Luxe issue 100 - Jul/Aug 26

By the time July arrives, summer is – we hope – in full swing. Calendars fill with holidays and days out, evenings stretch well beyond bedtime, and there’s a wonderful sense that every weekend holds something to look forward to. It also feels like the perfect moment for us to celebrate a milestone of our own –our 100th issue of Luxe.

Looking back, it’s incredible to think of all the inspiring people, places and stories we’ve had the privilege of sharing, and this edition is no exception. We’re delighted to sit down with our cover star Charlotte Riley, reflecting on her journey from Teesside to film sets around the world; while our visit to Raby Castle in Bloom and stunning summer shoot with TUTTI capture the colour and joy of the season perfectly. As we celebrate 100 issues, we’re also marking 40 years of Metrocentre and revisiting one of our early cover stars, Eugene McCoy. All of that, plus coastal dining spots, cosy getaways, beautiful interiors and plenty more to make the most of the weeks ahead. Whether you’re reading in the garden, on holiday or in bed with a coffee in hand, I hope this issue brings a little inspiration for a wonderful summer ahead. And most of all, thank you for being part of the Luxe journey – here’s to the next 100! With love, Elysia x

Remember to check in with us online at luxe-magazine.co.uk

See us on social at: Instagram: @theluxemagazine Facebook: @luxemag

The Luxe team

Chris March CEO chris@allies-group.com

Editorial

Elysia Fryer editor editor@luxe-magazine.co.uk

Sales

Debi Coldwell director debi@allies-group.com

Danielle Ritchie danielleritchie@allies-group.com

Photography

Kevin Gibson info@kgphotography.co.uk

Nicky Rogerson nicky@kgphotography.co.uk

Design

David Stubbs dave@allies-group.com

Euan Underwood euan@allies-group.com

If you wish to advertise with us please contact our sales team: Debi Coldwell: debi@allies-group.com / 07910 918 366

The AGENDA

Soak up the season with our line-up of luxe summer happenings…

ARTS & CULTURE

Vivienne Westwood: Rebel –

Storyteller - Visionary

Until 6 September

An unmissable exhibition celebrating one of fashion’s most fearless icons.

Vivienne Westwood: Rebel –Storyteller – Visionary at The Bowes Museum traces her extraordinary career through garments, activism and unapologetic creativity. Expect drama, defiance and dazzling design – all set within the museum’s beautiful historic galleries. A must for lovers of fashion. thebowesmuseum.org.uk

FOOD & DRINK High Tea ‘Bridgerton Themed’ Evening 12 July

Dearest reader… prepare for an elegant evening inspired by the world of Bridgerton. The Alnwick Garden invites guests to indulge in a decadent high tea complete with exquisite treats, sparkling drinks and Regency-inspired charm. Dress for the occasion if you wish and enjoy an evening of indulgence worthy of Lady Whistledown herself. alnwickgarden.com

A powerful exploration of community, identity and everyday life, Close to Home brings together the striking photography of Tish Murtha and Kuba Ryniewicz at BALTIC. Through intimate portraits and documentary-style imagery, the exhibition captures the changing realities of working-class communities across generations, offering a moving and thought-provoking experience that lingers long after you’ve left.

baltic.art

Elwick Kids, Tish Murtha © Ella Murtha, all rights reserved

FAMILY

Swinton Walled Garden Summer

Open Day

11 July

Spend a summer’s day exploring the Walled Garden at Swinton Estate. Wander colourful borders, kitchen gardens and glasshouses, meet the expert gardeners and pick up plenty of inspiration for your own outdoor space. With refreshments, seasonal produce and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a lovely excuse to soak up the sunshine. swintonestate.com

ARTS & CULTURE

Beyond Van Gogh

12 July - 9 August

Step inside the extraordinary world of Vincent van Gogh with this immersive experience at Utilita Arena Newcastle. Combining over 300 masterpieces with cutting-edge projection technology and an evocative musical score, Beyond Van Gogh surrounds visitors with colour, movement and emotion, bringing one of history’s greatest artists vividly to life. utilitaarena.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK The Gaderung 1 & 2 August

Celebrate the spirit of Northumbria at The Gaderung, Ad Gefrin’s vibrant Lammas festival blending heritage, flavour and sound. Across two immersive days, guests are invited to experience the region’s rich cultural tapestry in distinctive style. Saturday’s ‘Capture the Spirit’, created in partnership with The Whisky Lounge, pairs exceptional whiskies with curated live music, from smoky, peated drams alongside the blues to lighter, floral notes complemented by acoustic jazz, revealing a sensory dialogue between taste and sound. On Sunday, ‘Share the Spirit’ offers a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, with local food, artisan crafts, storytelling, folk music and traditional Anglo-Saxon games celebrating the creativity and community of the region. Both days promise an elegant yet joyful exploration of Northumbria’s past and present, set within the striking surroundings of Ad Gefrin. adgefrin.co.uk

FAMILY

Yorkshire Elegance 2026

13 - 16 July

Classic cars and beautiful surroundings come together for Yorkshire Elegance at Grantley Hall. Expect an impressive collection of luxury and vintage vehicles alongside fine dining, shopping and entertainment, all set within one of Yorkshire’s most glamorous country house hotels. grantleyhall.co.uk

TALKS & WORKSHOPS

Natural Perfumery – Michele Riveroll

23 July

Discover the art of fragrance with internationally renowned perfumer Michele Riveroll at Linnels Farm. This hands-on workshop explores natural ingredients, scent blending and the creative process behind perfume making, giving guests the opportunity to craft their own unique fragrance while learning from a true expert in the field. linnelsfarm.com

The magic of the BBC Proms heads to The Glasshouse for three unforgettable days of world-class music. Featuring acclaimed orchestras, celebrated soloists and a varied programme spanning classical favourites and contemporary works, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the spirit of the Proms right here in the North East. theglasshouseicm.org

ARTS & CULTURE

Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne 14 July - 14 September

Beloved Beatrix Potter characters hop into Newcastle in this delightful family exhibition at The Biscuit Factory. Peter Rabbit: Tales on the Tyne celebrates the mischievous bunny through original artwork, creative installations and interactive experiences designed to enchant visitors of all ages. A charming summer outing for little explorers and nostalgic grown-ups alike. thebiscuitfactory.com

MUSIC

Outdoor Cinema - Mamma Mia 31 July

Grab a picnic blanket and sing your heart out beneath the stars as Mamma Mia! comes to the big screen at Lord Crewe Arms. Surrounded by the beautiful Blanchland setting, expect ABBA anthems, feel-good fun and a wonderfully relaxed summer evening perfect for friends and family alike. lordcrewearmsblanchland.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK

Summer Garden Feast at The Main House 7 August

Celebrate the flavours of the season with Middleton Lodge’s Summer Garden Feast. Showcasing fresh ingredients harvested from the estate’s gardens, this special dining experience brings together beautiful surroundings, carefully crafted dishes and relaxed alfresco-inspired hospitality for a memorable evening of exceptional food. middletonlodge.co.uk

THEATRE

The Bodyguard

27 July - 1 August

The hit musical from the famous film comes to Theatre Royal Newcastle with drama, romance, and classic Whitney Houston songs like I Will Always Love You. theatreroyal.co.uk

Luxe reads

Five brilliant reads with North East roots, from local authors to iconic settings

The Long Shoe

Bob Mortimer

Bob Mortimer returns with another wonderfully eccentric tale, blending mystery, humour and heartfelt storytelling. When bathroom salesman Matt loses his job, he finds himself caught up in a mystery far bigger than he ever imagined.

The Killing Stones

Ann Cleeves

From the creator of Vera comes another masterclass in atmospheric crime writing. The Killing Stones sees the return of Detective Jimmy Perez, who is drawn into a deeply personal investigation when his childhood friend is found murdered after a violent storm.

Howay The Lads: A People’s History of Newcastle United

Dan Jackson

A love letter to the city, its people and the spirit that has defined generations of Newcastle United fans. Historian Dan Jackson traces the club’s journey from the backstreets of Victorian Tyneside to the modern era.

How To Get Away with Murder

Rebecca Philipson

County Durham author Rebecca Philipson makes her debut with this darkly original thriller that turns the serial killer genre on its head. When a notorious murder manual is discovered at the scene of a young girl’s death, DI Samantha Hansen is drawn into a chilling investigation where fact and fiction become blurred.

Berwick

L. J. Ross

Another gripping instalment in the DCI Ryan series, this time set in Berwick-uponTweed. When a body is discovered near the historic town walls, Ryan and his team are drawn into an investigation that uncovers long-buried secrets, fractured loyalties and a killer hiding in plain sight.

MUSIC

Totally Tina 2026

22 August

Celebrate the music of Tina Turner with this electrifying tribute show at Playhouse Whitley Bay. Packed with powerhouse vocals, dazzling costumes and legendary hits including Proud Mary and Simply the Best, Totally Tina captures all the energy and spirit of one of music’s greatest performers. playhousewhitleybay.co.uk

FAMILY

The North East Dog Festival 2026 22 & 23 August

Four-legged friends take centre stage at the North East Dog Festival, returning for another fun-filled weekend. Expect exciting arena displays, expert talks, shopping, agility courses and plenty of opportunities for pups to play; making it a brilliant day out for devoted dog lovers and families alike. northeastdogfestival.com

FOOD & DRINK

Summer Forage Market

29 & 30 August

Round off the bank holiday weekend with a trip to the much-loved Summer Forage Market at Rigg & Furrow in Northumberland. Browse a carefully curated collection of independent makers, designers and artisan producers, discover beautiful handcrafted goods and seasonal treats, then linger over locally brewed drinks and delicious street food. Relaxed, creative and full of community spirit, it’s the perfect place to shop small and savour the last days of summer. foragelifestyle.com

FAMILY

Bank Holiday Harvest Seasonal Market

29 - 31 August

Round off the summer at Raby’s Bank Holiday Harvest Market, where artisan food, local makers and seasonal produce fill the estate with colour and atmosphere. Browse handcrafted gifts, sample delicious treats and enjoy live entertainment in a relaxed celebration of the region’s finest independent producers. raby.co.uk

THEATRE

Carl Hutchinson: Fine Whine WIP

30 August

North East comedy favourite Carl Hutchinson returns with a work-inprogress performance packed with his trademark storytelling and brilliantly relatable observations. Expect fresh material, big laughs and a behind-thescenes glimpse into the making of his latest show in the intimate setting of The Stand Newcastle. thestand.co.uk

MUSIC

Baba’s Charity Day at The Crathorne Arms 31 August

Head to The Crathorne Arms this bank holiday Monday and enjoy live music, fantastic food and fundraising for a great cause at Baba’s Charity Day. With entertainment throughout the day, plus pizzas, bbq, raffle prizes and more, it’s a feel-good event that brings people together while supporting Cancer Research UK, in memory of Barbara McCoy. A wonderful way to see out the summer in style. thecrathornearms.co.uk

Festival season

In The Park Festival, Exhibition Park

8 - 12 July

Exhibition Park comes alive with five days of music, comedy, food and family entertainment as In The Park Festival returns to Newcastle. Expect headline live acts, street food favourites, pop-up bars and a brilliant festival atmosphere in one of the city’s most loved green spaces. Big name performers include Lewis Capaldi, Paul Weller, Wolf Alice, plus a full line-up at Lost Minds Festival on the Saturday. intheparkfestival.com/newcastle

Mouth of Tyne Festival

9 - 12 July

Set against the stunning backdrop of Tynemouth Priory and Castle, Mouth of Tyne Festival blends spectacular live music with unbeatable coastal views. Featuring acclaimed artists including James, The K’s and Self Esteem, family events and cultural performances across the weekend, it’s one of the North East’s most atmospheric summer festivals. mouthofthetynefestival.com

Newcastle Pride 2026

25 & 26 July

Colour, creativity and community take centre stage as Newcastle Pride returns for a joyful weekend of celebration. Expect vibrant parades, live entertainment, music, familyfriendly activities and a welcoming atmosphere that champions inclusivity while bringing thousands together in the heart of the city. newcastlepride.co.uk

Kendal Calling

30 July - 2 August

One of the UK’s best-loved boutique festivals returns to the beautiful surroundings of Lowther Deer Park with another stellar line-up. This year’s headliners include Biffy Clyro, Wolf Alice, Two Door Cinema Club and The Kooks, with Scissor Sisters, The Libertines, Gabrielle and The Vaccines also set to perform. Add comedy, art installations and family-friendly fun, and it’s easy to see why Kendal Calling remains a summer favourite. kendalcalling.co.uk

Seaham Food Festival

1 & 2 August

Durham Brass Festival 12 - 19 July

From street performances to worldclass concerts, Durham Brass Festival celebrates the rich tradition and exciting future of brass music. The city comes alive with pop-up entertainment, community events and acclaimed musicians, creating a vibrant week where heritage and contemporary performance meet in style. Marking its 20th anniversary in 2026, this landmark edition promises an even bigger celebration of the sounds, spectacle and spirit that have made it a North East favourite. brassfestival.co.uk

Foodies flock to the Durham coast as Seaham Food Festival returns with an irresistible mix of celebrity chefs, artisan producers and street food favourites. This year’s star-studded line-up includes Saturday Kitchen host Matt Tebbutt, Bake Off: The Professionals judge Cherish Finden, MasterChef winner Shelina Permalloo and renowned chef Cyrus Todiwala, alongside more than 120 traders and plenty of family-friendly entertainment. seahamfoodfestival.co.uk

Sky Bet Ebor Festival 2026

19 - 22 August

High fashion and thrilling racing combine at York Racecourse for the prestigious Sky Bet Ebor Festival. From the glamour of Ladies Day to the excitement of championship racing, it’s one of the highlights of the British social calendar and a wonderful excuse to get your gladrags on for a great day out. yorkracecourse.co.uk

Drift into summer at The Glass House Restaurant, Wynyard Hall

As summer begins to wake, The Glass House Restaurant at Wynyard Hall becomes a place to gather, unwind, and ease into the brighter days ahead. Bathed in natural light and surrounded by the gentle stirrings of spring, it’s a relaxed, welcoming space where time slows down and good company takes centre stage. Sunlight filters through the glass, fresh greenery frames every view, and there’s a quiet sense that the season has finally turned.

Settle in with friends and share some delicious, hand-stretched pizzas, generous boards, and simple, flavourful dishes made for passing around the table. Sip something chilled, linger a little longer, and let conversation flow as easily as the afternoon light.

Whether it’s an impromptu get together or a long overdue catch up, The Glass House Restaurant is your neighbourhood spot for easy dining in beautiful surroundings.

This summer, pull up a chair and stay a while at The Glass House.

The Crafts CORNER

with Sara Davies

Entrepreneur and queen of crafts, Sara Davies, brings you a stepby-step guide to her latest craft projects...

If your home is anything like mine, you'll know that one bunch of fresh flowers somehow turns into a collection of vases in every shape and size imaginable. I can’t resist having both fresh or faux flowers on display, which means no plain vase is ever truly safe from a little upcycling makeover.

In this issue, I'm sharing two simple projects that transform everyday items into beautiful home decor from a gorgeous floral lantern made from a wine glass to a textured designer-style vase. They're affordable, really enjoyable to create and also a perfect way to add a handmade touch to your home.

Floral lantern

You will need...

Wine glass

One large faux flower of your choice – I used a peony but anything with lots of layers will work

Glue gun

Fairy lights

To make...

1. Remove the flower from its stem and separate the layers.

2. Set the largest bottom layer to one side.

3. Cut the smallest flower layers into thirds, then use the glue gun to attach them to the rim of the wine glass.

4. As the flower layers get larger, cut them in half and continue gluing them around the outside of the glass, building up the flower effect.

5. Take the final layer that you set aside in step 2 and make one cut in the centre.

6. Wrap this piece around the base of the wine glass, above the stem and secure it with hot glue for a neat finish.

7. Finally, place some battery operated fairy lights inside of the glass to complete your gorgeous floral lantern!

Designer-style vase

You will need...

A vase that has been thoroughly cleaned and dried Plastic bowl or paint palette for mixing

Acrylic paint (beige-coloured acrylic paint has been used for this project)

Baking soda

Small and medium-sized paintbrush

Gold gilding wax

To make...

1. Pour some acrylic paint into a small bowl or paint palette.

2. Gradually mix in baking soda until the paint develops a grainy, textured consistency while remaining wet enough to spread across the base of the vase.

3. Using a medium brush, cover the exterior of the vase with the mixture, creating a textured finish.

4. Set the vase aside to dry overnight.

5. Once dry, use a smaller paintbrush to add some gold gilding wax accents across the textured elements of the vase.

6. Add your favourite florals and voila!

Discover Northumberland’s awardwinning escape and dining destination

Set within the beautiful Charlton Hall Estate, The Tempus has quickly become one of Northumberland’s most talked-about hospitality destinations. Following its recent success in being named Small Hotel of the Year at the VisitEngland Awards 2026, it continues to welcome guests in search of exceptional food, stylish surroundings and memorable experiences in one of England’s most striking regions

Whether it is a romantic overnight stay, a relaxed dinner with friends, a long-overdue catch-up over lunch, or a special celebration, The Tempus offers a genuinely warm welcome to both hotel residents and non-residents alike. The destination has been designed to be enjoyed in multiple ways, not solely as an overnight stay, but as a place to dine, drink and unwind.

Designed with a balance of contemporary style and countryside charm, the hotel has been created as a place to switch off and settle in. Each bedroom has been individually styled to provide a calm, luxurious retreat, with thoughtful details that make the experience both comfortable and considered. It provides an ideal base for exploring Northumberland’s coastline, historic castles, market towns and vast open landscapes, all located within easy reach.

At the heart of The Tempus is its restaurant – a vibrant destination dining space that has developed a strong following in its own right. Importantly, guests do not need to be staying at the hotel to dine there. Open throughout the day, The Tempus restaurant welcomes visitors for breakfast, leisurely lunches, coffee and cake, seasonal dining experiences and elegant evening meals.

Alongside the food offering, the restaurant features a carefully curated cocktail menu, designed by the bar team to complement the seasonal dishes and enhance the overall experience. From expertly crafted classics to signature serves inspired by the estate and the wider Northumberland landscape, the cocktail

list has become a key part of the offering. Whether enjoyed as a pre-dinner drink in the lounge or a nightcap at the end of the evening, it adds to the relaxed yet refined atmosphere that defines the restaurant.

The menus are firmly rooted in the seasons, showcasing the best produce available from Northumberland and the wider North East wherever possible. There is a clear focus on quality, provenance and working closely with suppliers who share the same values, allowing ingredients to take centre stage without unnecessary complexity. Guests can enjoy a variety of dining experiences throughout the week, from seasonal à la carte dishes to lighter lunch options, indulgent desserts and thoughtfully prepared drinks. The atmosphere has been designed to feel flexible and approachable, working just as well for a long, leisurely dinner as it does for a spontaneous midweek meal, date night or family gathering. The aim has always been to create a place that guests return to regularly, not only for special occasions.

The Tempus also works in collaboration with Taste of Northumberland on its Market Menu, which celebrates local producers, seasonal ingredients and the region’s wider food culture. The menu evolves throughout the year, maintaining close relationships with growers, farmers and artisan suppliers across the North East. It provides guests with a genuine sense of place, reflecting the character and produce of the region in a way that feels authentic and rooted.

For those wishing to extend their visit, an overnight stay at The Tempus offers the opportunity to fully unwind and experience everything the estate and surrounding area has to offer. Slow mornings, generous breakfasts, fresh countryside air and relaxed evenings with good food and cocktails combine to create a stay that feels restorative, unhurried and removed from the pace of everyday life.

One of the most distinctive experiences offered is the Stargazing Escape, created in partnership with the team at Kielder Observatory. Located on the edge of the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, The Tempus is proud to be recognised as a Dark Sky Friendly Business, giving guests access to some of the clearest and darkest skies in Europe.

Each Stargazing Escape includes dinner in the restaurant, an overnight stay, breakfast the following morning and a private stargazing experience led by expert astronomers from Kielder Observatory. The experience offers a rare opportunity to step into near-total darkness and view the night sky in extraordinary detail. It continues to attract couples, families and guests looking for something unique beyond a traditional hotel stay. Upcoming dates are available via The Tempus website.

As the festive season approaches, The Tempus is also preparing for what is set to be its most magical Christmas and New Year yet. Festive stays are now available, offering guests the opportunity to celebrate in a beautifully designed setting, with exceptional dining, seasonal touches and the relaxed hospitality for which the hotel has become known.

Whether it is a Christmas escape, a festive gathering with friends and family, or a New Year celebration, The Tempus provides a memorable backdrop for marking the season in style.

