Absolutely Buckinghamshire June 2021

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Buckinghamshire JUNE 2021 / £3.95

HORSING

ABOUT Why Aylesbury is home to the latest in equestrian fashion

SPECIAL 20 pages of inspiration and advice JUNE 2021

DAVID GYASI

The Bucks actor on Christopher Nolan and playing Achilles

Time to

ABSOLUTELY-BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.CO.UK

BLOSSOM

ABS_BB_June21_Cover_MK.indd 2-3

Summer fashion perfect to embrace the outdoors again

ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGANT 20/05/2021 23:36

B e d : V i n d ö | Fa b r i c : D e s i g n e r s G u i l d G l e n v i l l e O y s t e r | V i n d ö C a r p e t : L i g h t B e i g e B e d L i n e n : St o r m P e b b l e | B e d s i d e Ta b l e : H o l m e B l a c k 15 WIGMORE ST REET | LO ND O N W 1U 1P E +4 4 (0) 2 0 39 8 2 3 25 2 | m a r y le bo n e @ c a r pedie m beds.co.u k c a r p e d i e m b e d s o f s w e d e n | # m y u n w i n d | w w w.c a r pedie m beds.co.u k

CD.indd 1

21/05/2021 09:18

CD.indd 2

21/05/2021 09:18

01494 677727

Call us now for a no obligation consultation

Affordable, luxury, quality & style...

KBS.indd 1

21/05/2021 11:36

Traditional shaker styles designed for modern living

www.kbstudios.co.uk 43-45 Mayflower Way, Beaconsfields, Bucks HP9 1UG KBS.indd 2

21/05/2021 11:37

SMEG.indd 1

21/05/2021 09:50

ABSOLUTELY

Contents JUNE 2021

38

70 C U LT U R E 10 ABSOLUTELY LOVES

FA S H I O N & B E A U T Y 34 EQUETECH

16 AUTO ROYALE

38 THE SHOOT

18 DAVID GYASI

45 SUMMER HEALTH

FOOD & DRINK 24 KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

A B S O L U T E LY H O M E 51 CARPE DIEM

26 THE HIND'S HEAD

54 HOUSE OF WOLF

28 RECIPES

70 KITCHEN STORAGE

What we’re coveting this month

The latest in equestrian style

A new look at cars in Waddesdon

Sunny vibes with our cover star

Mixing sci fi and reality with the Bucks actor

News from the industry

Head chef Peter Gray on re-opening

A taste of summer in Berkshire

28

How to banish those body worries

Our special kicks off with the finest in beds

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

The Bucks interior designer with some bite

Stylish ways to hide the pots and pans

O N T H E C OV E R harmur.co.uk

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

ABS_B&B_June21_Contents-MK.indd 7

7

21/05/2021 14:18

QUALITY WATCH AND CLOCK REPAIRS & SERVICING Traditional watch servicing by a traditional watch craftsman

DIAL RESTORATION EDITOR MARK KEBBLE

AFTER

DIGITAL EDITOR LAYLA TURNER ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA SENIOR DESIGNER MIKE ROBERTS MID-WEIGHT DESIGNER REBECCA NOONAN

RE

BEFO

MAGAZINE MANAGER ABIGAIL GARDNER MEDIA CONSULTANTS STELLA ADAMS ANABELA KOLECI

60 years experience; Rolex and Omega trained (I’m now 80 and still at it!)

BRAND PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER NAVINDER LALL FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID

CASE RESTORATION

DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES, LEAH DAY, JAMES FUSCHILLO NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 07977 195732 or email: abi@zest-media.com

• Estimates given • All work guaranteed for 1 year • You will not be disappointed Specialist in the repair, service and restoration of quality watch brands Omega, Rolex, Cartier, Breitling, Patek, Longines, TAG Heuer etc

B&B_FLANNEL.indd 8

Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors.

We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters.

All rights reserved.

Social icon

Circle Only use blue and/or white.

For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

Fo l l ow Us O n Fa c e b o o k @ABSOLUTELYBUCKINGHAMSHIRE T wi t t e r @ABSOLUTELYBUCKS In s t a g ra m @ABSOLUTELYBUCKINGHAMSHIRE We b si t e

07432 007007 jyonge@hotmail.co.uk www.goodtiming.uk

GT.indd 1

Studio G06, Wenlock Studios, 50-52 Wharf Road, London N1 7EU; 020 7704 0588

a b s o l u t e l y - b u c k i n gh a m s h i r e . c o . u k

21/05/2021 11:58 21/05/2021 17:37

Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S June issue highlights

1

Equetech

Why equestrian fashion is all the rage

T

David Gyasi

The Bucks actor talks scifi and lockdown creativity

he past year has seen us all embrace our homes in a way we probably never imagined we would. I have always been a home body, but even so lockdown really tested my love for a comfy night in. It certainly made me appreciate what some may take for granted, like having a garden, and never have I embraced DIY as I have done these past 15 months.

But, now, it’s time to hand everything back over to the experts. As I look at the wonky shelf I proudly attached to my bedroom wall last April, my mind drifts as I wonder what magic Lou Wolfenden, founder of House of Wolf, could have conjured up to brighten my dull interiors. The Buckinghamshire interior designer reveals her life story this month, as well as the inside track on a couple of stunning local projects. We also step back in time with a trip to The Old Bakery, one of the oldest homes in Denham – its period features have to be seen to be believed. And we also introduce a new feature this month, where we zone in on one particular aspect of the home and offer up a host of tips to transform your space: first up is kitchen storage.

You know what, perhaps I will in fact stay in for a little longer…

Mark Kebble

2

The Old Bakery

5

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

4

Wishlist

Find out what we love on page 10

3

Cathy Gayner

The Berkshire cook brings a touch of France to our lives

Inside one of Denham village's oldest properties

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

ABS_B&B_June21_ED_LETTER_MK.indd 9

9

21/05/2021 14:27

Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

10

C U LT S TAT U S Couverture's latest arrivals fuse new and emerging designers with more established cult brands. Seasonal favourites include beautiful floral print silk dresses from Christian Wijnants and blooming puff sleeve blouses of Rejina Pyo mixed with slow fashion labels Untitled Co. and Ssone. couvertureandthegarbstore.com

TRUE BLUE Redefining relaxed Scandinavian glamour, Valle&Vik's pared back silhouettes showcase folk-art inspired prints and brilliant colours splashed on perfectly cut luxurious silk. The Cannes Do dress in turquoise, £415 valleandvik.com

EDITOR’S PICK

RARE F LOW E R

C O L O U R M AT C H

Guerlain's annual limited edition bottle of Muguet lily of the valley fragrance is an equisite creation by young Parisian textile and paper designer Lucie Touré in a limited edition of 4,500. £450 guerlain.com

Anthropologie's new summer collection is a riot of print, pattern and colour with beautiful flowing dresses and bright summer knits including this striking multi-colour cardigan. anthropologie.com

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

ABS_B&B_June21_Wishlist_MK.indd 10

18/05/2021 12:17

ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

ON THE NAIL New nail shades from Peacci are all pastels and candy tones. Our favourite is Sealight with its beachy vibe. £10 peacci.com

STELLA FOR G R E E N P E AC E

HOOP HOOP Cartilage Cartel's Stoned Huggies in gold and turquoise have a summery feel and are set to bring joy to your ears. £25 cartilagecartel.com

Stella McCartney is releasing a capsule supporting Greenpeace’s campaign to stop deforestation in the Amazon. Launched as part of the Summer 2021 collection, the Stella x Greenpeace capsule features graphics inspired by vintage eco activist designs on sweatshirts made from soft organic cotton in pale blue and white marble colourways. stellamccartney.com

ART OF GLASS House of Flora's smooth glass vase with a tapered top is designed with speckles of crisp white, turquoise and black. This is a quirky accent piece that introduces a subtle splash of colour to any interior setting. £48 hofliving.shop

IN THE SHADE GIGI Studios' new sunglasses designs are made in natural acetate and inspired by the 1970s. All of them have the triangular details characteristic of the Vanuard collection. gigistudios.com

DIVE IN Flattering swimwear is on everybody's wishlist at the moment and Amelie's Follies has a great selection. We love the Hypnotique Bette Miraclesuit in blue. ameliesfollies.co.uk

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

ABS_B&B_June21_Wishlist_MK.indd 11

11

18/05/2021 12:18

ARC.indd 1

21/05/2021 09:15

C U LT U R E

ELEGANCE PERSONIFIED AUTO ROYALE

Auto Royale will showcase the cream of the world's most collectable motor cars at Waddesdon Manor this July, such as Mike Malone's stunning 1955 290MM/250 Testa Rossa. This evocative sports racing car's story will be fully revealed to attendees at the new Concours d’Elegance event. autoroyale.org

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

Agenda 14 • Auto Royale 16 • David Gyasi 18 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ABS_B&B_June21_Culture_Opener_MK.indd 13

13

20/05/2021 23:41

The Agenda

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

F I L M

Hideaway Cinema From 20 May VARIOUS LOCATIONS Hideaway Cinema is coming back in time for this summer, with locations dotted around the UK. Film fans are invited to choose from a number of movies to enjoy outside on warm summer evenings in some of the UK's most picturesque locations.

Scheduled films include Mamma Mia and Pulp Fiction. hideawaycinema.com

EV E N T

The Boodles STO K E PA R K • 22- 26 JUN E

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and often described as one of the highlights of the summer social season, The Boodles has, in recent years, made a habit of attracting some of the biggest names in tennis, while offering guests the unique chance of an opportunity to get up close and personal with the players.

It is hosted within Stoke Park’s stunning 300-acre estate. theboodles.com

14

P H OTO GRA P HY

Wildlife Photographer of the Year 56 Until 13 June THE BASE, GREENHAM The Base will be reopening its gallery doors with the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year 56. In the venue’s dedicated workshop space, The Lookout Studio, will be a plethora of visual arts courses and workshops including Linoprinting and learning new techniques with your camera in the Wildlife Photography Course. thebasegreenham.co.uk

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

ABS_B&B_June21_Culture_Agenda.indd 14

21/05/2021 14:57

CULTURE • WHAT'S ON

A RT

Take one picture 17 June - 12 September T H E N AT I O N A L G A L L E R Y The 26th annual Take One Picture exhibition returns to The National Gallery this summer. The gallery invites primary schools from across the country to focus on one of its paintings and respond in a creative way. The exhibition aims to put art at the centre of children’s learning.

This year, the gallery has chosen ‘The Battle Of San Romano’ by Paolo Uccello as the source of inspiration. nationalgallery.org

A DATE WITH

LO N D O N See the city through fresh eyes with a unique tour

TREASURE HUNT EXPERIENCES Take a journey through London with HiddenCity and experience undiscovered places and secrets about the capital. Opt for the Cheshire Cat game and solve a range of clues on an ‘adventure in the strange, surreal and absurd’. inthehiddencity.com

E X H I B I TI O N

ELECTRIC CITY:

GOD’S OWN JUNKYARD TAKEOVER AT LEADENHALL MARKET

This Month’s Must See

26 May - 31 July MONUMENT From 26 May, Leadenhall Market is getting a neon makeover from the brains behind God’s Own Junkyard. Designed to inject colour and joy back into our lives after a difficult year, the exhibition will celebrate the reopening of the market’s 35 restaurants, bars and shops with an immersive technicolour light production. leadenhallmarket.co.uk

‘BR I NG I N TO BE I NG’

F

27 MAY– 3 1 O C TO BER • CHISWICK HOUSE AN D GARDEN S

rom 27 May, Chiswick House and Gardens will be transformed into a cultural hotspot with an impressive selection of artist commissions, events and activities on offer. The exhibition will feature three sitespecific art installations curated

by Turner prize winner Mark Wallinger. Definitely worth a trip into the capital this month. chiswickhouseandgardens.org.uk

GUIDED WALKS Discover the history behind the streets of London with a guided walk. The Jack The Ripper Tour takes you through the dark streets of Whitechapel and Spitalfields, revealing the city's dark history. The tour is dedicated to the victims of Jack The Ripper. walks.com

HOP ON, HOP OFF

Play tourist for the day with one of London’s famous open top bus tours. See London illuminated with a ‘London By Night’ bus trip, or enjoy a night of laughs with ‘Comedy Night On An Open Top Bus’. Public transport has never been so much fun. goldentours.com

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

ABS_B&B_June21_Culture_Agenda.indd 15

15

21/05/2021 14:58

E X P E R I E N C E

The Royale

The new event that will change what you know about luxury cars

By MARK KEBBLE

16

EVENT DIRECTOR PAUL MATHERS

I

t’s hard enough staging a new event without having to deal with a global pandemic along the way, something the founder of Auto Royale, Paul Mathers, knows only too well. “For any event organiser, COVID has been an overwhelming challenge and most of us, despite not being able to deliver events, have had to get by on little or no support – Auto Royale is no exception,” he says. “As a start-up with a new event we have been pushed to the limit and our innovation and problem-solving has been really tested. But, right now, summer looks clear for us to restart.”

It is indeed time to look forward, not back, and Auto Royale is certainly an event that will help banish lingering memories of lockdown. Being staged from 16-18 July at Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire, this promises to be something car enthusiasts have not experienced before. “Concours d’Elegance events have been around for many years, and many have fallen into step with a

certain paradigm,” Mathers takes up the idea behind his event. “With the exception of the cars on the field, which are always a joy for an enthusiast, the rest of the event runs the risk of being predictable and underwhelming. Auto Royale seeks to subvert people’s expectations.

“If other events aim to be traditional, then Auto Royale is contemporary. If others are snobby or elitist, Auto Royale aims to be high quality and inclusive. If another has a soundtrack of jazz, then ours will be of Bowie. I’ve often said that if other events are ‘the Queen’, then Auto Royale is ‘Queen’, the band.

