The Cheshire Magazine April 2018 by Runwild Media Group

april 2018 s issue 052

From the

FLAMES Around the

WORLD

Malta offers the perfect combination of sunshine and culture

Lisa Stansfield chats about meeting her heroes

Style &

OFF THE

Charts Tricia Guild shares her tips for embracing colour this spring

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Substance Straight from fashion week, Mike Adler shares his styling secrets for the perfect SS18

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hat exactly is style? The word is typically used to refer to a person’s clothing, their outer appearance. But as Mike Adler - stylist to the stars and beyond - explains on page 36, style is really about expressing yourself. It may not be to everyone’s taste but respect goes to those who express who they are, unapologetically. Fashion is just one aspect of style. Ultimately, style is conveyed in everything that we say and do, not simply upgraded each season with outer fashions. It’s about our thoughts, actions and values and how we consciously and subconsciously express them. This could be how you decorate your home, where you choose to eat and drink, what car you drive and where you choose to travel. And, whilst we are not prescribing your style to you in

this issue, we hope to inspire you to express yourself. Whether that is in celebration of Madonna’s chart-topping song with said same title (which we have been humming around the office) or simply to go for it with ‘those’ shoes or ‘that’ holiday. From tips on introducing colour (p.126) from Designer’s Guild founder Tricia Guild MBE to driving across America in a Lamborghini (p.74) (Why not?), and from dining at one of the finest northwest eateries (p.94) inspired by a young chef who has far to go to chatting to Rochdale’s songbird, Lisa Stansfield (p.26), who has travelled All Around the World only to come home again to her most personal album. Of course, we can’t forget Easter, the long weekend with family, the indulging in chocolate (p.21) and the fluffy bunnies (p.100). Create your own style and wear it with pride.

Louisa Louisa Castle Editor

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DJ and producer Wayne has a vast knowledge of music, past and contemporary. This month he introduces us to new female talent Mark Johns and the tracks the fashionistas are enjoying.

Natalie Anglesey Natalie is an author, broadcaster and journalist, as well as a television producer and director. In this month’s edition she interviews Rochdale’s songstress, Lisa Stansfield, about her most personal album ever.

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Melissa Porter This month, as Easter appraoches, Property developer and a professional transformational life coach, Melissa, discusses religious dogma and traditions, and the inspiration she takes from Voltaire.

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Red is the colour, stand out from the crowd. (Redchanka / Shutterstock, Inc.)

Crispin Harris Crispin’s role as deputy chair of estate agent Jackson-Stops and Staff gives him unparalleled access to knowledge of property trends and issues. This month he talks us through how to look at your property from the buyer’s perspective.

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contents editor’s favourite

All Around the World Rochdale’s songbird, Lisa Stansfield talks to Natalie Anglesey about meeting her heroes and her most personal album ever

features

30 34 38

Leave to Remain Gerry Yeoung talks about the honour of being the High Sherriff of Greater Manchester

Style and Substance Stylist Mike Adler tell us what inspires him and gives his fashion tips for the season ahead

Northern Soul The BBC Philharmonic’s composer in residence, Mark Simpson talks about his passion for classical music

58 regulars 009 | Editor’s letter 010 | Contributors 017 | My life in Cheshire In the hot seat this month is cake company owner Alison Seagrave

126 096 | Local Scene All the glamour and gossip from our county

FAMILY

019 | Notebook Our pick of this month’s local events, news and best new products

100 | Kids’ news From toys to togs, we’ve the very latest for little ones

025 | As I was saying... This month Melissa is inspired by Voltaire and looks at religious traditions, as we approach Easter

103 | Classroom Academic updates from Cheshire’s fantastic schools

arts & culture

058 | Field of Dreams We get all dreamy on our fashion shoot with muted 042 | Creative Commitment colours and floral prints Former TV presenter Diana Mather chats about the formation of the Sandstone 068 | Beauty news Ridge Arts festival and the New treatments, products dedicated committee that and all the latest news brings it to life

collection 047 | Watch & Jewellery news A full round up of all the latest in style and sparkle

style 056 | Fashion news From essential accessories to new trends, it’s all here

motoring 072 | Motoring news All the latest news from the automotive world 074 | Race to Space We experience the road-going rocket ship that is the Lamborghini Huracán

home & interiors

47 travel 078 | Travel news The latest happenings from near and far 080 | Sun and Style As Valletta takes the mantle of Capital of Culture, Louisa Castle heads to Malta’s Ancient capital 084 | Weekend Away We enjoy a weekend break of food by the fireside at the luxury Bear’s Paw

food & drink

109 | Interiors news News, products and advice on making the most of your home, inside and out 116 | Life in Design Tom Bannister of The Landstruction Group and Big Hedge Company talks braving the elements and looking forward to spring 126 | Off the Charts Tricia Guild OBE, creative director and founder of Designers Guild, shares her simple tips for brightening your home this season 130 | The Edit We are inspired by the latest Maximalism trend

088 | Food & drink news Local chefs, new openings and our restaurant review

134 | Hot Property The crème de la crème of the local property market

092 | Greatness in Hard Graft Chef Ben Mounsey chats with Jan Clarke about his new role as head chef for Manchester’s Grafene

138 | Overseas property This home perched high in the hills of the Grenadines will leave you yearning to emigrate

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My life in

CHESHIRE ALISON SEAGRAVE, OWNER OF MACAROON CAKE COMPANY

How would you describe yourself? Wife, mummy to two little girls and cake maker. I’m a very loyal person and value my family and friends. Where is home? And work? I work from home. So, home is work and work is home. You can usually find me delivering cakes to clients and independent café and delis around Cheshire. It’s fantastic to have a job where I get to hang out in some great coffee shops when my deliveries are done. What did you want to be when you were younger? A police officer. But I think I would have been too short! I decided on catering college instead and my career in food, cooking and all things sweet began. I feel very proud to have worked in some amazing places from The Berkeley, London and The Royal Garden Hotel in Kensington to Harvey Nichols in Manchester, where I became executive chef.

“You can usually find me delivering cakes to clients and independent cafés and delis around Cheshire” particular favourites, but I also like to take a city break and recently visited Berlin. London also holds a special place for me as I lived and worked there for ten years, but I’m a home girl at heart and the north west is where I love to be. Who/What inspires you? My children. I learn from them every day and feel it’s important to learn from the younger generation as well as older people.

Name a few of your favourite places to be? I enjoy travelling. New York and Australia are

What was the last gift you gave someone? I bought a lovely scarf which was a birthday present for one of my friends.

FROM TOP: Aerial view of Berlin skyline and Spree rive &, Coffee Machine with red cups ( Bogdanhoda / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM); CAKES BY ALISON; New York City, Times Square (Luciano Mortula, / SHUTTERSTOCK. COM); British Passports (Abimages / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM)

Tell us a secret/fun fact I hate reptiles but, I’m not afraid of spiders. What’s been your biggest life lesson? Two things: You’re never too old to learn; and it’s nice to be nice. (macaroonbyalisonseagrave.co.uk) 17

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

NOTEBOOK Our guide to what’s on across Cheshire, the north west and beyond WORDS: JAN CLARKE

To coincide with the UK cinema release of Peter Rabbit, based on the classic books by Beatrix Potter, Steiff - the world’s most famous soft toy maker- has created two limited editions. Peter Rabbit and Mopsy Bunny are limited to 2,000 and are complete with the gold-plated ‘button -in-ear’ trademark. Steiff’s very first Peter Rabbit was created in 1904 only two years after The Tale of Peter Rabbit was first published and over a century later this mischievous character is as beloved as ever. Made from the finest mohair and alpaca and to Steiff’s exacting craftsmanship, these adorable keepsakes are available exclusively from Harrods, a key location in the film itself. (harrods.com)

AWAY DAYS Horse racing fans will be delighted to learn that this year Chester Racecourse is hosting away screening events. Guests are invited to witness live nail-biting action from top-class group and handicap contests, at some of the most prestigious away meetings in the 2018 Calendar. Screenings of all of the races from The Cheltenham Festival from Tuesday 13 until Friday 16 March, The Grand National on the Saturday 14 April, Ladies Day at Royal Ascot on the Thursday 21 June and the Prix De L’arc De Triomphe on Sunday 7 October will be shown. Choose from a table at the 1539 restaurant and enjoy a three-course lunch, television viewing and table service betting or visit Chester’s on-site gastro pub, The White Horse. The pub will also be screening races on Gold Cup Day at The Cheltenham Festival on Friday 16 March and The Grand National on Saturday 14 April. All races will be shown in the conservatory, where guests will also be able to enjoy a three-course pub lunch from a set menu and table service betting. (chester-races.co.uk)

The Return of the Rabbit

Voyage of Discovery Merlin Entertainments has created two incredible new features at its Manchester Sea Life Centre and Legoland Discovery Centre. The Sea Life Centre will be taking intrepid ocean explorers on a captivating voyage of discovery with the centre’s new 360-degree experience, The Lair of the Giant Crab. The breathtaking attraction sees two new unearthly sea creatures introduced to the centre - a giant Japanese spider crab, which can grow to up to 18 feet from claw to claw, and an intelligent Giant Pacific Octopus, nicknamed the Einstein of the Ocean. Wander through shipwrecks and uncover the truth about what it means to survive in the extraordinary underwater world of the Pacific Ocean. While over in Legoland, from the depths of the ocean to the heights of outer space, the ‘Space Mission’ experience will catapult guests into the top-secret world of Lego mission control in an intergalactic adventure. This interactive experience provides aspiring space stars with the opportunity to build their own Lego rockets and take command at Lego’s mission control base by blasting a shuttle into space. (visitsealife.com/Manchester; Manchester. legolanddiscoverycentre.co.uk)

31 mar-2 apr

The Easter Shopping Fair The Easter Shopping fair comes to the Tenants Hall at Tatton Park. Enjoy a great day out and discover crafts, gifts and food ideas from exhibitors, producers and artisans picked from across the country. There are also egg-citing activities for little ones, from Easter trails to traditional games. (countrywide-events.co.uk)

What’s On? Dates for the Diary

23 apr

1 apr

Fans and enthusiasts celebrate one of England’s greatest poets and dramatists. Head over to Stratford upon Avon to join in with the pageants and processions. (visitstratforduponavon.co.uk)

7-8 apr

Dinosaur World Live

Church Services and family gatherings held up and down the UK to celebrate this Christian festival. 6 apr

Steam Ship Cruise The National Waterways Museum at Ellesmere Port is the departure point for the River Weaver to Acton Bridge cruises aboard the Daniel Adamson Steam Ship. (thedanny.co.uk) 20

14 apr

Easter Sunday

An interactive show for all the family comes to Storyhouse, Chester where visitors can discover a pre-historic world. (storyhouse.com)

30 apr

William Shakespeare Day

The Grand National

Picasso 1932, Love, Fame, Tragedy

Aintree Racecourse will host this famous yearly race which also has an estimated worldwide TV audience of over 600 million people. (grandnational.org.uk)

Discover Picasso in all his complexity at The EY Picasso 1932 Exhibition – Love, fame and tragedy at the Tate Liverpool. Runs until 9 September. (tate.org.uk)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

of the

Best

My Chocolate Workshops

Best Chocolate Experiences Indulge in something sweet this Easter, as we take a tour of the best experiences for chocoholics!

My Chocolate is a specialist in deliciously indulgent chocolate-making events and experiences. Their vibrant classes are ideal for hen parties, birthday parties, corporate events and school workshops. Classes are held in their venues in London, Manchester and Brighton or are completely mobile and can be brought to a venue of your choice. The team at My Chocolate is passionate about the art of chocolate-making and has cleverly combined their skills with playful creativity to provide a great experience for customers. top tip

My Chocolate has a full schedule of events from the original chocolate workshop to chocolate treasure hunts. But, for something special they will create a bespoke event tailored to your specific requirements… even chocolate networking events. (mychocolate.co.uk)

Cadbury World

Afield Boucan Hotel, Saint Lucia If you like your chocolate served up with an added helping of luxury, then the Boucan hotel is the perfect choice. Located 1,000ft. above the glittering Caribbean Sea on the paradise island of Saint Lucia, lies Hotel Chocolat’s cocoa plantation and boutique hideaway. This island retreat is perfect for honeymooners, groups of friends or those simply looking to escape. Boucan is an exclusive, over 18’s -only sanctuary comes complete with the Cocoa Juvenate Spa and infinity pool, for total relaxation. The Boucan restaurant with its cacao cuisine and spectacular setting is one of Saint Lucia’s most popular foodie destinations and, as a hotel guest, you’ll be in a prime position to enjoy their creations.

top tip

Combine your visit with a trip to Selly Manor museum. This Tudor mansion dates back to the 1400s and was saved from dereliction by George Cadbury. (cadburyworld.co.uk)

further

A fun-filled chocolate day out for all the family, Cadbury World is a visitor attraction with something for everyone. Cadbury characters from Freddie Frog to Caramel Bunny star in their own stage shows, story time and sing-alongs: just some of the events available for little ones. Or you can ride the Crunchie Rollercoaster, a 4D cinema experience complete with motion seats, learn the Cadbury story and how the founder Quaker beliefs led to improved conditions for workers. Finally finish off the day with an indulgent afternoon tea in the Cadbury themed café.

top tip

If you can tear yourself away from the spa and sun loungers, why not discover cocoa like never before and create your own chocolate on the Bean to Bar experience tour? (hotelchocolat.com/uk/boucan) 21

Regulars | The CHESHIRE Magazine

IM A GI N AT IV E

influences This month we’re seeing red as we discover the ruby, the gem of kings and singing the blues for denim

jean genie

WHAT we’re LISTENING TO

The one to dance into spring with

Molino by Mark Johns Mark Johns was signed by Skrillex after hearing her covers of Jay-Z and Kanye West tracks, back in 2016. Her debut EP, Molino is crying out for a beach bar, after-party or the ideal choice while driving, preferably along a coastal road with the car top down.

#4 #6

top picks #1 Japanese Denim Jacket, £85 (topman.com); #2 Pebble Powder Blue Matt Side Tables, £119 (danetti.com); #3 Minsmere Blue Apron, £20 (pignut.co.uk); #4 Zuiver Milkmaid Woven Rug, £299 (cuckooland.com) ; #5 YPS Upholstered Dining Bench by Team 7, £2,700 (wharfside.co.uk); #6 Bow Tie by Scocca Papillon, £17.50 (dawanda.com)

Compilations without doubt always come with the generic four-six tracks that you just have to skip, but with this legendary compilation from the iconic hotel chain synonymous with the fashion world, you’ll find it hard to reach for the skip button. Tracks are selected by various DJs and producers and there’s even a special track gifted by the queen of trend herself, Madonna. Collated by our resident music maestro Wayne Miller of atm-allthingsmusic.com

Coffee Table

The Hôtel Costes Compilations Volume I & XV mixed by Stéphane Pompougnac.

CRUSH

The one for the Fashionistas

Ruby

by Joanna Hardy Author and jewellery specialist Joanna Hardy takes readers on a journey to discover the gem of kings: the ruby. From ancient mines of Burma, along the harsh terrain of the silk routes to the most recent discovery in Mozambique, this book is a wonderful guide to the coloured gemstone. Published by Thames and Hudson, £75 (thamesandhudson.co.uk)

Going Call us through before your a divorce? ex does.

Offices in Manchester and throughout the UK

Call 0808 175 7909 slatergordon.co.uk Slater and Gordon (UK) LLP is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.

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A s I w a s s ay i n g . . .

