CHESHIRE RESIDENT - SEPTEMBER 2014

Food & Drink

The Lismondes’ dream now a reality

“Being organic is a crusade. And a costly one for the winemaker!”

Why do organic wines taste different niche following in the wine world. A step Ever since Isabelle Legeron MW,
every year? further along from organic production, crusader for the natural wine movement,
Every organic vintage will be heavily biodynamic agriculture, developed by launched the annual RAW wine fair in
influenced by the native weather Rudolph Steiner during the 1920’s, takes London showcasing wines with zero
conditions – sun increases sugar and into account polyculture around the vines, intervention, no added yeast, no additives
alcohol; cool temperatures increase acidity; the use of natural preparations based on including no sulphites, natural wines have
rain can be too much or not enough. plants, minerals and manure and even the become the talk of the town. These wines
influence of the moon calendar. have a character of their own and might
Conventional wines are much less not appeal to all – but for those
under the influence of nature, with BOOKS FOR THE BEACH: adventurers amongst us, they definitely
producers using flavour enhancers – add to the pleasure of discovering new
yeasts, additives and preservatives – to Natural wine, an introduction to organic aromas and flavours.
make up for any shortfalls caused by and biodynamic wines made naturally
nature. The attraction of organic wines to A toast to a “healthier” Wine O’Clock?
those who seek out the natural choice, is - Isabelle Legeron MW
that the personality of each vintage shines Visit our shop in Hale
through, giving rise to debate as loyal Naked Wine: Letting Grapes Do What Our Tour de Belfort wines are certified
wine-lovers compare and celebrate the Comes Naturally organic and we make them in as natural a
differences year on year. - Alice Feiring way as possible using only the lowest
levels of sulphites necessary to maintain
Taking organic to the next level: Adventures on the Wine Route: A Wine stability in transportation. In just five
what are biodynamic and natural Buyer’s Tour of France vintages, we have been awarded 16
wines? - Kermit Lynch medals, making the long hours working up
These wines are more difficult to source and down rows and rows of vines
than their organic sisters, but have found a worthwhile.

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TRAVELresident
DREAM DESTINATIONS TO BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS

Dsdoiofmfeertehnitng

Jill Nash heads for Ajman

Posh nosh

Dine in style at
the Devonshire

Culture and
shopping in Malaga

Zilli’s Travel Tales
Italian-born celebrity chef and restaurateur, Aldo Zilli chats to Jill
Nash about his enthusiasm for street food in India, the romance of
Barbados and his fascination with Shanghai

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How often do you travel? Aldo worked in Shanghai and instantly fell in love with the place
I travel all the time. Europe has mainly
been the focus, but in the last 5 years my The worst hotel you’ve stayed? I lived in Soho for 25 years, and China
work has taken me all over the world. Last year, at a hotel in New Delhi. The Town was always around the corner, and
water was yellow, and the shower wasn’t when I went for work in Shanghai, I
I’m usually away once a month, as I do working. It should have been a 5-star simply fell in love with the place.
consultancy work. hotel, but I guess that rating is subjective.
My wife also travelled there and
Recently I’ve been to India (New Delhi, I was there for work, and employed, so enjoyed all the shopping and eating the
in fact), which was fascinating, and I just stuck with it. most incredible street food.
needless to say I ate a lot of food and
visited all the local markets. The best hotel you’ve stayed? I fell in love with all the culture and the
Where I got married, The House in way they live – its organized chaos.
The working aspect wasn’t that Barbados – it was super romantic, and
enjoyable, but I loved the variety and offers privacy and seclusion, which are It’s not that different to a busy town in
quality of street food, as they use very important to me. Italy, and yet you feel very free and safe.
simple ingredients and there is a lot of
fusion food and new ways of eating, which But the best hotel to take kids is in Italy, Everyone was so friendly.
was intriguing. at the Hotel Il Moresco Terme in Ischia, for Ironically I also tried some of the best
me they serve the best food I have ever Italian food in China – the Chinese love
What do you need for the perfect tasted in a hotel – and hotel food can be Italian food!
holiday? touch and go, but that takes some beating.
It has to be a 5-star hotel with a spa, a gym Best piece of travel advice?
and a kids club! I have 3 kids, Laura, who’s Most surprising destination. Always travel light, and dress comfortably,
29, 8-year-old Rocco and 6-year-old Lagos in Nigeria. Nothing can prepare you and prepare for delays and spending time
Twiggy. The younger ones really need for the culture shock. on your own – taking music and good
entertaining. books is essential and you can always buy
From the moment I landed I was stuff when you get there.
My iPod and headphones are also surrounded by security – from the hotel to
essential too. airport at 4am in the morning, it was Oh, and leave your children at home!
shocking, and I just didn’t expect it, and (I’m just kidding).
Good weather is not essential to me felt like a film star!
(surprising for an Italian), because I always Where next?
find things to do and places to explore The hotel staff and the Nigerians were Someone has invited me to Australia
and visit. very pleasant, lovely people. where they have a food festival next year.

The most meaningful travel It was pleasantly surprising. I’m very much looking forward to that,
experience? if I can organize it with all my other
Travelling and filming in South Africa Your favourite city? commitments.
(Cape Town), which I visited nearly 15 I would actually go and live in Shanghai.
years ago. I visited the poverty of the And of course I will be heading to
townships, which was very moving for me Abruzzo for White Truffle hunting at the
to see first-hand. end of October.

The trip inspired me so much that when Aldo is Chef Consilere to the award-winning
I returned I raised £200,000 for a San Carlo group, with restaurants in
wonderful local charity – the Red Cross Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Leeds,
Children’s Hospital. Leicester, and Bristol.

Work wise, we set ourselves a The next restaurant to be opened is FUMO,
challenge on top of Table Mountain – on Oxford Street, Manchester in October
where we set and served a table for 1,000 2014, visit www.sancarlo.co.uk.
people. The memories of this trip will stay
with me forever. Aldo has also written over 10 books,
including two autobiographies, and has
Funniest travel experience? appeared as a guest chef on many cookery and
It was one of the last trips on Concorde, lifestyle TV programmes, visit www.aldozilli.
where I took my wife Nikki to Barbados. com

I was trying to impress her (it was the Aldo and his wife Nikki got married in Barbados
early days!) and Nikki didn’t know that she
was going on Concorde and complained
the plane was too small, and wasn’t
first class.

When we landed after 3 hours she
commented, “I thought we were going to
Barbados?” It was very funny at the time,
and we still laugh about it now.

I was also due to go to New York for a
short trip, and ended up only seeing the
inside of a bar with Chris Evans for 3 days
– I’ve never been back, but I believe it is a
fun city.