From award-winning stays and destination dining to dark sky experiences and seasonal celebrations, The Tempus continues to establish itself as one of Northumberland’s most exciting hospitality destinations. Whether planning something special or simply seeking a countryside escape, there’s never been a better time to discover this Northumberland estate.

thetempus.co.uk

In full bloom

As Raby Castle in Bloom fills its historic rooms with extraordinary floral installations, Elysia Fryer catches up with Opulence and the Beetle founder, Anice Neville, to discover the history, creativity and surprising stories behind one of the season’s most spectacular exhibitions

There are some places you can return to again and again and still leave feeling like you’ve only scratched the surface. Raby Castle is one of them. One visit might be all about the gardens, another the grandeur of the medieval interiors. Sometimes it’s the deer park, sometimes lunch in The Vinery, sometimes simply wandering and noticing details you’ve somehow missed before. It’s one of those rare estates that seems to shift with the seasons and repeat visits. This summer, there’s an entirely new lens through which to experience it.

Until 31 August, Castle in Bloom is taking over the historic castle with immersive floral installations that weave through its grand rooms, creating a dialogue between architecture, history and nature. Rather than decorating the castle, the exhibition feels as though it has grown organically from it – bringing the gardens indoors while inviting visitors to look at familiar spaces in a completely new way.

For floral artist Anice Neville, founder of Opulence and the Beetle, that idea sits at the heart of the whole project.

Growing up in Darlington, Raby was somewhere she visited often as a child, so returning as one of the creatives behind Castle in Bloom has been something of a full-circle moment.

“It’s incredible to see how the castle has transformed, particularly since lockdown,” she says.

“The gardens particularly, and the new landscaping that’s been done, is just fabulous.

“Raby is already a glorious day out in itself. What’s wonderful about Castle in Bloom is that they are basically bringing the outside in and really emphasising that connection between the castle and the gardens.

“It will feel less as though you’re visiting the gardens or the castle, or both – it will feel like one combined experience, which should be just a lovely, uplifting thing to experience during the summer months.”

The floral displays begin before you even step inside, encouraging visitors to wander slowly through the grounds before stepping into something altogether more theatrical.

Inside, every room reveals a different interpretation

of bloom. Sweeping contemporary installations by Anna Potter of Swallows and Damsons contrast beautifully with Deborah Simpson Boston’s fragrant floral passageway, while elsewhere meadows appear to spring from stone floors and sculptural displays hover overhead, inviting visitors to pause, look up and take everything in.

Anice’s own contribution takes a different route altogether.

Rather than creating purely decorative arrangements, she has rooted her work in Raby’s own history, drawing inspiration from the remarkable objects and archives already housed within the castle.

“There are some beautiful artefacts in the castle itself,” she explains.

“There is this fabulous book, The Flower Garden Display’d, published in 1734, and they have a fantastic copy of it. That has been the inspiration for most of the work that I have done for Castle in Bloom.”

The eighteenth-century publication records the flowers in bloom throughout the year, month by month, providing a fascinating snapshot of horticultural life almost 300 years ago.

For Anice, it became the blueprint for two of her largest installations.

The first, nestled within a fireplace, evokes May with delicate, airy flowers and soft textures that capture the optimism of spring. The second – a dramatic tablescape in the Dining Room – moves through June, July and August in an explosion of colour.

“The fireplace installation feels like spring – kind of quite delicate, frothy blooms,” she says.

“As you move through to the Dining Room, it’s hot, colourful, bright and carnival-like. It’s summer. It’s unashamedly a riot of colour.”

Against the castle’s rich interiors, towering arrangements of exotic blooms mingle with cottage garden favourites, creating something joyful without overwhelming the space.

And behind every stem lies an extraordinary amount of research.

Anice has become something of a specialist in historical floral design, painstakingly studying Dutch and Flemish still-life paintings before creating contemporary interpretations inspired by them.

In the Ante-Library, where beautiful Dutch Baroque furniture already provides the backdrop, she has produced an arrangement that pays homage to those masterpieces.

“They are very carefully researched, so I use exclusively flowers which were available to the artists in that time period,” she explains.

“Although I don’t take the paintings and reproduce them in an exact form, I create interpretations which are very much in the style of that.”

The artificial flowers she uses – chosen so the exhibition can run throughout the summer – actually make the arrangements more historically authentic.

“One of the things that’s interesting with the Dutch still-life paintings is that those arrangements, as you see them on the canvas, never existed because they cross the seasons,” she says.

“The artists would take studies throughout the year and then combine them into a design.

“Because I use artificial flowers, it gives me that ability to cross the seasons too.”

It’s this attention to detail that makes Castle in Bloom feel so much more than a floral display, with every designer interpreting the brief in their own distinctive way.

“I think what you’ll find as you go around the castle is that there are markedly different things to see in each room,” says Anice.

“I really hope that if people visit more than once, they will keep seeing something different. Or even seeing some of the existing rooms but in a slightly different light.”

Perhaps surprisingly, her own favourite installation

isn’t the exuberant Dining Room tablescape but a far quieter piece in the Chapel.

“I’ve created an arrangement purely in whites, creams and the very palest greens because the Chapel has already got fabulous paintwork and paintings, and is already very colourful in itself,” she says.

“In the morning, the sun shines through the sweet peas that I’ve used.

“It’s a more modest arrangement, but that’s perhaps my favourite.”

The exhibition certainly delivers moments of grandeur and spectacle, but some of its most memorable moments are quieter ones – sunlight catching petals, forgotten corners brought back to life, or discovering a centuries-old book that has inspired an entirely contemporary interpretation.

And once you’ve explored the castle itself, the rest of the estate awaits.

The award-winning Walled Gardens are entering their

most colourful months of the year, the surrounding parkland offers sweeping walks among ancient trees and roaming deer, and The Vinery Café provides the perfect spot to linger over lunch or afternoon tea before heading home.

“It’s a whole day out, and it is really celebrating the seasons,” says Anice.

“The gardens will be in bloom and they will be stunning. There are deer to see, the castle itself is stunning, and of course The Plotters’ Forest playground for little people… there is something for everybody.”

For anyone who’s visited Raby before, Castle in Bloom offers the chance to fall in love with it all over again. And for first-time visitors, there couldn't be a more enchanting introduction. Because while flowers may only bloom for a season, the very best experiences have a way of lingering long after the last petal falls. raby.co.uk

NE ♥

Slow summer living

At Rockliffe Hall, summer is defined by an easy pace and considered detail – from spa days built around proper downtime to overnight stays that move effortlessly between wellness, dining and rest

There’s a clear focus when it comes to summer at Rockliffe Hall this year: quiet luxury and plenty of space to slow down. Across the resort’s collection of seasonal experiences, the emphasis is on time well spent – whether that’s a full overnight stay or a few hours in the spa followed by lunch or dinner.

The Sweet Summer Stay sets the tone. On arrival, guests are greeted with a bottle of Champagne and strawberries in their room – a simple but effective marker that the pace here is different. From there, the experience is deliberately open-ended. Spa access runs from check-in through to check-out, allowing guests to move freely between thermal suites, pools and relaxation spaces without watching the clock. Evenings are centred around The Clubhouse, where the menu leans into seasonal produce and unfussy, well-executed dishes. It’s relaxed dining rather than a formal occasion, designed to suit the rhythm of a summer stay rather than interrupt it. The following morning, breakfast is included, with no pressure to rush the check-out process.

The Sweet Summer Stay is available now until the end of August, with pricing that varies depending on room type and availability.

Alongside the overnight offer, the spa day programme is built around two clear ways to spend a summer’s

day: a shorter reset or a more immersive, treatmentled experience.

Step Into Summer is the lighter of the two. It begins with three hours in the spa and wellness facilities, including access to the pool, hydropool, thermal suite and outdoor hot tub. Guests can also use the relaxation areas, and experience showers and outdoor spaces designed for downtime. Afterwards, brunch or lunch is served at Café TERRA, keeping the day simple and contained. It’s a half-day experience that works as a reset rather than a full escape.

The Summer Unwind Spa Day takes things further. It combines access to the spa and Spa Garden with a dedicated treatment and extended time built around relaxation. Guests can choose a 60-minute treatment – including options such as a Himalayan Salt Ritual, Indian Head Massage or a prescriptive facial –alongside a 90-minute Spa Garden experience. The format is intentionally unhurried: time in the water and thermal spaces, followed by treatment, then space to pause again afterwards. It’s designed for guests who want a full day of

recovery rather than a short visit.

What connects all three experiences is consistency of pace. Nothing feels rushed or overly structured. Instead, each element is designed to allow guests to move between rest, dining and wellness in a way that feels natural.

That approach runs through the wider resort too. Afternoons tend to drift between spa time and informal dining. Evenings in The Clubhouse are sociable but unforced, with a steady flow of summer dishes and drinks that encourage lingering rather than formality. Across the estate, there is a clear emphasis on ease – not inactivity, but a different rhythm to the day.

Summer at Rockliffe Hall doesn’t rely on spectacle. It’s built on well-considered experiences: time in the spa, good food, comfortable surroundings and enough flexibility in the schedule to let the day shape itself.

For guests, that often means less planning and more space to simply be there – which, in peak summer, is exactly the point.

rockliffehall.com

Winning London

The Percy family's extraordinary London estate is opening its doors for unforgettable celebrations –and its North East roots run deeper than ever

In the North East, the name Percy carries a particular kind of resonance. Think spectacular castles, centuries of history and the silhouette of Alnwick Castle rising above the Northumberland landscape. But travel 300 miles south, and you'll find another extraordinary chapter of that same story unfolding on the banks of the Thames.

Hidden behind ancient walls and 200 acres of glorious parkland, Syon Park is one of London's best-kept secrets. The London home of the Duke of Northumberland and the Percy family for more than four centuries, it offers something almost impossible to find in the capital: complete privacy, breathtaking heritage and the feeling that you've stumbled into another world entirely.

As the estate opens enquiries for a carefully curated programme of weddings, cultural events, brand collaborations and private celebrations in 2026 and beyond, it's inviting a select number of guests to become part of its remarkable story.

Just 30 minutes from the bustle of Mayfair, Syon somehow manages to feel entirely removed from city life. There are no skyscrapers overhead or traffic noise interrupting the birdsong. Instead, visitors arrive through sweeping landscapes where expansive lawns and riverside meadows create the atmosphere of an English country estate – despite remaining firmly within Greater London.

There's something particularly satisfying about discovering this lesser-known Percy residence. While Alnwick Castle may be the family's most celebrated home in our region, Syon has quietly remained their London seat since the 16th century, home to successive Earls and then Dukes of Northumberland. At its heart sits Syon House itself, a Grade I-listed masterpiece. Walking through its state rooms is less like visiting an events venue and more like stepping onto the set of a period drama. Marble floors gleam beneath intricate ceilings, classical detailing frames every doorway and generations of history seem woven into every corner.

The magnificent Great Hall is the ultimate showstopper. It accommodates intimate gala dinners of up to 120 guests beneath soaring architecture.

Nearby, the elegant State Dining Room offers a more refined setting where a single beautifully dressed table for 50 becomes an occasion in itself.

Yet for many visitors, it's the Great Conservatory that leaves the deepest impression.

Built in the 1820s by architect Charles Fowler, this spectacular cast-iron and glass structure predates London's Crystal Palace by more than 20 years. Flooded with natural light beneath its soaring central dome and surrounded by lush planting, it feels simultaneously historic and strikingly contemporary. Whether hosting an elegant dinner beneath the stars or a large-scale reception for hundreds of guests, it possesses serious cinematic beauty.

Perhaps that's why creatives have long gravitated towards Syon. Fashion houses, film productions and editorial teams have all recognised something distinctive about the estate: authenticity. In an age where many luxury experiences feel carefully manufactured, Syon remains resolutely real.

Even the accommodation carries its own fascinating narrative. Guests staying within the Hotspur Wing occupy the Duke's self-contained family apartment, named after Sir Henry Percy – better known to history as Harry Hotspur, one of medieval England's most celebrated knights and a figure forever intertwined with Northumberland's identity. Overlooking the estate's tidal water meadow, where the Thames occasionally transforms the landscape into

shimmering waterways, it's an experience that combines aristocratic heritage with genuine comfort. Elsewhere across the estate, more intimate spaces reveal themselves almost unexpectedly.

The elegant Colonnade, bathed in natural light through its glazed arches, opens directly onto the water meadow and lends itself beautifully to stylish lunches, receptions and daytime entertaining. Meanwhile, the Inner Courtyard – occupying the site where Robert Adam originally envisioned a dramatic rotunda – has been transformed into a tranquil geometric garden designed by Lady Salisbury. Hidden at the very centre of Syon House, it offers a peaceful oasis that feels worlds away from modern London. What's striking is that despite its extraordinary credentials, Syon doesn't seem interested in becoming another high-volume events venue. Instead, there's a clear emphasis on selectivity and thoughtful curation. Weddings are carefully considered rather than routinely booked. Brand activations are chosen because they complement the estate rather than simply occupy it. Cultural events become part of an ongoing narrative instead of isolated diary entries.

The result is that Syon retains the exclusivity and sense of discovery that make arriving there feel genuinely special.

The Percys have spent centuries balancing their northern heritage with national influence, and Syon stands as a powerful reminder that their story extends far beyond the walls of Alnwick.

It is, in many ways, a hidden counterpart to the Northumberland landmarks we know so well: equally steeped in history, equally magnificent and perhaps even more surprising because so few people realise it exists.

As luxury travel increasingly shifts away from excess and towards meaningful experiences, places like Syon feel perfectly judged. They offer not just grandeur but substance, not just beauty but authenticity, and not simply an impressive backdrop but a genuine sense of place.

And for those fortunate enough to celebrate, create or gather there in the coming years, they'll become part of a legacy that has endured for more than 400 years – one that still bears the unmistakable stamp of a family whose roots remain firmly planted in the North East. syonpark.co.uk

Dreaming of…

100 Princes Street, Edinburgh

Looking directly onto Edinburgh Castle, this intimate retreat blends heritage grandeur with impeccable contemporary style. Thoughtfully designed suites, exceptional dining and one of the city's most coveted addresses make it the kind of place that lingers long after check-out.

100princes-street.com

Following…

100 Acres

A beautifully curated feed devoted to botanical living, slow rituals and naturally scented moments. Expect elegant glimpses of bath, body and home fragrances inspired by the English countryside, proving that luxury is often found in life's simplest pleasures. @100_acres

Perfect scent…

Creed Centaurus Eau de Parfum, 100ml

Powerful yet perfectly poised, Centaurus is a fragrance that leaves a lasting impression. Rich notes of tobacco, sandalwood and warm amber unfold into something deeply sophisticated. £330, fenwick.co.uk

Watching…

Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones

Part travel documentary, part wellness inspiration, this fascinating series explores the communities where people consistently enjoy remarkably long, healthy lives. Equal parts thought-provoking and uplifting, it's filled with simple lessons worth taking into everyday life. netflix.com

Pampering with…

Divine Spa Day at Aqueous Spa, Doxford Hall, Northumberland

When the occasion calls for indulgence, this is exactly where we’re choosing to unwind this summer. Tucked away in the Northumberland countryside, the Divine Spa Day includes full use of the tranquil facilities alongside an indulgent 100 minutes of treatments, finished with either a leisurely lunch or traditional afternoon tea. doxfordhall.com

In our basket…

Christian Louboutin, Miss Ziggyta 100 Suede Pumps

Some shoes deserve their own spotlight, and these are certainly among them. With their sculptural silhouette, rich suede finish and signature red sole, the Miss Ziggyta 100 heels are the kind of investment piece that transforms every outfit. We’re eyeing up these Christian Louboutin’s to step out in style as we celebrate 100 years of Luxe. £895, harveynichols.com

To mark our 100th issue, we've handpicked 10 luxe finds with a fitting centenary twist

Kitchen kit…

Le Creuset: A Century of Colourful Cookware by Assouline

Celebrating 100 years of one of the world's most beloved cookware brands, this beautifully bound Assouline volume is as much a coffee table statement as it is a tribute to timeless craftsmanship, iconic design and kitchens filled with colour. £150, lecreuset.co.uk

Living by…

Reading…

100 Letters that Changed the World by Colin Salter History unfolds one letter at a time in this fascinating collection, bringing together the correspondence that shaped politics, science, culture and society. A compelling reminder that sometimes just a few carefully chosen words can change everything.

Listening to…

100% Eat

From nutrition myths to healthy habits and the latest food trends, this refreshingly honest podcast serves up expert advice without the jargon. Informative, engaging and packed with practical takeaways, it's well worth adding to your weekly rotation. podcasts.apple.com

The 100 club

As Luxe marks its 100th issue, we celebrate the North East organisations reaching an extraordinary milestone of their own…

Keilder Forest

Reaching 100 is no small feat. For Luxe, our latest edition marks our 100th issue – a milestone that reflects years spent celebrating the people, places and businesses that make the North East tick.

From unforgettable cover stars including Ant and Dec, Brenda Blethyn, Alan Shearer and Mark Knopfler, to some of the region’s most inspiring entrepreneurs, creatives and innovators, our pages have always championed local success stories.

It’s a philosophy shared by the organisations featured here. Whether marking 100 years in business or reaching a milestone of 100 in their own unique way, each represents resilience, ambition and a deeprooted commitment to the communities they serve.

Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd.

A hundred years after opening its doors in Consett, Thomas Swan & Co. remains a global success story with North East values at its heart. Founded in 1926, the independent family-owned manufacturer has evolved into an international supplier of speciality and performance chemicals, exporting to more than 80 countries while continuing to invest in its home region. Balancing innovation with responsibility, the business has built its reputation on technical excellence, sustainable growth and long-term partnerships – proving that a company can embrace the future without forgetting where it came from. thomas-swan.com

Steel & Varley Opticians

For generations of families in Whitley Bay and beyond, Steel & Varley has been synonymous with trusted eye care and personal service. Celebrating 100 years in business, the independent optician has successfully blended traditional values with the latest advances in optical technology, earning a loyal following along the way. In an age of national chains and online retailers, its longevity speaks volumes about the enduring value of expertise, continuity and genuine relationships with the communities it serves. steelandvarley.com

What began as one of Britain's most ambitious forestry projects has grown into one of the North East’s greatest natural treasures. As Kielder Forest celebrates its centenary, it stands as the largest working forest in England and a destination loved by walkers, cyclists, wildlife enthusiasts and stargazers alike. Home to millions of trees and an ever-evolving landscape, its 100-year story is one of regeneration, conservation and recreation – a reminder that some of the region’s greatest legacies continue to grow stronger with every passing year. visitkielder.com

Spicers of Hythe

Founded in Hythe, Kent in 1926, Spicers of Hythe has found a new home in the North East, where its operations are now firmly rooted in Gateshead. Best known for its beautifully curated luxury hampers and gifts, the company has evolved over a century while remaining true to its founding principles of quality and craftsmanship. Today, from its Gateshead base, it continues to delight customers across the UK, blending nearly 100 years of heritage with innovation, sustainability and a passion for thoughtful gifting. spicersofhythe.com

Fergusons Transport Ltd

From a family-run haulage operation established in 1926 to one of the UK's most respected logistics specialists, Fergusons Transport has spent a century keeping businesses moving. Innovation has remained central to its success, with continued investment in modern fleets and technology ensuring it stays at the forefront of the industry. While much has changed over the past 100 years, the company's commitment to reliability, service and family values continues to drive it forward into its second century. fergytrux.com

100 reasons to fall in love with Newcastle

As Luxe celebrates its 100th issue, we celebrate a city that never stands still. Ben Whitfield, Director of Communications at NE1 shares why there's never been a better time to rediscover Newcastle city centre…

As we head into the height of summer, it's the perfect opportunity to reflect on what makes Newcastle such a special place to live, work and enjoy. Our city centre continues to evolve, with an incredible mix of independent businesses sitting alongside much-loved institutions, world-class hospitality, culture and heritage. Every street has a story to tell and every visit offers something new. We could have listed endless reasons to love Newcastle, but these 100 are a great place to start.

Fine dining

1 Khai Khai

One of the city's biggest culinary success stories, Khai Khai has redefined Indian fine dining in Newcastle with its theatrical presentation, innovative menu and exceptional service. A destination restaurant that continues to win national acclaim.

2 21

21 continues to set the standard for fine dining in Newcastle. Combining impeccable service with beautifully executed seasonal dishes, it's a restaurant that has earned its place as one of the city's enduring culinary greats.

3 Blackfriars

4 Chaophraya

5 The French Quarter

6 Hibou Blanc

7 DOOD

8 Kaltur

9 Dobson & Parnell

Eating out

10 Pani’s Italian Pani’s has been serving authentic Sardinian-inspired food for decades. Warm hospitality, homemade pasta and timeless Italian favourites keeps us returning time and again.

