SUSSEX
Sussex MARCH 2024 / £3.95
SP ECIA L Over 20 pages of inspiration and insight
MARCH 2024
Timeless
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THE ROLE SUSSEX HAS PLAYED IN 190 YEARS OF LUXURY ACCESSORIES BUSINESS, WOLF 1834 PLUS SPRING IN THE STEP 10 of the best gardens to enjoy in March RED HOT Why The Ginger Fox leads the way for food in West Sussex A DOG'S LIFE Furry friend fun as Goodwoof returns to Goodwood
ST YLISH / INTELLIGENT / ELEGA NT 13/02/2024 10:52
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LIVE NATURE
It’s a way of life, an attitude, a call to action.
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Santiago dining table in natural oak veneer, Hamilton chair in black sienna leather & Lund glass cabinet in natural oak veneer.
Live Nature, a new expression of our sustainability progress and enduring commitment to the Danish principle of appreciating life outdoors. Come in store and discover over 120 ways to customise to your own unique style.
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Doctor Nyla is a skin specialist, trusted by TV personalities, well-known celebrity figures and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa Cheshire is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP and is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry.
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TRANSFORMATION FACELIFT This is a bespoke treatment from Doctor Nyla, unique to her clinics and combining a variety of incredible anti-ageing treatments such as EmFace, Ultherapy, Morpheus or M22 laser to make you look and feel 10 years younger in the space of only six weeks! The next generation, multiplatform transformational facial offered exclusively at Dr Nyla. This treatment offers non-surgical skin tightening and lifting to treat all anti-ageing concerns – from textured, dull skin, to deep wrinkles and loss of laxity. Not only does this cutting-edge procedure deliver outstanding results, but it also saves precious time. With minimal to no downtime, your loved ones can return to their daily routines immediately after their visit to Dr Nyla Clinic, without any signs of intervention. Experience the joy of motherhood without sacrificing your beauty regime! At Dr Nyla Clinic, the expert team led by the highly-respected Dr Nyla Raja strives to provide a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere, ensuring each patient feels cared for and confident throughout their transformative journey. With years of experience, Dr Nyla and her dedicated staff possess the knowledge required to achieve phenomenal results.
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ABSOLUTELY
Contents MARCH 2024
40
65 16
C U LT U R E AGENDA
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WOLF
A B S O L U T E LY H O M E 60 WAKEHURST, KEW
Barking mad as Goodwoof prepares to return
18
Celebrating 190 years of innovation
FOOD & DRINK 32 THE GINGER FOX
Top class dining on the South Downs
34 RECIPES
Food to mark the Year of the Dragon
FA S H I O N & B E AU T Y 40 THE SHOOT
65 REAL HOME
A rustic renovation in Shoreham-by-Sea
73 TREND
The best in wall art for the home
E D U C AT I O N 79 BURGESS HILL GIRLS What their excellent EPQ results show about their teaching methods
The best of Radley London in Sussex
45 JEWELLERY
Nine that are pretty in peach
34
A special anniversary that will inspire your own garden
24 10 OF THE BEST...
Public gardens to enjoy this month
BEAUTY NEWS
The latest news from around the industry and a treatment reviewed
81
TALKING HEAD
The benefits of boarding at Slindon College
A B S O L U T E LY M AG A Z I N E S .C O M
The online guide to inspirational living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.
O N T H E C OV E R WOLF 1834's accessories range (wolf1834.com)
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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Editor’s
LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S March issue highlights
1
Vaisselle
Colourful French inspiration for the home (p71)
2
10 of the best...
Sussex gardens to enjoy spring (p24)
I
have always been a huge fan of spring. Winter is only good for the festive period, apart from that I can't stand the cold, dreary, dark days, and I am often counting down the hours to when spring rears its beautiful head once again. Spring officially begins on 20 March, but you can enjoy what's to come from the early knockings of the month, as two special features this month highlight. First up, the good people at the National Garden Scheme have picked out 10 of the best gardens that will be open to the public throughout March, an opportunity to have a nosey at some of finest outdoor spaces. Then Wakehurst, Kew, invite us to celebrate the fifth birthday of their Winter Garden, which is sure to inspire as we prepare for spring. Talking anniversaries, the lifestyle business WOLF is 190 this year. The brand's home is in Sussex and today creates everything from watch winders to colourful bags, so we delved a little deeper into its history and the major milestones in almost two centuries of trading. And if we are talking inspiration, then this month sees the return of our Absolutely Home special, which is perfectly timed for any spring cleaners out there preparing to declutter and revitalise. I do love spring...
5 WOLF
Celebrating 190 years of the iconic luxury brand (p18)
4 Trend
Why life is just peachy in the home (p75)
MARK KEBBLE EDITOR
3
Wakehurst, Kew An anniversary to inspire your own garden (p60)
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SPIRIT O F L AG OS
Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY
PENDLE HARTE
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Known for her unique take on luxury loungewear, Banke Kuku takes inspiration from London and Lagos, which influence her bold patterns, resulting in statement prints with captivating impact. bankekuku.com
PIN UP Turkuaz Kitchen’s Betül Tunç's has devised a new collection for Anthropologie that includes this adorable cotton apron, £35. anthropologie.com
DA I SY C H A I N NEON BRIGHT Neon yellow lingerie might not be what you set out to buy, but Amelie's Follies has a collection that's likely to persuade you. ameliesfollies.co.uk
Brighten up your home in anticipation of spring with this cheerful yellow-framed round mirror from Dar Lighting, £118. darlighting.co.uk
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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES
EDITOR’S PICK
SPRING BLOSSOM It's Mimosa season – time to fill your vases with armfuls of scented yellow blooms. But hurry: the season is brief. bybloom.co.uk
NEW TRADITIONS
SHELL OUT The Shellegance candle holder by &Klevering is inspired by the marine world and designed to bring a touch of joy to your home, £32. klevering.com
Samantha Siu creates bold, intricately designed jewellery pieces that last a lifetime. Samantha uses centuries-old jewellery-making methods alongside modern technology for quality craftsmanship that pays respect to ancient artisans. samanthasiu.com
CHECK OUT Layered has a beautiful collection of sustainable rugs in graphic and geometric patterns in lots of stylish colourways. layeredinterior.com
H A N D BAGS AT D AW N Each season, Dior invites a number of artists to transform the Lady Dior bag into an objet d'art.. And for SS24, Gilbert and George have done just that. dior.com
IN THE SHADE The Adidas Originals eyewear collection marks an intersection of sport and street style seen through the lens of culture. £129 specsavers.co.uk
IT'S A WRAP This lovely Indian flower taupe kimono is one of a selection at One Hundred Stars, the go-to for wafty, printed pieces. onehundredstars.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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oo
dwoo
f
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goodwoof a dog event like no other
at Goodwood 18 | 19 May 2024
g
oo
dwoo
f
tickets now on sale goodwood.com
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THE MOTIVE AND THE CUE
Sam Mendes’ ‘unmissably extraordinary’ (The Telegraph) production of The Motive and the Cue stars Johnny Flynn, Mark Gatiss and Tuppence Middleton in the iconic roles of Richard Burton, Sir John Gielgud and Elizabeth Taylor. Inspired by the making of Burton and Gielgud’s landmark 1964 Broadway production of Hamlet, the play offers a glimpse into the politics of a rehearsal room and the relationship between art and celebrity. Playing for a limited season until 23 March at the Noel Coward Theatre. themotiveandthecue.com
PHOTO: MICHAEL WHARLEY
C U LT U R E
Broadway rhythm
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The Agenda THE BEST EVENTS IN SUSSEX
A RT
Community Exhibition
PHOTO: KARLA GOWLETT
Until 31 March PA L L A N T H O U S E Pallant House Gallery is excited to present an exhibition of new works created by members of its awardwinning Community Programme. The new exhibition includes works ranging from watercolours, oil pastels and acrylic to mixed media collage and sculpture, which have all been donated by members of the Community Programme. The artworks are all available to buy. pallant.org.uk
CO M E DY
Luisa Omielan 7 MA RC H , BR I GH TO N KOMEDIA
