Absolutely West Essex Magazine October 2025

West Essex

OCTOBER 2025 / £3.95

PLUS CREATING A BUZZ

The celebrity photographer turned bee keeper

• CHILL IN THE AIR

Essex's most haunted spots

• DRINK IT IN

Visiting the county's best vineyards

Over 30 pages of inspiration and insight SPECIAL

Autumnal MOOD

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CULTURE

16 Agenda Hot comedians and stage icons visit Essex this month

18 Tony Briggs From celeb photographer to a di erent buzz entirely

24 Haunted Essex Ten places to send a chill down your spine

FOOD & DRINK

34 Vineyards Why Essex's soil is perfect for award-winning wine

37 Drinks The producers we are raising a glass to

FASHION & BEAUTY

40 The Shoot Modern Heitage at Barbour Braintree

44 Products Protect your face as we say goodbye to summer

ABSOLUTELY HOME

50 Dean Franklin The Apprentice winner on Essex's influence on him

56 Trend The evolution of living spaces in the home

60 Bathrooms How they became a luxury escape

For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com

For advertising enquiries please call 07861 994764 or email: claire@zest-media.com

EDUCATION

82 Sophie David Her mission to make phonics fun

84 Talking Head Claire Murdoch of Daiglen School

DON'T MISS

98 Candlelight A live concert with a di erence comes to Essex

ON THE COVER Barbour Modern Heritage (barbour.com) 124 City Road, London EC1V 2NX, 020 7704 0588

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LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S October issue highlights

1

After spending three years studying for a Journalism degree, and then turning down the opportunity to travel the world with my friends, I landed my first ever professional job in the industry. I bought a new suit – although when I walked into the office and saw everyone in casual clothes I felt slightly over dressed – and after a quick chinwag with my new editor, I was given my first assignment: an interview with a radiator company. I was underwhelmed, but now realise how ahead of the time my editor was back then.

You see, focusing on lifestyle journalism, I saw myself interviewing the stars, attending VIP events, and being the man every new restaurant/ pub/bar wanted to invite down. Radiators, for me, were just to heat a room. But given how interior design has evolved, and the many influencers we now see on our social media pages, my editor clearly saw this as a chance to beat the pack with an exclusive and I now look back on my first piece with an element of pride.

5

It's why when our Absolutely Home special comes along I get particularly excited. There is so much to enjoy in the home right now and inside we look at the latest trends and get some top tips from those in the know. Talk about hot stuff.

4 Products Plates that will give your dining table added edge (p79)

2

MARK KEBBLE

EDITOR

3

Neatsmith On how home design has evolved (p56)

Tony Briggs From celebrity photographer to bee keeper (p18)

Vineyards Why Essex is home to so many award-winners (p34)

Wishlist Top picks that make us green with envy (p12)

GREEN PIECE

Wish LIST

Head of Fashion at The Telegraph, Lisa Armstrong, has curated a capsule collection for Jigsaw. This is her Future Botanic linen two-piece, a breezy wear for early autumn days.

jigsaw-online.com

SLOW FASHION

Laura Green's made-to-order service reduces overproduction and ensures every piece is made to exacting standards. Everything has a lead time of 4-6 weeks; we are ordering this Lilly Green print shirt now. lauragreen.com

BOWL OVER

The endlessly practical and stylish Hokan bowls have countless uses and are safe for oven, microwave and freezer too. Plus they stack for easy storage and the new Green Jade colourway is a delight. hokanbowls.com

home accessories and the new corkscrew is a fun addition to the

Is this raffi a bucket hat the cutest thing ever? We think so. Loeffl er Randall's Jocelyn hat comes in green or brown. net-a-porter.com

WHERE'S WALLY?

This shoe combines the must-have colour of the season with style and ultimate comfort. Featuring Easy-on laces and a cushioned ankle collar, the Wally in stretch canvas is the perfect shoe for any autumn day. heydude.co.uk

SHOE IN

Artist Takashi Murakami has launched a visionary new footwear brand. Ohana Hatake, meaning “fi eld of fl owers”, blends Murakami’s signature visual universe with Japanese tradition and experimental product design. ohanahatake.com

UNDER COVER

Tired of underwear that doesn't fit? Visit Amelie's Follies' website and you'll come away with something comfortable as well as stylish. ameliesfollies.co.uk

A BIT OF BLING

Reis has a huge array of stylish jewellery designed to suit all ages and tastes. This emerald and diamond ring is an impresive showstopper. reisjewellery.com

WRITE OFF

Wes Anderson has partnerd with luxury Maison Montblanc to create a limited writing instrument inspired by the Montblanc archive. montblanc.com

CULTURE JOOLS HOLLAND

30-31 OCTOBER, CLIFFS PAVILION

Musical maestro Jools Holland and his famous Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are back on tour, joined this year by special guest Imelda May. With a dynamic blend of blues, rock, soul, gospel, and jazz, Imelda’s self-written and produced album Love Tattoo remains the best-selling album by a homegrown female artist in Ireland. trafalgartickets.com

The Agenda

OCTOBER'S HOTTEST HAPPENINGS

Connor Burns

23 OCTOBER, PALACE THEATRE

Connor Burns, one of the fastest rising names in comedy, unveils his brand-new show GALLUS – a fiercely funny, no-nonsense hour from a performer renowned for his razor-sharp wit, jet-black cynicism, and undeniable stage presence. Connor is a prolific joke writer whose lightning fast, razor-sharp wit combined with his signature single malt Scottish-level cynicism helps create the perfect storm of brilliant jokes.

trafalgartickets.com

EVENT

Essex Vegan Festival

4 October

SOUTHEND LEISURE CENTRE

There will be over 60 fantastic stalls, world food caterers, exciting demos, and inspirational talks running throughout the day at this ever-popular event. The festival will provide a one-stop shopping experience where a wide range of vegan products and services can be found in one place, and as entry is free for under-16s, it is ideal for families. veganeventsuk.co.uk

18 October

CHARTER HALL

Due to phenomenal demand, Chris McCausland, the winner of BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing 2024, is doing more than 250 dates on his sellout Yonks! tour. He’s been called an ‘overnight success’, even though he’s been doing stand-up for yonks. His previous tour, Speaker Blinder, was a mammoth 140+ date sellout, with his final show also being filmed for broadcast on Channel 4. colchester-events.co.uk

EVENT

Brian Cox

20 October

CLIFFS PAVILION

Multi award-winning actor

Brian Cox will embark on his first ever one-man show, It’s All About Me!, this autumn.

Brian will take audiences on a journey through his life and incredible career - from the backstreets of Dundee to the glittering lights of Hollywood - a journey that is full of laughter and pathos. Expect candour, searing honesty, and hilarious stories. trafalgartickets.com

MUSIC

Kerry Ellis

17 October

WEST CLIFF THEATRE

Kerry Ellis is the Queen of the West End. From My Fair Lady to We Will Rock You, from Les Miserables to Wicked, in both the West End and on Broadway, she has starred in musical theatre’s biggest roles. And now the star who grew up admiring musical theatre icons Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand is looking back on her illustrious career. Singing songs from the biggest musicals and telling stories about how she came to play roles, this is a unique opportunity to see and hear the West End’s biggest hits in a very intimate setting on a tour of the UK. westcli clacton.co.uk

Colchester prepares to welcome talent with a difference from 24 October-2 November

The Colchester Fringe was established in 2019 by Cameron Abbott-Betts and Steve Goatman. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they had to reschedule the festival a couple of times. However, the first Fringe event took place in May 2021. It was on this day that they took over public spaces for the first ever #ShopWindowTakeover. Their first festival took place in October 2021. The aim was to support work by local emerging artists, whilst attracting performance companies to the town from across the UK and overseas.

Josh Jones

4 OCTOBER, PALACE THEATRE

fter his 2023/24 sell-out smash tour Gobsmacked, the marvellous Josh Jones is back with his best show yet. Josh is hitting the road with a show packed full of laughs and he's keeping it light - nothing super political, nothing controversial and it’s definitely not going to change your life, but you can be sure of a fab night out filled to the brim with jokes about history, cats, wrestling and more. trafalgartickets.com

Now, every autumn, they take over a variety of venues within the city centre, including theatres, shops, pubs and nightclubs, and fill them all with extraordinary artists from all corners of the globe.

They believe that the Fringe is for everyone. Therefore, they are committed to keeping ticket prices low and promoting underrepresented voices, including LGBTQ+, global majority and disabled people within their programme and festival team. They are also proudly a nonprofit festival and any money made will be put towards supporting artists and developing the Fringe for future years.

There are far too many acts on show this year to list here, but venues include the Colchester Arts Centre, Mercury Theatre, Headgate Theatre and the Three Wise Monkeys.

colchesterfringe.com

PHOTO: MATT CROCKETT

PHOTO: JOSH FAITHI

KEIRA KNIGHTLEY

KATE MOSS

OCEAN COLOUR SCENE

POLLINATING A

PASSION

Tony Briggs has photographed the stars, but his new business couldn’t be further away from the world of rock and roll. Absolutely finds out more

Tony Briggs is a name synonymous with fashion and music, having spent the past 30 years working as a distinguished celebrity and advertising photographer and film-maker, working with iconic 90s names such as supermodel Kate Moss, bands like Portishead and Ocean Colour Scene, and TV comedians including Bill Bailey, Sacha Baron Cohen and Jimmy Carr. But, now, the Essex local has reverted to a plan b – or, more precisely, a PLAN BEE.

PLAN BEE is a full-service business which provides bees and beehives to schools, colleges, corporate companies, councils and individual homeowners across Essex. Clients can buy or rent their own beehives complete with colonies, and PLAN BEE will monitor and care for them as required, including harvesting

and bottling the all-important honey gathered from the local flora. Alternatively, corporate businesses can also sponsor beehives to support their local charities.

With a particular focus on protecting the rare British black bee species, Tony’s PLAN BEE is more than just a business venture for him; it’s a passion and a quest to make a positive environmental impact in our countryside and educate others about the importance of our bee community.

Earlier this year, Daniel Sapiano, joined Tony. Daniel’s family have been involved in the honey business for many years as his father, Albert, was the biggest independent bulk honey trader globally, so Daniel has always had a good understanding of bees and what it takes to produce top-quality honey.

Absolutely ventured to Tony’s Essex home to uncover more about his passion, his former life in the world of entertainment, and why our county truly has it all.

Q Have you always had a passion for bees?

A Not really! Alice (my wife) and I have had a smallholding for about 18 years now. She bought me my first beehive for a birthday present, which I ran really successfully.

Then, with me wanting to give up working in photography, Alice suggested professional beekeeping. And I just ran with the idea.

Q You moved to Essex 20 years ago – did moving here help to develop your interest even further?

A Yes, we moved to Essex in 2005 with our two young daughters, after a few years in Suffolk (too far from London). Before that, we lived in our photography studio in Shoreditch from around 1994. But I’d always wanted to live in the countryside, keep pigs, chickens, ‘grow your own’, that sort of thing, very River Cottage. And I’ve never stopped. It’s funny because I’ve always wanted to live in Essex since I was a young lad.

We visited Colchester in the 70s and I told my Dad then that I wanted to live here. And Alice is always saying it’s by far the most beautiful county in the UK.

Q When did PLAN BEE start to take shape?

A I only started PLAN BEE in 2023, as an experiment, really, to see if it was possible to be a professional beekeeper and to manage people’s beehives as organically as I could. I try to imitate nature as much as I can. I don’t use any chemical treatments or plastics, and I try to let the bees decide what to do. I don’t supplement their feed with sugar; I give them their own honey – that’s why they made it.

Q How does the business work?

A The business model is simple, really. I look for companies or individuals who want bees, for a sustainability or biodiversity reason, or for pollination and their own real honey, but don’t want the hassle. PLAN BEE does everything: I supply the bees, the hive, and I look after them and manage them all year, harvesting your own raw honey for you. What’s not to like?

Q Why do clients want to purchase or rent their own beehives?

A Some clients have beehives to support the countryside. Honey bees, and all of our native pollinators, are under threat from a number of man-made and natural

problems, pesticides and climate change are bees’ biggest challenges, and they all need our help. It’s said that a third of our food comes directly from pollination. We need bees, bees don’t need us. I’ve installed bees on rewilded waste grounds and watched first-hand the areas explode with life through pollination. Honey bees live side by side with all of our native pollinators. All honey bees are interested in is pollen and nectar – they aren’t carnivores and they don’t hunt. They’re very passive, not aggressive at all, just defensive of their home and a pleasure to watch go about their business. It’s amazing that they don’t even know they’re pollinating; it’s just a by product of their feeding habits. I’m convinced honey bees would be in real trouble without beekeepers.