11 Kafeneon 12 Sachins

13 Landmark Oriental

15 Fat Hippo 16 Dakwala Bombay Canteen

17 Salparo

18 My Delhi

20 Quay Ingredient

Tucked away on the Quayside in the shadow of the Tyne Bridge, Quay Ingredient is a hidden gem renowned for its fresh, seasonal dishes and relaxed atmosphere. It's the perfect place to linger over breakfast, brunch or lunch before a stroll along the River Tyne.

21 I Scream For Pizza

22 Zapatista Burrito Bar

23 Square - Slices & Pies

24 Olive & Bean

25 Lola Jeans 26

30 The Vampire Rabbit

The Vampire Rabbit has fast earned a reputation as one of the city’s coolest places to hang out, pairing inventive, expertly crafted cocktails with an exciting programme of live music. Whether you're in the mood for a timeless classic or something more adventurous, its vibrant drinks menu and buzzing atmosphere make every visit one to remember.

31 WC

Hidden away beneath the streets of Newcastle, WC offers an intimate speakeasy-style setting where expertly mixed cocktails and a carefully curated wine list take centre stage. Atmospheric and effortlessly cool, it's the perfect place to settle in for an evening with friends.

32 Café Mercy

33 Pleased To Meet You

34 Above

35 St. Vincent

36 The Hooch

37 The Dubliner

38 The Botanist

39 Twenty Twenty

40 Wylam Brewery

41 Tiger Hornsby

42 Katie O'Brien's Irish Tavern

Perfect pubs

43 Crown Posada

One of Newcastle's oldest pubs and packed with character, Crown Posada is famous for its beautifully preserved Victorian interiors, cask ales and welcoming atmosphere. A true city-centre classic.

44 The Bridge Tavern

Sitting beneath the Tyne Bridge, The Bridge Tavern has long been a favourite thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, great food and impressive selection of craft beers. On a sunny day, there's nowhere better than the bustling outdoor terrace. It’s one of the best spots in the city to enjoy a pint and catch up with friends.

45 Barluga

46 The Centurion

47 Newcastle Arms

48 Lady Grey’s

49 The Broad Chare

50 The Dog & Parrot

51 Redhouse

Retail therapy

52 Fenwick

An icon of Northumberland Street, Fenwick has been at the heart of Newcastle shopping for well over a century. From luxury fashion to its legendary Christmas Window, it's woven into the fabric of our city’s life.

53 END.

Born in Newcastle and now recognised around the world, END. has become a global name in contemporary fashion and streetwear while retaining its roots in the city where it all began.

54 UpSide Down Presents

55 Leaf Clothing

56 Union Clothing

57 Waterstones

58 Grainger Market

59 RPM

60 The Quayside Sunday Market

Places to stay

61 Hotel Gotham

One of Newcastle's newest luxury arrivals, Hotel Gotham brings boutique glamour, bold interiors and five-star service to the city centre, adding another standout stay for visitors and staycationers alike.

62 Dakota Hotel

63 INNSiDE by Meliá

64 The Vermont Hotel

65 Malmaison

66 Grey Street Hotel

Culture & heritage

67 Newcastle Castle

The fortress that gave Newcastle its name remains one of the city's most fascinating landmarks. Climb to the top for spectacular views and discover centuries of history at the birthplace of Newcastle.

68 Tyneside Cinema

An independent cinema combining historic charm with an outstanding programme of films, events and festivals. It's a much-loved cultural institution in the heart of the city.

69 Newcastle Cathedral

70 The Lit & Phil

71 Great North Museum: Hancock

72 Theatre Royal

73 Tyne Theatre & Opera House

74 Live Theatre

75 Discovery Museum

76 The Common Room

77 Northern Stage

Late & live

78 World HQ

World HQ is one of Newcastle's most celebrated independent music venues, renowned for its inclusive atmosphere and eclectic line-up of DJs from around the globe. A legendary late-night institution with a fiercely loyal following.

79 NX

80 O2 City Hall

81 Pilgrim

82 Digital

83 Utilita Arena

Something fun

84 The City Baths

A Newcastle landmark with a modern twist, City Baths combines stunning Edwardian architecture with state-of-the-art leisure facilities. Whether you're swimming lengths, unwinding in the spa or joining a fitness class, it's a unique place to relax in the heart of the city.

85 Lane7

86 Fayre Play

87 Flight Club

88 Junkyard Golf Club

89 Everyman Cinema

90 Victoria Tunnel Tours

91 Climbing Grey’s Monument

92 St. James’ Park Tour

Moments that matter

93 The roar of the crowd at St. James’ when Newcastle score

Whether you're a lifelong supporter or a first-time visitor, there's nothing quite like hearing tens of thousands of fans erupt as the ball hits the back of the net.

94 Visiting Fenwick's iconic Christmas Window

Whatever your Christmas traditions in Newcastle, we're sure a visit to see Fenwick's Christmas window sits amongst them. Since 1971, it still lights up the faces of young and old every festive season.

95 A sunny afternoon on the Quayside

With its bustling bars and restaurants and iconic bridges, there's no better place to gather some friends, take a stroll and watch the city come to life.

96 A picnic in Exhibition Park

One of Newcastle's most-loved green spaces, Exhibition Park is made for lazy afternoons with friends, a takeaway coffee and a blanket on the grass.

97 The Great North Run weekend

The atmosphere across the city is electric as tens of thousands of runners and spectators come together for one of the world's biggest and most inspiring half marathons.

98 NE1's Newcastle Restaurant Week

Twice a year, Restaurant Week offers the perfect excuse to eat out, with fantastic offers showcasing the very best of the city's thriving food scene scene with over 100 venues to choose from.

99 New Year’s Eve on the Quayside

As the clock strikes midnight, the banks of the Tyne become one of the city's most magical gathering spots to welcome in the new year.

100 NE1's Screen on the Green, Old Eldon Square

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this summer, Screen on the Green has become a summer season favourite, transforming Old Eldon Square into an open-air cinema where people can relax and enjoy everything from blockbuster films to major sporting moments in the heart of the city.

Heartnorthup

Charlotte Riley joins Elysia Fryer for a warm and wonderfully honest conversation about home, family, creativity and staying true to her Teesside roots

There are interviews that feel like interviews, and there are interviews that feel like settling in for a catch-up with an old friend.

My conversation with Charlotte Riley was very much the latter.

As Luxe celebrates its 100th issue, it felt fitting to revisit one of our former cover stars. Charlotte first graced the cover many years ago, in the magazine’s earlier days, and in the years since, her career has continued to evolve in remarkable ways.

She’s built an impressive body of work across film and television, established herself as a writer and producer, launched a business that’s changing lives within the film industry and, alongside husband Tom Hardy, raised a young family while navigating life on the big screen.

And yet, when she appears on my laptop screen for our Zoom call, wrapped in a blanket on her sofa with her French bulldog keeping a watchful eye nearby, there is none of the distance that sometimes comes with success.

My own dog is asleep at my feet in my home office. Within minutes we’re chatting about our shared connections with Yarm, favourite pubs, nights out in the 90s and mutual friends. We discover we’ve spent years frequenting many of the same places and know some of the same people.

“Teesside is such a small place,” she laughs. It really is, and for all the productions, premieres and high profile projects, Charlotte remains unmistakably, unapologetically of the North East.

And that, perhaps, is exactly why people warm to her so easily.

When I ask whether being from the North East has shaped her, she doesn’t hesitate.

“One hundred per cent. Totally,” she says, firmly.

“When I left home to go to drama school, my dad – he’ll kill me for saying this – said, ‘You come back without your accent and you’re not coming home.’”

She laughs, but the sentiment clearly stuck.

“Being from Teesside really does shape you,” she adds.

It’s something she returns to throughout our conversation, recognising how deeply our formative years influence who we become.

“Everything from going to the famous Tall Trees in the 90s, going to The Empire in Middlesbrough –all of that stuff is part of your upbringing and it’s so important.”

The North East, she believes, offers something special.

“It’s the sense of humour, the sense of banter. Those things are really important.”

“Family, too,” she adds.

“I’m really close with my family. And that is one of the main reasons why Teesside will always feel like home. It’s where my people are.”

Charlotte grew up in Grindon, near Thorpe Thewles, before her family later settled around Yarm. Today, despite spending much of her working life in London, where she and Tom have built their family home, returning north remains an essential reset.

It’s easy to understand why she remains so connected to the region.

“When I moved to London, I found it really hard explaining to people that where we grew up, you could be in a town one minute and fifteen minutes later be walking up Roseberry Topping or heading to the coast.

“We’re really lucky. You can get to Newcastle, Durham, York and Leeds so easily. And then you’ve got Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay, Stokesley. It’s beautiful.”

Her warmth and humour have become defining features of Charlotte’s personality, and perhaps they’re also part of what makes her such a versatile performer.

Many people associate her with period dramas and complex dramatic roles. It’s understandable.

Productions such as Wuthering Heights – where she met her now-husband Tom Hardy while the pair starred as Cathy and Heathcliff – and Peaky Blinders, have cemented her reputation as a compelling dramatic actor.

But as she points out, that’s only part of the story.

“People are often surprised when they find out I do comedy.”

In reality, comedy was where it all began.

“Really weirdly, it’s sort of where everything started for me.”

While studying at Durham University, she became heavily involved in Durham Revue, writing sketch comedy and creating original work.

“The freedom it gave me to be creative was incredible.”

She later co-wrote plays, explored physical theatre and clowning, and developed a love of storytelling that still shapes her work today.

“I’ve written two plays and they’ve always had comedic bones,” Charlotte adds.

In many ways, projects such as Ted Lasso, Trying and Smoggy Queens represent a return to those roots.

“It’s come full circle, really,” she smiles.

That sense of coming home is particularly evident when she talks about Smoggy Queens.

The hit BBC comedy, created by Middlesbroughborn Phil Dunning, has become one of the most joyful and authentic portrayals of modern Teesside on television.

Charlotte lights up discussing it.

“I absolutely loved coming back.”

Filming took place largely in Redcar and across the wider region.

“We had such a brilliant time. We spent a lot of time in Redcar and had some great nights out in Middlesbrough. Everybody just genuinely enjoys being together.”

What struck her most was the atmosphere on set.

“A lot of the cast and crew are from the area, so there’s this shared sense of humour and culture. Everybody understands each other.

“We spent most days sitting together eating crisps and choc ices and just having a laugh.

“It’s a real ensemble piece. Everybody’s together all the time.”

She compares it to being part of a theatre company.

“There’s this sense that you’re all in it together.

It’s fast-paced and collaborative and there’s such a brilliant atmosphere.”

Then there is the pride.

“A lot of us are from the area, so there’s a genuine love there. That’s what makes it feel authentic.”

For Charlotte, one of the most important things about Smoggy Queens is the way it celebrates the North East.

“So often stories about our region focus on hardship or the grittier side of life. That’s important too, of course, but what Phil has done is different.”

Different in the best possible way.

“It’s about celebrating community and celebrating the people who make that community.

“It’s fun. It’s colourful. It’s full of love.”

Acting wasn’t part of some grand masterplan for Charlotte. In fact, she describes finding drama almost by accident.

“It was one of the only things that completely made sense to me in school,” she says.

Unlike more traditional academic subjects, she loved the freedom it offered.

“I loved the fact it was subjective. It’s like art. You can try something and it can’t be wrong.”

From school productions came Durham University, then drama school, then professional work.

Looking back, she remains refreshingly realistic about the industry.

“I mentor young people and they’re always asking how to get into acting.”

The truth?

“There isn’t one route.”

Drama school may work for some people. For others, different paths emerge.

If you're not living life, you're not experiencing life. And without those experiences, you don't have a huge amount to reflect in your work

“It’s horses for courses.”

That openness to possibility seems central to her approach.

When I ask whether there’s a particular genre she’s drawn to, she shakes her head.

“Not really.”

What interests her is challenge.

“Like most actors, I enjoy the stretch of trying different things. I’ll have a go at anything. What’s the worst that can happen? You can be rubbish at it, but you’ll learn something.”

It’s a philosophy that explains the breadth of her career. Of course, there have been standout moments. When I ask about projects that felt particularly significant, Peaky Blinders is high on the list.

“I remember watching the first series and thinking Steven Knight’s writing was extraordinary,” she starts. When the opportunity to audition arrived, she jumped at it.

“The writing was so rich. It felt incredibly creative.”

More recently, she experienced something similar while filming Babies.

“Working with Stefan Golaszewski was amazing.”

“There was something really nourishing about it because he knew every single detail of that world. “The project became a profound creative experience. I learned so much.”

Listening to her describe these projects, it’s clear that what excites her most isn’t fame or recognition. It’s collaboration, storytelling, and creative fulfilment. She says acting is rarely as glamorous as people imagine. Film sets can be exciting places, but they’re also workplaces. Long days. Early starts. Endless preparation.

For Babies, preparation involved extensive research around child loss, working alongside charities and speaking with families who had experienced unimaginable grief.

For Swimming With Men, preparation looked entirely different.

“That was four or five months of getting fit and learning synchronised swimming.

“Every project demands something new. It completely depends on the role.”

The challenge, of course, comes in balancing that career with family life. For Charlotte, family remains the foundation upon which everything else sits.

“I’m a mother and a partner and a friend and a daughter before I’m an actress,” she says.

Like many working parents, she has learned that success means little if life isn’t working beyond the job.

“If you’re not living life, you’re not experiencing life.”

“And without those experiences, you don’t have a huge amount to reflect in your work.”

The realities of family life ultimately inspired one of her proudest achievements: The WonderWorks. Established after the birth of her third child, the childcare facility operates from Warner Bros Studios Leavesden and supports film and television crew members working long and unpredictable hours.

“It’s thriving. It’s amazing,” she tells me.

Five years on, the impact continues to grow.

“We provide childcare from birth, right through to age 12. The aim is simple: to make working in film and television more accessible for parents.

“It’s really changing lives, and it’s incredible to see.

“We’ve had families tell us they only planned to have one child but decided to have another because they knew this support existed.”

Others have spoken about career survival.

“They’ll say, ‘You’ve future-proofed my career because I didn’t know how I was going to make this work after having children.’”

For women in particular, the challenge remains significant.

“We see women reach a really high level in the industry and then lose their foothold when they become parents.

“And once that momentum is interrupted, rebuilding it can be difficult. Once you step out, it’s really hard to get back in.”

The WonderWorks is helping change that narrative.

“It’s about giving people options. And ultimately, creating an industry that works better for everyone.

“I think the minute you give birth, somebody hands you a giant stick to beat yourself with. I don’t know any parent who doesn’t have moments of doubt.”

Whether you’re working away from home or not, she says, those questions remain.

“Am I getting this right? Is this the best thing for my children?”

The WonderWorks is here to help with that. To ensure people in the industry have options when life changes a little.

As our call draws to a close, I ask what she loves most about coming back to the North East.

“A really good pub with a fire,” she smiles.

There are walks along Yarm High Street. Coffee and a scone from Strickland and Holt. Time with family.

Mostly, though, it’s the familiarity she treasures.

“I’ll sit in my sister’s kitchen and she’ll say, ‘Have some pancakes. Have a coffee.’”

And there, somewhere nearby, will be a copy of The Northern Echo or The Gazette.

“Just sitting there like nothing’s changed.”

Perhaps that’s what home really is.

Not somewhere frozen in time, but somewhere that quietly reminds you who you are.

As we say goodbye, Charlotte pulls her blanket around her shoulders while her dog cuddles in.

The call ends much as it began – warm, relaxed and full of laughter.

For all the success, the accolades and the remarkable career, what stays with me most is how grounded she remains.

Charlotte Riley may spend much of her time moving between film sets and television studios, but at heart she’s still the girl from the North East who values family, friendship, humour and home above everything else.

And honestly?

That’s exactly what makes her such a star.

thewonderworks.co.uk

Softly does it

As TUTTI prepares to open its doors at Raby Castle this July, the estate’s timeless beauty sets the scene for a fashion story equally as enduring. Think effortless silhouettes, considered details and a quietly confident take on summer style

Luxe LOVES

Round brilliance

The round brilliant cut diamond is the ultimate symbol of elegance and timeless beauty. Renowned for its exceptional sparkle, this classic cut is designed with facets that maximize light reflection. Whether set in a ring, necklace, bracelet or earrings, round brilliant cut diamond jewellery effortlessly enhances any look. It’s unmatched radiance makes it a cherished choice for celebrations, milestones and moments that deserve to shine.

Berry’s Jewellers, 122 Grey Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6JG berrysjewellers.co.uk

Diamonds speak louder than words

At the centre of it all

As Metrocentre

celebrates

40 years of North East life, Elysia Fryer catches up with Centre Director Gavin Prior to explore how the country’s original mega mall has reinvented itself for a new generation, while never losing sight of the community that made it iconic

Forty years is a long time in retail. Long enough for fashion trends to come and go several times over, for entire high streets to transform, and for generations of families to create their own rituals around a place that becomes woven into the fabric of everyday life. For many in the North East, Metrocentre isn’t simply somewhere to shop. It’s where Christmas officially begins. It’s where teenagers spent Saturdays with friends, where parents queued for Father Christmas, where first pay packets disappeared into Topshop bags and where countless children begged for “just one more ride” at Metroland. It is, in many ways, part of the region’s collective memory.

As Metrocentre marks its 40th anniversary, that sense of nostalgia is impossible to ignore. Mention Metroland in almost any conversation and watch faces light up. The indoor theme park may have closed almost two decades ago, but its legacy remains surprisingly powerful, proving just how deeply the centre embedded itself into the lives of North East families.

Perhaps the biggest surprise is not that Metrocentre has reached 40 years old. It’s that after navigating one of the toughest periods retail has ever faced with the Covid pandemic, it feels remarkably fresh again. Spend a day wandering through the malls today and you’ll find a destination that’s evolving at an astonishing pace, quietly rewriting perceptions while staying true to the original vision that inspired Sir John Hall’s ambitious project back in 1986.

“It’s still here for almost exactly the same reasons it was built,” explains Centre Director Gavin Prior.

“It was built for the people of the North East, by the people of the North East. It was always communityfocused and community-led, and it still exists like that today.”

That community connection remains one of Metrocentre’s greatest strengths.

Unlike many retail destinations, this isn’t somewhere people visit once a year. Families return week after week, creating routines that span decades. Gavin and his team regularly meet shoppers as they walk the malls, building relationships that provide a real-time

snapshot of what people want from the centre. We’ve got shoppers who come in every week,” he says.

“We go out onto the malls and visit the shops, and we know people. It’s almost like having our own focus group.”

Of course, the last five years have presented challenges that few could have predicted.

Like shopping centres across the country, Metrocentre was hit hard by the pandemic and the collapse of household names including Debenhams, House of Fraser and the Arcadia Group. Suddenly, conversations shifted from excitement to uncertainty, with headlines focusing on empty units and changing consumer habits.

For Gavin and the team, however, those years became an opportunity rather than a setback.

“We were met with this massive wave of negativity,” he reflects.

“’Metrocentre is closing down’, ‘it’s got void after void after void’ – that became the narrative. But the excitement for us comes from the amount of work we’ve done over those five years.”

The scale of that transformation is difficult to comprehend until you hear the numbers.

More than £80 million has been invested into the centre, funding projects including the extensive redevelopment of Town Square – modernising one of the destination’s best-known spaces.

Over the same period, more than 100 new brands have arrived, while upwards of 70 existing retailers have invested in refurbishments or larger premises.

It’s easy to overlook those changes simply because of the sheer size of Metrocentre itself.

At around two million square feet, visitors often park in the same place, follow the same familiar route and leave convinced little has changed. In reality, more than half of the centre has evolved in just five years. For fashion-conscious shoppers, much of that transformation has come through an increasingly impressive line-up of brands.

The expanded Zara has become a regional flagship, paving the way for other additions like Stradivarius, with Bershka and LEFTIES set to join the line-up later

this year, further strengthening Metrocentre’s relationship with global fashion giant Inditex. Luxury beauty has found its place alongside accessible fashion, while restaurants continue to elevate the visitor experience. With an ever-growing mix of cafes and dining concepts, the centre increasingly reflects changing lifestyles rather than simply traditional shopping habits.

And perhaps that’s where Metrocentre’s biggest reinvention lies. Today’s visitors aren’t only coming to browse the shops. They’re booking escape rooms at The Escapologist, challenging friends at Treetop Golf, climbing walls at Clip ‘n Climb, catching the latest blockbuster at Odeon, enjoying family fun at Namco Funscape or discovering Activate – the immersive interactive gaming experience that Gavin admits has become a firm favourite in his own household.

It’s a telling reflection of how leisure has evolved since the days when Metroland dominated childhood memories. The rollercoasters may be gone, but their spirit lives on through a new generation of experiences designed for families.

Perhaps that’s why nostalgia remains such a powerful part of Metrocentre’s story without ever feeling like something it’s trapped by.

This anniversary year has embraced those memories with subtle nods to 1986 throughout the centre’s programme of events – from retro-inspired fashion showcases to children’s play installations inspired by

will sit alongside global names while championing smaller local businesses.

