Glossy Magazine Dec | Jan 2026

IN EVERY ISSUE

05 Editor’s Letter

48 Ask the Experts

Dr Soujanya Gadde and Dr Trupti Kulkarni Mark Brigham

51 Sylviane Kokouendo Kaleel Anwar

52 Dr Adam Simon

54 Conor O’Hanlon Kevin Connolly

57 Ask the Physio 65-70 Education News from the schools

72 What’s On

Lots of exciting shows/ events to choose from

74 Glossy Book Club!

Sophie Hughen, offers her expert preview

78 Tech

Lazy Tech

79 Motoring

Maserati Grecale Tributo Il Bruciato

FASHION & BEAUTY 13 Beauty 22 Fashion On the razzle dazzle! 24 Slope Style Ellis Brigham 26 Fashion Month The Key Moments and Trends of the Season HOME & GARDEN 32 Interiors Take it to the max TRAVEL & ENTERTAINMENT

35 Hilton Molino Stucky Venice

38 Travel The Future of Luxury Wellness Travel

41 The Woof Guide to… Thornbridge Hall

42 NH Collection

Venezia Grand Hotel

Palazzo dei Dogi

45 Four Seasons Rabat

76 Outdoors Silence and Stillness

FOOD & DRINK

59 SDK – The Return of the Good Night Out

60 Glossy Eats... Five Guys Didsbury Bullgogi Manchester

61 A little Italian magic this Christmas at San Carlo

62 Recipe from GAUCHO The Cookbook

64 Fenix: A Mythic Midday Escape

COMPETITIONS

46 Win a Family Ticket Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2025

08 WE LOVE Christmas

16 Gift Guide

Child’s play

17 Gift Guide On the house

18 Gift Guide

Yum yum

19 Gift Guide

Animal magic

20 Gift Guide

Boy’s Own

21 Gift Guide

All that she wants

46 CAFT The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust

53 A New Year

77 Win a Family Ticket to RHS Glow at RHS Garden Bridgewater and the rest…

A New Way to Think About Health

55 When Health Takes a Curve

Talking Honestly About Peyronie’s Disease

56 Breast care services can support you

Director Carlos Acosta

Don Quixote

GROUP EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Beverley Uddin-Khandakar beverley@glossymagazine.co.uk

GROUP MANAGING DIRECTOR

Salim Uddin-Khandakar salim@glossymagazine.co.uk

ADVERTISING

Please call the sales team on 0161 388 2353 info@glossymagazine.co.uk

ART DIRECTION & DESIGN

Claire King / Paul King www.twistedgifted.co.uk creative@twistedgifted.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS

Catherine Reed

Oliver Chesher

Catherine Saunders

Janet Reeder

Ethan King

Sophie Hughen

Fay Wertheimer

PHOTOGRAPHY

PR Shots

Bigstockphoto.com

istockphoto.com

Press Loft

This Magazine is published six times a year by UK17 Consultancy Limited. The contents may not be reprinted or reproduced without prior written permission. The publishers are not liable for statements made and opinions expressed. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and the publisher can take no responsibility for omissions and errors. UK17 Consultancy Limited. 6 The Stables, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 5PG 0161 388 2353 | www.uk17consultancy.co.uk. Full terms and conditions can be found on the Glossy Magazine website – glossymagazine.co.uk

It’s not Christmas just yet, but by the time this issue lands on your coffee table, we’ll be counting down roughly 24 sleeps until our favourite man makes his grand chimney entrance. This year, I surprised myself by starting preparations early - a small miracle - in the hope that, for once, I’d glide into the festivities rather than tumble into them.

We’re celebrating Christmas a little ahead of schedule this year. Child number three is jetting off to Australia to visit friends, so we’ve brought our celebrations forward by three weeks. I can’t help but wonder: does an early Christmas take the pressure off the main event, or simply shift the chaos to a new date? Time will tell.

This month’s issue is brimming with inspiration: thoughtful gift guides, winter-ready fashion, and chic interiors to elevate the season. We take you with us to Venice for a magical week and into two standout hotels; Janet explores the cultural blend of Rabat in Morocco; Peppa escapes to an elegant country house in the Peak District; and we spotlight Austria’s wellness destination VIVAMAYR, Maria Wörth. Don’t forget to enter our family competitions for tickets to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland and RHS Glow at RHS Garden Bridgewater.

Christmas has always been my favourite time of year, but I know it can feel overwhelming for many. It’s a good moment to pause, look around, support our local makers and businesses, and sprinkle kindness wherever we can.

Our annual Glossy Christmas party is also just around the corner, and this year we’re raising funds for the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital to support a new scanner designed to make the experience far less daunting for children. We can’t wait to share all the highlights - and the photosin our next issue.

Wishing you all a joyful, sparkling festive season and a very happy New Year.

Merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous 2026 Glossy family x

Swan, the British brand synonymous with stylish design and quality craftsmanship, is redefining the morning routine with a new range of high-quality breakfast appliances designed to turn ordinary mornings into special, memorable moments. Solace 2-Slice Stainless Steel Toaster - Sleek, modern, and built for consistent golden results, £39.99. Solace 1.7L Stainless Steel Jug Kettle - Quick-boil precision in a contemporary stainless-steel finish, £39.99. Digital Espresso Coffee Machine - Designed for bold flavour and effortless use. Including a built-in high-pressure milk frother that automatically dispenses frothy milk straight into your cup. £179.99 shop.swan-brand.co.uk

Disney Stitch

WE LOVE Christmas

By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

The Warmies® plush, timeless character, Peter Rabbit is fully heatable in a microwave and gently scented with French lavender. For warmer days, it can even be chilled in the freezer to provide cooling relief, £29.99, Warmies.co.uk

The Majority Pulse 1 Bluetooth Party Speaker strikes a confident balance between power, portability, and playfulness. Its 80W output and 6.5-inch driver deliver sound that’s well beyond what its size suggests, while Bluetooth 5.4, TWS pairing, and AI lighting give it the modern features. If you want a portable all-rounder that sounds as good as it looks - and can go from garden party to karaoke night without breaking a sweat - the Pulse P1 is an ideal choice in its price bracket. £99.99 from Currys.

GAUCHO The Cookbooks recipes draw on Gaucho restaurants' unrivalled reputation for exceptional steak cookery. Choosing the right steak, cooking it to perfection, and serving with sauces and sides that match its characteristics. Gaucho: The Spirit of Argentina: A Cookbook by Anthony Ekizian (Bloomsbury Publishing, Hardback, £35). Photography © Sam A. Harris.

The Photo Creator Video Projector Camera

is a unique 3-in-1 device that allows kids to take 48MP photos, record crisp 1080p HD videos, and project their creations up to 200 x 112 cm on any surface. And with Wi-Fi casting, 27 built-in effects, and a 16GB memory card included, it’s the ultimate creative gadget for young storytellers, £69.99. Smythstoys.com

KOADE Tree scented candle has that crisp, uplifting scent of pine needles, with hints of eucalyptus and rosemary layered over warm woods. £29.99 from koade.co.uk

Jo Loves Rose & Dates – brand-new fragrance - opens with the delicate floral scent of rose water, followed by the warmth and sweetness of dates at its heart. 50ml, £82. 100ml, £120.

Warmies®

fully heatable, weighted Black Cat soft toy can be heated in a microwave to provide hours of warmth and comfort. Gently scented and an ideal gift for all ages! £24.99. warmies.co.uk

The Dualit Hot Chocolate Maker & Milk Frother is designed to create the dreamiest hot chocolate with minimal effort. Whether you’re using chocolate flakes, chunks, or powder, the Hot Chocolate Maker & Milk Frother effortlessly whisks and blends your favourite chocolate into a rich, velvety drink that rivals café-quality beverages. It has a simple one-touch operation for easy use, and easy cleaning components to make maintenance hassle-free. The range of unique, patented accessories ensures perfectly texturised frothed milk for a variety of drinks including hot chocolates, mochas, chocolate milkshakes and more. It's the ultimate luxury gift for hot chocolate lovers! From £69.99, dualit.com

DUCK & DRY Limited Edition

Christmas Silk Gift Sets

crafted to elevate your style and every day, they are the epitome of Duck & Dry’s signature polish and modern flair. Gift Sets, £50 each.

Kurami - love your gut, love your life

Kurami is a premium food delivery service revolutionising the way we approach nutrition. With a unique emphasis on gut health, mindful living and providing meals that are nutritionally dense and sensory-rich, Kurami is proud to offer a vast range of delicious meals to nourish both mind and body. Created with the belief that food is more than just fuel. Kurami.co.uk

The Harry Potter Hedwig Collection is the ultimate way for fans to dress their little ones in wizarding world charm. Luxurious texture and intricate embroidery. Bladeandrose.co.uk

Poco Vino

Feel like a glass of wine but don't want the guilt and to waste a whole bottle? Poco Vino delivers a single wine serve, in a sleek 187ml 'pocket-sized' format. The range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Noir and Shiraz to suit every mood, food dish and preference. No guiltjust stunning wines whenever you want. Available from Morrisons and pocovinowine.com

WE LOVE Christmas

Moderato, the award-winning French alcohol-free wine brand that’s redefining mindful drinking has launched its Cuvee Revolutionnaire Chardonnay (0.5%) in the UK. Beautifully balanced notes of fresh white fruits and a subtle toasted touch, £14.50. Moderato’s festive range ensures everyone can raise a glass this season with Blanc de Noir Sparkling (<0.5%), £14.50. Colombard (<0.5%): a fresh, vibrant white, £13.99. Merlot-Tannat (<0.5%): rich and delicious, £13.99. Available via Majestic, Wise Bartender and Club Soda.

Dolls that feel like real friends, Our Generation has plenty of options. Each doll is beautifully detailed, easy to dress, and built for hours of play. With so many dolls, playsets, and accessories available, children can build their own Our Generation world, from dressing up to hosting tea parties or caring for pets. Smythstoys.com

The Pad Creator Instant Print Tablet is more than a tablet; it's a complete creative studio. With six inspiring modes, kids can take 5MP photos, record HD videos, draw, add stickers, insert text, images and design cards or collages using a wide range of built-in templates. They can even explore safely online with a secure, child-friendly search engine to find ideas and content to enrich their projects. Smythstoys.com, £129.99.

Wildjac create premium botanical spirits with natural ingredients foraged from the Wyre Forest and surrounding land. We carefully hand pick, select and blend the finest botanicals to ensure the most amazing drinking experience Blackberry Vodka - A balance of rich berry sweetness and smooth, sophisticated vodka notes which deliver a tantalising harmony of sweet and spirited. £32.99. Mini Gin Gift Pack presented in a ready-to-gift box, £25.95.

Street Food Supper Feasting Kit with recipe cards. Including Piri Piri Chicken, Tandoori Lamb Chops, Spiced Slaw Cajun Spiced Rice and Hot Garlic Mayo. £20. Aromatic Mulling Spices for Mulled Wine, Cider & Apple Juice, Mulled Triangle, £4. Mulled Spice Tin, £6. Spicekitchenuk.com

WE LOVE Christmas

The Krafted Couch delivers a dedicated charging spot. Simply drop your phone onto the slim charging pad and relax. An anti-slip silicone ridge ensures the pad stays securely on your sofa arm. £39.99 from Kraftedtech.com

SINNER LONDON creates bold handbags and accessories for those who own their style. Designer luxury with confidence and edge. Wild Obsession Tote Bag, £179. Wild Temptation Handbag, £119. Sinnerlondon.com

The Plant with Willow Starter Pack gives your houseplants a voice, quite literally. A discreet soil sensor tracks moisture, light, temperature and nutrients, sending real-time updates to your phone via a beautifully intuitive app. You’ll know when to water, when to feed, and when your monstera simply needs a moment in the sun, £34.99. PlantWithWillow.co.uk

Care Bears Digital Pet brings 80s nostalgia to 2025 with an interactive twist, £20. Available on ThumbsUp.com

Sentia Spirits Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Be your best self today, without paying for it tomorrow. SENTIA is a new kind of non-alcoholic spirit, crafted by neuroscientists using the science of your brain’s GABA system, that support you being you: calm, clear, and connected. CASK offers a warm, bold alternative to whiskey. It combines natural flavours with functional ingredients to enhance sociability and relaxation, £34.25. Sentia Spirits - GABA Gold is perfect for sharing, bringing warmth and wellness to any celebration or social moment. GABA Black is perfect for boosting your productivity, supercharging your workout, or jumpstarting evening plans, and GABA Red is Perfect for an evening of unwinding, after-work drinks, or as a nightcap. £32 each or £86.40 for all three bottles. Sentiaspirits.com

WE LOVE Christmas

Tommy’s Fizz Espresso Martini

A Seductive fusion of freshly brewed espresso, premium vodka and coffee liqueur. Delivering an exhilarating caffeine infused cocktail experience. Shake bottle before opening. Pour into a cocktail shaker with ice, shake for 15 seconds and strain into a glass. Garnish with three coffee beans. Tommysfizz.co.uk Buy at threshers.co.uk

VELCORIAN

Home of the ultimate chopping board. Engineered for superior kitchen hygiene and modern aesthetics — a timeless, minimalist design with food-safe performance. Two refined collections designed to elevate any modern kitchen. Stone, £149 or Sand £129. Velcorian.com

Whether you're getting ready for a night out, filming a makeup routine or perfecting your skincare ritual, The Studio Creator Hollywood Mirror is a must-have. Available at Smyths Toys, £24.99.

Kouree is a London-based demi-fine charm jewellery brand founded by Blue Wilson. Blue’s mission is “to help you build a life to treasure – one charm at a time,” celebrating the full spectrum of life’s moments. Kouree.com

Pocket Mountain Walking Guides

covering 70 locations around the UK, from cities and coasts to districts and counties, the guides are designed to encourage people to explore their local area, or to head off on an adventure. Each guide contains between 30-40 easy to follow, inspirational and accessible walks. £6.99 and free postage. Pocketmountains.com

Luke Robert

Having opened his first salon at just 21, Luke Robert has built a reputation as one of the industry’s leading educators and precision cutters. Renowned for his technical excellence, creativity, and eye for effortless beauty, Luke crafts hair that feels modern, refined, and uniquely individual.

Luke’s philosophy is simple — beautiful, wearable hair. Every look he creates is prescriptive and personal, designed to enhance natural texture, complement face shape, and fit seamlessly into each client’s lifestyle. It’s not just a haircut — it’s a style created to make you feel confident every day.

Travelling across the UK and Ireland, Luke delivers bespoke education for salons and stylists, sharing his passion and expertise in precision cutting. His continued work behind the chair ensures his approach remains grounded, relevant, and inspired by real salon experience.

Glam up this Christmas with Benefit’s makeup must-haves! benefitcosmetics.com

Too Faced Xmas gifting selections, ranging in prices from £15 - £36. The perfect gift for your loved ones this holiday season. toofaced.co.uk

rhode Peptide Lip Tint is a nourishing formula with a hint of tint that hydrates and replenishes lips while leaving a glossy, high-shine finish, £20 each.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Serum This serum transforms dullness with a combination of exfoliating alpha and beta hydroxy acids, sloughing off dead skin cells to smooth and soften, £84. Space NK and Cult Beauty.

Hair Ritual by Sisley’s signature fragrance is now available as a perfume for the hair and body, £92. Sisley-paris.com

Oliver Bonas 7 Days of Pampering Beauty Advent Calendar, £39.50.

Christmas

BEAUTY BOX

Leighton Denny Opaque Nail Polish in Starkers, Bright Spark, and Provocative, £12.50 each.

Jo Malone London’s Uniquely You Collection Layering fragrance to make a personalised scent. Experiment with your favourite fragrance and layer with another for a scent that’s you, with a twist.

Childs Farm New and improved award-winning SlumberTime range can help give the gift of sleep. SlumberTime Bath Soak, £6.50 / SlumberTime Calming Massage Lotion, £7.50 SlumberTime Sleep Mist, £7.50 / SweetDreams Sleep Gift Set, £19.50. Boots.

Naughty or Nice For Play Sex Chocolates for couples support hormonal balance and elevate mood for a sensual experience, £23.79.

maude bestselling Shine Organic Lube is perfect for use with toys and condoms, £16.19.

Unfabled’s raspberry flavoured Ashwagandha Gummies may support mood, promote restful sleep, and even boost libido by easing stress, £10.04.

Unfabled’s Maca Root Pureblend, your go-to for boosting libido and energy and used for centuries to reduce stress, enhance sex drive, and support fertility, £10.71.

ChitoCare Hair, Skin, & Nails Supplement

Rich in natural nutrients that play a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin, luscious hair and strong nails, £65. chitocare.co.uk

Sisley x Luke Edward Hall Advent Calendar, £640 www.sisley-paris.co.uk

Navy Professional Cuticle Balm, £14.95. Cuticle Serum Pen, £9.95. Available at Space NK stores.

MOUMOUJUS The Mantle

Consider this your daily reset. A sophisticated fluid that transforms stressed skin into something more resilient, £48. moumoujus.com

ARDELL Press On Clusters Kit 30 pc Wispies Natural, £16.50 Boots

ARDELL Seamless Underlash Extensions Kit Faux Mink, £25. Boots.

BEAUTY BOX Christmas

Sensilis Retinol Body Treatment

Accelerates cell turnover, improvesappearance of dark spots, smooth texture and roughness, stimulates collagen and elastin, £36 sensilis.co.uk

Sensilis Skin Glow (Juicy Cream) a moisturising melting cream for immediate radiance that reactivates light even in the dullest skin, £38. Sensilis.co.uk

CELLIS by Debbie Thomas

Focused on skin longevity, not just instant glow. Cleansing Gelée, £60 / Cleansing Microfibre Cloths, £18 / C Complex, £225 / Overnight A Complex, £195. CellisSkin.com

Bio Sculpture strengthens and increases flexibility of dry, brittle nails. Use as a ridge filler, alone, or under nail polish. Think of it as a primer. Ethos Lavender Base, Seaweed Calcium Base, £15.50 each. Navy Professional Hand & Cuticle Serum £16.95. Space NK stores.

Hold onto the warmth of summer this year with the glow of St.Tropez Gradual Tan, £18. Boots.

By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

COSRX The Retinol Cream 0.1% Cream Perfect for first-time retinol users, £29.99. 0.3% Cream For those looking to tackle fine lines, deep wrinkles, uneven texture, and enlarged pores. 0.5% Oil For intermediate users ready to step up their anti-ageing game, £29.99. Boots.

