Absolutely Essex July 2026

PLUS BOBBY LOCKWOOD

On saucy scenes in Rivals

• POT SHOT

The rise of Nineball and Brentwood's role

• THE MAGIC MUSHROOM

The story of Billericay's awardwinning restaurant

SPECIAL

Festivals, family days out and top holidays, both here and abroad

In the SHADE

HANSINE'S TROPICA COLLECTION LEADS THE WAY FOR SUMMER READY FASHION

JANET JACKSON

WYCLEF

CHRISTINA AGUILERA

CULTURE

SUMMER SPECIAL

Events Top festivals in Essex and just over the border

Family The best days out to keep all the family

FOOD & DRINK

48 The Magic Mushroom Award winning dining in Billericay

51 Drinks Five of the best for summer sips

FASHION & BEAUTY

54 The Shoot Be beach ready with Hansine's Tropica collection

57 Products Our top picks of the latest swimwear

61 Beauty New launches and the latest en vogue treatment tested

For editorial enquiries please email: mark@zest-media.com For advertising enquiries please call 07861 994764 or email: claire@zest-media.com

zest.london

INTERIORS

66 Real Home Two projects that wowed the judges of the RIBA Awards

70 Jensen Beds On how you can rest easy this summer

75 Products Items bursting with colour to brighten your home

Hansine Tropica collection (hansineshop.co)

Later living within reach

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LETTER Editor’s

ABSOLUTELY’S July issue highlights

Iremember the summer holidays seemingly going on forever – something that the vast majority of parents today probably feel like too. Back then, my days were spent in the local park, playing football (and every now and again cricket, just to mix things up). Screens were not a thing, and even if I wanted to play computer games, my ZX Spectrum was never the most reliable.

At the time of writing, the PM has announced a plan to ban social media for the under 16s, something I wholeheartedly agree with. My niece, who is 13, is always on her phone and unless you want to act all Big Brother, it's not always easy to know what exactly is engaging her so much.

Wishlist

It's a very colourful month at Absolutely (p12)

2

But, really, this shouldn't be an issue when it comes to the summer in Essex. Inside this month, we have produced a mini special that looks at the best ways to spend time close to home – from festivals and family days out – to holiday ideas both in the UK and abroad. You, and your children, should never feel bored again.

Elsewhere, we chat to Essex actor Bobby Lockwood, who has joined the second season of Rivals on Disney+, to discuss a great cast and steamy scenes, plus we also sat down with Matchroom's Emily Frazer to talk about the explosion of Nineball and Brentwood's role in it. Game on!

KEBBLE EDITOR

5

4

3

Wish LIST

TOP SET

Summer pyjamas don't get better than this: Eberjey's so sets are comfortable and stylish for lounging and sleeping. eberjey.com

CANDY CRUSH

Iconic Parisian pâtisserie Maison Ladurée and Casablanca's Charaf Tajer have joined forces on an exclusive capsule collection spanning ready-to-wear, accessories and limited-edition pastry creations. Uniting it all is a signature dreamlike artwork and a bespoke pomelo and mint fl avour, which acts as a nod to the brands' shared love of colour, detail and elegance. laduree.com a

BELGIAN STYLE

Essentiel Antwerp have long been popular with lovers of their Belgian twist on design. Visit their site for the 1970s-inspired space age interior as well as the chic, colourful clothes – and don't miss the fabulous Peanuts collab. essentiel-antwerp.com

STAR QUALITY

Everyone's wild for NPG's new Marilyn merch, which includes these Cecil Beaton totes and pouches as well as lots of jewellery and accessories. npgshop.org.uk

FLOWER POWER

Jonathan Anderson breathes new life into the Dioriviera world with playful, colourful designs imbued with a fresh, joyful energy inspired by the beauty of the plant world. dior.com

90S CHIC

Robinson Pelham is celebrating 30 years in the jewellery business by channeling the summer of 1996 with a collection featuring lots of bold colour and sculptural gold. robinsonpelham.com

EDITOR’S PICK

IN THE MIST

Valentino Beauty has launched a playful collection of Born in Roma Hair & Body Mists, which create a so , airy veil of scent for hair and skin. valentino-beauty.co.uk