Three of my favourite apiaries I manage in Essex are Wivenhoe House Hotel, St. Osyth’s Priory and Braintree Village Outlet, all three sites are thriving with wildlife and produce some wonderful tasting honey. Real honey isn’t cheap, and cheap honey isn’t real, but the health and wellness benefits of real honey are incredible. Honey’s antibacterial qualities contribute to overall health, and with its rich composition of antioxidants and enzymes, it contributes to heart health, works as an antidepressant and has amazing wound healing properties. It never goes off; it is magical stuff.

Q How do you help to oversee things?

A Well, I do everything. I install the hive and look after it all year. I don’t interfere too much and let the bees do their thing,

I’m only concerned about their safety and wellbeing. A strong healthy beehive pretty much looks after itself. You try and stop them swarming, or if they do, you catch them and re-home them. You leave them enough of their own honey and only harvest what is truly spare. Honeybees are hardwired through evolution to make and store far more honey than they’ll ever need. So we can take plenty. If we don’t take enough, a hive can become ‘honey blocked’ and even die, so we’re providing a service to the bees really.

“

In my day, you knew the artists personally. We were often friends”

Q How do things work with Daniel?

A Really great. Daniel is one of my oldest mates, since I moved to London in the 80s. Funny that his family have always dealt with honey, professionally, so it’s great that Dan is on board to help PLAN BEE grow. Daniel used to work in TV production in London, so we’ve a similar working background.

Q All of this seems a world away from the work of fashion and music – do you prefer this quieter side to life?

A I do, very much. The world of photography – fashion magazines, album covers and music videos that I knew –doesn’t exist anymore. It’s a young person’s game, always was. I just grew out of it.

Q How different was your world 30 years ago? What was your day to day like then?

A It couldn’t be more different. In my day, I knew the artists or ‘celebrities’ personally; we were often friends and socialised in the same places. You couldn’t get close to anyone now; they’re all protected by agents and PR. And photography had a real value then; we bore the responsibility of a shoot. No one saw the pictures for days; everything is now instant, and with too many opinions, pictures are created by committee and then retouched into a graphic. I did most of my best work in camera, with no post-production at all.

Q Do you enjoy looking back at your work?

A I do, very much. I’m very proud of my work. I published a book in 2023, Smile Please, which is a lovely memoir of all of my favourite work as a photographer. I still have many of the vinyl albums

and magazine covers on my office wall, among all the beekeeping journals.

Q Who were some of your favourite subjects?

A Kate Moss, obviously, Ocean Colour Scene, Paul Weller, Oasis, and Ali G! All the 90s comedians, Bill Bailey, Jimmy Carr, Micky Flanagan, were wonderful. And sporting heroes, Ronaldinho to Wayne Rooney, and a little bit of Hollywood in Ewan McGregor or Keira Knightley.

Q Do you miss this creative side of your life?

A Not really, I’ll always be a creative at heart, and I still shoot occasionally, working with a few old friends, and promoting and selling my back catalogue through art galleries. And I try to be creative with my beekeeping!

Q When you are not looking after your bees, does Essex offer plenty of other attractions?

A It really does. I’m from Sunderland originally, but Alice and I love Essex, and our daughters are proud Essex girls. It’s a real county, not a home county. We’re real foodies and love eating out, and Essex is fantastic for that. And it has the most sunshine and the lowest rainfall in the country, what’s not to love about Essex?

Q What’s the next step for PLAN BEE?

A Keep going. I’d like to hit 100 hives next season. Then maybe I’ll set up a jellied eels project called PLAN SEA!

tonybriggs.com/planbee

MICKY FLANAGAN

ALI G

PAUL WELLER, OASIS AND OCEAN COLOUR SCENE

Heartfelt Care

Every Step of the Way

in the air CHILL

Take a deep breath… Exploring the 10 most haunted places in Essex

Essex is often painted as a county of contrasts – from picturesque countryside and coastal villages to bustling commuter towns on London’s edge. Yet beneath its seemingly peaceful surface lies a wealth of chilling legends and paranormal lore. With its ancient castles, centuries-old coaching inns, and even sites tied to witch trials, Essex is one of England’s most haunted counties…

Colchester Castle

Colchester, often described as Britain’s oldest recorded town, is naturally rich in history – and Colchester Castle, built in the 11th century on the ruins of a Roman temple, is at its heart. The castle has been used as a prison, most infamously during the witch trials of Matthew Hopkins, the self-styled “Witchfinder General”. Several women accused of witchcraft were imprisoned and interrogated in its dungeons. Visitors have reported cold spots, strange lights, and the cries of women echoing through the lower chambers. Guides often note sudden, unexplainable drops in temperature around the cells, as though the castle walls themselves remember the terror of those imprisoned.

The Red Lion Hotel, Colchester

This timber-framed inn, dating back to the late 15th century, is one of the oldest buildings in Colchester and also one of its most haunted. The ghost most often seen here is that of Alice Catherine Millar, a chambermaid murdered at the inn in the 17th century. She is said to appear in rooms and mirrors, particularly in Room 5, where her figure has been spotted by staff and guests alike. The hotel once kept her old room locked for decades because of the frequency of reported sightings. Doors are

said to open and close by themselves, and some guests claim to feel the sensation of being watched as they try to sleep.

Borley Rectory

No list of haunted places in Essex would be complete without Borley Rectory, famously dubbed “the most haunted house in England” by psychic investigator Harry Price. Built in 1862, the rectory became a hotbed of ghost stories, including spectral monks, phantom coaches, and mysterious writings appearing on the walls. The most famous tale is that of a nun said to have been bricked up alive after her forbidden love affair with a monk was discovered. Although the rectory was destroyed by fire in 1939, the ruins – and later the grounds where it stood – have continued to generate reports

of supernatural activity. Ghost hunters still visit the Borley site today, hoping to glimpse the infamous “Borley Nun”.

Layer Marney Tower

This grand Tudor gatehouse near Colchester is the tallest of its kind in England, built by Lord Marney in the early 16th century. Marney died before his ambitious building project could be completed, and legend says his restless spirit never left. Witnesses describe sightings of a tall man in Tudor dress, often accompanied by an overwhelming sense of unease. Some have even claimed to smell horses in the courtyard where no animals stand, a reminder of the tower’s long-vanished stables. The site’s great height and imposing design add to the sense of drama and ghostly presence.

COLCHESTER CASTLE

BORLEY RECTORY

RED LION HOTEL

Hylands House

Hylands House, an elegant 18th century stately home in Chelmsford, is today a venue for weddings, concerts, and public events. Yet behind its grandeur, it hides ghostly tales. Staff and visitors report phantom footsteps in empty corridors, and the apparition of a young servant girl has been spotted wandering the basement. Some say she died in a fire centuries ago. In certain rooms, cold patches suddenly chill the air, even in summer. Paranormal groups who have investigated the house describe it as one of the most active haunted locations in Essex.

Harwich Redoubt Fort

Built in 1808 to defend against Napoleonic invasion, Harwich Redoubt Fort is an immense circular fortress with eerie tunnels and cells beneath. Visitors and ghost hunters report phantom soldiers patrolling the walls, spectral figures glimpsed in the parade ground, and loud bangs echoing through the casemates. Cold drafts and sudden mists often appear in the tunnels, while some investigators have claimed to hear shouted commands in long-empty barracks. The fort embraces its haunted reputation with regular paranormal nights.

CRESSING TEMPLE BARNS WAS ORIGINALLY BUILT BY THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR

Cressing Temple Barns

Dating back to the 13th century, these barns were originally built by the Knights Templar, whose presence in Essex left behind many legends. The vast timber structures are awe-inspiring – and unsettling when empty. Locals whisper that ghostly monks have been seen moving silently across the grounds, and one barn is said to echo with the sound of chanting long after the visitors have gone.

Mistley Towers

These two dramatic towers are all that remain of a Georgian church in Mistley, close to Manningtree – an area forever associated with the witch trials of the 1640s. Matthew Hopkins lived nearby and carried out many of his interrogations in the district. Today, strange figures are said to appear among the ruins of Mistley Towers at night.

Tilbury Fort

On the Thames estuary, Tilbury Fort has guarded London since Tudor times, famously where Queen Elizabeth I rallied her troops during the threat of the Spanish Armada. Its long history of military use also left behind tales of ghostly soldiers. Visitors describe shadowy figures on the ramparts and disembodied voices echoing in the tunnels.

The Bell Inn,

Horndon-on-the-Hill

This 15th century coaching inn is still a thriving pub and hotel, but guests often get more than just good food and drink. Reports include mysterious footsteps in the corridors, lights turning on and off, and cold drafts that sweep through rooms without warning. One of the most common apparitions is said to be a woman in period dress, silently watching from the stairwell. With its creaking floors and centuries of history, The Bell is the kind of place where every corner feels alive with stories.

Five of the best… Halloween events in Essex this month

BARLEYLANDS

HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL

25 October-2 November

Barleylands’ pumpkin patch is getting a fang-tastic glow-up. Every child can pick their very own pumpkin and head to the Pumpkin Decorating Barn to get creative. Also explore the child-friendly Halloween Maze –spooky, but not too scary – and enjoy spooktastic magic shows with the amazing Skittleman the Entertainer,

•

SOUTHEND HALLOWEEN PARADE

25 October

Get ready for a night of thrills and chills as the seafront comes alive with spine-tingling street performers, live music, and a carnival of creepy characters. Perfect for families, this free event promises fun for all ages, with plenty of surprises lurking around every corner.

• AUDLEY END HOUSE

25 October-2 November

Gather your little monsters for a ghoulishly good day out at Audley End House and Gardens this halfterm. Follow the quest to solve creepy clues and gather round to listen to spooky stories. Join a pair of Victorian ghost hunters as they take you on a spooky (but not too scary!) adventure. With interactive mysterious tales and macabre stories, they’ll share spooky insights into the ghost-hunting techniques of the 19th century.

• COLCHESTER ZOO

25 October-2 November

This October half term, enjoy a week filled with spook-tacular daytime activities suitable for children of all ages. More details to be announced.

• EPPING ONGAR RAILWAY

25, 26, 29, 30 and 31 October

Dare you ride the Ghost Train from North Weird? Dress up in your scariest outfit and join the full size ghost train as they promise some Halloween fun with the living dead. Steam hauled train journey from North Weird – but beware the living...

MISTLEY TOWERS

THREE-NIGHT CHRISTMAS BREAK

24th – 27th December

Enjoy mulled wine and mince pies in The Hangar, before champagne, canapés and a three-course dinner on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day starts with breakfast in The Hangar, followed by a four-course lunch with champagne and canapés, as well as a Christmas night supper. Enjoy a full Boxing Day breakfast and three-course lunch, a 25-minute spa treatment and half day spa pass to use before departure after breakfast on 27th December.

We will be open for a fantastic three-course lunch on Boxing Day. Select from six sumptuous menu options for your starter, main course and dessert, with a range of side dishes available for an extra charge.

There will be two sittings to choose from, either at 12 noon or 3pm.

Booking required.

Get Christmas party-ready, with our discounted Party Pamper Package, including LVL Lash Lift* and Gel File & Polish on Hands & Feet.

Available Monday to Friday, until the end of December, choose from more than 100 colours from The GelBottle, including some of their new festive light-up glitters.

*patch test required.

Afternoon tea is available every day from 3.00pm to 5.00pm and there’s no need to book. During December expect a few seasonal surprises!

Why not upgrade with a glass of Heidsieck & Co Monopole Champagne?

Price with Champagne £42.50 per person.

TBEGINS The magic

The Essex County Christmas Fair

at Braxted Park will kick off the festive season in style

his November, the enchanting Braxted Park Estate will be transformed into a winter wonderland as it plays host to the highly anticipated Essex County Christmas Fair, running from Friday 14th to Sunday 16th November 2025.

“Visitors can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and scents of Christmas”

For three festive-filled days, visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and scents of Christmas. With over 150 unique stalls, the fair promises to be the ultimate Christmas shopping experience in Essex. From handmade crafts and bespoke gifts to luxury homeware and seasonal décor, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover the perfect present for friends and family.