Dogma or tradition? This month Melissa Porter is inspired by Voltaire, famous for fighting against religious dogma and traditions

am inspired by many things, experiences and people. Voltaire is someone who stands out to me, and I particularly appreciate his quote: Think for yourself and let others enjoy the privilege of doing so too. Which brings me onto thinking about Easter. Religious dogma or tradition? Do you all agree in your household about your decision to celebrate and to mark the occasion of Easter? It’s a genuine question as, to my knowledge, no holidays require you to celebrate them. They require you to technically not attend work on a couple of select dates (unless you work in the hospitality industry and then the rule appears to not apply to you). Maybe your decision to celebrate is formed around your desire to keep alive the alleged resurrection of Christ. Or is the tradition of gifting the Cadbury’s chocolate while surrounded by chirping chicklets something that fills your heart with joy? For anyone in the latter group I feel obliged to point out that chocolate is available all year round and it’s legal to take a holiday at any time during the year. But maybe eating hollow oval-shaped overpriced branded candy while not at work around the first week of April is something that really works for you? Or have we reached a pivotal point in history where we’re no longer questioning why we do what we do and feel as we feel? Instead we have somehow become pre-programmed to do what we’ve always done - to follow suit; shallow-diving through the surface of our lives, forgetting we all have way more depth available to us in every seemingly superficial scenario.

Marriage. I’m curious as to your views on this age-old celebration/contract/union. What does it represent for you? A chance to dress up as a princess for the day, arriving to your event in a horse/unicorndrawn carriage tailed by the world’s finest cars (all on loan for the day). Or a commitment to self, to love, support and accept another human until… you meet someone better? You tell me. Co-habiting. A chance to share life experiences or the household bills?

Christmas. A celebration centring around an obese stranger named Santa Claus clambering down your chimney (even if you don’t have one), with a bunch of technology made in his remote log cabin in Lapland, assisted by vertically challenged humans - or a religious festival?

Respecting your elders. What, even the ones who are now behind bars for taking advantage of innocent and emotionally vulnerable victims/wannabes?

Eat up all your food from your plate. Even if the food sucks and doesn’t suit your palate, you’re being told to put the needs of dying kids you never met, before your own? If you choose to don an adult-sized bunny outfit over Easter and anyone calls you weird, say Thank you. Make up your own rules and remember you are unique. The time is now to recognise you’re a deep yet limited edition. Melissa is a professional, certified transformational life coach (melissaportercoach.com)

Feature | The CHESHIRE Magazine

All around the

world

Rochdale’s songbird, Lisa Stansfield chats to Natalie Anglesey about meeting her heroes and her most personal album ever

isa Stansfield is known as a multi-award winning singer with international record sales of over 20 million. Less well-known is she’s also a successful song-writer and actress. Yet there’s no airs about this down-to-earth star and her Rochdale accent is as strong as ever. “Folk always think I lead a glamorous life but when I was starting out I often had to change into my stage clothes in a toilet and wait to be called on stage in the hotel kitchen - but that’s showbiz for you,” Lisa chuckles. Deeper, Lisa’s brand new album, sees her embark on a European tour after first touring the UK. She’s delighted she’ll be visiting Liverpool and Salford on the way to the London Palladium. “I love The Lowry as the acoustics are great and the audiences are warm. I also can’t wait to return to the Liverpool Philharmonic as that was my biggest gig when I first started my career. It’s always great to meet new audiences as well as loyal fans.” Lisa’s meteoric career began in 1980 when, at 14, she won Search for a Star, a Manchester Evening News competition, at the Talk of the Town nightclub. At 15 she released her first single, Your Alibis, and a year later appeared on ITV Granada and signed the first of several recording contracts. “Everything happened so fast,” Lisa recalls. “Writing and recording music is what I still enjoy the most. But back then with the

publicity machine of interviews and photo shoots - I never had time to sit back and enjoy it. Now I can!” While she was still at school, Lisa was co-hosting children’s television shows Razzmatazz and The Krankies. After several television appearances, Lisa and fellow school-mates from Oulder Hill School, Ian Devaney and Andy Morris, formed the band Blue Zone in 1984. “We shared a love of music and I’ve always enjoyed acting - so now I get to do that on stage when I sing. Back then I appeared in a couple of pantomimes: Puss in Boots in Winsford; and Cinderella in Stockport. I went to the ball in a golden coach pulled by a lovely little pony who left a ‘present’ on stage every night! I told you showbiz wasn’t glamorous,” she laughs. The Blue Zone released several singles, including Thinking About His Baby. After the success of People Hold On in 1989, she continued writing most of her songs with Ian and Andy. Her first solo album, Affection, and its chart-topping lead single, All Around the World, proved a major, global break-through. In the following years she released Real Love, which went Platinum in the UK and gold in America, So Natural, and Lisa Stansfield. Lisa made the Live at Wembley video and two charity recordings – the AIDS charity compilation Red Hot + Blue and earlier Band

“When we recorded All Around the World together, we 26

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

shared a bottle of wine between us and that’s why we both look so happy on that video shoot!” 27

Aid 2’s Do They Know it’s Christmas? As we reminisce about George Michael and Freddie Mercury, Lisa pauses thoughtfully. “Talking about the people we’ve lost, I may include a tribute to them in my concert tour,” she adds. Once known as the Rochdale songbird, Lisa was actually born in Crumpsall Hospital to Marion and Keith Stansfield. The family lived in Heywood, finally

moving to Rochdale when she was 12. She and her two sisters grew up listening to their mother’s music collection which included Barry White - a major influence on young Lisa who never dreamt one day she’d record with him! “When I first arrived in the States they were in shock. Because of my voice, they were expecting a large, soul singer and this thin as a drink of water, white girl turned up! Barry White was my hero and proved a larger than life character. When we recorded All Around the World together, we shared a bottle of wine

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

between us and that’s why we both look so happy on that video shoot!” In 1992, Lisa co-wrote and recorded Someday for the movie and the theme song for Indecent Proposal starring Robert Redford and Demi Moore. She released two singles in America: Make It Right, from Beverly Hills 90210 The College Years; and Dream Away from The Pagemaster movie. She also wrote the Dionne Warwick hit, Friends Can Be Lovers, and recorded I’ve Got the World on a String for The Mona Lisa Smile. “My next few albums included Face Up, Biography: The Greatest Hits, and The Moment. But I still had the acting bug and in 1999, I appeared in my first film, Swing, and recorded the soundtrack. I then took a bit of a break from music to focus on a stage and film career.” Lisa’s stage debut was in The Vagina Monologues in London’s West End with Anita Dobson, and she appeared in the comedy series Monkey Trousers. Drama series followed like Goldplated,

Agatha Christie’s Marple and The Edge of Love starring Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller and Cillian Murphy. She starred in the documentary Dean Street Shuffle and in Elaine Constantine’s film Northern Soul, about the social phenomenon of Northern Soul music. “It was way before my time but my mum loved all soul music. She met my dad when they worked in the same cotton mill and thought she’d done well to marry an electrician. But singing was her great love and she lived vicariously through me. I’m just proud she was able to see I’d achieved a bit of success.” On 25 July 1998, Lisa and Ian married in a private ceremony in New York with her parents and his mother present. The sad death of Lisa’s mother brought them back after an extended stay in Dublin. “It was the right time to come home and be with family. Ian’s mother has since passed away and we’ve inherited the house and our old recording studio in the grounds,” Lisa confides. “We recorded here years ago with the Seven album. Now we’re back with Deeper and it still has that slightly fusty smell. So when my husband leaves for work in the morning, I don’t make him sandwiches, but I do make sure he’s wearing a warm coat!” Lisa’s Live in Manchester album and video were filmed at the Bridgewater Hall back in 2015. But now she’s raring to go on the Deeper tour. “This is my most personal album yet. Not just because it was recorded in Rochdale but it’s like my own musical journey with echoes from the past. I suppose it’s a culmination of my career and we’re very proud of it. Of course I’ll also be singing all the hits on tour, but I do hope audiences enjoy our new work as well.” During her successful career Lisa has won numerous awards, but is there a favourite? “My mum was proud of every award I won but her favourite was the BRIT Award - if she was still here that would definitely be on her mantelpiece!” Lisa Stansfield at Liverpool’s Philharmonic, 10 April and The Lowry, Salford 15 April 2018.

“My mum was proud of every award I won but her favourite was the BRIT Award - if she was still here that would definitely be on her mantelpiece!” 29

this page: gerry in his high sheriff uniform right: gerry with members of the community

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Feature

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REMAIN Natalie Anglesey speaks with the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Gerry Yeoung over dim sum

eeting the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester in the Trafford Centre may seem a bit bizarre until I explain that, the location of not only Gerry Yeung OBE DL’s head quarters, but also of two of his restaurants: the Yang Sing Cathay and Yang Sing Xpression. As we meet again, after a gap of several years, Gerry proudly explains his role: “I’m honoured to be the first Chinese High Sheriff - a title which has existed since Anglo-Saxon times. It’s mentioned in 27 of 63 clauses in the Magna Carta encompassing law and order - combining jobs now carried out by the police, the court magistrates and local authorities. We still represent the Queen as the head of the judiciary, but that’s purely ceremonial.”

Gerry’s too modest to mention that you have to be acknowledged as a prominent figure in the community before being considered for the role. A notable restaurateur, he and his family have done much to promote Manchester’s Chinatown. “It’s very important that, while the Chinese community retains its identity, it also integrates with other communities in the city,” he impresses. Gerry and his family have been involved in cultural, educational and charitable events in the city for many years. Indeed for services to business in Manchester, in the 2003 Queen’s Birthday Honours’ List, he was awarded an OBE. “Although it was HRH the Queen who presented my OBE, I’ve since met several members of the royal family - although my children were most impressed when I met Prince William and his lovely wife Catherine!”

“My children were most impressed when I met Prince William and his lovely wife Catherine” 31

Kui Ma (Gerry’s birth name) was born in Guangzho and spent his childhood in Hong Kong. “I came to the UK when I was only 16, with limited school English, and here’s a funny story,” he chuckles. “In my passport were the words Leave to remain. I was confused because leave means go and remain means stay - it took me a while to puzzle that one out.” It didn’t take the determined student too long because in one year he passed both his O and A Level exams and studied for his BSc at York University. Since then, Gerry has added honorary doctorates in Science from the University of Salford, and Business Administration from MMU; as well as a Medal of Honour awarded by the University of Manchester in 2016. After graduation, in 1977, Gerry worked as a trainee accountant until his father asked him to join the family business, the new Yang Sing Restaurant. We first met at the BBC, when I was invited to a wonderful banquet to celebrate Chinese New Year, the first of many prepared by his brother Harry. Gerry ensured it became one of the most famous restaurants in Manchester. Now its management has been handed to the third generation of the Yeung family. Was he disappointed neither of his children followed in the family business? “Not at all. In catering there’s no such thing as a life/work balance and they are both doing well in London.” As we reminisce over a delicious lunch, Gerry looks back at his year as High Sheriff. “The installation ceremony was impressive and I wore

military rather than court dress. I’m so grateful to my wife Yin Ling (Joanne) and my PA Margaret Gore – an amazing team.” One of the happier events Gerry enjoys is talking to children in schools. “However, I’ve found my ceremonial sword is more popular than I am,” he jokes. “Once, while travelling to London for a Royal Garden Party, I accidentally left it on the train. Fortunately an astute police constable at Euston station found it, saw my name inscribed, and called the High Sheriff’s Office. When I thanked him, I discovered he was from Preston – it really is a small world!” However, the High Sheriff’s most emotional experience was attending the vigil in Albert Square to remember the victims of the Arena bombing. “When the vigil began, someone in the crowd of thousands shouted thank you to the police and the emergency services and everyone burst into spontaneous applause. We need to be thankful we have efficient and caring emergency services. The community responded to this dreadful atrocity with true Manchester spirit - grit, pride and togetherness.”

left: gerry with his family; the crest; gerry & sword on a school visit above: manchester china town (victorash/ shutterstock.com) far right: gerry on a school sporting visit

“The community responded to this dreadful atrocity with 32

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The High Sheriff is holding a series of events to thank as many as he can. “I was so moved by the way our wonderful police force reacted on that awful night, I felt it was the right thing to do. As a family, we took part in the Greater Manchester Run alongside 30,000 competitors to raise awareness and sponsorship. After the terrible events of 22 May, everyone came to stand in solidarity with Manchester.” Among the many charities which benefit from Gerry’s £20,000 sponsorship are Disabled Living, RE: DISH and the Greater Manchester Police Trust. The office of High Sheriff is privately funded by the individual, so no costs fall on the public purse. As Gerry’s time as High Sheriff comes to a close at the end of April, he’s currently working on a free school project, aimed at bringing together the best practices of eastern and western education. He and his business partners have been facilitating collaborations between the two countries in education and media. “I was

delighted about the Prime Minister’s visit to China. Anything that generates trade between our two countries can only be beneficial to both.” Looking back over an emotionally-charged year, what impressed Gerry most? “The strength of the human spirit in adversity. As president of Disabled Living, one of the oldest charities in Manchester, I met a three-year-old little girl called Angel who was born with no arms. At the Orchard Foundation’s Special Needs Unit, she was lying on the floor - but she’d discovered how to operate a computer mouse with her toes. I was overcome by her fortitude and, as I left, she raced past me in a wheelchair shouting she was going OUT! To me that amazing little girl is an enduring example of the human spirit and I’m so glad I met her.”

true Manchester spirit - grit, pride and togetherness.” 33

Style&

SUBSTANCE Calling from Paris Fashion Week, stylist Mike Adler chats to Louisa Castle about style, inspiration and tips for the season ahead

ike is a regular with us here at The Cheshire Magazine, his arrangements adorning the models on our fashion shoot pages and most recently, the cover of our January issue. So, while the spotlight is on SS18 we took the opportunity to speak to the stylist from down under who now travels between London, Paris and New York. “As a kid I was always modelling and actually fell into styling by accident. They say things happen for a reason. I was on a photo shoot and the stylist didn’t turn up. The photographer asked if anyone could style the shoot, so I put my hand up and loved it. Then a magazine editor saw the shoot and asked who the stylist was - and that was 20 years ago. “Stylists weren’t the influencers they are today back then. And there weren’t really many around so I spent time developing myself as a stylist in Australia and working with modelling agencies. I was always fascinated by clothing, and for sure, I was creative being involved in dance and

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skating, as a teenager. I do remember saying that I wanted to live in London, New York and Paris, though I have no idea why. Back then the only way to do that was to be an actor or performer. Now I am living that childhood dream. I am so lucky that I have that lifestyle and career.

“Style is all about presenting yourself through fashion, unapologetically” “As I was learning my new trade, I went to Melbourne, I was fortunate enough to meet and work with designer John Cavill who became my mentor and still is today. He taught me how fashion and style can bridge the gap between emotion and design for the client. I learned how to dress women to not just look fantastic but feel

fantastic, too. And that is something I carry with me today, especially with my private clients. “My heart is in London and a great base, but I am always in contact with my clients, wherever I am. And I couldn’t be without my core groups of friends in each city; they are so important to me. My family is in Australia, as you know. My sister lives in New York though, which is great. WhatsApp is on 24 hours! “I am lucky to have a lovely mix of private and commercial clients, so every day is different and amazing. I also am lucky to be at the seasons collections and have access to some amazing pieces which no one else has. “Style is all about presenting yourself through fashion, unapologetically. I love seeing who people really are. Taste is controversial but

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when I see people truly representing their personalities through what they wear, it is amazing. That is what style is. You may love it, or you may loathe it, but respect has to be given. “I don’t tend to look back in life, so my style icons are current, today’s people in the here and now. I have model muses; Gigi and Bella [Hadid] and Hayley [Baldwin]. I love the way they take a look and present it their own way. It’s what’s happening now, always moving. “I am lucky to have such a variety of clients, some private, some celebrity. All have their own sense of style. Some are super private and want to feel great in what they wear, whether it’s for home or an event. I’m in touch six or seven times a day. Then I have celebrity A-list clients and the brief is more about branding or linking to a film, where they are within their career or the cultural influences of the country the event is in.