It’s an acknowledgement that successful retail destinations today thrive on diversity.

Alongside internationally recognised brands, visitors will continue to discover long-standing independents that have been part of Metrocentre’s story almost since the beginning, from Sweets Galore and Collectables to Paris Dress House and a host of specialist retailers that give the destination its distinctive personality.

For Gavin, that blend of local loyalty and continual evolution is exactly what keeps Metrocentre relevant four decades on.

“It really was groundbreaking when it opened,” he says. “It set the context for every other indoor shopping centre that followed. But even now, there’s still investment after investment after investment going into the asset.”

the original Mini Metro and affectionate references to the beloved Metroland era.

Rather than trying to recreate the past, Metrocentre seems content celebrating it while looking ahead. That future is also increasingly sustainable.

The centre now boasts more electric vehicle charging points than any other shopping centre in the UK, alongside more than 5,000 solar panels helping offset electricity usage and supporting longer-term environmental ambitions.

Behind the scenes, significant investment continues in infrastructure that visitors may never consciously notice but undoubtedly benefit from.

At the same time, Metrocentre’s impact stretches well beyond retail.

The destination directly employs more than 5,000 people, supports over 10,000 jobs indirectly and contributes in excess of £800 million to the UK economy.

Closer to home, its charitable work remains rooted in the communities it was built to serve, with more than £80,000 raised for local causes last year alone. Anniversary celebrations have even incorporated fundraising, with proceeds from special birthday competitions supporting Feeding Families across the region.

Those community roots are perhaps best reflected in another exciting development arriving this summer: The Crescent, a new independent-focused area that

Visitor numbers suggest that confidence is paying off. After welcoming more than 18.5 million visitors in 2019 before the pandemic dramatically disrupted footfall, Metrocentre is steadily rebuilding and is expected to return to those record levels again.

It tells a remarkable recovery story – not simply because the figures are improving, but because they reflect renewed confidence from shoppers who continue choosing Metrocentre as somewhere to spend their time.

And perhaps that’s always been its greatest strength. Retail trends will continue to shift. New brands will arrive, familiar names will leave and shopping habits will evolve again and again.

But for 40 years, Metrocentre has remained something more meaningful than bricks, glass and shopfronts.

It has been a meeting place, a landmark, a rainy-day escape, a festive tradition, a family outing and a backdrop to countless ordinary moments that become extraordinary simply because they are shared.

As the destination enters its fifth decade – with fresh investment, ambitious plans and an enviable roster of new arrivals – it feels less like an institution looking back on past glories and more like one confidently writing its next chapter.

For anyone who ever raced through Metroland, queued for the Christmas lights switch-on or simply spent a Saturday afternoon wandering its malls, that’s something worth celebrating. themetrocentre.co.uk

Colour splash

Luxe LOVES

Sunshine style

Seaside dressing gets the Dior treatment with Baby Dior’s latest collection, designed for carefree days in the sun. Think timeless sailor collars, playful stripes and breezy separates, alongside floral prints and the iconic Dior Oblique motif for a fresh, contemporary take on holiday style. From beach-ready swimwear to effortless summer staples, it’s a wardrobe made for little ones to explore in elegance. dior.com

Why size is only part of the story in breast surgery

One of the most common misunderstandings in breast surgery is the assumption that implant size is the primary factor determining the final result. In reality, it is often one of the least reliable predictors of outcome.

Patients frequently arrive with a clear idea of the size they would like to achieve. While understandable, this approach can overlook the more important determinants of how the result will actually look. In breast surgery, outcomes are shaped far more by proportion than by volume alone.

The same implant can produce very different results depending on a patient’s natural anatomy. Chest width, breast base shape, skin quality, tissue characteristics and overall body frame all influence how an implant sits and settles. What appears subtle on one person may look significantly more pronounced on another, even when the same implant size is used.

This is where many initial expectations need to be refined. Size is a single variable in a much more complex equation. The surgeon’s role is to interpret a patient’s desired outcome and translate it into a plan that works in harmony with their individual proportions, rather than simply matching a requested measurement.

Implant selection is therefore highly individualised. Volume, shape, projection and width must all be considered together, and their relative importance changes from patient to patient. Two individuals requesting the same increase in cup size may require entirely different implants to achieve a balanced and natural result.

In modern breast surgery, the focus has shifted away from standardised goals and towards tailored outcomes. Small differences in proportion can significantly influence whether a result appears natural, balanced, or disproportionate. Ultimately, what patients ask for and what determines the outcome are often not the same thing. The most successful results are not defined by size, but by how well the final shape integrates with the individual as a whole.

As one of the UK’s leading facial teams, we are honoured to offer the North East a level of integrated, luxury surgical care typically reserved for global capitals.

The future of facial longevity has arrived. We look forward to welcoming you to The Beverley Hospital.

Beauty UPDATE

Sun, sea and beauty essentials for every luxe beach bag

Summer scent Sol de Janeiro

Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist, 90ml

One spritz and you’re instantly transported to sun-drenched shores. Sol de Janeiro’s cult-favourite fragrance mist blends pistachio, salted caramel and vanilla into a warm, addictive scent that captures carefree summer days perfectly. Light enough to refresh throughout the day, yet long-lasting enough to leave an impression, it’s the ultimate beach bag fragrance for holidays and heatwaves alike.

£25, lookfantastic.com

Good

stuff

ILIA

Smooth moves Living Proof

Leave-in Conditioning Spray, 148ml

After a day of sun, saltwater and swimming, this leave-in conditioning spray is exactly what stressed strands need. It helps detangle, smooth and hydrate hair while reducing frizz and improving manageability. Lightweight enough for fine hair yet nourishing enough for dry lengths, it’s the perfect post-beach fix for keeping locks soft, healthy and easy to style.

£27, johnlewis.com

Coastal notes Jo Malone

Beach Blossom Cologne, 100ml

Inspired by sunlit coastlines and warm sea breezes, Beach Blossom perfectly captures the spirit of summer. Delicate florals mingle with creamy, sun-warmed notes to create a scent that feels fresh, comforting and effortlessly elegant. Light enough for daytime wear yet distinctive enough to linger into the evening, it’s holiday escapism bottled. £124, fenwick.co.uk beverleyhealth.co.uk

Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF50, 45ml Skincare and sun protection combine beautifully in this lightweight mineral sunscreen serum. Offering broad-spectrum SPF50 protection, it leaves skin looking fresh, hydrated and naturally radiant rather than chalky or heavy. The fluid texture absorbs quickly, making it ideal for everyday wear. Whether you’re heading to the beach or brunch, it’s an easy addition to your summer routine.

£40, sephora.co.uk

Sun

soother

Aesop

Geranium Leaf Body Balm, 100ml Rich yet easily absorbed, this luxurious body balm is ideal for replenishing skin after time spent in the sun. The signature geranium leaf aroma feels fresh and uplifting, while the deeply moisturising formula helps restore softness and comfort. Keep it close for evenings after the beach when skin needs a little extra nourishment and care.

£31, endclothing.com

Sun

smart Augustinus Bader

The Solar Shield, 175ml

Combining luxurious skincare with serious sun protection, The Solar Shield is designed to defend skin against UV damage while supporting hydration and repair. Lightweight and comfortable to wear, it layers effortlessly under makeup or on bare skin. The generous size makes it ideal for beach days, ensuring you’re protected from morning swims through to late afternoon lounging.

£120, on counter at H beauty, Metrocentre

Luxe LOCKS

with Michael Young and Gary Hooker

Michael and Gary run Hooker & Young, with four salons across the North East.

Luxury that looks effortless

There’s something magical about the colours of a hot summer’s day. The way sunlight catches warm earth, polished bronze and rich chestnut hues have inspired one of our favourite looks this season – burnished tones that radiate luxury, depth and effortless beauty. More than ever, our clients are moving away from high-maintenance colour and towards hair that looks naturally expensive. It’s about creating expression through tone, using beautifully balanced shades that work together to enhance movement, shine and individuality, rather than overpower it.

For this look, we layered rich contrasting tones of warm brunette and glowing copper accents, allowing the colours to melt seamlessly into one another. The result is a multidimensional finish that catches the light from every angle, delivering that glossy, healthy appearance we all love.

The real beauty of this trend is that it’s kinder to the

hair. By embracing softer regrowth, lived-in colour placement and luxurious shine, we can achieve stunning results while maintaining the integrity of the hair. Healthy hair is beautiful hair, and nothing says luxury quite like hair that looks and feels amazing. To complement the colour, we finished the style with tousled texture, creating volume, softness and effortless movement. It’s polished without looking overdone – modern, wearable and full of confidence. We absolutely love it.

This month’s column is especially meaningful as Luxe Magazine celebrates its 100th issue. We’ve been incredibly proud to have been part of the journey from the very beginning, sharing our passion for hair, creativity and craftsmanship with readers.

A huge congratulations to everyone at Luxe on this wonderful milestone. Here’s to celebrating 100 incredible issues and many more to come!

Facelift vs deep plane what’sfacelift: the difference?

As interest in facial rejuvenation continues to grow, more patients are exploring advanced facelift techniques that go beyond traditional approaches. One procedure attracting significant attention is the deep plane facelift, a technique designed to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results by addressing the deeper structures of the face. But what separates a traditional facelift from a deep plane facelift, and why are many leading facial surgeons now favouring this approach?

Understanding facial ageing

Facial ageing involves far more than loose skin. Over time, the tissues that support the face begin to descend, leading to jowls, deeper folds around the nose and mouth, loss of cheek volume and reduced jawline definition. Skin elasticity also decreases, contributing to a heavier, more tired appearance. Modern facial rejuvenation focuses on correcting these underlying structural changes rather than simply tightening the skin.

What is a traditional facelift?

A traditional facelift typically involves lifting the skin and tightening the underlying SMAS layer (Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System), which supports the facial tissues. Excess skin is removed and repositioned to create a smoother, firmer appearance. Traditional facelifts can provide excellent improvement in sagging skin, particularly around the lower face and jawline. However, some techniques rely more heavily on skin tension and may not fully address the deeper structural changes associated with ageing.

What makes a deep plane facelift different?

A deep plane facelift works beneath the SMAS layer. During the procedure, the surgeon releases key facial ligaments and repositions the deeper facial tissues as a single unit.

This allows the cheeks, jawline and neck to be lifted more naturally while preserving facial expression. Because the skin and underlying tissues move together, the result is often a refreshed appearance without the overly tight or ‘pulled’ look

associated with some older facelift techniques. The procedure is particularly effective for restoring cheek definition, softening nasolabial folds, improving the mid-face and restoring a natural jawline – all areas that can be more challenging to treat with traditional methods.

Natural-looking, long-lasting results

One of the main reasons patients choose a deep plane facelift is the quality of the outcome. The goal is not to change how someone looks, but to restore a more youthful version of themselves. By repositioning deeper structures rather than relying primarily on skin tension, results are often more comprehensive and longer lasting. Improvements to the neck and jawline can also be achieved simultaneously, creating greater facial harmony.

The importance of surgical expertise

The deep plane facelift is a highly specialised procedure requiring detailed knowledge of facial anatomy and extensive surgical experience. As a result, selecting an experienced facial surgeon is crucial.

At The Beverley Hospital, patients benefit from a surgeon-owned, surgeon-led model designed around clinical excellence and personalised care. Unlike many large healthcare providers, clinical decision-making remains in the hands of experienced surgeons, ensuring patient outcomes remain the primary focus. The hospital was founded by a duo of respected specialists, including facial cosmetic surgeon Dan Saleh, one of the UK’s leading experts in facial rejuvenation surgery. His reputation for natural-

looking facelift results has attracted patients from across the UK, helping establish The Beverley Hospital as a destination for advanced facial surgery. The dedicated advanced facial surgery centre at The Beverley brings surgeons, facial therapists and the latest technology together to deliver safe, UK-leading expert care.

Which procedure is right for you?

There is no single solution for facial ageing. The most appropriate procedure depends on factors such as facial anatomy, skin quality, degree of laxity and individual aesthetic goals.

For some patients, a traditional facelift may provide excellent results. For others seeking more comprehensive rejuvenation of the cheeks, jawline and neck, a deep plane facelift may offer significant advantages.

The key is a consultation with an experienced facial surgeon who can assess your concerns, explain your options and recommend a personalised treatment plan.

As facelift surgery continues to evolve, the deep plane facelift is increasingly recognised as one of the most advanced approaches available, and The Beverley Hospital has seen an uplift in patient enquiries for this procedure. By addressing the deeper structures responsible for facial ageing, it offers the potential for natural and long-lasting rejuvenation, helping patients look refreshed, confident and authentically themselves. beverleyhealth.co.uk

Rally & reset

A game of padel, a riverside sauna and an icy plunge: Riverdale’s latest experience is the ultimate modern reset

Photography:Ellis Hall

There was a time when luxury was defined by excess – extravagant hotels, champagne on arrival and itineraries packed from dawn until dusk. Today, it looks rather different. The new luxury is time: time spent outdoors, time shared with friends, time away from screens and, perhaps most importantly, time that leaves you feeling better than when you arrived. It’s little surprise, then, that two of the biggest lifestyle trends of the moment are padel and contrast therapy. One is energetic, sociable and gloriously addictive; the other encourages stillness, recovery and a welcome pause from the pace of everyday life. At Riverdale Yorkshire, near Ripon, the two have been thoughtfully brought together in a bespoke experience that feels entirely of the moment –a chance to work up a sweat on one of Yorkshire’s most scenic padel courts before retreating to a handcrafted sauna and riverside cold plunge overlooking the Ure.

It is an experience that perfectly captures the direction modern luxury is heading. Less about indulgence for indulgence’s sake and more about

finding joy in movement, nature and meaningful connection.

Padel, of course, needs little introduction. The sport has become one of Britain’s fastest-growing pastimes, with courts springing up across the country and waiting lists forming almost as quickly as they’re built. Yet its popularity has very little to do with exclusivity. If anything, its appeal lies in the opposite. Played in doubles on a compact enclosed court where the surrounding walls become part of the game, padel is instantly accessible. You don’t need years of coaching or a flawless serve to enjoy it. Instead, rallies are longer, the atmosphere is lighter and the emphasis is firmly on participation rather than perfection. Within minutes, complete beginners find themselves laughing through improbable shots and competitive exchanges, while more experienced players discover a game built as much on strategy and teamwork as athleticism.

Perhaps that’s why so many people who try it once rarely stop at one game.

That philosophy sits comfortably with The Private

Court Club, founded in 2025 by mother-of-two Jenny Bourne-Arton. Created as a collection of privately owned tennis and padel courts available to hire by the hour, the platform offers an alternative to busy clubs and municipal facilities, giving players access to beautiful locations without memberships or annual commitments.

Its own North Yorkshire padel court is a perfect example. Surrounded by uninterrupted views towards both the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, it offers a setting where the landscape becomes as memorable as the match itself. Even before the first serve, there’s a sense that this is sport done differently.

“Since launching last summer, our padel court has built up a loyal following of local players and demand is growing,” says Jenny. “The court is fortunate to have views of the Dales and North York Moors and I love seeing it being used and enjoyed. The income from bookings also makes a welcome contribution to maintenance costs.”

It’s a refreshingly understated approach, and one

that pairs naturally with Riverdale’s own philosophy of slow living and wellbeing.

Rather than positioning wellness as something clinical or intimidating, Riverdale has created a space where restoration feels woven into the landscape itself. Nestled beside the River Ure, its handcrafted outdoor sauna, cold plunge pools, open-air shower and welcoming firepit offer guests an invitation to slow down and reconnect with both nature and themselves.

Inspired by manager Will Quarmby’s background in luxury hotels and spas, the experience has been designed to encourage exactly that. Guests ease into the warmth of the sauna before stepping into invigorating cold water, repeating the cycle before settling by the fire with nothing more pressing to focus on than the sound of the river flowing by. It’s easy to see why sauna culture is having its own renaissance.

For years, Nordic countries have celebrated the ritual as part of daily life, but more recently it has found a devoted following here in Britain as people seek wellness practices that are both simple and social.

Combined with cold water immersion, the experience has become synonymous with modern self-care – not because it’s fashionable, but because it offers something many of us increasingly struggle to find: permission to stop.

At Riverdale, the setting elevates that feeling still further. Whether sunlight dances across the water or rain sweeps through the valley, the surrounding countryside becomes part of the experience. Guests are encouraged to embrace the changing seasons rather than hide from them, finding beauty in crisp mornings, dramatic skies and the quiet rhythm of the natural world.

The collaboration with The Private Court Club feels especially clever because the two experiences complement one another so seamlessly.

After an energetic hour on court, muscles are warm and hearts are racing. Conversation flows easily as rackets are set aside and players make the short journey towards the riverside wellness area. The transition is almost ceremonial: from movement to stillness, from competition to contemplation.

Stepping into the sauna after exercise brings an immediate sense of release, while the subsequent cold plunge delivers an exhilarating jolt that leaves body and mind feeling remarkably refreshed.

Wrapped in a robe and warming up beside the firepit afterwards, it becomes obvious that recovery can be every bit as enjoyable as the activity that came before it.

Jenny agrees the partnership was a natural progression.

“Collaborating with Riverdale on the Padel & Sauna experience was a natural fit from a wellness perspective,” she explains. “Regular saunas are proven to improve cardiovascular health and improve recovery for muscle and joint pain, whereas racket sports are ranked top for men’s health benefits; increasing longevity, reducing the risk of early death and offering high-intensity cardio, agility and social interaction.”

Scientific evidence aside, however, perhaps the greatest benefit is the simplest one: it feels wonderful.

In an age where so much of life revolves around productivity, notifications and endless to-do lists, spending an afternoon that revolves entirely around

Wrapped in a robe and warming up beside the firepit afterwards, it becomes obvious that recovery can be every bit as enjoyable as the activity that came before it

enjoyment can feel surprisingly radical. There’s laughter on court, conversation in the sauna and a shared sense of achievement after everyone has summoned the courage for another icy plunge. Unlike many luxury wellness experiences, there is nothing solitary about it. Friends encourage one another. Couples challenge each other to another rally. Families swap stories around the firepit. It becomes less about exercise or recovery in isolation and more about the memories created between them. That sense of togetherness is increasingly becoming the hallmark of modern luxury travel. Today’s guests aren’t necessarily looking for opulence; they’re looking for experiences that bring people together while offering genuine value to body and mind. Riverdale understands this instinctively. The wider estate already celebrates the restorative power of Yorkshire’s natural landscape, and the addition of the sauna and cold plunge feels like a continuation of that ethos rather than a departure from it. Future plans for yoga spaces and sound baths only reinforce the sense that wellness here is

intended to be immersive rather than prescriptive. For visitors, however, it is perhaps the simplicity of the Padel & Sauna experience that makes it so appealing.

You arrive expecting a game.

You leave having spent an afternoon reconnecting –with nature, with friends and with yourself.

The exhilaration of chasing down one last shot gives way to the enveloping warmth of cedar-lined benches. The shock of icy water sharpens the senses before melting into contentment beside the fire. Beyond it all, the River Ure continues its gentle course through one of England’s most beautiful landscapes, seemingly oblivious to trends and hashtags.

And maybe that’s the greatest irony of all. Padel may be having a moment and contrast therapy may dominate wellness headlines, but at Riverdale both feel timeless.

It’s simply people moving their bodies, embracing the outdoors and taking the opportunity to slow down afterwards.

riverdaleyorkshire.co.uk

Home COMFORTS

From fireside cooking in the Catskills, to healthy menus at Claridge’s, Chris Baber shares travel, food inspirations and the flavours shaping his summer with Chris Baber

My world

I went to the BAFTAs in May, which was an amazing experience. Walking the red carpet, seeing so many familiar faces and celebrating the television industry as a whole was really special.

I’ve just landed back from an incredible trip to America. I headed to upstate New York to the Catskills for Camp HexClad, which took place at the beautiful AutoCamp. We spent a couple of days cooking over wildfire and foraging with local experts, with highlights including discovering golden oyster mushrooms and an abundance of fresh herbs. It was such a wonderful escape from the city. Wherever I travel in the world, I love seeing what’s in season, and the produce in that part of New York in June was outstanding.

I spent a night in New York City catching up with friends who live there, exploring some fantastic independent local restaurants before flying to Los Angeles for a day of filming with HexClad. While we were there, the US Women’s Open was taking place at Riviera Country Club, where I spent time with my friend and HexClad president, Jason Panzer. Following that, HexClad founder Danny Winer had been nominated for a business award by the LA Times and ended up winning Founder of the Year, so we had a great evening celebrating together. Since getting home, it’s been straight back into work mode with BBC Morning Live, where I’m a regular contributor, which is always great fun.