But the Essex County Christmas Fair is more than just shopping. Guests can soak up the festive atmosphere with live music performances throughout the event, adding the perfect seasonal soundtrack to your day. Enjoy the charm of horse and carriage rides through the estate, offering a nostalgic nod to Christmases past, or take in the views from atop the glittering Ferris wheel, an unmissable highlight for children and adults alike. Keep an eye out for Father Christmas roaming around the event and stopping for photos with visitors as well as the amazing stilt walkers and LED performers.

Whether you’re hunting for special gifts, creating treasured family memories, or sampling tempting treats in the food & drink marquee, the Essex County

Christmas Fair has something for everyone. Stroll between the beautifully decorated stalls, savour delicious seasonal food and drink such as mulled wine, Yorkie wraps and Bavarian sausages and let the magic of the festive season take hold.

Organisers, Prestige County Events, have carefully curated a diverse mix of exhibitors to ensure there’s plenty to explore. From jewellery and fashion to children’s toys, artisan spirits, and festive homeware, every corner of the fair is brimming with inspiration. Shoppers can enjoy discovering local makers and crafters, as well as small independent businesses, from across the region. The Essex County Christmas Fair isn’t just an event; it’s a festive tradition in the making. With entertainment for all ages, an unbeatable shopping experience, and the enchanting setting of Braxted Park Estate, it’s an occasion you won’t want to miss.

So, mark your calendars for 14th–16th November and join a Christmas celebration like no other. Whether you come for the shopping, the entertainment, or simply the festive cheer, one thing is certain: the Essex County Christmas Fair will fill you with festive spirit and leave you with magical memories.

Book online in advance for reduced price tickets and fast-track entry at essexcountychristmasfair.co.uk

“The Solstice has long been known as a happy place at sea”

Setting SAIL

Why a special relaunch from Celebrity Cruises can offer you the holiday of your dreams

In May 2026, Celebrity Cruises will unveil the fully renewed Celebrity Solstice®, offering travellers an entirely reimagined experience at sea. From dining and entertainment to accommodation and outdoor escapes, every corner of this beloved ship has been redesigned to deliver fresh luxury with a sense of familiar comfort.

Guests can expect new outdoor escapes, new entertainment, new dining, new rooms – new everything. The Solstice has long been known as a happy place at sea, and now it’s set to become even more extraordinary with carefully curated spaces and experiences designed to delight every guest.

A FEAST FOR FOOD LOVERS

The Solstice is raising the bar on dining, starting with Trattoria Romana. This glamorous new venue recalls the golden age of dining, complete with tableside

preparations and indulgent touches that make every meal feel like an event.

For lovers of premium cuts and seafood, the Fine Cut Steakhouse takes centre stage. Featuring 30-day dry-aged steaks, marketfresh seafood, and impeccable service, this restaurant has already earned glowing recognition from Forbes Travel Guide.

Meanwhile, Luminae, the exclusive restaurant for guests of The Retreat, will debut a new menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Daniel Boulud, an indulgence not to be missed.

EVENINGS COME ALIVE

Entertainment has been completely reimagined. The Boulevard Lounge delivers cabaret-inspired glamour, transforming from interactive daytime hub to an elegant nighttime escape. For a more playful vibe, the Celebrity Barcade offers retro-cool gaming with a chic lounge atmosphere, blending competition and camaraderie in equal measure.

ROOMS MADE FOR REJUVENATION

Every stateroom and suite on board has been refreshed, with a particular focus on enhancing relaxation. The expanded AquaClass® accommodation now feature spa-inspired details such as massaging shower heads, aromatherapy diffusers, yoga mats, luxurious robes, slippers, and even a pillow menu to ensure the perfect night’s sleep.

For the ultimate indulgence, The Retreat® has been elevated with redesigned suites, a serene new sundeck, and an oversized hot tub pool. Guests will also enjoy private dining at Luminae, where fine cuisine meets flawless service.

THE GREAT OUTDOORS, ELEVATED

The redesigned Sunset Park brings the spirit of an outdoor festival to sea days. Guests can enjoy live concerts, fresh cocktails, and elevated bites, all in an open-air setting where every hour feels like happy hour.

With its sweeping transformation, the Celebrity Solstice® is more than a ship – it’s a destination in itself. Sailing from May 2026, it promises a new standard of luxury cruising for guests seeking relaxation, entertainment, and unforgettable experiences at sea.

To find out more, contact Canada Travel Specialists on 0333 014 3608 or visit canadatravelspecialists.com

AQUACLASS STATEROOM

IN

THE HEART OF LONDON, CICCHETTI PICCADILLY BRINGS THE GLAMOUR OF ITALY’S GRAND CAFÉS & THE ENERGY OF MODERN DINING TOGETHER UNDER ONE ROOF.

BOLD FLAVOUR. ITALIAN SOUL. LONDON STYLE

& DRINK

QUALITY MARK

MILSOMS

Milsoms

SAYING cheers

Celebrating the wonderful vineyards of Essex

As the sun sets on a beautiful summer, the wine harvest is in full swing. Essex is home to 58 vineyards and our love for hanging out in the vines and drinking awardwinning wines has become a major trend.

WHERE TO GO TO ENJOY GREAT ESSEX WINES?

Did you know that underneath our feet in the north west of the county is a chalky soil, just like in the champagne region of northern France? This is ideal for producing award-winning sparkling wines.

The area is home to Saffron Grange vineyard, which produces some of the finest English sparkling wines in the country. It is also set on land where woolly mammoths once roamed, but now the mammoths can only be found on their wine labels!

To the south of the county lies a ridge of clay soils along the Crouch valley. This area is very up-and-coming in wine circles. The area’s Pinot Noir and Bacchus grapes have become some of the most sought after English wines. Take a visit along the estuary to Crouch Ridge, Clayhill and New Hall vineyards to enjoy some of the loveliest wines and most glorious countryside.

TUFFON HALL

AWARD-WINNING WINES

Essex wines are world-class and have won several prestigious awards in the industry. Saffron Grange’s Classic Cuvee Brut, 2019, was awarded a Bronze Decanter World Wine Award in 2023. Over in Castle Hedingham, Tuffon Hall’s Pinot Noir Rose, 2020 Beatrice, won a silver in the National Wine GB Awards, and New Hall’s Bacchus 2022 Vintage won silver in the 2024 London Wine Competition.

RUSTIC GETAWAYS

Wine lovers can stay at the luxurious Great Lodge at Bardfield Vineyard in one of their three converted barns; visitors can choose from bed and breakfast or self-catering options. Relax in a cosy room with comfy double beds, stunning wooden floorboards and a contemporary rustic design, with floor-to-ceiling windows. Or breathe in fresh estuarine air at Crouch Ridge vineyard’s exquisite barn conversion containing luxurious selfcatering flats. Hall Farm Cottages offer spectacular views over the River Crouch and the vines. The accommodation includes two bedrooms, a spacious open-plan lounge, kitchen, plus outdoor seating with a barbecue. Over near Sible Hedingham, Tuffon Hall’s six-bedroom converted farmhouse provides accommodation for up to 12 guests. The house contains three large bathrooms, a bright and spacious country kitchen and a cosy sitting room with a log burner. The property is conveniently located on-site and is well-stocked with all the necessities for a relaxing stay.

FOOD AND WINE

Many of the county’s vineyards have opened eateries on their site, welcoming visitors for coffee and cake as well as fresh seafood platters with wine pairing. Check out Clayhill vineyard’s stunning black weatherboarded café overlooking its vineyard and the Crouch valley. Visit for coffee and cake and head upstairs to the glazed balcony for the best views - on clear days you can even see Southend-on-Sea. Just a stone’s throw down the road is the wine bar and terrace at Crouch Ridge vineyard. The cellar menu has been designed to complement the vineyard’s wines. Locally sourced fish, shellfish, meat, poultry and vegetables are included on the sharing boards. The monthly five course tasting evenings and private dining experiences are very popular.

Essex’s wines are world-class and have won several awards

IT’S ALL HAPPENING IN THE VINES

Join Tuffon Hall on their last wine tasting tour of the season on Saturday 11th October at 2pm. Visitors will be taken on a stroll around the vineyard and be given a lesson on the varieties grown at Tuffon Hall. The team will then offer a wine tasting session of their award-winning wines and gin in their stunning 16th century cellar door barn. The tasting and tour will last approximately 90 minutes and is priced at £25 per person (adults only).

Tuffon Hall is making the most of the winter months with their special ‘Club Alpine’ night. Enjoy club night in the vines, and step inside their Après Ski party with DJ @foxandbraces a definite winter highlight, which takes place on 6th December from 8pm.

While most wine tastings and tours take place during the summer months, Saffron Grange is opening their doors to visitors this winter. Visitors will enjoy a walk beyond the ‘no entry’ signs to learn how their sparkling wines are produced. The tour will include a wander through the vineyard to see what the team are up to in this cold, but busy period, before heading into the winery to learn more about the winemaking process. The visit will end with a tutored wine tasting session. The 90-minute tour and tasting is priced at £25 per person (adults only).

To discover more about what to see and do in the county’s vineyards, head to visitessex.com

NEW HALL

MALDON CROUCH RIDGE

DRINKS

What to drink this month CABINET

By NATALIA SUTA @_winerocks_ winerocks.co.uk

Just JO IT

Created by Jo Malone in collaboration with master distiller Joanne Moore, Jo Vodka is as sleek and stylish as you'd expect. It lands in three personalities – The Purist, The Bohemian, and The Artist – each bringing a di erent twist to your glass. Clean, crisp, and e ortlessly elegant, it turns even the simplest serve into a statement. jovodka.com

PRETTY IN PORT

Port, but make it pink. Baronesa de Vilar Rosé Porto is a new arrival that brings a juicy twist to the classic with its bold berry flavours and a fragrant floral edge. Chill it down and pour it with pudding, serve it with cheese, or shake it into something sparkly – this one’s here to have fun. laithwaites.co.uk

Glow Up

Some rosés are blushing – this one is glowing. The newly released 2023 vintage of Yotes Court’s ‘Best Turned Out’ Pinot Meunier Rosé is a sunsoaked stunner bursting with rose petals, raspberries, and a whisper of rhubarb. Born from a standout vintage, it’s Provence in spirit, Kent at heart, and perfect for prolonging that golden-hour feeling. yotescourt.co.uk

Orange Alert

Perched on the coast near Winchelsea in East Sussex, Charles Palmer Vineyard is a family-run a air with a flair for the elegant and a serious obsession with great wine. Owned and operated by the Palmer family since 1998, the estate makes the most of its southfacing slopes, sea-kissed air, and Kimmeridgian clay soils (the same stu found in Champagne and Chablis). With a hands-on approach and meticulous attention to detail, they’ve built a name for producing refined English fizz and characterful still wines. And now, they’ve thrown something a little zestier into the mix: their first-ever orange wine.

Made from Chardonnay cold-soaked on its skins for 80 hours, it’s gloriously amber in the glass with melon, apricot, and bruised apple on the nose, and flavours of orange peel, honey, and hazelnut on the palate. Bold, textural, and full of autumnal charm, it’s best served lightly chilled. Whether you're grazing on charcuterie, tucking into strong cheeses, or settling in for a cosy night on the sofa, consider this your new cold-weather pour.

charlespalmer-vineyards.co.uk

Natalia Suta is a WSET-certified wine writer and educator with a knack for making wine accessible and fun. When she is not writing, she’s busy curating wine experiences and offering consultancy to help others discover the joy of wine. Follow Natalia on Instagram @_winerocks_

FASHION

Shape UP

STELLA MCCARTNEY

Stella McCartney's new collection is an expressive and easy wardrobe of timeless classics for every facet of life. Stronger, sexier attitudes refocus house icons selected by Stella, reimagined in moulded outlines, sculptural draping and statement details. stellamccartney.com

Chill in the air? Wrap up and look the part with the latest AW25 collection from Barbour, available in their Braintree

HEALTH & BEAUTY

As autumn arrives, the temperatures start to drop and our faces are exposed to cold bursts, driving rain and heavy winds. To prepare for this, we pick out some of the best products on the market right now to maintain that perfect glow.