We want to take some of the stiffness out of concours and make it fun.”

ALFA ROMEO 8C

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

ABS_B&B_June21_ADV_AUTO ROYALE_MK.indd 16

18/05/2021 12:53

CULTURE • INTERVIEW ASTON MARTIN D24 VIGNALE

What else is

ON SHOW AT AUTO ROYALE T H E TO U R & G R A N D A R R I VA L

The extensive tour takes entrants in the British International Concours d’Elegance from the historic Wappenbury Hall, former home to Jaguar Cars founder, Sir William Lyons, on a scenic drive through Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

•

CONCEPT & I N N OVAT I O N L AW N

This showcases the very latest designs and innovations as incorporated into the classics of the future, whether they be high-end, motor show concepts, pre-production or launch models.

•

JEAN-CHRISTOPHE NOVELLI WILL BE CREATING A SPECIAL MENU

T H E PA R T E R R E T E R R AC E

Located above the Parterre and with views to the beautiful Chiltern Hills, the Parterre Terrace is Auto Royale’s second entertainment and hospitality space.

•

VIP LOUNGE

Where Jean-Christophe Novelli will be a guest chef, serving up a lunch menu to 200 lucky VIPs. •

S U N S E T PA R T Y

As the sun sets on Waddesdon Manor, festoon lights illuminate the French chateauesque building’s facade as invited guests enjoy five-star hospitality at the official opening night party.

WADDESDON MANOR

“We want to take some of the stiffness out of concours and make it fun” Who would he say the event is aimed at? “Anyone who really loves cars, history, storytelling, great art and design – because the stories behind great cars capture all of these things,” Mathers replies. “Auto Royale is an event where you can meet your like-minded friends and celebrate the path back to normality, or meet new friends and connections through a mutual love of motoring.”

There’s sure to be some truly magnificent motors on show in a stunning setting. “The Concours d’Elegance is essentially a beauty pageant for cars, and they range from vintage (1910) through to contemporary (2015),” Mathers says. “Over 100 cars will compete for Best in Show, and

many of them are already award winners from other events. Some are one-offs, some are very low production numbers, and some have been famous racers or have been owned by celebrities. Some of these cars have never even been seen in the UK before, and some are worth tens of millions of pounds. The common factor that unites them is that they all possess a special story – and Auto Royale is where they get to tell that story.”

IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT THE CARS...

AU TO R OYA L E To be held from 16-18 July at Waddesdon Manor autoroyale.org

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

ABS_B&B_June21_ADV_AUTO ROYALE_MK.indd 17

17

18/05/2021 13:14

“Creativity is at boiling point, so I am being sent some of the most interesting scripts”

18

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

ABS_B&B_June21_DAVID GYASI_MK.indd 18

19/05/2021 09:56

CULTURE • INTERVIEW

Li v i n g t h e

DREAM Buckinghamshire’s David Gyasi takes us on a journey through time, space and the simple things in life

By MARK KEBBLE

PHOTO CREDIT: JOSEPH SINCLAIR

I

t’s rather apt that a lot of this conversation with Buckinghamshire local David Gyasi revolves around sci-fi. The past year has been like something out of a bad dream, and as we talk in early April, snow is falling outside the window. Even though cinema has pretty much come to a crashing halt, streaming has managed to save many of us from total boredom, and for Gyasi lockdown has also seen opportunities spring up elsewhere. “It’s bittersweet really,” he says when reflecting on 2020 and early 2021.

It’s fascinating talking to Gyasi. His roles to date stand out because of their uniqueness, from playing a faun through to the warrior Achilles, but all have been approached with clear thought going into what he wants to show on screen. “I felt Achilles was a pacifist,” Gyasi says of his role in BBC’s Troy: Fall of a City. “It seems weird to go into an audition and to be playing the greatest warrior of all time and say that! I think his gift is to end war, so if he is this super power people would not want to go up against him – he’s too good, too efficient

– but all he sees is war after war after war.

Achilles’ power is a blessing and a curse.”

Speaking of lockdown, one show that certainly piqued the interest of many was Carnival Row on Amazon Prime. A murder mystery that takes place in a fantasy world that resembles the Victorian era, it stars Orlando Bloom as a human detective and Cara Delevingne as a fairy facing up to an unimaginable monster. If it sounds bonkers, it is to a certain degree, but also carries with it some weighty messages. “I thought the symbolism was off the chart,” Gyasi says, who plays a wealthy faun shunned by society due to his appearance and origin.

“As an actor, when you get something that chimes with what you are thinking, such as how have we allowed our world to get to this stage, it feels like an honour and a privilege to be a part of telling that story.”

Despite the inexorable rise of streaming services this past year, Gyasi isn’t overly concerned about what may happen with cinema. “Cinema may have to work a little harder, but there is a space for collective viewing,” he muses. “The likes of Netflix,

Amazon and Sky Movies have changed the game and levelled the playing field, with more niche, independent stories being accessible to more people. When you look at some of these series and the budgets behind them, the line between the silver and golden screen is not so wide any more.”

Having worked in one during my student days, I hope that all cinemas return with a flourish later this year – and rather apt considering who I am speaking to, one of my greatest ever experiences watching something on the big screen was one Gyasi’s most important roles. When Interstellar was released back in 2014, starring Matthew McConaughey and directed by Christopher Nolan, it felt like a landmark occasion for cinema, especially seeing it at the BFI IMAX in London. The story of a dying earth and a group of astronauts – Gyasi included – going into the furthest reaches of the galaxy on a mission to save humankind, what we saw on screen was absolutely breathtaking.

Slightly uneasily – you never want the magic to be destroyed – I ask Gyasi about the shoot itself. “It was incredible,” he says to a A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ABS_B&B_June21_DAVID GYASI_MK.indd 19

19

19/05/2021 09:56

CF.indd 20

23/04/2021 13:32

CULTURE • INTERVIEW

HOTEL DU VIN'S COURTYARD

relieved interviewer. “Usually a lot of people would do this kind of stuff on green screen, but we had this panoramic screen that filled the whole studio – when you looked up when we were in the spaceship, you’d see space. You would feel travel sick after a take! That kind of immersive experience was so useful – there’s no acting required when the team around you go to that level.”

Although I am not a fan of the term, Interstellar was slap-bang in the middle of the “McConaissance”, where Matthew McConaughey had a run of acclaimed dramatic roles that ripped up the script in terms of roles he was typecast in pre-2011.

“He is super dedicated,” Gyasi says of his Interstellar co-star. “I remember Dallas Buyers Club was doing the awards season [McConaughey went on to win the Best Actor Oscar] when he was filming with us, and his team were saying he needed to be at this event and can we organise the filming schedule in such a way [to help facilitate], but he was 100% committed to the job he was doing. As an example of a leading man from that standpoint, your commitment to the job you signed on the dotted line for is paramount. I remember walking past his trailer and he had notes everywhere on the floor, just figuring things out.”

Back to the present day, and while the pandemic has dominated for the past year, there have been other depressing moments that have shaped the lives of many. George Floyd’s murder in May 2020 caused shockwaves across the globe that

AS AGREUS ASTRAYON IN CARNIVAL ROW

are still being felt today, and Gyasi’s next project is sadly not a million miles from that. “I shot a film during lockdown called Ear for Eye, which was a play by Debbie Tucker Green,” he explains. “She wrote the piece after the Trayvon Martin murder [in America], where a Neighbourhood Watch guy saw this teenager as a threat and shot him [George Zimmerman ended up being acquitted after claiming self-defence]. It’s an incredible piece of writing. I play an American father who has to prepare his son to go out on the street on his own and what he may have to do, and how he may have to act if he’s stopped. These are conversations I have had to have, which are painful. You just see the innocence stripped away.”

As we emerge, cautiously, from lockdown, Gyasi can continue to follow up some of the projects that have come his way – “Imaginations and creativity are at boiling point, so I am being sent some of the most interesting scripts that I have ever read” – but you get the sense a part of him will miss being home in Buckinghamshire for so long, snow or no snow. “I enjoy being with my family and hanging out with them, so this past year has afforded me time to do that. And we have a puppy now, so that’s encouraged us to have lots of amazing walks together and take in where we live.

That’s a side I am super grateful for.”

WITH CO-STAR MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY IN INTERSTELLAR

David Gyasi’s

LO C A L P I C K S WO O B U R N G R E E N We as a family love Wooburn Green. It’s where we fell in love with this area. I love the park, the walks, it’s such a pretty village and there’s a great café there called Perkys – I love sitting out there on a nice day reading scripts and sipping coffee.

• H OT E L D U V I N I had my 40th birthday at Hotel du Vin, which is in Henley. That was a wonderful memory. My birthday is 2 January, so I was 40 in 2020 and we went into lockdown not too long after. So many of my friends and family say it’s their last memory of going out.

• THE THAMES I love being by the water when get to be by the Thames, whether that’s in Marlow or Maidenhead.

My heritage is Ghanaian, so a coastal country. I feel really good when I stay in LA and often spend time on the beach.

• PERSONAL TRAINING If I need to get my body into a certain shape, the personal trainer I use is Sam Shaw at Lemon Studios, which is in Wooburn Green again. I have also just discovered Wild Training, which is an incredible playground of a gym.

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

ABS_B&B_June21_DAVID GYASI_MK.indd 21

21

18/05/2021 22:38

GALL1066.indd 1

21/05/2021 15:36

FOOD & DRINK

CHANNEL HOPPER CATHY GAYNER

Recipes from Le Rouzet is the debut recipe book from Berkshire-based Cathy Gayner, an acclaimed home cook who has perfected a way of producing French food with an English eye – and which has already won great praise from Rick Stein, Thomasina Miers, and Alain Roux. Tuck into more on page 28. cathygayner.com

Food notes 24 • The Hind's Head 26 • Recipes 28 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ABS_B+B_June21_FOOD OPENER_MK.indd 23

23

18/05/2021 22:40

WHAT TO DRINK

GRAPE news Wine recommendations for the month

TASTING NOTES

The latest food news and most exciting openings this month B y L AY L A T U R N E R

By WINE&SOMETHING

Champagne Corbon Absolument Brut NV  £40 This non-vintage Champagne grown from just 2.7ha has a base of 2009 paired with other recent vintages, and offers a truly appealing palate of creamy almonds, white flowers and lots of sweet, juicy cherries. This has flesh and fruit, and finishes polished and elegant.

Domaine Gueguen Petit Chablis 2016  £15 A Petit Chablis that offers wonderful freshness in a rich vintage.

This moderately simple but flavoursome wine opens up with notes of smoky gunflint that is further fleshed out by red apples and lime. Unlike some other Petit Chablis, the grapes for this one are grown on the region’s famous Kimmeridgian soil.

Gros Ventre High Country Red Passe-tout-Grains 2017  £25 This unique wine delivers a lifted nose and crunchiness on the palate. It offers aromas of pomegranate, cherry, violets and sweet spice. The Gamay brings supple and generous red fruit flavours with lively acidity. A wonderful example of this style of wine, rarely seen outside of Burgundy.

WINE AND SOMETHING Ambitious, innovative and gratifyingly different, Wine&Something support small family run wineries around the world.

Absolutely readers enjoy a 10% discount with Wine&Something using the code ABSOLUTELY10 wineandsomething.com

24

Feel The Love T H E I V Y R OYA L W I N D S O R B R A S S E R I E

We all deserve some fun this summer. The Ivy Royal Windsor Brasserie is launching its ‘Summer Of Love’ campaign to celebrate the reopening of indoor dining. Alongside The Ivy’s much-loved menus (which will be refreshed with seasonal dishes), guests will be able to enjoy entertainment provided by live DJs as well as an array of refreshing summer of love cocktails. We can’t wait.

31 High Street, Windsor, SL4 1PQ theivywindsor.com

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

ABS_B&B_June21_FOOD NOTES_MK.indd 24

21/05/2021 15:01

FOOD & DRINK• NOTES

BRUNCH DATE The booziest brunches to enjoy this month

D E VO N S H I R E T E R R AC E

New to Market CROCKERS HENLEY

If you enjoy disco balls and smoke machines , then boogie on down to Devonshire Terrace to enjoy their Disco Brunch. Every saturday from the 29th of May, guests can enjoy bottomless cocktails alongside a brunch dish of your choice.

Devonshire Square, EC2

Crockers Henley has now opened its doors in Henley-on-Thames. Housed in a Grade II listed building in Henley’s Market Place, Crockers has a strong focus on great food and immersive experiences in a relaxed and unpretentious environment. The converted townhouse holds seven boutique bedrooms, two intimate 16-seater Chef’s Tables, a larger robatayaki grill restaurant and a brand-new bar. crockershenley.co.uk

GI N PLEASE PUDDINGSTONE DISTILLERY

Small batch gin producer Puddingstone Distillery has been awarded Distillery of the Year 2021 at The Gin Guide Awards after picking up three category wins and a highly commended for the four gins in the Campfire Gin range. This is a great achievement for the distillery, founded

by Ben and Kate Marston. puddingstonedistillery.com

T H E A N T H O LO G I ST Sometimes, you just need to have a sing. Lift your spirits by paying a visit to Motown Brunch, the latest offering

by The Anthologist. Sing along to classics by Beyonce and Aretha Franklin whilst enjoying dishes including pancake stacks, eggs royale and braised short ribs with polenta masks. Happy weekend.