Foodie happenings

Finally, I can tell you that I’m working with Claridge’s, which is incredibly exciting. On 22 July, I’ll be creating my own menu as part of a special pop-up evening, centred around fresh, healthy food that celebrates the very best of British seasonal produce. Expect beautiful, simple food elevated with the luxury touch that Claridge’s does so well. It’s something that could become a regular collaboration, which is very exciting. There’s also a new olive oil brand called Krude, which

Gordon Ramsay is involved with. The founders, Ben and Elle Caring, are friends of mine, so I went along to the launch party. It’s a fantastic brand and definitely one to keep an eye on – a beautifully cold-pressed Spanish olive oil available in a range of different flavours.

Inspired by the seasons

I don’t think we’ve spoken about apricots before, but they’re one of my favourite ingredients to work with during the summer months. In fact, they’ll feature on my menu at Claridge’s. I’m serving roasted apricots with lemon, thyme, honey and a refreshing yoghurt sorbet – keeping everything light, fresh and seasonal. The fruit available at this time of year is simply fantastic. British summer fruits are hard to beat, with strawberries and cherries sitting firmly among my favourites. There’s something wonderfully simple about snacking on perfectly ripe fresh fruit during the British summertime.

Ask Chris

If you’ve got any questions you want to ask Chris, please get in touch via his Instagram page. Chris will select a question and answer it in the next column.

#AskChris

Q: What is one of the best dishes you’ve enjoyed on your travels this year, and how would you recreate it at home?

A: I’ve just come back from California, where Mexican food is hugely popular, and my friend Matt took me for what he claimed was the best breakfast taco around. He wasn’t wrong – it was incredible. To recreate it at home, start with the best corn or flour tortillas you can find. Fill them with softly scrambled eggs, fried chorizo, crispy bacon and slices of ripe avocado, then finish with a really good salsa or your favourite hot sauce. It’s a brilliant spicy twist on your usual breakfast.

TRY THIS

Grilled peach & burrata salad

Serves 4

Ingredients

4 ripe peaches, halved and stones removed

2 burrata (125g each)

80g rocket

Extra virgin olive oil

1 lemon

Sea salt

Black pepper

Small handful of basil leaves

Method

Heat a griddle pan or barbecue until very hot. Lightly brush the peach halves with olive oil and cook cut-side down for 2–3 minutes until nicely charred.

Remove and allow to cool slightly before slicing each half into wedges.

Arrange the rocket on a large platter. Scatter over the charred peaches and tear over the burrata. Finish with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, basil leaves, sea salt and black pepper.

“HexClad makes cooking effortless and enjoyable, achieving amazing results time after time. The sheer versatility of a HexClad makes them the only pans I couldn’t live without. They are built to last with a lifetime guarantee and get better with age. They are by far the best investment you can make for your kitchen at home. There’s no other pan that will give you the same results. It’s time to get Hexy! A pan for the modern age.” - Chris Baber

Find out more at: hexclad.co.uk

Our Luxe List of the North East’s finest spas – standout retreats where luxury, wellbeing and impeccable hospitality create the ultimate sanctuary

Newcastle’s leading luxury hotel, Malmaison, sits in the middle of the vibrant Quayside overlooking the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge - but head to the spa and the hustle and bustle of the city centre couldn’t feel further away.

Whether you’re seeking a quick-fix facial, a rejuvenating massage or a full luxury spa day, Malmaison Newcastle Spa has the perfect treatment. Pamper yourself with a full range of face and body treatments, with our talented therapists utilising luxurious TEMPLESPA products.

Our spa treatments, rituals and packages have been lovingly designed to create the ultimate relaxation experiences, from little spa treats for one to ultimate top to toe spa days and overnight packages with indulgent extras.

The spa is open to hotel guests and day visitors. malmaison.com/locations/newcastle/spa

Ramside

A summer escape is calling at Ramside Spa. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing spa day with friends, a little well-deserved me-time, or an indulgent overnight retreat, Ramside Spa offers the perfect opportunity to switch off and recharge this season. Unwind in the outdoor spa garden, soak up the sunshine by the heated pools, enjoy luxurious treatments, and savour delicious dining in beautiful surroundings. From spa days and spa breaks to indulgent spa and dine experiences, there’s no better way to embrace the slower pace of summer and prioritise your wellbeing. Visit Ramside Spa to discover your perfect summer escape. ramsidespa.co.uk

Nestled in Teesdale, on the County Durham and North Yorkshire border, is the fabulous Headlam Hall Hotel & Rural Retreat. This 17th century country house, which stands in beautiful walled gardens, is also home to Headlam Spa.

An authentic and truly relaxing rural spa with a philosophy of tranquility, wellness and welcome luxury, facilities include a 15m pool, sauna and steam cabins, a stunning new outdoor hydrotherapy spa, sun terrace, fully equipped gym and five treatment rooms.

There is also a popular Brasserie Cafe with indoor and outdoor seating enjoying stunning views across the golf course.

A range of day spa packages are available, or why not check into a delightful spa bedroom for a residential spa experience? Golf, tennis and croquet can also be enjoyed in the hotel’s grounds making this an ideal summer retreat. headlamhall.co.uk

At Seaham Hall’s award-winning Serenity Spa, a new era of coastal wellness has arrived. Introducing our transformed Zen Garden - a breathtaking £1million outdoor sanctuary designed for relaxation, restoration, recovery and a genuine connection with nature.

Immerse yourself in one of two state-of-the-art infinity edge pools, breathing in the fresh coastal air as the Durham Heritage Coast stretches before you. Invigorate your senses in our new cold plunge pool with its cascading waterfall, before unwinding on the extended deck with uninterrupted garden views. As evening falls, gather around our fire pits beneath the stars. There’s never been a better time to escape. seaham-hall.co.uk

Sweet spot

At Café 21 in Fenwick, afternoon tea is making way for something altogether more relaxed. Inspired by a European ritual that celebrates good company, excellent coffee and exceptional cake, Terry Laybourne’s latest offering is an invitation to slow down and savour the afternoon

There was a time when afternoon tea felt like the ultimate indulgence. A diary date to be booked weeks in advance, a special occasion to celebrate, a carefully orchestrated gathering of friends whose calendars finally aligned.

But life feels a little different these days. We are busier, more spontaneous and perhaps more inclined to seek out small pleasures whenever we can find them, rather than saving them for a grand occasion. And it is exactly this shift that has inspired Café 21’s delicious new afternoon ritual at Fenwick Newcastle.

Replacing the traditional afternoon tea offering, the new concept centres around something wonderfully simple: coffee and cake.

Or rather, as Terry Laybourne would tell you, something much more meaningful than that.

The inspiration comes from Terry’s early years as a young chef working in Southern Germany and Switzerland, where the long-established tradition of Kaffee und Kuchen remains an important part of daily life. Between lunch and dinner, usually around mid-afternoon, people gather to pause. Not for a celebration or a special event, but simply because the day deserves a moment of pleasure. Coffee is poured. Cake is shared. Conversation flows.

It is a ritual built around taking time well.

At Café 21, that spirit now arrives in the form of a beautiful new cake counter, freshly stocked each day by the restaurant’s pastry team. Positioned as a daily temptation rather than an occasional treat, it is filled with generous cakes ready for slicing, delicate pastries, seasonal bakes and those irresistible sweet creations that somehow make an ordinary afternoon feel rather special.

The beauty lies in its accessibility. There is no need to book weeks ahead, no expectation that it marks a birthday or anniversary, and no pressure to commit an entire afternoon. Instead, it offers a more relaxed kind of luxury – the sort that slips effortlessly into everyday life. Perhaps it is a catch-up with a friend after shopping. A quiet hour alone with a coffee and a book. A spontaneous decision to order cake simply because it looks too good to miss.

Paying tribute to the Kaffee und Kuchen tradition that inspired the concept, guests can expect occasional appearances from German classics including Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte – better known to most of us as Black Forest Gâteau – alongside Versunkener Apfelkuchen, a beautifully comforting German apple cake. Alongside these nostalgic favourites, Café 21’s

pastry team will showcase a changing selection of seasonal creations, ensuring there is always something new to discover.

While the cakes are available throughout the day, things become particularly tempting between 3pm and 5pm, when the afternoon ritual truly comes into its own.

And because this is Café 21, there is naturally room for a little extra indulgence. Should the mood strike, ‘Cakes and Bubbles’ is very much on the menu too. What makes the concept feel so timely is that it quietly challenges the idea that luxury must be reserved for milestone moments. Afternoon tea, wonderful as it is, has become tied to vouchers, celebrations and special occasions. This new approach feels more generous than that.

More everyday, more spontaneous, more reflective of how many of us actually want to spend our time. There is still craftsmanship, elegance and indulgence in every slice. The difference is that none of it requires permission.

Sometimes cake is not the thing that follows the meal. Sometimes cake is the whole point. cafe21fenwick.co.uk

Jesmond Dene House is proud to unveil its beautifully refurbished bedrooms, bringing a fresh new look to one of the North East’s most beloved boutique hotels.

Home to the acclaimed Fern Dining Room, serving locally sourced, neighbourhood dining, traditional afternoon tea and Sunday lunch - with a sunny terrace perfect for al fresco dining, Jesmond Dene House offers an idyllic escape in the heart of the city.

To celebrate Luxe Magazine’s 100th issue, readers can enjoy an exclusive 20% saving on an overnight stay, including a complimentary glass of bubbles on arrival, or 10% off à la carte dining, also accompanied by a glass of bubbles, just quote LUXE at the time of booking. Valid until 30th November.

info@jesmonddenehouse.co.uk | 0191 212 3000

Jesmond Dene House, Jesmond Dene Road, Jesmond, Newcastle, NE2 2EY www.jesmonddenehouse.co.uk

A life of service

As Luxe celebrates its 100th issue, Elysia Fryer returns to one of the magazine’s earliest cover stars for a long-overdue catch-up. Over tea in the garden at The Crathorne Arms, she discovers that while much has changed over the years, Eugene McCoy remains exactly what Teesside has always loved about him: generous, funny, endlessly hospitable and still making people feel at home

Every now and then, you stumble across a place that can’t quite be explained – only felt. The Crathorne Arms is exactly that.

Living locally, I’ve spent countless afternoons, evenings and special occasions here with friends and family, and I honestly can’t remember a time I’ve left without feeling better than when I walked in. There’s a kind of ease to it that can’t be designed or engineered. It simply exists in the warmth of the welcome, in the friendly faces filling the seats, and in the slightly eccentric charm of objects that have found their own way here over time.

It feels fitting to meet here with Eugene McCoy as Luxe reaches its 100th issue. Eugene was on the cover back in our early days, and while so much has changed in the world of hospitality, in Teesside, and in his own world since then, he remains one of the constants in the North East’s hospitality landscape –quietly shaping it, rarely announcing it, always simply getting on with it.

We take a seat in the garden with a pot of tea, the same space he had once imagined long before it became what it is today.

“When we left The Tontine, it was obviously a

difficult move,” he says.

“After so many years of what we can look back on as a huge success, the thought of starting again was a little bit scary.”

A quiet acknowledgement of an ending after a very long chapter. Thirty-six years at The Tontine.

“We moved there in 1975, opened in 1976, and very quickly everything went mad… wonderful times and bad times. Like in any business.”

But to really understand this chapter, you have to go back a bit further – to the early days on Teesside, when the region’s booming industries and hospitality scene seemed to grow side by side.

“In the early days when we first had a restaurant, which was underneath my brother’s club, The Kirk,” he says, “our biggest clients were ICI, British Steel, Monsanto… all those companies. There was plenty of money. I think there still is plenty of money, but back then it was different.”

A Teesside of industry, working lunches, late-night trading, and a hospitality scene shaped by people who learned quickly, adapted constantly, and rarely stopped moving.

And at the centre of it all was a young Eugene McCoy

and his brothers, learning their trade in the most practical way possible – by being in it. Along the way came countless characters and lifelong friendships, including one with musician Chris Rea that would span decades.

“Chris Rea was doing steaks with me and my brothers,” he says.

“We used to make sandwiches, cook steaks. Rea was on the grill with me.”

The overlap of lives, music, food, industry, all happening in the same room without anyone thinking it unusual at the time.

But perhaps the most significant thread that runs through everything is his late wife, Barbara.

She appears in the story long before Crathorne, long before The Tontine, back in the early fabric of life.

“She worked for us at The Kirk,” he says.

“She had a job as a waitress. I knew of her – she was my sister-in-law’s cousin.

“We got together and Rory came shortly after,” he adds.

“My mother said, ‘You’ve got to get married, you know. You can’t be doing this. You’re a Roman Catholic, you’ve got to get married.’ So I said, ‘Yes, I’ll get married… I just need to find the time.’”

Eugene smiles at the memory. Barbara quickly became the constant through all of it, and through the eventual move that would bring them to Crathorne.

As a co-creator in every sense.

When The Tontine finally came to an end after 36 years, the move to Crathorne arrived not as a grand plan, but as an opening.

“We got approached by Lord Crathorne,” he explains.

“The pub wasn’t doing anything, so he said, ‘Do you fancy coming down here?’ So, of course, we had a look.”

The building was, in his words, tired. But that word

didn’t phase Eugene and Barabara. ‘Tired’ simply presented an opportunity.

“It was a hell of a challenge,” he says.

“But we had to have something to do, and somewhere to live and to work. So we took it upon ourselves to do it.”

What happened next was never about a slick redesign. It was simply Eugene and Barbara doing what they had always done best – trusting their instincts, surrounding themselves with things they loved and slowly turning a space into somewhere with real soul.

“When we first came to look at the pub, I remember I walked in and thought, ‘It could be something special, this.

“And then I saw this courtyard we’re sitting in, and I guess you could say I did have a vision. There was a back room with a pool table in it, and I thought, ‘That would be great for live music and events’, and the rest of it would take a hell of a lot of work, but it was doable.”

It was never about perfection. It was about possibility. The design process became a collaboration in the

truest sense – not curated, not planned, but lived.

“We had stuff at home, stuff in the attic,” he says. “So we got everything down, put it all out. Barbara had a friend who makes handmade paints in London, so she came back with these wacky paints.”

He laughs as he remembers how it all played out.

“We’d sit down and try to do it together. But if I said, ‘Why don’t we put that up there?’ she’d go, ‘Oh, great.’

And then halfway through the night she’d wake up and move it.

“So I started doing the same thing. We never got any sleep for about two weeks. She was waiting for me to go to sleep, and I was waiting for her to go to sleep so we could come downstairs and move t hings around.”

What emerged from that period is what now defines The Crathorne Arms: a place that feels assembled rather than designed. Objects that have stories, even when the stories are half-forgotten. A sense that nothing is overly precious, but everything is intentional in its own way.

“I always thought when you come out for dinner or drinks, you don’t want to look at the same thing you’ve got at home,” he says.

“You need a different atmosphere. People come here to escape.”

But more than anything, what defines his approach is an awareness of people.

“We don’t know what’s going on behind your personal card,” he says.

“That’s why I always say to the boys and girls here: be happy and charming with people, because you really don’t know what’s going on in their lives.”

Hospitality, for Eugene, is fundamentally emotional work – even when it looks like food and drink on the surface.

“I remember one lady at The Tontine,” he says.

“We took her up in a wheelchair. Her husband asked me to make a fuss of her. On the way out she said to me, ‘Thank you… because I’ll never see you again.’

And she died on the Wednesday.”

He pauses: “It just really puts things into perspective. That story always stays with me and I take it into every shift, every interaction.”

Back at Crathorne, that perspective is carried in the structure of the place itself – in the team who have been with him for years, in the rhythm of service that feels both informal and deeply understood.

“David Henry, our head chef, has been with me for 12-13 years. Aaron’s been here managing the place for six or seven, the same goes for Michael.”

And over the last 13 years, Crathorne has steadily expanded its identity. What began as a rescue of a tired building has become something far more layered – a pub, a restaurant, a garden space, a place for music, gatherings, long lunches, late evenings, and everything in between.

The teepee and outdoor space now anchors summer. “We opened the pizza area about four years ago,” he says.

“We’ve got the teepee, the bar, the pizza oven. We’re trying to do a bit more seafood outside this year.”

But even as it grows, it never feels like it is trying to become something else. It remains rooted in its original instinct: atmosphere first, everything else second.

“I think we’ve got it looking, working and feeling right,” he says.

“The customers are happy. The staff, the locals… there’s a really nice feeling about the place. I don’t think I can do any more right now.”

The Crathorne Arms is also defined by its mix of people – something Eugene clearly values deeply.

“We’re blessed with the people who followed us, and the new people,” he says.

“It’s very eclectic. Farmers, locals, people coming for food… they all mix together.”

He laughs: “Some of the farmers come in on a Sunday night when the shift is winding down and want to use the posh toilets.”

Family remains the thread running beneath all of it. His eldest son Rory in Mallorca, running an ice cream and wine space after leaving London restaurants behind. Mary and Eugene, both

He remains one of the constants in the North East’s hospitality landscape – quietly shaping it, rarely announcing it, always simply getting on with it

in acting, carving unpredictable creative lives.

“Mary’s been doing All Creatures Great and Small,” he says.

“And I know nothing about it because she doesn’t tell me. She says I’ll tell everybody.”

He laughs.

“Eugene is in between jobs. He’s had a busy couple of years doing plays.

“We all try to get together as much as we can. I’m making a conscious effort to get out to Mallorca and down to London as much as possible.”

The family always seem to find their way back to Crathorne too. Whether it’s Rory flying in from Mallorca, Mary returning from filming or Eugene dropping in between theatre jobs, the pub remains the constant that brings everyone together.

Increasingly, it also centres around one very special date in the calendar: Baba’s Charity Day, held every August Bank Holiday Monday in memory of Barbara and raising funds for Cancer Research UK.

“It’s a great thing for us, for the pub and for the community,” Eugene says.

“The family all come back and help, everybody mucks in and we have live music all day, pizzas, barbecue, drinks and some fantastic raffle prizes donated by some incredibly generous people.”

What began as a tribute has become something much bigger. Hundreds of people fill the garden and courtyard, enjoying the atmosphere while raising money for a cause close to the McCoy family’s heart.

“Last year we raised just over £12,000,” he says proudly.

“I think over the two years we’ve done about £27,000. It’s a great day and a very special tribute to Barbara.” It feels entirely fitting. A place built on bringing people together continues to do exactly that, with Barbara’s spirit quietly woven through every conversation, every song and every shared glass raised in her name.

As we wrap up our catch up, staff are preparing for service in what looks to be a busy (and sunny!) weekend in Crathorne.

“I just need to go water those pansies,” he says suddenly, half to himself.

“She’d go mad otherwise.” thecrathornearms.co.uk

Call The Crathorne

on 01642 961402 or email info@thecrathornearms. co.uk to book tickets for Baba’s Charity Day on Monday 31 August 2026.

By the seaside

From seafood shacks to chic cafes along our wonderful coastline, follow this luxe trail of seaside escapes where long lunches, ocean breeze and slow, sunlit days set the pace for summer…

There’s something about the coast that draws you in and just resets everything – especially in summer, when there’s nowhere we’d rather be for long lunches, easy dinners and slow afternoons with loved ones.

One moment you’re wrapped up in the rush of everyday life, and the next you’re stepping out into salty air, softer light, and that instant sense that everything has eased, at least for a little while. We’re blessed with a beautiful coastline up here in the North East. Wide gold sand beaches, fishing villages, small harbour towns and cliff paths that wind through coast and country.

Good places, good views, and that easy breezy feeling you only really get when the sea is close by. This is a coastline made for escaping to – whether it’s a quick detour or a full weekend away, it always pulls you back in. Here are some of our favourite spots to sit, sip and soak up everything we love about the seaside…

Riley’s

Tynemouth

Riley’s is where the coast feels most alive. Down on King Edward’s Bay, tucked right onto the sand, it’s part beach shelter, part open-fire kitchen, part gathering place. You order at the counter, find a spot in the sand, and wait for something sensational to arrive – grilled fish, seafood tacos, smoked specials that taste like they’ve been cooked by the sea itself. This is eating with salt in your hair and sand underfoot, watching the tide move in while smoke drifts from the grill. It’s one of those rare places that feels like summer, even on a cloudy day. rileysfishshack.com

The Potted Lobster

Bamburgh

Bamburgh has a way of stopping you in your tracks –the castle, the rolling beach, the charming buildings. The Potted Lobster sits within all of that, letting the surroundings do most of the talking. Inside, it’s calm and modern, with a focus on local seafood done properly. Think Lindisfarne oysters, lobster and fresh crab.

thepottedlobster.co.uk

Mary’s Sandwich Shop

Sandsend

Mary’s feels like a secret you almost don’t want to share.