JANEIRO Cheirosa 48 Perfume Mist, £24 johnlewis.com

Prodigieuse Boost SelfTanning Serum, 30ml, £38 johnlewis.com

£83 chantecaille.com SISLEY Sunleÿa AntiAgeing Sun Care SPF50+, £223 sisley-paris.com

By PENDLE HARTE

DAVID LLOYD CLUBS, EUROPE’S PREMIUM HEALTH AND WELLNESS GROUP, IS COMING TO HARLOW

David Lloyd Harlow is opening its doors in December. Located in the Innovation Park area towards the east of the town, the Club will offer a wide range of state-of-the-art health, fitness, racquets and spa facilities for families and adults of all ages.

If you’re looking to improve your health and wellness, learn a new skill, spend time with family and friends, or simply relax, then look no further than the brand new David Lloyd Harlow.

Get those endorphins flowing - The centrepiece of the Club will be the 100+ station gym, which will house David Lloyd Clubs’ cutting-edge gym concept. With personal trainers on hand to give expert advice and help you to reach goals you never thought possible.

The group exercise studios will host more than 100 classes each week including the David Lloyd Clubs’ exclusive Signature Classes Collection.

Members will be able to take part in high-energy workouts such as IGN1TE, find balance in Mind and Body classes including SPIRIT, Reformer Pilates and yoga, pedal through exhilarating RHYTHM and CYCLONE group cycling classes, and experience the adrenaline rush from the exclusive HIIT class BLAZE.

Raise your game - Fun for the whole family is guaranteed on the padel and premium cushioned acrylic tennis courts. An experienced team of racquets professionals will be on hand to offer first-rate coaching, so whether you’re an experienced player or complete beginner, there’ll be something for everyone.

Unwind time - The luxurious Spa Retreat and outdoor Spa Garden will be the perfect escape from the rigours of everyday life. A Himalayan salt sauna, rainforest experience shower, citrus steam room, ice cave and plunge pool, all in a stunning space designed to aid relaxation and rejuvenation.

Plus, for swimmers, the indoor and outdoor pools and hydropools will give members an energy boost from the water, whatever the weather.

Family Fun together - Family sits at the heart of David Lloyd Clubs. With structured, progressive swim and tennis coaching and DL Kids activities including after-school and holiday Clubs, there’s always something to keep the youngest members entertained while learning new skills. For little ones aged 8 and over, the David Lloyd Clubs ‘Rebels’ classes will offer kids a chance to enhance their fitness and wellbeing.

Clubroom - The stylish Clubroom is the heart of the Club and will offer the ideal place to unwind with friends and family and grab a delicious bite. For those sunnier days, enjoy dining alfresco and perhaps a refreshing drink while the kids play in the outdoor play area.

An adults-only business lounge will provide a comfortable alternative to working from home, where you can take advantage of refreshments being brought directly to your table - and then even squeeze in a quick class between work calls!

It’s all coming to the new David Lloyd Harlow. There are limited introductory memberships available before the Club opens this winter, so hurry to secure your space.

Book a virtual tour or join online today: www.davidlloyd.co.uk/harlow

“Back In Action sources designs that are both functional and beautiful”

BACK STORY

Are you sitting comfortably? If not, Back in Action can help

HOW MUCH IS IT WORTH TO LOSE YOUR BACK PAIN?

That’s an intriguing question, isn’t it? Many would pay a small fortune if they knew for certain that a solution would finally work.

According to ergonomic experts at Back In Action, over 80% of their clients experience youthful movement again, with less pain, enabling them to continue with work and enjoy their favourite sports.

functional and beautiful. They believe that furniture should enhance any home or office without compromising style.

Over 80% is quite a claim, but customers have voted them Number One in the UK for four consecutive years. As a family business, they take immense pride in this achievement. If you suffer from back pain, it’s time to visit their website or one of their stores.

Founder David Newbound notes that many clients arrive at Back In Action having lost hope of permanent relief.

“Most pain can be fixed by rest and skilled treatment,” David explains. “However, we often see clients who have been referred by practitioners when progress has stalled. They may have tried various treatments, painkillers, and even switched mattresses, yet they still suffer pain and feel increasingly demoralised.”

SPEND A LITTLE, GAIN A LOT?

Many clients find themselves surprised by the aesthetic appeal of Back In Action’s showrooms, resembling design-led furniture stores. This is intentional: Back In Action sources designs that are both

WHERE DO THE HEALTH BENEFITS COME FROM?

With a name like Back In Action, it’s no surprise they emphasise movement – getting your spine moving and getting you and your back back into action. The health benefits stem from promoting movement that keeps blood circulating, even while sitting. This can lead to a positive feedback loop of decreased pain and increased activity.

A SOLUTION FOR EVERYONE

Think your spine is beyond help? Back In Action has developed an innovative method to rejuvenate spinal movement: The Mobiliser. It has gained MOD medical approval and received accolades from thousands who claim it has transformed their lives. A test session is free, and they offer “Spine Reset Packages” for home that are affordable for most people.

backinaction.co.uk

THE STRESSLESS MAYFAIR CHAIR

Stay warmer in an Albion bath as our Iso-Enamel material will keep your water hotter for longer - and at less than half the weight of cast iron, an Albion bath is easier to locate and install.

With a range of free standing baths from 1200mm2000mm long, we’ve got all sizes of bathroom covered. Made by hand in our Essex factory, all Albion baths are manufactured to order - so in both ways, an Albion bath takes a little longer.

Request your brochure of our range of over 50 free standing bath tubs, taps and sanitaryware items.

Apollo Bath - Choose 1770 or 2000mm long

Standard BEARER

NEWNHAM CLOSE

A stunningly refurbished family home offering 3,202 sq ft of accommodation in the heart of Loughton. Finished to an immaculate standard, the stylish interior includes a designer kitchen, and chic dining area and snug. There are also four bedrooms, three bathrooms and an indoor swimming pool. Guide price £1,600,000contact Savills Loughton on 020 8498 6609 or visit savills.com

GROUND Hire

Dean Franklin on winning this year’s The Apprentice, his business ADL Air Conditioning and how Essex helped instil his work ethic

Q What was going through your mind when Lord Sugar pointed at you and said, “You’re hired”?

A In that moment, it was such a whirlwind of emotions. In all honesty when I was in that final boardroom, all I could think about was getting home and seeing my wife and children. When Lord Sugar pointed at me, it felt like every ounce of hard work and the mental and emotional struggle it had taken on not only myself, but also my wife and kids, had just paid off. I was proud.

Q How did you keep your composure in the boardroom?

A I always reminded myself why I was there. Even moments before going into the boardroom, I had a little photo of my family in a locket charm that was clipped to the inside of my suit. I would have a little glimpse at it for luck and to remind myself what I was doing it for. I would always stay calm and listened before responding. Even when the pressure was intense, I knew that reacting impulsively could cost me.

Q What was the biggest lesson you learned from The Apprentice?

A The biggest lesson I learned was how much I could achieve under pressure. The Apprentice pushed me to think faster, adapt quicker, and trust myself in high-stakes situations – and I came out knowing I am far more resilient than I ever imagined.

Q How did your real-world experience help you stand out among the other candidates?

A Running my own successful company meant I had already experienced the realities of business from the ground up, from managing deadlines and budgets to negotiating with clients and leading a team along with problem-solving and how to adapt quickly when things don’t go to plan. All of that translated directly into the tasks on The Apprentice, because I wasn’t just relying on theory – I knew how to stay calm, make decisions under pressure, and see a project through to the end.

Q What was your relationship like with the other contestants off camera?

A Off camera, I got along with all the contestants. It’s an intense process, and you are in each other’s company for a

very long period, but we all respected each other. We were competitors in the boardroom, but outside of that, we had a laugh, we supported each other and some great friendships formed.

Q How has your life changed since winning the show?

A Since winning The Apprentice, life has been incredibly busy – in the best way. The business is growing, I’ve been able to do exactly what I set out to do: take on more employees, expand the fleet with new vans, and keep up with a growing list of clients. It’s been a whirlwind, but seeing the company thrive and the team grow has been rewarding.

Q Can you tell us the story behind starting ADL Air Conditioning?

A My business partner Alex and I have always worked together in the air

DEAN FRANKLIN ON THE APPRENTICE

conditioning industry, we both worked for companies as apprentices, to engineers and then I went onto being a supervisor. We then started to do our own private work on a weekend or any time we had spare, installing air conditioning in residential properties. We started getting busier and were growing a customer base, that’s when we decided to take the jump. We both left our jobs and started up ADL Air Conditioning and it was the best decision we could have ever made.

Q What sets ADL apart from other HVAC businesses in the UK?

A What sets us apart is the combination of expertise, personal service, and genuine care for our clients. We’ve built the business on reliability and trust, delivering high quality work on time, every time. Because we started from the ground up, I understand both the technical side and the customer’s perspective, and I make sure my team does too. We don’t just install and maintain systems; we build relationships and stand by our work long after the job’s done.

Q How do you see the business evolving over the next five years?

A I see the business continuing to grow and expand in all areas, building on the strong foundation we’ve created. One of my key goals is to open the showroom I’ve mentioned before on the show –a place where customers can see,

touch, and experience our products first-hand. It’s an exciting step that will help us showcase our expertise and give people an even better idea of what we can offer.

Q How important is sustainability and energy efficiency to you?

A Integral. As an air conditioning company, we are committed to helping customers reduce both their environmental impact and operating costs. By choosing energyefficient air conditioning systems powered by renewable energy sources, our clients can significantly lower their energy and consumption and realise substantial savings compared to traditional gas systems.

Q Why did you choose to partner primarily with Daikin for your installations?

A Daikin is a brand we have always trusted. We have a good relationship with Daikin, and we know the systems like the back of our hands. We have worked with all brands, but we find Daikin to be the best on the market and would recommend all our customers and clients to choose Daikin systems.

As a global leader in HVAC technology, Daikin is recognised for its exceptional energy efficiency, innovative features, and long-lasting reliability. Their systems are designed with advanced inverter technology, which optimises performance while reducing energy consumption

and running costs. They provide a wide product range to suit various residential and commercial needs, backed by comprehensive warranties and strong after-sales support, ensuring customers receive both outstanding comfort and long-term value.

Q What do you love most about living and working in Essex?

A It’s always been home to me. I’ve grown up here, so I know the people, the places, and the little details. There’s a real community feel, people look out for each other. It’s a place I’m proud to live in and even prouder to serve.

Q How has Essex influenced your work ethic or business mindset?

A Growing up and working in Essex has shaped my work ethic in a big way. The strong community values here have taught me the importance of trust, reliability, and looking after people – qualities I carry into every customer interaction. Essex is a mix of hardworking, down-to-earth people and a thriving business environment, which has encouraged me to aim high while staying grounded. It’s a place where reputation matters, so I’ve learned that delivering quality work and building genuine relationships is the key to long term success. Visit adlairconditioning.com and see more on Instagram @adl_airconditioning

GLAZING AMAZING

Updating windows

and doors improves your home,

but choosing the right company is what really makes an impact

The older we get, the more we like to have things just as we’d want. The ultimate expression of that on the domestic front is to do as the Simmonds did, and live in a house that was designed for you. But that was 25 years ago.

“When the house was built, we did it on a bit of a budget and used lots of reclaimed materials for the floors and fireplaces to create a bit of an Edwardian look that we like. The windows were wooden framed and the doors were wooden too. It all needed a lot of maintenance over the years and to be honest we were getting a bit tired of that,” the Simmonds say.

Looking for a low maintenance alternative, the Simmonds also wanted their replacement windows and doors to offer better insulation - the old ones had ceased

to be draught-proof - and improve the property’s security. “It couldn’t have been much worse. The back door might as well have been made of balsa wood and the basic locks were well below the standard our insurers needed to see.”

SEHBAC is unusual among suppliers of windows and doors because it has fully fitted out showrooms where you can see and choose from fully installed products rather than samples. “In the Ipswich showroom, people were very professional. They made it

“The finish was really high quality, neat and accurate”

easy to choose windows and doors then pick contrasting interior and exterior colours and retro fittings that styled well with the rest of our home,” say the Simmonds. At the Ipswich showroom they help you see the possibilities, but it’s the installation teams that really seal the transformation of your home. “The SEHBAC team was nothing short of incredible. They took less than four days to do the whole job, working efficiently and professionally through awful weather. The finish was really high quality, neat, and accurate, and the whole result gave us a real sense of pride in our home – just like we felt when we first moved in.”