“I learned how to dress women to not just look fantastic but feel fantastic too.” “I love shape and fit and tailoring - really finding the shape and cut to flatter the body. And print and colour. Black is popular, but for me its about adding texture to it: lace and embellishments. But my pet hate is seeing people hide their bodies. There is power in celebrating what you do have. “SS18 is so exciting. There are prints and embellishments and textures; fabulous colour pallettes from soft pastels to vibrant jewel tones. There’s a definite mixed-vintage vibe, too. If you still have that dark denim in your wardrobe, dig it out and mix with your new finds. It’s such an amazing season, we are spoilt for choice and there is something to suit everyone.” (agent: angeladebona.com)

NORTHERN

Soul

As the BBC Philharmonic prepares to perform the world premier of Mark Simpson’s Cello Concerto, Jan Clarke talks to the highly respected composer and musician about his journey from the humble recorder to rave reviews of his epic composition, The Immortal

ark Simpson is an old soul transported into the body of a young, working class Liverpudlian. His creative genius, musical insight and career accomplishments to date, reach far, far beyond his years. He is a young man full of spirit and depth who is on a road -which I can’t help but feel is predestined -to greatness. Mark is the current Composer in Residence for the BBC Philharmonic in Salford. He’s a clarinettist, conductor and musical polymath, who is also currently working with writer, poet and librettist Melanie Challenger. The duo have several projects in the pipeline. A little daunted by the task of trying to fit his achievements into the next few pages, the easiest thing for me to do is to start at the beginning. For this, we need to go back to Mark’s days in junior school where, at the age of seven, he began to play the recorder. Mark tells me, “I had a very enthusiastic teacher at primary school who introduced me to classical music. She would play pieces to us in class or during assemblies and it lit a spark in me.” He goes on further to explains, how he was lucky enough to be the recipient of a fantastic support system through Liverpool City Council and that, through a council-based initiative, he was given

a clarinet at the age of nine. Mark adds, “I remember being so overwhelmed that I had been given this incredible, brand new instrument. It was so special to me.”

Music runs right into the very heart of Mark; for him it’s how he connects with the world. Mark’s natural talent quickly became evident. Music was his obsession and he joined a wind band, where he spent his Saturday mornings practising and playing. He says, “I loved being part of a musical team: there was always something to strive for and someone to look up to. I remember as a junior member being in awe of the seniors and couldn’t wait to become one.” Fast forward to 2006 when, at the grand old age of 17, Mark became the first ever winner of both the BBC Young Musician and BBC Proms/Guardian Young Composer of the Year competitions and remains the only person in history to have won both. He went on to read Music at St Catherine’s College, Oxford, graduating with first class honours, before undertaking postgraduate studies

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in composition with Julian Anderson at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Music runs right into the very heart of Mark; for him it’s how he connects with the world. Listening, playing and writing all offer a deep and even spiritual level of communication and it’s the medium he uses to express what’s inside himself. Inspiration comes from many things including poetry, philosophy, his questions surrounding the human condition and the journey both past, present and future we are all on. As he talks around the notion of where a creative idea comes from, we touch on the concept of whether creativity is in fact an otherworldly gift and I am offered a small glimpse into the mind of this extraordinary man. For someone so young, Mark’s journey as a clarinettist and composer is already littered with milestones and awards: he has performed globally and worked with conductors such as Vasily Petrenko, Gianandrea Noseda, Baldur Brönnimann and Yan Pascal Tortelier. His accomplishments are testament to his talent and expose his passion for new music and his ideals of wanting to bring classical music into the lives of young people. Being the recipient of the Royal Philharmonic Society Composition Award in 2010 led to the premier of a new ensemble work, Lethe, at the Royal Festival Hall, London, and other commissions include Israfel, for the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and Sparks, which was premiered at the Last Night of the Proms by the BBC Symphony Orchestra. His composition Exile, for the National Youth Choirs was performed at the Royal Albert Hall. But, it was after receiving the Sky Academy Arts Scholarship that Mark first started to work on his now epic oratorio, The Immortal. This composition began as his scholarship project in 2014-2015 and became an incredible score for a grand cast including

baritone, chorus and orchestra. Described by Times critic Richard Morrison: as “the most thrilling new choral work I have heard in years. At 26, what a prospect he is.” The Immortal was premiered by the BBC Philharmonic at the 2015 Manchester International Festival to rave reviews and heralded Simpson a huge rising star. This in turn has paved the way to Simpson being named as the Composer in Residence for the BBC Philharmonic in Salford. This new opportunity will give Mark the space to develop further his already distinctive and compelling compositional voice, and is a role that works in perfect harmony with the BBC’s philosophy of focusing on composers and musicians who have lived and studied here in the north. The BBC Philharmonic and soloist Leonard Elschenbroich will perform the World Premiere of Mark Simpson’s Cello Concerto at the Bridgewater Hall on Saturday 21 April at 7.30pm alongside music by Strauss and Shostakovich (bbc.co.uk/events)

“I loved being part of a musical team: there was always something to strive for and someone to look up to.” 40

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Arts & Culture

Mark Simpson images (Kaupo Kikkas) images of members of the bbc philharmonic (BBC)

A Creative

Commitment Former BBC television presenter and etiquette expert, Diana Mather talks to Jan Clarke about the inspiration behind the creation of the Sandstone Ridge Festival and this year’s programme of events

he Sandstone Ridge Festival started out life as The Malpas Arts and Literary Festival. Diana was one of its founders and the festival ran very successfully for six years. As a result, it has now spread its wings to become part of The Sandstone Ridge Festival. This arts and community festival is a celebration of Cheshire’s artists and performers. It combines music, theatre, art exhibitions, author talks and poetry, and brings together people from Cheshire communities including Cholmondeley, Peckforton and Banbury, Maplas and Tattenhall. Diana explains, “The idea of the festival came into being as a tribute to my late partner. It initially took the form of a short story competition which developed into ‘Malfest’. I am so delighted that from these humble beginnings the Sandstone Ridge Festival has been born.” The Festival’s success is undoubtedly due to the great team who make up the committee. Coming from different backgrounds and careers such as law, teaching and management, they are united in their passion for the arts and the importance of community spirit. Diana says,

“We are so lucky to have such an amazing group of people behind the festival.” Miles Clarke and Nicola Earl were instrumental in getting the Malpas Festival off the ground. Miles is a great supporter of the arts and is now lending his expertise to The Sandstone Ridge

“I am so delighted that from these humble beginnings 42

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Arts & Culture

Left; DIANA MATHER; The Cholmondeley Castle Gardens guided tour, The Sandstone ridge festival committee (Diana Mather, Miles Clarke, lady bibby, penny shearer, Martin cooke, nigel briers, jeannie france-hayhurst, judy anderson, nicola earl, james hall) Right; Eight Fellows of The National Youth Choir of Great Britain in Bunbury; A full house to listen to holocaust survivor Lady Milena Grenfell-Baines in Malpas

Festival. Nicola has a busy full- time role in the Compliance Department of a chemical company, but she is one of the driving forces behind the Sandstone Ridge Festival. Diana continues, “We all share a love of the arts and even though we have pursued different careers, we have all been involved in the arts during our lives, in some way. Also on board are retired teacher Nigel Briers who, after a long career in teaching, led the development for the now highly successful

Bickerton annual art exhibition. Lady Bibby is a former teacher of speech and drama and involvement in the festival is a perfect fit. Penny Shearer’s career is in management but she has been an active community and charity worker for many years. Barrister Jeannie FranceHayhurst sings with the Decibellas community choir, while land agent James Hall also loves to sing and has been a member of several community choirs. Last but not least, Judy Anderson brings the hope of good weather for the festival events, having enjoyed life in Miami before coming to Malpas. This year’s programme of events is varied and offers something for everyone from a breathtaking concert of female voices whose sense of fun is evident, with their event entitled ‘Nuns and Roses’ to the Peter Wheeler Short Story Competition, now in the seventh year, which features the finalists from writers of all ages throughout the region. There’s music, talks, garden tours, dancing and much more. Finally, in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the women’s vote, the team has put together events to reflect this historical moment and pay tribute to the suffrage movement. Lucy Stevens stars in a new play based upon the exploits and passions of Dame Ethel Smyth, composer, writer and suffragette. (sandstoneridgefestival.co.uk)

the Sandstone Ridge Festival has been born” 43

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STACK up 45

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Crystal Clear Master glassmaker and jeweller Lalique marks 130 years with a celebration of its greatest hits. Among them, the Art Deco crystal Cabochon ring, created in 1931 and lauded for its smooth, spherical simplicity. Select from a rainbow of colours, including a new powder pink and sunshine yellow. £109 (lalique.com)

Bella & Bulgari

news

Bella Hadid has landed her first major jewellery campaign, shot by Sølve Sundsbø. The Bulgari brand ambassador models the iconic B. Zero1 collection of pendant necklaces and rings, updated with new styles in white and rose gold. Hadid comments: “The collection represents a woman who is strong, confident, responsible and smart.” From £390 (robinsonpelham.com)

WORDS: MHAIRI GRAHAM

In Full Swing Satta Matturi’s second collection of swinging chandelier earrings, studded with vivid gemstones and diamonds, is inspired by intricate batik fabric and lace patterns. The London-based West African jeweller previously honed her skills at De Beers before debuting her eponymous brand last year. POA (sattamatturi.com)

Mellow Yellow The release of the ‘Giallo’ is a bold, striking collection from the experts at David M Robinson. Always pushing the boundaries in diamonds and gemstone design, it is now the turn of simplicity and versatility. Inspired by the padlocks left by romantic couples along the Venetian canals, the warm 18 kt yellow gold interlocking links represent the strong, unbreakable bond of love. Jewellery Buying Manager, Carleeann Taylor ethuses: “Giallo is bold and striking, but designed with style in mind! We know that our clients love versatile suites of jewellery, and ‘Giallo’ is just that!” Giallo bracelet, £1,150 and earrings, £450 (davidmrobinson.co.uk)

Animal Magic Egyptian jeweller Azza Fahmy is known for refashioning cultural and historical motifs into contemporary jewellery with international appeal. The designer’s first UK boutique opens this month in Burlington Arcade, debuting an exotic collection of glittering serpent heads and striking, sculptural designs. From £300 (azzafahmy.com) 47

Where

watches

Are Made What goes into the making of a modern mechanical timepiece and just why are they so expensive? Where better to find out than at Blancpain HQ? The oldest watchmaker of them all W o r d s : R I C H A RD B RO W N

Blancpainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manufacture in Le Sentier

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he continued success of the mechanical watch industry owes much to the romantic notion that a collection of cogs, gears and springs can somehow connect our modern, around-the-clock lives to a simpler, less-frantic time. It’s a fancy reinforced by the fact that most traditional watchmakers (save for a spattering of Saxon-stationed brands) hail from Switzerland which, testament to the marketing strategy of the country’s tourism board, we visualise as a bucolic setting chiming with cow bells and disrupted only by the long, low bellow of alphorns: a place that hasn’t moved on all that much from the pages of Heidi. And, in many ways, life in the Vallée de Joux - the beating heart of Swiss watch land - hasn’t. Water still flows from the River Orbe into Lake Joux. Cows continue to graze the valley’s sides until winter arrives and farmers are forced to make ends meet through other means. From the 16th century, one way of doing so was by handcrafting components for the watch companies that had been established in Geneva by the Huguenots (who’d fled religious persecution in France). The tradition continued into the 18th century, at which point – to sidestep a couple of centuries of horological history – several entrepreneurial individuals started centralising production processes into more verticalised operations. One of the earliest to do so was a school teacher-turned-watchmaker in the hamlet of Villeret. Jehan-Jacques Blancpain’s workshop was located on the second storey of his farmhouse (the inhabitants of the first floor being cows). While it is almost certainly the case that Jehan-Jacques began watchmaking prior to 1735 – for it was in this year that he recorded his occupation as ‘horologer’ on an official property registry, implying employment in the industry for some time previously – it is 1735 that modern-day Blancpain considers as its founding year. Which makes Blancpain the world’s oldest continuously-active watchmaker. In 1992, having manoeuvred its way out of the Quartz crisis under the joint ownership of

Jacques Piguet, head of movement manufacturer Frédéric Piguet, and industry arriviste Jean-Claude Biver, Blancpain relocated from Villeret to nearby villages Le Sentier and Le Brassus, establishing a manufacturing and an art studio, respectively.

The Making of a Mechanical Timepiece In 2010, Blancpain completed its vertical integration by merging fully with aforementioned calibre specialist Frédéric Piguet, allowing the company to manufacture all of its movements in-house. The watchmaking process – Blancpain currently manufactures around 25,000 timepieces a year – begins at the Le Sentier site, home to approximately 700 employees. Components – plates, levers, bridges, discs, cogs, oscillating weights – are first cut out as rough blanks (mostly in steel and brass) by automatic presses fitted with stamping blocks. Computer numerical control (CNC) machines, accurate to the nearest micron, then mill holes into plates at the points at which other components will be attached. A single plate might have 100 milling steps. Components are then cleaned in up to 20 chemical baths. The process of making one component could take six hours. Calibres, of course, comprise hundreds of parts. Currently, Blancpain manufactures 12 of its own base movements. Whenever a new calibre is invented, the company’s on-site toolmakers may

be required to create new stamping blocks to cut out new components. With the most expensive CNC machines costing up to €20 million, and each new stamping block ranging from €30,000 to €200,000, it’s clear why only the most well-financed watch companies can lay claim to manufacturing movements totally within their own walls.

Artists at Work Built in 1770, the cherry-wood-panelled walls of Blancpain’s farmhouse facility in adjoining Le Brassus accommodate both its complicated watch department (Blancpain is the only watchmaker currently manufacturing carrousels, super-complex rotating regulation systems similar to tourbillons) and its Métiers d’art studio. It’s here that you’ll find the company’s engravers, enamellers and other specialist artists. One watch stands to demonstrate the aptitude of this division. The one-of-a-kind The Great Wave was launched at Baselworld 2016 and took as its inspiration one of the most iconic images in Japanese art: Katsushika Hokusai’s 1830 woodblock print The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Once Christophe Bernardot, Blancpain’s master engraver, had settled on his subject matter, he was faced with the challenge of capturing the force and dynamism of the wave in just a few millimetres

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of watch face. How to capture a sense of power and motion in the space of a dial? In pursuit of a powerful depiction, Bernardot crafted a threedimensional engraving in white gold. For still greater visual depth, he endowed the engraving with a patina using shakud, an alloy of copper and gold historically used in samurai swords. Bernardot then created shadow and light through delicate polishing. The second part of Bernadot’s quest was finding the right surface material on which to attach the wave. Bernadot wanted to showcase his engraving but not upstage it. Examining a wide range of materials, he settled on a stone never previously used for a watch dial: Mexican obsidian. Its grey, moody colour, infused with subtle, extremely fine bright grains, worked to showcase the wave while capturing the dark atmosphere of a storm. Bernadot then drilled fine holes through the stone to accept the miniscule feet he’d attached on the back of the white-gold wave. All of this while Blancpain’s complicated watch division was working on a new variant of Blancpain’s eight-day 13R0 movement, modified (so as not to interfere with the wave) to display a power reserve indicator on its back. Blancpain distinguishes itself from other brands in its rejection of production line methods, favouring instead hand assembly of watches from beginning to end by a single watchmaker at his own bench, or as the

brand terms it, “an individual watchmaker working on a watch from A to Z.” Should you want to customise your timepiece, a number of components – dials, case-backs, oscillating weights – can be decorated and engraved before assembly. We witnessed a range of commissions being worked on, from famous artworks, like The Great Wave, to the skylines of cities being replicated on dials. Judging by the number of carnal carvings on show, it seems Blancpain does a healthy trade in erotic engravings, too. Now that mechanical watches have become superfluous to our everyday lives, we buy into the notion that timepieces powered by a spring represent something magical. Blancpain is certainly doing its bit to legitimise this belief. While the world’s oldest watchmaker might be reliant on computer-aided milling machines for its components, it is watchmakers huddled over wooden benches inside an 18th-century farmhouse that breathe life into these miniaturised pieces of art.