It’s small, unfussy, and full of charm – the kind of place you stumble into after a walk along the beach and immediately wish you’d known about sooner. The sandwiches are generous (to put it simply!) and everything feels homemade in the best possible way. There’s a real softness to it – the pace, the setting, the sense that nothing here is rushed. You sit, you eat, you look out towards the sea, and suddenly the day feels like it has more space in it. maryssandwichshop.co.uk

The Jolly Fisherman

Craster

Perched above the harbour, The Jolly Fisherman is all sea views, stone walls, and fresh-out-of-the-ocean seafood. Crab sandwiches are the signature, but everything here leans into Northumberland at its most authentic.

On a stormy day, it feels almost cinematic. On a sunny one, it’s pure coastal joy. Either way, it’s the kind of place that anchors a journey along the Northumberland coastline.

thejollyfishermancraster.co.uk

The Fish Shack

Amble

Amble has quietly become a destination in its own right when it comes to food, and The Fish Shack is at the heart of it.

Built around the harbour, it has that slightly makeshift, creative energy. Seafood is the focus, served simply and generously, with the water just a few steps away.

The Fish Shack feels very modern coastal Britain. No pretence, no formality, just good food and fresh air and the gentle movement of boats in the harbour. boathousefoodgroup.co.uk/fish-shack

Brambles Bistro

Robin Hood’s Bay

Robin Hood’s Bay is coastal quaint at its very best, and tucked into its steep streets and hidden corners, Brambles Bistro feels completely at home. It’s intimate and a little unexpected – the kind of place

you find after wandering downhill and losing track of time. Inside, it’s warm and welcoming, with a menu that balances comfort and care.

It’s a reminder that coastal dining doesn’t need to be loud or showy – sometimes it’s just about good food, a quiet corner, and the feeling you’ve stumbled across somewhere special. bramblesbistro.co.uk

The Seaview Restaurant

Saltburn-by-the-Sea

There’s a lot about Saltburn that draws you in – the pier, the cliffs, the long stretch of sand. And sitting at the heart of the seafront is The Seaview Restaurant, an icon in its own right.

With wide windows looking straight out to the North Sea, it’s a place where the view becomes part of the meal. Seafood dominates the menu, with favourites including the market fish of the day, Seaview fish pie, and Saltburn crab brioche – simple, fresh, and best enjoyed with the tide rolling in outside. theseaviewrestaurant.co.uk

The Fish Cottage Sandsend

Just along from Whitby, Sandsend has its own quieter rhythm, and The Fish Cottage fits perfectly into it. It’s relaxed but polished, with a focus on sustainable seafood and straightforward cooking that lets the ingredients speak. The setting does a lot of the work – close to the beach, open to the sea air, always connected to the landscape.

It’s the kind of place that works for anything from a casual lunch to a long, lazy dinner after a day on the coast. fishcottage.co.uk

The Boatyard Cafe Cullercoats

If there’s a place that sums up the laid-back charm of Cullercoats, it’s The Boatyard Cafe. Just a stone’s throw from the bay, this independent favourite has become a go-to for everyone from early-morning swimmers and dog walkers, to weekend brunch seekers.

Inside, it’s bright, relaxed and effortlessly welcoming, with excellent coffee, generous breakfasts and fresh, flavour-packed lunches. boatyardcullercoats.co.uk

THE LooKoUT Seaham

Set beside the marina, THE LooKoUT is all about soaking up the view. Whether you’re stopping by for a morning coffee, a leisurely brunch or a light lunch, it’s the kind of place that encourages you to linger a little longer, watching boats drift in and out against the backdrop of the North Sea.

Modern, bright and refreshingly unfussy, it lets its location do much of the talking. Expect freshly made sandwiches, colourful salads, homemade cakes and excellent coffee, all served with a front-row seat to one of the county’s most underrated stretches of coastline. thelookout-seaham.co.uk

Made up north

Fresh from success at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026, four North East favourites are proving luxury is thriving on our doorstep

As we celebrate the publication of Luxe's 100th issue, reflecting on the people, places and experiences that continue to define luxury living in the North East, it feels only right to shine a light on four businesses making national headlines for setting the standard. Fresh from success at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026, these local favourites have shown that some of the country's very best hospitality experiences can be found right here on our doorstep – with two taking the top spot in their categories.

The Kirkstyle Inn & Sportsman's Rest struck gold as Pub of the Year, and anyone who's settled in beside its roaring fire or lingered over one of its exceptional seasonal menus will understand why. Beautifully restored and full of character, it's a place where polished hospitality feels entirely natural and exceptional food speaks for itself. Sophisticated yet

wonderfully down to earth, it's Northumberland at its finest.

The same could be said of The Tempus, which was crowned England's Small Hotel of the Year. Since opening on the Charlton Hall Estate, it has brought a refreshing energy to the county's luxury hotel scene, mixing fun and bold interiors with laid-back service and the kind of atmosphere that encourages guests to stay for one more cocktail. It's playful, stylish and entirely its own thing.

Further north, Ad Gefrin continues to prove that culture and contemporary tourism make a compelling pairing. Awarded Silver in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year category, the Wooler destination has become one of Northumberland's most exciting success stories, blending Anglo-Saxon history with modern whisky-making in a way that feels immersive rather than instructional. You arrive expecting a museum; you leave having experienced something altogether more memorable.

Meanwhile, Blackfriars Restaurant collected Bronze in the Taste of England Award, adding another chapter to a story that spans centuries. Housed within one of Newcastle's oldest dining spaces, its appeal lies in balancing heritage with innovation –showcasing the finest local ingredients in surroundings that feel both grand and gloriously welcoming. It's a restaurant that has never chased trends, preferring instead to quietly set them. Of course, awards are only part of the story. What they really recognise is vision, consistency and an

unwavering commitment to quality – values that have long defined these businesses and the wider North East hospitality scene too.

At Luxe, we've been lucky enough to follow each of these journeys over the years, from exciting new openings to landmark milestones, and it's incredible to see them receiving national recognition.

As we toast our own 100th edition, it seems only fitting to raise a glass to four businesses that continue to fly the flag for the region.

Spirit of Northumberland

A century after the Ferguson family’s entrepreneurial journey began, their newest venture reaches a defining moment as Ad Gefrin unveils its first Northumbrian single malt whisky – with just 100 Corenkyn memberships available

This is a momentous year for Alan and Eileen Ferguson. In the year that Fergusons Transport celebrates its centenary, the first Northumbrian English Single Malt whisky of their newest venture, Ad Gefrin, comes to fruition. What’s more? The first people to get the exclusive chance to taste the inaugural Northumbrian English Single Malt Whisky from Ad Gefrin will be their Corenkyn members (meaning ‘chosen family’ in Old English) – and there is only capacity for another 100 memberships on offer. For Alan, particularly, the courage to start a completely new venture – a whisky distillery in Northumberland – echoed that of his forebears. In 1926, the year of Britain’s first general strike, his grandfather, Matthew, took a great gamble. The North East of England, a huge mining area, was

suffering from the general strike, and his home town of Blyth, with its main export being coal, was particularly badly hit. Matthew needed to generate some work for himself, so made the bold move of selling his house to buy a small truck – called a Bean – to become a general carrier between Blyth and Newcastle. He passed the business to his son, Eddie, in the 1960s. Eddie then struck up a solid commercial relationship with the port and 100 years on, his son Alan is at the helm of what has grown into the Ferguson Group, with vehicles rolling up and down the country in the company’s distinctive sky blue and white livery.

Both Alan and Eileen can map their heritage back hundreds of years in Northumberland. Eileen tracing her lineage back to the early 1500s and Alan’s family

reaching into the 12th century. From farmers, to hauliers through both their family firms, Fergusons Transport and Redpath Bros, they have been part of the fabric of the county. Ad Gefrin stems from their desire to give something back to the area that has given them (and their families) so much. Since opening to the public in 2023, Ad Gefrin Anglo-Saxon Museum and Whisky Distillery has had an impact. The accolades have kept rolling in. From the Scottish Design Awards Silver Award for Experiential Design in July 2024; RIBA North East Building of the Year; Gold for the Best New Tourism Business in the national VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in 2025; to this year’s triumph as Silver for VisitEngland’s Best Small Visitor Attraction.

Their spirits have also tasted success. While they have been waiting for the Single Malt to mature, Ad Gefrin launched with Tácnbora a blend of Irish and Scottish grain and malt whiskies – representing two of the origins of the Anglo-Saxons in the seventh century – where the inspiration for the attraction comes from. This was a time when kings were judged on their generosity not their wealth, were kings of people not geography, and people travelled from as far away as North Africa to be at the royal summer court near Wooler. This is the foundation of Ad Gefrin’s brand – an ancient generosity, the spirit of belonging and a timeless welcome that imbues everything they do.

Tácnbora has won Silver and Bronze medals at the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), and in 2026 Tácnbora and Tácnbora Special Limited Edition Sauternes Cask Finish, both gained Gold in the London Spirits Awards.

This is what Ad Gefrin’s members truly buy into.

A brand based on authentic values of hospitality,

generosity and belonging, and a world class venue with spirits that are outstanding. The Corenkyn membership was originally opened in 2021 in advance of the building even being finished and the family were overwhelmed by the strength of support they received.

They were recently re-visited by Mark Murray, their first international Corenkyn Member, as he returned to Wooler to visit family and friends. Born just outside Wooler and now based in Melbourne, Mark became a member back in 2021, maintaining a strong connection to Northumberland despite living over 10,000 miles away.

As Mark shared: “Wooler has always been home, and it always will be. I couldn’t miss the chance to become a founding member of the first Northumbrian whisky distillery located in my hometown.”

Although many of the Corenkyn are serious whisky lovers, they all buy into the desire to be part of the journey, to hold onto the golden thread of Northumbria’s seventh century golden age connecting to today’s new golden age in the making. The scheme was originally intended to be closed in 2024, but such was the demand that it has remained open – with members continuing to sign up – not least because they are the only ones eligible to buy casks of whisky from Ad Gefrin. Now, however, there is a recognition that to keep the exclusive feel of the membership and to be able to offer all of the benefits with their distinctive personal touch, there is only really capacity for another 100 to join.

The benefits that are so valuable, include an annual release of exclusive blends for four years, before a further four releases of Corenkyn-only single malt. That is on top of having early bird access to all of Ad Gefrin’s spirit releases and access to buy casks in a variety of cask finishes. However, it is the social side of the membership that they value most. Ad Gefrin’s hospitality is already renowned, and Corenkyn can enjoy their own very special events across the year with food, drink, music and the embodiment of that real sense of ‘belonging’. They also have early bird access to other public facing events and, of course, a hefty 20% discount on events and purchases.

Sharon Howey, Head of Business Development, “It’s been a wonderful journey meeting new Corenkyn from all walks of life, whether they are whisky connoisseurs, history buffs or people that just want to support the local community.

“This isn’t just a membership ‘club’ – we pride ourselves on the care and attention we give our Corenkyn so that they feel they truly belong. We couldn’t be more grateful for their continued support, they really are on the adventure with us all the way.”

South Road, Wooler NE71 6NJ

01668 281554

adgefrin.co.uk

Jan Dale, founder of Durham and Newcastle based Urban Base, who was the first Corenkyn to sign up to join Ad Gefrin on their journey, with her husband Gordon’s own cask.

Left: Antony Hume and family, with their cask.

Credit: Sally Ann Norman

UK GETAWAY:

The Lodge at Burniston

Hidden among the trees, The Lodge at Burniston is the kind of place that instantly encourages you to slow down. Think crackling fire pits, outdoor bathing beneath the stars and chic cabin interiors designed for cosy, countryside escapes. Elysia Fryer checks in for a dreamy North Yorkshire retreat…

There’s something magical about arriving at The Lodge at Burniston. Tucked away among greenery on the North Yorkshire coast, it feels wonderfully hidden – the sort of place you almost don’t want to tell anyone about. As we pull up and the trees sway gently around us, the outside world immediately feels quieter. Slower. Simpler.

And that’s exactly the beauty of this place.

As daylight fades and the fairy lights begin to twinkle around the lodge, the entire setting transforms into something enchanting. Smoke curls from the fire pit, the air smells fresh and earthy and suddenly an evening of roasting marshmallows beneath the stars feels like the only plan worth having.

Location

Perfectly positioned between Whitby and Scarborough, The Lodge at Burniston offers the best of both worlds – peaceful seclusion surrounded by nature, while still being within easy reach of the North Yorkshire coast’s most-loved destinations. Whether you’re spending the day exploring sandy beaches, wandering through Whitby’s cobbled streets or

enjoying long countryside walks, returning to the lodge feels like stepping back into your own private sanctuary.

The setting itself is incredibly calming. Surrounded by trees and greenery, you genuinely feel immersed in nature here. Huge windows and doors throughout the lodge frame the outdoors beautifully, constantly drawing your eye back to the woodland surroundings and flooding the interiors with natural light.

Style

The Lodge effortlessly blends cosy cabin charm with chic contemporary styling. It feels luxurious without trying too hard – thoughtfully designed, beautifully finished and instantly welcoming.

Inside, the open-plan living space instantly sets the tone. High ceilings create an airy, expansive feel, while huge windows and doors allow the light to pour in beautifully throughout the day. House plants soften the sleek interiors and blur the lines between inside and out, bringing the surrounding greenery into the heart of the lodge.

The kitchen is strikingly modern with its crisp white

finish and sleek design, centred around a large island that naturally becomes the social hub of the space. Whether it’s slow breakfasts with coffee in hand or glasses of fizz before dinner, it’s the sort of kitchen you instantly want to settle into.

One of the standout features is the huge wall-sized map of the Yorkshire coast stretching across the main living space – a thoughtful nod to the location and a reminder that this special little hideaway is firmly rooted in the county it celebrates so beautifully. Around the lodge, carefully chosen decor pieces quietly reference Yorkshire and the coast beyond, adding warmth and personality without ever feeling overstyled.

Lay your head

The bedroom embraces a beautifully minimalist style that instantly feels calming. Crisp white, hotel-quality bedding dresses the super-comfortable bed, creating the ultimate place to switch off after a long coastal walk or an evening spent beside the fire. Like the rest of the lodge, it strikes that perfect

Smoke curls from the fire pit, the air smells fresh and earthy and suddenly an evening of roasting marshmellows beneath the stars feels like the only plan worth having

balance between luxury and comfort. Nothing feels overdone or cluttered – just soft textures, warm lighting and an atmosphere that encourages complete relaxation.

The bathroom continues the boutique feel beautifully. Elegant marble finishes paired with gold details – from the rainfall shower fittings to the finer touches –create a luxurious, spa-like feel. Alongside the spacious walk-in rain shower, you’ll find fluffy robes, luxury toiletries and thoughtful extras like cotton pads and hair ties. It’s these small details that make the stay feel particularly special.

Highlights

For me, it’s the thoughtful touches that really set this place apart, and certainly add personality. From the moment we arrive, there’s a sense that everything has been carefully considered to make guests feel completely at home.

Waiting for us is a beautifully presented welcome hamper filled with treats including raspberry sparkling water, a delicious Yorkshire flapjack, sweet treats, a bottle of Prosecco and, perhaps most importantly, a marshmallow roasting kit ready for the fire pit later that evening. It instantly sets the tone for the kind of stay this is – indulgent, cosy and wonderfully relaxed. The outdoor space is undeniably one of the biggest highlights. Wooden chairs circle the fire pit for evenings spent wrapped in blankets beneath the stars, while the outdoor bath feels wonderfully indulgent tucked among the trees. There’s something incredibly peaceful about sinking into warm water while listening to birdsong or watching fairy lights flicker as darkness falls.

Slow mornings here quickly become my favourite part of the stay. Fresh coffee brewing in the kitchen, sunlight filtering softly through the trees and a long soak in the outdoor bath as the rest of the world slowly wakes up – it’s impossible not to fully switch off.

The lodge also offers thoughtful add-on packs for the fire pit and cosy evenings outdoors, making it easy to fully embrace cabin life from the moment you arrive.

Do this

The beauty of staying here is that you can make your escape as relaxed or as adventure-filled as you like. Spend slow mornings enjoying coffee outside among the trees or practicing yoga on the decking, soak in the outdoor bath beneath the open sky or simply embrace doing very little at all from the comfort of the lodge. For those wanting to explore, both Whitby and Scarborough are just a short drive away, offering everything from beach walks and fish restaurants to independent shops and coastal scenery.

Nearby walking routes, woodland trails and countryside pubs make this the perfect base for a classic North Yorkshire escape with a luxurious twist. But honestly, one of the best things to do here is simply nothing at all. Switch off your phone, light the fire pit, pour a drink and soak up the stillness. The Lodge at Burniston makes slowing down feel incredibly easy – and impossibly appealing. thelodgeburniston.co.uk

The story behind North East Escapes

Building a new standard for holiday home management in the North East

In under two years, North East Escapes has grown from a start-up managing 13 properties to the fastest-growing holiday home management agency in the North East.

Founded by industry veteran Steve Mitchinson, the business has quickly gained recognition for its local expertise, performance-driven approach and commitment to raising standards for both homeowners and guests.

We spoke with Steve about the inspiration behind the business, the journey so far, and why the North East deserves a different approach to holiday home management.

What inspired you to launch North East Escapes?

The inspiration came from seeing the industry change dramatically over the past decade.

I had spent many years working at senior level in the holiday home sector and watched as independent regional agencies were acquired by large national operators. While that consolidation brought scale, it also meant many decisions were being made far away from the regions those businesses served.

Local offices closed, teams became centralised and communication with property owners suffered. The North East has an incredible tourism offering, its coastline, countryside, historic towns, but it deserves

to be represented by people who live and work here, and know the North East better than anyone else.

North East Escapes was founded to restore that local leadership while still delivering the professionalism, technology and performance that home owners expect, just with a more personal approach.

We care about every owner and individual property in our portfolio, and want guests to be able to experience the best of the North East, and for us to bring the diversity of the region to life for every stay.

What makes North East Escapes different from national agencies?

The biggest difference is accountability.

Our entire team lives locally. We know the region intimately, and that knowledge directly influences how we price, market and manage our properties. Holiday home management isn’t simply about listing a property online. It requires understanding seasonal demand patterns, local events, visitor behaviour and pricing sensitivity. Those insights are difficult to replicate from a call centre hundreds of miles away. At the same time, we’ve invested heavily in industryleading software, performance analytics and operational systems so that our owners benefit from both local expertise and best-in-class technology.

The business has grown quickly. How did that happen?

Growth has come primarily through results and reputation.

When we launched in June 2024, we started with 13 properties. Those early owners trusted us to prove the model worked. Once we were able to demonstrate improved performance and

strong guest reviews, word travelled quickly. Many of our new property owners actually come to us after experiencing poor communication, service or underperformance elsewhere. They’re looking for something more responsive, personal and transparent.

Within 21 months we’ve grown to managing over 120 properties across the region. That growth reflects trust from holiday homeowners as much as market demand.

Why do you think the region is such a special place for holiday accommodation?

The region offers an incredible diversity of experiences.

Within a relatively small area you have the dramatic Northumberland coastline, beautiful countryside, historic castles, vibrant coastal towns like Tynemouth, and easy access to cities like Newcastle. You can explore the rolling hills and lakeside beauty of Cumbria, the wild landscapes and world-famous dark skies of Northumberland National Park, and the timeless charm of Durham with its cathedral city, scenic riverbanks, and surrounding countryside. From rugged moorland and peaceful market towns to sandy beaches and bustling urban centres, few regions offer such variety so close together.

Visitors are increasingly looking for experiences rather than simply places to stay. They want authenticity, nature, local food and culture, and the North East delivers that in abundance. Our role is to showcase the region through carefully selected, well-managed properties that reflect the character of their surroundings.

What feedback have you received from homeowners?

The most consistent feedback we hear is about our warm communication and professionalism.

Owners appreciate having direct contact with a team that knows their property personally and can respond quickly when needed. They also value the transparency we provide through performance reporting and revenue analysis.

One owner who joined us after working with another agency described the difference this way:

“Communication is excellent, it’s always easy to get hold of them, and they are more than happy to discuss any issues. They’ve improved my properties’ performance and dealt with maintenance issues quickly and cost-effectively.”

Another owner who lives overseas highlighted how hands-off the service can be:

“As someone who lives abroad and takes a completely hands-off approach, having a reliable management company is essential. Steve and his team deliver on every front.”

What’s next for North East Escapes?

Our focus is on sustainable, service-led growth.

We’ve recently moved into larger headquarters in Alnwick and opened a marketing office in Tynemouth, which gives us capacity to expand both our portfolio and our team.

But growth will always be measured. Protecting service standards and owner relationships remains our priority.

We have recently started to expand our portfolio across Cumbria, following an influx of management enquiries, which is incredibly exciting for both guests and our team.

Ultimately, our ambition is simple: to be recognised as the leading holiday home management agency in the North East.

A personal, local and strategic approach to holiday home management

If you own a property in the North East and feel you could be achieving more from your holiday home, North East Escapes can help.