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theMmaalgangaifico

The locals even have a word for “lingering after lunch” an
indication as to how laid back this fabulous city can be as

travel writer Katie Popperwell discovers

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Málaga

‘Are you going on an 18 - 30s mass tourism has all but wrecked those Historic Málaga
holiday?’ prototypical “Brits abroad” destinations,
‘Oh dear, hen do is it?’ here, hundreds of millions of euros have After the glorious heat, the first thing
‘Ha, no carbs before been spent over the last decade on that strikes you is how sparklingly clean
Marbs babe!’ polishing up ancient architectural gems everything is. The historic centre is totally
‘Are you making one of those “Sun, Sea and quietly building for the future. The pedestrianised, and the streets paved with
and Sex” documentaries?’ result is a thriving, cosmopolitain city a handsome patchwork of cool marble
packed with museums, beaches and world slabs, ancient cobbles and mosaiced stone
Just some of the remarks made by class cuisine, with a sub-tropical flags, polished smooth by endless footfall
friends when I said I was heading to Mediterranean climate to boot. and enthusiastic early morning jet
Málaga for the weekend. Proof - if it were washing. Ornate stuccoed 19th Century
needed - that the place has something of facades with gilded balconies shade the
an image problem. As the main airport for winding alleyways, opening suddenly into
the Costa del Sol, the city is too often broad, bright squares dotted with palm
written off as a poor relation of its flashy, trees, where locals while away the heat of
sexy neighbours - Fuengirola, the afternoon enjoying sobremesa
Torremolinos, Marbella - but as I found (meaning “lingering after lunch”) under
out, Málaga has more in common with the awnings of lively pavement cafés.
cool, cultural destinations like Lisbon or
Barcelona than it does with your average As any seasoned explorer will tell you,
Spanish tourist resort. if you want to get your bearings you better
get up high. Fortunately, in this case, that
In many ways Málaga is the clever means the terrace of the Parador de
tortoise to Marbella’s reckless hare. While Gibralfaro, a discreetly grand hotel built in
the late twenties. All whispered elegance,
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Cheshire Resident 107

white linen and Gatsby-esque charm, it’s locals relaxing in seafront cafés enjoying the Fortress of Alcazaba - itself a dead
the sort of spot you’d imagine Carey Grant dishes of clams and fried shark. For less ringer for the celebrated Alhambra of
and Audrey Hepburn smoking gold tipped than the price of your lunch you can hire a Granada. A stroll down through its
cigarettes over an early aperitivo. luxury Balinese bed on the beach and winding, immaculately restored pathways
Surrounded by vivid purple bougainvillea, spend the day sipping champagne in and landscaped courtyards brings you out
towering pines and fragrant eucalyptus, between dips in the blue Alboran sea and, by the remains of a recently discovered
the terrace affords a birds eye view of the on a clear days, see right past the Strait of Roman theatre dating to the 1st Century
city. To the east, white beaches backed by Gibraltar to the Moroccan mountains. BC. The ramparts sweep down toward the
a procession of prettily ramshackle fishing port, past La Malagueta Bullring (where
villages stretch out along the coast. This is From up here, Málaga’s incredible bullfights still go on on despite resistance
where the best beaches are, just ten monumental heritage is laid out like a map from the younger population) and levels
minutes from the city centre. Pedregalejo, of the last two millennia. Directly above us out by the dazzling Renaissance Cathedral.
the pick of the bunch, is where you’ll find is Gibralfaro Castle, built under Arabian
rule in the 10th Century at the pinnacle of In the cool, narrow alleyways of the old
town, the pace is languid, the days are
long and there’s always time to weave in
and out of the tiny boutiques and cafés,
where the temptation to pop in for churros
and chocolate or a short, strong coffee is
ever present. Museums appear around
every corner, but there’s one in particular
I’m making a beeline for. Home to the
world’s largest private collection of the
artist’s work, the Picasso Museum is
housed in the majestic 17th Century
Buenavista Palace. My guide Natalia is
warm and knowledgeable, and talks about
Pablo as if he were a personal friend;
‘There is always something in his work
that is not right: a joke or a change in
perspective. He’s from Andalusia and the
guys here always want to do something to

You may end up eating
hand cured Jamon Iberico
in a palace courtyard, or
drinking rather too much

of the finest Moscatel
wine

make you laugh, to surprise you, and that
is how I think of him.’ she tells me. Advice
that’s worth bearing in mind when
chatting with the local Malagueños.

An afternoon shopping on the majestic
Larios Street and its surrounding
boulevards is an education in Spanish
style. Have you ever head of Antonio
Parriego or Pedro Miralles? Nope, I hadn’t
either, but I’m now officially in love with
their exquisitely made footwear. All those
wonderfully reliable Euro brands like
Camper shoes and Intimissimi lingerie
have standalone stores, and a happy
afternoon can be passed in PNSP boutique
browsing a youthful, confident edit of
diffusion lines from Moschino, DKNY and
Versace, A flagship branch of luxury
Spanish design house Hoss Intropia takes
pride of place in the main square of Plaza
della Constitution, an Aladdin’s cave of
patterned silks, expertly cut palazzo pants

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Food to dive for The lowdown

Get up high for amazing views Dining is langourous Katie’s trip was hosted by Málaga City
Tourism
and vivid, sculptural accessories. My big almonds, raisins and, of course, seafood.
discovery was Bimba y Lola, a rather Over two days my experience ranges from Getting there
Carven-esque Spanish label that specialise eating traditional tapas of fried anchovies
in luxe separates in rich, technical fabrics and porra - a cold tomato soup - under the Monarch, the scheduled leisure airline,
and easy, oversized silhouettes. stars with bare arms at midnight, to a operates flights to Málaga from
formal nine-course tasting menu at the Birmingham, East Midlands, London
Mid-afternoon is the perfect time to Michelin-starred José Carlos Garcia on the Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester
head to the atmospheric Hammam city’s glamorous new waterfront airports with fares, including taxes,
Al-Andalus Arab Baths in Málaga’s old development. For foodies, a culinary tour starting from £44.99 one way (£103.94
Medina for a couple of hours of total from Spain Food Sherpas is not to be return)
relaxation. The lavishly tiled arches and missed - they custom design tours based www.monarch.co.uk
domed ceilings are a serene environment on your tastes, know all the best producers
to indulge in this ancient social ritual. I left and the secret corners of the city. You may Where we stayed
buffed to a shine and smelling of jasmine end up eating hand cured Jamon Iberico in
oil after circulating round the hot, warm a palace courtyard, or drinking rather too Room Mate Larios is a stylish, modern 4*
and cold pools and enjoying a vigorous much of the finest Moscatel wine in an hotel located on the majestic Calle Larios
Kessa glove body scrub and expert artisanal workshop surrounded by in the city centre. Native Malagueño
massage. priceless antiques. Antonio Banderas rents out a floor every
year during the Spanish Film Festival and
I’m hungry too, but that’s never a So to sum up, no, I don’t go on an 18 - we can see why. The room was vast, with
problem here. Eating is at the heart of the 30s weekend, and I don’t forego carbs, but floor to ceiling windows on two sides and
Andalusian way of life. Lunch is long and on the other hand I do stay out too late, a balcony overlooking the street. An
dinner is late, with most people sitting and I do get sunburn. Well, this is the excellent breakfast is served until midday
down to eat around ten or eleven o’clock. Costa del Sol after all. so lie-ins are almost mandatory. It feels
Local specialities include goat cheese, more like a five star than a four star -
Banderas is nobody’s fool.
Send us a tweet @ChesResident http://larios.room-matehotels.com/

Where we ate

Restaurante José Carlos Garcia, named
after its distinguished chef patron, is
situated on the city’s new Muelle Uno
district in the Port of Málaga. Traditional
Andalusian produce is used to create
innovate modern dishes that stand as a
benchmark for modern Spanish haute
cuisine. We ate smooth clams in a
Margarita sauce, rockfish with curried
cauliflower and beef cheek on a bed of
pureed potato with red wine from Castilla
de Mancha.