For more information on how SEHBAC can help with your next home improvement project, search SEHBAC.com , visit your local showroom, or call 0800 666 444

Evolution of the HOME

Why living spaces are no longer just rooms

By PHILIPP NAGEL

Only a few years ago, the blueprint of a home was fixed and predictable. Today, that model feels outdated. The modern home is no longer a series of isolated, single-purpose rooms, but a collection of layered environments, spaces that adapt, transform and often perform multiple roles within the same day.

This is not just a design shift, but a cultural one. Our homes now work harder for us, accommodating hybrid lifestyles where the boundaries between work, leisure and personal indulgence are increasingly blurred. While design trends have been evolving for decades, the pandemic acted as an accelerant. Spending months inside gave homeowners a sharper awareness of what was working and, more often, what wasn’t. Rooms that had been functional but uninspiring became sources of frustration. The home needed to be more adaptable and more enjoyable to inhabit.

Clients now expect every room to be both practical and a pleasure to spend time in. It’s not enough for a space to serve a single function, it must make you want to be there. At Neatsmith we are seeing how people are reassessing their homes, how they need and want to use the space. At the forefront of this evolution is the dressing room, transformed from a purely practical space into a true destination. No longer hidden away, it now stands as one of the most expressive rooms in the luxury home, curated as carefully for organisation and function.

Glass-fronted wardrobes have become the defining detail, framing garments and accessories like works of art. Today’s clients increasingly want to showcase their collections. Our Reflex glass doors have proved particularly popular, with doors that are reflective and semi-opaque until lit, when integrated LED lighting transforms the mirrored glass to a transparent finish. This creates a museum-like effect for displaying accessories.

Drawing inspiration from the luxury retail world, these spaces now feature upholstered seating areas, lighting is layered and considered, and technology is discretely incorporated. When space permits, the dressing room island has become the most coveted design detail, often topped with glass to display jewellery and watches beneath. More than just a practical addition, it serves as the room’s anchor, balancing function with a striking visual focal point.

This evolution marks a shift away from purely functional spaces toward dressing rooms as performative environments. Minibars and coffee stations add a touch of hospitality. Frequently, clients share images of hotel dressing rooms or luxury boutiques, challenging us to create those experiences within the home.

Likewise fitted wardrobes have stepped into a new role, as architectural statements. No longer just cupboards for clothes, they are tailored environments that maximise every inch of space while reflecting the character of the room they inhabit.

That same considered approach is redefining other areas of the home, with spaces like the home

office evolving well beyond their original function. Once a quiet corner or repurposed spare room, it has become one of the most thoughtfully designed spaces in the luxury home. The home office aesthetic is constantly evolving and today’s offices take their cues from private members’ clubs: moody, atmospheric, and designed for focus without sacrificing style.

And then there’s the secret life of the modern home office: bespoke cabinetry that conceals a fully stocked bar, an art collection, or even a curated library. No longer just a place to work, it’s evolved into a space for both focus and unwinding, a setting where you might take an evening drink, or enjoy a quiet hour between calls. The days of the purely functional desk are over; today’s home offices are designed with a chameleon quality, shifting effortlessly between roles. One of Neatsmith’s newest and most requested designs features shadow oak with fluted glass. The glass introduces a sense of lightness, while the fluting on adds depth and texture, creating a workspace that feels as considered as any living area.

Even the humble bookshelf has undergone a transformation. For the design-conscious homeowner, the curated library is now a hallmark of sophistication. High-net-worth homeowners are increasingly commissioning library inspired spaces with bespoke shelving, integrated reading lights, and custom upholstery to create intimate nooks. In some homes, the library is a grand social space for

conversation; in others, a quiet sanctuary designed for complete escape.

The way we host is evolving. Entertaining has shifted from the formality of set dining rooms to a more fluid, sociable style, where conversations spill from kitchen to lounge, and the home bar becomes the natural gathering point. A beautifully designed bar is now the hallmark of stylish entertaining, and Neatsmith’s Cordona Home Bar in Highland Green captures this perfectly. With its Cordona fluted doors, fluted glass cabinets, and soft integrated lighting, it pairs elegance with utility, offering considered storage.

As our lives continue to evolve, so too will our homes. The future is likely to bring even more blurring of boundaries which will shape our design needs. What won’t change is the desire for rooms that are not just used, but lived in, spaces that invite us to pause, enjoy, and connect.

Philipp Nagel is the director of Neatsmith, who have a showroom in Brentwood. Find out more by visiting neatsmith.co.uk

The great escape

Modern day bathrooms are known for being a luxurious getaway from daily life, but it wasn’t always the case

The story of the bathroom in the UK is one of social change, technological progress, and shifting ideas about health, privacy, and comfort. Today the bathroom is often one of the most valued rooms in the house, a place associated not only with hygiene, but also with relaxation and even luxury. Yet this is a relatively recent development...

EARLY PRACTICES

In the pre-Victorian era, the idea of a dedicated room for bathing or sanitation scarcely existed for ordinary households. Washing was typically done with a bowl and jug in the bedroom or kitchen, while larger tubs were occasionally filled for a more thorough soak, usually placed near the fire for warmth. Soap was a luxury for much of the population, and regular bathing was not the norm. Sanitation was rudimentary: most homes relied on outdoor privies or chamber pots emptied into cesspits.

The wealthiest households, however, did experiment with more sophisticated facilities. From the 18th century onwards, aristocratic country houses sometimes featured early forms of water closets or purpose-built bathing chambers, but these were rare and highly unusual. Their existence reflected not only wealth, but also access to running water, which was scarce outside urban centres.

THE VICTORIAN TRANSFORMATION

The Industrial Revolution and rapid urbanisation in the 19th century forced Britain to confront the problems of overcrowding, disease, and poor sanitation. Outbreaks of cholera and typhoid in the 1830s and 1840s spurred public health reforms. The Public Health Act of 1848 laid the groundwork for local authorities to improve sewerage and clean water supplies. These infrastructural changes were pivotal.

By the mid-Victorian period, water closets (flushing toilets) were being developed and promoted, notably by inventors such as Thomas Crapper. At first, these appeared in wealthier homes, installed in

small closets or converted spaces. Baths too became more accessible as cast-iron models, coated in porcelain, were massproduced and more affordable. Still, bathrooms as self-contained rooms were largely limited to middle-class and upperclass households. For the working classes, washing facilities were often communal.

GRADUAL INTEGRATION

At the turn of the 20th century, more houses began to incorporate bathrooms, though it was still far from universal. New suburban housing developments, particularly in the interwar years, often included an indoor bathroom as standard. This was encouraged by changes in building regulations and by the expansion of piped water and sewerage networks. Bathrooms in this period were functional and modest, usually featuring a single bath, a basin, and a water closet all in one room.

For many families, however, bathrooms remained aspirational rather than actual. In working-class housing, particularly older terraced stock, outside toilets and tin baths in front of the fire remained the norm well into the 1930s and 1940s. The Second World War and subsequent rationing slowed the pace of domestic improvement, but post-war reconstruction offered an opportunity to change this.

POST-WAR BRITAIN

The mid-20th century was the moment when the bathroom truly became a standard feature of British homes. During this period, the bathroom remained relatively utilitarian. Designs were simple, often in pastel colours such as avocado green or pink, which became popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Showers began to appear more commonly, though usually as attachments over the bath rather than separate cubicles.

FROM UTILITY TO LIFESTYLE

From the 1980s onwards, the bathroom underwent another transformation: from a purely functional space to a site of lifestyle and self-expression. Rising living standards, DIY culture, and the growth of home improvement media encouraged homeowners to upgrade and personalise their bathrooms. Suites in white porcelain became the norm, replacing the colourful sets of earlier decades. Power showers, heated towel rails, and fitted cabinets began to appear.

The en-suite bathroom also gained popularity, especially in new-build houses. No longer was one shared bathroom sufficient; households aspired to multiple bathrooms, reflecting both larger average house sizes and greater emphasis on privacy.

LUXURY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND TECHNOLOGY

From luxurious master bathrooms and ensuites to characterful cloakrooms, exceptional bathroom design in the 21st century strikes the perfect balance between functionality and beauty. Multi award-winning and Sussex-based interior design and architecture studio, The Vawdrey House, places great importance on creating bathrooms that not only reflect the homeowner’s personal style but also enhance everyday lives and routines. Here, Sophie Chapman, Associate & Interior Designer at The Vawdrey House, discusses the key considerations when designing bathrooms.

“Arguably the most important consideration of bathroom design, storage isn’t just nice to have in a bathroom, it’s a necessity. A well-organised space will have a direct impact on how you feel, and you should feel either calm or invigorated in your bathroom, and clutter will undermine calm.

“We often integrate bespoke vanity units into bathrooms to maximise worktop space and storage. They offer a clean and elegant look on the surface, while cleverly storing and concealing all the practical items of everyday life. Other integrated features like shaving sockets inside vanity drawers, recessed

shelves in the shower for products, or concealed laundry baskets can transform how a bathroom performs day to day.

“Cloakrooms are the client’s opportunity to let their hair down with design and step out of their comfort zone. They’re often more adventurous and playful, providing the chance to create a little jewel box moment to wow guests.

“As independent, separate spaces, they offer an opportunity to think out of the realms of the styles of the other bathrooms in the house. Mixing vintage taps with contemporary basins, experimenting with bold wallpapers or dramatic tiles, integrating statement finishes – the cloakroom is the time to really go for it stylistically and make some bold design statements. We always encourage clients to explore textures, finishes and design details they might not use elsewhere, giving them the confidence to bring enormous personality into the more compact spaces of the home.”

All images courtesy of The Vawdrey House. Find out more at thevawdreyhouse.com

PILLOW TALK

Absolutely meets Fruga Abdullahi, showroom manager at Jensen Beds Chelsea Harbour, to discover how they can help you find the right bed

Q What can a customer expect when they first walk into the Jensen Beds showroom at Chelsea Harbour?

A When you arrive at the showroom (located on the first floor, Design Centre South, Chelsea Harbour), you’ll be invited to experience the renowned sleep comfort first-hand immersed in elegant Scandinavian design, crafted in Norway, and built on decades of innovation.

Q How do you guide customers through the showroom to help them find the right bed?

A Jensen offers personalised consultations, available in-person at Chelsea Harbour. You’ll receive tailored guidance from sleep science professionals to find a bed suited to your sleeping habits and comfort needs.

Q Do you offer personalised consultations or sleep assessments for visitors?

A We provide individual consultations in person, with experts guiding you step-bystep toward a personalised sleep solution.

Q What role does the showroom play compared to buying online – what advantages does visiting in person offer?

A Visiting the showroom lets you try the beds in real life, feeling the quality of materials, comfort level, aesthetics, and adjustability. You also benefit from expert guidance that optimises your purchase, which is something that can’t be replicated online.

Q Can customers try out different firmness levels or customisations in the showroom?

A We have the majority of our bed models in different tensions on display to explore. Like the adjustable Countess, which allows you to experience flexibility settings to provide the best sleeping position features such as head and foot raising for added comfort.

• Scandinavian aesthetics and ergonomic zoned support.

• Durability backed by warranties.

• Expert sleep guidance and personalized service.

Q Could you explain the importance of Jensen’s Scandinavian design heritage in the products?

A The beds reflect classic Scandinavian design – timeless, comfort, understated, inspired by nature, and focused on clean lines and mindful material selection. It’s a heritage rooted in form, function, and quality.

A Absolutely. Options range across firmness levels, adjustable bases (like the Countess Lean and Supreme Aqtive II), custom textiles, and control features including app and voice commands ensuring you can match the bed to your preferences and body type. On the continental range and the Nordic, we also offer bespoke size beds for different body height and weight to accommodate clients with the best comfortable sleeping solution.

Q How long can customers expect a Jensen bed to last?

Q Do you host any special events, demonstrations, or workshops at Chelsea Harbour?

A We hold exclusive sleep talk events twice a year with our Olympic sleep coach Dr. Sanjay Verma, who is an internationally recognised sleep expert, training athletes, and professional sports teams on the science of recovery. Through these exclusive workshops and talks clients can experience and benefit from the same strategies that help elite athletes achieve restorative sleep and peak performance. Customers can sign up on our website directly to have early access and invitation through receiving our newsletters.

Q What sets Jensen Beds apart from other premium bed brands?

A Jensen’s strengths include:

• Norwegian craftsmanship since 1947.

• Innovative Exact Comfort Adjustment and proprietary Aloy spring systems.

Q How does the brand incorporate ergonomics and back support into every bed?