Olverum Procellular™ Defence Day Cream. Proactively defend your skin against daily external aggressors with this lightweight yet powerful cream, expertly designed to shield, soothe, and hydrate, £70. Olverum Pure Radiance Facial Oil powered by Bakuchiol, a natural alternative to retinol, this featherlight elixir smooths fine lines, restores balance, and boosts radiance without irritation, £80.

BEAUTY BOX Christmas

Exquisitely embellished with emerald, green stones, this Limited-Edition 20th Anniversary Crystal Nail File pays tribute to 20 years of Leighton Denny Expert Nails. £15, leightondenny.com

HydroPeptide Reactivate Rx Moisturizer

Formulated to address age-related collagen decline by reactivating healthy collagen production, £125. hydropeptide.co.uk

Innersense Body Collection

Awaken Body Wash, £26. Renew Body Lotion, £28. Blissful Body Butter, £40. A cult clean beauty line available at Cult Beauty

Ultimate A, £77 eskcare.com expect fewer fine lines, firmer, more elastic skin, and a beautifully refreshed complexion, all with a gentle, irritation-free formula ideal for nightly use.

Tata Harper’s Crème Blush in ‘Peachy’ for a fresh, just back from holiday glow. Dab onto lips for a soft, sun-kissed tint that ties your look together. £33.33. Cult Beauty.

Olverum Firming Body Oil enriched with Alaria Esculenta, a nutrient-rich seaweed extract. Helps support collagen, firm skin, and deeply hydrate, £52.50. Olverum Firming Body Lotion A sophisticated, velvet-textured body creme created to target those areas of the body most prone to loss of tone and elasticity, leaving skin feeling toned, softer and more supple, £46. All available at Harvey Nichols.

Prism Protection lightweight sunscreen delivers SPF 53.1 to shield against UVA, UVB, blue light and pollutants. Nongreasy and comfortable for daily wear. Supports skin resilience, helping maintain healthy, radiant skin with consistent use. £82, heavenskincare.com

Benefit POREfessional Meet The Foundation of Your Dreams. Smoothing, Blurring, Pore Loving Foundation! Available in 40 Shades, £39.40.

ZO Skin Health’s new Peptide Facial Refining Concentrate is available for £252 in clinics nationwide (find your nearest at zoskinhealth.co.uk). Also available at Face The Future

The Longevity Essential Serum is an anti-aging serum that addresses the specific needs of mature skin to extend its feeling of youthfulness for years to come. Day after day, signs of aging fade. Face looks younger and more harmonious. Nourished and reinvigorated, mature skin is more beautiful and full of vitality for longer, £435. Sisley-paris.com

Child’s play

1. LEGO Fortnite Klombo, £89.99, very.co.uk 2. Colour In and Doodle Artie Bear, £25, shop.nationaltrust.org.uk 3. Unicorn knitted soft toy, £19,95, rexlondon.com 4. Warmies® plush Gromit, £29.99, Warmies.co.uk 5. Leopard laptop case, £32, oliverbonas.com 6. George Xmas pud set, £9, direct.asda.com 7. Kids' Camo Olympian wetsuit, £50, regatta.com 8. Disney Elsa doll, £15.99, johnlewis.com 9. “Singing” dachshund, £39,99, dobbies.com 10. Sticki Rolluxe, £39.99, very.co.uk 11. Primark x NBU Xmas reindeer onesie, £13, primark.com 12. Fairy costume, £80, merimeri.co.uk

By Janet Reeder

Treats galore for homebirds

1. Pierre the cat lamp, £98, oliverbonas.com 2. Orange Amps Box bluetooth speaker, £275, Selfridges.com 3. Shrimps x Oliver Bonas set of two coupes, £34.50, oliverbonas.com 4. Christmas Toast & Marmalade medium enamel cooking pot, £50, emmabridgewater.co.uk 5. Christmas pomegranate, berry and fir wreath, £59.95, annabeljames.co.uk 6. Boabab Rosace candle collection, from £105, eu.baobabcollection.com 7. Mulberry Home velvet cushion, £85, sarahsaverysmith.com 8. Floris cinnamon and tangerine diffuser, £100, florislondon.com 9. Santa in Sleigh musical snow dome, £39.99, giselagraham.co.uk 10. Buly Lanterne Odoriférante, £570, buly1803.com 11. Smoked acrylic nutcracker, £20, habitat.co.uk 12. Jewel champagne flutes, £41.50 each, ninacampbell.com

By Janet Reeder GLOSSY

Yum yum

1. Reindeer Food, £7, aprilandwhite.co.uk 2. Oval wooden food tray, £95, shimu.co.uk 3. COOK! Vegetarian Society Cookery School gift vouchers with apron, from £25, vegsoc.org/cook-gift-vouchers/ 4. Christmas Food & Drink Trivia, £8.50, talkingtables.co.uk 5. Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 Takashi Murakami Limited Edition champagne, £230, Selfridges.com 6. Food: Bigger than the Plate official exhibition book (paperback), £25, vam.ac.uk 7. Kew Christmas Food Treats gift box, £23, Shop.kew.org 8. Pink Hearts Chilly's food pot, £32, emmabridgewater.co.uk 9. No. 1 Chocolate Nutcrackers, £8 each, waitrose.com 10. Nordic Winter cookery book, £28, arighibianchi.co.uk 11. The Florence Hamper, £170, selfridges.com 12. Magimix Le Mini Plus food processor, £150, quietmark.com

/

By Janet Reeder

Animal magic

1. Homesense dog bed, £19.99, tkmaxx.com 2. Advent calendar for cats, £3, jollyes.co.uk 3. Christmas Eve gift box, £24, johnlewis.com 4. Christmas cracker for cats, £9.95, annabeljames.co.uk 5. The Gluttonous Gardener Dog Growbar, £13.30, glut.co.uk 6. Florence by Mills dog bathrobe, £36, johnlewis.com 7. Personalised cat’s large bowl, £39, emmabridgewater.co.uk 8. Christmas tree lick mat, £4, jollyes.co.uk 9. Tartan dog coat, RRP £49.95, Barbour.com 10. Mini iced cupcake treats, £3.99, dobbies.com 11. Purrfect Pet storage tin, £38, sophieallport.com 12. Lunar velvet pet bed, £74.99, rucomfybeanbags.co.uk

1. Barbour x Paul Smith multi striped crew, RRP £199, barbour.com 2. Baseball cap, £115, mulberry.com 3. Clinique For Men Cleanse and Hydrate Duo gift set, £40, marksandspencer.com 4. Floris Perfumer’s Trilogy: For Him, £65, florislondon.com 5. New Balance, 9060, £160, schuh.co.uk 6. Manscaped The Handyman compact face shaver, £70, johnlewis.com 7. Marc Antoine Barrois Gannymede, £200 (100ml), marcantoinebarrois.com 8. Sugar Daddy needlepoint cushion, £98, jonathanadler.com 9. Grinch jumper, £18, primark.com 10. Rocket decanter, £225, jonathanadler.com 11. James Bond Bingo, £25, laurenceking.com 12. Skull pin, £20, joebrowns.co.uk

By Janet Reeder

By Janet Reeder

FASHION

Matalan Et Vous burgundy

Mongolian faux fur jacket, £45, matalan.com

Gold sequin cross-body bag, £17.99, newlook.com

Red velvet Boston mini, £85, nobodyschild.com

Nova top, £69, nobodyschild.com

Queens of Archive Dean mini dress, £395, johnlewis.com

Valentino Garavani sandals, £880, Selfridges.com

And Or gold sequin skirt, £75, johnlewis.com

Get the party started in the perfect outfit

Planning the perfect party outfit couldn’t be easier because there are simply loads of gorgeous pieces out there to help you dazzle all night long.

Time to out-sparkle the Christmas tree because sequins are huge again for the festive season. You can opt for head-to-toe bling or add a shimmery bag and heels to transform your daywear into a head-turning look for a work bash. Colours to rock over the party season are perennial fave black, but for out and out va-va vroom, invest in red or gold. And don’t think sparkle is just for after dark. Get your wear out of a sparkly skirt by pairing it with a chunky sweater and boots for the day, and add a silky shirt for the night. Investment dressing? You bet!

Rabanne sequin maxi dress, £2,020, Selfridges.com

Deep plunge velvet maxi dress, £145, goddiva.co.uk

House of CB Nalani satin maxi dress, £199, Selfridges.com

F&F gold sequin dress, £35, tesco.com/clothing

By Janet Reeder

Decades Of Expertise

When local boot-maker Frederick Ellis Brigham opened his two-up two-down in a Manchester suburb in 1933, he could only have dreamed that 90+ years on, the third generation of Brighams would be at the helm of one of the most trusted and experienced outdoor retailers in the UK with 16 stores nationwide, including Manchester and Chester.

Back then, people would walk miles from the surrounding Manchester area just to peer through his shop window at the latest kit offerings. Many were also keen to seek his advice or bring him their gear to be repaired for 30 shillings – Ellis Brigham had sustainability nailed long before it was a thing!

Carrying on tradition, the stores at 130 Deansgate, Manchester and Bridge Street, Chester are still hubs for Cheshire’s outdoor enthusiasts wanting expert advice, excellent kit and specialist boot and pack fitting for all kinds of activity, including hiking, climbing, camping, paddleboarding, dog walking, trail running, skiing and snowboarding.

Slope Style

With the winter season in full swing, Ellis Brigham’s fashion director Dave Whitlow has once again curated a fresh, stylish and performance-driven collection for cruising the piste, exploring the side country or dropping into the steep and deep. Forget fast fashion, these are pieces that are made to last season in, season out, helping to minimise environmental and social impact

A Guide to Spring/Summer 2026 Fashion Month: The Key Moments and Trends of the Season

Spring/Summer 2026 looks set to be bright, not least due to the anticipation and excitement for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, and closer to home, the return of Take That’s mammoth Circus Live stadium tour, which kicks off in May of next year.

Bottega Veneta

Ferragamo

Bright, bold colours were awash across the runways of New York, London, Milan and Paris. Beiges, browns, and creamy whites are being relegated – to get into the World Cup spirit – in favour of hazardous oranges, bubble-gum pinks and aquatic greens that are soon to be moving up in the league tables.

Incidentally, the trend forecasting company WGSN has named ‘Transformative Teal’ as 2026’s Colour of the Year, following a rich, dark purple for 2025, aptly named ‘Future Dusk.’ A middle-ground between the two, and appearing numerous times on the runway, was a tried and tested navy blue.

At Bottega Veneta, the British-born designer Louise Trotter presented her debut collection for the house, whose first four looks were the same tone of deep navy blue. Across a supple leather off-the-shoulder dress, a peacoat, an oversized structured blazer and an overcoat, Trotter incorporated the brand’s signature intrecciato leather weaving technique, which adorned collars, lapels and hemlines, successfully elevating those classic wardrobe staples. The understated opening, along with the heavier outerwear, quickly gave way to lighter hues and more unconventional fabrications.

A series of feathery skirts and voluptuous fuzzy tops appeared to glow and shimmer as the models walked,

meticulously crafted from colourful strands of recycled fibreglass, a nod to the brand’s Venetian heritage and to the playful designs of the city’s Murano glassmakers.

At Ferragamo, oversized suiting was similarly a focus for designer Maximillian Davis. A homegrown talent, originally hailing from Manchester, Davis showcased subtle twists to the classic skirt-suit. Elongated double-breasted blazers grazed the knee while swathes of fringed silk scarves doubled as belts for the womenswear, and were slung across the shoulder in a skinny, polka dot variation for the menswear. Petrol blues and earth-tones were punctuated with vivid yellow silk wrap dresses, punchy orange patent leather skirts and blushing pink collarless suede jackets. Just like at Bottega Veneta, dyed feathers plumed from handbags and clutches, taking the idea of peacocking quite literally. Animal prints, specifically leopard, were also a motif throughout the collection.

Born to Trinidadian-Jamaican parents, for Davis, these exotic skins harkened back to the Caribbean textile trade, being imported to England as symbols of wealth and status. Rendered in satin devore – these prints were reinterpreted into more abstract patterns across drop-waist dresses and slinky skirts. Think less Scary Spice, and more 1920s Jazz Age as the reference.

Versace

of Dario Vitale, the newest creative director at Versace, succeeding the inimitable Donatella Versace. If the 80s are your thing, you are in luck. Vitale’s vision was a resurrection of Gianni Versace’s tenure at the brand during the 1980s and 1990s – picture striking pink and turquoise high-waisted jeans, chunky gold belts, and even a yellow leather fanny-pack. Soundtracked by Prince, Madonna and Boy George, it is clear from which era Vitale was drawing inspiration. Denim was printed with Andy Warhol’s flamboyant pop-art prints. Power suits – equipped with larger-than-life shoulder pads – were shown in high-voltage lilacs and crimsons.

For men, embellished leather waistcoats were worn undone atop the brand’s signature golden Barocco silk shirts. Baby-blue windbreakers, shrunken tank-tops and striped denim shortshorts felt very reminiscent of Miami Beach, where Gianni Versace resided during the early '90s in the iconic Versace mansion. If you’re on a budget, however, head straight to your near-vintage emporium, as many of the looks had a decidedly retro feel to them, with Vitale’s eclectic debut arguably driving the final nail in the coffin for the ‘Quiet Luxury’ trend.

Being only the fourth creative director in the brand’s 115-year-old legacy, the opening look at Matthieu Blazy’s debut Chanel show took the classic bouclé suit and turned it inside out. He removed the collar, scrunched up its sleeves and

sheared its bottom half off, leaving the hems exposed. The accompanying quilted Chanel 2.55 handbag looked like it had accidentally been put through the washing machine, though its twisted black leather more cleverly resembled the organic shapes of a blooming flower, more specifically, the camelia, which was Gabrielle Chanel’s favourite.

The bottoms of classic Chanel tweed suits disintegrated into intricate beaded fringes, which swayed as the models walked, almost like the movement of anemones under the sea. The natural world – as indicated by the show’s interplanetary set design – was clearly an inspiration for Blazy, with appliqué crocheted flowers budding from sleeves and hemlines and woven two-piece suits looking almost straw-like in fabrication.

Elsewhere, a sheer white dress was meticulously embroidered with threedimensional red and yellow passionflowers that intertwined across the length of the body and exploded into a bouquet of fringing at the model’s ankles. Crisp, structured shirts were paired with sweeping, feathered skirts, with headpieces too, appearing like the vibrant wings of a tropical bird. There was a strong sense of tactility throughout the collection, from supersized furry classic flap bags to ornate shell necklaces and coral-esque brooches.

Femininity is clearly no longer conveyed through soft pinks or delicate fabrics. The majority of the collections this season demanded attention through their bold and unconventional use of colours and materials. Strong shapes and an emphasis on how the clothing moves and feels in real life are evidently at the forefront of designers’ minds this time around.

Although the concept of florals for spring has been irrevocably tarnished by Meryl Streep’s infamous line as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada – ‘groundbreaking,’ she eye-rolls – this season proved that with the right designers in place, even the most time-tested styles, and the most ordinary items of clothing, can be reinvented and be injected with new life. Perhaps the feathers that were so omnipotent this season were those from a Phoenix.

By Joel Danziger

The Art of Watchmaking; Prestons’

Authorised Rolex Service Centres

Here, we talk with Prestons After Sales team about their experience working at each of their service centres, the journey to servicing your Rolex watch and the relationships they have built with their clients over the last 5 years.

Opened in February 2020, the 昀rst Prestons Rolex

Authorised Service Centre is located on the 昀rst 昀oor of Prestons Wilmslow whilst the second, opened in 2023, is located in Prestons Norwich. Each is equipped to Rolex’s exacting standards, ensuring every timepiece is serviced with meticulous care, technical expertise and the personal commitment that makes Prestons so special.

Did you always know you wanted to work with watches?

Steve: “I think I knew very early on; I could only have been 16 years old. I remember vividly my mother seeing an advert in the local newspaper and saying to me “you enjoy taking things apart, why don’t you have a go at this?” I read the advert and have been a watchmaker ever since. I suppose I have my mother to thank for where I am today.”

Ryan: “I started out selling watches rather than servicing them but quickly discovered a passion for watchmaking. I am now a Rolex-trained technician, and it is my dream to become a Rolex watchmaker in future.”

Nick: “I initially began my career in a creative role but have always been intrigued by watches. I fell in love with the engineering that goes into these timepieces and seized an opportunity to enrol on a WOSTEP polishing course.

The WOSTEP Foundation is an internationally recognised watchmaking institution based in Switzerland, founded in 1966, it is an incredible place for those aspiring to work in the watch industry.

I 昀nd that polishing combines my creative and technical interests, as there is true beauty in restoring a watch to its original condition while preserving its unique character. I have now been a Rolex-trained polisher for two years, and I am so pleased to be part of the team at Prestons supporting each of our clients.”

What does it mean to be a Rolex-trained watchmaker?

Ryan: “Each watchmaker working within our service centre is specially trained by Rolex to ensure consistent quality across all their operations worldwide. Here at Prestons, we are always on hand when a client brings their watch into the showroom. As the 昀rst to make a technical examination of a client’s timepiece, we see the memories in every case.”

Saul: “I started my journey to becoming a Rolex-trained watchmaker at the British School of Watchmaking in Manchester, it was a fascinating experience and only deepened my passion for horology. I have been a quali昀ed watchmaker for 昀ve years now and I’m based at Prestons Wilmslow, it brings me so much joy to work amongst my passion each day. The team and I know these wristwatches have been worn and loved, often for decades, and we feel proud to be trusted with their care.”

Can you tell us about a memorable watch you have serviced?

Joseph: “Every watch that comes through our workshop has a story, but some can really leave a lasting impression. One service that stands out in my memory was for a client whose grandfather had worn the watch almost daily for more than forty years. The team and I could see the character in the case and bracelet – all the little marks, scratches and details that build up over a lifetime of love and wear. For me, servicing that watch felt like we were helping to preserve a piece of their family history, a memory in some way. It is moments like that, that remind us how much these watches can mean to the people who wear them and to the next generation.”

What advice would you give on the care of a Rolex watch?

Steve: “The 昀tting of the watch onto a wrist is so important. Each of our dedicated team members are trained and therefore able to advise on the size of the bracelet to ensure a comfortable and secure 昀t.”