58 Gresham Street, EC2

FOOD WITH A

VIEW

WINDMILL HILL

Adding spice to Amersham THE MUGHAL PALACE

At a time when it’s been tough for the hospitality industry in Buckinghamshire and Berkshire, it was wonderful to hear about the re-opening of The Mughal Palace under new management in Old Amersham. It has re-opened with a fresh lick of paint and a menu that boasts both classics and signature dishes, including garlic chicken mango and black pepper lemon chicken. Look out in our next issue as we go behind the scenes of the revamp. mughalpalaceamersham.co.uk

T H E F O L LY West End Drag Brunch by The Folly is set to be an experience like no other.

Featuring drag queens from top West End shows such as Kinky Boots, it’s a fun filled day of entertainment.

Guests can enjoy 90 minutes of a bottomless cocktail of their choice alongside a range of grazing plates.

41 Gracechurch Street, EC3

Never before have the grounds to Windmill Hill, Waddesdon been opened to enable a bespoke and award-winning dining experience. Newly launched with Dining Domes by Eventist Group, you can enjoy great food surrounded by spectacular views. waddesdon.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ABS_B&B_June21_FOOD NOTES_MK.indd 25

25

21/05/2021 15:06

BACK TO

REALITY Bray is home to some of the finest in experimental cooking, but Peter Gray, head of chef of The Hind's Head, says expect some old favourites as their doors open once again

By MARK KEBBLE

26

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

ABS_B+B_June21_THE HINDS HEAD_MK.indd 26

18/05/2021 23:00

FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

“Heston is always around and pushing us to try new things”

THE LEGENDARY SCOTCH EGG

N

ever have I been so excited about a Scotch egg. It’s my first wedding anniversary, the year is 2013, and to mark the occasion my wife and I wanted to experience the experimental work of Heston Blumenthal. I had heard so much about his soft-boiled Scotch egg, so The Hind’s Head in Bray was the location to finally get my chops around it. It most certainly didn’t disappoint.

Just a few months later, Peter Gray joined the team at The Hind’s Head, and it sounds as if it was something similar that drew him to the area. “Obviously working as part of Heston’s team is a great honour,” he says. “He’s a pioneer in our industry and one of a kind, so being able to be around that and be a big part of the business’s future was a big draw.”

Back then, in February 2014, Gray joined as a sous chef and within three years he had taken over as head chef at the iconic venue, which dates back to the 15th

THE HIND'S HEAD IS LOOKING FORWARD TO WELCOMING GUESTS BACK INDOORS

century. Just as Blumenthal has become known for his amazing concoctions, Gray’s career to date has seen him mix it up, working everywhere from Yorkshire and Lancashire, to the French alps. “I’ve been lucky enough to travel [around] the world, but Bray is very much my home now,” he smiles. “It has a character all of its own, which The Hind’s Head plays a very big part of, so I am proud to be able to cook here. The Hind’s Head has played a pioneering role in the resurgence of British pub food, so when I got offered the chance to be head chef I leapt at it.”

The proud owner of a Michelin star, The Hind’s Head is seen as the more relaxed sibling to Blumenthal’s other Bray behemoth. “It’s a different offering here at The Hind’s Head as opposed to the Fat Duck,” Gray explains. “Here we are a lot more informal in the menu, but still use Heston’s innovative techniques and principals, all backed up with great produce. Heston has always wanted for The Hind’s Head to be a place where anyone, including him, can come and relax and this is reflected in both the food from

the kitchen, but also our great Front of House team. That said, Heston is always around and pushing us to try new things.”

It may be a more relaxed offering, but the menu still excites. “We are inspired by a lot of things,” Gray says about the process of creating a new dish. “Historical research has been a key part of our journey and we often look to the past to inspire our food. This is shown in things like our steamed oxtail pudding and chocolate wine slush, but we’re always sensitive to the seasons and our location, so we have many dishes which take their cue from these elements too. Coming up with ideas is part of the job and the challenge is turning them into dishes and drinks, which are firstly delicious, but then also sit well on the menu. So that’s the difficult part, but it’s hugely satisfying to see things go from an idea on paper to something people enjoy in the dining room or in the cocktail lounge upstairs.”

Unfortunately given the circumstances, there has been time over the past 15 months to work on new things. “This last year has been one of the toughest I have ever known,” Gray says unsurprisingly.

“Over the various lockdowns we provided a ‘Hind’s Head at Home’ menu, which was a new and exciting challenge for us and we learnt a lot. Food-wise, we know we have a great product here, but we’ve had some time to look at the whole menu and bring in one or two changes. We have added some lovely spring time dishes, such as a pickled lemon and goat’s curd salad with toasted hazelnuts, roasted cauliflower with celeriac tea and a beautiful chilled soup made with English strawberries served with fromage blanc infused with tonka bean and coriander seeds.”

And, as if pre-empting the question, Gray adds: “We’ve got some popular favourites here and those are most definitely coming back: our triple cooked chips, the pea and ham soup, the quaking pudding and… the soft-boiled Scotch egg.” hindsheadbray.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ABS_B+B_June21_THE HINDS HEAD_MK.indd 27

27

18/05/2021 23:00

Sunny

SENSATION Recipes From Le Rouzet: An English Cook in France by Berkshire’s Cathy Gayner is a collection of 125 delicious concoctions perfect for the summer

28

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

ABS_B+B_June21_RECIPES_MK.indd 28

18/05/2021 23:02

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Asparagus Tart Serves 4

This is the quickest, easiest tart ever; you don’t even have to pre-cook the asparagus.

INGREDIENTS Cheese pastry • 1 10g unsalted butter • 1 40g plain flour •3 0g strong cheddar, or Parmesan, grated Filling • 1 bunch of asparagus, with the woody ends cut off • 1 00g Parmesan, grated •2 00ml double cream •2 eggs, plus 2 extra yolks •S alt and pepper

METHOD 1 Put all the ingredients for the pastry into a food processor and mix until the dough forms a ball.

2 Press the dough into a 20cm tart tin with a removable base.

Prick really thoroughly all over, even up the sides (this will prevent shrinkage), then chill in the fridge.

3 Cook the pastry in an oven preheated to 180°C/Fan 160°C/ Gas 4 for 15 minutes, or until pale gold in colour.

4 Mix the cream, eggs and cheese in a bowl and season well.

5 Arrange the uncooked asparagus in the tart tin. I do it in a wheel shape, cutting the tops off so that the stems fit, and then sprinkling the tops amongst the ‘spokes’, but you can place the asparagus in rows if you prefer.

6 Pour over the cream mixture and bake the tart at 180°C/Fan 160°C/ Gas 4 for about 40 minutes.

INGREDIENTS

Baked Chocolate Mousse Serves 6

Our elder son John and his wife Tessa chose this pudding, a delicious and easy recipe I have been making at Le Rouzet for years, for their wedding dinner.

I always used to serve it with crème fraiche, but they vastly improved it by serving it with honeycomb ice cream. The two together make a wonderful combination.

• 1 50g butter, plus extra for greasing • 1 50g caster sugar •3 large eggs, separated • 1 50g dark chocolate (70%) • I cing sugar, to serve

METHOD 1 Grease a 20cm loosebottomed cake tin.

2 Beat the 150g of butter and sugar till pale, then beat in the egg yolks.

3 Melt the chocolate in a bowl placed over a pan of simmering water.

When the chocolate has cooled slightly, add it to the butter mixture.

4 Beat the egg whites until they are stiff and fold them gently into the chocolate mixture.

5 Pour the mixture into the cake tin and bake for an hour at 170°C/Fan 150°C/Gas 3. Leave it to cool in the tin on a rack and, when ready to serve, turn it out and dust it with icing sugar.

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

ABS_B+B_June21_RECIPES_MK.indd 29

29

18/05/2021 23:05

R.S. TROUTT & CO FINE ENGLISH BUTCHERS Our passion is quality meats & service

NOW STOCKING OUR FULL BBQ RANGE OF MEATS, PRE-SEASONED AND READY TO COOK

So why use a traditional butcher instead of a supermarket? Richard explains why customers repeatedly use RS Troutt & Co. “Customers like to select their meat and to have it butchered in front of them. We can give them EXACTLY what they want from single portion to large joint for that special occasion” • 28 day dry aged beef

• Fresh home cooked meals

• Free range additive free chickens

• Rolled belly pork stuffed with haggis & blackpudding

• Free range pork and English lamb • Home cured dry aged bacon • Kebabs

• Selection of cheeses

• Sausages - a multitude of flavours

• Home-made plain or spicy burgers

WE ARE NOW SERVING HOT AND COLD FOOD ALL DAY X

www.rstroutt.co.uk Aberdeen House | Hazlemere Crossroads | Hazlemere | HP15 7LG | 01494 711803 Tudor House | High Street | West Wycombe | HP14 3AE | 01494 526880

RSTROUT.indd 1

21/05/2021 11:37

FOOD & DRINK • RECIPES

Chicken stuffed with tapenade Serves 4

If you are a purist you can make the tapenade yourself, but then the dish becomes more time consuming – and the point of it is that it is quick and easy. This is also very good cold.

INGREDIENTS • 1 pot of tapenade • Zest and juice of 1 lemon • 1 garlic clove, crushed

• 1 tbsp chopped parsley • 1 really good chicken • 1 tbsp olive oil •S alt and pepper

METHOD 1 Mix the tapenade with the lemon zest, garlic and parsley.

2 Using your fingers, gently separate the skin from the flesh of the chicken and spoon in the tapenade mixture. Ideally, push it down both the breast and the legs; this is fiddly, but not difficult.

3 Season the skin and pour over the oil and the lemon juice.

4 Roast at 200°C/Fan 180°C/ Gas 6 for 20 minutes per 500g, plus 20 minutes extra.

5 Serve with mashed potato and the juices.

6 A simple green salad is the only other thing you need.

Recipes From Le Rouzet: An English Cook in France: 100% of the proceeds from the book will go direct to the charity Cathy Gayner co-founded with Henrietta Nettlefold, Age Unlimited. £16.99 cathygayner.com

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

ABS_B+B_June21_RECIPES_MK.indd 31

31

18/05/2021 23:08

BIA.indd 20

23/04/2021 13:29

FA S H I O N

BEST FOOT PENELOPE CHILVERS

Summer shoes at Penelope Chilvers span everything from statement espadrilles, 70s clogs and suede wedged sandals to velvet sneakers, understated flats, and floral platforms. penelopechilvers.com

Equetech 34 • Harmur 38 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ABS_B&B_June21_Fashion Opener_.indd 33

33

20/05/2021 23:56

LIZ HAYMAN

Q&A

Sh o w

JUMPER As Royal Ascot returns, equestrian clothing isn’t just about top hats and headpieces, as the MD of Equetech, Liz Hayman, explains

Interview MARK KEBBLE

Q Tell us about how your love affair with horses started…

A I started riding at the age of five, after pestering my mother for months!

She took me to a local riding school.

I fell off the first time I rode, but it didn't put me off a hobby, which has turned into a lifelong addiction!

Q You had a terrible injury after a fall in 2012. How do you reflect on that time?

A To be honest, I don't remember a lot about it. I was on powerful pain medication for some time, but as I emerged from that period, it really made me value the simple things in life; family, friends, and not to take life for granted.

It has taken nearly ten years to build my confidence back in the saddle, but you cannot force these things. I thought it would be more about physical limitations, but I suffered terribly from severe PTSD for many years. I am certainly not the rider I once was, but I wouldn't change who I have now become.

Q It's nearly 30 years since Equetech first launched. What's the story behind the company?

34

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

ABS_June21_Fashion Q&A_Equetech_MK.indd 34

18/05/2021 23:13

FASHION • Q&A

perform in the saddle, but will equally look stylish on the school run or yoga mat.

Riders live busy lives, so I design with the mindset that your riding wardrobe doesn't have to be kept exclusively for the stables, but enjoyed elsewhere and everywhere.

We sell everything from rider sports underwear, competition wear, everyday riding attire, and specialise in sourcing and incorporating the most advanced technical fabrics into our garments.

“I am passionate about designing affordable equestrian apparel that stands the test of time” A It was launched in 1992 and specialised

in padded underwear and an ice bandage.

I acquired the business in 2005, and for the last 16 years I have been passionate about designing affordable equestrian apparel that stands the test of time without losing style and functionality.

Q How has the company evolved over the years?

A We started with two product lines and now produce over 300 styles. We launched tailored products, such as

tweed jackets and competition jackets, in 2007, and we are now one of the strongest brands in this field in the UK. We also launched our factory in the UK in 2019, which is going really well.

Q Today, what does Equetech offer?

A We design stylish riding clothing

and accessories for all riders, young or old, riding school riders through to top international riders. We create garments that combine function and fashion, clothes that will look and

Q How do you find the balance between functionality and fashion?

A As a rider myself, I know what demands and expectations riders have regarding their kit. Our products are rigorously tested throughout the conceptual design process and up until the final product design. We will not launch a product that will not stand the test of time, and there is no reason that function cannot be stylish.

Q Equestrianism is quite timeless and classic. How do you stay true to that classic nature, while still keeping things modern and fresh?

A I think it helps to be a British heritage brand with a long-standing passion for quality and design. The perspective that overseas markets hold of Britain, especially in the Far East and the US, means that equestrianism in the true sense anchors the brand and gives us a platform to introduce new fresh designs without veering too far away from our roots. We have a wealth of equestrian A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ABS_June21_Fashion Q&A_Equetech_MK.indd 35

35

18/05/2021 23:13

MORE THAN JUST A TACK SHOP

Stocking many beautiful and ethical things for you and your horse.

Always promoting whole horse happiness

#wholehorsehappiness SERIOUSLY TACKY LTD, | Hazledene Farm, Asheridge Road, Chesham HP5 2 XD 01494 257800 www.seriouslytacky.co.uk

ST.indd 1

21/05/2021 16:11

FASHION • Q&A

history and association in our country, and that has been documented over time. Our tweed tailoring for the show-ring remains true to its classical past. However, we have tailored for a more flattering fit and picked lightweight tweeds that pay homage to the traditional with a contemporary twist.