The uber-contemporary site overlooks
the yachts in the port and the tropical
botanic gardens of Paseo Parque where
you can watch the beautiful people
parading through the night.

http://www.restaurantejcg.com

Spain Food Sherpas are a group of local
guides with extensive knowledge of the
region’s cuisine. Our tour began with The
Atarazanas market, a converted naval
shipyard inspired by Les Halles in Paris
where local producers and artisan traders
bring the finest the city has to offer, and
ended in the Mesón Mariano taberna
eating fresh artichokes and drinking an
exquisite 2012 Botani Blanco”, a crisp
white with the official designation of
origin ‘Malaga mountain range’. Highly
recommended for food lovers.

Cheshire Resident 109

Enchanting Ajman

Sandy beaches, stunning architecture and delightful cuisine, Jill Nash
discovers why Ajman is a credible alternative to Dubai

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Right: Surround
yourself with
spectacular views
of the beautiful
turquoise expanse

Below: Enjoy one of
the most beautiful
private beaches
in Ajman at the
Kempinski Hotel

Explore Stay

Ajman may be the smallest of all the Authentic and iconic, the Kempinski
established Emirates, but what it lacks in Ajman is in a league of its own. The
size, it makes up for in powdery white exquisite modern design offers
beaches. If it’s a lazy beach getaway you breathtaking sea views of the Arabian Gulf
are seeking, then this is the place. Ajman from every room and suite throughout the
is a mere 25kms from Dubai and is an hotel. The leisure clubrooms are
undeveloped and a blissful sanctuary – a exceptionally spacious and offer late
world away from the skyscrapers of the check-out, all-day access to their K Lounge
other neighbouring Emirates. and 30% discount from the spa. Foodies
will be spoilt for choice; with eleven food
There is also a wealth of history and beverages outlets provide a variety of
including the hard to miss Etisalat Tower. cafés, bars and restaurants offering
It’s designed in a traditional mosque-style, something for every palate, ranging from
painted in turquoise and pink hues and gourmet Italian to authentic Indian
enjoys a prestigious status with the very cuisines.
top resembling a giant golf ball.
As the sun sets, the private beach bar,
Equally, the Ajman museum is worth a aptly named ‘Zanzi Bar’, sets the scene for
visit. A late 18th-century fort served as the
ruler’s residence until 1970 and also saw a Enjoy breathtaking sea views from every room at
stint as the police station. Now a museum, the Kempinski Hotel
it illustrates aspects of Ajman’s past with
an assortment of photographs, weapons,
tools and archaeological artifacts. Allow
time to stand still as you walk through this
charming fort built of Coral Sea stones, in
the town centre.

Equestrian lovers will be mesmerized
by the Ajman Stud, showing the finest
Arabian horses in the world. Ajman Stud
is a prime equestrian facility; built in the
traditional Arabic style, surrounded by
desert dunes, catching a show there is top
of the list for many.

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Travel

The Ayurvedic spa focusses on the well-being of both your body and mind

al fresco seafood dining, cocktails and The powdery white beaches are the perfect place Dine
apple infused shisha’s. to sit and soak up the sun
There are plenty of authentic Arabic
Night owls will equally love the With a whole range of tempting dishes to try, restaurants, late night cafés and Indian
on-site, “Cosmic Bowling” alley, you’ll be in foodie heaven eateries to choose from in and around
featuring 8 lanes, a karaoke room, and a Ajman. But the best-rated are those located
dance floor – and it’s the only licensed at the Kempinski Ajman.
bowling alley serving alcohol in the
UAE. Bukhara, offers an intimate Indian
experience, with low-level lighting and
The Ayurvedic spa is not to be seated cushions, famous for its Northwest
missed; based on a 6000 years old Frontier roots and a real tandoori
medical system originating in India, experience.
Ayurveda aimed at bringing mental and
physical harmony and is about knowing Those looking for a simple pasta dish, a
one’s self. saffron risotto, or a wood fired pizza, need
not look further than Sabella’s – an Italian
Each indulgent treatment at the hotel specialty restaurant, with a private terrace
includes an in-depth consultation with and an excellent, extensive wine list (not
an Ayurvedic doctor. The list of forgetting their delicious desserts).
treatments is impressive.
Book
Children won’t be disappointed here
either. With a fully resourced ‘Kids club’ Room rates vary from 600 dirham to 1,200
and daily activities ranging from face dirham (around £100 - £200) per night,
painting, to building sand castles, they depending on the season. Emirates fly direct
won’t be bored – and parents can from Manchester to Dubai, flight rates vary
indulge in some childfree time. from £328 per person return (economy class).

This hotel works for so many; young For more information, you can visit:
families will feel very comfortable, www.emirates.com
groups will enjoy the space and setting, www.ajmantourism.ae
and couples will enjoy the attentive www.ajmanstud.com
Arabian hospitality. With only 6 hours www.kempinski.com/ajman
flying time from the UK, Ajman is a
perfect choice for a tonic of sunshine. Send us a tweet @ChesResident

112 Cheshire Resident

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Deb’s delight

Delicious in every way sums up the The Devonshire
Arms in North Yorkshire says Janet Reeder