Nick: “Rolex watches are designed to be worn and loved every day. Over the years, it is natural for scratches and marks to appear. We would advise keeping to the servicing schedule rather than bringing the timepieces in for polishing whenever it sustains a scratch, and only ever entrusting the watch to a Rolex-trained polisher. This will help to ensure the longevity of the watch and keep it looking its best for decades to come.”

“Every watch that comes through our workshop has a story, but some can really leave a lasting impression”

Joseph Bentley, Head Watchmaker at Prestons Norwich

What makes the Rolex Servicing process so special?

Joseph: “Rolex watches are designed and built to last. The service process begins from the moment a client brings their wristwatch to one of our showrooms and continues through to its return, complete with its two-year international guarantee.

The servicing of a Rolex watch comprises several detailed steps requiring the use of speci昀c tools and instruments that are tested and sometimes even developed by the brand. I love how meticulous every step is, nothing is rushed and every detail matters.

The team and I begin the service process by separating the bracelet from the case and carefully removing the movement. From that point on, the movement, case and bracelet each follow their own dedicated servicing path.

Each component is carefully examined to determine whether it still meets Rolex requirements, cleaned, dried, lubricated and carefully reassembled piece by piece. The case, bracelet and parts are individually re-polished or satin-昀nished by hand by myself or another member of our workshop team.

Once reassembled, the watch is tested for accuracy, precision and waterproofness as well as pressure-tested to ensure it meets the expected chronometric performance set by Rolex. At the end of the process, the timepiece is placed in a specialist pouch and is presented back to the client by one of our dedicated sales consultants. It is an incredibly detailed and rewarding process.”

“There is true beauty in restoring a watch to its original condition while preserving its unique character”

Nick Bentley, Polisher at Prestons Norwich

“Our service centres in Wilmslow and Norwich ensure the highest standards are maintained across all our watchmaking services”

Steve Tillston, Head Watchmaker at Prestons Wilmslow

What do you think having an in-house Rolex Authorised Service Centre brings to Prestons and their clients?

Jake: “It o昀ers in-house expertise to each of our clients, as often we are client-facing in the showroom or the Service Centre. The team and I genuinely love to show our clients the servicing process and guide them through the work that will be undertaken on their timepiece.”

Ryan: “When a client brings a watch to us, it can be a great act of trust. I remember we were once visited by a lady who had received her watch as a bequest from her mother. The timepiece was unfortunately in need of signi昀cant repairs, and she was nervous about any changes we might make to it. I was so glad to be able to speak with her in person, so that she could be reassured that the character and sentiment of the watch would remain intact.”

Andrew: “It is so important for our clients to know that we o昀er full servicing in-house. For me, it is a great way for both new and existing clients to see 昀rsthand the trusted team that will service and look after their watch, knowing it is in safe hands. The process in some respects feels so personal and therefore being able to meet with myself, or a member of our after sales team really builds trust.”

What makes the Prestons Experience so special?

Steve: “Here at Prestons, we operate to traditional values of service and quality. Our service centres in Wilmslow and Norwich ensure the highest standards are maintained across all our watchmaking services, while our showrooms allow us to meet with and understand our clients’ needs.”

Laura: “Whether a client brings their watch into us at Prestons Wilmslow, or at one of our other locations, each of our Rolex Authorised Service Centres ensures they can trust that it receives our personal care at every step of the process.”

Steve, Joseph and their teams look forward to supporting and advising Prestons’ clients for years to come. From all at Prestons, we look forward to welcoming you to our showrooms soon.

For further information please visit: prestonsdiamonds.co.uk

Country Estate Winter Frolic Tulipiere, £738, ninacampbell.com

John Lewis Heirloom Splendour - Langham drinks trolley, £349, beaded stem ribbed flute, £18, scallop coupe pink stem, £10, Heirloom Splendour pink sundae dish, £8, decanter, £19, Santa print wrap, £4, bell print wrap, £4, Georg Jensen Bloom bowl, £90, johnlewis.com

Spruce 6ft pre-lit Christmas

£245, coxandcox.co.uk

When it comes to Christmas at home, don’t hold back on the decorations!

Let’s face it, Christmas is a minimalist lover’s nightmare, but if your home isn’t all about white walls and clean surfaces and you fancy bringing in an explosion of colour and sparkle, then you’ve come to the right place.

Christmas decoration is all about making the home look warm, inviting and fun, and if there was ever a time to go OTT, this is it.

By

Think candles, glittering tableware, statement decorations, and festive soft furnishings. You can splurge on bespoke decs or create the look with purse-friendly frippery, anything goes at Christmas time – as long as you take it to the max!

Mastering Bespoke Interiors with

What does your own home say about you as a designer?

My home is a true reflection of who I am - warm, welcoming, and full of character. It's a space I genuinely love spending time in, layered with a mix of contemporary pieces, thoughtfully reclaimed items, and beautifully aged antiques. I believe a home should feel effortless and lived-in, telling your story through the things you love. Every corner of mine does exactly that.

Are interior designers really expensive?

It's a common misconception! In reality, a good designer can save you money, time, and a lot of stress. We know where to source the right pieces, how to avoid costly mistakes, and how to make the hundreds of design decisions feel easy and enjoyable. Think of it as an investment, not just in your home, but in the peace of mind that comes with getting it right the first time.

What's one thing you believe is always worth splurging on?

Storage, without a doubt. Bespoke cabinetry is the unsung hero of great design - functional, timeless, and built to last a lifetime. When it's done well, it elevates a space and transforms how you live in it.

Clarkson Bespoke is entering an exciting new chapter with a refreshed brand, a reimagined showroom, and a collaboration with the master craftsmen at Wow Bespoke.

’

-Shelley Clarkson - Director

Interested in visiting our new showroom and seeing what we're all about?

Email: hello@clarksonbespoke.co.uk or visit our website: clarksonbespoke.co.uk

Hilton Molino Stucky Venice:

Industrial Elegance on the Lagoon

“Once a flour mill, now a five-star fantasythe Hilton Molino Stucky is where Venice slows down and shimmers.”

There are few hotel façades in the world as striking as the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice. A grand red-brick landmark on the tranquil shores of Giudecca Island with elegant chimneys, arched windows, and a subtle reminder of its industrious past. Once a 19th-century flour mill, this magnificent building has been reborn as a haven of sophistication, blending history with contemporary luxury.

The arrival is part of your experience. A private water taxi glides you across the lagoon, leaving behind the crowds of St Mark’s Square for the slower rhythm of island life. Giudecca feels like a secret - serene, self-contained, and just moments from the heart of Venice.

Inside, the Molino Stucky strikes a balance between industrial grandeur and modern refinement: lofty ceilings, polished stone floors, and a lobby faintly scented with espresso and polished wood. The welcome is warm and personal; staff are genuinely proud of their city, and eager to share a local recommendation or hidden gem. Guest rooms reflect the building’s heritage with high-beamed ceilings, exposed brickwork, tall arched windows soothing creams, soft linens, and touches of Venetian blue. Marble bathrooms invite indulgence with deep soaking bathtubs, rainfall showers, and plush amenities. And from your bed, the view of Venice’s domes, shimmer across the water.

For those seeking Venetian luxury, the Presidential Suite is a masterpiece. Spanning two levels, it commands sweeping views of the lagoon, with panoramic windows that frame Venice like a living painting. Every detail, from the polished floors to the curated artworks, pay homage to the city’s maritime past.

The suite’s grand living space opens onto a private terrace, a secluded haven where guests can sip champagne as the sun goes down. The marble bathroom, complete with a freestanding bathtub and gleaming double vanities, rivals the finest European spas. This is a private world high above the rooftops of Venice, and I can’t imagine wanting to leave, if I was staying in this suite.

Mornings begin leisurely at Il Molino Restaurant. The aroma of freshly ground coffee mingles with the scent of warm pastries as guests linger over breakfast: buttery croissants, jewel-like fruit, fine Italian cheeses, and the clinking of prosecco glasses.

Dinner at Aromi Restaurant is another highlight. Elegant but unpretentious, it’s a place where Venetian tradition meets modern flair. Tables spill out onto a terrace beside the lagoon, and at dusk, the setting transforms into something quietly magical. The seafood is exceptional, the pastas delicate, the service graceful. Even when the rain drives diners indoors, the ambiance remains captivating, polished and personal.

By

Perched high above the Giudecca Canal, the Skyline Bar is where the city’s timeless beauty meets contemporary cool.

This rooftop haven offers front-row seats to some of the most breathtaking views in Venice - from the shimmer of the lagoon to the spires of San Marco, all bathed in golden light come sunset.

The cocktails here are nothing short of art. Bold, imaginative, and flawlessly balanced, and each one as photogenic as the view itself. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or sinking into a chic armchair under the stars, Skyline Bar delivers the perfect mix of luxury and laid-back Venetian glamour.

The Executive Lounge offers a more private retreat. By day it’s a calm space for cappuccinos and conversation; by evening, it becomes a haven of

understated luxury with complimentary canapés and drinks. Sitting beside the window, watching the sunset over the rooftops of Giudecca with a glass of your favourite tipple, you easily lose track of time.

Beyond the hotel, Giudecca offers a glimpse of authentic Venetian life with quiet streets, fluttering laundry, ochre façades, and the chatter of locals going about their day. The Hilton’s private shuttle to St Mark’s Square makes exploring easy, but it’s always a pleasure to return to the stillness of the island.

A private excursion to Murano, arranged by the concierge, offers another layer of Venetian artistry. Watching master glassblowers shape molten glass into shimmering creations feels almost hypnotic - a reminder that beauty and craftsmanship remain at the heart of this city. Burano is also a must-do with beautiful, coloured houses lining the streets, and washing hanging from the windows. There is hustle and bustle, but something of a different vibe, than there is in St. Mark’s Square.

The Hilton Molino Stucky Venice is more than a hotel; it’s an experience in slowing down. Days unfold gently with mornings over cappuccinos, afternoons sightseeing, or treatments in the spa, and evenings under candlelight beside the lagoon, or in Skyline Bar enjoying a vibrant cocktail or three. Here luxury lies in attention to detail, the atmosphere, and the art of unhurried living.

As your water taxi glides away on departure, the Molino Stucky’s red-brick silhouette lingers in your mind - elegant, enduring, and entirely Venetian. It’s a place that reminds you of the true essence of travel: discovery, beauty, and the luxury of time. If Venice is on your wish list, I would recommend checking out Hilton’s Molino Stucky Venice, as an alternative to staying amidst the hustle and bustle. With a free shuttle from the hotel to St. Mark’s Square that takes approximately 15 minutes, you have the best of both worlds when visiting Venice.

So, what are you waiting for?

The Future of Luxury Wellness Travel

Where science meets serenity – the world’s most transformative wellness destinations for 2026

VIVAMAYR, Maria Wörth, Austria

With its striking location on the glittering shores of Lake Wörthersee, over the past two decades, VIVAMAYR Maria Wörth has been at the forefront of gut health and holistic healing, built upon the concept that healthy digestion is the key to good health, longevity and beauty. Still pioneering the way as one of the world’s leading health retreats and the birthplace of modern Mayr Medicine, VIVAMAYR’s wide range of worldrenowned programmes is synonymous with the highest standard of personalised medical wellness, focusing on Detox & Weight Care, Prevent & Wellbeing, Rebalance & Energy, and Movement & Mobility.

Personalised treatment plans based around the Mayr healing principles of Rest, Cleansing, Education and Substitution are undertaken in harmony with regular medical consultations and core therapies. In addition to these core elements, the therapy programme can be flexibly tailored to the health conditions of each guest. Bespoke detoxification measures, dietary changes, movement therapies, and relaxation techniques will specifically address issues such as digestive problems, stress, or exhaustion and help you reach a personal health goal.

Maria Wörth, Austria

The VIVAMAYR Cuisine:

Nutrition is a central component of VIVAMAYR’s holistic approach to wellness and longevity. At the start of every stay, the doctors will use Functional Myodiagnostics to identify food intolerances and stress factors of guests, which are factored into an individual nutrition plan, alongside personal wishes and objectives.

By creating a harmonious ratio of acid to alkaline and taking into account individual intolerances, VIVAMAYR’s cuisine will help guests achieve ideal digestion and detoxification processes, ensuring that you reach your New Year’s health goals with effects that last into the rest of 2026.

The Capra, Saas-Fee, Switzerland

The Capra is a five-star alpine wellness lodge in the car-free Swiss village of Saas-Fee, Switzerland, featuring 38 chaletstyle suites blending alpine elegance with modern comfort. Maintaining their two Michelin Guide Keys in 2025, The Capra is proud to be a year-round retreat for seclusion, wellness, and, in winter, exceptional snow.

The Capra has been ranked #5 in the Wellness Hotels category of the prestigious list, ‘Switzerland’s 150 Best Hotels’. It’s Peak Health Spa promotes a philosophy based on the research of medical and wellness experts from around the globe, offering personalised treatments from Alpine-infused facials and forest-pine body wraps to muscle regeneration treatments, to care for tired muscles after back-to-back days on the slopes.

The Capra launched a collection of year-round wellness retreats in 2025, where each day combines invigorating outdoor activities and fresh cuisine with restorative spa treatments and holistic wellness therapies. The retreats provide a tailored itinerary based on a bespoke wellness plan centring around one of the following four focus areas: Detoxification, Mental Resilience, Sleep, and Muscle Recovery.

Guests are simultaneously taken on a transformative journey fuelled by nutrition that is centred around seasonal vegetables, high-quality proteins and healthy fats, alongside activities such as Forest Bathing and Natural Kneipp therapy - a pioneering hydrotherapy and holistic healing treatment.

Signature treatments include the Swiss Pine Wood Vitality Massage, which utilises pre-warmed pine stamps made from a rare and resilient tree that thrives at altitudes above 1,600 metres, moved rhythmically over the body. The Swiss stone pine produces an exceptionally high concentration of resins and essential oils, giving it a distinctive, soothing fragrance. These natural compounds are known to promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and support physical regeneration. The Forest Power Signature Body Treatment brings the healing energy of the forest into the spa. This unique treatment begins with handpicked arve-needles and lavender, used to exfoliate the body, stimulate circulation, and calm the mind. With the combination of warm honey to soothe inflamed joints, a foot and head reflexology stimulation and a pine wood massage using specially crafted pine wood tools from the sacred arve tree, guests are left feeling rejuvenated, balanced, and at peace.

AMAALA, The Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Set along Saudi Arabia’s spectacular Red Sea coast, AMAALA is preparing to open as one of the world’s most ambitious wellness and lifestyle destinations for 2026, offering travellers an entirely new way to escape, reconnect and restore in the region. Developed by Red Sea Global and powered entirely by renewable energy, AMAALA unites leading wellness resorts, regenerative design and marine conservation within one distinctive destination.

At AMAALA, guests can explore the world’s leading wellness approaches in a single destination. Clinique La Prairie AMAALA will offer advanced longevity-focused programs rooted in over 90 years of scientific and medical expertise, including diagnostics, cognitive health, detox and longevityenhancing treatments, all within a private retreat designed by John Heath. Jayasom Wellness Resort AMAALA blends Western science-based medicine with Eastern healing traditions, offering multi-generational programs in a resort anchored by hydrotherapy suites, a holistic studio and wellness trails. Six Senses AMAALA, set across a dramatic coastal terrain, will feature a 3,000m2 spa with cryotherapy chambers, a longevity clinic and experiences aligned with the brand’s signature pillars of movement, sleep and sustainability.

Equinox Resort AMAALA brings a high-performance approach to wellness, combining a magnesium rooftop pool and spa pavilion with recovery-focused rituals and direct access to the wellness route. Four Seasons AMAALA will feature a tranquil Organic Spa Garden, offering halotherapy, cryotherapy and other advanced therapies set within cascading landscapes. Each resort brings a distinctive perspective, from diagnostics to detox, recovery to ritual – allowing guests to curate a deeply personal path to wellbeing within one seamlessly connected destination.

Win a Family Ticket to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2025

London’s most dazzling festive destination returns, and this year, it’s more magical than ever. 2025 invites you to step into a shimmering realm of light, laughter and icy enchantment, and Glossy Magazine is giving one lucky reader the chance to win a family ticket to experience it all.

The Magic Returns

Each winter, Hyde Park transforms into a glittering wonderland of over 150 rides, shows, and attractions, a festive universe where twinkling lights dance across frosty skies, the scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts fills the air, and laughter drifts through the fairground. This year, the spectacle is grander and glossier than ever before, promising new experiences and festive surprises for all ages.

Begin your adventure in Santa Land, where little ones can meet Father Christmas himself in London’s largest free Santa’s Grotto. Step inside the new Elves Workshop for hands-on fun and festive creativity, or head to the Jingle Bell Bistro, a world-first street food market designed especially for kids, complete with bite-sized burgers, gourmet hot chocolate, and sprinkles of Christmas magic.

Then stroll beneath the radiant arches of Luminarie Lane, a breathtaking Italian-designed light installation that bathes the park in a warm golden glow. Here, you’ll find hand-crafted gifts, indulgent seasonal treats, and the perfect backdrop for your festive Instagram moments.

The Frozen Heart of Wonder

This year’s Magical Ice Kingdom unveils an entirely new theme. A Mystical, Mythical Fantasy World. Journey through the Four Realms of Earth, Fire, Air and Water, sculpted from over 500 tonnes of ice and snow by master artisans from Belgium and the UK. Among towering trolls, glowing ice dragons and a majestic 5-metre-high Griffin, you’ll find one of Europe’s largest ice attractions, a world kept at a crisp -10°C and brimming with spellbinding photo opportunities.

When the chill bites, retreat to the cosy buzz of the Bavarian Village, a festive haven filled with live music, sizzling bratwurst, and steaming mugs of glühwein. Or slip into après mode at the brand-new Après-Ski Village, complete with DJ sets, crackling fires, and a contagious party spirit that rivals the Alps themselves.

Thrills, Twirls and Spectacle

No visit is complete without a whirl around the UK’s largest open-air Ice Rink, built around Hyde Park’s Victorian bandstand and sheltered beneath a canopy of twinkling lights. Glide hand in hand, circle after circle, as the music plays and the city sparkles around you. Then take flight on the 70m Giant Wheel for panoramic views across London, or race down the Real Ice Slide.