Our collections embrace the relevance of classical yet with added modern elements embracing the fantastic developments in sustainable and technical fabrics – all with a subtle nod to fashion today.

Q What is your design process?

A The design process for me always starts

with a brainstorming session with the team. I am always thinking about the needs of riders and what is not being met.

I'll look at high street trends and colours for the season ahead and create concept sketches in the first instance. These will then be made up into samples tested by a panel of riders and further tweaked.

Once we have the final prototypes, these will go into production. Seeing the end consumer wearing and enjoying our collections is a buzz I will never tire from.

Q Do you find your clothing being worn by non-riders or non-competitors?

A Yes, that happens a lot as equestrian wear crosses over into country wear very easily, especially for those all-weather dog walkers. Because our coats are designed

for the harshest conditions and freedom of movement, it makes a lot of sense. We also have seen a significant pick-up on our new riding tights. Whilst designed for wear in the saddle, they have been enjoying life on the yoga mat, cycling and running.

Q How long have you lived in Aylesbury?

A I was born in Aylesbury (The Royal

Bucks Hospital), before it was privatised.

I lived in Tring until the age of 20.

Since then, I have lived in Aylesbury with my now husband for 21 years.

Q What do you love best about the area?

A We are so lucky to live in such a

beautiful county. We have the best of both worlds, being close to London,

“We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful county, and the community spirit has held us all together”

but we also have the countryside on the doorstep. It also has some fantastic venues for equestrian competitions.

Q Has the local community come together over the past year?

A Yes, I think community spirit has held us all together; be it the people checking in on more vulnerable neighbours, or people supporting local restaurants by buying take-outs or shopping more local.

Q How has the lockdown period been for Equetech?

A It was very tough initially, as we rely on riders competing at horse events during the summer months. Because they were suddenly not competing and, in some cases, unable to even ride their horses, there was a direct hit to us. However, with so many riders having more time on their hands to research brands and our “all hands on deck” approach from my team, we have now emerged from lockdown in a much stronger position.

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

ABS_June21_Fashion Q&A_Equetech_MK.indd 37

37

18/05/2021 23:14

_ABS_June21_Shoot_MK.indd 38

21/05/2021 18:46

ALL SUMMER long Harmur's SS21 collection is perfect to take you from the beach to the bar HARMUR.CO.UK

_ABS_June21_Shoot_MK.indd 39

21/05/2021 18:47

_ABS_June21_Shoot_MK.indd 40

21/05/2021 18:47

_ABS_June21_Shoot_MK.indd 41

21/05/2021 18:47

YD.indd 20

25/03/2021 12:53

HEALTH & BEAUTY

O UTE R LI M I TS

SPORT & FITNESS EVOLUTION At a time when gyms are now welcoming us back indoors, don’t forget about the benefits of exercising outdoors. SFE Bootcamps – which are run at Penn & Tyler’s Green FC - are the best way to get fit outside. sportandfitnessevolution.co.uk

Summer Body 45 • Beauty Notes 47 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ABS_B&B_June21_Health+Beauty_Opener.indd 43

43

18/05/2021 23:21

FS.indd 1

21/05/2021 11:34

HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

Summer SOS

Freedom awaits, as do potentially holidays overseas, but for many this means dealing with body issues

By DR SELENA LANGDON

MANY WILL FEEL BODY CONSCIOUS BY THE POOL

W

ith longer days, warmer evenings, and summer holidays possibly around the corner, this means a change in our wardrobes and thoughts of what we might wear to the beach or to sit by the pool with our favourite book. For some, this is a time to look forward to, but it is also a period of heightened emotions as many of us can be self-conscious of our bodies.

As we age, the body naturally retains more fat which can be increasingly difficult to shift, despite our best efforts. At the same time, collagen and elastin decline causing changes in our skin’s appearance.

The natural ageing process, as well as life events such as childbirth, can lead to considerable changes that cannot be reversed, but many of today’s more advanced medical aesthetic treatments can help to treat these concerns effectively.

STUBBORN FAT

In my clinic, cryolipolysis with CoolSculpting Elite (fat freezing) is by far the most popular body treatment.

First available in 2010, the treatment is highly effective at removing stubborn areas of fat. CoolSculpting was invented

by Harvard scientists and is the only machine licensed by the FDA. While there are several copycat options now

will experience this condition postpartum and Emsculpt is ideal for toning and tightening the abdomen. It is important to note that while sit ups might seem like the answer, they do cause intra-abdominal pressure to increase, which can make the abdominal muscles push forward even more, making the problem worse.

CELLULITE

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

offered, the CoolSculpting machine is by far the safest and backed by years of research. I strongly recommend that as fat freezing is a permanent treatment it should only be performed under the supervision of a medical doctor.

MUSCLE WEAKNESS

While the dream of washboard abs or toned buttocks might seem out of reach, in 2018 the world welcomed a new treatment called Emsculpt. This device was based on many years of research into physio and rehabilitation equipment. The treatment is hugely popular in the USA with celebrity and professional athletes, but in my clinic the treatment is most popular with new mums who are looking to treat diastasis recti after pregnancy. Nearly half of women

Affecting around 80% of women, cellulite is caused by tough, long fibrous bands which tether the skin to underlying muscle, with fat lying in between. This leads to the dimpling effect. Treatments for cellulite have been around for a long time and there are several that are effective at reducing its appearance. There are surgical options that can eliminate the tethers under the skin, but the recovery time from these can vary and might not suit those with holidays already booked. In my practice I offer Emtone, a combination of radiofrequency and acoustic wave therapy, which is a non-surgical treatment and one that is very popular as it not only smooths out the skin, but helps to stimulate collagen at the same time without the downtime of surgery.

DR SELENA LANGDON Dr Langdon is an aesthetic doctor and founder of Berkshire Aesthetics – find out more at berkshireaesthetics.com

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

ABS_B&B_June21_ADV_DR SELENA COLUMN_MK.indd 45

45

18/05/2021 23:22

Facial Aesthetics - Body Contouring - Advanced Skincare

Target Stubborn Areas of Fat with the New CoolSculpting Elite

®

We are one of the first UK clinics to introduce CoolSculpting Elite. After more then 10 years, and 8 million treatments, the all new CoolSculpting device is faster, more comfortable and results appear sooner. Best of all Dr Langdon is one of the world’s leading CoolSculpting experts and personally oversees all fat freezing procedures.

12 WEEKS AFTER Second CoolSculpting Session

BEFORE

► No special diets or exercise programmes

► 8 million treatments performed worldwide

► Requires no needles, surgery or downtime

► Results are permanent

As seen in

Dr Langdon has featured in the Tatler Cosmetic Surgery Guide as the Top Doctor for Body Treatments for three years running.

And in 2021 Berkshire Aesthetics won best UK Clinic in the Lux Life Magazine Beauty Awards.

Want the treatment Judy Murray had?

Made popular by Judy Murray, Berkshire Aesthetics was named by Elle Magazine as the go-to clinic for Morpheus8 in 2020.

Our team have delivered hundreds of M8 procedures over the last two years making us one of the most experienced providers. Best of all, and to ensure optimum results, our M8 packages include two complimentary Forma treatments.

We are discreetly located opposite Pinkneys Green with plenty of on site parking. To learn more or to book a consultation please call our team on 01628 20 20 28 Berkshire Aesthetics Furze Platt Road Maidenhead SL6 6PR w. berkshireaesthetics.com

BA.indd 20

Dr Selena Langdon Founder & Medical Director

e. info@berkshireaesthetics.com

23/04/2021 13:30

HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y L AY L A T U R N E R

FOCUS

EDITOR’S PICK

HELLO

Hydra-tion

Choosing the right hair colour with Vita Krafty

CHANEL

B y L AY L A T U R N E R

The Hydra Beauty range by Chanel is gaining another hero product with the launch of Hydra Beauty Concentrate. The product, packed with radiance-boosting active ingredients, promises smoother, more radiant skin after just one month of use. Yes please.

W

chanel.com

Spa Secrets PIETRO SIMONE

Flemings Mayfair has recently launched a new private skincare clinic in partnership with celebrity facialist Pietro Simone, where you can enjoy the wide range of services Pietro has to offer, including the signature 'encore facials'. Selected products from the Pietro Simone skincare range will also be available to purchase. pietrosimone.com

T R AV E L SIZE T R E AT S NOBLE ISLE

Hand sanitiser is the new necessity.

Noble Isle have the perfect solution with their Rhubarb Rhubarb hand care trio. Containing three 75ml sizes of the rhubarb scented hand wash, hand sanitiser and hand lotion, the set is perfect for keeping hands clean, soft and sumptuously scented. nobleisle.com

MANE attraction e’ve all been there: you secure an appointment with your hairdresser, excited to unveil a brand new look, only to leave feeling less than glamorous. There is more to deciding on a hair colour than just picking out a shade you like. Skin tone plays an important role, and it’s basic rule of thumb that those with a cooler skin tone should stick to a shade with cooler undertones while those with warm skin tones will match with a colour with warm undertones.

Vita Krafty, long time hairdresser based at Head Spa salon, shares her advice on choosing the correct hair colour.

‘Most people come in wanting to go blonde or refresh their blonde shade.

Platinum shades always work best on porcelain-skinned girls, whereas more gold or caramel-based blonde shades look great on those with cooler undertones, too. For those wanting a fresh new brunette shade, fortunately brown hair is a flattering option for most skin tones, while deep brown and black hair looks amazing on those with darker skin tones. For those deciding between blonde and brunette, a balayage is a great way of combining the best of both worlds’.

For colour maintenance, choose the correct shampoo and conditioner for your shade. Purple shampoo works wonders for blondes, whereas products for brunette hair add shine and dimension.

HEAD SPA

36A Barnes High Street, London SW13 9LP headspa.uk • @vitakrafty

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

ABS_B&B_June21_BEAUTYNOTES_MK.indd 47

47

20/05/2021 23:59

QUALITY EYECARE TAILORED TO YOUR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS Established in 1998, Independent Living has been supplying top-grade mobility equipment to clients across Buckinghamshire and Berkshire for more than two decades.

The friendly fully trained professional staff guide you through the maze of products available to make your life easier.

We are an essential service and open throughout lockdown for your eye care needs with strict covid measures in place •

Full social distancing precautions taken • Staff in full PPE

Open for all optical care and injuries Please call to book an appointment

Scooters, wheelchairs, walking aids, rise and recline chairs as well as smaller everyday products can be tried at the shop and/or demonstrated in your own home.

■ Independent Living Consultants. 10 Cross Court, Plomer Green Avenue,

01494 258586 | hello@hillvision.co.uk 53 Hill Ave, Amersham, HP6 5BX hillvision.co.uk

Downley, High Wycombe HP13 5UW ■ 01494 443 933 ■ info@independentliv.co.uk ■ independentlivingconsultants.co.uk

IL.indd 1

• HALVES QUARTERS_USE.indd 1

30/04/2021 15:16 HV.indd 1

25/03/2021 12:30

21/05/2021 16:03

SPORT • PARTNERSHIP

J O I N I N G T H E C L U B Wexham Park Golf Centre becomes the latest venue in the UK to offer Inrange® technology

W

exham Park Golf Centre has selected Inrange® Golf to upgrade the facility’s 32-bay driving range with its industry-leading ball-tracking system. Inrange® will create a perfect environment that promotes a fun, stress-free entertainment for casual and beginner golfers, as well as technologically aided practice sessions for avid players.

There are three ways to play Inrange®.

Firstly single player which allows you to hit and track your shots on the touchscreen monitors, and through the app see and store all your data from your practice session. The 24 indoor bays are fitted with Inrange® tracking, which will consist of touchscreen monitors and gallery screens.

Secondly, the Inrange® app which can be used on the 8 outdoor bays. Download and

open the app, choose your bay and all of your shots will appear on your phone and the data will be captured and stored for post-session review. Thirdly, Inrange+ the multiplayer experience which provides a whole new level of fun with interactive multiplayer games for every skill level. Each indoor bay will be equipped with seating so that any visitor can enjoy the unparalleled Inrange+ multiplayer experience.

Inrange® continues to build its presence around the world, as over the past month the system has debuted in a variety of regions, including Abu Dhabi and South Africa.

“Wexham has built a strong reputation for being a welcoming and inclusive club.

From families and beginners to avid and high-profile golfers, our facility is utilised across the board. We selected Inrange® for this reason. Their technology is appealing to players of all skill levels and the user interface adds a whole new level of fun

to the driving range experience,” says Sharon Lowthian, General Manager of Wexham Park Golf Centre.

“This is an exciting time for the club as we invest in our facilities and future.

Our hope is that by installing Inrange® we will grow the club’s reputation in the region and with the successful technology bring more revenue to our profit centres,” adds Sharon.

The Inrange® system consists of radar sensors placed in and around a driving range that create a series of interlocking radar fields. Once calibrated, they can determine the origin of each ball (which bay it was hit from), and track its entire flight, no matter how long or short, in real time. The resulting data is relayed either to an in-bay touchscreen or via the cloud to the Inrange® app on the player’s mobile device.

Easily covering a range of 100 bays or more, these sensors can track dozens of balls hit simultaneously, each from a different origin, and provide detailed data on speed, trajectory, path, landing point and more, to within a yard. Unlike competitor’s systems, they are impervious to all ambient conditions such as darkness, rain, mist and audible noise.