Get in touch with the North East Escapes team to discuss your property and discover how your holiday home could reach its full potential.

northeastescapes.co.uk

Your Keys Are Our Responsibility

HiP HOTELS

Vione Paros: The hidden island haven where time slows down with Debrah Dhugga

As a hotelier with a love for intimate boutique properties, exceptional dining, and that effortless sense of understated luxury, I can’t help but recommend this beautiful gem.

It captures everything I look for in an island escape – thoughtful design, a calm and sophisticated atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and a true sense of place. It feels less like a hotel and more like a private Mykonian retreat, where every detail is designed to create a memorable stay. I didn't want to leave and can't wait to return.

If you’re searching for a place to escape the ordinary – a hidden sanctuary where the days unfold slowly, where incredible food, fine wine, ancient landscapes and restorative rituals become part of the journey –you may have just found your next island escape. Welcome to Vione Paros, a refined adult-friendly

retreat on one of Greece’s most captivating islands. Not Mykonos. Not Santorini. Paros moves to its own rhythm.

An island the world is only beginning to truly discover, Paros has always been beautiful. What is changing is who is noticing. Shaped by marble, endless light and the Aegean Sea, it is a place where whitewashed villages remain untouched by time, hidden coastlines reward the curious, and island life follows a gentler, more intentional pace.

On the northern coast, in the peaceful seaside village of Ampelas, Vione offers a rare balance – tranquillity and privacy, yet just moments from the energy of Naoussa. Here, crystal waters, Mediterranean charm and effortless elegance come together to create an entirely different kind of luxury.

A new kind of island luxury

Vione Paros is more than a resort. It is an invitation to slow down.

Designed for travellers seeking authenticity, connection and wellbeing, this five-star retreat blends contemporary Cycladic design with the timeless spirit of Greek hospitality.

The atmosphere is serene and sophisticated, welcoming guests aged 14 and above into a world created for relaxation. Every detail has been considered – from the architecture inspired by the island’s natural textures to the spaces designed around light, water and the surrounding landscape.

The resort features 40 sea-view suites, including 28 private pool suites, each offering uninterrupted views across the Aegean. Water becomes part of the experience, creating a feeling of complete calm as private pools blend seamlessly into the endless blue horizon.

Suites designed for island living

The bedrooms at Vione are created as private sanctuaries, where indoor and outdoor living flow effortlessly together.

Interiors embrace the natural beauty of the Cyclades, combining warm earth tones, crisp whites, natural marble and timber textures to create spaces that feel calm, contemporary and timeless. Each suite is designed around comfort, with elegant furnishings, king-size beds, spacious bathrooms and terraces that invite guests to wake up to the Aegean breeze.

For couples seeking privacy, the Junior Suites offer intimate retreats with sea views and private pools, while the One Bedroom Suites provide additional space with separate lounges and generous outdoor areas perfect for slow mornings or sunset drinks.

The larger Vione Suites elevate the experience further, offering around 60 square metres of space, a separate sleeping and living area, private terrace and pool overlooking the sea. For friends or families travelling together, the Two Bedroom Suites provide a spacious escape with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a lounge area and a private pool terrace.

Every room has been designed with one purpose: to create a feeling of complete escape.

Wellness, elevated

At the heart of Vione lies the Dione Spa, one of Paros’ most expansive wellness sanctuaries.

A place dedicated to renewal, guests can surrender to signature treatments, restorative therapies and moments of deep relaxation. Here, wellness is not a trend – it is woven into the rhythm of island life.

From quiet mornings overlooking the sea to evenings beneath the stars, every moment encourages you to reconnect with yourself.

A taste of Paros

Dining at Vione celebrates the flavours of Greece through a modern Mediterranean lens.

The resort’s signature restaurant, Pino by Luca Piscazzi, brings the creativity of Michelin-starred chef Luca Piscazzi to the island, offering an elevated dining experience where local ingredients, seasonal produce and Mediterranean traditions meet. Pair your meal with exceptional Greek wines, discover the island’s vineyards, and experience the flavours that make Paros so unique.

Discover the soul of the island

Beyond the beauty of Vione, Paros invites exploration. The island reveals itself in layers – from the vibrant charm of Naoussa and Parikia to the timeless mountain villages of Lefkes and Marpissa. Ancient paths, traditional crafts and coastal escapes tell stories of a place deeply connected to its heritage. Days can be spent hiking through island landscapes, horse riding along scenic routes, creating pottery with local artisans, discovering hidden corners on a private island tour, tasting olive oils, or visiting local wineries.

The art of simply being Vione Paros captures something increasingly rare: space.

Space to breathe. Space to reconnect. Space to enjoy the beauty of a place without rushing through it.

Where elegance flows and Mediterranean living becomes a state of being, Vione is not just a destination.

It is an invitation to experience the island as it was always meant to be – slowly, beautifully, and completely. vioneparos.com

Getting there

Although Vione feels beautifully secluded, reaching this hidden haven is simple. Located in Ampelas, the resort is approximately 23–24 km from Paros National Airport, around a 25-minute drive depending on road conditions.

The journey itself becomes part of the experience – winding through Cycladic landscapes before arriving at the calm of the Aegean coastline.

• Flight Newcastle → Athens or Mykonos and a connecting flight to Paros or by ferry

• Ferry to Paros around 45 mins

If you would like to stay overnight in Mykonos before island hopping, I would highly recommend Omeon Mykonos – a refined, adults-only lifestyle retreat that captures the essence of contemporary Mykonian luxury.

Located just 650m from Agios Stefanos Beach, approximately 6.5 km from Mykonos International Airport, and a short drive from the vibrant energy of Mykonos Town, Omeon offers the perfect balance of tranquillity, sophistication, and island glamour.

Inspired by the feeling of a private Mykonian neighbourhood, the resort blends clean Cycladic architecture, natural textures, Mediterranean gardens, and panoramic Aegean views. The intimate property features 38 beautifully designed rooms and suites, each created with a modern island aesthetic, offering private balconies, terraces, outdoor spaces, spa-style bathrooms, and curated in-room amenities.

Perfect for couples and discerning travellers, Omeon provides a serene sanctuary while keeping you close to Mykonos’ legendary beach clubs, restaurants, and nightlife.

A wonderful choice for a luxurious Mykonos stopover before continuing your Cycladic journey to Paros and Vione Paros. vioneparos.com

MAKE IT EXQUISITE MAKE IT MATFEN

This summer, enjoy all the sweetness of the season with an afternoon of sparkling indulgence.

Our elegant Drawing Room sets the scene for a truly radiant occasion. Take your seat to drink in picture window views with a glass of Laurent-Perrier Champagne and an exquisite summer Afternoon Tea.

From strawberry and pistachio to orange blossom and lemon, the sweet delicacy of summer sparkles in every tier, carefully crafted to serve an occasion to remember.

Contact us on 01661 886 500 or email info@matfenhall.com

MATFEN HALL, MATFEN, NORTHUMBERLAND, NE20 0RH DISCOVER MORE

The art of living

Creating a home you love isn’t about following trends – it’s about finding a style that feels authentically yours. This summer, Fenwick Newcastle shines a spotlight on interiors, bringing together inspiring brands, expert guidance and thoughtful design services to help every space tell its own story

The best interiors rarely happen overnight. Instead, they evolve gradually, shaped by the pieces we’re instinctively drawn to and the way we want to live.

A favourite armchair discovered on a weekend browse, a statement lamp that transforms a forgotten corner or a beautifully crafted dining table destined to host years of celebrations – these are the details that give a home its personality.

This July, Fenwick Newcastle is celebrating exactly that philosophy, shining a light on its carefully curated ‘home’ offering and encouraging customers to discover a style that feels authentic rather than prescribed.

Instead of following fleeting trends, the emphasis is on creating spaces that reflect individual lifestyles. Whether your aesthetic leans towards understated minimalism, timeless British craftsmanship or bold, characterful interiors layered with colour and texture, the department store offers an inspiring starting point alongside complimentary interior design guidance to help ideas take shape.

One of the newest additions to the home floor is OKA, bringing its distinctive approach to relaxed luxury to the heart of Newcastle. Since launching in 1999, the British interiors brand has become known for creating homes rich in personality, with collections spanning furniture, lighting, textiles and decorative accessories that blend timeless style with effortless comfort.

Beyond its curated collections, OKA also offers thoughtful in-store services designed to make decorating feel more personal. Customers can access complimentary Home Stylist appointments for expert advice, commission bespoke faux floral arrangements through Bunched by OKA or tailor selected sofas and seating to suit their own homes and lifestyles.

Alongside it sits Barker & Stonehouse, another celebrated British name whose reputation has been built on exceptional craftsmanship and enduring quality. From beautifully upholstered sofas and statement armchairs to elegant dining furniture and sophisticated bedroom collections, the brand combines contemporary design with everyday practicality, creating investment pieces intended to stand the test of time.

Together with complementary names across the ‘home’ department, the result is a destination where customers can mix styles, materials and finishes to create interiors that feel collected rather than formulaic.

Colour, too, plays a central role in shaping a home’s atmosphere. Rather than beginning with the latest

Colour plays a central role in shaping a home’s atmosphere. Rather than beginning with the latest shade of the season, the more meaningful question is often how you want a room to feel. Calm and restorative, warm and cocooning or light and uplifting

shade of the season, the more meaningful question is often how you want a room to feel. Calm and restorative, warm and cocooning or light and uplifting? Once that emotional starting point is established, palettes and finishes naturally begin to fall into place. It’s an approach that removes pressure and encourages experimentation. A textured cushion, a sculptural lamp or an unexpected pairing of materials can subtly transform the mood of a room without requiring a complete redesign. As homes evolve alongside the people who live in them, those gradual additions often become the elements that tell the richest stories.

That philosophy sits comfortably at the heart of Fenwick’s interior offering. Rather than presenting one singular look, it provides inspiration across multiple brands and design perspectives, empowering customers to trust their instincts and build spaces that genuinely reflect who they are.

Because ultimately, the most luxurious homes aren’t necessarily the most expensive or the most perfectly styled. They’re the ones that feel lived in, loved and unmistakably personal.

Q&A with Catherine Newton, Head of Buying at Fenwick

What can you tell us about your role?

My role brings together the three things I’m most passionate about: understanding our customers, curating exceptional product collections and creating a distinctive retail experience, both in-store and online. Home is an intensely personal category, which makes it especially rewarding. I love sourcing products that help customers express their individual style and create spaces that feel uniquely their own.

How has the way people shop for interiors changed and what trends are you seeing?

Customers are more informed, inspired and discerning than ever. Armed with inspiration from magazines, social media and design-led platforms, they often arrive with a clear sense of style and purpose.

There is also a noticeable shift towards more mindful purchasing. While value remains important, customers are prioritising quality, craftsmanship and longevity, choosing pieces with lasting appeal over fast-moving trends.

Aesthetically, warm, earthy palettes remain dominant, but texture has become the defining element of contemporary interiors. Layered natural materials bring depth, character and a sense of understated luxury.

How do brands complement one another within the home offering?

Whether it is the contemporary Scandinavian look of BoConcept or the timeless countryhouse influence of OKA, both bring quality craftsmanship but satisfy very different design aspirations and lifestyles. Heal’s have some really exceptional dining furniture and for me, OKA cushions are my ‘go-to’ to add colour or texture. However, alongside these established names, it is often the smaller, more distinctive brands that bring the finishing touches to a space and really elevate the scheme. I absolutely love our new Bon Couers decorative trays, sourced in Paris and Laetitia Rouget’s hand painted ceramics are truly beautiful.

How important are services such as interior design consultations and in-store styling advice in helping customers make decisions? Planning is arguably the most important stage of any design scheme. A well-considered plan helps avoid costly mistakes, unnecessary revisions and over-styling later on.

Photography: Barker and Stonehouse, Fenwick Newcastle & fenwick.co.uk

Shop in store at Fenwick Newcastle or online at fenwick.co.uk

A strong scheme often begins with a single piece you love – a favourite chair, a colour, an heirloom or even a cushion. From there, a mood board can take shape, giving talented designers and stylists a clear foundation on which to build.

What have you seen coming in this summer?

Natural textures continue to define contemporary interiors, with linen, rattan, cane, marble and mango wood, bringing warmth, authenticity and a sense of calm. The trend reflects a growing focus on wellbeing and creating more restful living spaces.

Outdoor living remains equally influential. As warmer weather becomes the norm, gardens, balconies and patios are being styled as natural extensions of the home, with outdoor kitchens, layered lighting and refined furniture leading the way.

My latest addition is a Gozney pizza oven –a game-changer for outdoor entertaining, delivering authentic, restaurant-quality pizzas every time. I absolutely love it!

Ocean-inspired pieces and seafood-themed treasures for stylish summer entertaining at home

(1) Fortnum & Mason The Fortnum’s Cook Book, £30, fortnumandmason.com | (2) Dunelm Sardines Cushion, £12, dunelm.com | (3) Emma Bridgewater

Large Oval Platter, £135, emmabridgewater.co.uk | (4) The Gift Company Monsieur Carafon Fish Vase, 1.2L, £45, fenwick.co.uk | (5) Annabel James Octopus Stand and Glass Bowl, £169.95, annabeljames.co.uk | (6) Sophie Allport Coastal Boats Embroidered Drink Napkins (Set of 4), £26, sophieallport. com | (7) där lighting Simone Table Lamp Ceramic with Shade - Coral, £175.20, darlighting.co.uk | (8) Lillian Daph Hadden Plate - Painted Fish - Green, £24, lilliandaph.co.uk | (9) Oliver Bonas Sardines Printed Oven Gloves, £22.50, oliverbonas.com

Luxe LOVES Garden goals

A statement seat designed for slow summer living. Woven from textured rattan with a cocooning silhouette and generously cushioned for comfort, the Alesund Swivel Chair offers the perfect spot to soak up the sun, unwind with a book or simply enjoy the view. coxandcox.co.uk

Green DAYS

The blueprint of spring: why your summer sanctuary starts today

Designing with emotion

The height of summer is the time when the garden truly reveals its character. It is the backdrop for alfresco dinner parties and those quiet moments of stillness in our varied summers.

Dreaming of next spring feels counterintuitive while the roses are in full bloom, however, the most exquisite spring gardens are conceived during these summer reflections.

The summer months are a perfect time to explore some of our amazing local gardens around the region – from The Alnwick Garden, to Cragside and Belsay to name but a few.

Spaces with Soul

There is a distinct difference between a garden that is merely beautiful and one that moves you.

Too often, we inherit a landscape – a footprint of lawns, borders, and patios laid down by a previous owner or a standard builder’s template – and we simply accept it. We treat the garden as a static inheritance rather than a living canvas. Our recent seminars, hosted in collaboration with The Alnwick Garden, set out to challenge that complacency.

Before we consider the first paving stone, we start with emotion: ‘how do you want this space to make you feel and how can it do it?’.

We’ll always deep dive with our clients and will ask, ‘where was your favourite place to visit? Remember how you felt in that space and what specifically did you enjoy?’. This leads to wistful looks as they reminisce about amazing trips they’ve taken, a little nook of public space that gives just the right vista or the calmness in the centre of a busy city.

Of course, the actual features can’t always be used directly. We can’t transplant a huge waterfall or acres of formal gardens, but do help our clients work out what inspired, relaxed or excited them. This may be a particular material, scent, texture or feature of a space. Life is busy and the more quickly we can transport you to your favourite ‘feel’ as you step into your garden, the better.

Your outdoor space should be an extension of your inner world, tailored to your emotional architecture. If you are ready to move beyond the conventional and explore what your landscape could truly be, we invite you to connect with our design team for a personal consultation. Let’s discover how your space should make you feel.

Gareth Mitchell is the Director of and Lead Designer at Geko Design, bringing a quarter-century of local expertise to the region’s most prestigious postcodes. Geko Design is currently accepting consultations for the 2026/27 season.

geko-design.com gareth@geko-design.com

Posh PETS

Vet VIEW

Heatstroke in dogs: more than just hot cars

All paws on deck

Summer has arrived, and Rupert is already dreaming of sandy paws and seaside adventures.

In this issue, we’re going full designer dog – a collection of luxury accessories and statement pieces, from chic coats and bowls to must-have travel bags for the most stylish pups around.

We’re also joined by vet Louisa Lane, sharing essential advice on keeping dogs safe in the heat this summer – because style should never come at the cost of safety.

And finally, we catch up with Parmo, the gloriously chaotic Golden Retriever, who’s been keeping life anything but boring.

Sun, style and a wagging tail… what more could a pooch want?

Rupert, your Luxe pooch x

with Rupert Rupert loves

Summer picks, expert advice and catching up with an adorable, local ‘Goldie’

Luxe pet

Designer dogs: high fashion for our hounds…

Barbour FARM Rio Wild Flower Dog Coat £119, barbour.com

Dolce & Gabbana FEFE Dog Fragrance, 100ml £83, thefragranceshop.co.uk

You might have already spotted me in the last issue of Luxe, photographed as part of the cover story. I’m equal parts friendly and chaotic, always finding something to get into – whether that’s toys, trouble, or something I probably shouldn’t be doing. Life’s more fun that way, isn’t it?

Luxe walks

My usual stomping ground is around Ingleby Barwick, but I do love it when I get taken out somewhere fancy. Preston Park is one of my favourites.

Pooch’s perfect day out

My perfect day starts with breakfast and me shedding all over the sofa like it’s my full-time job. Then it’s a walk around Preston Park, followed by a well-earned pup cup. After that, I require at least a two-hour nap to recover. Later on, it’s garden zoomies and toy destruction, then I politely (but firmly) demand my tea. Once all duties are complete, I finally switch off and curl up on the sofa.

Doggy downtime

Downtime is rare in my busy schedule, but when it happens… I park myself on the sofa around 8pm and become a TV critic.

Hound habits

I like to make very important noises to communicate my needs.

Puppy pamper

I had my first groom recently and apparently I behaved very well. I’m already looking forward to my next appointment.

Dog’s best friend

Definitely my grandma. I go to her house and return absolutely exhausted, slightly rounder, and extremely well-spoiled.

Fondest doggy memory

Easy – the day I arrived home. I walked in, took one look around, and decided this place was mine.

Puppy a-lister

Cillian Murphy. Calm, mysterious, and gets what he wants without saying much.

Heatstroke is a serious and potentially fatal condition that occurs when a dog's body temperature rises to dangerously high levels. While many people associate heatstroke with dogs being left in hot cars, the most common cause is exercise in warm weather. One of the biggest misconceptions is that heatstroke only occurs during heatwaves. In reality, it can develop on an otherwise pleasant spring or summer day if the conditions are wrong for that individual dog. Dogs have very limited ability to cool themselves. Unlike humans, they cannot sweat effectively and instead rely mainly on panting. When they become too hot and cannot lose heat quickly enough, their body temperature rises, leading to potentially life-threatening consequences.

Signs of heatstroke

• Excessive panting, especially at rest

• Lethargy or reluctance to move

• Excessive drooling

• Dark red or very pale gums

• Staggering or uncoordinated movement

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Seizures

• Collapse

Why is heatstroke so dangerous?

The danger comes from the sustained high body temperature. The longer a dog remains overheated, the greater the risk of damage to vital organs including the brain, kidneys, liver and heart. In severe cases, heatstroke can be fatal. This is why immediate cooling is so important.

What should you do?

If you suspect heatstroke, start cooling your dog straight away and contact your veterinary practice immediately. Use water and act quickly. The priority is reducing body temperature as rapidly as possible.

Do not wrap your dog in wet towels, as these can trap heat against the body. Instead:

• Pour water over your dog or use a hose

• Move them into a shaded, well-ventilated area

• Use a fan or air conditioning if available

• Offer drinking water if they are alert

Which dogs are most at risk?

Any dog can develop heatstroke, but some are particularly vulnerable. These include:

• Flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs and Pugs

• Older dogs

• Overweight dogs

• Dogs with underlying conditions

Research has also identified certain breeds as having a particularly high risk, including Chow Chows, Greyhounds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Golden Retrievers and Springer Spaniels.

Prevention is better than treatment

Heatstroke is largely preventable. Avoid walks and exercise during warm weather. Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when temperatures are cooler. Or, not at all!

Ensure constant access to fresh drinking water

Provide cool, shaded and well-ventilated resting areas. Never leave dogs in cars, conservatories, caravans or poorly ventilated spaces. Take extra care when travelling, particularly during delays or periods of hot weather.

Remember: if in doubt, cool first and call your vet. Acting quickly could save your dog’s life. louisathevet.co.uk | instagram.com/louisa_the_vet

Luxe MAMA

with Elysia Fryer

The summer holidays call for fun-filled diaries, sunny days outdoors and stylish kit to get the season underway...