For a show-stopping experience, catch Zippos Christmas Circus, filled with acrobatic artistry and comic charm, or the adrenaline-fuelled Cirque Berserk: Ignite, a daring new performance that blends danger, beauty and spectacle. And for those who love to plan ahead, new Winter Wonderland Packages make it easier than ever to curate your perfect festive day — from The Arctic Adventure (featuring ice-skating and the Ice Kingdom) to The Taste of Bavaria (a food lover’s dream). There’s even a Five Peaks Pass for thrill-seekers and an Unlimited Ride Pass for the little ones, ensuring every family gets maximum magic for their money.

Win a family ticket (two adults and two children, or one adult and three children) to Hyde Park Winter Wonderland 2025, courtesy of Glossy Magazine.

To enter: Simply answer the question below: Where is London’s Winter Wonderland located?

A) Hyde Park B) Platt Fields Park C) Heaton Park

Email your answer to winner@glossymagazine.co.uk with 'Winter Wonderland' in the subject line by 8th December 2025. Good Luck – and See You Under the Lights

The Woof Guide to Thornbridge Hall

On a visit to one of the Peak District’s posh houses, I was very happy to meet Santa (well, that’s who he said he was) and hopefully tell him about the things I want for Christmas - treats, cheese, walks, treats and treats.

We were at the wonderful Thornbridge Hall just outside a village called Ashford in the Water. Could it get any more Christmassy?

Well, yes. It could because Thornbridge is the place to head to on December 5th-7th or December 12th-14th for a delightful Christmas Shopping Village experience.

There are other Christmas markets in the area, including the big one at Chatsworth and another at beautiful Haddon Hall (dogs not allowed), but what makes this great for me is that it is entirely pooch-friendly, which means I can trail my humans around the stalls both inside and outside the venue.

By Janet Reeder

I can also step into the magic of the festive season on a guided tour of the house itself, until December 20th. And what a lovely setting in which to get into the yuletide spirit! When the humans have feasted on the attractions of this grade II listed grand residence as well as mulled wine and mince pie slice, we can go for walkies around the glorious 10 acres of formal gardens. There’s plenty of stuff for children to do too – including

or

afternoon tea.

Thornbridge is a quirky take on a country house, grand without stuffiness, a place where owners Emma and Jim Harrison don’t mind strangers poking around their kitchens, music room and bar. It’s also home to the love locks, which were removed this year from Bakewell Bridge and a bonkers pond where you can hook a plastic duck.

As well as Quackers Café, there are plenty of places in the neighbourhood to grab lunch or supper. Super dogfriendly is the Stables Bar overlooking the dramatic Monsall Head. This place still looks like somewhere a horse might still feel welcome, complete with stone

flooring and stalls. The food here is everything you’d want from a country inn. Freshly made and delicious. The chips are real!

Starters include a Korean fried Squid, which one human declared better than anything he’d eaten by the sea, while grilled Halloumi and pear salad with hazelnuts was another triumph. Wine and beer are excellent thanks to local suppliers Hattersley’s and Thornbridge Brewery.

So doggy friends, I am sure you’d love Thornbridge and the surrounding Peak District countryside. In fact, so much so that I asked Santa to put it on the list for every pet pooch in the land.

Woof woof and happy Christmas to you all!

The Reimagined NH Collection

Venezia Grand Hotel Palazzo dei Dogi

Venetian Serenity

Venice has no shortage of showstoppers. Between its glittering canals, ornate bridges, and timeworn palazzi, it’s easy to feel that everything here has a story to tell. But tucked away in the quiet Cannaregio district where the tourist tide softens and local life takes over, there’s a rare kind of calm. It’s here that you’ll find the NH Collection Venezia Grand Hotel Palazzo dei Dogi, a five-star hotel that perfectly balances heritage, elegance, and the effortless charm of Venetian living.

Once a monastery, later an embassy, and now a destination, this 17thcentury palazzo has been carefully restored to combine grandeur with warmth. The hotel recently completed a full renovation, revealing a space that feels both authentic and contemporary. Marble floors glimmer beneath Muranoglass chandeliers, high ceilings ooze character, and every corridor hints of centuries past. Yet the atmosphere is distinctly modern, light, and welcoming.

The Palazzo dei Dogi’s transformation aligns with the NH Collection’s signature style of sleek, sophisticated, and timeless. Each of its 64 rooms and suites has been reimagined to highlight the palazzo’s original architectural details while introducing soft tones, plush fabrics, and subtle nods to Venetian artistry.

Whether you choose a Superior, Premium, or one of the lavish suites, expect spaces filled with natural light, warm neutrals, and elegant textures. Many rooms overlook tranquil waterways or the lush hotel gardens, a rarity in Venice. The Presidential Suite, with its private access to the garden, has welcomed a starry guest list - from Sharon Stone and Priscilla Presley to the Dalai Lama - though you’d never guess it from the quiet serenity it exudes.

Step outside, and you’ll discover one of Venice’s best-kept secrets. The hotel’s private botanical garden, said to be the oldest in the city, stretches over 2,000 square metres. It’s a rare patch of peace in a city built on water, where ancient

trees sway above marble statues and you get glimpses of the lagoon through the greenery. This “Secret Garden,” open to both guests and locals, feels almost enchanted. You’ll find an old icehouse once used to store food, a footbridge, and a statue of the Virgin Mary nestled among flowers. From here, you can spot the islands of Murano and San Michele in the distance.

It’s easy to see why this garden has become a beloved wedding venue. It is romantic, private, and quintessentially Venetian, with the lagoon as a backdrop. Even if you’re not getting married, it’s worth wandering through at golden hour, when the garden seems to glow.

Days at Palazzo dei Dogi start unhurriedly, with a breakfast buffet that’s as fresh and vibrant as the setting. Think colourful fruit platters, flaky pastries, artisan cheeses, and made-to-order hot dishes, all served in a sunlit dining space that opens onto the garden.

If you fancy a light bite between excursions, the All-Day Dining menu runs from late morning until evening. You can enjoy it indoors or outdoors, perhaps in the gazebo, or even by the private pier overlooking the Venetian Lagoon.

As night falls, Da Lorenzo - Al Giardino Segreto sets the scene for something special. The restaurant, led by Michelinstarred chef Paolo Airaudo, celebrates Italian tradition through seasonal ingredients and elegant simplicity. Expect beautifully plated dishes that showcase local produce, and a wine list to match. Dinner here feels intimate, romantic, and indulgent.

Afterwards, head to La Voga Bar for a nightcap. Its cocktails are inspired by the region - creative yet classic, just like Venice itself. For those who love a touch of adventure, the hotel even offers guests a chance to learn how to row like a gondolier, followed by an authentic nautical aperitif on the water so you can fully immerse yourself in the Venetian way of life.

Part of the hotel’s magic lies in its location. The Cannaregio district offers a quieter, more authentic experience than the bustle around St. Mark’s Square. Here, narrow canals wind past local bakeries, family-run trattorias, and artisan shops - perfect for exploring on foot before retreating to the calm of the palazzo. Should you wish to venture further, the hotel’s private shuttle can whisk you to St. Mark’s Square in no time, or you can set off from the private pier for a boat ride across the lagoon, taking in views of Murano Island along the way.

From the outside, the hotel appears understated, a refined façade that blends seamlessly into the neighbourhood’s historic fabric. Step inside, however, and it’s pure Venetian opulence. The interiors are lavish without being ostentatious: gleaming marble floors, soft lighting, Murano-glass details, and an air of quiet luxury. It’s the kind of place where every corner feels Instagram-worthy but never overdone.

Our room was a perfect blend of romance and refinement with high ceilings, silk drapes, and a view of the garden that seemed to frame the morning light. There’s a real sense of space here, something hard to come by in Venice, and an ease that makes you instantly feel at home.

If you’re looking for a Venetian experience that feels exclusive yet effortlessly relaxed, the NH Collection Venezia Grand Hotel Palazzo dei Dogi ticks every box. It’s where timeless beauty meets contemporary comfort, where you can sip an espresso in a centuries-old garden, dine under the stars, and still feel miles away from the crowds.

This is Venice at its most authentic and most serene - a place to slow down, reconnect, and indulge in la dolce vita, one gondola ride at a time.

nhcollectionpalazzodeidogi@nh-hotels.com

By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar

Four Seasons Rabat

Rabat may not have the loucheness of Tangier or the madness of Marrakech, but that’s an advantage. You can stroll around the medina or take a camel ride in the desert, but then retreat to this sophisticated and elegant city for a relaxing culture-fuelled coastal break.

Morocco’s capital is heading confidently into the future with buildings such as Zaha Hadid’s Grand Theatre and the Mohammed Tower VI - modern architectural landmarks that are reason enough to book a flight here right now. Another is the World Cup 2030, which this soccer-mad nation will co-host with Portugal and Spain.

The stunning Four Seasons Rabat is a magnificent, fairly recent addition to the city, too – and a likely hangout for all those footballers!

Housed in a historic palace built in the 18th Century as a summer residence for Sultan Moulay Slimane, Kasr Al Bahr is known as the Palace by the Sea, and it is an iconic landmark that has now been transformed by architect Karim Chakor into a sensational 200-room resort.

From its fabulous location overlooking the glittering Atlantic Ocean, the sprawling complex has played a vital role in Rabat’s rich history, not only as a royal residence but as a famed military hospital, and now it has a new role as the most prestigious place to stay in this intriguing capital.

We stay in a room with one of the best views over the pool and to the Atlantic Ocean beyond. The interior is the embodiment of comfort, soft carpeting, soundproofing and a state-of-the-art bathroom. Standing beneath the shower, close your eyes and imagine you’re being cleansed in the gentlest of downpours.

Lunch poolside, and our energetic host Stefano greets us like great friends. This may be a posh hotel in every sense of the word, but there is no stiffness, only excellent service.

We eat salad and seafood at Flamme restaurant, sheltered from the Moroccan sun under umbrellas, the orange hue of Hermes branding, surrounded by palm trees wafting in a warm breeze.

Flamme is one of several restaurants and bars, including Bar Atlantique, which has a fantastic range of wines and spirits as well as cocktails. Oh! It would be rude not to. I choose a Negroni, and my partner has a Caipirinha. The bar is a bit of a place to be, and by 6pm, it begins to get busy.

Dinner is at Verdello, a stunning restaurant with sea view terraces, glamorous under dimmed lights. The design incorporates a homage to traditional Moroccan homes with sedari (modular sofas which line the walls).

Highlights from the kitchen helmed by Sebastiano Spriveri include a deliciously marbled Coppa cured pork, the king of Italian charcuterie, served with sides of pickles and a soft, creamy burrata and heritage tomato starter with fresh basil pesto. A rigatoni for me, rich in sauce and truffle and John Dory, served with a buttery sauce and asparagus follow.

It’s the details which make this hotel special. The beautiful leather bookmark placed between the pages of my current read, the little leather fastener to keep my charging cable neat and tidy, the cabinet containing elegant wine glasses, tea and coffee and minibar, Diptyque products in the bathroom and the way the place smells. Yes, I need to mention that again!

And finally, the restaurant staff, who provide impeccable service - and will even guide you through the labyrinthine corridors of this former palace to your destination, whether it’s to the beautiful state-of-the-art spa, where you can enjoy a massage, facial or a traditional hamam, or to the cigar bar (opening next year). A special place? You bet!

Janet Reeder was a guest of the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahri.

By Janet Reeder

“‘CAFT’s visitors are all living challenging lives, many including disadvantage. They really enjoy the short break away from familiar routines and settings.

“Memories to last a lifetime for children living challenging lives

CEO of The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust, the engaging Ian Eccles, had already clocked up seven years as a volunteer before leaving his medical repatriation travel business to join the charity in 2019.

He was therefore fully ‘au fait’ with the manifold needs of CAFT’s young visitors and the support and understanding these children and their families required. He was also aware of the insight his 28 staff, the charity’s many supporters and its 400 volunteers should ideally possess to ensure the charity could maintain and deliver its aims.

He adds, ‘I was well acquainted with the ethos of CAFT and many of the practicalities of running it. Over those earlier years, I had driven minibuses, helped out at parties and even played Santa. I had worked alongside schools and families with children of all abilities. We are a 10-acre farm close to the M56 motorway, not far from Altrincham, and easily accessible. In our relaxed rural setting here at Booth Bank Farm, we offer every child from an infant to seventeen years

old, a memorable and fun experience with the chance to improve confidence, resilience and an all-round good feeling. We are neither teachers nor is this a teaching establishment, but there are opportunities to learn much in our different environment. Our staff do help with activities, but all children come with families or carers to support their needs.’

He continues, ‘CAFT’s visitors are all living challenging lives, many including disadvantage. They really enjoy the short break away from familiar routines and settings. We offer day visits, some themed around Christmas, Easter and Halloween, and also hold a summer festival. Our residential stays of two nights can provide some respite for youngsters whose home circumstances may not normally allow this. And as with everything CAFT provides, donations and our fundraising cover our costs.

By Fay Wertheimer

We raise over £1,000,000 each year so we can offer our space completely free of charge to every user, and this year we have already raised £925,000 of the £1,050,000 budget needed. By the end of 2025, we will have welcomed over 22,000 child-visitors and hope by 2030, to have cumulatively been able to provide visits for 150,000 children.’

This local charity has captured many hearts and garnered steady patronage from celebrities, including comedians Jason Manford and John Bishop and rock legend Noddy Holder. CAFT was fortunate to have Sir Bobby Charlton as President until his passing in 2023, and his wife, Lady Norma Charlton, remains a patron and member of the Farm Family.

Looking back, in 1989, after 4 years’ fundraising, CAFT founder Tim Grundy organised the purchase of the 17thcentury Booth Bank Farm outside Altrincham. This would house his brainchild, his haven for terminally ill, disabled and socially disadvantaged children. Wondering what additionally could be provided for the youngsters, Grundy was informed,

“These children need a holiday but will never get the opportunity.’’

That was it! He, his family and team set to work. In 1992, the completely renovated Booth Bank Farm welcomed its first

children and families. And now, CAFT’s referrals cover the whole Northwest and bordering areas stretching southwards from Penrith into Lancashire, Cheshire, North Wales, Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

Then, as now, many youngsters have complex needs. Difficulties range from severe physical and learning disabilities to sensory impairments, from terminal illnesses to deep-seated emotional problems. Far too early in their young lives, some youngsters have had to assume the role of child-carer for a sick parent. Some have already coped with bereavement. Others may have witnessed abuse or themselves been subjected to it. Therefore, any alleviation of stress and change of environment can offer relief and benefit.

Located in the countryside, CAFT offers users woodland activities, a fully enclosed park area, mud and water play and above all, a unique opportunity for its visitors to acquaint themselves with domesticated farm animals.

With pride, Ian states, ‘What we provide can and does go so much further than just those few hours out of town. Due to our large geographical catchment area, session times may vary during peak times of the year. We do focus on young people from birth to seventeen years old, but siblings and family can accompany them, so the whole family benefits from the visit.’

Free of charge to visitors, the actual cost of providing a daytime CAFT visit is around £12, rising to £354 for a residential stay.

The support of CAFT’s celebrity patrons helps maintain a high-profile interest in the charity, and the legacy of Tim Grundy’s creation is carried on through his children, patrons Amy and Joe, who proudly represent CAFT. But above all, this charity belongs to everyone, needing support from us all to continue its vital work.

CAFT The Children’s Adventure Farm Trust

Booth Bank Farm, Reddy Lane, Millington, Altrincham WA14 3RE

Telephone: 01565 830 053

Email: hello@caft.co.uk

Website: www.caft.co.uk @CAFTcharity

Ask the Expert

Dr Soujanya Gadde and Dr Trupti Kulkarni

Dr Soujanya Gadde and Dr Trupti Kulkarni, consultant radiologists at The Wilmslow Hospital, discuss the benefits of HCA UK’s One-Stop Breast Clinic and how it can offer faster answers. Dr Gadde and Dr Kulkarni are proficient in a wide range of breast imaging and diagnostic techniques, including reporting of screening and symptomatic mammograms, performing diagnostic ultrasound scans, as well as ultrasound-guided breast biopsies, stereotactic breast biopsies, vacuumassisted breast biopsies, localisation procedures and reporting of MR breast imaging.

What is a One-Stop Breast Clinic, and how is it different from a regular breast appointment?

Dr Gadde: Our One-Stop Breast Clinic is designed to provide a fast, accurate and comprehensive assessment of breast symptoms like a lump or pain in a single visit. Instead of waiting between appointments, everything happens in one visit – you’ll see a consultant surgeon, have any investigations you need (like a mammogram and/or ultrasound) undertaken by our consultant radiologists, and get your results on the same day.

Why visit the store rather than order online?

We pride ourselves on the widespread expertise of our staff. In our Manchester store, you will be able to tap into experience covering hiking, climbing, wild camping, trail running, skiing and snowboarding. That said, if you just want a toasty warm jacket, a great pair of gloves and a hat, or a high performing waterproof, we can help you for your daily adventures. Book an appointment

This approach helps greatly reduce anxiety by giving you answers sooner.

What is the role of the radiologist in the One-Stop Breast Clinic?

Dr Kulkarni: Radiologists like us play a key role in diagnosing breast problems. We carefully review your scans to spot any signs of concern. If we see something that needs further attention, we can do an image-guided biopsy during the same visit. At the One-Stop Clinic, we work closely with consultant breast surgeons and breast care nurses, so you get a complete assessment and a clear plan the same day.

How accurate are the tests performed?

Dr Gadde: We use state-of-the-art digital mammography with 3D imaging (tomosynthesis) and high-resolution ultrasound equipment, which helps us spot even small or subtle changes in breast tissue. When combined with clinical examination and, if needed, a biopsy, this provides a highly reliable diagnosis. Our goal is to ensure you leave with clear answers, whether it’s reassurance or a definitive plan with next steps.

Mark Brigham

Mark’s grandfather founded the first Ellis Brigham store over 90 years ago in North Manchester, so the Deansgate store holds a special place in the family’s heart and continues to equip outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers with the latest innovations in clothing and equipment.

and put your feet in the hands of our bootfitters, and we guarantee to find you the right fitting boots and promise to take the pain out of bootfitting.

What’s more, we offer up to 2 hours free parking in Manchester city centre with any ski boot purchase.

What is your biggest seller?

It depends on the time of year – walking boots, day packs, trail running kit and

waterproofs are strong year-round, then come the winter, our winter range kicks in, offering winter warmers for skiers, boarders, hikers and of course, people who just want to keep warm and dry. Our heritage has been built on footwear fitting and ensuring comfort in every step. We have many years of experience fitting out mountaineers, explorers, athletes, hikers and dog walkers.