The Great Wave, inspired by Katsushika Hokusai’s 1830 woodblock print The Great Wave off Kanagawa

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Capsule

oberto Cavalli’s Creative Director, Paul Surridge, has released 12 debut designs as part of a new sporty capsule collection. Assertive sensuality meets elegant athleisure, perfect for lighter nights and sunlit soirées home or away. From £355 (robertocavalli.com)

collection 55

Fashion news Dynamic Duo

Spring Chic Amanda Wakeley London presented her SS18 collection at fabulous show in Manchester last month. Her upcoming collection combines country chic with red carpet looks for the ultimate style statement. (amandawakeley.com) 56

Supermodels Kate Moss and Gigi Hadid have been photographed together for the first time in Stuart Weitzmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s SS18 campaign. Modelling key shoe styles from the new collection, crystal fringes adorn both the white, blockheeled leather loafer with its folded back, and the squaretoed satin sandals, which come in black or blush pink. (stuartweitzman.com)

Gosha Almighty Russian fashion designer Gosha Rubchinskiy has joined forces with Burberry to launch a limited edition capsule collection for his SS18 menswear line. Available at selected Burberry stores, the range reimagines the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature check print with oversized trench coats, short-sleeved shirts and caps designed by British milliner Stephen Jones. (burberry.com)

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Trend:

ROCK IN RED We’re warming up from the winter with bold colours and ravishing reds. Our favourite rouges to rock this month...

Be Cool, Be Nice D Squared 2 has joined forces with anti-bullying initiative BeCool, BeNice, to create a dedicated capsule collection. The colourful and bold line up of ready-to-wear and accessories for men, women and children by Dean and Dan Caten support the new initiative to stop online bullying towards young people. BeCool, BeNice is a global movement sparked by one teen’s struggle with bullying. Adopted by celebrities, style icons, artists, and leaders around the world, BCBN encourages the use of social media in a positive and proactive way. This fabulous new range is now available at Harvey Nichols Manchester. Kindness is always in style. Join the movement. (harveynichols.com)

Bag with lips, £45.90 (iphoria.com)

Short sleeved dress, £145 (marc-cain.com)

loves

Zsa Zsa Blouse, £390 (shop.lenahoschek.com)

Trainer with pom poms, £189 (ashfootwear.co.uk)

Cali Cool From Mr P. Mr. Porter springs into the season with stylish new own-label brand, Mr P. The latest collection is inspired by 1960s Los Angeles, an era loved for its first generation of artists, such as Messrs Dennis Hopper, Ed Ruscha, Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. The new Mr P. collection features 23 items across ready-to-wear. Standout pieces include a suede tan jacket, an M65 khaki field jacket, a cotton camp-collar stripe shirt, mocha cotton herringbone wide-leg chinos and a five-gauge cotton two-tone knit. The next Mr P. offering will launch in April with key drops to follow in July, September and November. Prices range from £65 to £695 (mrporter.com/mrp)

Red Skinny Jeans, £184 (airfield.at)

Cross over sandal, £275 (chiemihara.com)

Field of

DREAMS P h o t o g r a p h y: H e l e n e S a n d b e r g

S t y l i n g : I n d i g o G o ss AT E r a m a n a g e m e n t

Dress, £1,510 and Lilac dress (worn on top), £1,180, both Mulberry, (mulberry.com); Shoes, £545, Nicholas Kirkwood (farfetch.com)

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

ABOVE Coat, £4,875, Valentino (valentino.com); Beret, £49, Lock & Co. Hatters (lockhatters.co.uk)

left Dress, £1,290, Emilia Wickstead, 162a Sloane Street, SW1X; Earrings, £550, Dsquared2, (dsquared2.com)

Dress with scarf, Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine £2,110; Bag, £1,170, both Fendi (fendi.com); Ring, £1,500, Shaun Leane (shaunleane.com)

ABOVE Shirt, £595 and trousers, £695, Temperley London, 27 Bruton Street, W1J; Shoes, £795, Jimmy Choo, (jimmychoo.com)

right Shirt, £295, DAKS, (DAKS.com); Trousers, £305, Max Mara, (maxmara.com); Bag, £295, Gabriela Hearst, (gabrielahearst.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Style | The CHESHIRE Magazine

Hair and make-up Monika Grensteen at Le management

Model Sophie Kanny at Elite models

Photography Assistant Luke Johnson 64

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

ABOVE Top, £1,030 and skirt, £1,015, both Issey Miyake, 10 Brook Street, W1S

LEFT Jumper, JW Anderson, £580 (brownsfashion.com); Skirt, £680, Malene Oddershede Bach (maleneoddershedebach.com); Scarf, £94, Wool and the Gang (woolandthegang.com); Necklace, £3,400, Buccellati, (buccellati.com); Shoes, £740, Gabriela Hearst (matchesfashion.com)

ARE YOU FLYING FROM MANCHESTER TERMINAL 3?

Indulge yourself in a slice of adults only luxury The luxurious new 1903 lounge at T3 Manchester, will give you the opportunity to indulge yourself in a comfortable, cosy environment whilst soaking up an intimate atmosphere that will leave you feeling completely prepared for your onward journey. 1903 is an adult’s only lounge, ideally suited to couples and solo travellers, offering guests all-inclusive food, drinks and Wi-Fi. Designed exclusively for 1903 and freshly cooked by the 1903 in-house chefs, the all in-inclusive hot and cold food menu is carefully prepared using the best ingredients. With treats such as the 1833 vintage reserve cheddar from the world’s oldest cheddar makers Barbers, and real dairy ice cream from Cheshire Farm – your tastebuds will thank you! The bar is stocked full of complimentary alcoholic drinks including; champagne, Tanqueray gin, Absolut Vodka and Glenfiddich Special Reserve alongside Twinings tea, Amokka coffee, soft drinks and fresh juices. Manchester Pale Ale and Manchester Gin, including the special Manchester Pink Raspberry infused gin, provide the local touch to the drinks menu with seasonal specials throughout the year.

Book your space today at 1903lounge.co.uk

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SIMPLY USE CODE: CHESHIRE50 ON 1903LOUNGE.CO.UK TO MAKE YOUR BOOKING. TS AND CS: VALID FOR BOOKINGS MADE BEFORE 1ST APRIL FOR VISITS BEFORE 1ST DECEMBER 2018. THE CODE MUST BE USED ON 1903LOUNGE.CO.UK TO BE VALID.

Extreme Eyes

Health & Beauty news Body Pleasures The new Body Pleasures from ByKillian launched on March 1st. An indulgent accompaniment to the new signature fragrances, featuring Shower Gel (£90) and Body Lotion (£105)(bykillian.com) 68

Tom Ford’s new makeup line, Tom Ford Extrême recently made its debut on the runway at Park Avenue Armory in New York. In a lustrous micronised glitter finish, Shadow Extrême mimics a look of smoke encased in glass, a romantic take on the signature Tom Ford smokey eye. Brow Sculptor shapes a boyish, natural brow against ethereal and incandescent skin, whilst Shade and Illuminate brings out natural radiance and shape of face architecture. Neutral and nude lips made the headlines, featuring an innovative new Tom Ford Lip Color launching in August. The full-coverage formula features collagen and marine-based fillers to plump up lips for the ultimate voluptuous lip look–all in one single stroke. (tomford.com)

New Rouge Releases From Louboutin Christian Louboutin has launched two luxurious new beauty must-haves, inspired by the fashion house’s iconic red sole. The Les Yeux Noirs Lash Amplifying Lacquer and a pout-perfecting Loubibelle Lip Beauty Oil, both in the signature Rouge Louboutin shade. Two perfect handbag companions, in high octane finish for high style. (christianlouboutin.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Style

Spa Results at Home Following the rise in the advent of “at-home devices”, Environ is proud to introduce the new Focus Care Mobile Skincare Device, a revolutionary handheld device designed to make a lasting difference to the skin’s overall appearance. Dual electro-sonic technology helps to stimulate the skin, deliver more essential nutrients to where your skin needs them most and target specific areas such as eyebrows; smile lines and fine wrinkles. £395 (environskincare.com)

Chester Aesthetics Susan Kitchen Aesthetics has recently opened its doors on Stanley Street, Chester. The clinic offers all forms of aesthetic procedures from wrinkle relaxing injections, to facial fillers, lip enhancements and non-surgical treatments to lift and tighten skin. Susan, a registered nurse and practitioner is at the forefront of aesthetics having attended masterclasses with industry leaders such as Mauricio de Maio and Arthur Swift. Susan comments “I am delighted to be opening my new clinic and welcoming my clients to this stunning venue. My method is to focus on the face as a whole. I pride myself that clients come away looking better, not different – younger and fresher, without obvious signs of treatment, but with their natural beauty noticeably enhanced.”

French Fancy Lancôme’s limited edition Blush Bomb sets harbour a sweet surprise: shaped like macarons, these miniature compacts comprise a creamy blush and complementing blender. Use them together for a rosy glow. From £35, (lancome.co.uk)

Skincare SOS Each of Clarins’ SOS Primers solves a different beauty woe. £26.50 for 30ml, clarins.co.uk

True Blue The latest launch from Chanel is the Blue Serum Eye, a lightweight formula that melts into the skin, reducing the appearance of dark circles and lines. £57 (chanel.com)

Deep Cleanse With four of the best-selling products from the Elemis collection, this new procollagen starter kit provides a potent marine regime, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It includes the pro-collagen cleansing balm, marine cream with SPF30, advanced eye treatment and hydra-gel eye mask. £65 (elemis.com)

Cheshire Magazine_TPC_ad_Feb_Layout 1 28/02/2018 15:26 Page 1

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uxury British brands Jaguar and Private White V.C. have come together to create a limited-edition Harrington jacket. Produced in a run of 200 pieces, each garment will be numbered by hand and feature co-branded copper studs. ÂŁ595 (privatewhitevc.com)

Driving

STYLE 71

words: Iain Warde

future-proof Volvo has revealed the new V60 five-door, mid-size premium estate

“T

he family estate driver is an important customer for our business and has been for generations,” says Håkan Samuelsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. “The new V60 honours that tradition, but also takes it much further.” The SPA-based V60 introduces a new standard to the mid-size premium estate segment, with a luxurious interior, increased levels of space, advanced connectivity, and Volvo Cars’ latest driver-support systems and other safety technology. Reflecting Volvo Cars’ industry-first announcement to electrify all new cars from 2019, the V60 comes with two plug-in hybrid power train options: the new T6 twin engine AWD petrol plug-in hybrid that generates a combined 340 hp or the T8 twin engine AWD petrol plug-in hybrid that delivers 390 hp. UK prices for the V60 will start at £31,810 on the road (full pricing and specification details will be announced shortly). First customer deliveries are expected in Q3 2018. (volvocars.co.uk) 72

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

Why We Love

Quick Start The new Lotus 3-Eleven 430 has retaken the title as Lotus’ quickest street-legal sports car. The most extreme machine that Lotus builds - the 430 - is the fastest Lotus road car to lap the challenging Hethel circuit, 0.8 seconds quicker than the second place Exige Cup 430, and two seconds quicker than the previous 3-Eleven, delivering a benchmark time of one minute 24 seconds. Upgraded and specifically reoptimised for the 3-Eleven, the supercharged and charge-cooled

Nascar 3.5-litre V6 engine produces 430 hp and 440 Nm, propelling the 3-Eleven 430 from 0-60 mph in an astonishing 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph - up from 3.3 seconds (0-60 mph) and 174 mph for the previous version of the Lotus 3-Eleven. (lotuscars.com)

#1 - Good old American wheel-to-wheel racing, with the added razzmatazz #2 - The noise of the V8s is biblical #3 - Racing millimetres apart is fun - rubbing is racing, as they say #4 - The underdog always has a chance #5 - Recent changes brought in to make things more interesting are certainly doing that

Hands Free

Brad Pitt’s Triumph A 2009 Triumph Bonneville Bud Ekins Desert Scrambler Special motorcycle that belonged to Hollywood start Brad Pitt was put under the hammer in February by international auctioneers Coys at their London Motorcycle Show auction at the ExCeL. This Triumph was commissioned as a special edition model and is one of only three made to celebrate the life of Bud Ekins, the stunt double and best friend of Steve McQueen, who passed away in 2008. It was built by Brad Holstein on behalf of Triumph and given to Brad Pitt as a gift reportedly from the Ocean’s Eleven producer Jerry Weintraub with the petrol cap engraved with his birthday message. In good all-round condition, the bike retains its registration plates and is estimated at £20,000 - £30,000.

Nissan and DeNA Co will begin a field test of their robo-vehicle mobility service, Easy Ride, this month. During the field test, in the Minato Mirai district of Yokohama, Japan, the participants will be able to travel in vehicles equipped with autonomous driving technology along a set route. The route spans about 4.5 kilometres between Nissan’s global headquarters and the Yokohama World Porters shopping centre. (nissan.co.uk)

Race to

SPACE

Space travel is no longer just a dream for the wealthy few â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but how close can the rest of us get without paying a fortune? Jeremy Taylor travels across America to find outâ&#x20AC;Ś P H O T O G R A P H Y: J E S S I C A S A U N D E R S

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

he new space race isn’t a battle between super powers, but two of the world’s richest men. Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson and PayPal founder Elon Musk are both staking their reputations on commercial rockets that will eventually offer intergalactic tourism at down-to-earth prices. Both men claim their projects will boldly go skyward by the end of 2018. NASA is already working with Musk’s SpaceX team on a mission to send two unnamed civilians around the Moon. The man behind electric car company Tesla wants to make space travel as easy as hopping on an aeroplane. Meanwhile, Sir Richard has vowed to put passengers into space in the next 18 months aboard his Virgin Galactic programme, based in New Mexico. Tom Hanks and Brad Pitt are already signed up for the trip of a lifetime. But it could still be decades before space tourism doesn’t cost millions of dollars a ticket. So how can you have a space-themed holiday of a lifetime now, without actually leaving terra firma? I’ve organised a 2,000-mile road trip across America that includes some of the best spacerelated tourist venues in the country. It begins at Kennedy Space Centre in Florida and will cross seven states to Flagstaff, Arizona – where astronauts trained to drive the original lunar buggy back in the 60s. The concierge at the Ritz-Carlton Orlando is explaining how it feels to watch a rocket launch. He beats his chest with two fists and becomes more and more animated. “You can feel your heart pumping – the thrust from the engines vibrates through the landscape. There’s a flash of fire, the ground seems to move and then the flame soars into the sky.” A rocket launch is visible from almost anywhere on the Florida peninsula. Some take their cars to New Smyrna Beach and soak up the atmosphere with a barbecue, others make their way to Kennedy Space Centre Visitor Complex, the closest and busiest viewing spot. I timed my space age trip to coincide with a rocket launch but the mission has been delayed. Instead, astronaut Sam Durrance tells me what lift off feels like from the inside. “It’s like

hanging on to a runaway train at 17,000mph. You can’t stop it – there’s no getting off.” Lunch With An Astronaut is one of the most popular activities at Kennedy Space Centre. Durrance is an American scientist who spent 25 days in space on two missions to the International Space Station. He is still visibly moved by the experience. “Space tourists will look back at our planet and see how fragile it is. Obviously there is nothing like it on earth. I’m too old to go back but what I experienced up there will live with me forever.” Durrance has degrees in physics and astro-geophysics, but what are the most common questions people ask at the dinner table? “They want to know how we go to the toilet in space – and what the food tastes like. Neither answer is very edifying.” From Orlando it’s a nine-hour drive to the John

C. Stennis Space Centre – a rocket base on the Mississippi-Louisiana border that was originally used as a test centre for the Apollo program. En route is the Battle House hotel in Mobile, Alabama, where NASA engineers and those early astronauts would sometimes break their journey. I’m at the wheel of a hired Lamborghini Huracán, the closest I could get to a road-going rocket ship. It has air conditioning and cruise control, unlike the fast but uncomfortable Corvette Stingrays most astronauts were given to drive in the 60s. Even so, the historic hotel can’t come soon enough with temperatures touching 39°C on the road. There’s a colonial atmosphere,

although the best place to get close to stars is at Dauphin’s restaurant, on the 34th floor of the neighbouring Trustmark Building. Nearby New Orleans is a good base from which to visit Stennis. It’s also home to the Michoud Assembly Facility, where the first stage engines of the Apollo rockets were built. Later, the enormous external fuel tanks for the shuttle were constructed here, too. I have a dinner table at Arnaud’s. The restaurant is the king of Cajun and Creole food in the city, although eateries like Brennan’s and Dooky Chase are just as tasty. The next day, it takes less than an hour to reach Stennis. The Infinity Science Centre is the official visitor complex and a guide advises that the best time to visit is when a rocket test is taking place, although it’s pot luck choosing, because there is no official schedule. When I arrive in Houston five hours later, the Buffalo Bayou river has flooded. I’m staying at The Sam hotel in the city centre, unaware that two weeks later the entire area will be devastated by Hurricane Harvey. The historic hotel survived and even managed to stay partly open through much of the disaster. Johnson Space Centre on the outskirts of the city is where NASA’s mission control directed flights from the launch pad at Kennedy Space Centre. Its visitor complex – Space Centre Houston – has an overwhelming number of displays, all dwarfed by the 747 aircraft parked

“I’m at the wheel of a hired Lamborghini Huracán, 76

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Motoring

outside and Shuttle replica loaded on top of it. Driving west again through San Antonio and onwards along the Mexican border, even the scenery in this part of Texas seems a little space-age. The huge skylines and lunar-style desert have turned the sandscape into an other-worldly sort of place, where little seems to survive the extreme heat. Later, at the Gage hotel in Marathon, I’m told about strange lights that appear over the desert in neighbouring town Marfa. Everybody seems to have an alien story to tell here – and just across the border in New Mexico is the International UFO Museum. The next day, en route to El Paso, I visit the McDonald Observatory, near Fort Davis. In the wilderness of Texas, the dome-like structures look like they could have come from outer space. The weekly Star Parties aren’t a chance to enjoy cocktails with Hollywood elite, but an educational tour of space with a well-briefed boffin.