In my experience, “country house Derbyshire pile and while I have no river but we managed the mile or so up to
hotel” can mean a number of things. sympathy whatsoever for someone with the Abbey and viewed another idyllic
Many of them not good. Rubbish such a magnificent dilemma, I can scene, ruin, riverbank, parish church...
food “locally sourced” from the understand what makes this such a special nestling in more rolling hills.
nearby supermarket, over-attentive place for the noble landlord.
hosts, rooms with chintzed up decor We strolled back and as the weather
dating back to the 1980s and in one case a The inn is pretty, dates back to the early was glorious sat outside in the hotel’s
room with five beds and a tiny wardrobe. 17th century and has a very impressive Brasserie garden and a had a pre-pre-
history having had royals crawling all over dinner drink (two actually).
But as my search goes on for the holy it in the ensuing years. There’s a 1980s bit
grail of weekend getaways I headed with - built on by the Dowager Duchess of Our room on the first floor of the older
my other half to the Devonshire Arms Devonshire - Deborah “Debbo” Mitford - 17th century part of the building was
country house hotel. that has been cleverly integrated into the lovely. Not enormous, but airy, elegant
rest by being festooned with ivy adding to and comfortable. It had one of the highest
It’s at Bolton Abbey - nothing to do its lovely inn like feel but what makes this beds I’ve ever slept in - there are ladders if
with Bolton in Lancashire but a stunningly a really brilliant destination is the beauty you need them but I managed to scramble
gorgeous 30,000 acres of Yorkshire Dales of its surroundings. As we took the path onto it every time. Ungainly isn’t the word!
National Park and owned by the Duke of along the river that leads to the ruined (Hint: if you’re on a romantic break and
Devonshire, who is also the custodian of Abbey, viewed in the distance, it really is not the athletic sort, maybe you could get
Chatsworth. like you’ve stepped into a glorious 18th the bloke to throw you on the bed in the
century painting. manner of a hero in a Barbara Cartland
I heard a rumour that the Duke was novel).
reluctant to leave the modest (in his terms) There’s six miles to tackle along the
home by the ruined medieval abbey for his We weren’t dining in the Brasserie,

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Travel

which is a fine rural restaurant with bright included carrot with truffle and sour Next morning, a hearty breakfast
striped upholstery and a great bar but in cream, as we love anyone who can elevate awaited in the Burlington but after
the posh Burlington restaurant where we a humble vegetable into food fit for gods, scrambled eggs and fruit I had to dash off
were going to indulge in the tasting menu wild sea trout and cuttlefish which as I had booked a treatment at the
created by the hotel’s young and very embodied the fresh flavours of salty Devonshire Spa which is a few minutes
talented chef Adam Smith. oceans, an perfectly cooked Hereford Beef. stroll across the road. I had left it too late
for a dip in the pool or 10 minute in the
The weather was still amazing so we A quintessentially country sauna but I was soon in a state of blissful
were happy to have drinks outside before mansion decor, complete relaxation as I submitted to a fabulous
we were taken to the Burlington which has with real art and other Espa facial.
a quintessentially country mansion decor,
complete with real art and other charming charming antiques And then it was all over. I gazed
antiques apparently sourced from longingly at the wellies in the porch and
Chatsworth, although as it was a sunny We couldn’t resist the cheeseboard even the door of the Devonshire Arms as it
evening we were escorted into the though there’s a supplement as it’s one of receded into the distance and was already
orangery, where late summer sun played the best we’ve ever experienced. planning to return and see what it would
on the bubbles fizzing in our champagne. be like to stay here in the winter, when the
Everything was served by staff who hills were white with snow and the trees
The house wine is extremely good but knew their stuff. No hovering or glittering with haw frost and we could sit
we opted for a Sancerre before being obsequiousness to make you feel in front of a roaring fire in the bar with yet
served divine amuses bouches and bread, uncomfortable, just informed and friendly. another drink.
as soft and light as fairy pillows.
www.thedeonshirearms.co.uk
Favourites of all the courses served

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MresidOentTORING
THE NEWEST MODELS FOR THE DISCERNING DRIVER

Why we love the new
supercharged Jaguar XJR

Send us a tweet @ChesResident Cheshire Resident 117

ROARThis cat can still

Our motoring man Syd Taylor is smitten
by the the supercharged Jaguar XJR

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Motoring

Send us a tweet @ChesResident If the thought of a new
supercharged Jaguar XJR doesn’t
get the adrenalin flowing, there’s no
hope for you and you might as well
avail yourself of your sprung
walking stick and take to the fells.

For those of us with red blood still in
our veins, the thought of a turn at the
wheel of Jaguar’s flagship XJ model makes
us want to pounce. But before taking to
the road, let us pause for a moment’s quiet
reflection. What’s the difference between a
prancing cat and a laundromat? The
answer is simple. A laundromat spins your
clothes and a prancing cat takes you for a
spin. And if you’re not dizzy with delight
on your return, I suggest a new biological
washing powder.

For those readers scratching their
heads and wondering what this is all
about, it’s just that having driven the new
£92,370 Jaguar XJR, I’m delirious with joy
and determined to get behind the wheel
once more.

It has long been thought that a sports
saloon really only means one thing: a
Jaguar. Rivals may bring to the table
bountiful performance, ample luxury and
so on but one thing they can’t do is to call
the car a Jaguar.

Behind that ‘solar attenuating
hydrophobic and acoustically laminated
glass’ (none of that ordinary ‘see-through’
stuff here) there’s a whisper-quiet cocoon
that’s as accommodating as a luxury suite.
You have every electronic aid you need
and a Meridian ‘lots of watts’ sound
system that wouldn’t disgrace a concert
hall. There’s even a magic ‘conversation
assist’ that places a microphone above
each seat to reinforce the occupants voice.
Naturally I tried to disable it when a

Cheshire Resident 119

Motoring

“It’s as swift as the wind,
as supple as a gymnast and

that ‘R’ bespoke chassis
and good old rear-wheel
drive ensure agile and

wonderfully secure
handling.”

certain someone climbed aboard. has little in common with classic Jaguars on the vine.
It’s as swift as the wind, as supple as a but in terms of the Jaguar spirit it is 100% And so, with the sun gleaming on the
proof that the cat still roars.
gymnast and that ‘R’ bespoke chassis and paintwork, the open road curved away
good old rear-wheel drive ensure agile and That view down the bonnet is gently. A little throttle application
wonderfully secure handling. unmistakably Jaguar. That adroit and provided big returns, giving an experience
magical response to drivers input is a as old as motoring itself, but right up to
Tootle along serenely if you will but slip reminder of all that the marque stands for date in the most refreshing manner as
it into ‘sport mode’ and, by the motors of a - and we can sigh with relief that some you’re seduced by the sheer
Saturn 5 rocket, does it go! With a roar things keep getting better. Some brands voluptuousness of rapidly sustained
and a crackle the 5.0 litre supercharged V8 are just too good to be allowed to wither movement.
is Herculean, with power that should be
measured in megatons - but 550 PS will Send us a tweet @ChesResident
suffice. A top speed sensibly limited to
175mph and an explosive launch capability
is fast enough for Superman. It’s tempting
to ponder whether such power is actually
needed - but, believe me, it is. You may not
need it - but then again, life is not to be
lived on bread and water alone.

The design is up-to-the-minute yet
retains a sense of lineage. Mechanically it

120 Cheshire Resident



PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Beautiful cheshire weather
for annual golf day

Blue skies and bright sunshine bathed Sandiway Golf Club, as Porsche
Centre Chester entertained 40 customers at its annual Golf Day.

With weather conditions almost perfect at the of luck for the Porsche GB National Golf Final.
picturesque course, guests were accompanied by “Everyone had a fantastic day and it was
members of staff from the Cheshire Oaks-based
business for a full day’s play, including a number excellent to see so many customers join us on the
of competitions. annual golf event,” said Carl.