Precious times

Separation doesn’t mean you can’t be together.

Separating when children are involved can be unsettling for the whole family. Our experienced family law team understands how this can impact people’s lives — providing the best legal advice to meet your children’s needs. So, you can still enjoy quality time together.

Get in touch with our family team

0330 111 3131

Why did you choose to practice employment law?

I’ve always been drawn to the human side of law, and employment law sits right at the heart of people, business and change. It’s an area that affects almost everyone at some point in their working lives, and that sense of realworld impact is what initially inspired me to specialise in it. No two days are the same, and legislation constantly evolves, which is actually something we are seeing again with developments such as the Employment Rights Bill, which signals another shift in how we balance the needs of employers and employees. That pace of change keeps me on my toes, too, as employment lawyers are always learning!

Ask the Expert

Sylviane Kokouendo

Associate Partner, Employment Team at Slater Heelis Solicitors

Are there any areas within employment law that you find particularly interesting?

I do, it’s the growing awareness and understanding of neurodivergence in the workplace. More organisations are now recognising conditions such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia not as challenges to be managed, but as forms of difference that can enrich teams when supported appropriately. Getting this right really matters, not just from a legal perspective, but from a cultural one. Creating environments where neurodivergent employees can thrive encourages better communication, higher engagement and stronger retention. I frequently advise employers on how small adjustments can make a profound difference, and it’s rewarding to see that shift take hold.

Kaleel Anwar

Kaleel is a highly respected family law solicitor and partner at Slater Heelis, known for his expertise in complex cases involving multi-millionpound businesses, pre-/post-nuptial agreements with international elements, and Islamic Sharia family law. He was named as a finalist in the Lexis Nexis Family Law Awards 2023, and he regularly appears in national media, offering insight on family law issues.

How can separated parents plan Christmas contact arrangements smoothly? Early, open conversations help make Christmas smoother for everyone. Parents should talk through plans well in advance, keeping the focus on what’s best for the child whilst trying to preserve familiar traditions.

Confirming arrangements in writing helps avoid misunderstandings. A bit of flexibility goes a long way, which helps accommodate travel, family events, and changing circumstances. Using mediation or solicitor-assisted negotiation can help resolve disputes and ensure arrangements are

child-focused, practical, and fair to both parents.

Can existing child arrangements be changed if circumstances shift over the holidays? Yes, parents can agree on informal variations to suit changing circumstances, provided the changes prioritise the child’s welfare. Any agreed amendments should be recorded in writing. If an agreement cannot be reached, either parent may apply to the court to vary the existing order.

The court will then assess whether the change benefits the child and maintains stability over the holiday period.

How do you see employment law evolving in the next few years?

It’s a hot topic right now, and I do expect the next few years to be shaped by the increasing influence of AI in the workplace and the impact on redundancies. From automated recruitment tools to AI-assisted performance management, technology is advancing faster than the legal frameworks governing it. This will raise important questions around fairness, transparency, data use and the preservation of human judgement in decision-making. As lawyers, our role will be to help organisations harness these innovations responsibly, ensuring that progress doesn’t come at the expense of people.

What should parents include in a child arrangements order to cover holidays? Holiday provisions should specify how periods are shared, including start and end dates, handover times, and travel details. They should clarify how birthdays, religious holidays, and special occasions are divided, how notice of travel abroad is given, and how the child communicates with the other parent during holidays. This should also include a mechanism for resolving disagreements, which promotes cooperation and reduces future conflict.

Ask the Expert

Dr Adam Simon

Dr Adam Simon, general practitioner and director of Private GP Extra, has delivered high-quality healthcare for more than three decades. Private GP Extra provides flexible, extended appointment times across six locations in Greater Manchester and Cheshire, including evening clinics. The service offers support for weight loss management, along with general health concerns, women’s health, men’s health, lipid issues and bespoke health screening.

How do weight loss injections work?

Weight loss injections, like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, use hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) to reduce appetite and influence metabolism. They slow stomach emptying, making you feel fuller for longer, which signals the brain to reduce hunger and cravings. While it's possible to lose weight without these injections, the medications make GLP-1 work more effectively than food alone, helping many people manage their appetites and stick to weight loss goals.

What are the side effects and how safe are these injections?

Most people experience mild side effects such as nausea, changes in bowel habits, or burping. Rare, but more serious effects include pancreatitis (0.2–0.4%), gallbladder problems (0.6%), heart rate or mood changes, and extremely rarely, thyroid cancer (0.00001%). It's important to use these medications under a doctor's supervision to ensure they are safe, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or take other medications.

How do I get the most from the injections?

It's important to have a doctor assess if these injections are suitable for you and provide guidance on dosage, monitoring, and side-effect management. Stopping the injections should also be planned with a doctor, often gradually, to maintain appetite control and prevent weight regain. Support plans can help patients safely reduce medication and sustain their weight loss over time.

Discover the best… Independent living at Belong Morris Feinmann

Our light, modern apartments combine the freedom of independent living within a caring community offering peace of mind in later life.

1 & 2-bedroom available to rent or purchase On-site amenities including bistro, salon, and gym

Extensive and varied programme of activities & events Benefit from as much or as little support as you need

Life in Rhythm: Insights from a Cardiologist's Diary

A New Year, A New Way to Think About Health

As we approach 2026, many of us feel the pull to reset, renew, and refine how we care for ourselves. But before the resolutions and routines begin, it’s worth pausing to remember something essential: health is not a finish line, and it is not defined by what we avoid. Health is not merely the absence of illness, nor the relentless pursuit of youth. Health is a state of balance — the way our bodies power effort, conserve energy, adapt to stress, and return to calm. Current wellness clinics increasingly look beyond traditional checklists, focusing on a handful of key biomarkers that reveal far more than how long we may live. These markers tell us how well we are living — how efficiently, steadily, and resiliently our systems perform day after day. And importantly, each one is strongly linked with longevity. They offer not just a snapshot of health today, but a glimpse of the years ahead.

VO₂ Max — The Measure of Vitality

VO₂ max is the maximum amount of oxygen the body can use during exercise. In simple terms, it represents our biological horsepower. A higher VO₂ max is a sign that our heart, lungs, and muscles are working smoothly and efficiently together. It reflects stronger cardiovascular health, a more active metabolism, and a body that copes better with stress and effort. When this number goes up even a little, it makes a real difference — every small step means our body can handle life better and stay healthier for longer. VO₂ max is one of the more powerful predictors of longevity, as significant as blood pressure or smoking status.

Resting Heart Rate — Strength in Stillness

When the body is at rest, a healthy heart doesn’t need to work hard to keep things running. Resting heart rate (RHR),

typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute, reflects how efficiently our cardiovascular system operates in neutral. A lower RHR — usually under 60 — suggests a strong, well-conditioned heart. It’s like a body that sits in quiet comfort, not wasting energy or working harder than it needs to. When things run smoothly at rest, they last longer. It is important to note that low resting heart rates in the low 40s, accompanied by dizziness and feeling unwell, are the converse of resilience, and symptoms would prompt seeking necessary medical attention.

Heart Rate Variability —

The Rhythm of Adaptability

Now, if VO₂ max is about power, and Resting Heart Rate (RHR) is about efficiency, then Heart Rate Variability (HRV) tells us about balance. Even when our heart feels steady, the tiny spaces between each beat are not identical. Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measures those small moment-to-moment differences. The best way to imagine it is to picture our heart as a little drummer. When we are healthy and adaptable, this drummer can change rhythm smoothly — a touch quicker when we need energy, a touch slower when we need rest. That gentle flexibility between beats is what we call high HRV. It shows a body that adjusts easily, recovers well, and handles life’s changes with steady confidence.

When HRV is low, the drummer becomes more rigid. The beats fall almost evenly, with little variation. It’s a sign the body is under strain — working harder, less flexible, and slower to adapt. A tired drummer can only play one rhythm,

no matter what the day demands. HRV reflects the ease with which our body shifts between effort and calm — the graceful rhythm of resilience.

Recovery Rate — The Quiet Return

After exercise, the rate at which our heart returns to normal is a simple but powerful reflection of health. A drop of more than 20 beats per minute in the first minute of recovery is ideal, showing that the body can switch rapidly from “drive” to “rest.” It’s a quiet but revealing measure — how quickly we return to calm after challenge.

Bringing It All Together

When viewed together, these biomarkers offer a simple, encouraging message: the body thrives when its systems work smoothly — when the heart powers effort with ease, rests calmly, adapts gracefully, and returns to balance without strain. What makes these measures so valuable is how closely they align with long-term health. People whose hearts recover well, beat efficiently at rest, and show flexibility in their rhythm tend to live longer, with fewer complications as they age. And the best part is this: these markers improve not through intensity, but through everyday habits and a lifestyle that supports calm, consistency, and restoration.

Longevity grows from a body that feels settled, responsive, and steady — a body that quietly takes care of you as you take care of it.

A heart that moves through effort and ease with harmony is a heart built for the long run.

Remember, a healthy rhythm is the key to a healthy life. Let’s take it to heart!

Dr Aruna Arujuna Cardiologist and Heart Rhythm Specialist - MBchB, MD, FHRS, FACC, FESC, FRCP Tel: 07538385325 | Email: Careteam@avahealth.life I www.avahealth.life

Ask the Expert

Conor O’Hanlon

Conor O’Hanlon is a Rehabilitation Specialist and Wellbeing Personal Trainer at Nuffield Health, working across Manchester and Didsbury. Ambitious, driven, and deeply passionate, Conor has built his career around one belief: health is everything. “Without our health, we have nothing,” he says — a philosophy that guides his mission to help as many people as possible recover, improve, and sustain their wellbeing.

With six years’ experience as a personal trainer and five as a rehabilitation specialist, Conor has recently achieved chartered status as an Activity and Health Practitioner — a mark of excellence that sets him apart in a competitive industry. His goal now is to continue growing while making a meaningful difference in every life he touches.

What is a Chartered Activity and Health Practitioner? Chartered status, awarded by CIMSPA — the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity — is the health and fitness industry’s highest recognition. It reflects technical expertise, innovation, and proven impact across a broad range of client needs. For patients and clients, it is a badge of reassurance: excellence backed by rigorous professional standards.

What is the philosophy behind Forest School at Bridgewater?

Forest School is all about child-led learning. Inspired by Scandinavian education, it encourages children to explore, play and problem-solve in woodland settings. Rather than following rigid plans, pupils take initiative, make choices and learn through hands-on experiences that engage all their senses. It is about fostering curiosity, independence and confidence.

Why Chartered Status Matters

“In such a crowded industry, I wanted to stand out,” Conor explains. “Chartered status shows I’ve been formally assessed against the highestbenchmarks — giving clients confidence they are in safe hands.”

Making a Difference

Conor works with a wide variety of people: patients managing chronic fatigue, joint pain or cancer, and clients

striving to lose weight, build strength, or maintain a healthier lifestyle.

“No two sessions are ever the same,” he says. “My role is to keep learning so I can deliver tailored, evidence-based support unique to each individual.”

Blending clinical knowledge with empathy, Conor ensures health and fitness are not just about performance, but about long-term recovery, resilience, and confidence.

Kevin Connolly

At Bridgewater School, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Forest School Leader Kevin Connolly champions outdoor learning as a vital part of holistic education. By engaging with the natural world, pupils develop physical skills, social confidence, creativity and curiosity. Kevin shares how stepping outside transforms learning into an immersive, memorable and child-led experience.

Can you give an example of a typical Forest School activity?

Every visit is different, but children might build dens, weave with natural materials, create mud sculptures, or hunt for mini-beasts. Using sticks, leaves and rocks as tools sparks imagination and problem-solving.

Each session is designed to be engaging, fun, safe and student-led, allowing children to discover the world in their own way.

How does outdoor learning benefit children academically and socially?

Outdoor learning develops a range of skills beyond traditional academics. Activities in our woods enhance teamwork, communication, and creative thinking, while also boosting physical wellbeing. Children gain resilience, confidence and an appreciation for nature, which supports emotional wellbeing. These experiences complement classroom learning, creating wellrounded, capable learners.

When Health Takes a Curve: Talking Honestly About Peyronie’s Disease

Let’s be honest — talking about men’s health below the belt isn’t easy. It’s one of those subjects people tend to whisper about, if they mention it at all. But sometimes, silence does more harm than good. One condition that rarely gets a mention, but really should, is Peyronie’s disease.

It’s a fairly common issue that affects men, particularly as they get older, yet most people have never even heard of it. And because of embarrassment or misunderstanding, many men suffer in silence. So, let’s bring it out of the shadows and talk about what it really is — in clear, straightforward terms.

What Exactly Is Peyronie’s Disease?

Peyronie’s disease is a condition that affects the penis, the external male organ used for urination and reproduction It happens when scar tissue — known as plaque — forms beneath the skin. This causes the penis to bend or curve when erect.

Now, a slight curve is perfectly normal for many men and nothing to worry about. But with Peyronie’s disease, the curve can be more pronounced, sometimes painful, and it may cause distress or discomfort.

It’s not an infection, it’s not cancer, and it’s certainly not contagious. It’s simply the body’s reaction to a bit of internal scarring — and it’s more common than you might think.

How Does It Happen?

Doctors don’t always know the exact cause, but the leading theory is that it often starts with a minor injury — perhaps a small tear or bruise that goes unnoticed at the time. When the body repairs itself, a patch of tough scar tissue can form. Because that area doesn’t stretch the same way as normal tissue, it causes a bend when the penis becomes firm.

Some men notice it appears suddenly, while for others it develops gradually. It tends to affect men aged between 40 and 70, though it can happen earlier too.

Spotting the Signs

The most obvious sign is a noticeable curve or bend in the penis, especially during an erection. Some men may feel a firm lump under the skin, which is the scar tissue itself. Pain or shortening can also occur.

While the physical effects can be frustrating, it’s often the emotional toll that’s hardest — feelings of embarrassment, worry, or loss of confidence are all common.

What Can Be Done About It?

Here’s the reassuring bit: Peyronie’s disease can be treated. In mild cases, doctors may simply suggest keeping an eye on it — sometimes, the condition improves on its own.

For others, there are medications or non-surgical therapies that help break down the scar tissue and make things more flexible again. In more advanced cases, surgery might be recommended to correct the curvature.

The key message? There are options. And the earlier you talk to a healthcare professional, the better the outcome is likely to be.

The Emotional Side

It’s easy to underestimate how much this condition can affect a man’s confidence and self-esteem. Many men feel they can’t talk about it — even to their partner or GP. But there’s no need for embarrassment. This is a medical condition like any other, and doctors see it regularly.

Experts often point out that the hardest part for many men isn’t the physical change — it’s the silence. Once couples

start talking about it openly, that anxiety often begins to ease.

If you’re struggling emotionally, a chat with a therapist or even a trusted friend can make all the difference.

Breaking the Silence

The truth is, Peyronie’s disease doesn’t define anyone. It doesn’t make you any less healthy, masculine, or whole. It’s simply something that happens — and with the right care, it can be managed successfully.

So maybe it’s time we started speaking more openly about these “taboo” topics. Health is health, after all. And by talking about conditions like Peyronie’s disease without shame or judgement, we make it easier for everyone to get the help they deserve.

Because when it comes to our bodies, a little honesty really does go a long way.

Mr Arie Parnham, a leading urological surgeon, has spent years helping men navigate the challenges of Peyronie’s disease. His approach combines the latest treatments with an emphasis on honest conversation and confidence-building care.

How The Wilmslow Hospital’s breast care services can support

you

If you need a routine breast screening or are concerned about breast symptoms, HCA Healthcare UK’s experts at The Wilmslow Hospital are on hand to offer support.

Breast screening

The best way to keep on top of your breast health is through regular screening. Even if you don’t have any obvious symptoms, breast screens can detect irregularities at the earliest stages when a potential cancer is much easier to treat. To support you, The Wilmslow Hospital offers routine breast screening to women over 40 who aren’t experiencing symptoms and haven’t had a mammogram in the last 12 months. Using the latest diagnostic equipment, including 2D and 3D mammography and ultrasound, our screens can give you assurance of your breast health.

Whatever your age, if you spot something concerning, you should visit your GP or breast specialist without delay. So, what should you look for? Keep an eye out for any new lumps on your breast or underarm, or changes in the appearance of your breasts, like dimpling of the skin, redness, or a change in size or shape. You should also

be aware of changes to the nipple, like unusual discharge, eczema, a rash or the nipple inverting.

One-Stop Breast Clinic

After seeing your GP, you can ask them to refer you to The Wilmslow Hospital’s One-Stop Breast Clinic, which offers consultations with breast experts and all initial diagnostic tests in a single visit. You can also be referred if anything is detected during a routine breast screening, or through self-referral in some cases.

At your appointment, you’ll have a consultation with one of our consultants and our breast care nurses, who’ll discuss your symptoms and carry out an examination. Next, you’ll have a mammogram so our team can look for any abnormalities. They might also give you an ultrasound so they can take a closer look. You’ll get the results from these tests during your visit, and after discussing these with the team, you can go home with peace of mind that day.

If you’d like to book an appointment at The Wilmslow Hospital, our experts are ready to help. call: +44(0)161 516 9053 or visit:

If we detect any irregularities, we might take a biopsy, with results available in a couple of days. Waiting for results can be very worrying, so our specialist breast care nurses will be on hand to offer support.

Expert onwards care

There are times our tests lead to a cancer diagnosis. If they do, you’ll have fast access to the latest and most innovative cancer treatments at our sister site, The Christie Private Care. Our specialists, including surgeons, radiologists and clinical nurse specialists, work in multidisciplinary teams to discuss your treatment options and collaboratively devise a treatment plan that puts your needs first. Some of our expert breast surgeons include:

• Mr Mohammed Absar

• Mr Richard Johnson

• Mr John Murphy

• Mr Nikitas Dimopoulos

• Mr Jalal Kokan

• Mr Amir Sharif

https://www.hcahealthcare.co.uk/locations/hospitals/the-wilmslowhospital/services-at-the-wilmslow-hospital/breast-care

Snowboarding & Ski Injury Prevention

As the days grow shorter and the nights turn colder, winter is just around the corner — and this year comes with an extra buzz as the Winter Olympics head to Italy in February. At Harris & Ross, we’ll be watching closely as our very own Mia Brookes, current World Snowboard Champion, goes for gold.