A Jensen integrates ergonomic comfort through systems like Jensen Original Zone System, featuring a soft shoulder zone and reinforced lower-back support, and advanced Aloy spring systems designed to adapt body shape and maintain proper spinal alignment.

Q What role does sustainability play in the materials and production process?

A Sustainability is a clear focus for us; Jensen beds are made in Norway; materials are sourced from neighbouring countries to decrease carbon footprint. We carry environmental certifications in Europe (like the Swan label), and their products are designed to be durable and recyclable.

Q Are Jensen Beds customisable to suit different body type?

A Jensen backs its quality with a 5-year comprehensive guarantee, plus a 25-year warranty covering frame and spring breakages. As for everything in life, it is expected to have an expiry date depending on how well maintenance is practiced.

Q Why did Jensen choose Chelsea Harbour for the flagship showroom?

A Chelsea Harbour, within the Design Centre, is a prestigious venue that aligns well with Jensen's values of design, craftsmanship, and personal service.

Q Why should someone choose Jensen over another brand?

A The most compelling point is the holistic combination of expert sleep science, adjustable ergonomic and comfort design, Scandinavian craftsmanship, sustainability, and unmatched warranty coverage, ensuring not just a luxurious bed, but a transformational sleep experience personalised for you.

Find out more at jensen-beds.com/uk

FRUGA ABDULLAHI

SLEEP talk

Carpe Diem Beds is expanding The Iconic Collection and releasing new products for the bedroom sanctuary

IIn celebration of this year’s 30th anniversary, Carpe Diem Beds has expanded The Iconic Collection, an innovative series of floating luxury beds first released last May. The brand is adding their best-selling bed model, Sandö, to the collection and releasing a range of new products to help customers turn their bedrooms into sanctuaries. The Iconic Collection debuted with four innovative designs: Kungsö, Hällsö Walnut, Hällsö Upholstery, and Vindö. Known for their innovative style, these beds feature a distinctive centred leg design, creating an ethereal floating effect. With the addition of Sandö Iconic, the collection continues to set new standards for luxury and innovation in the world of sleep.

New standards for luxury and innovation in the world of sleep

REIMAGINING A CLASSIC

As Carpe Diem Beds’ most popular continental bed model, Sandö has been thoughtfully reimagined to align with the rest of The Iconic Collection. Its updated design incorporates the centred leg, giving it the ethereal floating appearance while maintaining the ergonomic excellence that has made it a customer favourite. Sandö Iconic stands out due to its unique combination of three patented spring systems. Like all beds in the collection, Sandö Iconic includes both the Contour Pocket System and Visco Elastic Bottom Layer. The third layer,

the X-pocket, is positioned between the top and bottom spring systems, providing exceptional suspension depth that creates an unparalleled sensation of weightlessnes and enhances the sleep experience, offering an ideal balance of support and relaxation.

ADDING TO THE BEDROOM SANCTUARY

Carpe Diem Beds offers more than just luxury beds; they provide a variety of bedroom furniture and accessories that inspire customers to create their own bedroom sanctuary. The

concept of a 360° view is central to the company’s philosophy, as they believe the bedroom should be the heart of the home – a space to truly unwind. Among the new releases are the Otterö Headboard, Holme Walnut Nightstand, Holme Walnut Top and Cylinder Bed Leg in Walnut, all crafted from walnut, highlighting a commitment to materials that embody beauty, tranquillity, and lasting quality. This aligns with one of the company’s primary sources of design inspiration: nature.

DISCOVER THE SENSATION OF QUALITY SLEEP

You can experience the craftsmanship and innovation behind Carpe Diem Beds first-hand by visiting the London flagship store in Wigmore Street or exploring the full range online at carpediembeds. co.uk. For those looking to design their dream bed themselves, the 3D bed configurator allows you to build a bed tailored to your exact specifications and design desires. Once you experience the unparalleled comfort of Carpe Diem Beds, no other bed will do.

15 Wigmore Street, W1; 020 3982 3252

carpediembeds.co.uk

WELCOME A WARM

Get your home ready for the cooler months with some advice from The Cotswold Company

As autumn approaches, Absolutely chats to Lisa Coppin, Chief Creative Officer at The Cotswold Company, about how to refresh the home for the cooler months, the brand’s exciting new partnership with renowned furniture restorer and TV personality Will Kirk, and what visitors can look forward to at their Chelmsford showroom.

Q With such a strong connection to the Cotswolds, how does that landscape and heritage inspire your approach to design and the products you create?

A The Cotswolds has a timeless quality, rolling hills, honey-hued stone cottages, and a slower pace of life that encourages an appreciation of craft and natural beauty. This sense of heritage and authenticity runs through everything we design. We take inspiration from the region’s muted colour palette and

traditional use of materials. The result is thoughtfully crafted furniture and homeware that feels rooted in tradition, yet works seamlessly in both classic and contemporary interiors. Whilst we don’t follow trends as such, we do welcome new seasons with a variety of home accessories inspired by nature’s colours that naturally celebrate the time of year.

Q As the days grow shorter and cooler, what are your favourite ways to layer interiors and add comfort for the season ahead?

A Think in terms of texture and tone. Swap lighter summer fabrics for richer, more tactile ones, a velvet cushion here, a chunky knit throw there, and build layers that invite you to slow down and stay awhile. Rugs are a brilliant way to anchor a space and make it feel instantly cosier. Lighting also plays a huge role, a soft, warm glow from a table lamp or candlelight makes any room feel more inviting as the evenings draw in. Over the years we have expanded our lighting collections to offer a range of styles to suit many rooms in the house. Keeping light levels low and avoiding bright overhead lights is essential for creating a cosy interior.

Q What furniture pieces do you see as timeless investments for autumn – ones that will continue to work beautifully throughout the year?

A A solid wood dining table is always worth the investment, it becomes the heart of the home in every season. Many of our dining table styles are extendable, making them ideal at times of year such as Christmas when entertaining indoors. A good, comfortable, classic sofa in a versatile fabric is something you’ll appreciate every single day, whether you’re curling up in autumn or stretching out in summer. This year we launched an elevated upholstery service where customers can now choose their cushion seat pad fillings depending on the level of comfort and support they favour.

Q Do you have any go-to materials or finishes that help create a cosy, welcoming feel as the weather turns cooler?

A The beauty of furniture in a wood finish is its timeless appeal – it looks wonderful throughout the year and complements a wide range of interior schemes. Our collection includes a variety of finishes, from the rich, antique tones of Winchcombe Dark Oak to the elegant french-inspired, Camille Limewash Oak,

which highlights the beauty and natural grain of the wood.

In winter, layer in accents of rust, olive, and indigo through velvets, wools, or linen to create a warm, cocooning atmosphere. Come spring, refresh the look with cushions and throws in lighter shades and fabrics for an easy, affordable seasonal update.

Q Your recent partnership with furniture restorer Will Kirk is exciting news – can you tell us more about what the collaboration entails?

A We’re delighted to be working with Will, whose passion for craftsmanship and quality aligns perfectly with our own. The partnership will celebrate the beauty of well-made furniture and the joy of living with pieces that last a lifetime. Together, we’ll be sharing tips on caring for your furniture, exploring the stories behind some of our designs, and inspiring customers to invest in pieces they’ll love for years to come.

110 Bond Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1GH 01245 860376

cotswoldco.com

LISA COPPIN

Each Atkin & Thyme piece is designed to tell a story and spark emotion

ABLEND

The new Atkin & Thyme collection mixes heritage and contemporary design, adding the wow factor to your home

tkin & Thyme has spent over a decade creating furniture that goes beyond function –each piece is designed to tell a story, spark emotion, and bring character into the spaces we live in.

The brand’s distinctive collections showcase a thoughtful blend of characterful marbles, hand-selected woods, and luxurious finishes, with a strong emphasis on quality craftsmanship and timeless materials.

From indoor/outdoor coffee tables to UK-made, made to order sofas, elegant bed frames, statement lighting and dining furniture, every design is created to suit modern lifestyles while adding charm and individuality to the home.

This season’s collection is synonymous to the Atkin & Thyme style – heritage style pieces with classic silhouettes, with a contemporary twist. Each piece has a point of difference, character and brings comfort and warmth to any home.

The autumn/winter 2025 collection brings rich nutty brown wood finishes together with warm green marbles, or textural creamy travertine stone for a more pared-back look. The classic nest-making season also sees statement metal finishes, lighter characterful woods, and five new upholstery ranges for cosying up in front of a roaring fire.

Earlier this year, Atkin & Thyme took centre stage as the official Furniture Partner for Grand Designs Live, London, giving visitors the opportunity to experience its designs in person and appreciate the quality firsthand. The brand also celebrated recognition from the Ideal Home Awards, with the Brera Bedside Table – crafted from rich Emperador Italian marble – winning praise from both design enthusiasts and industry experts.

The full Brera Collection continues to captivate with its refined detailing and sculptural lines, with a new desk joining the collection for autumn/winter 2025. With new arrivals regularly joining the collection, there’s always

something fresh to discover. Whether you’re updating a single corner or reimagining an entire room, Atkin & Thyme offers timeless pieces that bring beauty, personality, and purpose to your home.

atkinandthyme.co.uk

As October arrives, days are shorter, temperatures cool and the leaves begin their spectacular colour transformation.

At this time of year, homeowners naturally retreat indoors and admire their gardens from behind windows, rather than enjoying the space. But this doesn’t need to be the case.

One solution that creates the perfect foundation for intimate outdoor living spaces is a pergola. When designed with the latest features, and to the highest standard, pergolas become more than just garden furniture – they become the ultimate extension of any home.

Picture a quaint breakfast nook placed next to your house with a circular dining table surrounded by comfortable, cushioned chairs. Positioned under a pergola with an adjustable louvered

CHANGER THE GAME

How

pergolas

are creating the ultimate outdoor room in Essex homes

roof means Essex homeowners have full control over the climate. Effortlessly open the louvers to catch a glimpse of the early morning sunshine or close them completely to be shielded from unexpected autumn showers.

As evening approaches, integrated LED lighting transforms the atmosphere entirely, creating an intimate setting for dinner parties that can continue in the cooler months. Adding infrared heating guarantees your morning coffee ritual or evening drinks with friends can still take place outside.

For homeowners blessed with larger gardens, the design possibilities are endless. A bigger pergola complete with a fully retractable roof becomes the ultimate outdoor entertaining space or kitchen experience, accommodating high-end grills, work surfaces and storage. Install an elegant external dining table and chairs to enjoy many al fresco meals that sunny autumn days invite.

Sophisticated modern roof systems on high-performing aluminium pergolas provide complete control over the environment, whether it’s open fully on crisp October evenings, partially closed for comfortable cooking and grilling or completely sealed when the weather inevitably takes a turn for the worse. Install optional windproof side screens for additional protection and privacy when needed.

Caribbean Blinds, external shading specialists with almost four decades of experience, manufacture a full range of louvered roof pergolas. These robust systems are built to withstand the changing British weather and designed to complement any garden’s existing style and character. So, transform your garden into a space that can be enjoyed all year round thanks to a louvered roof pergola manufactured by Caribbean Blinds.

cbsolarshading.co.uk

OLD SCHOOL Glamour

Reimagining nostalgia for the modern home

By DANIEL SMITH

Old school glamour in interiors is all about weaving romance, richness and a touch of theatre into everyday living. Inspired by the golden age of Hollywood and the artful sets of visionary directors like Baz Luhrmann and Wes Anderson, this look invites you to step into a home that feels like a story unfolding. It’s an aesthetic that celebrates mood, detail and character with each room a scene in its own right.

To capture the essence, focus on layering textures and tones that whisper luxury without shouting for attention. Velvet, especially in deep jewel, creates an instant sense of indulgence. Pair it with warm metallic accents like brushed gold or antique

brass and you’ll channel the kind of sophisticated glow that never goes out of style.

Lighting plays a starring role in this trend. Opt for statement pendants or table lamps with sculptural silhouettes and fabric shades to cast a flattering ambient light.

Furniture should balance comfort and drama. Low-slung sofas with generous proportions invite lounging, while curved accent chairs in rich fabrics nod to the Art Deco influences that underpin the look. Dark wood finishes – walnut and mahogany are timeless choices – help ground the glamour and add a sense of permanence.