Luisa Omielan is a comedic force of nature. The first stand-up to receive a BAFTA Breakthrough accolade, with four consecutive smash hit shows, she is credited with creating ‘genre-defining’ one-woman shows. In 2024, Luisa will return with a brand-new touring show: Bitter. Luisa’s fans know she is incredible, hilarious, life-changing and a superstar, but she’s also endured years of being told she’s too loud, too crass, and too emotional. But following the rules hasn’t worked for her… komedia.co.uk
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CO M E DY
The Fast Show 31 March B R I G H TO N D O M E Thirty years since the The Fast Show first burst onto our television screens, it is back, live on tour. Charlie Higson and Paul Whitehouse are reuniting with Simon Day, John Thomson, Arabella Weir and Mark Williams for a celebratory live tour that will be a huge treat for fans and provide a real behind-the-scenes insight into some of their favourite characters and catchphrases as they come alive on stage once again. brightondome.org
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CULTURE • DIARY
B EV E N T
Spring Festival 23 March–14 April P E T WO RT H H O US E A N D PA R K Celebrate the arrival of spring with a sensational new festival at Petworth House and Park. The opening weekend will feature a two-day makers market where visitors can find high quality artisan gifts. There will be spring-themed art and craft workshops, guided foraging walks, talks by specialist speakers including Frances Tophill and family activities including a free trail in the Pleasure Garden and drop-in crafts. nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth
T H E AT R E
MACBETH
This Month’s Must See
5-8 March C O N N A U G H T T H E AT R E A struggling and divided nation, tearing itself apart. So, when the Macbeths see their chance at the crown, why shouldn’t they take it? But things don’t go according to plan. Dreams quickly turn to nightmares, humanity erodes, nature stirs. As society strives to make sense of the darkness that sits inside it, how long will it take for people to fight back against the endless cycle of violence and corruption? wtm.uk
Easter Medieval Festival
T
29- 31 MARCH, ARUN DEL CASTLE
ravel back to the year 1191 this Easter at Arundel Castle. Imagine King Richard the Lionheart gathering his Barons to prepare for the Third Crusade. The Earl of Arundel is testing his men in combat and archery to prepare for the journey. The three-day immersive event will feature 12th-century combat demonstrations, archery and falconry displays. There will be craft tents where artisans show how they make things like pewter items, cook food, work with leather, and more. arundelcastle.org
A
R
K
I
N
G lad
Dog lovers rejoice as Goodwoof prepares to return to Goodwood
T
he greatest celebration of all that we love about dogs will take place at Goodwood over the weekend Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May. Goodwoof presented by MARS Petcare, is the best day out for dogs and their families with all activities for both human and hound, included in the entrance fee. This year Goodwoof celebrates the faithful and fabulous Labrador with a spectacular parade of these four-legged favourites streaming in to open the event each morning. Once inside, visitors can marvel at international and home-grown competitors at the top of their game as they demonstrate their incredible skills in Sheep and Gundog trials as well as the fiercely competitive cross country Canicross competition. The Action Sports arena will showcase high-octane demonstrations of canine agility and intelligence. Barkitecture is back displaying an incredible array of kennels designed by the cream of the architectural world. This year, the brief was to produce kennels for dogs on the go and the kennels will be auctioned on the Sunday of Goodwoof to raise funds for our 2024 charity, Jai Dog Rescue. Throughout the weekend, there will be talks from experts in nutrition, behaviour and canine health at the MARS Wellness Stage, famous faces will read extracts from tales of canine exploits in Literary Corner, The Studio presented by Randox will offer relaxation with your dog as experienced practitioners lead sessions in doga, reiki, soundbathing and dog massage. See more at goodwood.com
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CULTURE • PROFILE THE ANNIVERSARY SILVER COLLECTION
SIMON WOLF
As his family business prepares to celebrate 190 years of originality, Climping-based Simon Wolf looks back at the ones to watch
S
imon Wolf pauses when asked about how it feels to be overseeing his family business as it marks 190 years since its very first launch. “Humbled,” he says with a smile. “It was no mean feat that the company has kept going.” From its beginnings in the silver district in Hanau, Germany, in 1834 launched by Philip Wolf I, through to the present day as a global luxury brand, WOLF is a five-generation family-owned business. Each generation has a different story to tell. Forged from innovation and determination to design excellence and sustainability, the ethos and brand identity alongside the expertise and skills of an established heritage brand puts WOLF front and centre in the luxury market.
“As we prepared for this milestone, I delved back through time into the Wolf family archives and things that I already knew came back to the forefront,” Simon says on those generational stories. “After the death of two of his five children, Philipp Wolf II retreated from life and the business leaving Ida, his wife, to pick up the reins. It was her sheer will and determination that kept the company going through a most difficult period. I cannot let her down now can I!” Eagle-eyed readers will recognise Simon from the pages of Absolutely Sussex before, when we featured a new accessories launch back in 2022. The company today is renowned for its watch winders, jewellery boxes, storage and safes, and travel accessories – and given how innovative they have always been, it’s little surprise that something special is coming our way to mark the anniversary. “We started in 2022,” Simon says on planning for this special year. “There is an enormous amount, from the product development of A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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THEY HAVE BECOME KNOWN FOR THEIR WATCH WINDERS
“It leans into being innovative and different so that we surprise our customers over and over again” five anniversary products, to marketing and events all around the world.” The first special anniversary product launch was revealed in January, Silver. “As with all of the generations of Wolf’s that came before, we decided that we would develop a product in honour of that person,” Simon explains. “Philipp Wolf I was a silversmith in Hanau, Germany, we therefore thought it was fitting that we honour him and his legacy with something silver. The exterior of the box is finished in a treatment called ‘engine turning’ that creates unique patterns across the silver. Inside is a sumptuous ultrasuede, LusterLoc™ treated lining that can hold two watches, accessories and jewellery, or if you so desire you can take the inserts out and it becomes a keepsake box for your legacies.” Would Simon say there’s anything similar with the 2024 WOLF compared to the one that launched in 1834? “Originality. My great, great grandfather Philipp Wolf I was an originator, coming up with the idea of making a beautiful box in which to store and present silverware. That original idea launched WOLF and to be original is in my DNA. It leans into being unique, innovating
20
and just being different so that we surprise our customers over and over again. “There are markers throughout our history, many of them,” Simon adds. “Every generation thought of something new and unique; for instance, my grandfather invented the twirling ballerina box and a hinging system based on the barb of a fishing hook. And for the last decade I have been moving the company to be more sustainable. More and more we use replacement “leathers” like “apple leather” and recycled plastic bottles, all of our paper and boxing is from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) sources. Our offices are all moving toward a zero-carbon footprint.” Why has sustainability become a key driver of WOLF? “How many pages can you give me?” Simon responds. “Sustainability should be part of everyone’s everyday life. In school it should be taught, we should be learning how we are affecting this tiny blue planet from an early age and being told that ‘yes, one person can make a difference’ and not use that as an excuse to do nothing. Instead of the weather after the news we should be seeing ways to conserve and why eating no (or at least a tiny amount of
Something to howl about The key WOLF facts WOLF is available in prestigious retailers in 60 countries around the world. Philipp Wolf III invented the iconic musical turning ballerina jewellery box. WOLF’s patented watch winders are the only winders in the world to count Turns per Day, all the others use time to guess the number of rotations. If you put a piece of jewellery in a WOLF jewellery box for 35 years it will be as sparkling as the day you put it in there due to WOLF’s patented LusterLoc™ lining, which prevents jewellery discolouring or tarnishing over time.