For those of us not competing in the Olympics, now is the perfect time to dust off the skis and snowboards and start planning that long-awaited trip to the mountains. But before you hit the slopes, it’s essential to prepare your body properly — not only to reduce the risk of injury, but to make the most of your time on the snow.

Common Snow-Sport Injuries

Skiing and snowboarding are exhilarating — but they carry their share of injury risks. Most occur through sudden trauma after a fall.

• Snowboarders most often injure their wrists, which account for around a third of all snowboardrelated injuries. Shoulder strains, ankle sprains, collarbone fractures and concussion are also frequent.

• Skiers are more prone to knee injuries, particularly ACL tears, which make up roughly a fifth of skiing injuries. MCL and LCL sprains, lower-leg contusions and tibial fractures are also common.

Prepare with Strength, Stability & Balance

Both sports demand full-body strength, especially through the legs and core.

A typical day on the slopes can mean five to six hours of continuous activity — often for several days in a row. Sitting at a desk all year and then heading straight for the mountains is a recipe for aches, strains, or worse.

A focused pre-ski or pre-snowboard training plan should include:

Lower-limb strength:

Squats, lunges, deadlifts and stepups strengthen the quads, hamstrings, glutes and calves. Strong legs improve endurance, shock absorption and knee stability.

Core stability:

A strong core maintains posture and balance on uneven terrain. Try planks, Russian twists and antirotation movements with bands. Dynamic stability training can boost performance and reduce injury risk.

Proprioception & balance:

Exercises on unstable surfaces (BOSU balls, wobble boards) improve joint awareness and reaction time. Add movement challenges like medicineball throws to mirror real-life unpredictability on the slopes.

Learning How to Fall

It may sound counterintuitive, but knowing how to fall safely is an underrated skill. Techniques used in martial arts and parkour help spread impact forces and protect the wrists and shoulders. A few sessions learning proper falling mechanics can make a real difference.

Recovery & Maintenance

By Harris & Ross

Preparation doesn’t stop when you reach the mountains. Regular stretching, mobility work and sports massage keep muscles supple and balanced. After each day, gentle stretching and good hydration reduce stiffness and aid recovery — helping you get back out there the next morning.

How Harris & Ross Can Help

Whether you’re gearing up for a winter adventure or recovering from a past injury, our team can build a tailored conditioning and recovery plan to get you mountain-ready. From pre-season strength and balance programmes to targeted sports massage and recovery advice, we’ll help you stay strong, safe and confident on the snow.

By focusing on strength, stability, balance and technique, you can dramatically reduce your risk of injury — and make this your best season yet.

Harris & Ross have clinics in Manchester City Centre, Wilmslow, Altrincham and Wigan. You can book in with any of our physios at any of our locations, online or by calling us on 0161 832 9000.

Please see website for offer

“Peace of mind for you and your family at all times”

The Private GP & Night Doctor Service

Dr Bruce Jobling

prompt telephone advice, a face to face consultation or organising an admission into hospital, anytime, day or night – all provided by a small group of doctors whom they know.

We are a group of experienced GPs based in South Manchester, we offer the highest level of medical care, above and beyond the NHS. Whilst the NHS is a good system, demand has increased so much that it has become almost impossible for it to offer the prompt and personal care that we all wish for.

We believe our registered patients want a professional service with peace of mind at all times – from

Hopefully, you will not need to see a doctor urgently, but accidents or illnesses can occur when least expected, and having to travel or wait several hours for healthcare can only make the ordeal worse.

You can stay registered with your NHS GP, as our aim is not to replace your care but to work alongside it, providing you with our extra medical care when you or your family need it most.

It only takes two minutes to register online today, so we can look after you in the future, 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.

• 24 hrs a day

• 7 days a week

• Personal and confidential

• Well-being and full health checks with general blood tests

• Night and weekend home visits

• Quick and easy to book a routine or same day or evening appointment

• Covering Hale, Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Didsbury and their surrounding areas

• Available every hour of every day, true 24/7 care

Registration fee from £24 per month plus consultation fees. You can remain with your NHS GP. If this service is of interest to you or your family, please register.

The return of the Good Night Out: And it starts at SDK

Once home to the legendary Bijou Club, this cathedral-side venue has been transformed into SDK: Manchester’s boldest new playground for dining, drinking and dancing.

Just steps from Manchester Cathedral, a new energy is pulsing through the historic Cathedral Arches district. SDK, the latest opening from nightlife visionary Damien Matto, has reimagined the iconic former Bijou Club into a sleek, multi-layered destination for all-day dining, sunset cocktails and elevated late-night revelry.

To bring the concept to life, Damien partnered with Premier League winner Danny Simpson, who brings his own deep-rooted passion for nightlife and a global point of view. Danny has experienced some of the world’s most exciting nightlife, from Dubai to Marbella. His insight helped shape SDK into something authentically international yet distinctly Manchester.

Once a magnet for global stars from Drake to Justin Bieber, The Bijou Club helped define Manchester’s club culture for a decade. But as Matto watched the city evolve post-pandemic, he sensed a shift. Guests still craved excitement, but with a new emphasis on experience, atmosphere and fluid day-to-night socialising.

Sitting pretty in Greengate Square, SDK is literally a minute’s stroll from Harvey Nichols, which makes it dangerously convenient after a Sunday shopping spree.

The vibe? Think Mediterranean-inspired sharing plates, a bar shaking up everything from classic cocktails to creative signatures, and a soundtrack that evolves into live entertainment and DJ sets as the night goes on. And by late evening, SDK effortlessly shifts into a sleek, buzzing hangout.

If you’re around on a Sunday, their roast is a bit of a revelation. The platter for two comes loaded with succulent roast beef, tender chicken supreme, rich currant gravy, smashed roast potatoes, buttery seasonal veg, crisp Yorkies and all the proper trimmings. You also get a complimentary drink each. Choose from Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, lager or a signature mocktail. It’s indulgent, relaxed and excellent value at £25 per person.

Fridays bring their tongue-in-cheek ‘Fries Before Guys’ special: 60 minutes of unlimited truffle fries with every sauce you can imagine, paired with bottomless drinks and cocktails. All for £25 per person - or upgrade to a plate of steak for just a fiver more. Weekend plans sorted.

When we visited on a Friday night, the space felt instantly stylish: marble details, mirrored accents and a sophisticated but welcoming atmosphere.

The DJ was on the louder side, but it added to the energy rather than overwhelming it. The sharing plates arrive as they’re ready, which keeps the table lively.

We were four, and yes - we ordered generously: beetroot hummus with flatbread (£12), garlic & parsley crevette prawns (£11.50), fried mac & cheese balls (£15), beef sliders (£16.50), Izmir grilled chicken thighs (£17), harissa roasted aubergine (£17), and two flamegrilled sirloin steaks with peppercorn and chimichurri (£27 each). Everything was cooked beautifully, and the portions worked perfectly for sharing.

What really stands out at SDK is how well it caters to every type of night out. Whether you’re after a casual dinner, a fun get-together with friends, or a late-night session (they’ve got the licence to keep you going). The team is friendly, passionate and genuinely invested in making sure you have a great time.

A stylish setting, great food, top-notch service and that easy Manchester cool. SDK is definitely one to watch.

By Beverley

Five Guys Didsbury

This festive season, Five Guys is warming things up with a brand-new limited-edition treat: the Cinnamon Bun Shake.

Blending the cult favourite’s famously creamy milkshake base with the nostalgic sweetness of cinnamon, it’s a sip designed to feel like pulling on your favourite jumper. Born in Virginia in 1986 and arriving in London’s Covent Garden in 2013, Five Guys has long cemented itself as one of the UK’s most beloved fast-casual dining spots. An American diner classic with a fiercely loyal following. Now, the brand is leaning into the season with a shake that celebrates all things cosy, comforting and deliciously indulgent.

Inspired by the warmth and richness of autumn and winter, the Cinnamon Bun Shake promises to whisk you away from the drizzle outside and into a moment of pure, sugary pleasure. It’s the perfect excuse for a catch-up with friends, or a quiet afternoon treat when you need a little pick-me-up. “We wanted to create a shake that captures the essence of the season,” a Five Guys spokesperson said. “The Cinnamon Bun Shake is more than just a drink; it’s a Five Guys hug in a cup, perfect for enjoying on an autumn day.” The launch also expands Five Guys’ famously customisable menu, giving fans yet another way to get creative. With more than 1,000 possible flavour combinations thanks to the brand’s mix-ins and fresh ingredients, the Cinnamon Bun Shake can be enjoyed exactly as it comes or used as the foundation for your own bespoke creation.

Available for a limited time, the new shake can be enjoyed for dine-in or takeaway at Five Guys locations nationwide, and is also available for delivery via Uber Eats, Just Eat and Deliveroo.

Bullgogi

Manchester

There’s a new sizzle in Manchester, and it’s not coming from a steakhouse or a trendy tapas bar; it’s from a Korean BBQ grill that’s about to become the city’s hottest dining destination. From the team behind the viral Korean street food brand Bunsik, Bullgogi brings the essence of Seoul’s vibrant dining culture straight to Piccadilly Plaza, with a dash of modern luxury and plenty of flame.

Bullgogi isn’t just a meal; it’s a performance. Guests gather around tabletop grills, transforming dinner into an interactive feast. It’s a celebration of togetherness, cooking, sharing, and chatting over sizzling cuts of premium meat and marinated seafood. At 165 covers, this is the largest Korean BBQ restaurant in the UK, yet it somehow manages to feel intimate, all flickering flames and lively conversation. The restaurant’s name fuses Bull (strength, vitality) with Gogi (the Korean word for meat), and that spirit runs through the menu. With sleek digital ordering screens at every booth, Bullgogi combines tradition with tech in a way that feels effortlessly current, a nod to Seoul’s culinary modernism.

Helmed by South Korean–born chef Hans Boo, the kitchen exudes confidence and authenticity. Boo’s passion for sharing true Korean flavours shines through in every bite from the first caramelised edge of beef sizzling on the grill to the delicate heat of a house-made kimchi. For lunch, the Hansang Set Menu offers a refined yet generous experience. Inspired by the sang, a traditional low Korean dining table, each tray arrives as a perfectly balanced symphony of textures: a main dish — perhaps Bibimbap, Spicy Pork, or Kimchi Jjigae surrounded by a constellation of side dishes. Small plates also impress. The Prawn Pancake is light yet indulgent, while the Cheese Potato Pancake, gooey, golden, and dangerously addictive, is a mustshare (though you won’t want to). For noodle lovers, Gim Guksu’s buckwheat ribbons glisten in perilla oil and seaweed, while Kal Bibim Myun offers a fiery tangle of wheat noodles and squid, laced with perilla seed powder for an earthy lift.

To complete the experience, the bar leans into Korean mixology with Soju-based cocktails and the popular Somaek, a playful beer-and-soju concoction that pairs perfectly with smoky meats. Guests can even create their own mix, choosing from curated Soju and Korean beer combinations, a ritual that’s both social and delicious. With its blend of authenticity, theatre, and innovation, Bullgogi Manchester is more than just a restaurant; it’s an event. Whether you’re a Korean BBQ aficionado or a curious newcomer, expect to leave with full bellies, glowing cheeks, and the irresistible scent of smoke clinging to your clothes like a memory of Seoul nights. Manchester, get ready, Bullgogi is about to turn up the heat.

Bullgogi Manchester | 6A Piccadilly Plaza, Manchester M1 4AH www.bullgogi.com

A little Italian magic this Christmas at San Carlo

There’s something about Christmas that calls for sparkle, and nowhere does it quite like San Carlo

Step inside and you’re met with that unmistakable hum of Italian hospitality: the chatter of friends over wine, the clink of glassware, the scent of truffle and fresh basil drifting through the air. It’s the perfect antidote to grey winter days. An instant escape to Milan without leaving the city.

San Carlo’s story began in Birmingham in the early 1990s when founder Carlo Distefano, armed with passion and family recipes, opened his first restaurant. His dream? To bring authentic Italian dining - where food, family, and flair collide - to the UK. Three decades later, the San Carlo name has become synonymous with la dolce vita. Think impeccable food, glamorous interiors, and that signature service where every guest feels like a regular.

This season, San Carlo invites you to celebrate with a line-up of festive menus that are pure indulgence. Whether it’s a laid-back lunch with colleagues or an evening of sparkle with friends, the Christmas Fayre Lunch & Dinner Menu sets the scene for something special.

Start with Antipasti to share and savour. Perhaps Gamberoni Luciana (king prawns with garlic and chilli), Mozzarella in Carrozza (fried mozzarella in bread with a basil and tomato sauce), or Burrata e Pomodoro (creamy burrata

from Puglia with marinated beef tomato carpaccio).

For mains, there’s everything from Branzino (pan-fried sea bass with lime sauce) to Tagliatelle Porcini (chestnut pasta with porcini mushrooms and black truffle) and the ultimate festive favourite, Tacchino con Ripieno di Castagne ( turkey with chestnut stuffing, pancettawrapped chipolatas and Italian jus).

And because San Carlo never skimps on the finale, desserts are a dream. Panettone Bread and Butter Pudding, Ferrero Rocher Cake, or a silky Panna Cotta that feels like Christmas in every spoonful.

At £48.50 per person, including tea and coffee, it’s a three-course celebration of Italian flavour, with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free dishes ensuring everyone gets a taste of the magic. If your perfect Christmas Day involves zero cooking and maximum glamour, San Carlo’s Christmas Day Festive Lunch is the one to book.

Start with six beautifully curated Antipasti, from the showstopping Avocado Bernardo (avocado topped with lobster, scampi, and prawns in Marie Rose sauce) to Crostone Funghi e Tartufo (toasted Altamura bread with mushrooms, truffle and Grana Padano).

A crisp Champagne Sorbet follows to refresh the palate. An elegant touch that sets the tone.

Then come the mains: Tournedo Rossini (fillet of beef in Madeira wine with truffle), Salmone Prosecco e Gamberetti (panfried salmon with Norwegian prawns and Prosecco sauce), or the classic Tacchino con Ripieno di Castagne. Each dish arrives with seasonal vegetables and rosemary potatoes - the kind that make you wish every Sunday dinner came from an Italian kitchen.

Desserts are pure festive joy: Torta Pistacchio (Sicilian pistachio cake), Meringata alle Fragole (strawberry meringue cake), and Pere al Chianti (Chianti-poached pears with hazelnut ice cream).

Priced at £94.50 per person (children under 12 half price), it’s an indulgent yet effortless way to make Christmas Day unforgettable.

With its blend of elegance, energy, and unapologetic indulgence, San Carlo turns every meal into a celebration and Christmas into something truly special. Whether you’re there for a long lunch, a glittering evening, or the big day itself, one thing’s certain: you’ll leave with a smile, a story, and probably a craving to come back.

To book your festive celebration, visit sancarlo.co.uk.

Anthony Ekizian, culinary director of the steakhouse group Gaucho, shares two of his recipes from GAUCHO The Cookbook

Swipe Left on Leftovers, Swipe Right on Flavour

When you’re fed up of feasting on turkey leftovers, treat your loved ones to a fiery Lomo al Diablo followed by a Sticky Apple, Date and Toffee Pudding –perfect to impress without being flashy.

A fiery, flavourful take on steak. This dish combines succulent and tender beef fillet with a bold kick of spices - perfect if you like something quick to cook with plenty of heat.

Lomo al Diablo SERVES 2

4 x 100g fillet (lomo) medallions Olive oil for brushing Sea salt

For the spicy rub

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

30g flat-leaf parsley, leaves finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, crushed 2 teaspoons aji molido 1/2 teaspoon sherry vinegar 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano

Method:

Mix all the ingredients for the rub together and set aside (this will make a little more than you need for the recipe, but the remainder will keep for up to 1 month in an airtight container).

In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients for the salsa. Set aside.

Place the steak medallions on a large tray and pat them dry with kitchen paper. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the spicy rub evenly over the beef medallions, massaging the rub into the surface to ensure it sticks well. Cover the medallions with foil and marinate them in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to 12 hours.

Meanwhile, prepare your barbecue to produce a high heat and bring the meat up to room temperature.

When you’re ready to cook, season the medallions with salt, then place them directly on the grill. Sear them for 2 minutes, then flip them and grill them for 2 minutes on the other side – this will give you a medium-rare finish.

Remove the steaks from the grill, cover with foil and leave them to rest for about 5 minutes before serving with the salsa drizzled over.

This large, sticky pudding is the perfect treat for a cold day or a classic end to a roast. You can buy the toffee sauce if you’re short on time, but we encourage you to make it – it’s out of this world.

Sticky Apple, Date & Toffee Pudding

SERVES 6–8

230g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting

100g dark brown soft sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon mixed spice

80ml vegetable oil

80ml whole milk

2 eggs, lightly beaten

1 large eating apple, peeled, cored, and chopped into 5mm dice

75g pitted dates, chopped into bite-sized pieces

For the toffee sauce

100g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

150g dark brown soft sugar 150ml double cream

You will also need a 23cm-square baking tin or an oval ovenproof dish (26cm x 18cm, 5cm deep).

Method:

Heat the oven to 180°C/160°C fan. Grease your baking tin with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, sugar, baking powder and mixed spice. In a separate bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, milk and eggs.

Pour the wet mixture on to the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Gently fold in the apple and dates.

Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean.

While the pudding is baking, make the toffee sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over a low heat. Stir in the sugar and double cream. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to the boil, then cook for 3–4 minutes, until the sugar is fully dissolved and the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Set aside and keep warm.

Leave the baked pudding to cool slightly. Pour the warm toffee sauce over the top just before serving. Alternatively, serve in slices with the sauce on the side for pouring over.

Fenix: A Mythic Midday Escape

Tucked into the Goods Yard building in Manchester’s evolving St John’s district, Fenix Manchester markets itself as a portal to an elevated, modern Greek Mediterranean fantasia. Its very DNA is theatrical, with a design narrative of fire, myth, and rebirth, a detail obsessed immersive restaurant where almost every element is calibrated to transport, not just feed.

On a bright weekday midday, the restaurant’s promise is put to the test: Can the spectacle settle into something elegant and functional for lunch service? The verdict is most certainly, yes.

From the moment you step in, you sense that Fenix treats dining as theatre. The décor leans strongly into drama: faux sandstone walls, flowing olive wood, brass accents, and vapour effects rise from the bar like flickers of flame. Staff uniforms, and even the greeters dressed in Grecian robes, are part of the mise en scène.