To learn more, please visit inrangegolf.com or follow social at Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

W E X H A M PA R K GOLF CENTRE Pricing: £3 - 30 balls • £5 - 60 balls £7 - 90 balls • £9 - 120 balls Inrange + play courses around the world and games for all the family. Long drive championship leader board – £20 per bay up to 4 persons Opening hours 7am to 8pm. wexhamparkgolfcentre.co.uk inrangegolf.com

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

ABS_B&B_June21_ADV_WEXHAM GOLF_MK.indd 49

49

18/05/2021 23:26

MTD.indd 1

25/03/2021 12:33

W H AT ’ S I N S TO R E KITCHEN STORAGE

It’s the hub of the home, which invariably means it is stuffed full of too many accessories.

However, today there are unique ways to store away all those pots and pans without ruining the kitchen’s aesthetic. p70

inside this section: T H E L AT E S T D E S I G N N E W S p 5 3 INSIDE THE HOUSE OF WOLF p54 PR ACTICALIT Y B ROWN ’ S GARDEN TIPS p59 THE STORY OF THE OLD BAKERY p62 HENRY HOLLAND’S NEWEST VENTURE p78

BED REST

How to sleep well – advice from Carpe Diem Beds I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H

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

ABS_B&B_HOME_COVER_June21_.indd 51

51

21/05/2021 00:02

H u n n e b o D o g B e d : L a r g e | Fa b r i c : Z a r a g o z a E g g s h e l l 15 WIGMORE ST REET | LO ND O N W 1U 1P E +4 4 (0) 2 0 39 8 2 3 25 2 | m a r y le bo n e @ c a r pedie m beds.co.u k c a r p e d i e m b e d s o f s w e d e n | # m y u n w i n d | w w w.c a r pedie m beds.co.u k

CD.indd 1

21/05/2021 09:16

H O M E | NEWS Compiled by

PENDLE HARTE

I N T H E N E WS U P DAT E S F R O M T H E I N D U S T R Y STAR BURST NEW LIFE

TO M D IXO N Burst is a new, dynamic and threedimensional array of lighting without lots of dangling wires. Intended for larger spaces and ceiling voids, it's inspired by an interest in molecular structures and the space age with its chrome aesthetic and geometric configuration. tomdixon.net

H A R K V I N TA G E Midcentury glass, ceramics and enamelware as well as Ercol chairs, rattan stools and French posters are all part of the offering at Hark Vintage. It's a great source of unusual and one-off pieces. @hark_vintage harkvintage.etsy.com

SO FA SU R FERS

LOCK IN

SW YFT New at Swyft is the sofa bed in a box, promising comfort as well as practicality.

The Model 04 is also everything you expect from Swyft: it comes in a box, is delivered within 24 hours, is guaranteed to fit no matter how tight the entrance, and can get up lots of stairs. swyfthome.com

M U S TA R D M A D E New at Mustard Made is lilac, the shade of the moment, adding to the colourful collection. These metal lockers are versatile and stylish, and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. mustardmade.co.uk

FISH EYE BIORB Aquariums can be stylish too. The biOrb aquarium has practical and aesthetic benefits, bringing its user closer to nature while providing a calm and tranquil place for contemplation.

From £89.99 oase.com

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

HOME_B&B_June21-INTERIORS NEWS_MK.indd 53

53

21/05/2021 00:05

“I find colour uplifting and believe it has a strong connection to your mood”

D E N

O F

DREAMS The founder of House of Wolf explains how her Beaconsfield home inspired an interior design business with a little bite Words LO U WO L F E N D E N

54

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

ABS_B+B_June21_HOUSE OF WOLF_MK.indd 54

18/05/2021 23:31

H O M E | PROFILE

I

was first struck with interiors whilst in Denmark as a child (my father worked there for 18 months so we went over every holiday). Once we rented a house from a friend of his and it was a treasure trove of interesting designs that I’d never seen before and I was entranced. My grandfather was a sculptor and I definitely got some of his creative genes.

I ended up obtaining a diploma from the National Design Academy in 2003 – I knew that one day I would love to run my own business. I firstly had a long corporate career from 1999-2014 working in in-house recruitment. I learnt invaluable skills that transferred into setting up my own business – from building relationships/ stakeholder management to negotiation – and all were important groundings and skills I still use every week.

I was on maternity leave from my corporate role with my third and final child, which coincided with my role project managing the build of our family home. I grew up in Beaconsfield and my parents still live here – it was an obvious place to move to when we started a family as my parents were willing to help and we both worked in London at the time.

Once we moved in friends and family saw my work and asked me to help them – the stars aligned as the right time to throw in the towel corporately and bite the bullet. With a young family and my husband working away a lot, I felt having a role which was based from home was more workable for us at that point.

I would describe my home’s style as modern luxe with a vintage twist. I love the open plan kitchen/living/dining area, which is a good thing given how much time

we spend in there! I love it even more since we finally completed a terrace outside last summer – when the doors are open, the connection with all of the outside greenery really makes my heart sing.

I find colour really uplifting and believe it has a strong connection to your mood.

I often think interiors starting points can be a person’s wardrobe, as you often have clothing which makes you feel a certain way – this can translate into your home too as it is so closely an extension of your personality.

With House of Wolf, I want to offer accessible design in a flexible way. I think the industry can have a perception that it is out of reach, but I tailor my approach so individually to the specific client. I work on fixed fees, but also have an hourly rate option (House of Wolf “Happy Hour”).

Tapping into the story of the family A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ABS_B+B_June21_HOUSE OF WOLF_MK.indd 55

55

18/05/2021 23:32

NAPIT & TrustMark approved electricians in Beaconsfield Whatever electrical work you need doing, we ensure the highest levels of quality

IF IT’S ELECTRICS, IT’S KENNETT ELECTRICS

“

We can highly recommend. David worked for us several times and always provided high quality service.

SGS Shutters and Blinds

”

Need an electrician? Give us a call and we’ll set up an appointment 07915 606060 dkennett@kennettelectrics.com www.kennettelectrics.com KE.indd 1

23/04/2021 13:34

H O M E | PROFILE

Lou Wolfenden

picks out two projects from the House of Wolf

L I T T L E K I M B L E The layout was not working – the kitchen was a tight squeeze and there was wasted space with a utility room and door onto the garden. The dining table was pretty much unusable as it was in a long galley room, making it hard to have more than two people sitting there. So we opened up the space and relocated the kitchen into a galley formation using the long run for the units. The transformation enabled us to have bi-folds onto the garden from the new dining areas (the old kitchen).

The brief was bright and cheerful, so I came up with the green connecting the garden and some accents of orange to add some vibrancy (which you can see from the images on this page).

“Tapping into the story of the client is super important”

or the individual is super important – having accessories or artefacts that really connect with them as people. For instance, I love commissioning things such as artwork that reflect the person’s background or reflecting in other items.

I collect Japanese Kokeshi Dolls having lived in Tokyo. For a music lover client I found an Acid House Love Blueprint for the wall, showing a history of dance music and rave culture mapped out on the circuit diagram of a 303 bass synthesizer.

I don’t like things to be too shiny and new in isolation – I like to ground with some vintage pieces or a variety of textures.

What’s next for the House of Wolf? I would love to add more products to the HOWL (House of Wolf Loves) e-commerce section of my site. I have some vintage pieces and I’d also love to work on a cushion or fabrics/wallpaper collection. house-of-wolf.com

HAMPSTEAD B ATC H E LO R A PA R T M E N T This was a three bed brand new apartment – it was a blank canvas. The client was a single guy and wanting to start from scratch, so I steered him out of his comfort zone to embrace colour. The master bedroom is blue and grey, but I added some neon pops and coral to ensure some femininity and softness. We used a lot of local London independents. The blue hallway console was especially made to fit the space and have individual drawer space for scarves, hats, gloves etc. The client loves music and I persuaded him to give up the formal ‘dining room' as this was overkill with the open plan kitchen/ diner right next door. Instead, he now has an extra space to relax in (images of which you can see on pages 54-55).

All images courtesy of Sarah Rider Photography – sarahrider.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ABS_B+B_June21_HOUSE OF WOLF_MK.indd 57

57

18/05/2021 23:33

B e d : S a n d ö | Fa b r i c : D e s i g n e r s G u i l d Z a r a g o z a E g g s h e l l | C a r p e t : L i g h t B e i g e | B e d l i n e n : St o r m P e b b l e & D r i f t w o o d | H e a d b o a r d P i l l o w s : D e s i g n e r s G u i l d Z a r a g o z a E g g s h e l l | B e d s i d e Ta b l e : H o l m e B l a c k 15 WIGMORE ST REET | LO ND O N W 1U 1P E +4 4 (0) 2 0 39 8 2 3 25 2 | m a r y le bo n e @ c a r pediem beds.co.u k c a r p e d i e m b e d s o f s w e d e n | # m y u n w i n d | w w w.c a r pedie m beds.co.u k

CD.indd 2

21/05/2021 09:17

H O M E | GARDENS

benefits of spending time in nature into the comfort of your own home.

Garden themes

You could take inspiration from heritage properties and divide your garden into themed areas or rooms. Using trees or hedges will help create garden rooms, whether you want to create a relaxed outdoor lounge area or a dining area sheltered from the elements. Solar garden lights are also very decorative and a cost-effective alternative, used to either highlight paths and steps or simply strung in with foliage.

Mood changer The experts at Practicality Brown on how to make the most of your outside space

G

ardens give us space to relax and unwind outdoors, a nd the satisfaction of seeing the landscape change with the seasons can improve our mood and wellbeing.

Practicality Brown have been helping create inspired outdoor spaces for over 20 years: here are just a few ideas on how you can make the most out of your outdoor space.

Property improvements

Taking the time to update or improve your garden may make your property easier to sell, should that be your goal. However, there are more immediate benefits for you and your family to use and enjoy the improved outdoor space.

A space to relax

Spending time outdoors can help alleviate stress, as well as improving mental wellbeing and mood. A garden designed and created with your needs in mind can bring all the

Screening and privacy

You can create privacy in your garden by planting mature hedging to give you instant screening. Buying pre-grown hedges, such as Practicality Brown’s Practical Instant Hedge™, ensures that you have a solution to create a private, secure garden without waiting for small plants to grow into a hedge.

Use of colours

An evergreen hedge isn’t just one colour; Practical Instant Hedge™ comes in many different varieties to suit your individual taste. If you like bright modern colours, then the apple green leaves of Griselinia could be your favourite. If shiny leaves, which look great in the sunshine, are more your thing, then take a look at Common Laurel. For classic elegance, nothing can really beat the traditional Yew. Or if subtle greys will give your garden the look it needs, Elaeagnus would be perfect.

Planting at different heights helps draw attention to specific areas of the garden, and mixing structured and soft foliage adds interest, depth and movement. Scented plants are great too, which release their perfume well into the night. pracbrown.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ABS_B&B_June21_ADV_PRACTICALITY BROWN_MK.indd 59

59

18/05/2021 23:35

NORDIKKA.indd 1

23/04/2021 13:35

H O M E | FOCUS

Garden oasis

There are many ways you can prepare your outdoor space for the summer months Words S A N D R A R OT H W E L L

URBAN FIRES

CONTARDI

I

always make the most of sunny days in my garden in Cookham Dean – the garden table covered in fabric swatches and visuals for my next mood board, accompanied by a morning coffee! It’s a little oasis I have created and furnished just as I would a room in my home and I love spending time in it.

Essentially, it’s an outdoor room and increases the footprint of my house each spring/summer. Comfy seating, natural daylight and an abundance of greenery draw me outside each day and fill me with inspiration and positivity.

Even the smallest spaces can work brilliantly with careful planning. Just as you would indoors, it’s a great idea to zone your outdoor space too, breaking up areas with screens or tall plants. Outdoor rugs create the illusion of an extra room and having the correct size rug can make all the VINCENT SHEPPARD

The smallest outdoor spaces can work with careful planning difference – large enough to fit comfortably under the furniture.

Day beds are gaining in popularity and I love Vincent Sheppard who make stylish, yet practical outdoor and indoor furniture.

For bright sunny days, a parasol is perfect and provides vital protection from the elements. I love Symo for stunning designs, but they also supply built-in lighting and heating for darker and cooler evenings. A canopy or sail is another good option for weather protection. You will also need some throws – I use gorgeous, practical ones from Mariaflora, who also make a great range of indoor/outdoor cushions and rugs.

Just adding a few new accessories to your existing furniture can make a huge impact and create a very welcoming space.

Outdoor kitchens are a huge trend with built-in BBQs and sinks – so sleek but very practical. An outdoor bar is perfect for

entertaining; add a counter with a fridge and bar stools and you’ll have a very sociable space. Incorporating an outdoor fireplace will let you enjoy your garden well into the evenings (a simpler option is a fire bowl or contemporary chiminea).

Lighting is especially important for evening entertaining. You can have a tailormade lighting scheme installed, which will make the most of your outdoor space by highlighting key areas – well worth the investment. Candles are perfect too in hurricane lamps and lanterns: Contardi have some stunning designs.

Solar garden lights are also very decorative and a cost-effective alternative, used to either highlight paths and steps or simply strung in with foliage. Planting at different heights helps draw attention to specific areas of the garden, and mixing structured and soft foliage adds interest, depth and movement. I love scented plants too, which release their perfume well into the night.

All items available from Sandra Rothwell Interiors. For advice on creating your perfect outdoor space, please email enquiries@sandrarothwellinteriors.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ABS_B&B_June21_ADV_SANDRA ROTHWELL COLUMN_MK.indd 61

61

18/05/2021 23:39

The Old Bakery is one of Denham’s oldest properties

Slice of

History

Absolutely Home goes behind the scenes of one of Denham village’s oldest properties, The Old Bakery Words M A R K K E B B L E

62

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

ABS_B+B_June21_REAL HOME_MK.indd 62

18/05/2021 23:43

H O M E | INSIDE STORY The past meets the present

“The Old Bakery is undoubtedly a landmark building in Denham”

D

enham village in Buckinghamshire has plenty going for it, and its beautiful old buildings are certainly one selling point for anyone looking to move here. One of its oldest properties, The Old Bakery, is believed to date back to the 15th or 16th century and is Grade II listed. “It is undoubtedly a landmark building,” says current owner Trevor Nash, who invited us in to have a closer peek at this monumental piece of the past.