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CULTURE • PROFILE
WOLF: FROM WATCH AND JEWELLERY CARE TO ACCESSORIES AND SAFES
meat) makes a difference. It should be so ingrained in our daily lives that we have it top of mind. It’s our planet, our only home, we have to save it. And let’s not waste any more time sending rockets into space, take the billions and use it to solve the multitude of problems we have here on earth.” In his spare time, Simon enjoys the countryside around Climping, where he can take stock of where he and the family business has come from. “As I have become older, I think the weightiness of running a company that has been around for five generations has become more poignant,” he reflects. “One looks forward always, but nevertheless seeing how hard the generations before me also worked makes me realise that I must helm this company with the utmost of care, always putting our people first. The people have maintained our success through hard work, always going above and beyond for our customers. Through the tough times finding ways through and in the good times being humble. And always, always making it fun.” Keep up with the latest news about the anniversary and launches at wolf1834.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP MARK GATISS AS SIR JOHN GIELGUD
CLASH of the
TITANS Why The Motive and the Cue has taken theatreland by storm, with a host of big names involved
TUPPENCE MIDDLETON AS ELIZABETH TAYLOR AND JOHNNY FLYNN AS RICHARD BURTON
It certainly is. It’s also funny and revealing, in part thanks to performances by Gatiss, Johnny Flynn, who plays Burton, and Tuppence Middleton as Taylor, that really get under their characters’ skins. Combined with Mendes’ sweeping, cinematic direction and a design by Es Devlin that moves the action from monochrome rehearsal rooms to the bright lights of sophisticated New York, the play unfolds like a beautifully fashioned sequence of boxes. As Burton and Gielgud battle with their own demons, Thorne, Mendes and the actors offer an insight into theatre itself – the way it uses artifice to reveal the deepest truths about human nature. It’s an astonishing night out. themotiveandthecue.com
PHOTOS: MICHAEL WHARLEY
T
he Motive and the Cue is a love letter to the theatre – and to the people who make it. Jack Thorne’s wonderful play takes as its starting point the famous production of Hamlet on Broadway in 1964, when the Welsh actor Richard Burton took on the role of Shakespeare’s prince. Burton was absolutely at the height of his fame; his marriage to Elizabeth Taylor had made the front pages around the world. The director of the production was Sir John Gielgud, another theatrical great, once the most celebrated Hamlet of his day, but out of favour and out of fashion. The two men – one longing to show he was a serious actor, and one hoping to find a new wave of success – clashed about just about everything, with Taylor watching from the wings like a wise angel. But out of their arguments, faithfully recorded by two other actors who sensed they were living through history, came a production that set the record for performances of Shakespeare on Broadway. From this story, Thorne and director Sam Mendes have fashioned a play that has moved rapidly from the stage of the National Theatre, where it opened in April last year, to the Noel Coward Theatre in the West End, where it is drawing huge and appreciative audiences for a limited run that ends on 23 March. Its remarkable success is based on the fact that its themes extend far beyond its ostensible subject. As Mark Gatiss, who is playing Gielgud, said in a recent interview: “It’s a tribute to the play that it has managed to appeal to audiences who aren’t obsessed with theatrical history, as well as those who are. What they get, I guess, is these two titanic figures having a battle of wills and then finding this moment when they come together. It’s very moving.”
THE PLAY IS STAGED AT THE HEIGHT OF BURTON AND TAYLOR'S FAME
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10 OF THE BEST
GARDENS this March
THE OLD VICARAGE
The Street, Washington, Sussex RH20 4AS 7,1 4 , 2 1 , 2 8 M A R C H
The 3½ acre garden at The Old Vicarage is set around an 1832 Regency house (not open) in the pretty village of Washington, West Sussex. As well as the stunning views looking towards the North Downs, enhanced by mature and various specimen trees, the garden has many pockets of interest. There is a Japanese garden with its waterfall, pond, bamboo and grasses, a further large water garden and numerous creatively planted herbaceous borders. A working kitchen garden has glasshouses, fruit cages, orchard and vegetables.
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CULTURE • 10 OF THE BEST
NYMANS
Shake off the winter blues by visiting some wonderful Sussex National Garden Scheme locations this March PEMBURY HOUSE
Tye Hill Road, Arlington, East Sussex BN26 6SH
1 , 7, 8 M A R C H
17 MARCH
Pembury House is a country garden, tidy but not manicured. Depending on the vagaries of the season, the hellebores and snowdrops are at their best in February and March. Winding paths give a choice of walks through three acres of garden, which enjoys views of the South Downs National Park. Suitable footwear, macs and winter woollies advised. A German visitor observed 'this is the perfect woodland garden'. Year-round interest. –
NYMANS
Staplefield Road, Handcross, Sussex RH17 6EB 16 MARCH
THE OLD VICARAGE
BATES GREEN GARDEN
Ditchling Road, Clayton, West Sussex BN6 9PH
One of NT's premier gardens with rare and unusual plant collections of national significance. In spring see blossom, bulbs and a stunning collection of subtly fragranced magnolias. The Rose Garden, inspired by Maud Messel’s 1920s design, is scented by hints of old-fashioned roses. The comfortable yet elegant house, a partial ruin, reflects the personalities of the creative Messel family.
This plants woman’s tranquil garden provides interest through the seasons. Woodland garden created around a majestic oak tree, with a colour themed middle garden. Courtyard gardens with seasonal container displays. Front garden is a spring and autumn joy with narcissi, primroses, violets then coloured stems and leaves of cornus and salix. Wildlife pond and wildflower meadow. Gardened for nature and wildlife. –
DENMANS GARDEN
Denmans Lane, Fontwell, Sussex BN18 0SU 17 MARCH
Created by Joyce Robinson, a brilliant pioneer in gravel gardening and former home of influential landscape designer, John Brookes MBE. Denmans is a Grade II registered post-war garden renowned for its curvilinear layout and complex plantings. Enjoy year-round colour, unusual plants, structure and fragrance in the gravel gardens, faux riverbeds, intimate walled garden, ponds and conservatory. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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CULTURE • 10 OF THE BEST
KING JOHN'S LODGE
MANOR OF DEAN
Tillington, Petworth, Sussex GU28 9AP 17 MARCH
Approximately three acres of traditional English garden with extensive views of the South Downs. Herbaceous borders, early spring bulbs, bluebell woodland walk, walled kitchen garden with fruit, vegetables and cutting flowers. –
KING JOHN'S LODGE
Sheepstreet Lane Etchingham, Sussex TN19 7AZ 23 MARCH
A four-acre romantic garden for all seasons. This is an ongoing family project since 1987 with new areas completed in 2020. From the eclectic shop, nursery and tearoom, stroll past a wildlife pond through an orchard with bulbs, meadow, rose walk and fruit according to the season. Historic house (not open) has a broad lawn, fountain, herbaceous border, pond and ha-ha. –
JUDY’S COTTAGE GARDEN
33 The Plantation, Worthing, West Sussex BN13 2AE 29 MARCH
A beautiful medium sized cottage garden with something of interest all yearround. There are little hidden areas to enjoy, a small fish pond and other water features. There is also a pretty log cabin overlooking the garden. –
47 DENMANS LANE Lindfield, Haywards Heath, Sussex RH16 2JN 30 MARCH
This beautiful and tranquil one-acre garden has been described as a 'garden where plants star'. Spring bulbs are followed by azaleas, rhododendrons, roses and herbaceous perennials. MANOR OF DEAN
ABOUT THE NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME
DOWN PLACE
South Harting, Petersfield, West Sussex GU31 5PN 23-24 MARCH The garden at Down Place is set on the South Downs with panoramic views out to the undulating wooded countryside. The garden merges seamlessly into its surrounding landscape with rose and herbaceous borders that have been moulded into the sloping ground. There is a well-stocked vegetable garden and walks shaded by beech trees.
The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to over 3,500 exceptional private gardens in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, tea and cake. Thanks to the generosity of garden owners, volunteers and visitors they have donated over £67 million to charities. JUDY’S COTTAGE GARDEN
See more at ngs.org.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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FOOD & DRINK
FARM TO FORK CHALK
Chalk - the ingredient-led restaurant on West Sussex's wine-producing Wiston Estate - has introduced the Estate Menu, a new offering that celebrates the produce grown, reared, farmed and foraged on Wiston Estate. The menu will change monthly to showcase the best of Sussex’s seasonal produce - an ethos which sits at the heart of the restaurant and wider Wiston Estate. wistonestate.com
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RED hot The Ginger Fox is a key fixture of the foodie scene in the South Downs. The man behind it, Ben McKellar, tells us more about it
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Q What do you look to offer on the menus? A We offer a seasonally changing a la carte
menu with a daily changing special board. Across the group we use local suppliers where possible, fish from day boats in Brighton, meat from Redlands Farm in Heathfield, and wine from Ridgeview and Albourne estates nearby.