Among the prizes was entry to the Porsche “It’s a very important day in the calendar for
GB’s National Golf Challenge, from which the Porsche Centre Chester, as we enjoy the company
winner and second place would represent the of our customers away from the showroom
country at the Porsche World Golf Final. environment.

Freshly brewed coffee and sumptuous bacon “This year we were blessed with wonderful
rolls provided everyone with traditional start to weather and some excellent rounds of golf.
the day, before the competitions got underway.
“One of the topics of conversation was the
The ‘nearest to the pin’ was a close run battle, restoration project our technicians are near to
as Nick Francis placed his ball to within just 12 completing – bringing a 1986 Porsche 911 3.2
feet of the sixth hole, while Rob Lewis was even back to the condition in which it left the Porsche
closer with his shot at the 17th hole, managing to factory in Germany nearly 30 years ago.
get to just nine feet from the pin.
“It is hoped we’ll have the fully restored car
Kieron Parker, Lee Parker and Brian Birkenhead project finisfull at the end of October and it will
won the Stableford team competition, while the then be on show in our Cheshire Oaks showroom.
best individual guest was David Harris.
“On behalf of Porsche Centre Chester I would
In the main Porsche owner competition Nick like to thank our customers for attending and
Francis finished third, Gary Almond in second wish Tim and Nick plenty of luck at the National
place and Tim Apel secured victory. Tim will be Golf final.” ■
joined by Nick at Porsche GB’s National Golf
Challenge at The Belfrey in September, as Gary Cheshire Oaks, Cheshire CH65 9LF
won the event last year and is unable to attend Tel: 0845 845 4911
two years in a row. [email protected]
www.porsche.co.uk/chester
Carl Hazelton, centre principal at Porsche
Centre Chester, thanked all the guests for
attending and wished Tim and Nick the very best



Pfoor trhsocuhghet

It’s beautiful, iconic, and for Carl Hazelton,
working at Chester’s Porsche Centre every

day, is an undeniable pleasure

One of the most chic lifestyle Why Porsche?
statements you could When you say Porsche to anybody it gets a
possibly have is a Porsche. certain reaction. It’s special and special to
It’s a design classic. be a part of it. The thing that makes it
However, the company, different is that Porsche is a sports car you
when founded in Stuttgart in 1931, didn’t can drive every day. It’s a normal car and
initially build any motor cars under its own supercar as well.
name. In fact one of the first assignments it
received was from the German What can people expect at Chester’s
government to design a vehicle for the Porsche Centre?
people, a Volkswagen. They created the We’ve got a fantastic team and a great
Beetle which became one of the most atmosphere. I have a close relationship
successful cars of all time. with our customers which makes a huge
difference. We invite them out on golf days
It wasn’t until the 1960s that the iconic to motor shows, hold showroom events
Porsche 911 was created. Fast forward and and go out to dinner. It really is quite
the company is a massive success, claiming special. It’s like our clients belong to an
to have the highest profit per unit sold of elite club. Talking about clubs, we have a
any car company in the world. In 2006 it very close affiliation with The Porsche
was awarded the title of most prestigious Owners Club who get involved in our
automobile brand by luxury Institute New events as well as use our facilities to hold
York. their own. It really does feel special to own
a Porsche and be part of the Porsche
So what is it like to work with such a brand.
prestigious name? We asked Carl Hazelton
head of the Porsche Centre in Chester Anything else?
about his work with one of the most iconic We are now in the position where
cars in the world everything we now have in the range is
new. This means that performance wise
Porsche is the best it can be. Volkswagen for 12 years before I came
here four and a half years ago and since I
Newest model? have been at Porsche it has really
Porsche have just introduced the new revitalised my passion for cars.
Macan which is an SUV car and aimed at a
different kind of customer. It also has a First car?
more affordable entry price at £43,845.00 My first car ever was a Marina - in lime
green. It was horrible. Then I got a Golf
About you? GTI which was a very special car at that
I was born in Knutsford and now live in time but I always had a Porsche 911 poster
Appleton in Warrington. I love cars and on my bedroom wall when I was a kid and
dealing in Porsche – of course. I was with now I can see the real thing every day I
come into work. We sometimes have
business studies students coming in from

124 Cheshire Resident Send us a tweet @ChesResident

Motoring

Oak Hill College and every one of them is What else is happening at the What do you love most about your
aspiring to own a Porsche one day exactly Porsche Centre, Chester? job?
as I once did. It’s a privilege to work with We’ve got a great service team here. As We have a lot of fun in the business and in
a brand that inspires people. well as our service advisers Holly, Tracey terms of the staff it is a good place to be.
and Helen, we have our technical team Obviously our customers make a
Which model would you like to who look after classic cars as well as the difference. We know them and they know
own? latest Porsche. us. We have a great relationship. So it’s
We are actually restoring a 1986 (911 3.2 at not really like being at work - plus I am
the moment which is probably the car I There’s a Porsche museum in Stuttgart surrounded by fantastic cars!
most wanted when I was younger. It had a and sometimes we arrange for our Porsche Centre Chester
big fin on the back which made it a very customers go over there and pick their car Cheshire Oaks, Chester,
special thing. Today, if money was no up from the factory. Cheshire CH65 9LF
object and I had £90,000 to spare I’d 0845 845 4911
probably have a 991 the new 911. They can also visit the museum at the www.porsche.co.uk/chester
same time to find out more about the
heritage of their fantastic car.

Send us a tweet @ChesResident Cheshire Resident 125

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE





SresCidenHt OOLRUN

Special soul Farm fun

Felicity Taylor, headmistress of Queen’s and travel the world with husband Nick. Staff at Tatton’s Home Farm created a
Lower School retired at the end of the She has had a fun-packed final highly imaginative (and educational!)
term after nearly 10 years at the helm of programme of summer holiday activities
the city school. academic year – leading the choir to two for children to immerse themselves during
national finals, eating frogs legs in Paris, the school holidays.
She passed the Queen’s baton to Mrs swimming in Ullswater, dressing up as the
Rachel Cookson, previously Head of Pre- Queen at the annual garden party, leading The programme was inspired by the
Prep and Nursery at Terra Nova School in a chorus of parents at the school farmyard tales of Kim Lewis whose work is
Holmes Chapel. production andwinning the Schools’ Raft the subject of an exhibition at Tatton
Race with the Lower School raft The including 12 pieces of Kim’s original
Mrs Taylor, from Northwich, is retiring Queen of Hearts. artwork and transcripts from her books,
from teaching to continue her adventures including Floss, Emma’s Lamb, Just Like
Floss and Shepherd’s Boy.

The Summer FarmFun runs until Friday
22nd of August and includes Tatton’s
fabulous maize maze, farmyard trails,
sheep racing, milking demonstrations, den
building, a woodland play trail, farm fact
talks and many cute farmyard friends to
get to know.

