and continued support.”

Head of Pre-Prep and Nursery, Sam McIntosh, adds: “This award is so richly deserved. Our team at Woodlands Nursery are some of the most talented and dedicated professionals I have ever had the pleasure to work with. The experience and care they give our youngest learners each and every day is second to none.”

Located within the beautiful grounds of Beechwood Park School, Woodlands Nursery o ers children aged 3 to 4 a unique Early Years experience, combining excellent teaching with a really strong focus on outdoor learning and creative play.

beechwoodpark.com

Summer School

GCSE & A Level Courses

“My son attended Summer School & loved it! Made friends, enjoyed activities & filled in knowledge gaps. Can’t recommend Justin Craig highly enough.”

At Lockers Park, we prepare young men for the modern world by cultivating a mindset that embraces challenge, sparks creativity, and builds resilience. Our boys are encouraged to think deeply through a strong focus on metacognition, helping them to understand how they learn best and adapt to new situations with conﬁdence. In a rapidly evolving global landscape, they stand out not just for their academic ability, but for their emotional intelligence, problem-solving skills, and readiness to lead with character and compassion.

TAILORED SUPPORT

Small class sizes averaging 13 pupils mean your son has access to more individualized attention – academically and pastorally – than in most state settings. Lockers Park wraparound care options from 7.30am-7.30pm provide security and stability to suit every family’s needs.

PATHTO

SUCCESS

Why choose independent education for your son?

By GAVIN TAYLOR

HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT

Lockers Park strongly emphasizes character, conﬁdence, and resilience – not just academics. The Lockers Learner Proﬁle highlights all the qualities a boy needs to succeed in today’s world. A focus on being a global citizen through outdoor learning from Reception to Year 6, Scouts, and creative opportunities nurture well-rounded young people.

PREPARATION FOR LEADING SENIOR SCHOOLS

If you are aiming for entry to one of the UK’s top senior schools, Lockers Park has a 100% success rate. They prepare boys for entry to their chosen destination school, including Harrow, Eton, Rugby and Stowe. Many boys move on with scholarships.

FLEXIBLE BOARDING

Even if you’re not considering full boarding, the school o ers a range of boarding options to suit your needs. This option is popular with 82% of pupils having boarded at least once

within their ﬁrst term – a powerful testament to the welcoming, engaging environment they have created. Feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive, with heartfelt testimonials highlighting how much pupils and their families value the boarding experience. The friendly option to board can ease your son into independence and build resilience.

FAMILY FEEL WITH HIGH STANDARDS

Many parents praise Lockers Park’s warm, community-focused environment that still delivers strong academic outcomes. With a commitment to innovation and a deep understanding of the modern child, Lockers Park is not only keeping pace with the times – it is setting the standard for what boarding/day independent boys’ education in the modern world can and should be.

Gavin Taylor is Headmaster of Lockers Park School – see more at lockerspark.co.uk and visit their Open Morning on 11th October

HEAD GAVIN TAYLOR

EVERYMAN in the Garden

The outdoor cinema extravaganza returns to The Grove with a very special new look why everyone is talking about…

This summer, luxury hotel and spa The Grove in Chandler’s Cross, Watford, partners with Everyman Cinema and acclaimed artist Yinka Ilori MBE to reimagine its open-air cinema, Everyman in the Garden. Running from 23rd July to 7th September 2025, the hotel’s Walled Garden will be transformed by Ilori’s bold, joy-ﬁlled installation – a vibrant backdrop for a season of ﬁlm and live opera under the stars.

Yinka, a British-Nigerian multidisciplinary artist celebrated for his playful use of colour and pattern, draws on his dual heritage to explore themes of identity, community, and storytelling. His 2025 installation at The Grove is a tribute to friendship and the quiet strength found in shared journeys.

As a special feature, on Wednesday 6th August, Yinka will join guests for an exclusive Q&A, followed by a screening of Poetic Justice. All films begin at either 4.30pm (matinee) or 8pm unless otherwise noted. Highlights from the summer schedule include: Wicked – a standout film with multiple showings, each accompanied by a pre-film live performance (including opening night on Wednesday 23rd July); The Greatest Showman – a guest favourite returning several times, also with live performances (Thursday 31st July, Sunday 17th August, and Thursday

4th September); Dirty Dancing – the beloved classic screening on Sunday 27th July and Friday 22nd August; Gladiator II – the major new release showing on Saturday 26th July; Barbie – a recent hit, paired with Toy Story (1995) for a nostalgic double feature on Sunday 3rd August; Mamma Mia! and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again – both versions shown with live performances (Saturday 9th August and Saturday 23rd August); Top Gun: Maverick – the high-energy blockbuster screening on Friday 29th August… and many more.

Guests receive wireless headphones, cosy blankets, and can enjoy drinks and food while watching ﬁlms in Ilori’s bold, joyful garden design. Screenings are complimentary for hotel guests and diners. For non-residents, cinema and dinner packages are available to book at Madhus, The Glasshouse and The Stables Restaurant & Bar.

@everymancinema

@thegrovehotel

@yinkailori

BARBIE

From Our Home to Yours

As a family company, we know exactly what goes into our paints. We make eco-friendly paints in our own factory tucked away in the foothills of Snowdonia, using only the very highest quality ingredients. These are blended by our dedicated team who have been creating lovely paints in wonderful colours for generations.

Showrooms – Marylebone | Chelsea | Notting Hill | Islington | Richmond

New Capsule Collection ‘Sweet Treats’ | Available Now

Colour consultancy & home delivery available nationwide and online

Order free colour cards or find your nearest stockist on our website