T
he Ginger Fox is a friendly and relaxed restaurant in the rural setting of the South Downs, approximately seven miles outside of Brighton. They serve high-quality, seasonal, Sussex produce; from local fish and meat, local ales, and award-winning wine from Ridgeview. They have a beautiful beer garden, with a separate raised-bed area for growing vegetables, and stunning views of the South Downs. The garden has a lovely children’s play area including a fun treasure-hunt style trail. They also have secure bike racks and are very happy to top-up water bottles for cyclists. The Ginger Chef, Ben McKellar, together with wife and business partner, Pamela McKellar, started the Gingerman Group in 1998 with their flagship restaurant close to Brighton seafront, The Gingerman. Considered amongst the best restaurants in Brighton, there are four Ginger-branded sites in total, one of which includes luxury guest accommodation listed in The Sunday Times Top 100 British Hotels: The Ginger Pig
and Ginger Rooms in Hove, Flint House in Brighton and the Ginger Fox. We visited the latter to sit down with the man behind it all. Q Can you give us an overview of the history of the Ginger Fox? A We opened the Ginger Fox in 2008 as part of the Gingerman group of restaurants: Gingerman, Ginger Pig, and Flint House. We wanted to create our take on a country pub. Q Is the thatched fox on the roof a real talking point? A When we bought the pub we had the thatch totally renovated by a master thatcher, which was quite an experience to see someone so skilled at work. We are due to redo the ridge line this year once the weather improves. I think people really like the thatch, although it is difficult to insure. Q How would you describe the interiors at the Ginger Fox? A The interiors features shades of pastel colours with an amazing original parquet floor. There are bare wooded tables and chairs and two woodturners to complete the look.
Q Do you grow your own vegetables in the garden? A We grow a small amount of veg and herbs in our kitchen garden, but because of the volume of demand it isn’t a large part of what we do. I would really like to get a smallholding nearby to develop this further. Q On the a la carte menu, do you have dishes that are never taken off due to their popularity? A We don’t really have dishes that don’t come off the menu because we change it seasonally and are always evolving what we do. The vegetarian tasting plate is very popular and the items on it change with the seasons. Q Can you pick out 2-3 dishes that really showcase what the Ginger Fox’s food is all about? A On our current menu the following are my personal favourites: Seared Tuna, Watermelon, Lime Mayonnaise and Pickled Fennel; Roast Pheasant, Parsnip Puree, Fondant Potato, Red Cabbage; Mincemeat Tart, Clotted Cream Ice Cream, Red Currants. Q Is Sunday lunch a big thing for you? A Sunday is massive for us, especially in the
summer, when we do about 200-250 covers.
Q How was 2023 for you? A Last year was good at the Ginger Fox, it
was nice being open for the whole year! We started doing food all day during the Covid years and that has proved very popular. We are open for food from 12.30-8.30pm.
Q Sum up the Ginger Fox experience in a sentence… A Laid-back food destination in the heart of the South Downs National Park with great service.
thegingerfox.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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Fire up the
FEASTS Recipes to celebrate the Year of the Dragon Wo r d s S U Z I E L E E
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Chilli and Black Bean Mussels with Noodles Serves 6 I first made this dish during lockdown as my children were really enjoying mussels, and I decided to bulk it up with some noodles to stretch out the dish. I hold back on the amount of chilli I use in this dish for my family, but I do love the kick it adds. Preparation time: 25 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS • 1kg fresh mussels • 6 dried egg noodle nests, each weighing about 60–75g • 3 tbsp Chinese dried fermented black beans • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 30g fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced into rounds • 6 large spring onions (scallions), 4 chopped into 7.5 cm (3 in) pieces and 2 finely sliced For garnishing • 4 large garlic cloves, finely chopped • 1 large chilli, finely sliced (optional) • 2 tbsp light soy sauce • 2 tbsp sesame oil • 1 tsp sugar (optional) • 1 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch) paste • Approx. 200ml water • Salt and white pepper
METHOD To prepare the mussels, clean each one on the outside with a scourer/brush. Check for ‘beards’ around the seams, pulling them out and discarding these ‘hairy’ pieces. Throw away any ones with broken shells, they are spoiled. 2 Put the mussels in a bowl of cold water and allow to sit for about 20 minutes, so the grit can be rinsed out. Give the mussels another rinse in the bowl under a cold running tap. Then use a colander to drain off the water. Tap any unclosed mussels on the work surface: if they close, they are still alive, but otherwise discard them. 3 Prepare the noodles by rehydrating in cold water for at least 30 minutes until the strands are separable, then drain, pat dry and leave on top of some paper towels to remove excess water (you can also use fresh egg noodles). 4 Fry off the ginger and the four chopped spring onions for a couple of minutes. Add the garlic and chilli (if using) to the wok/pan and fry for about a minute until everything becomes fragrant. 5 Next, rehydrate the black 1
beans by soaking in just enough boiling water to cover them for 15 minutes, then pour off the excess water just before using. 6 Add the rehydrated black beans without the soaking water to the wok/ pan followed by the soy sauce, sesame oil and sugar (if using), and allow to simmer for a couple of minutes. Then stir in the cornflour paste. 7 Toss the mussels into the wok/ pan and add approximately 200ml (7 fl oz/scant 1 cup) of water. Cover with a lid or some tin foil and cook for at least 5 minutes, shaking the wok/pan occasionally. Keep checking to see if all the mussel shells have opened. 8 Finally, add the rehydrated noodles to the wok/pan and mix everything together. Allow to come up to the boil for a couple of minutes until the sauce is absorbed by the noodles. 9 Season to taste with salt and pepper. You may wish to add more soy sauce or sesame oil as well or even more chilli. Before serving, garnish with the sliced spring onions. • Fermented black beans (fermented soy beans) can be bought in your local Chinese supermarket or online. Make sure you don’t buy Mexican black beans, which are completely different!
Spicy Cucumber Salad Serves 4 There are many variations of a cucumber salad, here I have created a very simple no fuss recipe. You can omit the chilli oil from this cucumber salad, but I love the kick it gives it! I love adding it to rice and noodle bowls and even snacking on the pieces of cucumber straight out of the jar. Preparation time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS • Large cucumber, topped, tailed and finely sliced into circles • Salt 1 teaspoon • Sugar 1 teaspoon • Rice wine vinegar 4 teaspoons • Light soy sauce 1 teaspoon • Sesame oil 2 teaspoons • Spicy chilli oil 2 tablespoons
METHOD 1 Layer the cucumber slices on a plate and sprinkle over ½ teaspoon of salt, then add another layer of
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cucumber and sprinkle with another ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix with your hand and leave for 15 minutes. 2 Strain off the liquid from the cucumber, then pat dry with a couple of pieces of paper towel to remove excess salt. Mix the sugar, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce and sesame oil in a bowl to make a dressing for the salad. Toss the cucumber in the dressing, then taste and adjust the seasoning – you may want it sharper, so add more rice wine vinegar. 3 Finally, add a couple of tablespoons of homemade spicy chilli oil for extra flavour.
Coca Cola Wings Serves 2
Coca Cola was introduced to Hong Kong in the 1960s and has made its way into a couple of recipes – boiled cola with ginger and Coca Cola chicken. Coca Cola wings are one of those dishes I remember Mum making and thinking: how are we allowed to eat these, as she wouldn’t let us drink a tin of coke when we were younger! I started making these wings for my kids only recently and they are gobbled up before they even eat their rice. Cooking time: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS Chicken wings • 1kg chicken wings, separated into wingettes and drummets • Vegetable oil, for frying • Salt and white pepper Sauce • 30g fresh ginger root, peeled and sliced • 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine • 2 tbsp dark soy sauce • 1 tbsp light soy sauce • 3 garlic cloves, sliced • 330ml full-sugar cola
METHOD 1 Put the wingettes and drummets in a saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil. Then boil for 5 minutes, skimming off the impurities or scum that float on the surface with a large spoon. Use a slotted spoon to remove the wings and keep the chicken broth for other uses. 2 To make the sauce, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large frying pan, add the ginger and garlic, then fry for about 30 seconds to start releasing the
36
aromas. Then throw in the chicken wings and brown for about 3-5 minutes to add extra flavour. 3 Now add all the remaining sauce ingredients to the wok/pan. Bring to the boil, then lower to a simmer and cover with a lid. Allow to bubble away for about 15 minutes until the liquid has reduced to a sticky sauce. 4 Toss the wings in the sticky sauce, then season to taste with salt and pepper. Bring the heat up to full again, so the sauce caramelises and coats the lovely wings.