The final 800-mile drive west on the I-10 takes two days. Temperatures top 40°C and the road often disappears in an illusion act caused by the heat haze. My final destination is Arizona – and for good reason. pdThe rocky landscape outside my window at the luxurious Phoenician hotel near Phoenix is a clue. Just up the road from the Waldorf Astoria resort at Flagstaff is the spot where an old volcano was transformed into an astronaut training ground in 1967 to trial the original lunar rover. Thousands of tons of explosives were used to recreate the craters of the Sea of Tranquillity, the site where Armstrong and Aldrin would make their historic landing two years later. NASA used detailed satellite photographs of the Moon to get the terrain just right – although as I stand next to the area today, a relentless wind has reduced the surface to flat desert. The footprints of astronauts who trained here during the Apollo era have long disappeared. Only a handful of the 12 men who walked on the surface are still alive today – Armstrong himself died in 2012. Seeing their original boot marks in the dust of the Moon could be the highlight of future space tourism. And think of the air miles you could clock up on a 478,000-mile round trip… Hayes & Jarvis offers a 13-night USA road trip from Orlando to Phoenix on a room-only basis from £2,195 per person, including ‘standard’ car hire and return flights from Gatwick with British Airways (hayesandjarvis.co.uk). Hire a Lamborghini from £1,160 a day (orlandoexoticcarrentals.com). For more adventures visit carcoutureblog.com.

the closest I could get to a road-going rocket ship” 77

Travel news Taking The Thai Road A taste of Koh Samui’s Kamalaya wellness sanctuary and holistic spa – plus its founders and culinary director – will be transported to Lime Wood hotel in the New Forest for a pair of three-day retreats in May. Mindfulness and stress management talks will be accompanied by yoga sessions, forest walks, cooking classes and, of course, spa treatments. 20-22 May and 23-25 May, from £1,835 per person, two nights all inclusive (limewoodhotel.co.uk)

Polo in Paradise

Cloud Wine The Costa Brava has been given the Rubelli touch. Fabrics from the Venetian textiles specialist are peppered throughout the Alàbriga Hotel and Home Suites: an establishment with an emphasis on enotourism (plus collaborations with Chopard and Dom Pérignon). From €316 per night, bed and breakfast (hotelalabriga.com)

Combine a luxury holiday at Port Ferdinand or Saint Peter’s Bay Luxury Resorts in Barbados with a selection of new polo packages offering first class instruction from polo master, Salvador Sanchez Duggan, at Buttals Farm Polo Club. The packages are available until 31 May and guests booking a polo package will receive a VIP greeting at the airport plus transfers, a welcome cocktail, a complimentary breakfast daily, a Turtle Tour and free use of water taxi services. Stay at Port Ferdinand from £701 or Saint Peter’s Bay from £948. (saintpetersbaybarbados.com; portferdinand.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

Hygge Hotel

New Roots As conservation projects go, few can match the scale of Amanyangyun, Shanghai. The 15-year project has seen an ancient camphor forest and a residential settlement dating from the Ming dynasty uprooted and resettled on a new 10-hectare resort found just outside the city limits. Modernity and tradition collide in its sleek new villas. From £690 per night, bed and breakfast (aman.com)

Scandi hotel group Guldsmeden is expanding into Germany, with an 81-room outpost in Berlin. All of the cosy rooms have a different design – some characterised by large four-poster beds – and its restaurant Sæson crafts modern Nordic cuisine with organic, seasonal farm produce. From €115 per room per night (guldsmedenhotels.com)

Short haul vs long haul

Short haul Letting Off Steam

LiTravel in style on Golden Eagle’s Highlands to Penzance steam rail tour, thanks to the en-suite mahogany-clad cabins and an onboard Bamford Haybarn Spa. Tornado 10th Anniversary of Great Britain departs 14 October, from £29,995 per person, 14 days all-inclusive (goldeneagleluxurytrains.com)

The Coast is Clear Hemingways Watamu on the Kenyan coastline has reopened after a multi-million dollar restoration, with private balconies and ocean views now a given. Try spa treatments inspired by indigenous plants, or go turtle-spotting in the surrounding Watamu Marine National Park. From $250 per night on a B&B basis (hemingways-collection.com)

Paradise Found Fushifaru Maldives is now open on the region’s Lhaviyani atoll. Opt for a sunset-facing room with a private pool and open air bathroom, and head out to the nearby triangle of dive sites for a chance to see manta rays, turtles and white tip sharks. From $381 per night on a B&B basis (fushifaru.com)

Long haul

A Room With A View Tired of the Med? Àni Villas, situated on a secluded peninsula in the Dominican Republic, has unobstructed ocean views. Relax, unwind and soak up the stunning scenery of clear blue waters, palms and ultra luxurious beachside villas. From $4,000 per night for a group of eight (anivillas.com)

Sun &

STYLE As Valletta takes the mantle of European Capital of Culture 2018, Louisa Castle heads to Malta’s capital to see what all the fuss is about

ur invitation to Malta came courtesy of The Phoenicia, a Campbell Gray Hotel - the company responsible for Le Gray in Beirut, One Aldwych in London and Carlisle Bay in Antigua. Recently refurbished and opened, The Phoenicia has an opulent history extending back to 1935 when Lord and Lady Strickland first had the idea to create Malta’s only luxury hotel. From hosting the RAF during World War II hosting the Queen during her state visit, the hotel closed in 2015 to undergo an extensive £15million refurbishment under the watchful eye of Gordon Campbell Gray. Indeed, the man himself is present when we visit, eager to hear our opinions and share future plans. A short hop from Manchester by plane, it is a perfect winter escape. Leaving freezing

conditions behind, we land to a balmy 18°C, ready for a few days of well-deserved rest and relaxation. My friend, however, is a culture vulture, so I predict a hefty schedule of history, learning, dining and wandering. Our driver collects us at the airport and immediately starts telling us about the weather and places of interest along our way. My friend spent many happy holidays as a child in Malta with her family, but a lot has changed. The Phoenicia is an impressive building to pull up in front of, just outside the immense city walls and City Gate entrance. Outside it is busy with tourists and people generally going about their business. Inside the glass doors, however, it

this page: palm court & entrance at the phoenicia opposite: barrakka gardens (shutterstock. com) church of st paul’s shipwreck; the phoenicia dining room

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

is an oasis of cool, calm neutrals and splashes of colour. As we check in our bags are whisked to our room and we discover our bearings, dinner, breakfast, gardens and so on. Our executive room on the top and fourth floor offers stunning views across the gardens and water towards Sliema. The design reflects the calming Mediterranean colours of

downstairs, offering all the amenities you require. We are lucky enough to have a small balcony to enjoy the views. Rare for a city centre hotel, The Phoenicia rests in 7.5 acres of mature gardens nestled beneath the city walls, offering hidden seats and shady retreats as well as a pool oasis which, whie we only dipped in our toes, we did enjoy the sunshine, blue skies and cool drinks. A short stroll across the square to City Gate, the hotel is in the ideal position for all of Valletta’s offerings. Armed with our hotel map and recommendations for lunch we freshened up and ventured forth to Da’ Pippo Trattoria. Frequented by local business people, it’s a bustling stop for lunch and definitely a place

An oasis of cool and calm, with a splash of colour and lots of style.

that those in the know keep to themselves, so book ahead if you can. After our fill of Maltese / Sicilian / Italian fayre we went for a stroll around the tiny city to find our bearings. Wandering down narrow streets with overhanging, brightly-coloured windows we stumbled across the sea on many occasions and little gems of shops, hidden churches, art, outdoor theatres and tree-lined squares. Our day of culture was planned for tomorrow (see below) so we headed back to the hotel to prepare for reception drinks in Palm Court and dinner at The Phoenix Restaurant. Dinner in the stunning dining room promised an eclectic mix of Maltese and European flavours and, thanks to the friendly advice of our waitress Dragana, did not disappoint. Neither did the Maltese wine which accompanied, much to our surprise (and possible ignorance I have to admit!).

CASA ROCCA PICCOLA

SALUTING BATTERY

Living museum Casa Rocca Piccola is a privately owned Palazzo open to the public, and if you’re lucky, the Marquis Nicholas de Piro is on hand to personally show you around his home. Originally built in the 16th century contains a fascinating collection of art and antiquities as well as a network of underground tunnels used as bomb shelters during the war. Open 10am to 5pm every day except Sundays and public holidays. ¤9 for adults. (casaroccapiccola.com)

At 12noon and 4pm you will hear the saluting battery wherever you are in Valletta. Visiting the Barracca Gardens to view the spectacle is worth a stop in your day. The event is enthusiastically commentated upon with facts about the salutes and guns themselves. It is rumoured to be the oldest saluting battery still in operation, having protected the harbour for almost 500 years. You can get closer to the action if you really want to smell the gunpowder for ¤3 or as part of entry to the War Museum and Lascaris War Rooms. (salutingbattery.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Travel

opposite: the streets of valletta (shutterstock.com); valletta at sunset (shutterstock.com); kiku welcoming to casa rocca piccola this page: buildings in valletta (shutterstock.com); bedroom at The phoenicia; casa rocca piccola

Dining from the à la carte menu, dishes were fresh and filling. We can recommend the artichoke ‘barigole’, cured ham, crispy egg with garlic aioli and dash of fresh truffles, twice-baked Gruyere soufflé, green beans with mornay sauce and Lamb rump, with tart Pissaladiere. We would also recommend listening to your server’s recommendations on wine. We sampled a selection based on our dish choices, thanks to the enthusiasm (and patience)of Dragana. Two of note for us were the Fenici Meridiana, chardonnay viognier and the Guze syrah - so much so that we purchased some for home. The hotel also offers a more casual dining experience at Cafe Phoenicia offering salads, pizza and pasta but also food and naughty treats are available at the Palm Court and Pool Bar. Malta was a new destination for me and a

new experience. I would return for the mixture of culture and weather - it always helps. The Phoenicia offered something very simila: culture and history, luxury and style, friendly professionalism and the perfect position. Rates at The Phoenicia start from €250 (Approx. £205) per room per night including breakfast (Tel: (+356) 21 225 241; campbellgrayhotels.com)

ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL Rated as the top attraction in Valletta, St John’s Cathedral is as much about art and architecture as it is religion. It was built as the conventual church of the Knights of St John and over the years the Grand Masters and Knights donated gifts of high artistic value and made enormous contributions to enrich it with only the best works of art. Open 9:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday and 9:30am to 12:30 pm on Saturdays. Adults ¤10. The entrance fee includes the provision of handheld audio guides with 24 stops.

CHURCH OF SAINT PAUL’S SHIPWRECK Whilst St John’s is the main attraction in Valletta, we stumbled across the Church of Saint Paul’s Shipwreck thanks to a hand painted wooden sign telling us it was ‘worth visiting’. It is one of Malta’s oldest churches honouring Saint Paul the Apostle who is considered the spiritual father of the Maltese in AD 60 St Paul was shipwrecked on Malta and brought Christianity to the island. 75 St Paul Street, Valletta: look out for the sign.

Weekend away The Bear’s Paw

WORDs: amanda maw

hat better way to spend a cold and wet weekend than with a visit to a Cheshire inn, especially one that comes complete with an AA Rosette restaurant and a touch of five-star luxury.? As we set off along the M6 towards the Bear’s Paw at Warmingham near Sandbach, the idea of spending time eating and drinking by an open fire was an inviting prospect. Within the hour we were parked up at the inn and being shown into the main reception room, which was utterly charming. Becky and her team were expecting us and had everything ready for our dinner, bed and breakfast stay. Warm and welcoming, she showed us to our room – a spacious executive double with modern finishes, and care and attention had been given to the smallest details. The room had recently been refurbished and was fresh, immaculate and perfect for our relaxing break. Once changed, we headed to the bar for pre-dinner drinks before our 7.30pm dinner reservation. Although still early, we arrived to a busy bar and restaurant area, a reflection of the restaurant’s reputation as a dining destination, nestled away in this quiet Cheshire village. The main area of the inn has an open- plan bar-come-dining space and is divided into sections, creating an atmosphere which is bustling, with smaller areas still having a private, intimate feel. We were among a good mixture of diners, including families, smart -looking twentysomethings and a few larger parties. A 40th

birthday party was occupying the end of the room in a cut-out section that looked ideal for a celebration. Our table had a view of the bar and was right next to a large, inviting log burner: perfect for a couple. From the moment we sat down to the end of our meal, the staff were fantastic. Our waitress talked us through the menu, which included classic fish dishes and grilled meats together with the day’s specials, and we were spoilt for choice. After studying the well -curated wine list, we picked a light, refreshing white Australian Pinot to accompany the meal and The Specials menu won the day. We started with blue cheese bon bons, melt- in -the -mouth blue cheese, deep fried and nestled on top of a fruity house chutney. For main, we decided on a seafood assiette of salmon, seabass, tiger prawns and mussels: a fantastic dish of fresh fish cooked perfectly, covered with a rich lobster bisque. All -in- all, the menu offers a great selection of classics combined with some stand-out, star dishes. After dinner we headed over to the bar to try the real ales available at The Bear’s Paw, including their namesake signature ale exclusive to the inn. We then moved on to cocktails, sinking into a plush leather sofa by the open fire. I don’t recall what time we eventually made it to bed, but I do know it was a great night’s sleep: a triumph after four (or five) Espresso Martinis. (thebearspaw.co.uk)

“The idea of spending time eating and drinking by an open fire was inviting.”