Private view of “self” Budding athletes

Art students from Withington Girls’ Hulme Hall Grammar School pupils are
School have staged an impressive Private celebrating becoming finalists of the
View Exhibition on the theme of Self. prestigious Independent Schools
Association National Athletics
The work by GCSE and A Level Art Championships at the Birmingham
candidates drew a crowd of more than 100 Alexander Athletics Stadium, after
guests in a collection that showcased a excelling in the regional track and field
broad range of art techniques including heats.
ceramics and porcelain, textiles, printing,
life drawing and traditional painting. The outstanding success of the pupils led
Rocco Zaman-Browne (13), from Marple,
Withington’s Head of Art, Mrs Ruth to finish the 800M race as a silver
Fildes said: ‘I was absolutely blown away medallist, while his fellow team mate
this year by the quality of the group of Emily Plevin (15), from Mottram,
artists here, not just individually but as a competed in the Discus event, both
whole group.’ representing the ISA North squad.

Alexander McQueen Creative Director
Sarah Burton, who designed Kate
Middleton’s royal wedding dress, attended
Withington Girls’ School before going on
to eventually study Print Fashion at the
Central Saint Martins College of Art and
Design.

Send us a tweet @ChesResident Cheshire Resident 129



Fluttering Perfection

Moorcroft, said to be the finest art pottery in the world today
with each piece made entirely by hand from start to finish

To mark the 50th Anniversary of the English Somerset Wildlife Trust, Moorcroft are releasing a trio of bespoke
commemorative pieces, featuring three of Somerset’s most precious butterfly species, the Large Blue, Grizzled Skipper
and the Small Pearl Bodied Fritillary. In true Arts and Craft style, the butterflies by Moorcroft designer, quite literally

appear to have wafted effortlessly from a country garden. In truth, the vase holding the Large Blue butterfly is not
only testament to the beauty of the butterfly, but also, the preservation work of the trust. It is one of the world’s most

threatened species. Prior to their reintroduction to Somerset Wildlife Trust’s Green Down nature reserve in 1992,
Large Blue butterflies had been extinct in the UK. The Trust now hosts the largest colony in the world, enabling
colonisation of some smaller, satellite sites. A donation from the purchase of each vase will go to the Trust to enable

their good work to continue. For more information on the trust please visit www.somersetwildlife.org

03/4 - £180 Plaque - £130 226/5 - £220

Established 1897 READER OFFER!

01782 820 500 Spend over £200 on Moorcroft Pottery & receive
www.moorcroft.com this Peacock Parade vase (2 inches high) for FREE.

Contact or visit the Moorcroft Heritage Visitor Centre Mon-Fri 10am-5pm
and Sat 9.30am-4.30pm and quote Cheshire Res Summer Offer.

Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01782 820515
W.Moorcroft Ltd, Sandbach Rd, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 2DQ.

Only redeemable against Best Quality/non-sale items, closes on the 1/10/14.

BresUideSnt INESSINSIGHT

High fliers

Every year the pace of life at the top gets more
hectic. Demands grow on the time of successful
entrepreneurs and senior executives. Precious
hours spent stuck in traffic on the M6 are lost
forever. For such people travel services that make
journeys more direct, comfortable and reliable are
especially attractive; for these high flyers
chartering private jets and helicopters can be well
worth the premium price says Martin Pilkington

The Private Jet Charter-Broker

Adie Mike had his own taste of the high their holidays or to work and nobody is A chopper is the way to go Image courtesy of Falcona
life when he played for Manchester City in aware of it.’ Charter a jet. Why not?
the early years of the Premier League.
Now he runs Falcona Private Jets, based in As the rest of us snake slowly through
Altrincham, with top flight players among airport security and immigration the
the most frequent users of his firm’s private jet experience is rather different:
services. ‘The private terminal at Manchester
Airport is separate from the main
‘We’re a charter broker, we don’t own terminals with a different entrance, so it is
the aircraft but have access to something more private and quiet,’ Adie explains:
over 3000, so we can source pretty much ‘When you turn up you’re greeted by the
any type and size - we went to look staff, and can have a tea or coffee in the
yesterday at an aircraft with 102 business lounge area. But clients can arrive 10 or 15
class seats on it, that’s pretty much the top minutes before the flight and, if the aircraft
of the size range.’ is ready, can head straight aboard. As
regards immigration it’s all pre-cleared,
There’s no denying that using such a you don’t need to show your passport
service must boost the ego and make a generally.’
statement to the world, but Adie is keen to
emphasise the practical reasons top Within Europe Geneva is Falcona’s
business-people and celebrities choose to most frequent business destination. Adie’s
fly by private jet: ‘For business users speed clientele also favour leisure destinations
and flexibility more than anything else are like La Manga, Sardinia and Monaco, but
important. If a meeting overruns the he’s hopeful that as Manchester’s Airport
aircraft will wait so you won’t miss your City project progresses long-haul business
flight, you can dictate what time you want with China could develop.
to leave. That’s a major benefit for senior
executives, so they won’t be delayed and For those dreaming of trying it there’s
miss their next meeting. hope yet‘For say six people Manchester-
London on the right aircraft it’s about the
‘A lot of celebrities and sports stars go equivalent of business class prices, so
for this service too: they can turn up for a reasonably affordable,’ he says.
flight, have no hassle and are away on

132 Cheshire Resident Send us a tweet @ChesResident

Business

PRIVATE Image courtesy of GB Helicopters
JETIQUETTE –
TIPS FOR HIGHER
FLYERS

1. Filling the plane reduces unit
costs, but it’s more about saving
time than money.

2. Speaking of which, private
jets fly to many more (often far
smaller) facilities than the
airlines. There may be
something nearer your eventual
destination than a major airport.

3. The service is built around
your arrival, so let them know
when you’re on the way.

4. Your plane, so (within reason
and with notice) your menu.

5. Don’t hassle any celebs in the
terminal – respect their privacy,
which includes tweets about
them, autographs, and intrusive
selfies.

6. Unless you arrive direct from a
power meeting, dress for
in-flight comfort without going
down-market – the smart side of
smart-casual won’t be far
wrong.

7. Making a loadsamoney fuss
has the opposite effect to that
intended.

8. Leave pilots and any crew in
peace during take-off and
landing; be polite, they’re
professionals; but tipping
(handsomely) for great service is
not a faux pas.

I Have a Big Chopper!