“Coca Cola was introduced to Hong Kong in the 1960s and made its way into a couple of recipes”
Top Tips
For this recipe, you must use fullsugar cola as it is the caramelisation of the sugars that produces the thick sticky sauce. You can also use a zero or diet version of coke, but please note that the sauce will not thicken up, so add some cornflour (cornstarch) paste and boil until thickened. Any leftover cooked little wings freeze well and can be kept for a month in the freezer.
Recipes taken from Simply Chinese Feasts by Suzie Lee (Hardie Grant, £24)
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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES
BEAUTY NOTES
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HEALTH & BEAUTY • FITNESS
FITNESS
TOP
PICKS
NOTES
THREE FROM ECO BRAND SILOU
By CARLY GLENDINNING
CORE FIRMING Silou's 'Lana' leggings feature contour seams on the thigh, leg, and hip, but don't have a front seam – for a flattering silhouette. They are made from eco-friendly materials that quickly wick-away moisture, £149. siloulondon.com
ON POINTE
GET A GRIP Made from eco-friendly and biodegradable materials, Silou's stylish cork yoga mat provides optimal grip for the sweatiest of stretch sessions. The TPE base is gentle on your joints and it's also free from harmful toxins, £135. siloulondon.com
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I
Carly Glendinning meets Catie Miller, founder of the online class phenomenon, Barre Series
t's a frosty Friday morning when I head to one of Catie Miller's Barre Series classes. The changing rooms are buzzing with dancers limbering up for an audition in another studio – and the anticipation and excitement are palpable. Getting out and about for classes isn't always easy since I became a mum, and it feels like a nice switch up from working out in my living room. Catie does, in fact, have an amazing online platform – a glossy on-demand Barre workout library, that you can access anytime, anywhere. But I'm ready for her to put me through my paces in-person. With a background in dance, and certified in Barre, STOTT Pilates,
Pre + Postnatal Movement and Total Body Resistance (TRX), Catie started Barre Series as a reaction to the high-intensity interval training everywhere in the fitness industry. Redefining what a Barre class can feel like, her approach blends ballet, Pilates and cardio to help you sculpt your body without burning it out. Catie bounds out of the studio to greet me. She has such a warm and lovely energy, and she invites me to choose some light hand weights and a mat. The class feels cosy, and it's not long before we're all flowing together – pliéing, relevéing, and sautéing. I find it easy to follow along, and Catie helps me with my form as the
class progresses. Cardio, abs, and core-work focus on small, but effective movements and I definitely feel the burn. What I really love about the class though is how welcoming everybody is. Chatting after class, Catie tells me: "At Barre Series, we take pride not only in our dynamically curated classes, but also in fostering an engaging community of like-minded members who contribute to the resilience and shared success of every individual on their wellness path." And it's this that makes me want to come back to one of Catie's classes soon. In person classes £30 per session, see more at barreseries.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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Luxury Holiday Rentals at Glenmor Make yourselves at home in the heart of Gleneagles The Gleneagles experience is one of a kind – you can now enjoy it from the comfort of a Glenmor luxury holiday home, located in the heart of Gleneagles. On your stay you can enjoy complimentary golf for one person, plus access to all of the leisure, dining and pursuits of the 5 star estate. We have 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties available, perfect for all the family. 3,750 2 , 4,720 3 5,180 4 7
Find out more: GLENEAGLES.COM/GLENMOR + 44 (0)1764 694321 OWN@GLENEAGLES.COM
The Timeshare, Holiday Products, Resale and Exchange Contracts Regulation 2010 requires Gleneaglesto provide you with certain key information in relation to the proposed seasonal ownership contract. A standard information form which contains this key information in relation to that contract may beobtained by contacted us via the above methods.
Considering
Elderly Care in Crawley?
Deerswood Lodge is welcoming new residents.
Our goal is to deliver the type of care that we would want for your own loved ones. Somewhere local with a professional care team that provides home cooked food, a clean and safe environment with good company. Plus, a private space that you can call your own.
Deerswood Lodge Ifield Green, Ifield, Crawley RH11 0HG
Visit shaw/deerswood to view our gallery, reviews and take a virtual tour to see if Deerswood Lodge will be the right fit for you or book a visit on 01293 561704
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AD GLENEAGLES - SHAW.indd 54
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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND TRISH MCEVOY Even Skin® Correct & Brighten Beta Hydroxy Pads, £45 selfridges.com
ANTIPODES Flora Probiotic Skin-Rescue Hyaluronic Mask, £29 antipodesnature.com
TRISH MCEVOY Gorgeous™ Cream Blush, £38 selfridges.com
DERMALOGICA Stabilizing Repair Cream, £65 dermalogica.co.uk
SALI HUGHES X REVOLUTION SKINCARE Face Blanket Facial Oil, £11.85 lookfantastic.com
KAMA AYURVEDA Kumkumadi Revitalising Facial Oil, £122 kamaayurveda.com
EARL OF EAST Onsen Hand Cleansing Kit, £55 earlofeast.com
EMMA LEWISHAM Illuminating Cleansing Oil, £48 spacenk.com
GLOW WILD Say goodbye to dull and dry skin B y C A R LY G L E N D I N N I N G
U BEAUTY The Super Tinted Hydrator, £98 theubeauty.co.uk
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EDITOR’S PICK
JAN MARINI The Skin Management System, £292 skinstation.co.uk
INSTITUT ESTHEDERM Age Proteom Advanced Serum, £89 lookfantastic.com
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ROC K STE ADY CARL HANSEN & SØN
Carl Hansen & Søn has been manufacturing Hans J. Wegner furniture for more than 70 years and now the company is adding the CH45 rocking chair from 1965 to its extensive collection. carlhansen.com
inside this section T H E L AT E S T D E S I G N N E W S p 5 8 G A R D E N I N S P I R AT I O N AT WA K E H U R S T K E W p 6 0 S H O R E H A M - B Y- S E A H O M E R E N OVAT I O N p 6 5 BUYING ART FOR THE HOME p73
I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H
WHY LIFE I S PEACHY p75
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INTERIORS N OT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE
STRIPE STORY ALICE PALMER
Alice Palmer's stylish Tangier Stripe is available across wallpapers, wastepaper bins and mirrors, with wallpaper in Olive, Mustard, Rhubarb, Iceberg and Red. With its bold candy stripes, this wallpaper is inspired by the traditional stripes typically seen in Morocco. alicepalmer.co
SUN SHADES BENJAMIN MOORE
Combine vibrant yellow with bold cobalt blue and bright white for a Mediterranean-inspired scheme. Paint woodwork and ceilings as well as walls for allencompassing colour effect, then introduce tactile textiles. benjaminmoore.com
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H O M E | NOTES
TA K E F I V E Throws
WELSH OTTER Lambswool Throw in Welsh Caernarfon Pattern, £149 welshotter.co.uk
CO LO U R P O P
EARTHKIND
LOUIS DE POORTERE
The new Pop collection from luxury rug manufacturer Louis De Poortere adds a playful twist with a series of quirky, figurative pieces that will add a dose of originality to home interiors. Each rug features unique and iconic motifs with contrasting background. louisdepoortere.com
FEATHER LI G H T
LIBERTY Cushendale Silare Raspberry Throw Blanket, £219 libertylondon.com
EarthKind is the leader when it comes to sustainable bedding. They create new, highquality bedding using 100% recycled feathers, down and synthetics saved from landfill. EarthKind’s factory is certified by Global Recycled Standard and Zero Waste to Landfill. earthkind.co.uk
WALTON & CO Lambs Tail Throws, £60 waltonshop.co.uk
JJ TEXTILE Olive Green Stripe Fern Pure Wool Throw, £117 jjtextile.co.uk
CROWN JEWEL LEAF ENVY
BRONTE BY MOON
Leaf Envy's Elizabeth planter is named after Queen Elizabeth II and has soft, feminine features and a well grounded base. Elizabeth planter has a bubble shape and comes in a shell colourway as one of Leaf Envy's new range of premium pots. leafenvy.co.uk
Falmouth Throw, £90 brontebymoon.com
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ASHDOWN GRAND SOFA IN EASY CLEAN SOFT AS COTTON TEA GREEN, £2,797
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S E E D Looking for garden inspiration for your home? A sensory haven at the heart of Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex may do just that
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H O M E | GARDENS