The white room

The Drawing Room “Unquestionably,” is the simple response from Nash when asked if this is his favourite room. It’s a space that dominates the ground floor with its vaulted ceiling and exposed beams, together with an impressive period fireplace and log burner. The period detailing in the sash windows adds another delicate touch, from which you can look on to the village itself. “It is a place to relax and reflect whilst being sufficiently spacious for the largest family gatherings,” Nash adds.

Period Features

The exposed beams are a stunning feature

Wherever you look at The Old Bakery, you are reminded of the past. The aforementioned beams are dotted throughout the property and give it a real USP. Both the dining and family rooms are heavily beamed and full of character with access to the outside terrace from

the dining room. The two rooms are divided by a feature fireplace, with a gas fire, which certainly adds to the cosiness.

What’s also key is how the interior design melts into the feeling of history. “The present furnishings complement the internal architecture,” confirms Nash.

“The interior has been designed to complement the fabric of the building.”

The Bedrooms Throughout The Old Bakery, the accommodation is generous. The principal bedroom is dual aspect, with yet again another delightful village outlook. On the other side of the house is a guest suite with more great views, and there are a further three bedrooms in the property – and you won’t have any trouble differentiating them. “Although neutrally decorated, the bedrooms are completed in different colour schemes and referred to as the blue room, green room, white room and so on.”

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

ABS_B+B_June21_REAL HOME_MK.indd 63

63

18/05/2021 23:43

-

H

O

M

E

S

-

Your Local Trusted Builder

Sunningdale Building Services Ltd is a well established Building Contractors company that has built up an enviable reputation over the last 20 years. We pride ourselves on our commitment to provide a professional and speedy service at all times, whilst maintaining the highest quality of work. We have a proven track record of innovative designs, effective problem solving and attention to detail and our goal is to meet and exceed the expectations of every customer. enquiries@sbs-homes.co.uk | 07927 714786 Sunningdale Building Services Ltd, 8 Crossways, Ascot SL5 0PY www.sbs-homes.co.uk SUNNINGDALE.indd 1

25/03/2021 12:44

H O M E | INSIDE STORY

A Modern Touch Although the interior design has been created with the building’s history in mind, it doesn’t mean there aren’t the mod cons too. As Nash explains: “Just the bathrooms and kitchen have been modernised – all other areas have been maintained in keeping with a listed building.” The kitchen has all the appliances you’d expect in a 21st century home, and the principal bedroom has an en-suite bathroom that is beautifully appointed with a shower and free-standing bath.

The Great Outdoors The Old Bakery is accessed through a five bar gate, which is just the start when it comes to the outside space. The rear garden is wonderfully secluded and steps from the terrace lead up to the lawn area, and an old water well has been cleverly designed to provide a perfect seating area. “It’s perfect for children,” says Nash, “and dogs!”

“There is a lovely community within Denham village” Denham “Denham is a real village,” Nash enthuses. “It has a lovely Norman church, which has been featured in episodes of Midsomer Murders, wonderful pubs and restaurants, and the River Misbourne running through the centre.

There is a village cricket ground, an excellent infant school, plus the Buckinghamshire Golf Club and Colne Valley Country Park, which surround the northern side. There is a wonderful community within the village, where neighbours soon become friends.”

The kitchen is one part of the house to have been modernised

The Old Bakery on Village Road, Denham, is currently up for sale for £2,375,000 via Savills Beaconsfield.

For more details, call 01494 731 950 or visit savills.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ABS_B+B_June21_REAL HOME_MK.indd 65

65

18/05/2021 23:44

H O M E • GARDEN FURNITURE

1

G A R D E N P A R T Y FURNISH YOUR GARDEN WITH THESE PRACTICAL AND DECORATIVE PIECES

1

G LOW U P AMBIENTEC

Nao Tamura, Japanese designer of this stylish Turn+ outdoor lamp, was inspired by natural light and the gentle, familiar lines of classic lanterns. It's rechargeable, waterproof and portable. ambientec.co.jp

2

S U N S P OT H A D E DA

3

The Traditional Malawi Cane twoseater will bring rustic elegance to your garden. Sustainable and stylish, it’s been handwoven by skilled artisans in rural Malawi.

It's available in black, white or another colour of your choice. £410 hadeda.co.uk

3

TO U G H LOV E CELINA DIGBY

Celina Digby's lovely waterproof textiles are designed for outdoors.

This tablecloth comes in lots of sizes and prints, with or without an umbrella hole. £49.99 celinadigby.co.uk

2

4

INDIAN SUMMER R AJ TENT CLUB

5

The Palm Springs day bed is dual use, in that the canopy can be easily lifted off so that just the sofa section can be used by itself. It's perfect for a conservatory. £1,600 rajtentclub.com

5

M E TA L H E A D S BRIDGMAN

4 66

This outdoor dining set is designed to be kept outside year-round. The anti-corrosive seats are stackable and lightweight, and the set has been expertly crafted from galvanised steel frames. £1,399 bridgman.co.uk

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

ABS_B&B_June21_HOME_GARDEN FURNITURE_PH.indd 66

19/05/2021 09:38

PB.indd 1

26/02/2021 12:12

H O M E | TREND

MADE Asuna Wide Sideboard, £399 made.com

DAALS Clarence velvet green sofa, £309.99 daals.co.uk

EARTHBORN Faerie paint 2.5 litres, £46 earthbornpaints.co.uk

OMG KITTY

HOT POTTERY Salad bowl, £35 libertylondon.com

GREEN LIGHT

Art Print Pink Green, £10 omgkittyclub.com

This summer's hottest shade

By P E N D L E H A R T E

NICHOLAS ENGERT Cage Cordless Floor Light Green, £566 nicholasengert.co.uk

WOODCHIP & MAGNOLIA X FEARNE COTTON Pondering Peonies Duck Egg Wallpaper, £99 woodchipandmagnolia.co.uk

ABODE LIVING Fish Fish medium green glass £8.50 abodeliving.co.uk

GLOW LIGHTING

68

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

ABS_B&B_June21_HOME_PRODUCTS GREEN_PH.indd 68

Bertie Cluster Coloured Glass Pendant Light, £550 glowlighting.co.uk

21/05/2021 12:11

NATURALLY HEALTHY SLEEP NIGHT AFTER NIGHT Supremely comfortable all-natural British wool filled bedding and chemical-free mattresses

OUR STORES ARE OPEN AGAIN! SCAN TO BOOK A PERSONAL, COVID-SAFE SLEEP CONSULTATION WITH A SLEEP EXPERT BEDS | BEDDING | MATTRESSES | KIDS & BABY | HOMEWARES www.woolroom.com 01628 472287 info@thewoolroom.com 38 West Street, Marlow, Bucks, SL7 2NB

WR.indd 20

22/04/2021 15:13

E A T ' S S T O R W H I N N E V E R B E F O R E H AV E W E H A D SO MUCH CHOICE WHEN IT C O M E S T O K I T C H E N S T O R AG E AND HOW IT CAN COMPLEMENT MODERN DESIGN

By MARK KEBBLE

70

Strong as oak GARDEN TRADING

Taking its name from a picturesque village in Gloucestershire, the Oakridge table has been designed as a strong yet contemporary table that can be matched with an array of chairs. Instead of being square cut like traditional dining tables, the Oakridge has a waney edge, showing a natural gentle curve giving it a beautiful point of difference. Its design also sits comfortably in modern kitchens that feature an island and plenty of shelves to put that washing away neatly post-feast. gardentrading.co.uk

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

ABS_B&B_June21_KITCHEN TRENDS_MK.indd 70

21/05/2021 15:32

H O M E | KITCHENS

Wine o'clock R AT I O N A L

This highly innovative kitchen organization system has been designed for use inside units and as a wallhanging. Created using real woods, such as oiled walnut, anodized aluminium, and a breathable textile material distinguished for being hygienic, foodsafe, highly durable and washable, the system includes cutlery compartments, a cutting board, knife block, trays, wine bottle racks, glass hangers, and textile hanging pockets, all of which allow for different sized storage at various levels. rational.de/en

Hide and seek W R EN K ITC H EN S

When it comes to kitchen storage, you don't want guests to be able to see your pots and pans piled high on top of each other. Subtle storage is the way forward, as shown in this pull-out tower storage. It features here in Wren Kitchens' industrial Autograph range in a textured Flamed Oak colour. Even the bottles of ketchup look fetching, and you'll never have to rummage around for them at the back of a dusty cupboard. wrenkitchens.co.uk

Light the way B R AY E R D E S I G N

You know how it is. The clock ticks past midnight and you are peckish. Rather than blaze a light trail throughout your darkened home, what you need is a cabinet that illuminates as you open it.

This pantry cabinet for Felsted kitchen design boasts traditional shaker style doors in 'Strong White' by Farrow & Ball and a contemporary walnut interior with handleless drawers, spice rack storage – and the all important automatic LED lighting. Enjoy your midnight feast. brayerdesign.co.uk

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

ABS_B&B_June21_KITCHEN TRENDS_MK.indd 71

71

21/05/2021 15:33

POP-UP SHOP Coming to John Lewis Bluewater on 2nd August 2021

Nikki holds a diverse professional career within the creative industry. Working at the Natural History Museum in the Display/Art Department, Urban Outfitters as a Creative Artist Manager, as well as in the Art and Design Department at inner London schools, it has provided Nikki with a breadth of knowledge and skill that is evident in the work she produces. Her creative inspiration derives from her surroundings.

Touch points such as architecture, colour in nature, to high-street fashion and the sounds of music, Nikki creates work that reflects an ever-changing society, demonstrating diversity and contemporary notes in her work. Since moving to Devon, Nikki has continued to produce work to the highest quality, with everything she produces being unique, distinctive, and irreplaceable.

heartart2020@outlook.com | www.heart-art.co.uk | 07435771955 HA.indd 1

@heartart20

@heartart2020 21/05/2021 09:32

H O M E | KITCHENS

Fit for a family B R AY E R D E S I G N

Keep things simple. This contemporary design features minimalist kitchen cabinets in a sleek, handleless design painted in Zoffany Double Silver matt lacquer. The kitchen island features an elevated island breakfast bar with bespoke made stools, perfect for tucking away a hearty breakfast with the family.

A breakfast station/pantry cabinet with a charcoal oak interior houses small appliances such as the microwave, kettle and coffee machine. All in all, a design fit for 21st century family living. brayerdesign.co.uk

Country living B R AY E R D E S I G N

The Kingswood Country Kitchen pantry / breakfast cupboard, with practical pocket doors, automatic interior lighting and a composite worktop matching the rest of the kitchen covers off everything you could possibly need when it comes to storing kitchen accessories. With grey hand-painted shaker cabinets in 'Drury Lane' by Mylands, it also features burnished brass handles and walnut interiors. The worktops are 'Lucerne Lake' Quartz composite, with interior design and styling by Emma Merry. brayerdesign.co.uk

Timeless appeal K ITC H EN M A K ER S

Thanks to door styling with quarter round beading, concealed hinges and a delicate classicality, the Somerton collection is elegant and considered, yet can be soon super-sized into a more stylised look, whether across a vintage basement, apartment galley or neobarn setting. Further enhance your open shelving with painted colour. A gentle tonal notch up against the base Fjord Green elevates daily storage into a feature piece delivering on both function and display terms. burbidgekitchenmakers.co.uk

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

ABS_B&B_June21_KITCHEN TRENDS_MK.indd 73

73

21/05/2021 15:33

FIELDS.indd 1

21/05/2021 11:33

H O M E | KITCHENS

Warm sensation K ITC H EN & B ED R O O M ST U D I O S

Add a touch of luxury to your kitchen with beautiful metallic touches. The stunning mottled copper splashback in the kitchen below contrasts beautifully with the dark blue furniture.

It is complemented by the copper handles and soft brown tones of the dramatic worktop. These copper touches are warm and tactile, adding a touch of luxury and brightness, enhancing the overall look. kbstudios.co.uk

Best thing since...

GARDEN TRADING

When thinking about kitchen storage, it's not always about the cupboards and shelves – products, too, can help keep your space clutter free, but also look good too. Garden Trading's contemporary Borough Bread Bin, for example, combines matt steel with a natural beech lid, cleverly doubling as a chopping board for quick and convenient slicing. Choose from two colours – soft Lily White or smart Charcoal – as well as adding to the look with more from the Borough collection. gardentrading.co.uk

Country living K ITC H EN M A K ER S

An imaginative blend of classic elegance and contemporary flair, the Alderley range holds its own against today’s interior trends and lifestyle needs.

The design draws on the Burbidge wood-crafting heritage, having been expertly produced in an authentic inframe style and is available in a choice of 16 carefully selected paint finishes, ranging from subtle to bold. It's a design that will complement any kitchen. burbidgekitchenmakers.co.uk

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

ABS_B&B_June21_KITCHEN TRENDS_MK.indd 75

75

21/05/2021 15:33

H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

Individual touch

Absolutely heads to Marlow to find out more about the bespoke approach at Mark Taylor Design

M The company is renowned for its use of innovative materials

76

ark Taylor Design is a British manufacturer of bespoke furniture, specialist joinery and cabinetry. Working on the belief that (almost) anything is possible, craftsmanship, attention to detail and superlative service are central tenets of the business. The company is renowned for its use of innovative materials and for transforming clients’ homes into truly extraordinary spaces.