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Carden Park Hotel, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 9DQ Carden Park Chester, 01829 731007 reservations@cardenpark.co.uk Carden Park Hotel, Hotel, Chester, Cheshire, Cheshire, CH3 CH3 9DQ 9DQ 01829 731007 reservations@cardenpark.co.uk www.cardenpark.co.uk 01829 731007 reservations@cardenpark.co.uk www.cardenpark.co.uk www.cardenpark.co.uk

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The Pied Bull

In The Making Since 1535

N e w r e s ta u r a n t and

11 new bedrooms

O p e n I N G s at u r d aY 3RD MARCH

TO BOOK tEL: 01244 325 829 57 Northgate Street, Chester, CH1 2HQ Web: www.piedbull.co.uk

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

Pride of

PLATE S

wedish Designers Susanna Theander and Helena Ă&#x2026;kesson-Liedberg are two creative souls united by a love of great food. As designers, illustrators and stylists with a passionate interest in dining, they wanted to make dinner plates, dishes and bowls with shapes, colours and patterns that would create the right feel for social occasions and do justice to the food being served. Their modern collection of ceramics is dishwasher, oven and microwave safe and combines inspiring design with practical convenience. With a distinctive bohemian look, the collection is available in earthy tones, pops of bright colour and soft pastels. Susanna and Helena work under their company brand, SthĂĽl and their ambition is to craft the lasting quality of future antiques. (sthal.se)

Paradise on a Plate

Food &

Drink news

For foodie travellers out there may want to put Port Ferdinand, Barbados' on your list of destinations, when it comes to this year’s travel plans. Port Ferdinand Marina - now the spot for a new chefdriven dining concept at 13/59 restaurant, which is to be found at Port Ferdinand Marina and Luxury Residences in Barbados - promises to be a top foodie destination. Led by new Chef Eric Drogueux, previously head chef at Restaurant Farniente and Lagoon by Jean Georges, in the prestigious St Regis Bora Bora Resort in French Polynesia, Eric has also worked in the kitchen of 3 Michelin starred chef, Eric Frechon and also at the Domaine de Murtoli in Corsica. His new menu has a strong French influence mixed with Mediterranean selections and hints of Asia, which reflect Eric’s experiences and training in Europe and Polynesia, meaning diners can travel the culinary world without having to leave their paradise setting. (1359barbados.com)

WORDS: JAN CLARKE

King of the Catalan Kitchen

PURCHASE of the

MONTH Artesà Hand Finished Copper Effect Fondue Set, £49.99 (kitchencraft.co.uk)

Tast Cuina Catalana, an authentic celebration of Catalan food and wine is coming to Manchester, this June. Roughly translating to ‘Taste from the Catalan Kitchen’, the head of this exciting kitchen will be the talented and multi-Michelin starred chef, Paco Perez. Paco is the renowned international patron-chef of two Michelin 2* restaurants, Miramar and Enoteca and the Michelin 1* Restaurant Cinc in Berlin. Tast will have a casual dining and bar area, a first-floor dining room and a second floor with private rooms offering a tasting menu. Big name investors, including Pep Guardiola, Txiki Begiristain, Ferran Soriano, together with the independent Fazenda Group have joined forces to bring Tast to Manchester, where Paco intends to create a warm, friendly atmosphere for anyone wishing to experience the best of Catalan food, a region renowned globally for its gastronomy. (tastcatala.com)

loves

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

A Room of One's Own

Health Kick If you feel your resolutions made back in January starting to fade, Chef Gordon Ramsay has compiled Ultimate Fit Food: a collection of healthy recipes to put you back on track. £25 Hodder and Stoughton (waterstones.com)

This month we are raising a glass to The Wine Room. This new, contemporary and sophisticated space is due to open early March at Michelin starred Fischer’s, at Baslow Hall. It will be the perfect environment to showcase the range and diversity of wines Fischer’s has access to from around the globe, complementing the diverse flavours of their award-winning cuisine. The room features a temperature controlled “wine wall” and the interior is lavished with traditional Georgian wall paneling, finished in blue teal, washing the entire room, ceiling included, in deep blue to give an elegant yet moody and intimate atmosphere. Informal, yet informative, The Wine Room will be a dedicated space where guests can sip, savour and discover new and old wines alike, alongside Fischer’s award-winning cuisine. A series of exciting tasting events are planned over the coming months, including: Meet the Maker, when guests can meet suppliers along with visiting growers to learn about wines. The tastings will be accompanied by a supper menu created by renowned head chef Rupert Rowley. (fischers-baslowhall.co.uk)

...with SEAN SUTTON, Head Chef at The Alderley Edge Hotel Bar and Restaurant What is your favourite ingredient? I love trying out new ingredients and flavour combinations. But my all- time favourite ingredient to cook with has to be British beef. It’s quite simply the best Beef in the world. Our suppliers, Udale, have a great selection of locally sourced, responsibly farmed meats, and especially our cuts for Sunday Lunch service. A real favourite from the menu is the Himalayan Salt Chamber rib -eye steak. Cooked on our new Josper Grill - there is no better taste! WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD? I love Classical French food. I love the flavours, the approach and passion that comes with that style of cooking. When I’m at home, relaxing, my favourite dish is always a classic beef bourguignon. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE OF KITCHEN KIT? As part of the refurbishment I was able to help with the design of the kitchen and the choice of equipment. One piece of kit I really pushed for was a Josper Grill. It’s an indoor barbecue that cooks our grill section to perfection. A large pork tomahawk can be ready to eat in around ten minutes. It’s a head chef’s dream.

WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MEAL? As part of creating the new menu for Alderley Edge Hotel, the team and I had to do a lot of research and we were lucky enough to head to London and eat at a few different restaurants. My standout ones included The Ivy: I loved the history and the theatre behind the whole experience. I took a lot of inspiration from the team at The Gamebird. Their Grill section is phenomenal and I was lucky enough to spend some time in their kitchens. WHO INSPIRES YOU? My children. I have four fantastic boys. They and their mum Lindsey, are my biggest supporters. When I cooked on the stages at the Manchester Food and Drink Festival and Car Fest, they were there cheering me on. I always strive to work hard for them. (alderleyedgehotel.com)

Food & Drink | The CHESHIRE Magazine

SPOTLIGHT ON... La Brasserie at The Chester Grosvenor

W ords : J A N C L A R K E

Best for...

hester’s famous hotel has a history of excellence, quality and service which dates back to the 1860s. This iconic Cheshire institution with a reputation for understated elegance has proved, by its numerous awards and industry accolades, that it knows how to do things right. So, when we heard that La Brasserie had undergone a refurbishment, we were eager to see what the team had created. La Brasserie, all-day dining restaurant and now boasts the city centre’s most exclusive champagne and cocktail bar. With a brand new bespoke brass and quartz bar, it sits in the heart of La Brasserie, stocking a unique selection of champagne, spirts and cocktails. The whole space has a contemporary and relaxed feel while maintaining its reputation for elegance. An art-deco inspired scheme of black and gold sits alongside an exquisite range of carefully selected feature fabrics. Blue and teal tones bring an injection of colour and complement the painted glass skylight, making this unique feature even more striking. As with all quality projects, the devil is in the detail, and glassware, table vases and candles complete the look and produce an opulent vibe to the area. We arrived early evening: candles were already lit, the bar area was buzzing and the champagne was perfectly chilled. There's a new and impressive cocktail list. Who could resist the sound of a Limoncello Martinis? A full glass of much -needed summer, made up with Limoncello, apricot liqueur all topped off with rose champagne. There’s

Relaxed dining in an impeccable venue with a stunning cocktail bar

La Brasserie, all-day dining restaurant, now boasts an exclusive champagne and cocktail bar

even a dessert cocktail section – blowing a wind of change onto the old adage that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. As always, staff were impeccable: Warm and professional in equal measure and ensuring our every need was met throughout the evening. The mainstays of the Grosvenor - quality ingredients and skilful techniques - are present as always, with the new menu providing a relaxed, modern dining experience. I started with the hand- dived sweet scallops, soused cucumber, dill and lime and my companion chose the suckling pig

accompanied by turnip galette and black pudding.Both dishes were beautiful and faultless. From the ‘mains’ section, there’s a great selection of classic flavours, grills and fish dishes. I decided on the ‘Chef's Josper Special’ and there was no doubt about it, this was special: an 8oz succulent sirloin cooked to perfection on a Josper grill and served with a beurre blanc, velvet creamed potatoes, tempura broccoli and a dice of chorizo. The special comes complete with a glass of sommelier’s choice wine, again, reinforcing the message of a relaxed, modern approach offering diners the chance to experience fine dining flavours, dishes and wines without the traditional formality. My companion chose the halibut with fennel chowder and confit Anya potatoes, steamed mussels and Bayonne ham. A perfectly cooked and light dish, which he followed with the wonderful cheese course. I rounded off the evening with turron: a heavenly iced Spanish nougat with honey and bergamot complemented by the sommelier’s dessert wine pairing. (chestergrosvenor.com/ dining/chester-brasserie)

at Menagerie Restaurant & Bar Manchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest vibrant dining conceptâ&#x20AC;Ś MENAGERIE DINING 7 DAYS A WEEK Brunch / Lunch / Afternoon Tea / Sunday Roast /Dinner / Drinks / Late Night Party

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menagerierestaurant

18/09/2017 18:15

Greatness in Hard

GRAFT

As Ben Mounsey takes the helm at Manchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Grafene restaurant, Jan Clarke discovers the taste of things to come for this young, ambitious chef

en Mounsey has recently taken up the role of Head Chef at one of Manchesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading restaurants and cocktail bars, Grafene. He has shown his culinary colours from the get-go, with an innovative lunchtime menu giving diners the opportunity to sample his dishes and explore his creativity. I was lucky enough to be one of the first to try his menu and I caught up with Ben once the busy lunchtime service was over. For me, a good chef can translate their personality and bring memories and emotions bubbling to the surface, as you dine. Mounsey does just that. His lunchtime menu, consisting

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

of a series of small plates, entitled ‘British Tapas’, is full of traditional and recognisable northern flavours, evoking feelings of familiarity coupled with pops of ingenious surprises. This reflects exactly the young man I met: a northern boy full of drive, who is not afraid of hard work and who lives and breathes his passion for his work. Grafene’s British Tapas has a series of dishes full of robust flavours executed with a skilful, delicate touch. I asked Ben where the inspiration came from for his menu. Ben explains, “I wanted to reflect modern British life coupled with British eccentricity and infuse this with warmth, humour and a sense of fun.” Mission accomplished. This menu includes an eclectic combination of ingredients which challenge the diner’s perception of familiar foods. The result is a celebration of classic flavour delivered with an absolute attention to detail and modern simplicity yet, at the same time full of playful charm and delight. Using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients, Ben’s menu currently includes bitesize home-made sourdough slices of Manchester rarebit which pack a smoky flavour punch of Lancashire gouda cheese and Henderson’s relish. I defy any man not to succumb to the burnt ends of brisket with peas pudding and roasted onions, while the intensity of the bisque served with crab, devilled brown meat and radish left no doubt as to the level of skill and care that goes into his work. Standout dish of the day was the soft, rendered duck leg contrasted with a sharp and ingenious beetroot

piccalilli. As I talk more with Ben he reveals that he is not a chef who takes himself too seriously. There is no pretence with Ben or his cooking, just a joy and appreciation of good food. This sense of fun shines through with a menu that offers plays on local culture such as a Stone -Roses- inspired ‘Sally Cinnamon’ popcorn dessert, together with a specially crafted accompanying cocktail menu featuring the ‘Forever Strong – Mancunican’ full of bourbon and dark chocolate liqueur. Ben has a constant drive and desire to grow his skills further and tells me, “I always have a notebook with me and my mind is forever buzzing with ideas. I like to explore the different layers and processes I can introduce into my dishes. I can play around with an idea for ages before it becomes a fully formed dish – and there are always ways to adapt it.” He continues, “Here at Grafene I want to evolve the menus and be adventurous, delivering creative British dining that will challenge the taste-buds.” He explains further: “For example, my ‘brownie in a bowl’ dish includes a series of technical processes which achieve different textures. I really wanted to ensure that the dish delivers the essence soft, rich gooey centre of a brownie combined with the flaky, thin crusty top, while at the same time elevating it from its simple tray bake origins.” As we discuss the day’s dishes in more detail, his passion is clear and I find myself running to keep up with his creative thought processes. Mounsey is delighted to be taking up the mantel offered by owners Paul and Kathryn Roden to run

“I always have a notebook with me and my mind is forever buzzing with ideas”

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Food & Drink

the Grafene kitchen and make a mark on the Manchester and north west restaurant scene. Exciting times are ahead, and I am loving the opportunity and challenge” It’s a great career progression for Ben who has ten years’ experience in the restaurant industry. He is a graduate in culinary arts management and joins the Grafene team from The Lawns, a three AA Rosette restaurant within a 4-star family run hotel in Thornton Hough. Here he was responsible for creating a unique fine-dining experience. Ben has worked in restaurants and hotels around the world, including a sous chef role at Mark Wilkinson’s Michelin starred Restaurant Fraiche. His appointment at Grafene makes for a great fit. This restaurant’s namesake was inspired by the innovation and dedication in the pioneering work by scientists at Manchester University to isolate and extract the graphene crystal. Qualities this young chef has by the bowlful. (grafene.co.uk)

more online For Ben’s innovative Beetroot Piccalilli recipe

thecheshiremagazine.co.uk

Local scene

Our social pages this month are filled with a little pampering, tantaslising food and a lot of style

Charlotte Perry and Mark Hudson

Lucy Mather, Michael Vaughan & Michael Brown

FITISM FUNDRAISER Fitism, Wilmslow On 6 March, staff and members of FITISM Wilmslow will start their 53km, three day trek through the Himalayas to raise money for charity, Laureus Sport for Good. To celebrate and raise funds the team hosted an at FITISM including an auction and raffle, which featured prizes such as a yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supply of Yorkshire Tea, weekend breaks in Abersoch and coveted Kyle Walker signed boots. With the help of great friends and supporters, they raised a staggering ÂŁ10,000. The funds will give over 500 disadvantaged children in India the opportunity to engage in education and sport for one year, including the funding of equipment, training and volunteers. (fitism.co.uk; laureus.com)

Helen Provart, Damian Gregory, Tony Hallwood and Jane Young

Michael Vaughan starts the night off

Nichola Vaughan and friends

Nick Bianchi (the auctioneer), Michael Vaughan and Michael Brown

The Himalayas team: Ali Crawford, Emma Whitham, Lucy Mather, Joanne Davies, Kathryn James, Lindsey Caldwell, Nichola Vaughan, Michael Vaughan, Maria Stafrin & Caroline Dukes

Tony Hallwood, Camilla Yates, Nazia Nawaz, Maria Khan and Fezan Sheikh

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Regulars

LET THE GOOD TIMES BE GIN Malmaison, Manchester Members of theProfileClub, Profile100 were treated to a fabulous Gin Experience held in the exclusive Ember Lounge at the Malmaison in Manchester. During the evening Brand Ambassador Mike Whatmough from Brockmans talked of the history of this intensely smooth Gin as even non gin drinkers became converts. Undoubtedly the Brockmans cocktail, served with a slither of grapefruit and adorned with a few fresh blueberries topped the bill. Simon and Shani Smith were also on hand with a stunning collection of jewellery by Precious Jewels whilst the team at Malmaison highlighted their excellent facilities enticing a number of members to stay and dine. (theprofileclub.com)

Barbara Hallwood, Mike Whatmouugh and Kate Gerbich

Jacqui Griffiths

Leah Mackay, Vanessa Nice and Emma Murray-Gy

Damian Gregory, Ian Noke and David Fairclough

Julie Chadwick, Simon Smith and Barbara Hallwood

Victoria Zivkovic and Nathaniel Groarke

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

YEAR of the

DOG F

ive Boys Clothing is delighted to introduce a series of t-shirts inspired by the Chinese New Year and featuring red geometric canines and skate-boaring dachshunds. Launched in 2014 by Sophia and Taffeta, Five Boys aims to make shopping for boys more fun, by sourcing cool independent clothing that both mums and kids will love. Children born in the year of the dog (2006) are said to be loyal and honest, amiable and kind, cautious and prudent. Available in ages three to 12, ÂŁ15 each (fiveboysclothing.com)

Family news words: anji foxx

Romping Time

Purchase of the month

This cute rabbit print romper has arrived just in time for Easter. Designed by French brand Catimini, it is fun and French, with back popper fastening. Made in soft cotton jersey and suitable for girls and boys, this adorable design is an ultra cosy addition to a little one’#s wardrobe. Cotton Rabbit Print Babysuit, £36 (childrensalon.com)

The new Bugaboo Fox, from £979 (bugaboo.com)

Bunny Snuggles Meet Bramble, a super sweet rabbit showcased in Sparks Clothing sleepsuit collection. With long sleeves, feet and an envelope neck-line, the suits feature popper fastening around legs for fuss-free changing. Sleepytime snuggles would not be complete without Bramble keeping them cosy, comfortable and in style. £18 (notonthehighstreet.co.uk/sparksclothing) 100

loves

Toy Town The new kids in town have arrived in style: meet Steiff’s Soft Cuddly Friends. From the world’s most famous soft toy manufacturer, this adorable collection is instantly recognisable by their sweet expressions. Hoppie Rabbit, Fuzzy Lamb, Starlet Ombre Rabbit, Tilda Rabbit, Candy Rabbit are immaculately crafted in ultra-soft machine-washable woven fur. A true classic for your little ones to cherish. Prices range from £14.90 to £49.90 (steiff.com)

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

Explore Inspire, excite and educate your little ones this Easter, from deep sea aliens to astounding astronauts, for all-new out-of-thisworld attractions launch at Sea Life and Legoland Manchester. Intrepid ocean explorers will be taken on a captivating voyage of discovery with Sea Life Manchester’s new 360-degree experience, ‘Aliens of the Deep’. Then head to Legoland where guests are catapulted into the top-secret world of Lego mission control in an intergalactic adventure like no other. Included in normal admission prices (visitsealife.com/manchester; manchester.legolanddiscoverycentre. co.uk)

Mr Hendrix approved Our favourite four-legged family member tries out some of the latest goodies

Pooch Hygiene As much as we love our dogs, there is nothing worse than a smelly pooch, Hownd’s bring you their antibacterial jumbo-sized dog wipes a “must-have” for every dog owner. Yup You Stink will keep your furry friend’s skin, coat and paws clean and fresh, with their all natural vegan ingredients. No more smelly dog thanks to Yup You Stink. £2.95 (dogslovehownd.com)

Rocking Around A stunning new rocking unicorn enters the stables of A Little Bird Told Me, to join their stylised collection of rocking horses and animals. Celeste herself features an exquisite starry printed fabric body in delicate shades of pink and grey with a silvery soft chenille mane, tail and saddle. In her pocket sits Fae, a sweet little fairy bunny with silver wings and a face that you just can’t help but adore! Celeste & Fae Rocking Unicorn is suitable for children aged nine months, £99.95 (littlebirdtoldme.co.uk)

Easter Eggstravaganza Chocolate is toxic to dogs, but now your furry friends can indulge in their own Easter treat. Pets at Home has launched a range of delicious dog-friendly Easter eggs made with carob - the dog-friendly alternative to chocolate. Tails will certainly be wagging. Cocoa and Gluten Free Peanut Butter Easter Egg, £6 (petsathome.com)

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it, but that it is too low and we reach itâ&#x20AC;?