With its offices in Snelson, between typically takes one hour 10 minutes Travelling by helicopter saves time
Knutsford and Macclesfield, GB depending on where we depart from,’ and avoids hassle, as it does with private
Helicopters is one of the UK’s leading says Operations Manager Abi Hensby: jets, and both can be very discreet. But
helicopter charter firms, offering luxury ‘We do tend to do quite a few pickups it’s hard not to imagine that sometimes
travel along with filming services and from Barton – there’s a departure lounge the helicopter option may also be about
aerial surveys for clients like utility at Barton heliport that passengers can making an entrance: GB’s aircraft ferry
companies. Three of its fleet of eight go to, park up and then wait for the clients to major social events like
aircraft work out of the Manchester- aircraft, though if we have clients with Silverstone, Ascot, Cheltenham and the
Cheshire area. enough land at their property we can country’s best grouse moors. Arriving in
pick them up there as well. As long as a luxury limousine draws one picture,
‘We do a lot of VIP charter, mainly for the landing site is suitable for the stepping out of an AS355 Twin Squirrel
businesses, businessmen and -women helicopter we can do door-to-door helicopter, leather interior and all, paints
going to London and other cities. service.’ it in oils.
Manchester – London Battersea Heliport

Send us a tweet @ChesResident Cheshire Resident 133

Diary
What’s happening this month

Compiled by Susie Kelly

September 4th – 6th breaking point but all is about September 6th
THE PHANTOM OF to change. TOM STADE
THE OPERA With star performances from
Shobna Gulati (Coronation Following on from previous year’s sell-out tours, Tom Stade is
Nationally Acclaimed Youth Street, Dinnerladies) and Joe back and bigger than ever. Join comedy’s coolest stand-up on
Theatre Company, Musical McGann (Calendar Girls, his Decisions Decisions tour as he ponders timeless questions
Youth UK, proudly present Upper Hand, The Hanging and reflects upon life’s choices. Not to be missed.
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Gale) April in Paris is a
Phantom of the Opera. See this hilarious, romantic adventure The Lowry 0844 815 4873
illustrious and moving tale be that is sure to make your
brought to life on the stage at heart melt. One of the greatest films to their catchy tunes including
the Dancehouse Theatre Opera House 0844 871 7660 come out of 1997 is taking to ‘All Fired Up’, ‘Work’ and their
Manchester this Autumn. the stage in this live cover of Depeche Mode’s ‘Just
September 7th production of The Full Monty. Can’t get Enough’.
Dancehouse Theatre 0161 237 9753 LISA STANSFIELD See how six unemployed
steelworkers from Sheffield Apollo 0844 847 2277
September 5th BRIT Award winner Lisa become a successful male
ART GARFUNKEL Stansfield is back on tour striptease act in this hilarious September 14th
following the release of her and heart-warming tale. CHRIS MARTIN
Best known for his new album ‘Seven’. The
performances alongside Paul singer-songwriter has sold Opera House 0844 871 7660 Star of Dave’s One Night
Simon, Art Garfunkel is back. nearly 20 million albums Stand and Fighting Talk, Chris
Don’t miss this fantastic world-wide and has a string of September 14th Martin, is embarking on his
opportunity to see the top UK and European hits THE SATURDAYS first national tour. Come and
American Grammy Award- behind her. The new album join Chris as he explains his
winning singer at the features tracks such as ‘Can’t All girl band The Saturdays own unique logic and
Bridgewater Hall. dance’ and ‘Stupid Heart’. are back on tour this autumn observations including his
Bridgewater Hall 0844 854 1355 to promote their new album views on dogs and
Bridgewater Hall 0844 854 1355 ‘Greatest Hits Live!’ – due for Tupperware.
September 11th release in August. The band
September 6th THE FULL MONTY – released their debut single ‘If The Lowry 0844 815 4873
APRIL IN PARIS THE PLAY BY SIMON This Is Love’ in 2008 and have
BEAUFOY been rolling out the hits every September 18th
Al, recently made unemployed since. The album includes all AZEALIA BANKS
and Bet, a shoe shop assistant, September 26th
dream of a better life together. KYLIE The incredibly talented Azealia
Their relationship is at
The biggest selling solo
artist in the history of
Phones 4u Arena returns
to Manchester this
September. The queen of
pop will be showcasing
material from her latest
album ‘Kiss Me Once’ in a
unique show full of
sensational outfits and
dance performances. Fans!
Get your tickets now!
Phones 4u Arena 0844 854 1355

134 Cheshire Resident Send us a tweet @ChesResident

Diary

September 9th BEAUTY AND THE
PHARRELL WILLIAMS BEAST

The multi-talented mega-star Pharrell Williams See the Birmingham Royal
is to open his Dear G I R L tour at the Phones Ballet perform this beautiful
4u Arena in Manchester this September. love story live on stage this
The rapper, singer-songwriter, Autumn.
producer, musician and designer will With wild waltzes and elegant
be performing songs from his latest formations, watch as the story
hit album as well as tracks from unfolds through the majesty
his album, In My Mind, which and grace of ballet. A family
was released in 2006. favourite and a fantastic
night out.
Phones 4u Arena 0844 854 1355
The Lowry 0844 815 4873
Banks will be on tour this FIVE STAR SWING Beckett explores loneliness,
September promoting her realisation and human thought September 25th
latest album, Broke With If you love your feel-good, big- processes in an expressive and LAURYN HILL
Expensive Taste. Azealia’s band music, then this is the compelling manner.
most well-known hits include place to be. Covering hits by The Lowry 0844 815 4873 American R&B singer Lauryn
‘212’ and ‘Liquorice’. Glenn Miller, Sinatra, Basie Hill has announced a date in
Manchester Academy 0844 847 2277 and Ella Fitzgerald, you won’t September 24th Manchester to her already sold
be without your jazz and blues. STEPHEN FRY out run of UK shows.
September 19th – 20th A fun, friendly night out, not Following the success of ‘The
ALT-J to be missed. Don’t miss this opportunity to Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ -
see the multi-award-winning which has now sold 18 million
Alt-J released their debut Stockport Plaza 0844 815 4873 comedian, actor, presenter and copies worldwide - Hill was
album ‘An Awesome Wave’ in writer, Stephen Fry. Each nominated ten times at the 41st
2012 and have been riding on September 23rd – 27th ticket will include a hardback Grammy Awards making her
its success ever since. Now NOT I, FOOTFALLS & copy of Stephen Fry’s new the first woman to ever be
promoting their new album, ROCKABY book, More Fool Me, which nominated ten times in one
‘This Is All Yours’ – out this you can collect on the night. year. Not to be missed!
September – the group are These intensely powerful and Stephen will also be doing a
back on tour around the UK. captivating pieces by Samuel book signing after the show. Apollo 0844 854 1355
Apollo 0844 854 1355 Beckett are not to be missed. Bridgewater Hall 0844 907 9000
Using theatre as an artistic September 25th
September 21st platform, these pieces express September 24th LADYSMITH BLACK
a whole range of emotions in MAMBAZO
an eye-opening way. Here,
The male choral group from
South Africa are back with a
brand new production. ‘Inala’
embraces an exhilarating
fusion of South African
and Western cultures, live
on stage.

Bridgewater Hall 0871 977 3808

September 28th
JASON MRAZ

Following his release of ‘Yes!’
Jason Mraz is back on tour.
Join Jason and Raining Jane
for an acoustic evening at The
Lowry this September.

The Lowry 0844 815 4873

September 29th
MICHAEL PALIN

A brand new two-part stage
show presented my Michael
Palin himself sees the
comedian, actor, writer and
television presenter look back
on twenty-five years of
exploring the world and nearly
fifty years in radio, television,
books and films.