Yet, in daylight, the interior softens. The bold theatricality becomes more textured than overwhelming, the sculpted surfaces, the ambient light, rather than feeling dazzled. Staff movement is choreographed to feel polished and professional.

In short, Fenix manages the balancing act between spectacle and shelter. It can feel grand, but it doesn’t collapse into a gimmick.

Fenix offers an all-day set menu from noon to 5.30 pm, at £32.50 for two courses and £37.50 for three. This is essentially a midday approach to their larger menu. The offerings mirror the restaurant’s wider philosophy: modern Greek with inventive flair, reinterpreted classics, and shareable plates.

Starters & small plates: Tarama and blistered pita are dependable openers. A sea bass tartare with citrus and a sheen of glaze is elegant and visually striking.

Mains: The deconstructed moussaka layers slow roasted aubergine, braised beef and béchamel — comfort in high style. Spiced tiger prawns are a showstopper.

Desserts: Cinnamon crème brûlée and lemon apple sorbet bring playful creativity.

Service is confident, polished, and well-trained to the concept: servers offer menu narration, guide wine pairings, and seem well-rehearsed in the brand’s ethos.

Fenix Manchester is a bold, sometimes extravagant proposition. It doesn’t shy from spectacle, but its greatest strength is that the food often justifies the ambition. The lunch offering is inventive, beautifully plated, and frequently delightful.

By Salim Uddin-Khandakar

What to expect on Entrance Exam day

If you are joining us at 11+, one of your child's first steps on the Stockport Grammar School journey is to sit our entrance exam.

As an Independent School, we use the entrance exam process to ensure that academically, this is the right choice for your child. The exam consists of two Maths papers, two English papers and a Verbal Reasoning paper designed to stretch your child's mind and showcase their potential.

This doesn’t need to be a daunting experience; at SGS, we make the day as fun as possible. If your child is studying for an entrance exam in January, we would like to share some tips that might help them on the day:

• Wear something comfortable on the day. You know the feeling, you’ve got a day full of meetings, your trousers

Bassoon players at MGS

At MGS, our aspiration is to make Music enjoyable, stimulating, and rewarding for every pupil. Alongside the wealth of vibrant performance opportunities our boys enjoy beyond the classroom, our dedicated team of highly qualified teachers — including nearly 30 peripatetic specialists — provides a rich and engaging programme of academic study. We are delighted to celebrate our talented Bassoon players — an instrumental group often described as the “heart of the orchestra” for their warm tone and unique blend of depth and character. From year 5 Junior School pupil Morgan, who has just begun his musical journey with the instrument, to year 8 pupil Jasper, who

are a bit snug, or your tights are slipping slowly down your leg, how distracting! Let your child pick out an outfit they are comfortable in so that they can focus on the exam.

• Have a good breakfast. Food is fuel, and your child will certainly need a good breakfast to prevent their stomachs rumbling mid-paper.

• Pack their bag the night before. There’s nothing worse than trying to find your child’s favourite pen on the morning of the exam. This will add extra stress onto both you and your child. Having their bag packed the night before with a pencil case, water

is working towards Grade 3, to year 10 pupil Angus, who has achieved his Grade 8, our bassoonists contribute enormously to the life of Music at MGS and to ensembles both within school and beyond.

Beth Duncan, visiting music teacher at the school, commented: " The bassoon has given me a wealth of incredible experiences: beyond local teaching and performing, I have delivered workshops around the country; I have had opportunities to perform with worldclass musicians from across Europe; I have performed on television; and have even been a music festival artist!

“The bassoon is often a key instrument in an ensemble, as its low tessitura provides a solid foundation for the harmony. It has a unique ability to blend with a wide range of instruments - often in orchestra, you can find the bassoon paired with low brass or horns, as well as being an important member of its own family: woodwind. Furthermore, due to its impressive range, the bassoon can occupy a variety of roles: not only can the bassoon provide the bass from which the harmony is built, but it also

bottle, and candidate number will help alleviate a lot of on-the-day stress and make the day much smoother for you both.

• Try and relax the night before the exam. It may be tempting to go over some last-minute revision, but we find that pupils respond better to the exam if they have had a relaxing evening and a good night’s sleep the night before.

If you haven’t registered for our Entrance Exam yet, don’t panic! The deadline to apply is December 5th, 2025. You can find all the details about the exam, including past papers, on our website.

has a beautiful high register that is used for stunning melodies. In addition, the bassoon itself has a great personality: it is often used to characterise humour and is sometimes referred to as the "clown of the orchestra". Given that the bassoon has such versatility, students have a lot to gain from learning this beautiful instrument. They learn to be a soloist - finding their own voice to express themselves through music. They learn to support others in ensembles. These aspects combined develop students' aural ability to listen and adapt to other musical voices.”

She concluded by saying: “As the bassoon is so rare to find - especially in schools - young bassoonists find that, unlike other instruments, they are often the only students with their instrument.

This encourages students to hold their own without the temptation to negatively compare themselves to others around them. Furthermore, the shortage of bassoons makes young bassoonists attractive to ensembles, not only within school but locally and even nationally.”

As Mrs Ellie Clark begins her second year as Head of Junior School at Withington, she reflects on a year filled with energy, progress and community spirit. From musical productions to sports events, her inaugural year has been rich with memorable moments. “Getting to know our pupils and watching their confidence blossom has been a real highlight,” she shares. “The sense of community here is incredibly special.”

This year also marks a significant milestone for Withington: girls who join the Junior School will, in Year 6, be offered a place in the Senior School, a change that brings both reassurance and opportunity. “We’re proud to offer this seamless transition,” says Mrs Clark. “This means our pupils are prepared not just for an entrance exam, but for the next stage

A New Chapter for Withington’s Junior School

of their education. It reduces pressure and affirms our confidence in each girl’s potential.” While pupils will still sit the entrance examination, it will now serve as an internal assessment tool, helping teachers tailor support and curriculum planning. Importantly, exam results will no longer determine whether a place is offered.

Families can also look forward to celebratory meetings with Senior School staff during Year 6, designed to formally confirm each pupil’s progression and begin building strong relationships for the years ahead.

To support this transition, the Junior School curriculum is being reviewed, particularly in Years 5 and 6. “We’re deepening subject exploration and nurturing a genuine love of learning,” Mrs Clark explains. “Our goal is to ensure girls are not only academically prepared but also confident and curious.”

For parents concerned about exam readiness, Mrs Clark offers reassurance.

“We already have a deep understanding of each girl’s academic ability. The entrance exam is just one of many tools we use to support their development.” Pupils will continue to build key skills like reasoning and written expression through their lessons, with dedicated time to familiarise themselves with exam formats.

Beyond academics, Withington places strong emphasis on personal development. “We focus on developing confident, compassionate individuals,” says Mrs Clark. “Wellbeing and pastoral care are central to everything we do.” Each pupil is known and supported as an individual, with initiatives like Girls on Board helping them navigate friendships and build interpersonal skills.

The school’s open-door policy and close collaboration with families ensure that every girl feels understood and supported. “We work in partnership with parents to address any concerns early and effectively,” she adds. “Come and visit us. There’s something truly special about the atmosphere here.”

Bridgewater School in Worsley is celebrating the findings of the recent Independent School Inspectorate report following a visit from the ISI in September. The inspection confirmed that all statutory standards were met and highlighted the school’s inclusive ethos, strong sense of community and dedication to helping every pupil flourish.

Judy Nairn, Headteacher, said: “This report captures the spirit of Bridgewater – a community where pupils feel valued, supported and inspired to be the best version of themselves.”

The ISI Inspection report recognises Bridgewater’s inclusive values and dedication to pupil growth and wellbeing.

During the two-and-a-half-day visit, a team of five inspectors explored every aspect of school life through lesson observations, enrichment activities and discussions with pupils, staff and parents. Their findings reflect Bridgewater’s ethos of holistic learning, nurturing every child academically, socially, physically and emotionally through its core values of inclusivity, intellect, integrity and inspiration.

Leadership and management were recognised for their clarity of vision and culture of listening: “Leaders have a clear vision for the school, driven by their overriding ambition for pupils to flourish and achieve to the best of their abilities.”

Inspectors commented on the quality of teaching and learning, noting that “pupils learn effectively and achieve

King’s £5m Sports Pavilion Opening 2026

The King’s School has announced the opening of a brand-new sports pavilion in 2026, at its 80-acre Prestbury campus.

Thanks to a substantial legacy left by former pupil Roy Forster, the building will be named the Forster Pavilion and opened in September 2026.

Mr Slack, Head and Dame Sarah Story DBE

Continuing to invest in facilities and resources for pupils is a key component of the School’s strategic development plan, to maintain its position as one of the top performing schools in both sport and academic league tables.

The Forster Pavilion will be a £5m investment in the already impressive King’s campus. It will provide a two-story

sports hub with a wrap-around spectators’ balcony, located at the centre of the school’s all-weather hockey, netball and junior football pitches. Downstairs, four changing spaces with shower facilities will accommodate up to 200 people, with five further individual changing rooms for match officials and staff. The 250m2 open-plan hospitality suite on the first floor will include full audio-visual capability, two meeting rooms and comprehensive catering facilities.

The building is fully accessible throughout, and will have a full array of solar panels on the roof, reinforcing the school’s commitment to sustainability. The pavilion will provide much-needed high-quality sports and events facilities for the many regular users of the school’s Astro pitches, including both Macclesfield and Alderley Edge Hockey Club, Alderley United FC and many other local sports clubs.

Mr Slack, Head, said: “The Forster Pavilion is testament to our ongoing commitment to providing state-of-the-

well” and that the curriculum “challenges pupils to deepen their knowledge and understanding.” In the Early Years, children’s communication, reading, writing and numeracy skills were described as “well developed by skilled staff.”

The report also highlighted the strength of Bridgewater’s pastoral care, with “leaders actively promoting pupils’ emotional wellbeing through a wellestablished system of pastoral care,” and confirmed that pupils “feel well looked after and safe in the school community.”

To discover more about the benefits of a Bridgewater education, families are warmly invited to arrange a personal visit and experience the school’s welcoming atmosphere first-hand.

art facilities for our school and wider communities. We look forward to opening the pavilion in the name of our extremely generous benefactor, who was a talented cricketer and rugby player whilst at King’s before going on to a successful career as a Vet.”

Endorsing the investment in new Sports facilities, Dame Sarah Story DBE, said: “Sport has played a huge role in my life, and is a really important part of the holistic development of children. Sport helps children’s development of a wide range of life skills that go far beyond physical fitness, including teamwork, cooperation, confidence, resilience, and respect. This new eco-friendly sports pavilion will be a fantastic addition to what is already an incredible campus at King’s. It will be a wonderful space for both King’s pupils and the local community.”

Bolton School is celebrating after its dedication to social mobility was recognised with two prestigious national awards in two weeks during October. At the Independent School Parent magazine Independent School of the Year Awards held on 14 October, Bolton School was named Independent School of the Year for Contribution to Social Mobility 2025. The School was represented at the ceremony by Nic Ford, Head of the Boys’ Division, and Jane Mees, the School’s Outreach and Bursary Support Manager, who proudly accepted the award together on the School’s behalf.

This accolade comes close on the heels of the annual UK Social Mobility (SOMO) Awards, on 2 October, where Bolton School was named School/College of

Bolton School Wins Second National Award for Contribution to Social Mobility

the Year. The School received the award in recognition of the scale of the impact of its nationally-leading bursary scheme, which supports 1 in 5 Senior School pupils; its dedicated outreach and admissions activities which ensure broad access to families and potential candidates who would most benefit from bursary support; and the dedicated pastoral provision it provides to ensure bursary students thrive throughout their time at school and as they continue into adulthood. The effectiveness of this work is already measurable, and bursary students leave Bolton School not only with strong qualifications but the confidence and competence to realise their ambitions and contribute meaningfully to society.

The School’s extensive wider Partnership work in the Bolton community also supports social mobility for students beyond Bolton School by raising aspirations for young people in primary and secondary education across the region.

The Open Futures Bursary Campaign and its goal of growing the School’s bursary scheme to support 1 in 3 pupils was also a key part of the School’s submission for both awards. This campaign has already raised over half a million pounds in donations and pledges since its launch in May, offering further proof that the School community, including many Alumni who benefitted from a funded place themselves, wish to ensure that the ladder of social mobility remains in good repair for the next generation of pupils at the School.

Head of Foundation Philip Britton said:

“We have been delighted to accept these two prestigious awards for our social mobility work in the past fortnight. First and foremost, Bolton School’s work in this regard is transforming the life chances of many individual young people, providing them with opportunities and encouraging their aspirations.”

Abbey College Manchester Expands Enrichment Programme

Abbey College Manchester, a leading independent college in the heart of the city, has bolstered its enrichment programme to include a host of new career-focused activities.

Designed to broaden students’ horizons beyond the classroom, the college’s newly extended enrichment programme introduces nationally recognised opportunities that combine practical skill development with career awareness.

Among the new highlights is The Bank of England Project, which immerses students into the workings of the UK’s central bank and offers hands-on experience in financial analysis, economic research, and policy-making.

Another key addition, the British Sign Language (BSL) Course equips students

with valuable communication skills, promotes inclusivity, and offers a recognised qualification that enhances future employability.

The new Partner University Talks series connects students with representatives from leading institutions in the college’s network of university partners. The sessions provide first-hand insights into degree options and admissions processes. The new opportunities complement Abbey College Manchester's existing diverse enrichment programme.

Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports activities, including football, basketball, yoga and badminton, as well as having access to exercise and fitness facilities.

A wide range of creative and academic clubs are also available, including Art

& Photography, Film Club, Audio Books listen and discussion, Wellbeing club, Science club, Year 13 medical club, Engineering Club, Astronomy club, and Origami club.

Choosing the right school for your son is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. As Chair of Governors at Altrincham Preparatory School (APS), I often speak to parents who want not only academic excellence but also a nurturing environment where their child can flourish as a confident, wellrounded individual. An independent education offers exactly that — and so much more.

At first glance, school fees may seem a significant commitment. But what you’re investing in is a lifelong return: an education that develops not just knowledge, but character, curiosity, resilience and leadership — an education that prepares your son for life, not just exams.

This year marks an extraordinary milestone in the life of St Bede’s College, 150 years of educating, inspiring, and nurturing young people from across Greater Manchester and beyond.

Since opening our doors in 1876, St Bede’s has remained faithful to its founding mission: to provide an education that shapes not only the mind but the heart. It is a school built on values of inspiration, commitment, and gratitude, values that continue

Why Choose an Independent Education –And Why Altrincham Preparatory School Could Be the Perfect Start for Your Son

By Andrew Hill, Chair of the Board of Governors, Altrincham Preparatory School

The Academic Advantage Research consistently shows that pupils in independent schools make up to two additional years of progress by age 16. Smaller class sizes, specialist teachers and a tailored approach to learning mean greater personal attention and deeper understanding. At APS, our bespoke curriculum extends beyond the National Curriculum, inspiring a genuine love of learning across a broad range of subjects.

Developing the Whole Child

Academic achievement is only one measure of success. At APS, we believe education should shape character and confidence as much as intellect. Through sport, music, drama, art and an extensive range of clubs, our boys learn teamwork, creativity and

leadership — skills vital for future success. Every experience, from match days to musical performances, builds resilience and self-belief.

Pastoral Care at the Heart

Happiness underpins everything we do. Our dedicated staff know each boy as an individual, supporting his emotional wellbeing alongside academic growth. A happy boy is a thriving boy — and that’s what we nurture every day.

A Warm Invitation

Altrincham Preparatory School is a vibrant, standalone boys’ school with a proud history and a bright future. We warmly invite you to our Open Morning on Saturday 7th March, 9.30am–12.00pm, to experience our unique atmosphere for yourself.

This year marks an extraordinary milestone in the life of St Bede’s College

By Mrs Maria Kemp, Headteacher, St Bede’s College, Manchester

to guide every pupil, every teacher, and every family who walks through our doors. For me, this anniversary carries a deeply personal meaning. As both Headteacher and a mother of seven children, with two of my children and three of my grandchildren in our school, I have entrusted St Bede’s with what I hold most dear. I see every day, both as an educator and a mother, the warmth, care and ambition that make this community so special. It’s a place where pupils are truly known, celebrated for who they are, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Our 150th anniversary year in 2026 will be a time of great celebration, honouring our history while looking with optimism to the future. We will come together for a special Mass of thanksgiving, a celebratory Ball at the iconic Midland Hotel, and a spectacular whole-school

concert at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall. The festivities will culminate in a summer Funfair, welcoming pupils, families, alumni and our wider community to celebrate the spirit of St Bede’s.

As we reflect on a century and a half of faith, learning and friendship, we also look ahead with hope, proud of our past, inspired by our present, and committed to the next generation of Bedians who will carry this legacy forward.

We warmly invite families to visit the College and discover whether St Bede’s could be the right place for their child to thrive. We are also reconnecting with our alumni community and would love to welcome former pupils back to share in our celebrations.

WHAT’S ON

The festive season is now underway with a bountiful supply of shows and experiences on offer across Greater Manchester. We have UK premieres, fabulous retellings of classic stories, immersive experiences, skating extravaganzas and, of course, pantomimes and family musicals. There is no shortage of things to see and do in the run-up to Christmas and over the holidays – so check your calendar, book some tickets and have fun.

Festive Shows & Experiences

Believe! The Polar Express Experience

O2 Victoria Warehouse

Until 31 December

Enjoy a delicious hot chocolate in Santa’s workshop whilst you help Santa prepare for the big day. A terrific experience for families in this immersive theatre adventure.

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical Palace Theatre Manchester

Until 3 January

TINA visits the Palace Theatre on its first-ever UK tour. From humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her triumphant transformation into a multi-award-winning global superstar, Tina Turner won 12 Grammy Awards and sold more concert tickets than any other solo performer in history. This fast-paced production takes you on a journey through her unbelievable life, covering the highs and lows whilst featuring many of her big hits, including Nutbush City Limits and What’s Love Got To Do With It.

Robin Hood Opera House, Manchester

Until 4 January

Jason Manford and Ben Nickless return to the fabulous spectacle that is the Opera House pantomime. This year it is the turn of Robin Hood, and we are guaranteed great comedy, costumes, sets and incredible special effects.

The Enormous Crocodile Lowry / Until 4 January

The Enormous Crocodile is heading for Lowry this Christmas in this

mischievous musical based on Roald Dahl’s snappy book featuring a menagerie of adorable puppets, lots of great songs and fun for all the family.