Accessories can seal the scene: framed black-and-white photography, ornate mirrors, or decorative glassware displayed on shelving. For a subtle twist, layer in one or two unexpected contemporary elements. A minimalist coffee table in a high-gloss fin-

ish or a sleek floor lamp can keep the room from tipping into pure nostalgia, ensuring it feels relevant to modern living.

Ultimately, old school glamour is about creating a home that feels indulgent yet lived-in, a space that welcomes you to slow down, sink in and savour the moment. In today’s world, where interiors often lean towards minimalism, this trend offers a refreshing invitation to embrace richness, personality and a little cinematic magic.

Daniel Smith is the founder of Danetti, who have a showroom in Bracknell. Find out more by visiting danetti.com

TOOLS FOR COOKS

GRATE STUFF MICROPLANE

The new rotary fine blade grater – grates more, in less time, quickly, cleanly and effortlessly. Its lightweight yet robust construction makes it quick to assemble, easy to clean, and reliable for everyday use, £39.95. johnlewis.com

GOLD STANDARD GREENPAN

The excellent Padova Reserve collection of pans with a healthy ceramic non-stick coating and comfortable gold-coated stainless steel handles now includes stylish blue and cream pieces. Set of two, £95. greenpan.co.uk

SILVER SERVICE PROCOOK

The new Elite Tri-Ply Signature comprises 14 separate pieces of cookware, from frying pans to stock pots, and casserole dishes to sauté pans. The range showcases modern design and advanced culinary engineering. From £50. procook.co.uk

STACK UP STAUB

Staub's stackable cocottes are a clever storage solution, making these substantial cast iron casserole dishes an option for even the smallest kitchens. Cocotte, saute pan and frying pan plus lid, £379. boroughkitchen.com

BOX FRESH ZWILLING

These vacuum storage boxes, bowls and bags can be used for everything from packed lunches, picnics to barbecues and leftovers thanks to the vacuum sealed storage that keeps food fresh and flavourful for up to five times longer. zwilling.com

GISELA

GRAHAM

White Stoneware Flower Plate, £7.49 giselagraham.co.uk

SUSANNAH WEILAND COLLECTIONS

Peacock Bone China Plate, £75 handmadeinbritain.co.uk

ST GEORGE La Dolce Vita Plate, £19.95 rockettstgeorge.co.uk ROSE & GREY Marrakesh Blue Side Plate 13, £13 roseandgrey.co.uk

CASA BY JJ Glorious Green Scalloped Dinner Plate Set of 4, £99 casabyjj.com

By PENDLE HARTE

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Cherry Print Ceramic Serving Plate, £18 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

ROCKETT

CASA BY JJ Springtime Meadow Oval Serving Plate, £65 casabyjj.com

EDUCATION

OPENING DOORS

ST MARGARET'S PREP

Discover what makes St Margaret's Prep, Halstead, an exceptional place. From Monday 29th September to Friday 3rd October, their open week is a perfect opportunity for visitors to see how they help every child be prepared – for everything. Visitors can meet the pupils and staff and witness the supportive environment where children truly thrive. stmargaretsprep.com

P honics FOR FUN

Early years specialist Sophie David is on a mission to demystify phonics with her latest book – and ensure children and parents have fun together

Mention phonics to many parents and their eyes glaze over. It’s something Sophie David saw as a teacher and specialist in earlyyears – the parent confused about what they actually were or worried about saying sounds wrong. It’s one reason she’s on a mission. “We need to change the narrative with learning to read and write,” she says. “Let’s try and embed as much play into our learning as possible.”

This is the approach that underpins Read, Write, Play – a comprehensive guide to phonics, but delivered in a way that’s accessible, practical and engaging for children and parents. It’s structured by age and phonics phase. The projects are simple, and come with excellent visual and written instructions – a lot of thought has gone in to creating such clarity. Ask how long she took to devise it and there are two answers. “The book has been in development for years, since I became a teacher! To write it has taken about a year.” It is a brilliant distillation of tested approaches – ones she’s used in her work and at home. In fact, the children in the photos are her young sons and daughter.

Read, Write, Play may have been created by a teacher, but it feels nothing like a school day. Usefully, it starts at beginning with Phase 1 phonics (age 2) and goes all the way up to Phase 6 (age 7). Phase 1 is all about games to support listening – the foundation of understanding how letters sound and being able to replicate them. By Phase 6, there are activities to help with reading practice, comprehension and spelling.

Originally, Sophie’s publishers suggested the book should leave out Phase 1, but she argued the case. “Phase 1 phonics encompasses everything. It encompasses speaking and listening. It encompasses opportunities for sharing, opportunities for really exploring sounds,” she says. “We need

to start where that process begins for children.”

The other reason Sophie wanted Phase 1 in is because not every child develops at the same rate. Always so, but right now it’s recognised that there’s increased incidence of speech and language delay. The jury’s out on why – a Covid after-effect, screen time or multiple factors – but more children need some support. “I want every child to be able to access this, not just the neurotypical child,” she says. That’s also why there’s a set of images at the back, modelled by her daughter and showing the way our mouth should look when we make different sounds – extra expertise was provided here by a speech and language therapist.

While parents who would like guidance can dig deeper, the main body of the book delivers fun ways to help make phonics stick, so a great dip-in resource for those parents who just want some projects to try with their child. “One thing I wanted to get across is encompassing all parents, especially working parents. I just wanted to make the ideas

“If you’ve got a pack of plastic cups in your cupboard you can do at least 20 of the activities in the book”

accessible,” says Sophie. “If you’ve got a pack of plastic cups in your cupboard you can do at least 20 of the activities in the book.”

The mix of ideas is varied to suit different timescales, ages and moods – and with lots of quick activities. Usefully, many of them, such as a treasure hunt in search of objects around the house, also burn off energy. “Sitting at desks and writing in a book is not the best way to learn, so I wanted to incorporate as much movement as possible.”

And, for the many parents who worry that their child is incapable of sitting still at all, Sophie has welcome reassurance. “Typically, a child’s attention span is two minutes for every year of their life. So, if they are four, on average they should be able to concentrate for, say, six to eight minutes.” She’s keen to stress that this really does vary from child to child and also, importantly, children don’t just magically transform into beings who sit down and focus when you ask them to.

“Parents need to know that this attention span and the time that they’re giving their children, it doesn’t just start,” she says.

“What we have to start doing is building these little windows of fun and attention with games and listening activities so that it builds their attention span over time.”

Read, Write, Play is the perfect way to start building that attention span with activities that children will enjoy. Best of all, they won’t think of them as learning because they are interacting and playing with you.

Sophie David is a great fan of homebased play – she reckons it’s often more memorable for a child than an expensive day trip or carefully planned activity. “One thing your child wants is your time. The entire premise of what I do is trying to build these moments of connection.”

Read, Write, Play by Sophie David is out now (Robinson, £22). For more of her play-based learning ideas, visit littlehappylearners.co.uk

SIMPLE PROJECTS ARE INTERACTIVE AND FUN

Where TRADITION MEETS TOMORROW

Absolutely meets Daiglen

School

Headteacher Claire Murdoch to discuss the past and preparing for the future

Q What is a typical school day like at Daiglen?

A Step through our gates before sunrise and you can already feel the buzz. Earlymorning clubs are humming by 8am, young footballers perfecting their passes, singers warming up for choir. Form time begins at 8.30am and by nine the whole school is absorbed in the first lessons of the day. Afternoons mix creative pursuits and problem-solving with traditional subject teaching. You might find a group exploring the woods, cooking in the kitchen garden, leading science challenges or sketching outdoors. We close each day with STAG time, meaning ‘Stories That Achieve Growth’, and sharing beautifully written texts that spark imaginations and nurture a lasting love of reading. For families needing flexibility, late clubs keep the fun going until 5.30pm, giving children more chances to discover hidden talents.

Q How do you nurture curiosity, leadership and practical skills alongside academic success?

A Teachers design lessons that stretch every mind while recognising each child’s individuality. Specialist staff in PE, art, music and drama bring expertise and passion to the timetable. Weekly LAMDA public-speaking sessions, from the youngest pupils upwards, build eloquence and poise. Older children become role models by planning lunchtime activities, mentoring younger buddies and leading community projects. They learn to organise, to persuade, to inspire. New book, dance and art clubs thrive, ensuring that alongside rigorous academics Daiglen children grow into independent, resilient learners ready for the next challenge.

Q How is pastoral care woven into daily life?

A Every pupil is truly known. Daily check-

ins with form teachers, buddy partnerships linking our oldest and youngest, and an open-door culture help children feel secure enough to take risks and grow in confidence. Leadership roles such as Eco Council or Sports Captain encourage empathy and teamwork. We celebrate kindness as much as achievement.

Q What is your vision for the years ahead?

A The future here is vibrant. We are expanding light-filled classrooms and digital resources while preserving the character of our elegant Victorian home. Sustainability projects, outdoor education and pupil-led innovation are key priorities. We will keep raising the bar academically while creating more space for discovery. Our partnership with parents remains at the heart of everything: together we will ensure that Daiglen children persevere, excel and leave us ready to flourish at senior school and beyond.

CLAIRE MURDOCH WITH SOME OF HER PUPILS

Q How do you balance tradition with innovation in your learning environments?

A Walk through our corridors and you feel the heritage of the school within a closeknit family environment that allows each child to feel confident to be themselves and explore their talents. Step into our new Creative Hub and you find a space alive with possibility. Pupils might curl up with classic literature in the morning, then design an app or compose a piece of music that afternoon. This seamless blend of past and future reflects the dynamic spirit of our school.

Q Your pupils consistently secure places at competitive secondary schools. How do you guide families through that transition?

A Our approach is personal and proven. We offer tailored advice, interview and reasoning preparation, and draw on longstanding relationships with senior school heads. Our exceptional scholarship record

(achieved without selective entry) shows the depth of our teaching and the confidence our pupils carry with them. Parents know they have a knowledgeable guide and that their children will have real choices at 11.

Q Founded in 1916 and set beside Epping Forest, how does the school’s history and natural setting shape daily life?

A Daiglen’s story began with a simple belief: that perseverance and excellence opens doors for every child. That belief still guides us today. The ancient forest on our doorstep is a living classroom where pupils study ecosystems, sketch wildlife or simply pause to reflect. Heritage and nature combine to nurture curiosity, creativity and a lifelong respect for the environment. Our motto, Perstare et Praestare, to persevere and to excel, rings as true now as it did in 1916.

daiglen.essex.sch.uk

SAINT NICHOLAS

WHEEL POWER

Toni

Tasić, Head of Year 9 at London Park Schools

, on why cycling is proving to be a perfect enrichment activity for all involved

Back in the day, physical education was about 'building character' –usually some combination of running, endurance and inclement weather. Thankfully, these days, we have a much better understanding of how physical wellbeing can support general wellbeing. This is one of the reasons schools are considering more outdoor enrichment. London Park Schools has no shortage of exciting activities on its doorstep, but there is a shortage of readily available outdoor activities in the immediate vicinity. This contextual problem is a daily reality for our student population, many of whom are very active, but work hard to seek out opportunities for sport and recreation. So, when I was asked to lead a weekly enrichment activity, a colleague and I had a brainwave. As keen cyclists ourselves, we headed straight to the Stratford VeloPark, originally built for the 2012 Olympics and still offering world-class sporting provision.

Many parents and schools may see the red flags already – cycling is a high-risk

activity; the venue is ten miles away by public transport; the pool of keen and available students is relatively small. All of these issues required initial effort to mitigate, but we knew the power of VeloPark, and we wanted to promote our sport, its social and personal aspects and its relevance to ecology and urbanism. Best of all for enrichment variety, the VeloPark offers four different disciplines of cycling on safe, separated courses. There’s road, BMX and mountain biking plus, of course, track cycling on the indoor velodrome itself.

Between us, having (touch wood) completed almost three years of this activity without a serious issue, my colleague and I suggest the following for any school planning something new, fun and stimulating for an extra-curricular offering.

First, choose an activity you personally enjoy and can enjoy personal development in, too (not something you’re already an expert in). Sharing the learning journey with students makes the activity all the more meaningful. It goes without saying you need all risk assessment paperwork and parental communications in place.

Make it self-sustaining and portable.

If you can substitute staff at an hour’s notice, that’s the gold standard of a successful enrichment activity. Then publicise, advertise and promote. Get as much momentum behind it as possible, as enthusiasm will spread and you will all get to keep doing something you enjoy.