MD, Mark Taylor, founded the company in 1996. He is an experienced, contemporary designer with a deep appreciation of classic styling, materials and craftsmanship. He received a thorough grounding in the furniture industry, working at all levels for many ‘blue chip’ manufacturers both in the UK and the USA, where he was influenced

by Trans-Atlantic design ideas and space management techniques.

Mark and his highly experienced team offer clients individual solutions, both fitted and freestanding, for kitchens, studies, bathrooms, bedrooms, bars, architectural joinery, corporate projects and exclusive furniture pieces, as well as a complete interior design service. Their knowledge of textiles, materials, colour, sustainability and trends provide a wealth of choice and inspiration to clients.

“We provide the complete package from space management and design, through the cabinet making process to final installation.

Our expanded offering includes lighting expertise, security services, sound systems, exterior styling, extensions and much more. Whether you are planning a new kitchen, building a new house or renovating your existing home, we are able

to offer a complete design service to find the perfect solution for you,” says Mark.

Mark Taylor Design has also developed a concept kitchen range, MeThD, that gives clients the freedom to curate their unique kitchen without the bespoke price tag.

MeThD consists of four beautiful custom kitchen ranges, all of which are available with a number of bespoke adaptations and in standard or special paint colours. MeThD combines the quality, beauty and aftercare of bespoke with the affordability, speed of production and ease of installation of a custom range.

Working from its design studio and offices in Marlow, and supported by workshops in Wiltshire, Berkshire and Oxfordshire, Mark Taylor Design takes on projects nationwide.

For further information, contact Mark Taylor Design on 01628 486707, email mtd@marktaylordesign.co.uk or visit marktaylordesign.co.uk

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

ABS_B&B_June21_ADV_MARK TAYLOR DESIGN_MK.indd 76

21/05/2021 00:10

MHF.indd 20

23/04/2021 13:35

B o w l e d O V E R Fashion designer Henry Holland’s newfound love of ceramics has inspired a collection of homewares Words P E A R L B OY D

78

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

ABS_B&B_June21_HOME_HENRY HOLLAND_MK.indd 78

21/05/2021 00:12

H O M E | PROFILE

He fell in love with the meditative process of building each piece by hand

T

he former Creative Director of his eponymous fashion la b el House of Holla nd, Henr y Holland first discovered a love of ceramics during the pandemic, enrolling in lessons at his local pottery studio. Initially intended only as a part-time creative outlet, Holland quickly fell in love with the meditative process of building each piece by hand, which provided a new and welcome pace of working, following years spent in the frenetic world of fashion.

When lockdown restrictions closed the local studio, Holland stumbled across his own interpretation of the nerikomi pottery

technique while practicing at his kitchen table. The slow method of stacking, folding and rolling coloured clay into slabs, then hand moulding them into functional shapes, means that each piece is organic in nature, and impossible to recreate exactly.

Now able to work from his studio again, his first collection of ceramics includes table and serveware in a range of different colours. Each object is unique with the combined colour combinations of the different earthenware clays, creating Henry’s signature colour combinations and patterns. This debut collection marks the start of a series of homeware collections for Henry Holland Studio who, as well as in-house ceramics, will also be launching new collaborative projects for different areas of the home.

“It is a privilege to design beautiful things that people are willing to live with,” says Holland. “To contribute to someone’s personal environment in this way, and to build treasured things, that’s the kind of connection we are all looking for.” henryhollandstudio.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ABS_B&B_June21_HOME_HENRY HOLLAND_MK.indd 79

79

21/05/2021 00:13

JUSTWARDROBEDOORS ADD SOME GLAMOUR TO YOUR BEDROOM

A NEW WAY TO BUY YOUR LUXURY WARDROBES from replacement doors to a complete installation

FULL WARDROBE INSTALLATION

REPLACEMENT WARDROBE DOORS

USE OUR LUXURY WARDROBE KITS

Visit us online to view our luxury door designs

www.justwardrobedoors.co.uk JW.indd 1

23/04/2021 13:34

WANTED BY

HENLEY ANTIQUES Jewellery - Vintage & Modern Wrist & Pocket Watches Silver Items Scientific Instruments Coins, Gold Interesting, Quirky, Unique & Unusual Items

Confidentiality Assured 01189 9242582 or 07768 918 501 frednickson@henleyantiques.com

HAA.indd 1

25/03/2021 12:29

Create a home you’ll

love

Berkshire interior designer, curating pieces by renowned and prestigious designers and working with talented master craftsmen to create unique and beautiful homes.

Full interior design service and room-by-room virtual design with Roomology.

For more information call 01628 487 600 or visit www.sandrarothwellinteriors.com

• HALVES QUARTERS_USE.indd 2

21/05/2021 16:03

D E S I G N E D for S L E E P Sweden’s cult sleep brand Carpe Diem Beds is gaining popularity in the UK. Absolutely discovers why

C

Words P E A R L B OY D

arpe Diem Beds is a household name in Sweden, associated with the ultimate in sleep comfort.

This is a bra nd that has patented a mattress designed by a chiropractor together with a team of medical experts with the aim of offering a lifetime of quality sleep. Relatively new to the UK, Carpe Diem Beds opened a showroom on Wigmore Street last year, where visitors can experience the company’s ethos first hand.

The store is dedicated to optimising the bedroom environment to create an oasis of calm. And while choosing the perfect mattress for you is at the heart of the experience, there’s a strong focus on

82

bedroom design and streamlining, so that the bed you choose can be housed in an environment that’s conducive to optimum sleep health.

For manager Rui Franca, guiding clients through the process involves paying close attention to their needs. The showroom is a very calming place and people are encouraged to take their time. “We like people to come and spend an hour or two trying the beds. We can provide sleep masks, lower the lights and let people rest,” he says.

For the UK market, Carpe Diem Beds has introduced 36 different Designers Guild fabrics for beds and headboards that can be colour matched with carpets, cushions and curtains. Franca explains: “In selecting the fabrics we look at colours that are neutral and subtle. Bright colours are energising

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

ABS_B&B_June21_ADV_CARPE DIEM_MK.indd 82

21/05/2021 00:17

H O M E | PROMOTION

1 K E E P TO N E S N E U T R A L Bright colours are not conducive to relaxation – neutral shades of beige and grey create a sense of calm that will aid sleep.

and we need to be relaxed in a bedroom, so there are no oranges or shiny finishes. It’s all about neutral tones, which are adopted in Scandinavian design to create a sense of calm in the mind.” Fabrics are beiges and greys with some darker tones and maybe some light pinks at the more colourful end of the neutral palette. “In store we have access to side tables, carpets and throw

Neutral tones create a sense of calm in the mind

cushions. We have slick metal side table and lamps too, with finishes in chrome and marble, all in calming soothing tones.”

The look is luxurious but minimalist and the neutral tones are designed to be mixed and matched alongside lifestyle products such as kimonos, slippers, sleep masks and scented candles. The latest addition to the range is a matching dog bed, made to the same exacting standards as the regular beds, which achieved immediate cult status on its launch in Sweden.

There’s a widespread misconception that a firm mattress is better for you, says Rui. “But we believe that you should sleep in the bed, not on the bed, and our contour pocket system is meant to contour your body so that you feel you’re sleeping on a cloud.”

Carpe Diem Beds was founded 25 years ago by chiropractor Börje Thuleskär in partnership with the Spinal Unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Sweden. The company’s patented Contour Pocket System has a unique cushioning ability, which gently yields and supports at the same time, instantly moulding to your body’s contours and changing with your every movement. Now the brand is associated with high quality Scandinavian design and innovation. A Carpe Diem bed is a long-term investment in sleep, with a superking model priced between £4,500 and £30,000. If that sounds expensive, Franca says: “We spend a third of our lives asleep and it’s funny that we’re inclined to spend more on our cars than on our beds.”

Funny indeed.

2 C L I M AT E C O N T R O L The room shouldn’t be very warm or very cold. 18-20 degrees maximum is a good temperature. Bedrooms should be well insulated and the heating should be off.

3 NO DEVICES! Checking your phone makes your brain active. It’s better to read a book. The ideal sleep experience comes with mental relaxation.

THE WIGMORE STREET STORE

15 Wigmore Street, W1 020 3982 3252 carpediembeds.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ABS_B&B_June21_ADV_CARPE DIEM_MK.indd 83

83

21/05/2021 00:18

WLK.indd 1

21/05/2021 09:54

H O M E | PROMOTION

Under cover

The “smart art” way of printing awning covers Words E V E H E R B E R T

A

wning covers protect you from the sun and they colourfully decorate your home.

Now there are even fabrics with an artistic touch.

The 16 “smart art” fabrics from awning manufacturer markilux showcase flower blossoms, leaves, dots, geometrical shapes and motifs reminiscent of modern acrylic painting. The patterns are printed digitally onto the textile material using weatherproof and water-repellent latex dyes.

Environmentally friendly

The attractive patterns are even visible from underneath the cover. To achieve this,

 Smart Art awnings With its 16 exciting, “smart art” patterns, awning specialist markilux is bringing art and awning covers together. The cover material is digitally printed with environmentally friendly latex dyes and the beautiful motifs are even clearly visible from underneath the cover.

the fabric is pre-treated in a special way.

This allows the thin, slightly elastic layer of latex to adhere permanently to the top of the fabric. It is particularly smooth, so the material stays clean longer in comparison with other printed outdoor fabrics. In addition, the awning covers are completely immune to the effects of wind and weather.

Moreover, the digital textile print, with its water-based, odourless colours, is extremely environmentally friendly.

These awning covers are reminiscent of acrylic paintings

Inspired by art

The expressive, graphic motifs employed in the ‘smart art’ collection were inspired by artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.

Silhouettes, overly dimensioned mobiles, die stamping and other techniques are sources of inspiration. The exclusive patterns are

found in both coloured versions and plain grey tones. This style of awning cover is quite new and therefore makes it possible for a completely individual style to be created, as art in all its broad diversity can now be applied to an awning cover.

For further information, please visit markilux.com

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

ABS_B&B_June21_ADV_MARKILUX_PH.indd 85

85

21/05/2021 00:21

BP COLLINS.indd 1

21/05/2021 11:30

F A M I L Y

PARTY PIECES J OJ O M A M A N B E B E

JoJo Maman Bébé - who have stores in Henley, Marlow, Windsor and Amersham - have released a brand new collection of adorable summer baby outfits, just in time for lockdown babies to finally meet friends and family. We can't get enough of the butterfly embroidery. jojomamanbebe.co.uk

Thank & Praise 88 • UK getaway 93 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

ABS_B&B_June21_FAMILY_Opener_MK.indd 87

87

18/05/2021 23:10

TEACHERS HAVE BEEN SHORN OF THEIR CLASSROOM INTERACTION THIS YEAR

Thanking our unsung

HEROES

TAP is a unique social thanking platform to recognise the unsung heroes working in healthcare, social care and education, while raising funds for good causes B y P AT R I C K M E LV I L L E

88

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

ABS_BB_June21_EDUCATION FEATURE_MK.indd 88

21/05/2021 12:29

FAMILY • FEATURE

SCHOOLS HAVE HAD TO ADAPT QUICKLY TO HOME SCHOOLING

"We believe that the giving of thanks is hugely beneficial to both the recipient and the giver"

T

AP (Thank and Praise) was started in Sunninghill, Berkshire, by a couple who adopted a special needs son and have always found it hard to acknowledge their amazing workers in healthcare and education. “Our culture often seems driven to look for the worst, to highlight what is wrong, instead of giving thanks and praise for the good that can be found in so many, especially in unsung heroes in education and healthcare,” says Sandie Curtis, TAP co-founder.

TAP conducted research with over 250 members of the public before COVID and found a strong statistic that “on average, 70% of people who describe themselves as thankers do NOT get to give thanks” – COVID has had a negative impact making it harder to give thanks.

TAP has answered this problem through building a digital social thanking platform.

The platform provides an easy, fast and safe way to send a message of thanks through digital – their website, WhatsApp, email and social media channels. It is free for anyone to send and receive a message of thanks, and since March 2020, over 4,000 personal messages of thanks have been collected from the public and co-workers.

TAP’s CEO, Matt Findel-Hawkins, who lives in Windsor, has driven TAP forward since COVID forced the big changes for so many communities. “TAP is a mission led business with a goal to change the world and make it a better place. We believe that the giving of thanks is hugely beneficial to both the recipient and the giver of thanks and that’s what our platform facilitates.”

A key role in TAP is to share the messages of thanks directly with organisations and invite them to use TAP’s services, and this includes our local schools too. Esther Russell, Chair of Friends of Chesham Bois School, says: “We’d love to use this forum to help bring together a wider sense of community and togetherness within our lovely school. To let the staff know how much their hardwork is appreciated, particularly at this time where so many of us are struggling with the challenges of day to day life.”

TAP is nationwide initiative and is something that we all need a little bit of at this time. It’s been such a tough year, in education and beyond, and what our teachers have had to go through is unprecedented. Offering a few words of thanks can mean the world to each and every one of them. thankandpraise.com

Some local words of support…

To: Mrs Hassan, Mrs Newton and the rest of the teaching staff at Chesham Bois, Amersham, Buckinghamshire A HUGE thank you to Mrs Hassan, Mrs Newton and the rest of the teaching staff for all their hard work, support and determination in engaging the children and providing the home schooling materials.

We totally appreciate your hard work, as you continue to support/ teach those children who are also attending school. This must be a difficult juggling act. We look forward to seeing you all soon.

• To: All staff, Elangeni School, Amersham, Buckinghamshire Dear all staff, thank you for all your hard work and commitment towards helping everyone get through this tough time. Your speedy reaction to getting online learning set-up was amazing - thank you!