Sunny staples

Luxe warm-weather finds for little ones on the go…

MC2 Saint Barth Girls Pink Crochet Knit Beach Dress with Fruit Patches, £127, childrensalon.com

Vilebrequin x Fabrice Hyber Boys Swim Shorts Pescador £125, vilebrequin.com

Nessi Byrd Girls Pink Swimsuit with Multicolour Trims (UV50), £59, childrensalon.com

School’s out

July and August always bring a little magic. The school bags are almost packed away, the diaries are filling with summer plans, and I can’t wait to swap the usual routine for slower days and simple family fun. Some of my favourite childhood memories aren’t of big days out, but of being at home – endless afternoons in the garden playing games, running through the sprinkler, impromptu water fights and barbecues that rolled into the evening. Home just felt different in the holidays, and I’m determined to create that same feeling for George and Nora this summer. In this issue, I’m sharing some of my favourite sunny-season picks for little ones, whether you’re jetting off or making memories closer to home. Plus, we catch up with one of our favourite North East brands, Freya Lillie, as founder Michelle Kearney continues her inspiring journey from motherhood to sustainable fashion success.

Here’s to sunshine, nostalgia and a summer full of simple joys.

Elysia, George & Nora x

Made with love

From motherhood to mindful fashion, Michelle’s inspiring Freya Lillie journey continues

The White Company Organic Cotton Blue Stripe Towelling Hoodie, £30, thewhitecompany.com

IZIPIZI Kids’ Sunglasses, Beige, £30, fenwick.co.uk

Polarn O. Pyret PO.P On Adventure Cap, £18, polarnopyret.com

SUNNYLiFE Kids Swim Vest 1-2 - Tino the Tiger Blue, £40, uk.sunnylife.com

There’s something really special about watching a local business grow into a brand that makes its mark in a niche market – and that’s exactly how I feel about Freya Lillie. We’ve featured Michelle Kearney and her beautiful sustainable label in Luxe before, and over the years it’s been such a joy to see it blossom. In fact, my own daughter Nora has even modelled for the brand, wrapped up in Michelle’s timeless linen designs, so this one feels especially close to home.

I remember chatting to Michelle years ago about the inspiration behind Freya Lillie, which came after the premature birth of her daughter, Freya. Determined to create a career that worked around motherhood rather than competing with it, she built a business rooted in slow fashion, thoughtful craftsmanship and family life.

Fast forward to today, and not only is Freya Lillie going from strength to strength, but Michelle has also launched The Sustainable Atelier in Durham – a beautiful creative space where every Freya Lillie piece is now made in-house, while also helping other small fashion brands bring their own ideas to life. What I love most is that Michelle’s story isn’t just about gorgeous clothes (although they really are gorgeous!). It’s about creating opportunities for women – especially mums – to build something meaningful on their own terms. In a world that so often celebrates bigger and faster, Michelle is proving that slower, more intentional growth can be every bit as successful.

freya-lillie.com

Watchful EYE

“Having something to say, having a point of view, is still important,” he says.

“Which is why we’re happy being loved and loathed. Just don’t call us ‘middle of the road’.”

and substance with Josh Sims

As watch buyers become savvier, true luxury is increasingly defined by value, originality

Guillaume Laidet, the oft-described wunderkind behind the revival of watch names the likes of Nivada, Vulcain and Excelsior Park, has been busy lately showing the latest model from his avant-garde Space

One brand, the Seconde Majeure, with jumping hour. “Show them a crazier watch like that and people expect it be €15k. They can’t believe it’s €2,500,” he says.

“But you can make haute horology accessible. Show someone who doesn’t know about watches a stainless steel sports model and tell them its £100K and no wonder they don’t get it. Of course there’s still a market for very high quality at a very high price. But people now want value at any price.”

Affordability is relative, of course. But it wasn’t that long ago when the brand, status and ticket-conscious watch world would quietly denigrate the affordable watch as a ‘cheap’ one, with the same inference as ‘cheap suit’ or ‘cheap shoes’. And, as far as a judgement on quality went, those haters wouldn’t have been entirely wrong.

But now things are very different: small brands –selling mechanical watches under £1,000, and even under £500 – are offering the kinds of complications, materials and design once only found from established heritage brands. If you’re comfortable with a watch for itself – and not really after the status it might signal – it’s never been more possible to get more bang for buck. And if status is what you really want, expect to pay more and more for less.

Wesley Kwok is CEO of ‘accessible’ US watch brand Nodus – the first brand to use Cerakote ceramic coatings on cases and bracelets. He argues that it was changes in Swiss law – that mandated 60% of production value in a ‘Swiss-made’ watch actually be Swiss – that have slowly increased factories’ willingness to make whole watches for young companies that can work free of that ruling. Such is the economic squeeze that these factories are ready “to take business where they can get it now – and that means high-end factories ready to make for value-led brands,” as he puts it. Even as this is happening, small brands are also moving as much of the production in-house as possible. Take, for example, British brand Anordain’s enamel dials. Founder Lewis Heath explains that just a few years ago that would have meant going to a specialist supplier and, thanks to the middle man’s margins and maybe Swiss labour costs, adding considerably to the watch’s final price.

“So, although it was challenging at first, we decided to train people to do enamelling ourselves,” says Heath.

“Naturally we still have overheads but to be vertically integrated makes a huge difference, not least that it allows you to innovate in ways you couldn’t using a supplier.”

Following a similar approach, Studio Underdog, another young British brand, recently acquired its assembly partner. Meanwhile we’re seeing more akin to Christopher Ward’s C1 Bel Canto, a Swiss-made mechanical chiming watch launched four years ago, started at £3,350, a tenth of what might normally be expected for such an elite complication. It was, as the brand product director Jorg Bader puts it, “a statement of some sort – that [even an affordable]

Of course there’s still a market for very high quality at a very high price. But people now want value at any price

watch company can do everything today [in terms of engineering and materials] if you have the right business model.”

The once clear gulf in the standards of engineering, design and production between affordable and less affordable watches is rapidly narrowing, as the gap between high-street and designer clothing is too. For watches at least that’s all in line with a narrowing in the knowledge gap too: the insights afforded by the internet and social media allow customers to dial down on watches’ specifications before assessing whether the price asked is a fair one, as people have long done when working out which car to buy. As the most consequential line in watch advertisements of recent times – from Christopher Ward – puts it: “Do your research.”

"In both the very high end of watchmaking and with the low-end micro brands, there are some wonderful and remarkable creations. But the fact is that in the middle, there are more and more industrially-made watches selling at prices similar to those of artisanal pieces,” argues Maximillian Busser, founder of MB&F. “What I see there is a growing disconnection between value and price. You really do need to understand what you’re buying before you pull the trigger.”

Richard Benc, founder of Studio Underdog, argues that this understanding isn’t all just about what he calls “spec hunting” either. Customers aren’t just looking for value. If that was the case the watch world would already have been inundated by factory brands.

Indeed, the rise of the affordable watch is also about a shift in attitudes – not just because people into watches are more likely to have multiples rather than own one; or buy for style rather than function (how many people really take their diving watch diving?). It’s in both the trend for greater individualism – “one which tells us we don’t have to buy a Rolex, that maybe we can find something more unusual, more distinctive, from a smaller, much more affordable brand,” as Zacharias Dahl, the CEO of Swedish sustainable watch brand Triwa, puts it. And in how we think about the relative importance of brands generally.

Do the car and mobile phone industries – albeit with their own particular structures and forces – offer some parallel? Both have been dominated by what might be called heritage brands for decades – be that Mercedes or Apple – but in recent years both have seen upstart start-up brands – be that BYD or Oppo – come along and offer much the same for much less.

Meanwhile many high recognition names in watches have over recent years pursued above inflation price rises, with – inevitably – publicly-owned brands always seeking to maximise prices as they cut costs. This isn’t to denigrate the quality of their goods; merely to point out the obvious: that it’s their brand power – underpinned by huge marketing budgets, shaping the media conversation ad nauseam through its advertising – that drives demand for their products first.

“What people pay for when paying more is very brand-dependent. And fair enough if a customer wants to pay that,” suggests Bader.

“But transparency is hugely valued in watches now so customers can quickly understand how you come to a price. Is brand power as important as it has been in watches? Maybe not. The zeitgeist is changing I think.”

That’s why the fashion watch business is all but dead – a decade ago dozens of fashion brands were putting their names to watches – because, as Michael Benavente, managing director of Bulova explains, “Gen Z can see right though it – they know they’re not paying a premium for the craft but for the name on the dial. Consumers now can break that formula down on a product very quickly.”

All the changes have left a gap in the market for what Benc calls, “enthusiast brands, catering to an audience at a price point that the big boys just didn’t think was there. What we’re seeing is a lot of up-and-coming, slightly scrappy watch brands taking the lead on a new, more open business model –something like the opposite to that idea that you have to go on a long waiting list to be granted access to a ‘good’ watch, for example.

“It’s more direct to consumer, without the massive overheads that eat up value,” he adds.

“My dad recently chose a BYD over a Lexus and saved £15K. All he had to get over was the stigma. Likewise I think watch customers are now also asking ‘how much value do I place on a brand’?”

This customer is unlikely to be the mythical, utterly rational homo economicus. No doubt he’s also buying into affordable brands’ own appealing kind of cool too – it’s the cool of difference that’s the flex now.

Meanwhile, Kwok contends, prestige brands are leaning more and more on their heritage, one which risks looking comparatively tired and hackneyed.

Indeed, in the face of a more self-assured consumer, arguably the pressure is really on the prestige brands to up their game in product terms, to put clear water again between themselves and the ‘affordable’ makers.

“They now have to continuously reinvent their fit and finish, and push their innovation, those aspects of the business which are real costs,” says Benavente.

“Increasingly I think they’re going to have to visibly do this to justify quite why their products are so much more expensive.”

Driven differently

Luxe chats to Aston Martin Market Director Steve Robson about taking risks, building relationships, and why a Newcastle lad who left home for Bahrain has never stopped chasing the next opportunity

When Steve Robson talks about cars, it quickly becomes clear that this isn’t just a career – it’s been a lifelong fascination.

From watching football with his dad and admiring BMWs through the showroom windows near St James’ Park to leading markets for one of Britain’s most iconic luxury automotive brands, his story has been one of ambition, instinct and an unwavering willingness to embrace change.

Today, as Market Director for Aston Martin across the UK, South Africa and the Middle East, Steve oversees everything from sales and marketing to customer experience and aftercare. But despite an international career that’s taken him across the globe, he remains unmistakably grounded in his North East roots.

“I’ve loved cars ever since I could walk,” he smiles.

“My mam and dad always believed that if you got a job that was also your hobby, it wouldn’t really feel like work. That’s always stuck with me.”

That philosophy has served him well. Steve began his career in 1994 as an apprentice with BMW in Newcastle before an opportunity arose that would alter the course of his life and career.

“It was one of those sliding-door moments,” he says.

“An opportunity came up to move to Bahrain and I took it. Looking back now, it gave me a taste for international travel and a completely different way of looking at business and life.

“My mam thought I was absolutely crackers,” he laughs.

“’You’ve got a great job at BMW – why are you going to the Middle East?’ she kept saying. But I just knew I had to go.”

It proved to be the first of several bold moves. After returning to the UK and progressing into management roles with Pendragon before another stint overseas, Steve later relocated to Saudi Arabia with Jaguar Land Rover – this time with a six-monthold son in tow.

“As you can imagine, my wife was thrilled,” he jokes. Just a year later, another unexpected phone call changed everything.

“I had this missed call from Bahrain and thought, ‘Who’s this?’ It turned out to be McLaren Automotive offering me the role of Regional After Sales Director.” Knowing the region well, the decision to move was a no brainer. Eleven and a half years with McLaren followed before Aston Martin came calling last year.

“For me, Aston has always been aspirational,” he says.

“As a Brit, there are certain brands you naturally look up to, and Aston Martin has always been one of them. When the opportunity came, it just felt like the right time.”

Although his title sounds corporate, Steve’s day-today role revolves around something surprisingly simple: people.

“I look after everything from the point a customer orders a car right through to delivery and then the after-sales experience afterwards. It’s really the full customer journey.”

It’s also a role that requires constant travel.

“I like to be visible. I make a point of visiting retailers regularly because I think accessibility matters.

Experience has taught me that relationships make all the difference.”

Relationships are a recurring theme throughout our chat. For Steve, luxury isn’t simply about horsepower or craftsmanship – it’s about trust.

“There are definitely people who only buy a certain type of car,” he says.

“But in my experience, there are just as many who buy because of the person they’re dealing with.”

That human connection, he believes, is often underestimated.

“If you’ve narrowed your decision down between two incredible cars – maybe a Bentley GT or an Aston Martin DB12 – then very often the deciding factor isn’t the product. It’s the relationship you’ve built with the person guiding you through it.”

It’s a lesson he’s learned repeatedly over three decades in the industry.

“I think you’ve got to be genuine. People can tell when you’re not.”

He laughs as he recalls a childhood memory that still influences his thinking today.

“When I was about eight years old I went into a dealership with my grandparents and a member of staff refused to give me a brochure. Since then, I have never been able to consider using that brand.

“It’s completely irrational because they probably make

My biggest achievement has always been bringing people together. If you’ve got trust and open dialogue, there’s very little you can’t solve

His own career demonstrates exactly that. Working across Europe, the Middle East, South Africa and South America has exposed him to every imaginable challenge – and a few rather unusual ones too.

“There was one chap in Saudi Arabia who had a cheetah in the back of his car,” he laughs.

“I’ve probably seen it all, if I’m honest.

“When you’ve worked across different cultures and different markets, you realise there isn’t one way of doing things.”

That adaptability is now helping Aston Martin evolve its own customer approach.

“We’re working much more collaboratively with our retailer network,” he explains.

“I think brands have to be agile and listen rather than dictate.”

Part of that means finding new audiences without alienating traditional ones.

“You’ve always got to think about attracting the next generation.”

He references his 13-year-old son as an example.

career. He paints and draws, collects model cars with his son, follows Newcastle United religiously and devours books by Raymond Chandler.

“I love film noir too – Humphrey Bogart, all the old black-and-white films.”

History, politics, classic cars and radio-controlled vehicles all make the list.

For all the prestige attached to Aston Martin, Steve insists the fundamentals haven’t changed since his apprenticeship days.

“It’s always been about people and building relationships over time.

“Very few people wake up one morning and say, ‘I’m going to buy an Aston Martin today.’ It’s a journey. You have to build trust along the way.”

Perhaps that’s also the story of Steve himself. From an ambitious apprentice in Newcastle to an international executive representing one of Britain’s most prestigious automotive names, every step has been built on relationships, curiosity and a willingness to take chances.

great cars, but I’ve never wanted one since. It just shows how one interaction can shape a perception forever.”

That emphasis on authenticity is shaping his leadership style too. Building strong teams, rather than collecting personal accolades, is what makes him proud.

“My biggest achievement has always been bringing people together. If you’ve got trust and open dialogue, there’s very little you can’t solve.”

It’s a refreshingly understated approach from someone who has overseen multiple international regions and consistently delivered strong commercial results.

“I’m quite humble, really,” he says.

“I’m not someone who likes shouting about what I’ve achieved.”

Instead, Steve prefers talking about culture.

“I’ve got quite an old-fashioned view of leadership. If people have trust, they generally thrive.”

“What does Aston Martin mean to him? What will it mean when he’s older and in a position where buying something like that could become possible?

“James Bond obviously plays a part, but every generation experiences that differently. The key is keeping the core brand relevant while allowing it to evolve.”

Despite spending much of his career abroad, and now working between the Midlands and his home in Doncaster, Steve’s connection to the North East remains strong.

“I’m a Westerhope guy,” he says proudly.

“I like to get back up to the North East as much as I can. I love Bamburgh, Seahouses, Tynemouth, Cullercoats – you can’t beat fish and chips and an ice cream on the coast.

“And sometimes, we’ll drive back to Doncaster via Sandsend, near Whitby, just to go and get fish tacos from Fish Cottage. It makes absolutely no sense but we do it anyway.”

Away from work, his interests are as eclectic as his

astonmartin.com

Me & My Car

Andrew Mindenhall

Andrew Mindenhall’s lifelong fascination with cars goes far beyond horsepower and performance. The 56-year-old has been captivated by automotive design since childhood, developing an appreciation for everything from quirky 1920s cycle cars to modern-day machines. That passion sits alongside a wider love of architecture, interiors, gardens and property, with an eye for exceptional design in all its forms. He shares the stories behind his collection and what continues to fuel his enthusiasm.

Childhood car crush?

Anything with four wheels. If it had to be one car it would be the Jaguar E Type, which I always loved and why I have one now.

What’s in the garage now?

An eclectic collection…

1930 Austin Seven Hartwell racing car

1931 Austin Seven trials car

1966 Jaguar E Type Series 1 roadster

2022 Jaguar F Type convertible

2004 Land Rover Defender 110

2015 Land Rover Defender 90 soft top

2015 Range Rover Vogue

2007 Aston Martin Vantage

2018 Mercedes X Class (for transporting the dogs)

1970 Massey Ferguson tractor

2022 Mutt motorcycle

…and currently building a ‘1920s’ car which has a Rolls-Royce chassis, a Meteor 27 litre V12 tank engine, and a period Bentley body.

The older I get, the more I love older cars.

If you could own any car?

There are two cars I’d currently love to own: an original 1920s Bentley Blower and a 1960s Lamborghini Miura.

Tracks of your tyres?

Depends on the journey and the car. Sometimes, in the older cars, no music at all… roof down, connected to the outside and the sound of the engine.

When I have music on it tends to be a combination of classical and more contemporary. At the moment it’s everything from Puccini to Gerry Rafferty to Paul Weller.

What has been your favourite road trip in your motor?

Always the most recent trip!

I’ve just returned from an amazing 2,600 mile round trip from North Yorkshire to Monaco in the Jaguar E Type to watch the Historic Grand Prix, taking in some great roads including the Route Napoléon. What made it great is that we were eight friends and family in four old Jaguars.

Dream road trip?

I’m currently planning the next European road trip, which will include Austria, Switzerland and Italy. The absolute dream trip would be doing the Peking to Paris in that 1920s Bentley.

Who with?

Always family and friends!

Memorable car moments?

From the fun of the recent two week road trip to Monaco and back, to hill climbing in the 1930 Austin Hartwell, to the Goodwood Revival track day my cousin and partner hosted to celebrate their 60th birthdays last year.

What’s in the glove box?

The absolute minimum. The manual that came with the car!

How clean is your car?

Very. Inside and out.

Scary moments?

Not for publication!

A symphony of the senses.

The new Aston Martin Vanquish.

A new front mid-mounted 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12 arms the rear wheels with merciless power. The commanding appearance of the 2-seater graces roads with unparalleled sophistication and unprecedented technology. Scan the QR code to learn more.

Aston Martin Newcastle, Cobalt Park Way, Silverlink, Wallsend, Newcastle, NE28 9NZ. Telephone 0191 2635 007 | www.newcastleastonmartin.co.uk

Luxe looks

Break out the fizz. Time to get down to some people-spotting as we bring you our social snapshot of happenings across the North East. Eyes and teeth time!

Newcastle United Foundation Legends Dinner, St James Park, Newcastle

City Ladies, Hilton Hotel Gateshead Newcastle

The Rob Armstrong Ball for Hadrian School, Hilton Hotel Gateshead Newcastle

Durham

Gowland,

Newcastle United Foundation Fundraiser at Feugo within Fenwick

sponsored by

An unforgettable evening supporting the Newcastle United Foundation, bringing together incredible people, exceptional food and remarkable generosity for a cause that makes a significant difference across the North East.

Thanks to the phenomenal support of everyone involved, the event raised more than £28,000 – with every penny going directly towards the Foundation’s life-changing work in our communities.

Hosted in the stunning surroundings of Fuego at Fenwick, guests enjoyed an outstanding dining experience, while the brilliant Miss Rory kept the room entertained with razor-sharp wit, humour and endless energy. It was a pleasure to welcome back Newcastle United legend Shola Ameobi for a second year, adding his own unique touch to a very special evening.

A huge thank you to our generous Luxe clients Terry

de Havilland, Dakota Hotels Newcastle, Aston Martin Newcastle, Ad Gefrin, Anarchy Brew Co. / Anarchy Live! and Berry’s Jewellers for their incredible contributions. We’re also hugely grateful to HYCO Drinks Ltd, whose sponsorship of the entire event helped make the evening possible, and to Delifresh, whose generous sponsorship of the food ensured we enjoyed a first-class culinary experience.

Finally, a special mention goes to Helen Cadzow, whose dedication, calm leadership and impeccable attention to detail are nothing short of extraordinary.

Alongside the fantastic team at Fenwick, Helen continues to deliver events that not only bring people together but also create a genuine, lasting impact.

We’re incredibly proud to work alongside her and everyone involved in making evenings like this such a resounding success.