Refine and perfect the enrichment activity until it is providing just as much mental boost to you as your students. I’ll never forget a Tuesday afternoon last term when we were joined by a colleague new to VeloPark who simply said: ‘I can’t believe you get paid to do this.’ Not every day is in beautiful sunshine and there will be times in the winter when we’re knee deep in the mud on the mountain course. But the same smiles will be seen on the faces of the students – that’s the power of enrichment.

LONDON PARK SCHOOLS

Toni Tasic is Head of Year 9 at London Park Schools londonparkschools.com

TONY TASIĆ

For a school to support young people to fulfil their potential, it has to offer more than just academic excellence. By placing equal value on those lessons taught outside the classroom, The King Alfred School delivers a deeper learning experience.

At this London school, what might traditionally be described as ‘extra’ curricular activities are an intrinsic part of the learning experience.

Encompassing real-world experiences, outdoor learning, clubs, camps and trips, the school’s programme gives young people the opportunity to develop character and transferable skills, helping to better prepare them for our ever-changing world. Friday afternoons are dedicated to personal interests and passions. With wide-ranging options including quilting, blacksmithing, filmmaking, cooking, basketball, yoga, money matters and Japanese language,

SKILL SETS

Education reaches far beyond the classroom at The King Alfred School

these sessions give students a chance to explore something new or get more involved in a hobby they already love.

A range of activities before, during and after school includes music and drama lessons, sports clubs, bands, choirs and performance opportunities. Throughout school, camps offer meaningful opportunities to develop confidence, resilience and a sense of responsibility. Year 3 students visit a trusted outdoor adventure centre, while Year 8 students create a community on school grounds as part of The Village Project, sleeping in self-constructed shelters and cooking over open fires.

A wide variety of curriculum-linked trips take place every year. In Lower School, students venture off-site for guided visits linked to classroom enquiry topics, while Upper School offers many opportunities to participate in educational excursions, at home and abroad. An annual ski trip is available and the Duke

of Edinburgh Award programme runs from Year 9 onwards. Students engage in fundraising initiatives and volunteering from an early age, fostering a strong sense of community and care for others. Students benefit from a wide range of visiting experts who enrich their learning through practical workshops, specialist insights and tailored advice. Lower School guests have included authors, scientists, Shakespearean performers and adventurers. In Upper School, the PSHE curriculum invites speakers on everything from financial management and mental wellbeing to drugs education and sexual health. By embedding progression opportunities firmly in the core curriculum, The King Alfred School provides a fully-rounded learning experience that enables its students to thrive at school and beyond.

Go and see the joyful learning in action at one of The King Alfred School’s open days: kingalfred.org.uk/admissions/open-days

SCHOOL LANE, ONGAR CM5

£2,500,000

This exceptional residence offers a wealth of features, beginning with an impressive reception hall, which boasts a striking staircase, high ceilings (which feature throughout the ground and first floor), and extending through to the elegant sitting room with an open fireplace, the indoor pool and changing room, the seven bedrooms, and the superb kitchen/family room.

A stylishly extended 1930’s family home which offers four well appointed bedrooms, a superb open plan kitchen/ living space, separate lounge, utility room and a 50ft garden with an excellent air-conditioned garden room/gym/ workspace to the rear. In short, the perfect home for any growing family.

The owners of this charming Victorian property have completely transformed the house, creating a wonderfully stylish home with a delightful mix of both period and contemporary features. These include a bright and spacious lounge/ dining room, a modern fitted kitchen, two well appointed bedrooms, a luxury bathroom and a west facing rear garden.

start

Find your dream home at Manningtree Park: a new community in the heart of Essex

Set within the picturesque landscapes of the Essex countryside, Manningtree Park by City & Country offers more than just a new home, it’s the beginning of a new lifestyle. This exceptional new development combines beautifully crafted homes with the charm of rural living and the convenience of superb transport links, placing London comfortably within reach. It’s the perfect balance between town and country, where timeless surroundings meet modern living.

Now launching a brand-new collection of homes, Manningtree Park welcomes homebuyers at every stage of life. Whether you’re stepping onto the property ladder, searching for space to grow a family, or downsizing for a slower pace of life, this exciting development has something

to offer. The latest release includes a wide range of property types, from stylish 1 and 2-bedroom apartments to spacious 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom houses, each thoughtfully designed with quality, comfort, and community in mind.

Every home at Manningtree Park reflects City & Country’s award-winning approach to design and craftsmanship. Expect generous living spaces, high-specification finishes, and timeless architecture that blends harmoniously with the surrounding natural beauty. Whether you’re relaxing at home, entertaining friends, or working remotely, your space is built to adapt to modern lifestyles while offering the peace and charm of countryside living.

Located on the edge of the historic town of Manningtree, reputedly England’s smallest town, residents enjoy the best of both worlds. Wander through scenic

walking trails, discover local independent shops, or hop on a train to London Liverpool Street in under an hour. Excellent transport links make daily commuting and weekend escapes effortless.

Beyond the homes themselves, Manningtree Park has been designed as a true community. With green spaces, thoughtfully landscaped areas, and a focus on wellbeing, it’s a place to put down roots, build connections, and create lasting memories.

As demand for well-connected countryside living continues to rise, now is the perfect time to explore what Manningtree Park has to offer. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a growing family, or looking for your forever home, this is your chance to join a thriving new neighbourhood in one of Essex’s most desirable locations.

Your new beginning starts at Manningtree Park, where life is beautifully balanced.

For more information visit cityandcountry.co.uk

FEELS LIKE WINTER

Inside an outstanding family home, located within Billericay's most prestigious road

Winter House is an exceptional seven-bedroom family residence. The home features six versatile reception rooms, including a library, bar, and orangery, as well as a chef's kitchen, heated pool, and beautifully landscaped grounds backing onto Norsey Woods. Offering luxurious space and privacy, it perfectly blends countryside tranquility with convenient access to London.

Nestled on a generous double plot in the heart of Billericay, Winter House presents a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial and beautifully appointed family residence. Combining timeless elegance with modern comforts, this impressive home offers exceptional space, privacy, and versatility, ideal for contemporary family living and entertaining on a grand scale.

As you arrive, a sweeping driveway provides ample parking and sets the tone for the quality that lies within. Step through the front door into a home that exudes character and charm throughout its expansive layout. Boasting six superb reception rooms, the ground floor offers remarkable flexibility. These include a cosy library, a bespoke bar for evening entertaining, and a light-filled orangery that flows seamlessly into the garden.

At the heart of the home is a stylish and functional open-plan kitchen, dining, and family area, designed with everyday living and entertaining in mind. Overlooking the beautifully landscaped courtyard and grounds, this space also benefits from a separate chef's kitchen and walk-in pantry, ideal for hosting.

Across the first and second floors, there are seven generously

proportioned bedrooms and four bathrooms. The luxurious principal suite is a true retreat, complete with a sleek en-suite bathroom and two spacious dressing rooms.

Outside, the property is set within its own private oasis. The landscaped gardens feature a heated swimming pool and pool house, as well as a three-tiered al fresco dining area, ideal for entertaining or enjoying the surrounding nature. Backing directly onto Norsey Woods, the property enjoys a rare sense of seclusion and direct access to scenic woodland walks.

Despite its serene setting, Winter House is within a short distance of both Billericay's vibrant high street and mainline station, offering direct links to London Liverpool Street.

Winter House has a guide price of £4,000,000. Find out more by contacting Savills Chelmsford on 01245 269311

Take ACTION

Why it is not wise to listen to the rumour mill, says Durden & Hunt co-founder James Hunt

Speculation has always been part of the property conversation, but this autumn it has no doubt been heightened by rumours of tax changes and the Budget being pushed back. Conversations around possible adjustments to stamp duty, capital gains tax or landlord taxation have sparked debate, with many asking whether to wait for clarity before making a move.

In reality, the market rarely pauses for Westminster. While policies inevitably shape activity, most transactions are driven by life events, lending appetite and local supply and demand. Buyers still need homes, sellers still want to move and good opportunities continue to be taken by those who act with confidence rather than hesitation.

particular, holding back in the hope of more favourable conditions can mean missing committed buyers who are active today.

The danger of waiting on rumours is that speculation can be endless. One month it may be stamp duty, the next it could be mortgage relief. By the time changes are confirmed, the market may already have moved in a new direction. For sellers in

At Durden & Hunt we take pride in guiding clients through periods of uncertainty. Our approach is to provide clear, pragmatic advice that reflects both current conditions and the wider trends shaping the market. We recognise that rumours can create noise, but we focus on fundamentals: the strength of local demand, the quality of presentation and the reach of our marketing across the UK and internationally. These are the factors that ensure sales, regardless of speculation. As autumn progresses and the Budget looms, our advice remains consistent: make decisions based on your circumstances and objectives, not just headlines. A well priced, well marketed property will attract attention in any climate and those who act decisively often find themselves ahead of the curve when the market adjusts. Uncertainty may dominate the news, but opportunity still defines the market.

A five-bedroom family home that is a must see Stapleford Abbotts, RM4 Offers Over £1,250,000

Durden & Hunt welcome to the market this expansive five bedroom home featuring an open plan kitchen, living and dining room, multiple reception rooms, utility room, downstairs bathroom, family bathroom and two ensuites. Externally the property benefits from a large garden, with generous patio and outbuildings, and ample off road parking.

durdenandhunt.co.uk

JAMES HUNT

why everyone is talking about…

Candlelight

The live concert series that reimagines classical music returns to Essex with new dates from October

Ca ndlelight, the series of live concerts presented by Fever and designed to democratise access to classical music, returns to Essex with new dates. Starting in October, Colchester Town Hall – Moot Hall will be transformed into an intimate setting illuminated by thousands of candles to host the first series of performances, kicking off with tributes to Queen and Coldplay. Already enjoyed by millions across more than 150 cities worldwide, including London, Paris, and Madrid, Candlelight brings classical music to life in extraordinary spaces beyond traditional concert halls. In Essex, Colchester Town Hall – Moot Hall offers an ideal atmosphere for this unique experience, where the connection between performers and audience is heightened by the warm, flickering glow of candlelight.

Candlelight collaborates with talented local musicians who share the belief that classical music can resonate with a broader audience. This innovative format offers a unique musical experience through a diverse selection of programs designed to cater to all tastes. Candlelight appeals to a wide range of attendees, including those who might never have considered seeing a classical music concert. In an intimate candlelit setting, audiences can immerse themselves in the timeless masterpieces

of composers like Vivaldi, Mozart, and Chopin, while also experiencing fresh, reimagined interpretations of popular hits from artists such as Queen, ABBA, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran. Whether it’s tributes to Hanz Zimmer or Taylor Swift, there’s a Candlelight for everyone. Every venue is carefully chosen to elevate the listening experience. Relax under the roof of the impressive Ulster Museum (Belfast) or soak up the architecture at Southwark Cathedral (London). From some of the UK’s most

impressive churches to its astonishing theatres and museums, each venue will sweep you off your feet while you are listening to the best classical music – and now’s your chance to witness the experience in Essex.

Candlelight: Tribute to Queen takes place at Colchester Town Hall - Moot Hall on 25th October at 6.30pm. Candlelight: Tribute to Coldplay is on the same day at 8.30pm. For more information about Candlelight, visit candlelightexperience.com

Anglesea Road, Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex. Guide Price: £750,000 - £800,000

• Individual & bespoke build • Prestigious lower Wivenhoe location in close proximity to the River Colne & bustling Quayside • Air conditioning • Mainline railway station within easy walking distance • Three spacious bedrooms & three bathrooms • Ample secure off road parking

Unexpectedly re-available is this truly stunning individually designed home built to incredible specifications, nestling behind a beautiful and unassuming facade with electric Cedar gates which lead to the entrance and further secure parking. Architecturally brilliant, this contemporary home has been planned to perfection, offering versatile accommodation to make the most of the prime position it resides in. Stunning design features include glass panels, skylights, open plan living/dining/kitchen with Bi-Fold doors to the rear garden, three bedrooms; the master of which is enhanced by high ceilings and french doors to its own central courtyard, two En-Suites, a family bathroom, underfloor heating and air conditioning powered by an Air Source Heat Pump. This stunning contemporary home is within a short stroll of Wivenhoe’s famous Quayside which offers an excellent range of bespoke shopping and leisure activites, and for the commuter, the mainline train station offers fast links to London Liverpool Street in just over the hour. this one off masterpiece must be viewed.