Opera House 0844 871 7660

Send us a tweet @ChesResident Cheshire Resident 135

Where the countryside comes to life!

AUGUST

SBAPNKEHCOLIIADALY

Saturday, Sunday & Monday
August 23rd, 24th & 25th
10AM – 6PM DAILY

ɀ 3 Main Show Arenas
~ Country Sports
& Pursuits
~ Falconry
~ Equestrian

ɀ World of Dogs

ɀ Country Sports Have a Go
Clayshooting, Fishing

ɀ Craft Village

ɀ Food Hall
& Cookery Demos

ɀ Yesteryear Arena

ɀ 10th English Open
Chainsaw Carving
Competition
Daily Auction of Carvings

CHESHIRE

GAME & COUNTRY

FAIR

Adults £12.00 – Over 65s £11.00 - Children £4.00 – Under 5’s Free
CHESHIRE COUNTY SHOWGROUND, TABLEY, CHESHIRE, WA16 0HJ

Tel: 01283 820548 | livingheritagecountryshows.com

DWiWhdy Islebivseutinr…y.

Dan Pollard owns The Violet Hour bar in West
Didsbury which is also where lives. He tells us why he

thinks the area is such a special place

Who Am I What are the shops like?
I’m Dan Pollard and I own a little There are some really quirky and unique
neighbourhood bar on Burton Road called independent traders on Burton Road,
The Violet Hour. It sits at number 236 on ranging from a fantastic little chocolatier
the site of the old Hibbert’s butcher’s shop to a quaint little card and gift store to
which 20-odd years ago was a real focal some great clothing boutiques for both
point of the community but since that time girls and guys.
has been derelict. I found it three years
ago, fell in love with it and wanted to Is it a good place to work?
transform it back into its former glory! Absolutely. I love the camaraderie and
sense of community with my fellow local
Why West Didsbury? traders. Also the local clientele are for the
I wanted to be close to work but also West most part so friendly and kind which
Didsbury is perfectly placed for me to get makes it a very easy place to be.
into the city centre, which is where I tend
to spend a lot of my time in meetings. Also Could anything improve the area?
most of my best friends are on my The area must attract more day-time trade.
doorstep here! West Didsbury is buzzing after 6pm but
throughout the day there isn’t as much
What sort of house do you live in? footfall which is a real shame for such a
I live in a two-bedroom apartment with my beautiful street.
two gorgeous cats.
What would be your Perfect Day in
Favourite places to eat? Didsbury?
Locally Pinchjo’s does delicious tapas. I A lie-in would be priceless!! Followed by a
also love eating on the terrace outside at slow walk down Burton Road, a gin &
Albert’s. If I’m in town then Cichetti is tonic sitting outside in the sunshine
difficult to beat. followed by a quiet meal with my
girlfriend.
How do you wind down?
I work a lot so I find it difficult!! Exercise is Would anything tempt you to move
the main thing that takes my mind off away?
work, so I see a personal trainer twice a Well I’m growing my business at the
week, and I try and get out on my bike a moment and hope to add a couple more
couple of times as well. I’m a big United Violet Hours over the next few years. Once
fan so get to Old Trafford as much as I’ve done that it’ll be time to focus a little
possible during the season. I also try to see more on my family and I see us moving
a lot of my family and friends. out towards the countryside. Doubt I’ll
ever be a pipe and slippers man though!
Independent shops on Burton Road

138 Cheshire Resident Send us a tweet @ChesResident

Quirky West Didsbury Yum! Cocoa Cabana choclatier
Send us a tweet @ChesResident
Cheshire Resident 139

NoveCmobmerpl2e0ti1n4g

A hidden gem in the heart
of Prestbury village

Butley Hall:
A once in a lifetime opportunity

Very seldom in property do two crucial factors come together
so perfectly: a magnificent residence in a classic English hall, and
the North-West’s most enviable location – Prestbury in Cheshire.
Butley Hall encompasses both beautifully.
This highly sympathetic restoration of a classic Grade II country
hall retains many of the original features. In creating some seven
luxurious apartments and three fine townhouses, Edengate will
make every use of existing materials and natural surfaces, while
complementing them with leading edge technology, energy
efficiency and security.

“Breathing new life into this
historic building featured in
the Domesday book

”Only 2 apartments now available.

Reserve now to avoid disappointment.
Prices start at £750,000.

Contact 0845 299 7212
Email: [email protected]

PROPERTYresident
NOW IS THE TIME TO FIND YOUR DREAM HOME

GEMSArchitectural

oLfudxiusrtyinhcotiuosnes









Time Out
Tracey Wilkinson is weddings co-ordinator at the
Mere Golf Resort and Spa in Knutsford, she tells us
about life away from her brides and bouquets

What’s your idea of a perfect New York, just love the hustle and bustle What was the last book your really
weekend? of the city with the weird and the enjoyed reading?
A long weekend, visiting friends and wonderful just around the corner. I don’t really get to read books very often
family in Southend-On-Sea in Essex. as usually I have my head in wedding
Enjoying the sunshine with good food and Whose talent would you like to steal magazines however I am currently reading
wine and wonderful company also and why? Cabin Fever as it takes me back to my
popping into London for a show and a I admire people who have a natural talent cabin crew roots.
lovely meal. and my daughter has a natural flair for art
and this has definitely been passed down Who do you regard as a modern day
Do you cook or are you cooked for? from my mum who was an amazing artist, hero? Amelia Earhart as she was true
My fiancé is an accomplished chef who unfortunately this talent has skipped a pioneer and fearless to the end. A real
holds Rosettes, therefore he is most generation as I can only draw stick men! inspiration to all women.
definitely the chef in our kitchen. I love the
local, fresh, organic and quality produce Your favourite song? What are you most looking forward
that he uses, experimenting with new Definitely without question High by The to this weekend? Taking part in The
flavours and textures, good job really as he Lighthouse Family as it transports me to Midnight Walk, raising money for St
constantly tries out his new creations on wonderful memories of my mum. Luke’s Hospice, a charity very dear to my
me! heart followed by a very big glass of wine!

Favourite restaurant and your most
likely companion?
I love the Bear’s Paw in Warmingham, it
has such a welcoming environment and
the food is delicious and of course our
very own Browns Restaurant at The Mere.
Recently awarded a second Rosette it is
most definitely the place to enjoy superb
cuisine using local produce in great
surroundings.

Putting reality aside, it’s that old
chestnut about which five famous
people - living or dead – you’d most
enjoy the company of at your dinner
party?
Neil Armstrong, because space fascinates
me, I have so many questions! Walt Disney
as I want to ask him if he ever imagined
the world of Disney would become what it
is today. Joanna Lumley for her
experiences and stories. Lee Mack for
comedy value and Richard Gere as I would
never be a runaway bride.

What’s your favourite holiday
destination?
So many to choose from but it has to be

146 Cheshire Resident Send us a tweet @ChesResident



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