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his year Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, is celebrating five years since the unveiling of the new Winter Garden, which opened in January 2019. Located on the west side of Wakehurst’s Elizabethan Mansion, the Winter Garden captivates visitors with its vibrant colours, rich scents and diverse textures, even in the depths of winter. Wakehurst is a trailblazer for winter gardens, with one of the first in the UK created onsite in 1986. Garden Manager Francis Annette led the latest redesign, conceived to immerse visitors in winter beauty. Contemporary carved seating offers corners for reflection and connection with nature. An initial 33,000 plants were introduced to the area, delivering a bold spread of colour and texture, taking inspiration from the multi-layered vegetation across the neighbouring landscapes. Francis says: “We felt the garden needed reinvigorating. I took inspiration from different
landscapes in nature and what they look like in winter, such as a Himalayan rhododendron glade, a forest fringe, the Siberian tundra, the heathland in nearby Ashdown Forest and the South Downs. I wanted to make sure the garden created a sensory overload of colour, scent and textural contrasts.” The Winter Garden is structured around a family of mature Himalayan silver birch (Betula utilis var jacquemontii) interspersed with the coppery gleam of Tibetan cherry (Prunus serrula tibetica). Under the canopy, further texture and colour come from fiery red dogwood (Cornus) including the cultivars ‘Midwinter Fire’ and ‘Bud’s Yellow’, soft, feather-like ‘Karl Foerster’ grass (Calamagrostis) and hellebores. On the ground level, bright cyclamen decorate the base of the trees, signalling the start of the winter season, whilst a selection of snowdrops, particularly Galanthus woronowii, take their place heralding the first signs of spring. Japanese sedge (Carex morrowii), provides bold evergreens and a fresh ground cover, which Annette was keen to curate in place of a dark mulch base. Visitors will also notice the strong scent of daphne and witch hazel (Hammelis), both planted close to the path edges, whilst the wind rustles through swathes of deciduous grasses, offering a full sensory experience. Francis says: “During the coldest months of the year, the Winter Garden really takes centre stage. Five years on, it’s established extremely well, and continues to evolve. It’s truly a celebration of colour, where strong hues of red and green really make the display pop, creating simple yet striking combinations.”
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H O M E | GARDENS
PHOTOS: JIM HOLDEN
“It’s truly a celebration of colour, where strong hues of red and green really make the display pop”
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN SEASONAL GARDEN
For garden enthusiasts and budding botanists wishing to create their own Winter Garden, Francis advises on the use of plants to contrast and complement each other, making imaginative use of small spaces. To reduce the need for mulching or weeding, grasses can provide attractive ground cover, and interest can be created by experimenting with plants of different heights. He adds: “Go for that one plant that really speaks to you in winter. If you have space, that might be a hamamelis, or it could be a brightly coloured dogwood, used to illuminate a dark corner. In a container I like to think of the phrase: thrill, fill and spill. Plant something of interest in the middle, perhaps something evergreen like a Christmas box, then fill around it with a bergenia, for instance, and add in some ivy which will trail over the side of the pot.” To celebrate the Winter Garden’s fifth anniversary, Wakehurst invites visitors to explore the matured garden, where carefully nurtured plants now flourish. To ensure accessibility, the all-weather pathways were recently reinforced with resin, ensuring all visitors can fully immersive themselves in the garden’s winter beauty.
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The National Trust was bequeathed the mansion and grounds of Wakehurst in 1963. It was then entrusted to Kew in 1965, and they now work in partnership with the National Trust to care for their collections and heritage areas. Wakehurst is Kew’s wild botanic garden in the Sussex High Weald. Its ancient and beautiful landscapes span 535 acres and are a place for escape, exploration, tranquillity, and wonder. Its diverse collection of plants from Britain and around the globe thrive within a tapestry of innovative gardens, temperate woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. Wakehurst is a centre for UK biodiversity and global conservation, seed research and ecosystem science. At its heart is Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, the world’s largest store of seeds from wild plant species. RBG Kew receives approximately one third of its funding from Government through the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and research councils. Further funding needed to support RBG Kew’s vital work comes from donors, membership and commercial activity including ticket sales. In the first six months since implementing a new accessibility scheme for those in receipt of Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Legacy Benefits, Kew has welcomed 10,000 visitors with £1 tickets. At the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, they’re dedicated to harnessing the power of plants and fungi to end the extinction crisis and secure a future for all life on Earth. With their world-leading research, global partnerships and beloved gardens – home to the world’s most diverse collections of plants and fungi – they’re using their trusted voice to shape policy and practice worldwide. As a charity they rely on the critical support of their visitors, not only to sustain the gardens, but to protect global plant and fungal biodiversity for the benefit of our planet and humanity. kew.org/wakehurst
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Hand Crafting beds for over 35 years Established since 1967 Friendly, knowledgeable Service Fast, Free Delivery | Award Winning | Independent Family Business
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H O M E | REAL HOME
Rustic REVAMP
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How the use of wood flooring helped to elevate this contemporary home in Shoreham-by-Sea
ocated on the south coast in Shorehamby-Sea, the homeowners of this spacious and contemporary property opted for rustic flooring from Havwoods to add charm to their eclectic interior and bring the downstairs spaces together. The brief for the renovation was to create a consistent decorative scheme throughout the entire ground floor that was both modern, but also functional for family life. Interior design company, Sarah King Interiors, commissioned flooring from Havwoods to help enhance the light and airy feel of the home, while providing the perfect balance of practicality and aesthetics.
Featuring original brick walls and a neutral backdrop, the homeowners have introduced pops of colour and texture in the open-plan living and dining area via their furniture and home accessories. Havwoods’ light and contemporary Alzon Rustic 207mm 1-Strip boards from the Pureplank collection feature throughout and help add to the feeling of space with their wide 207mm design. Boasting plenty of natural light through multiple windows and skylights, the soft colouring of the planks help to reflect light around the room. Complementing the 1-Strip boards in the living space, the homeowners opted for Havwoods’ Alzon Rustic 130mm Herringbone flooring in the A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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H O M E | REAL HOME
“Everything works in unison to create a multilayered space that is full of character and charm”
hallway. The change in design naturally zones the two spaces, while still remaining within the same colour palette for continuity. The on-trend design spans the width of the room and helps to create the impression of a much larger space, whilst complementing other natural elements including the staircase and botanical motif wallpaper. The open riser staircase further adds to this illusion, whilst the bold fern wallpaper introduces a playful design aspect. The use of wood flooring was important to the homeowners, who wanted an easy to maintain flooring option that also provided timeless style, and complemented their other features including statement lighting, velvet dining chairs and eyecatching mirrors – which work in unison to create a multi-layered space that is full of character and charm. With an array of flooring suited to any home, Havwoods’ varied collection offers both traditional and contemporary designs in a range of colours and patterns. The dedicated team works closely with every customer to ensure every detail of their project is met. havwoods.com/uk
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CuckfieldBathrooms The Clockhouse, High Street RH17 5JX • Telephone: 01444 414 888
on display at CuckfieldBathrooms
www.cuckfieldbathrooms.co.uk AD CUCKFIELD.indd 67
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CARLHANSEN.COM
Retail prices incl. VAT.