Michelangelo

World Challenge 2017, Sri Lanka

Top independent school in the north Sunday Times Parent Power

Have you got excellent mock GCSE results? Applications to WGS Sixth Form for September 2018 close on Saturday 31st March 2018, so there is still time to give yourself the chance of realising your hopes and ambitions.

1 in 4 of current Sixth Formers hold Oxbridge offers

To arrange a tour call 0161 249 3371 Wellington Road, Fallowfield, Manchester M14 6BL

wgs1153_entrance-2017-sixth-form_297x210_v4.indd 1

wgs.org

Means -tested bursaries available from Year 5 upwards

02/02/2018 11:42

The CHESHIRE Magazine | Family

The classroom Dramatic Success The Firs School, Chester speech and drama pupils were recently given the opportunity to enter the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art examinations. The examination board is internationally acclaimed and has been leading education in the performing arts for 150 years and any student gaining Grade 6 and above is awarded UCAS points for University applications. The Firs School children have cause for celebration as 16 pupils attained Distinctions and 13 Merits out of the 29 entrants from the school. Lucy Davies, Headteacher at The Firs School, commented: “The aims of the examination are to help improve children’s self-confidence, together with their public speaking and performing skills. We are delighted with how well the children have done and are very proud of them all.” (firsschool.net)

Healthy and Happy The mental health of our children is a subject which is becoming ever more important. Entrepreneur Laura Earnshaw, has created a series pf programmes developed around the science of happiness and how the chemicals within the brain work. These teach children how to recognise the signs of stress and anxiety, equips them with vital mindfulness skills and much more. Her company, My Happy Mind, provides programmes for families and lessons for primary school pupils in over 50 schools in the north west. Laura says, “We are privileged to be currently helping around 10,000 young minds. The Happy Mind programmes prepare today’s children for tomorrow’s world by building resilient, balanced and happy minds.” (myhappymind.org)

Excellence in Education Following a record breaking year in 2017, entries are now open for 2018’s Educate Awards. Launched in Liverpool in 2012, this year sees the awards expanding into Greater Manchester and entries will be accepted from all ten boroughs, as well as the Liverpool city region, Cheshire and Lancashire. Founded by Kim O’Brien, they are the largest education awards in the north west and celebrate every aspect of the school’s curriculum, teaching and staff. The Awards recognise schools and colleges and the work that goes into delivering outstanding education and helping students achieve their full potential. There are 21 award categories in all, covering a wide range of achievements from inspiring teachers, superb support staff to innovative projects across the curriculum. Kim O’Brien says: “The Educate Awards is an important platform to celebrate education and give those working in schools who transform learning, the credit they deserve.” The awards are free to enter and the entry deadline is midnight on the 24 June 2018. Winners are announced at a prestigious ceremony to be held at Liverpool Cathedral on 16 November 2018. (educateawards.co.uk)

103

homes and

interiors showcasing the

finest HOMES & PROPERTY IN CHESHIRE AND BEYOND

BOLD

STATEMENT Who’s brave enough for the latest trend, taking things to the max?

Hide &

Seek

We search out the ulimate island escape

Going

GREEN

Landstruction’s Tom Bannister takes us on a tour of outdoor design

Homes and Interiors

Home & Garden News The very latest news, advice and trends from the world of interior design

THE GREAT OUTDOORS If you are looking forward to getting back outside for some al fresco living and you are on the hunt for stylish outdoor furniture, then you may want to head over to home furnishing brand, Danetti. They have expanded their fabulous design expertise into the garden so now you can not only furnish your home, but take the Danetti style outside too. They have developed a range of fabulous seating solutions, a collection of attractive tables and great dining chair designs to achieve the right look for wherever you live. Whether you want something contemporary for a small space or large pieces for family gatherings, you can mix and match their fabulous ranges to create a garden you can enjoy this summer. (danetti.com)

Ready Steady Bake! Great Britsh Bake Off winner, John Whaite, has joined forces with Fenella Smith ceramics. His range of stoneware is perfectly cooked up in a rich palette of deep, matt blue with hand-painted gold edging. (fenellasmith.com/ collaborations)

109

Home & GARDEN news

Open the Door to Spring Provide a warm and memorable welcome this Easter with this scented door wreath, created using finest scented yellow, saffron, mustard and cream roses combined with violet clematis and scented herbs, all grown on our sustainable and Fairtrade flower farms. This wreath says spring is on the way and makes a beautiful, bright statement for your home. Glorious Easter Door Wreath, £110 (realflowers.co.uk)

The Search is On You can now source your dream vintage design pieces, artworks and collectables from e-curator, The Kairos Collective. Brought together on one easy- to- navigate platform, searchable by everything from price to period, the site allows visitors to shop the UK’s foremost ‘design districts’, enabling them to access unique designers and antiques in one place. (thekairoscollective.com)

Chair Chic When it comes to sitting comfortably, a statement chair can complete a room makeover, or just fit perfectly into a cosy reading corner and this refashion of 1920s chic could fit the bill. With a sharp geometric, brasscoated frame and plush seat in muted grey or blush pink, the Turino chair oozes classic Art Deco appeal, iconic design and is a strong accent piece. Stylish and comfortable and upholstered in the spring interiors ‘must have’ velvet, this chair combines classic design with up- tothe -minute style. Turino Armchair, £499 (livingitup.co.uk)

110

In the Shade Adding pendant lighting can give you the flexibility to include a gorgeous lampshade in your interior design scheme where floor or table lamps won’t fit. Pendant lamps displayed in clusters or straight lines are increasingly popular and add a playful touch to any room. Your lighting should reflect the atmosphere you want to create, whether it’s dream-like or dramatic. A pendant shade is a simple way to achieve the look you want. (vitacopenhagen.com)

Homes and Interiors

Into the Woods

TWEET of the MONTH

These Artisan Wooden plates typify the current move towards a more natural, seasonal approach to foods and lifestyle. These plates are tough and 100 per cent friendly to the environment.They have excellent ethical credentials, too. Handmade from sustainable mango wood by skilled artisans in Rajasthan who are paid a proper wage, they are ideal for picnics and al fresco meals. (carolinemcgrath.co.uk)

Purple Creative @purplecreative Minimalism is dead. Long live Maximalism. Is this the next big (and in your face) design trend?

Living Etc. @livingetc Colourists [noun]: People who love using prints and colours to curate a look that feels inviting and genuine

# H o m e W e b w a tch : THE TREND FOR S P A BA T H R OO M S I S GETTING US ALL IN A L AT H E R . H E R E ’ S O U R P I C K O F T H E BE S T SITES TO FIND THE PERFECT TUB

cphart.co.uk catchpoleandrye.com lussostone.com

Words of wisdom

“Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful” – William Morris

Taking Things to the Max Forget clean lines and muted colour palettes because minimalism has had its day. For 2018, interior trends are about to go the max. This bold trend sees exuberance and maximalism taking the design world by force. Think artfully arranged clutter, vibrant colours and wallpaper so patterned it’ll make your eyes go funny! Maximalism is all about great textures, mismatched furniture and bright pops of colour. When it comes to maximalism, we are tearing up the rule book on ‘less is

more’ as more is most definitely more. Studio Job Wallpaper Alt Deutsch (vivalagoon.com), Harper Armchair in Gail Bryson Trill Yolk (sofa.com), Carpetright Villa Geo Multi Rug (carpetright.co.uk)

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Home & GARDEN news

Blow off the cobwebs and sell your home W O R D S : C rispin H a rris M R I C S

hat a long and cold winter we’ve had as we finally say hello to April – a perfect month for blowing off the cobwebs and getting set for spring and summer. It’s not just the metaphorical cobwebs that may need attention: if you’re about to market your home you may well benefit from giving those dusty cornices a once over and tackling all of those small jobs that will allow your home to wow buyers. There’s nothing more off -putting to a potential buyer than tumbleweed in the corners, dilapidated paintwork or a down- at -heel garden – issues we often don’t see for ourselves. We see the bigger picture: spacious rooms, a lovely kitchen that we spent a fortune on and the tulips we planted last year. However, we may miss the frayed carpet edge by the door, the weed-ridden gravel at the side or the slightly blown double-glazing unit.

“Buyers make up their mind in an astonishing eight minutes, so first impressions really do count.” How can we see our home the way a viewer might, and therefore make it more appealing? A bit of role play can help here as putting yourself in the shoes of a buyer will allow you to see the small issues that might come between you and the sale of your home. My advice is to take a note pad and pen and visit each room, noting any issues it may have. Look up and all around to those places you don’t ordinarily. Is the sitting room cluttered? Does the front door need a lick of paint? Then get on and fix them! A good estate agent will offer honest advice on the issues that might affect a sale, so ask them to cast a critical eye. Buyers make up their mind in an astonishing eight minutes, so first impressions really do count. Make sure your home leaves a great impression and get to work on those small projects.

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Mirror Mirror Chaplins luxury lifestyle brand live and breathe modern design. As a brand they consistently showcase and deliver the very best in style, quality and service to discerning clients in every region of the globe. With a passion for contemporary design and luxury living, each piece is specially curated make an impact. The Emerald Magnum wall mirror is no exception: created in 2017 by Paolo Cattelan for Cattelan Italia, it’s based on the popular original Emerald mirror but enlarged in order to create that real wow factor. Emerald Magnum Mirror by Cattelan Italia, £2,300 (chaplins.co.uk)

Growing Pains It may be slightly early and chilly for us fair weather gardeners, so we’ve found the ideal way to get in the ‘green fingered’ mood without having to brave the elements. Microgreens can be grown all year round near a window or other place with plenty of natural light. Once planted and watered each day, greens may be collected after ten to fifteen days, as soon as the first true leaves appear. (lifeinabag.eu)

RURAL & COUNTRY DEVELOPMENTS CHESHIRE, ENGLAND

Cheshireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Leading Country Property Renovator We create unique buildings, renovations and extensions using oak, steel, glass and traditional materials. We can deal with all aspects of your project, from initial design through to completion. Our employed staff specialise in architectural design, Planning / Building Control, and full on-site construction including landscaping if required. We specialise in turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, so contact us to see what we can do for you.

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LIFE IN DESIGN

Tom

BANNISTER We meet Tom Bannister, Design & Construction Manager for The Landstruction Group and Big Hedge Co

without knowing it. I think that was the first instance where I realised I enjoyed working outside. This combined with those early Diarmuid Gavin programmes that always seemed to be on the television where he would make these wonderful and inspiring gardens. This sparked the creative part of my brain and told me that anything was possible in our outside space.

Proudest career moment to date Working on my first gold medalwinning garden for a wonderful nursery in Herefordshire was a massive moment for me. I worked so

Who/what inspired you to pursue a career in landscaping? My earliest memory of gardening was when my mother would ask me to turn over the borders or chop down a hideous Leylandii hedge we had in the front garden. I always felt great after working hard in the garden because I was exercising

hard to get to that point- and we got a gold medal for our garden at RHS Malvern. After that, the two gardens I worked on that both got gold at RHS Chelsea were a mind-boggling experience. I had wanted to be a part of the flower show for so long and then to be there and working on the planting and details was a learning experience like no other. The micro detail that goes into building a show garden at that level is intense. In fact, it takes approximately three thousand man hours to build a main avenue RHS Chelsea show garden.

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Best thing about working in landscape design and what you love about the creative process... On a practical level, to be able to improve the way our clients use their outside space, day -today, is something I enjoy. As garden designers, we have the opportunity to shape how one feels when leaving for work or arriving home after a hard day at the office. Underneath this process, the opportunity to improve our wildlife’s experience around our homes is of equal importance. If I can manage to do both things together, while making our properties visually beautiful, everybody’s happy.

When did you develop a love of nature? Ever since I can remember. As a small child, I would always be searching for a tree to climb or a woodland to explore. There is a sense of peace and connection that occurs when rambling through woods. I think it might be the earthy scent or the cool temperature that entices me. I can’t

quite put my finger on what it is about nature that I love, but I do love it, and therefore keep doing it.

Your favourite season... Spring for me is the time when I feel the most excitement. After our dark winters, the anticipation of long, warm days fills me with optimism. Lambs are bouncing and everywhere you look there is new life. For me, that joy is difficult to replicate at any other time of the year.

Your three ‘must -haves’ for a day working outdoors ... Working outdoors a pair of good boots is vital! Warm, waterproof and well made. This sentiment carries through to waterproof clothing. As long as you are prepared well, you can take on most tasks comfortably outside. The key is to be comfortable and dress in layers too. Lastly, my beautifully crafted Japanese secateurs. When I’m out in the garden, they’re on my hip! (landstruction.com; bighedgeco.com)

occurs when you are rambling through the woods” 117

CHELFORD

W I L M S LOW

A wonderful period four bedroom family house, in need of improvement in 4.22 acres.

wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

• 5 reception rooms • Breakfast kitchen • Study • Family bathroom • Integral four car garage • Four bedrooms (one with dressing room and two en suites) • Beautiful landscaped gardens • In all about 4.22 acres

GUIDE PRICE £2,000,000 EPC RATING F

01625 540 340

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

OVER PEOVER

W I L M S LOW

An immaculately presented four bedroom house with a one bedroomed annex and lake, all

wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

nestled in 13.5 acres.

• 2 reception rooms • Dining hall • Breakfast kitchen • 4 double bedrooms (one en suite) • Family bathroom • Detached 1 bedroom annex with sitting room/kitchenette & shower room Summer house with balcony over looking a lake • Outbuildings • Landscaped gardens • In all about 13.5 acres

GUIDE PRICE £1,450,000 EPC RATING F

01625 540 340

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

SIDDINGTON

W I L M S LOW

A stunning south facing period house with far reaching views nestled in about 3 acres.

wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

• Two reception rooms • Kitchen • Breakfast room • Study/Landing • Two bedrooms (one en suite) • Family bathroom • Cottage with one bedroom, sitting room, bathroom and kitchen (not fully fitted) • Double garage, carport • Workshop, sheds, stores • Landscaped gardens and woodland • In all just under 3 acres • Further land available by separate negotiation

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

GUIDE PRICE £1,200,000 EPC RATING E

01625 540 340

MOTTRAM ST ANDREW

W I L M S LOW

An opportunity to create an exceptional, modern bespoke four bedroom, 5,000 sq ft house

wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

in 0.68 acres.