Please take care of yourselves. (from the School Governors) • To: St Michael’s Primary School, Sunninghill, Berkshire Please thank the whole team for their continuing support and commitment to our children during these difficult times. Our school has remained a haven of stability and love because of all you provide as individuals and a team. THANK YOU!

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

ABS_BB_June21_EDUCATION FEATURE_MK.indd 89

89

21/05/2021 12:29

PRIVATE TOURS AVA I L A B L E V I R T U A L LY O R I N - P E R S O N E V E RY W E E K D AY M O R N I N G Your opportunity to look around the school, meet some of our staff and have any questions answered by our Headteacher Mrs Joanna Leach.

The reasons you might choose Highfield for your child are numerous.

The range of opportunities for children of all passions and abilities is extraordinary and we take pride in our track record of helping children get into their next schools of choice, often with scholarships or other awards. Above all though, Highfield is a small, close-knit family. We produce confident, polite, resilient and compassionate girls ready to take on the challenges that the next phase of their lives will bring.

E XC E P T I O N A L E D U C AT I O N · O U T S TA N D I N G VA L U E T O R E G I S T E R O R F O R M O R E D E TA I L S E M A I L O F F I C E @ H I G H F I E L D P R E P. O R G O R C A L L 0 1 6 2 8 6 2 4 9 1 8

HFS.indd 1

25/03/2021 12:30

FAMILY • PARTNERSHIP

C L U B C U LT U R E Parents in need of comfort, advice and childcare can find it all – with a bar – at Peace and Riot

“When you have kids, suddenly the world is not your oyster”

B

eing a parent is an enormous privilege, and we’re so lucky when we get the chance to watch our kids grow and become the amazing people we know they’ll be.

That’s the disclaimer done. It also SUCKS. Suddenly the world is not your oyster – it is a carefully planned excursion to the local café where you may or may not manage to eat a slice of cake without getting crumbs into the eyes of your perfect new baby. Not to mention constantly questioning why cake is now part of your daily diet. Or it is to the local playgroup which has a 30 minute window, in which you or may not stand a chance of getting there before the song starts, which in turn means you miss the offering of a lukewarm cup of weak tea.

When you have kids, the place where you used to go all the time doesn’t want you any more, and where they do want you, you’d rather not set foot. Parenthood is not just a change in circumstances, it is change in self-perception – and not always for the better. Identity matters.

On top of all this identity change, we then have the logistical and emotional challenges of returning, or not returning, to our former working life. Suddenly we might run our own business, become a freelancer, negotiate flexible hours or

condensed hours. Either way – it’s a lot.

Where can people turn for affordable and ad hoc childcare support? Or just for advice to negotiate the huge and rapid changes occurring in the workplace?

There’s no one-stop shop, and though some options are genuinely amazing, they are often out of the financial reach of the vast majority of people. Before Peace + Riot, the choice was always either/or.

Peace + Riot is a kitchen, bar and workspace with childcare on site. ‘Peace Keepers’ work just like home-helps would – except (finally!), you’re not at home.

Someone else has done the meal planning, the shopping, the cooking, the washing up – and someone else is keeping your kids entertained while you can just catch up with life admin, that email you were trying to finish, or with your friend or partner who you’ve not managed a full conversation with since the spring of 2019.

When you become a member of Peace + Riot you will be able to book your table, have one free visit a week (or use them in a block), discounts on food and drink and multiple discounts with partner brands.

That’s the micro needs taken care of. We also take care of the macro.

Your membership gives you access to coaching and training events and to a Member’s Portal where you will be able to network with your peers.

Last but not least Peace + Riot is a fantastic place to come for delicious food and a menu of carefully crafted house drinks.

P E AC E + R I OT Visit peaceandriot.co to join the waiting list as new memberships are released. @peacandriotco • peaceandriot.co

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

ABS_B&B_June21_ADV_PEACE_and_RIOT_MK.indd 91

91

21/05/2021 15:38

UK STE

RAIL D from

TRIP AY

AM

£99

The Cotswold Venturer

24

Saturday 21st August 2021

EST.1997

Join us on this scenic rail tour by steam train through the beautiful Cotswold Hills. Our destination is the cathedral city of Worcester, located on the banks of the River Severn and internationally famous as the home of Worcestershire Sauce.

Join us from London Paddington, Slough, Reading and Didcot Parkway to visit Worcester.

Seating available: Premier Dining includes a full English breakfast and a four course dinner served at your seat.

First Class includes morning tea or coffee with a bacon/breakfast roll, a Danish pastry and an afternoon service of tea or coffee with a savoury of the day followed by a scone with butter and jam.

Standard Class includes a reserved seat usually at a table for four.

Travel Safely: Covid-19 – We have put in place procedures to protect passengers – please see our website for details.

Bob Green

Fares

Adult

Junior

Family

Premier

£259

£175

£781

First

£159

£102

£471

Standard

£99

£70

£303

Tables for two can be guaranteed in Premier Dining and First Class for a supplement of £25 per person (subject to availability).

Refreshment trolley service available.

The Railway Touring Company 14a Tuesday Market Place, King’s Lynn, Norfolk PE30 1JN

For more information including approximate timings please call us on 01553 661 500 or visit railwaytouring.net The Railway Touring Company’s standard conditions of booking and travel apply. See website or brochures for details.

Learn to #ADifferentBeat

Open Morning Friday 2nd July

Book your place at www.headington.org/joinus

• HALVES QUARTERS_USE.indd 3

21/05/2021 16:03

FAMILY • UK GETAWAY

Beaverbrook SURREY

Helen Baron heads to the Surrey Hills – and takes the kids

THE HOTEL

A

refined grandeur is the order of the day at Beaverbrook – as it appears to be throughout this quietly contented corner of Surrey. The magnificent main building, former home of Lord Beaverbrook, has been beautifully maintained.

Artworks and antiques jostle for space in the airy central atrium, while the stunning Sir Frank’s Bar is decorated floor to ceiling with landscapes, horticultural paintings and animal portraits from the four corners of the arly modern globe. Our accommodation was in more contemporary quarters a short walk up the drive, two adjoining rooms featuring large, luxuriously appointed bathrooms, walk-in showers, superking beds and views across the estate.

Everything, from layout and decor to the choice of family amenities, was perfectly pitched.

THE ACTIVITIES

THE RESTAURANT

THE ESTATE

T

he spectacular scale of the grounds is revealed in halting fashion. As you approach the house itself, you only catch glimpses of what’s in store: open meadows and ornamental gardens, a kids’ playground built around a wooden tree-fort. But the full panorama is witnessed for the first time after checking in and making your way to the rear lawns, where shell grottos and tinkling fountains recline beneath stone steps and towering shadetrees. It’s a fine spot to watch the sun set over the wooded slopes that surround the estate.

W

e hitched a ride on a buggy to dinner at The Garden House Restaurant (which doubles as a cookery school). The building and its peaceful terrace lead out onto wildflower meadows and one of the most replete kitchen gardens you’ve ever seen, complete with Victorian glasshouse. Our littles loved gambolling around it in the gathering twilight, naming the vegetables that were shortly to be seen again, reconfigured and delicious, on our dinner plates.

The food was as magical as the setting and the service warmly attentive – staff were swift and happy to help when a sudden downpour meant we had to abandon our terrace table.

B

eaverbrook offers trout-fishing, clay pigeon-shooting and wine-tasting, but there’s lots for families too. Think tennis, indoor and outdoor pools, and a kids club with activities organised by popular entertainers Sharky and George – not to mention this mama’s favourite, the exquisite Coach House Health Club & Spa. Check the website for the different day-spa packages, which are underpinned by a belief and expertise in natural healing.

Rooms start from £385 on a room only basis;

beaverbrook.co.uk

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

B&B_version_ABS_MAMA_JUNE_21_UK GETAWAY.indd 93

93

21/05/2021 00:32

SMB.indd 1

21/05/2021 11:39

PROPERTY

CHAUNTRY ROAD SL6

£2.350m PRICE GUIDE

ituated in Maindenhead, this immaculate five bedroom house has been fully refurbished to an excellent standard. It offers an elegant open plan dining/ kitchen overlooking a pristine garden and pool, features a luxurious main bedroom with en-suite, and also has smart home Control4™ Technology providing security, comfort and convenience.

S

FOXTONS BERKSHIRE 020 8613 6262 foxtons.co.uk

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

ABS_B&B_June21_PFC_MK.indd 95

95

21/05/2021 00:34

PROPERTY • FOCUS

House for the AGES A remarkable Grade II* listed property in Windsor has come on to the market with quite a story to tell

L

isted Grade II*, due to both its architectural and historical importance, Hadleigh House is an elegant red brick house of typical Georgian symmetry, arranged over a total of five floors.

Hadleigh House has some unique features; of particular note is the impressive central staircase. The house incorporates a magnificent stained glass window, sash windows with some working shutters, fine period fireplaces, and oak flooring.

The generously proportioned reception rooms combine to provide excellent entertainment space, particularly as the dining room has a ‘dumb waiter’, which connects to the spacious kitchen.

During the installation of the kitchen and breakfast room, portions of the original York stone flooring were uncovered.

Built in 1793 by William Thomas, an apothecary and later Mayor of Windsor,

96

Hadleigh House was sold in the early 19th century to Mr John O’Reilly, SurgeonApothecary to King George III. On O’Reilly’s death, Hadleigh House passed to his partner, Henry Brown, who was later appointed Surgeon-Apothecary to King George IV. King George IV seemingly became incensed that Brown used the Castle driveway and required him to alter the house so as to have the front entrance on Sheet Street.

Brown was forced into turning his house around and evidence of this may be seen when studying the back of the house as it is today. Later appointed as Surgeon-Apothecary to Queen Victoria, Brown died in 1868, leaving the property to his son Henry. Upon Henry’s death in or around 1890, the house was sold to the Leveson Gower family who were the maternal family of the late Queen Mother.

They resided at Hadleigh House for more than 30 years and their family crest appears on the stained glass window.

Cuthbert Harold Blakiston, a senior master at Eton College, purchased Hadleigh House from the Leveson Gowers in the early 1920s and on becoming headmaster of Lancing College, sold the house to John Millar Watt. Watt was a famous cartoonist, sketching under the name of ‘Puck’ and whose work was published in Punch Magazine. He leased the house to Lady Hazel Macnaughton, whose son, a historian of some note, purchased the house before setting off to war in 1940.

In 1959 Hadleigh House was sold on to a development company but within a short time was purchased by local solicitor, P.J. Willmett. He sold the house on to David Bain, a Windsor surgeon in 1999.

HADLEIGH HOUSE Sheet Street, Windsor SL4 1BN £3,000,000 through Savills Berkshire 01753 834 600, savills.co.uk

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

ABS_B&B_June21_PROPERTY EDIT.indd 96

21/05/2021 00:35

WW.indd 1

22/04/2021 15:14

R

Did you know that you could release equity from a home you would love to move to?

Do you have an interest only mortgage that you would like to pay off?

Would you like to release tax free cash from the equity of your home?

INTERESTED IN KNOWING MORE?

call Craig Spark CeFA, CeMAP, CeRER on 0800 448 0170 / 07740 414170 or email him at craig@equityreleasepurchase.co.uk equityreleasepurchase.co.uk This is a lifetime mortgage. To understand the features and risks, please ask for a personalised illustration. Check that this mortgage will meet your needs if you want to move or sell your home or you want your family to inherit it. If you are in any doubt, seek independent advice. Your Home (or property) may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage. We offer a bespoke service and our fees can vary. Our usual set fee is only paid on completion as is 995.00. If your circumstances are more complex, we may charge a higher fee. Our maximum fee is 1% of the loan value. Equity Release Purchase is a trading style of Jay Jay (UK) Ltd, an appointed representative of The Right Mortgage Ltd, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Jay Jay (UK) Ltd is registered in England and Wales with Company Number: 04056416. Registered Address: The Stable Yard Vicarage Road, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, England, MK11 1BN.

ER.indd 1

21/05/2021 11:32

Castle View Retirement Village

Enjoy a Saturday Show-round with strawberries, scones and a glass of bubbles on the Sky Terrace, or arrange a private tour at any time It’s been a challenging year for everyone, yet it has highlighted many of the benefits that come with living within a retirement community. Throughout June & July, award winning retirement development, Castle View, are opening it’s doors every Saturday afternoon, between 2 - 4pm, making it a safe, easy, informal and relaxed way to get a sneak preview of life at Castle View, Windsor, exclusively for the over 55s. And, just because we all deserve a little treat, particularly now, will be serving complimentary strawberries, scones and bubbles on their exquisite Sky Terrace, with fresh air and plenty of space to socially distance, overlooking the rooftops of Windsor and the famous Castle.

Please note, whilst all property owners and staff at Castle View have been vaccinated, for everyone’s safety, please let us know in advance if you plan on coming.

“

“

It’s just a wonderful place to live!

Helston Lane, Windsor SL4 5GG | www.castleviewwindsor.co.uk CV.indd 1

Call our friendly Customer Care Manager, Ruth, on 01753 378 127 to find out more or arrange a safe viewing. info@castleviewwindsor.co.uk

01753 378 127 21/05/2021 11:31

£10 OFF when you spend £45* mention code: BM10

NOW UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT Formerly known as Raj Gate, Mughal Palace is now in the hands of Ali, who managed the Curry Centre in Easton Street, High Wycombe. The Curry Centre was the first Indian restaurant in the area when it opened in 1970.

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 5-11pm 20-22 Broadway | Amersham Old Town | HP7 0HP | 01494 43 47 84

No. 1 Indian restaurant in Amersham www.mughalpalaceamersham.co.uk *Telephone orders only, Delivery & Collection, excludes all other offers. Offer expires 30th July 2021

MP.indd 1

21/05/2021 09:44