ELEGANT SIMPLICITY AND GREAT COMFORT
Ole Wanscher
Ole Wanscher (1903-1985) was integral to the core aesthetic and functionality of modern Danish design. His classic and contemporary designs made him popular. In 1958, the Danish newspaper Politiken wrote: “Owning a Wanscher chair is an adventure every day, and will be so even several hundred years from now, for this is how long it lasts”. Today, his modern classics are still revered for their detail and his deep respect for materials. OW449 Colonial Table, oak, oil, £827 OW149-2 Colonial Sofa, oak, soap, from £3,639 OW150 Daybed, oak, oil, leather Sif 95, £5,703 OW2000 Egyptian Chair, oak, oil, saddle leather, £1,392
Flagship Store, London 48A Pimlico Road, Belgravia London, SW1W 8LP london@carlhansen.com
Monday - Friday: 10 am - 6 pm Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm +44 0 (20) 7730 8454
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H O M E | PARTNERSHIP
THERE WAS A NATURE-INSPIRED COLOUR PALETTE
T H I N K I N G O U T S I D E
the BOX Ripples Chichester, where style meets creative functionality
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reating a bathroom that balances aesthetics and functionality can be difficult, but Helen Brown, showroom owner at Ripples Chichester, is an expert at creating bathrooms that exceed expectations. Helen's most recent design was a bathroom that successfully combined style and functionality. The design brief called for the rethinking and updating of a room that had not been touched in many years and the additional challenge to create a practical space which would be perfect for busy mornings, but which equally provided a place for relaxation and retreat.
THE BRIEF The main goal was to add a smaller, more traditional bath to make room for a larger shower. Second, to alleviate the cramped feeling when entering the bathroom, the basin needed to include storage, be larger, and change location. Finally, the homeowners wanted to breathe new life into the bathroom with vibrant colours and an eyecatching feature wall.
THE RESULT Looking at the various options and obstacles, it became clear that the shower, bath, and WC needed to stay where they were. However, with the new design and selected furniture, particularly a large vanity unit, there was still room to make a significant difference. To achieve the homeowners' desired fresh look, Helen chose a bright, natureinspired colour palette to complement the previously chosen floor tiles. Each tile was then carefully chosen to add unique
interest to the space while not competing with one another. As a busy family bathroom, Helen needed to ensure the room would function seamlessly. The freestanding bath chosen has a timeless and traditional design but is also perfect for bathing young children due to its size and cleverly positioned hand shower attachment. Every detail of the design was carefully considered, from the way the WC alcove was flush with the wall, allowing for a hidden cistern, to the carefully designed niches to provide additional storage both inside and outside the shower area. There was also the introduction of a stud wall, which provided an external focal point, particularly when looking in from other rooms of the house. Visit Ripples Chichester at 34 Southgate, Chichester, PO19 1DP, head to ripplesbathrooms.com or call 01243 345375 for more information A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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H O M E | DESIGN
F R E N C H
FANCY Spotlight on Vaisselle’s new collection Words E V E H E R B E R T
“Delicate floral illustrations, bold geometric patterns, and whimsically sculpted shapes”
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onceived with the aim of enhancing dining experiences, Vaisselle is a tableware brand rooted in London, brought to life by French entrepreneur Léa Zana. Drawing inspiration from French heritage and eclectic global antiques, the collection is thoughtfully crafted to offer interchangeability, adding a playful twist to your table setting. Under the creative guidance of Léa Zana, a French-born artist who transitioned from the world of fashion to tableware design, Vaisselle mirrors her fond memories of exploring vintage flea markets during childhood and her admiration for diverse ceramics. Executed with precision, each ceramic piece undergoes a meticulous process of handcrafting, painting and glazing, ensuring a distinctive and individualized touch to every item. In a new collaboration with Anthropologie, the new collection showcases pastel vases and elegantly shaped coupes. The assortment extends to encompass charming dinnerware, glassware, candles, candlestick holders, and vases – each piece adorned with quirky patterns in soft pastel hues and bursts of joyful colors. Infused with a playful romanticism, every item has intricate hand-painted details, featuring delicate floral illustrations, bold geometric patterns, and whimsically sculpted shapes. Léa says: “This collection is inspired by those lighter days, when spring is about to slowly come into the French countryside. Soft pastels from the tulips contrast with bold red, a classic tone for French homeware. Timeless gingham as a nod to my grandmother’s tablecloths, and my favourite: little hearts!” The collection promises to inject a dose of cheer to any table. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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W I N T E R S A L E ROYAL UPGRADE
KING SIZE FOR THE PRICE OF DOUBLE SIZE ON HYPNOS BEDS OR MATTRESSES PLUS FREE GIFTS* Sales Ends 30th March
22 Redenhall Road | Harleston | Norfolk | IP20 9ER • Visit our Showrooms: Mon to Sat 09.00 – 17.00 T: 01379 855456 or 855461 | www.bestpricebeds.co.uk
Carbon Neutral | Inspired by Nature | 100% Recyclable | hypnosbeds.com *Offer available for a limited time – please ask in-store for details. Terms and conditions apply.
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That holiday feeling. Every day.
markilux pergola cubic
Visit us NOW!
01/02/2024 17:10
More Info?
markilux Designer Awnings. Made in Germany. Innovative technology and highest quality, outstanding when it comes to relaxing outdoors. Create the most alluring shade in the world. markilux showroom at Business Design Centre London N1 0QH · 52 Upper Street · T: 020 7288 6810 · markilux.co.uk
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H O M E | ART
ARTFULLY WALLS
Off the WALL It can take a lifetime to amass a collection of artworks, but what to do if you’re in a hurry? Go online, of course By PENDLE HARTE
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allery walls have been a major trend for several years now. But of course hanging pictures on your walls was a thing long before anyone came up with the idea of a gallery wall. And while some people naturally acquire things they like and frame them, others don’t know where to start. Realistically, it can take a lifetime to amass a collection of artworks and who has time for that? Art lover and tech visionary Cathy Glazer came up with a solution. Her online gallery Artfully Walls is dedicated to providing something for everyone, with all tastes catered for with the same approach to high quality printing and framing. It’s a carefully curated yet vast and diverse archive of artworks of all kinds, where everything can be bought in a variety of sizes, with several framing options, and each piece is printed
to order as a museum quality fine art print with archival inks on premium paper and canvas. It’s a seemingly infinite resource, and its genius lies not only in Cathy’s professional eye for quality, but in the technology that organises an enormous body of work into a searchable library. When faced with thousands of potential pictures, even the most decisive person is likely to feel exhausted. And where to begin? Searching by artist is an obvious starting point, but only for someone who knows artists that they like. Maybe medium? So you might search photography, say, or watercolour, or collage, or illustration. This is where Artfully Walls comes into its own. You might search something more abstract, such as, say ‘abstract’ or ‘landscape’ or ‘portrait’. You might like cats and search that, or seascapes, or architectural drawings, or botanical images. You might want something that’s mostly red to go with your
sofa. You might want something traditional, or something experimental. Each image is so precisely tagged and categorised that searches are impressively accurate. Alternatively, the archive includes a large series of designer picks, where people from all over the world with an eye for design offer up their own gallery walls for inspiration. Most of us don’t have tastes that are entirely consistent, and these walls show how pieces can work together even if they wouldn’t be classified together by any algorithm. All of this data creates an excellent resource for analysing trends too. Current demand shows a diversity of popular choices, with lots of searches for Greek and Roman motifs, as well as 18th century oil paintings. Linocuts are in vogue, as are portraits. You heard it here first. artfullywalls.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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SBI Ltd has been providing all of your shelter and shading requirements, since 1998
0800 0742 721 | sbiproducts.co.uk
Verandas • Glass Rooms • Awnings • Pergolas Carports • Solar Garage Doors & Shutters • Parasols • Conservatory Sail Blinds Glass Wind Screens for patios, awnings, verandas and parasols !