• Open plan kithcen/breakfast room, dining room, drawing room and snug • One further reception room • Study • Laundry and boot rooms • 4 double bedrooms (three en suite, one with dressing room) • Double garage • Natural swimming pool • Mature south facing gardens to about 0.68 acres

GUIDE PRICE £999,500 EXISTING EPC RATING D

01625 540 340

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

SMALLWOOD

W I L M S LOW

A beautifully presented, modern five bedroom family house, nestled on the edge of an exclusive development, with approximately 3.7 acres of gardens and paddock land.

wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

• Remainder of 10 year NHBC • 3 reception rooms • Kitchen/breakfast room open plan to the family room • 5 bedrooms (2 en suite & 1 with dressing room)

• Family bathroom • Triple garage • South facing gardens to about 0.4 acres • Paddock with field shelter to about 3.3 acres

GUIDE PRICE £1,350,000 EPC RATING C

01625 540 340

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

SPURSTOW, NEAR TARPORLEY

W I L M S LOW

An exceptional country house estate supporting a spectacular principal residence which

wilmslow@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

will be completed to an exacting specification.

• Proposed: House (9,825 sq ft) • 4 reception rooms • Orangery • 6 bedrooms • 5 bathrooms • Existing: Leisure suite (4,020 sq ft) to be fitted out • 3 cottages • Flat • Formal gardens • Estate yard • Farm buildings • In all about 54.60 acres • Further 39.10 acres, to include Bath Wood, by separate negotiation

GUIDE PRICE £5,950,000

01625 540 340

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

BOWDON

HALE

An fine detached residence complete with an extensive leisure complex.

hale@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

• 2 reception rooms • Study • Orangery • Living kitchen • Indoor pool with sitting area • Steam room & gymnasium • Cinema • 6 bedrooms (3 en suite) • Shower room • Garaging • Gardens

GUIDE PRICE £3,000,000 EPC RATING C

0161 928 8881

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

BOWDON

HALE

An elegant period property standing in stunning grounds extending to in excess of 1.5 acres.

hale@jackson-stops.co.uk jackson-stops.co.uk

• 3 reception rooms • Study • Breakfast kitchen • 6 bedrooms (2 en suite) • Bathroom • 2 Attic bedrooms • Garaging • Gardens extending to approx 1.5 acres • planning permission for a separate dwelling

Local and National reach through a network of London and Regional offices

GUIDE PRICE £2,350,000 EPC RATING E

0161 928 8881

Off The

CHARTS Tricia Guild OBE, founder and creative director of Designers Guild, shares her tips for embracing colour to brighten your home this spring

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Trust your instincts Colour has such a unique power. For me it is much more than just pigment: it’s a way of being. It has always played such a vital role, in both my personal and professional lives, so I simply cannot imagine my world without colour. Colour surrounds each of us in our daily lives, whether it’s the pigments found in nature, a cityscape, our clothing or the food we eat – the list goes on and on. So follow your own senses rather than trends – this will prove far more rewarding in the long term. My advice to people looking to add a splash of colour to their homes is to let your personality shine though. Visit a vintage or antiques market and, if you see something you love, bring it home. Grab a new cushion or a rug, or perhaps try papering a wall or two – the idea is that you trust your instincts and have fun with it.

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interview

Hone your hues

Set the tone People are often become overwhelmed, but there is no real mystery to decorating with colour. Crucially, when decorating you need to consider how you want your home to feel, that’s where the magic lies. Are you after cosy comfort or slick, stylish practicality? The energy in our homes comes largely from the way we live in them, so make this the first box to tick. Also consider the function of the space – will you be entertaining regularly or should the space have a quieter feel?

Bear in mind architectural features, pieces of furniture and other possessions that will be in the room – their colours and textures will affect your choice of palette and how you balance it all. It’s difficult to combine lots of colours and patterns, so I would suggest a colour palette of three or four shades. Ensure that one of them is neutral, and work with patterns within this colour family. Keep floors and ceilings neutral or white to prevent a space from becoming overwhelmed.

Don’t be afraid to make a splash I’m always drawn to the daring colour palettes of India: shocking hot pink, carmine red, rich aubergine and stony black evoke a splendid fusion of femininity, strength and dynamism. My own home,

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however, is predominantly painted in wonderful shades of emerald green, Sevres porcelain blue and plenty of white. I tend to use green almost as a neutral – it is the palette of nature and it always re-energies me; I find it so uplifting and fresh.

Take inspiration from nature The natural world always infuses my collections on some level, from colours to the use of fabrics such as cottons and linens. The SS18 collection entitled ‘Giardino Segreto’, includes exquisite evocations of secret gardens scenes and is inspired by the

impressionist artists’ use of gardens as creative spaces. The collection has wonderful, soft shades of warm sun drenched terracotta, with shell and papaya tones running through it. We then paired these with soft greys, mauve and buttermilk to produce a new combination that is beautiful, muted and modern.

Go bold You can join Designers Guild for an in-store floral print and paper workshop at their Kings Road and Marylebone High Street Stores, London on the 21 March and learn the tricks of the trade to give your room an instant makeover with floral accessories. Paint Box by Tricia Guild with Amanda Back, published by Quadrille, £25 (designersguild.com)

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THE EDIT

TO THE MAX Spring fever has definitely arrived in the world of interiors and the latest trend for maximalism embraces all things wild, whacky, bright and bold. So, be brave and create maximum impact

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Antique Gold Pineapple Table Lamp with Yellow and White Shade, £115 (alexanderandpearl.co.uk)

Ibride Medusa Coffee Table, £219 (limelace.co.uk)

Sipping Nectar Wallpaper, £295 (annajacobs.london)

Touched Plate, £15 (artwow.co)

Fuchsia Pink Bumble Bee Gold and Crystal Studded Cushion, £20 (persora.com)

Retro lampshade, Carnation, £75 (eclectdesign.com)

La Quinta Rug, £395 (urbanroad.com.au)

Duke Cocktail Chair, Honey, £349 (swooneditions.com)

Cubus Pure Sideboard by Team 7, Red Coloured Glass, £5,996 (wharfside.co.uk)

Cold Cold Arbor Arbor Farm Farm Opening Openingthe thedoors doorsto toaanew newlifestyle. lifestyle.

Old Oldworld worldcharm charmmeets meetsmodern modernday dayluxury luxury Cold Cold Arbor Arbor Farm Farm inin Tytherington Tytherington isis anan exclusive exclusive development development ofof three three extraordinary extraordinary homes. homes. The The Farmhouse Farmhouse and and The The Barn Barn are are both both Grade Grade II II listed listed buildings, buildings, which which have have been been lovingly lovingly restored restored into into unique unique four four bedroom bedroom four four bathroom bathroom family family homes homes with with detached detached double double garage. garage.Every Every last last detail detail has has been been carefully carefully designed designed toto offer offer unparalleled unparalleled quality quality homes homes set set inin beautiful beautiful surroundings. surroundings.

Prices Pricesfrom fromÂŁ750,000 ÂŁ750,000

Cold ColdArbor ArborFarm, Farm, Springwood SpringwoodWay, Way, Tytherington, Tytherington,SK10 SK102XA 2XA 01625 01625614733 614733 jones-homes.co.uk jones-homes.co.uk

HOT PROPERTY our SHORTLIST OF top properties on the market in and AROUND cheshire

Hall Lane, Antrobus cheshire

n opportunity to acquire an exceptional estate which includes an elegant Grade II-listed Georgian country house with extensive secondary accommodation, nestled in approximately 68 acres of gardens, park and farmland. The property itself

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is an exemplary Grade II-listed country house built around 1830 for Peter Jackson, making it a property of national importance. It is a classical and quintessential country house with symmetrical proportions and the best of Georgian architecture. There are graceful reception rooms to with exceptional ceiling height to both the ground and first floors. This, combined with the large casement sash windows ,makes the house wonderfully light and airy. The house benefits from an extensive and sympathetic scheme of renovation and restoration: period features have been sensitively restored, while seamlessly adding 21st century fittings such as surround sound and Lutron lighting. A â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;no expense sparedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mantra is evident throughout, including an exquisite hand-crafted kitchen with seating area and breakfast area overlooking the leisure suite, which is housed in a large contemporary stone -and -glass addition. The leisure suite houses a large slate swimming pool with under -water lighting and jets, and cutting edge facilities. Within the estate, the grange is an elegant country property in its own right. It was built in the same period as the house, in the Georgian style, with octagonal cupola and again with large sash windows, which flood the property with natural light. The grange comprises a huge drawing room with open fireplace, large dining room with coved ceiling, inner hall, utility, WC and a stunning kitchen- and -breakfast room. Open plan to the kitchen, you will find an amazing morning room and garden room, constructed of glass and sheeted bronze by the leading

architect, Jamie Fobert. To the rear of the grange sits a cobbled courtyard, with threebedroomed cottage to the north side and an office and party suite to the west. The office suite with entrances both off the courtyard and integrally via the garden room gives flexibility on how this space can be used. The superb party suite has its own entrance hall and comes complete with a catering kitchen and huge party room on the first floor. The garden and grounds encompass the property, creating a secure, private and extraordinary estate tucked away from view. The Estate is offered for sale by private treaty. Enquiries should be made to Jackson-Stops & Staff, 8 Water Lane, Wilmslow SK9 5AA (01625 540 340; jackson-stops.co.uk)

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HOT PROPERTY

Finlows Villa

BEST FEATURE: contemporary style

Mottram Road, Alderley Edge

Remodelled in a contemporary style to take advantage of the panoramic views

contemporary- style residence with approximately 10,000 sq ft of accommodation which includes the highest quality fittings throughout. Set in extensive grounds with adjoining paddocks, the property also benefits from wonderful open views over the surrounding countryside. Finlows has been tastefully extended and remodelled to create a fabulous stylish property. It comprises four principal reception rooms, including the main entertaining reception hall with media cinema; five bedrooms all

ensuite; and a master bedroom suite with private sun terrace on the upper floor. This property has some particular features of note, including a grand curved polished staircase and its own leisure suite with swimming pool, steam room and wet area. In addition, there is a self-contained suite with living kitchen and bathroom, ideal for staff.

On the market at a guide price of ÂŁ3,500,000 with Andrew J Nowell and Co, 8 London Road, Alderley Edge, SK9 7JS (01625 585 905; andrewjnowell.co.uk)

best of the rest Kingsgate

BEST FEATURE: Architecturally Designed

Kelsall, Cheshire

ingsgate is a delightful five bedroomed property set in secluded grounds, that enjoys fabulous views across open countryside. Well-presented and private, this is a bespoke, architect- designed home that boasts an abundance of character and modern features. These include a statement piece stained glass window and exposed woodwork throughout. The spacious accommodation in the

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Bespoke architecture and design combines character and charm with modern features

main house is arranged over four floors. On the ground floor there are two main reception rooms as well as a large kitchen, utility room and cloakroom. The lower ground floor houses a billiard room, gym and shower room. The five bedrooms are located on the first and second floors with the master bedroom benefiting from an en-suite bathroom. In addition to the family bathroom, two further bedrooms also enjoy en-suite shower rooms. This outstanding property benefits from further accommodation, including

a detached annexe/office, a detached self-contained timber lodge and a separate pool house. Externally, the house is approached by a private drive which leads to both the main house and the annexe. The main garden to the rear offers stunning views over the Cheshire countryside. There is an additional private, lawned orchard garden for the lodge and annexe. On the market at ÂŁ1,250,000/ or available to let with Rickitt Partnership Estate Agents, 50a Bridge Street, Chester, CH1 1NQ (01244 322 322; rickittpartnership.co.uk)

OVERSEAS PROPERTY

Peace on

earth Fall in love with this beautiful hilltop property and the chance to live the ultimate, peaceful, luxury island life

f you dream of island living and a chance to escape the rat race then we have found the perfect property: Villa Almaviva is a luxury beachfront property in exclusive Palm Island, located in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This incredible home also comes fully furnished and includes a boat and a car so all you have to do is simply pack your bags, leave the crowds behind you and set off into the sun. Of the 32 islands and cays that make up Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, many are private and only about a third are inhabited, making it an ideal choice for those searching for escapism. It’s a location of stunning

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natural beauty where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean and offers a tranquil, idyllic lifestyle. Saint Vincent and The Grenadines is defined by its air of understated elegance, exquisitely eco-friendly villas and secluded beaches, and is definitely not somewhere you will find tourists. Serenity, peace and privacy are the absolute mainstays of this spacious luxury beachfront property. It’s surrounded by the sea on three sides and the house’s hilltop position means it boasts the

Homes and Interiors

most impressive 270-degree views of the ocean and surrounding islands which include, but are not limited to Union Island, Carriacou, Petit St Vincent and Petit Martinique. The property itself features 10,000 sq ft of living space. It has a total of nine bedrooms, all with air conditioning, and nine bathrooms, perfect for guests, friends and family. It has been designed with a casual interior scheme and features large entertaining

spaces, wide terraces all around the property, a pool, as well as intimate spaces for quiet relaxation and spending time alone. The property is also fully equipped with its own backup power generator, desalination facility and around 14,000 gallons of reserve water storage. Villa Almavivaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location is unrivalled and when you add to this the fact that it comes complete with its own private beach and a small

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OVERSEAS PROPERTY

“It really is the ultimate, peaceful, island living paradise” lagoon, great for family or guests with small children, it really is the ultimate peaceful, island living paradise. Family and guests can also enjoy the delightful ‘Rum Corner’ which is included in the sale. This beach front cottage comprises three spacious ensuite bedrooms, large living and dining area and a covered patio, making it the perfect hideaway for your guests. There is

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also a workshop, beachfront land and staff quarters to complete this wonderful package and ultimate slice of island life. Villa Almaviva offers buyers a great opportunity to add to their property portfolio along with a luxurious ‘Robinson Crusoe’ escape. Available at a guide price of $9,000,000 USD through Saint Vincent & The Grenadines Sotheby’s International Realty (sotherbysrealty.com; +214 288 3299)

We believe in a different perspective.

Our Chichester kitchen, painted in Shell. Carter table ÂŁ1,590 & bench ÂŁ450 Neptune by Allen & Allen, Wilmslow, SK9 1BJ, 01625 535255

neptune.com

Cheshire_Magazine_KITCHEN_210x297_OS_FEB_2018.indd 1

24/01/2018 17:07:43

New Showroom Store Street Bollington Cheshire SK10 5PN t: 01625 466200 e: showroom@portraitpools.com w: portraitpools.com

north west fireplace centre fireplaces as indiviual as you are

Call us on : 01204 658 889 steph@northwestfireplaces.co.uk

www.northwestfireplaces.co.uk

2 Salford Road, Over Hutton, Bolton, Lancashire BL5 1BL

Homes and Interiors

FINISHING TOUCHES

BEING DIVISIVE A decorative screen is a stylish way to create a natural divider of dining and living areas, a mood-enhancing screen in the boudoir, or simply a playful accessory to add some texture to a large room. This beautiful silver screen is made with a heavy, pure steel frame and we feel it brings the inspiration of 18th century chinoiserie into the modern home. ÂŁ1,250 (brissi.com)

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J aney B utler I nteriors & L lama A rchitects form part of the L lama G roup . C reat ing awa r d wi n n i n g r e si d e nt ia l a n d c o m m er c ia l p roj e c t s in t h e UK and abroa d . I n t e r n at i o n a l A w a r d W i n n i n g A r c h i t e c t s & D e s i g n e r s The Old Stables, Capesthor ne Hall, Nr Alder ley Edge , Cheshire , SK11 9JY

llamagroup.co.uk

T: 01625 861935 E:

hello@janeybutler.co.uk

llamagroup.co.uk

T: 01625 861936 E:

info@llamagroup.co.uk