Goldilocks & The Three Bears

Altrincham Garrick Playhouse

Until 4 January

This year’s panto at the Garrick has a big top circus theme featuring three hungry bears, a dastardly Ringmaster and a crystal ball.

Snowstorm – Wish

Trafford Centre / Until 4 January

World-class figure skaters, jawdropping circus acts and breathtaking visuals come together in a magical blend of storytelling, ice, movement and pure imagination. Aerialists spin high above the ice and skaters dance across the rink.

Aladdin

Stockport Plaza / Until 4 January

Brian Capron of Coronation Street fame stars in the Plaza’s fabulous production of Aladdin as the evil Abanazar.

A Christmas Carol

Bolton Octagon / Until 10 January

This joyful stage adaptation of the classic Charles Dickens novel is adapted here by Kate Ferguson and Susannah Pearse in a brand-new musical featuring toe-tapping music, festive fun and a good splash of magic.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Lowry / Until 11 January

Step through the wardrobe into the magic kingdom of Narnia, where a world of wonder awaits. This is the

perfect festive adventure for the whole family, whether it was your favourite book as a child or you are a child discovering it for the first time –everyone will love this brilliant staging of CS Lewis’ beloved novel. It is a stunning production sure to delight you all.

Unfortunate – The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch

Lowry / Until 11 January

This splash hit show returns to Lowry for a five-week run this Christmas following previous sell-out visits. Unfortunate dives into the story of everyone’s favourite Disney Diva as she gives her take on what really happened all those years ago under the sea. With an original pop soundtrack and filthy humour, buy a ticket and dive into this year’s hottest night out. Age recommendation is 16+.

Freaky Friday

HOME / Until 11 January

This new musical, based on the 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, comes to HOME for its UK stage premiere. It’s a heartfelt, comedic and emotional update on an American classic with a contemporary score and lots of gorgeous feel-good moments.

Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show

Aviva Studios

11 December – 4 January

Two worlds gleefully collide in this fun family circus show brought to the stage by the internationally acclaimed Australian circus ensemble Circa and Academy Award-winning independent studio Aardman in this UK premiere. Be entertained by Shaun and the flock as they undertake

incredible daredevil acrobatics and amazing circus skills.

Disney on Ice – Find Your Hero

AO Arena / 10 – 14 December

Find Your Hero is an adventure on ice filled with tales of heroism from your favourite Disney stories. Along the way, you will meet Moana, Anna and Elsa, The Little Mermaid, Rapunzel and many more of your cherished Disney heroes.

Home Alone in Concert

The Bridgewater Hall / 15 December

Watch this holiday cinema favourite on a large screen with the amazing score performed live by a symphony orchestra in the beautiful surroundings of the Bridgewater Hall.

The Nightmare Before Christmas Albert Hall Manchester 16 December

Enjoy an immersive screening of Tim Burton’s world where performers, live musicians and venue decorations absorb you into this fantastical story so you can celebrate all things strange, spectacular and festive.

Singin’ in the Rain Royal Exchange / Until 18 January

Director Raz Shaw returns to the Exchange following his smash hit production of The Producers with a musical packed with iconic songs such as Make ‘Em Laugh, Good Morning and of course the iconic title song Singin’ in the Rain.

Horrible Christmas

The Bridgewater Hall 28 December

Horrible Histories presents the terrific tale of Christmas. From Victorian villains to Medieval monks, Puritan

parties to Tudor treats, this is a hair-raising adventure through the history of Christmas in the most funny and wonderful way!

Little Bear and the Christmas Lights

Lowry

28 December – 4 January

Join Little Bear on her magical adventure as she searches for the perfect Christmas lights. Filled with sensory wonders, puppetry and music, this is the perfect theatrical experience for your little snow babies – ideal for 0-3 years and their families.

Adventures in Wonderland

Z-Arts / Until July 2026

Step into Alice’s shoes and have your very own magical Adventure in Wonderland in this fabulous immersive play experience. Follow the white rabbit into scenes from the book, splash in the pool of tears, make friends with the Cheshire Cat, have tea as the Mad Hatter and play croquet with the flamingos. Lots of fun to be had for children aged 1 – 8 and their families over the festive period and beyond.

Shows and Events for the New Year

Once the festive feels are over, there is still a lot to see and enjoy in January, including:

To Kill A Mockingbird

Lowry / 13 – 24 January

The powerful and enduring comingof-age story of racial injustice and childhood innocence is set in 1930s Alabama, where lawyer Atticus Finch (Richard Coyle) tries to prove the

innocence of Tom Robinson, a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman.

The Bodyguard Palace Theatre / 19 – 31 January

Starring international leading lady Sidonie Smith and Olivier Award nominee Adam Garcia, this wonderful romantic thriller of a musical features some amazing classic tunes such as One Moment in Time, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and I Will Always Love You.

The Simon & Garfunkel Story

Opera House Manchester 17 January

Using huge projection photos and original film footage, this international hit show tells the story of the meteoric rise of Simon & Garfunkel with a live band performing all the hits, including Mrs Robinson, Cecilia and Homeward Bound.

Murder at Midnight

Lowry / 19 – 24 January

Starring Jason Durr, Susie Blake, Max Bowden and Katie McGlynn and written by acclaimed playwright Torben Betts, Murder at Midnight is a gripping murder mystery filled with twists, chilling suspense and wickedly dark humour.

By Catherine Reed

1.

Drive Your Plough Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk, £9.99 Paperback

In a quiet Polish village, Janina Duszejko lives alone with her books and animals. When members of the local hunting club start dying in strange ways, she’s sure nature is striking back. As Janina digs into the mystery, things get more suspicious and sinister. Drive Your Plough Over the Bones of the Dead mixes murder and humour whilst also asking bigger questions about people, animal rights and what justice really means.

2.

Intermezzo by Sally Rooney, £9.99 Paperback

In this much-anticipated novel of Sally Rooney's, Brothers Peter and Ivan Koubek are adrift after their dad dies. Peter is juggling guilt, insomnia and complicated relationships with his ex Sylvia and much younger student Naomi. Meanwhile, Ivan, a socially awkward former chess whiz, gets involved with Margaret, an older woman with her own past. Amid grief, sibling rivalry and messy love, this is a story about how much life one person can hold without falling apart.

3.

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke, £9.99 Paperback

In this tale, we meet Piranesi, who lives in a strange and endless House filled with statues, tides, and mysteries. He spends his days exploring halls and keeping careful notes, visited only by a man he calls the Other. But when new clues appear, Piranesi starts to question everything he knows about the House and himself. Piranesi is a haunting story about knowledge, solitude, and what it means to truly see the world.

4.

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, £9.99 Paperback

Deemed a modern classic, The Book Thief is, in my opinion, a great book for this time of year. Cosy and detailed, it is a story in its truest form that really takes you away. Narrated by death in the most interesting and beautiful way, we meet young Liesel Meminger, who steals books to make sense of a world falling apart during Nazi Germany’s rule. Living with her foster parents near Munich, she finds friendship, love and the power of words, even as war and loss close in.

5.

Prophet Song by Paul Lynch, £9.99 Paperback

In Lynch’s Booker Prize-winning novel, Ireland slides into a brutal authoritarian state and Eilish Stack, a mother, scientist and realist, struggles to keep her family safe as everything starts to unravel. With her husband taken by police and chaos growing around her, she’s forced to make impossible choices. Prophet Song is a tense and emotional story about survival, love and how ordinary people cope when democracy slowly descends into a nightmare.

Six Conversations We’re Scared to Have by Deborah Frances-White, £20.00 Hardback

Deborah Frances-White once grew up in a cult and knows how it feels to be silenced. Now, in a world where ‘Cancel Culture’ is rife, hard conversations are not being had, more so now than ever before. In her new book, Six Conversations We’re Scared to Have, Frances-White urges us not just to talk, but to listen, question, rethink and even change our minds. This book is a witty, urgent invitation to stop shouting and start talking.

By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult, £9.99 Paperback

In this incredible tale, which leaves you questioning all you know about one of the greatest names in Literature, we see Picoult strike again! By Any Other Name takes us to London in 1581, where young writer Emilia Bassano, barred from using her own name, secretly pays the actor William Shakespeare to claim her work. Centuries later, in Manhattan, a playwright by the name of Melina Green faces similar sexism and hides her play under a male pseudonym. Two women, two eras, the same fight to be heard. This book is a bold story about authorship, identity, power and whose names get the privilege of being remembered.

Glossy Book Club!

Glossy Magazine's book editor, Sophie Hughen, offers her expert preview of some of the most anticipated literary works arriving this December/January. Her selection features a spectrum of genres, celebrated authors, and noteworthy new narratives, ensuring a wealth of engaging options for every reader. For more book-related inspiration from our editor, follow @readablereviews on Instagram.

8.

Honour by Elif Shafak, £9.99 Paperback

Elif Shafak’s name might feel familiar to you; that may be down to her most recent novel, There Are Rivers in the Sky. Hugely popular and very well received. I wanted to take you back to one of her older stories that I believe is just as brilliant, and that is Honour. From a village by the Euphrates to London in the 70s, twin sisters diverge, loyalties twist, and one son must guard the family’s name. Honour is a moving story of culture, betrayal and the heavy cost of belonging. This book highlights the pinnacle clash of tradition and modernity. Beautiful and bold, it is a must-read.

9.

Yellowface by Rebecca F. Kuang, £9.99 Paperback

In this interesting tale of identity and ownership, we are introduced to June Hayward, a struggling writer, who witnesses the sudden death of her friend and fellow author Athena Liu. Seizing the opportunity, June steals Athena's unpublished manuscript and publishes it under a pseudonym, achieving unexpected success. As the book gains popularity, June faces mounting pressure and scrutiny, leading to a tense exploration of identity, appropriation, and the lengths one will go to for fame.

It’s been a long year, and since this section of the mag tends to alternate between energetic and more tranquil outdoor activities, I thought now was the perfect time to go all in on the latter.

At this time of year, it might feel counterintuitive to think about mindfulness and meditation in the outdoors, considering you might not want to sit still out there for too long when it’s freezing. But prepare and dress right for it, and the experience of doing very little out in nature can be extremely rewarding.

First of all, winter brings a unique set of sensory experiences. Obviously the temperature awakens your senses anyway, but the other big difference in my opinion is sound. Especially when we’re lucky enough to get a deadening layer of snow, everything seems so much

quieter in this season. For that reason alone, I absolutely crave space and solitude outdoors in these conditions.

The great thing about modern understanding of the importance of mental health is that ideas and recommendations are now everywhere.

Concepts that, until very recently were considered niche, are now mainstream and accepted, and you don’t have to look too hard to find inspiration.

For example, my first go-to resource, in any season, is old faithful Ordnance Survey – and nowadays it’s not just

maps you find on its website, but all sorts of ideas for physically and mentally uplifting outdoor activities.

The OS mobile app is an absolute must for scoping out new locations, footpaths, camping and bivvying spots – and really understanding the topography before heading out.

Adventure writers often say you can find a tranquil spot in every square kilometre… I’d say that’s true of some squares more than others, but here in the North West we really are spoiled. But alongside the geographical, you can also find some really useful advice.

Here are three top tips from Ordnance Survey on how to enjoy mindful time outdoors in winter:

Mindful Walking:

Take a slow, deliberate walk through a park or nature reserve. Pay attention to the crunch of leaves underfoot, the sound of the birds, and the chill in the air. Notice how your body feels with each step.

Outdoor Meditation:

Find a quiet spot where you can sit comfortably (wrapped up warm!). Focus on your breath and observe, your breath in the cold air, the patterns of frost on the ground and the shapes and textures of nearby plants. Let the intricate designs draw you into a state of mindfulness.

Observing Winter Scenery:

Spend time simply observing the winter landscape. Notice the bare trees, the way the light changes throughout the day, and the beauty of this dormant time of year. Allow yourself to be fully present in the moment.

Win a Family Ticket to RHS Glow at RHS Garden Bridgewater

Step into a winter wonderland as RHS Glow returns to RHS Garden Bridgewater on selected evenings until 30 December. After dusk, the gardens shimmer with a spectacular trail of light, sound and seasonal magic, perfect for families, festive dates and after-dark wanderers alike.

Expect 24 dazzling light artworks,including 13 debut installations for Bridgewater and four brand-new commissions created exclusively for RHS Glow. Highlights include two UK premieres: Enchanted Exchange by internationally acclaimed light artist Tine Bech, a playful, colour-changing piece linking RHS Glow with Lightwaves Salford via live webcam; and Breathe by Kaleider, a kinetic sculpture drifting across the Paradise Garden lily pond, gentle, meditative and utterly mesmerising.

Follow the Long Walk beneath glowing snowballs, then join the joyful chorus at Swing Song (Bristol Light Festival; creative director Katherine Jewkes), where six illuminated swings transform your movement into music; the higher you go, the richer the melody. Wander through a kaleidoscope of hexagons in the Community Grow Garden, pause for the

Moonlight Gardener’s much-loved light show in the Wellbeing Garden, and capture those festive selfies beneath the Pealight Stars and Star Arch in the Kitchen Garden.

Continue to the Worsley Welcome Garden, where giant sparkling hedgehogs glisten on the Yew Lawn, before a serene finale at Moon Bridge Water, where shimmering Cluster Columns ripple like moonlight.

Naturally, there are warming treats en route. Think hot chocolate, mulled wine, and toasted marshmallows, ideal for a cosy pause beneath the stars.

Ticket Information

Advance online booking is essential.

RHS Members: Adults from £8.25 | Children from £4.50 Non-members: Adults from £13.50 | Children from £7.25

Under-fives go free.

Full details and booking: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/ bridgewater/whats-on/bridgewater-glow

LAZY TECH

Labour saving should be what technology is all about. Life’s busy enough - if I can find gadgets and tools that make some of the hardest or most boring jobs a bit easier, then I’m all for it. I shudder to think what family life would have been like before washing machines and dishwashers. Now that these are a given, I thought I’d seek out some of the next generation of machines that can give us back just a few more precious minutes of our day.

Tefal Easy Fry air fryer

Q: how do you know when someone has an air fryer? A: don’t worry, they’ll tell you. Yes, I know that air fryer ownership has been the preferred topic of party bores for a couple of years now (at least until padel came along). So perhaps I’m late to the party. But if like me you hate cooking but like eating, then surely this is a device to invest in. Quicker, healthier, more eco-friendly food preparation – I can’t say no to any of that. And I’m told this Tefal is the best on the market for capacity, temperature range and versatility: it can prepare anything from crispy chips to dehydrated fruit. £179

Timekettle M3 translating earbuds

Kärcher window vac

I never even knew such a device existed – but if you live in an old house then you’ll certainly know that condensation and mould do exist, and the process of keeping that under control is just another annoyance. The Kärcher WV 2 Window Vac effortlessly vacuums up moisture and is a quick and easy way to achieve clean, dry and streak-free surfaces, not only on windows but also on showers, tiles and mirrors. It cleans surfaces up to 3x faster than traditional methods, to help reduce limescale and mould build up, and its battery life allows for up to 35 minutes or 105 square metres in one charge. I also love the fact that it doubles up as a quick clean-up option for liquid spills on floors and worktops. £44.99

The world is a smaller and smaller place, with work and leisure opportunities giving us the privilege of connecting with people of all cultures and languages. Until recently, you’d be limited by language barriers – even the most gifted and educated linguists couldn’t be expected to communicate with everyone they met without relying on resources like phrasebooks. These M3 earbuds from Timekettle change all that. Amazingly they not only look, but function like any other earbuds in terms of audio and phone call functionality. But put one of them in someone else’s ear and suddenly you can chat in real time in any of 43 languages! All you have to do is speak normally and the M3’s patented simultaneous interpretation tech instantly picks up your voice, seamlessly turning it into smooth, fluent translations. Already they offer up to 95% accuracy and less than half a second delay – and the world’s most powerful translation engines are getting better all the time. £104.99

By Oliver Chesher

THE ALL-TIME GRAPE

Here’s a marketing stunt that really caught our eye. Sure, this isn’t the first time a carmaker and a luxury wine brand have done a collab, but in terms of creative execution, I can’t think of any that were more stylishly done.

Maseratis are already eye-catching enough as it is. Those unmistakeable gills on the front flank immediately distinguish the luxury sports brand from a hundred paces. But the way this limited edition Grecale Tributo Il Bruciato catches the light, stopped me dead in my tracks.

In Maserati’s own words, this release symbolises the encounter between the elegant dynamism of the House of the Trident and the decisive character of Il Bruciato wine, produced in the heart of Bolgheri on the Tuscan coast.

In other words, nobody does red like the Italians. Remember the £15,000 Rosso Competizione paint finish on the Alfa Romeo 8C? I actually think this is even nicer: the special Maserati’s bodywork comes in the shade “Alchimia Scarlatta”, reminiscent of the intense red of the wine in motion in a glass, taking on a thousand different hues and shining depending on how it reflects the light. To create this exclusive shade, an

extremely special pigment known as Chromaflair was used, to create a very clear colour variation. The paint has a burgundy base with two top notes: one coppery gold and the other dark raspberry, to create a deep nuance. As a result, from different perspectives the car almost seems to be painted different colours.

Completing the look of this very special version of the Grecale are exterior Pegaso Forgiati or Crio Fuoriserie 21" wheels, both with oversized rims at the rear for a more muscular aesthetic and better grip, and Gloss Black finish as an optional extra. The brake callipers are black, all topped off with the Fuoriserie logo.

The interiors are in tan or dark red leather with tone-on-tone stitching and dedicated “cannelloni” (ribbed weave) visuals, with the headrest embellished with the Trident logo in dark red. This, combined with the 14-speaker Sonus faber premium audio system and the panoramic sunroof, is designed – just like a fine wine – to give a memorable sensory experience. Both the carmaker and the winemaker alike talk of an “all-encompassing sensation of pleasure… that tells the story of the land from which it comes.” In a world of homogeneous electric appliances, I love to hear carmakers still using that kind of language.

Fact file

Maserati Grecale Tributo Il Bruciato

Engine: 2.0L four-cylinder mild-hybrid / Horsepower: 330 hp (325 bhp) / Torque: 450 Nm (332 ft-lb)

Transmission: 8-speed automatic / Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD) / Top speed: 149 mph

0-60 mph: 5.1 - 5.3 seconds

By Oliver Chesher