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Keep a cool head on your conservatory Why not replace your existing polycarbonate or glass conservatory roof with a new tiled and insulated roof and transform your conservatory into the garden room you deserve. Call now for a free, no obligation quote on 01323 844944
33 South Street, Eastbourne, East Sussex BN21 4UP
www.solidconroofs.co.uk info@solidconroofs.co.uk Telephone: 01323 844944
There’s more to a new roof than you can imagine AD SBI - SOLID CONSERV.indd 74
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H O M E | TREND
NINE ANGELS Broken pieces jesmonite clock with peach stand, £38 nineangels.co.uk
GISELA GRAHAM Tonal Pinks Twist Dinner Candles, £6.49 giselagraham.co.uk
LUST HOME Ogata Kuren Peach Wallpaper, £45 lusthome.com
FENWICK & TILBROOK Vintage Peony paint, 1L of Pure Matt from £27 fenwickandtilbrook.com
WEBB & GRAY Gilded Barley Twist Candlesticks, £140 webbandgray.com
PE AC H Y KEEN Celebrating Peach Fuzz, Pantone's colour of the year By P E N D L E H A R T E
LIBERTY Large teapot, £130 libertylondon.com
EFFORTLESS TRADING Jaipur pale pink mini cushion, £40 effortlesstrading.co.uk
DIVINE SAVAGES TRUFFLE TABLESCAPES Apricot Flower Placemat, £21 truffletablescapes.co.uk
Where the Wildflowers Grow Dusk Wallpaper, £150 divinesavages.com
OLENKA DESIGN Florence Peach Wallpaper, £155 olenkadesign.co.uk
LOAF Shindig Sofa in Pressed Peonies Clever Velvet, £1,895 loaf.com
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Home
Away
There’s more to a Hurst education than academic excellence. Here, self-expression is positively encouraged. Children are inspired to explore. Invaluable years in our nurturing, enriching environment in which all children thrive, blossom and grow. Prepared. For life.
Hurstpierpoint College
www.hppc.co.uk
C O - E D U C AT I O N A L D AY A N D B O A R D I N G S C H O O L F O R P U P I L S A G E D 4 - 1 8
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E D U C AT I O N
GAME CHANGER SLINDON COLLEGE
Slindon College is an independent day and boarding school for boys aged 8-18, set in the historic Slindon House, located in the South Downs National Park. Inside this month's education section, we discover why boarding there sets their pupils up for what lies ahead in their future careers. slindoncollege.co.uk
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I have made friends for life.
Be inspired Be brilliant Be you BOOK YOUR VISIT FOR YEAR 9 OR SIXTH FORM ENTRY AD LANCING COLLEGE.indd 78
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EDUCATION • FOCUS
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R ESU LT Burgess Hill Girls is celebrating a stunning set of grades in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
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he Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) requires students to conduct independent research on a topic that they have chosen that is not covered by their other A-level subjects. A student can take inspiration from something studied in class or something completely unrelated to their studies. They then use this research to produce a written report. All Sixth Form students at Burgess Hill Girls complete an EPQ in Year 12, their first year of Sixth Form. This year’s project titles ranged from “Is morality relative or absolute?” to “Does Fleabag provide an accurate representation of a modern-day feminist?” One hundred per cent of students were awarded an A* or A reflecting the continued importance and success of the EPQ at Burgess Hill Girls.
The EPQ is increasingly valued by universities, who offer lower UCAS grade requirements to pupils with excellent EPQs. It is now also being recommended by Oxbridge and medical schools as an enhancement to an A-level portfolio as it prompts intriguing interview discussion. Almost all this year’s cohort at Burgess Hill Girls have already benefited from their excellent EPQ results with lower grade offers from universities including Exeter, UCL, Warwick and York. According to Rohaise Flint, Assistant Head Academic at Burgess Hill Girls, there are additional longer-term benefits from undertaking the EPQ. “In a future defined by an accelerating pace of change in so many areas of human activity, critical thinking and problemsolving skills are essential,” Rohaise says. “The EPQ encourages students to ask and seek answers for the more complex and difficult questions.”
“THE EPQ ENCOURAGES STUDENTS TO ASK QUESTIONS AND SEEK ANSWERS”
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Jenny Scopes, EPQ Coordinator at Burgess Hill Girls, adds: “Our students’ intellectual progress develops beyond that of the average sixth former. They learn how to build independent research, manage their time, think critically, and author an analytical essay in an academic style. We find they also relish the opportunity to choose their own topic and study an area of personal interest in depth.” The students themselves also discovered unique personal benefits from completing their EPQs. Anna Contreras, who received an A* for her EPQ titled “What is the most effective treatment for generalised anxiety disorder?”, valued the insight into academic life. “I am interested in a career in medical research,” she says. “As the majority of my sources were written by professors doing exactly this, it gave me an insight into the work that they do and what a career like this would involve.” Angelica Hammond, who received an A for her EPQ titled “Does respectability politics manifest differently on male or female Black racial identity?”, said the EPQ has made her feel more confident in her abilities. “This project will serve as a reminder of what I am capable of.” Find out more at burgesshillgirls.com
THE SCHOOL OFFERS PLENTY OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR FUN TOO
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EDUCATION • FOCUS
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lindon College is a small, independent day and boarding school for boys aged 8 to 18 and offers a specialist learning and nurturing environment. Here I explain how the right choice of boarding school can help pupils thrive. First and foremost, parents must consider their child's strengths and needs Every child has unique needs, interests, and learning styles. The benefits of a holistic boarding school that removes barriers to learning can be fundamental for pupils’ development both academically and personally. Consider if your child needs a varied or altered academic programme, structured extra-curricular activities or specific personal development. Consider carefully whether a different growth pathway rather than a traditional academic programme might be more suitable. The school should
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Sotiria Vlahodimou, Headteacher at Slindon College, on the benefits of boarding offer a variety of extra-curricular activities to allow the child to explore different interests and develop new skills.
sizes of maximum 10 pupils. This offers an effective and adaptable environment that caters for different needs and strengths.
Secondly, parents should consider the quality of the staff Boarding Houseparents should be knowledgeable and create a homely and family oriented atmosphere. They should understand individual needs and promote self-exploration through exciting evening and weekend activities. Communication between academic and boarding staff should be clear and informative so the child has a rounded experience both in and out of the classroom with parents kept well informed.
Lastly, parents should consider the school's philosophy and values These should align with those of the parents to ensure consistency for the child. At the heart of boarding at Slindon College is the strength of the pastoral care and personal development of its pupils. Our values – Empathy, Perseverance, Integrity, Community and Self-worth – provide pupils with a moral compass and by the time they leave the college are able to apply in the wider community. By taking the time to research and evaluate different options, parents can make an informed decision that will provide their child with a strong foundation for academic but more importantly personal growth.
Thirdly, parents should consider the size of the school and the pupil to staff ratios Smaller schools may provide a more personalised experience. Slindon College is purposefully a small school, with a boarding community of between 20-25 pupils and class
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LAST WORD • VENUE
why everyone is talking about…
SOUTH LODGE
The hotel in Horsham is winning a host of plaudits whilst continuing to innovate
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outh Lodge was recently named Hotel of Year by the AA Awards, also scooped the award for Sustainable Hotel of the Year at the Cateys too, and they also won Best Spa in the South East with the Good Spa Guide Awards. All the judges involved recognised what the Horsham hotel has to offer and how it truly puts its guests first. The present house was built by Frederick Du Cane Godman in several stages. He built a modest dwelling in 1883 taking care not to disturb the magnificent camellia between the dining room windows which still grows today. The last of the substantial additions was started in 1911 when the drawing room wing was added. South Lodge was bought at auction by the Pecorelli family in 1985 and they transformed the old house into a hotel. Since its opening, South Lodge has added to the house retaining the warmth and charm it once had as a family home. In 2003 the South Downs Wing was opened, which hosts 12 beautiful function rooms, and, in the summer of 2008, South Lodge opened its doors to 44 beautiful new bedrooms, a bar, kitchen and an exciting new restaurant The Pass. Showing how it continues to innovate, South Lodge has revealed 2024 dates for its ‘working with the seasons’ Nature Immersion retreat. The next is on 16 March where you can head into the wild with Helena Skoog, an expert in forest bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) at The Spa at South Lodge. This weekend experience in the Sussex countryside provides guests with the opportunity to learn about the traditional Japanese awareness meditation of forest bathing, a profound antidote to
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anxiety, depression, fear, and tension, all whilst enjoying the comfort and exceptional service at South Lodge. Guests will arrive for a morning wellbeing session of Qi-gong and breath work, followed by a light lunch served in Botanica, a Mediterranean inspired restaurant drawing on the South Downs as a larder for fresh and seasonal ingredients to create a plethora of plant-based dishes. Enjoy dinner at leisure before retiring to bed for a great night’s sleep. Wake up refreshed and enjoy a spot of breakfast in the Camellia restaurant or perhaps brunch in Botanica before making the most of the relaxing and restorative spa facilities for the rest of the day – or maybe you will head back outside into nature for some more forest bathing at your leisure. exclusive.co.uk/south-lodge
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