FIT

CHECK

Swimwear season is here – so it's time to head to Amelie's Follies. Whether you're a er a one-piece or a bikini, you'll fi nd the best fit right here. ameliesfollies.co.uk

COLOUR WAY

Effortless silhouettes, bold prints and breathable fabrics characterise Albaray's summer collections. The brand has an ongoing commitment to thoughtful, sustainable design. Creating versatile wardrobe staples designed to be worn on repeat. albaray.co.uk

BOTTLE UP

Beau is a new design-led wellness brand that promises to elevate hydration into something that feels special with its debut product, a chic sculptural water bottle that you actually want to carry. beaubottle.com

Wed 5 – Sun 9 Aug

CULTURE

20 JULY, CHELMSFORD THEATRE

This is a special dementia-accessible film screening of Wonka – a relaxed and welcoming cinema experience designed with those living with dementia, their families, and carers in mind. Wonka is a musical fantasy film that serves as a prequel to Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

The Agenda

JULY'S HOTTEST HAPPENINGS

Kai Widdrington

17 JULY, TOWNGATE THEATRE

Following a triumphant run that dazzled audiences across the UK, Kai Widdrington is set to return to the stage with the smashhit Kai – Evolution tour in 2026. Charting his journey from a young competition dancer to becoming one of the standout stars of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, Kai – Evolution is a spectacular live show that celebrates artistry, ambition, and transformation.

towngatetheatre.co.uk

The Artist Prize

Entry by 8 July FIRSTSITE

Firstsite have joined forces with the submission and judging platform, Zealous, to launch The Artist Prize, a brand-new UK-wide open submission prize – one that celebrates and supports artists in any medium and at whatever stage of their career they are at. Twenty shortlisted artists will exhibit together at Firstsite in a group show in 2027. One winner will receive £30,000 and a solo show in the gallery in 2028. firstsite.uk

Tendring Show

11 July

LAWFORD HOUSE PARK

This year will be the 109th Tendring Show, attracting in the region of 19,000 visitors and welcoming people of all ages and interests. Set in the beautiful parkland setting of Lawford House Park, the show combines top class entertainment, animals from horses, cattle, sheep and goats, to rabbits, pigeons, poultry, guinea pigs and fancy rats. There will also be over 200 trade stands and exhibits to enjoy. tendringshow.co.uk

THEATRE

Mean Girls

14-18 July

CLIFFS PAVILION

Meet The Plastics – Regina, Gretchen and Karen. They rule North Shore High and will burn anyone who gets in their way. Home-schooled Cady Heron may think she knows a thing or two about survival of the fittest thanks to her zoologist parents, but high school is a whole new level of savage. When Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a queen bee without getting stung. trafalgartickets.com

Co-creator of Yes, Minister, Jonathan Lynn, on bringing iconic characters back for a modern audience POLITICAL DISCOURSE

Where did the original Yes, Minister idea come from?

Multi-Period Living History Show

4-5 July

STOW MARIES GREAT WAR AERODROME

This is a return to Stow for this popular event. Not sure which historical period you prefer? A fan of the Vikings? Perhaps the Medieval? Maybe you are interested in WWII? This is the event for you. With camps scattered across the site illustrating periods of history from across the ages, you’ll get a chance to explore all of them. stowmaries.org.uk

In 1976, 50 years ago, Antony Jay suggested that we write a comedy series about the Civil Service. We buried ourselves in research, deciding that our comedy would work best if it revealed how our government really worked in practice – not least because we discovered the truth was more absurd than anything we might have invented. Wondering how to fit this huge subject into a sitcom, I saw that a government department could be represented by just three characters: the Minister, the Permanent Secretary and – caught in between them – the Minister’s Private Secretary who owes absolute discretion and loyalty to both.

What inspired you to revisit the world of Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey?

I'm 83-years-old. I wanted to write a play about old age, how it feels. Loss of power, loss of control, loss of income, loss of friends and family. It occurred to me that Jim Hacker and Sir Humphrey would now be about the same age as me and it seemed an obvious step to use these characters.

o wormholes exist? Can we travel backwards through time? Does life exist elsewhere in the Universe? How big is the energy bill on the Death Star? This lecture will explore some of the most exotic ideas from the world of sci-fi , discussing the real science behind fictional technologies and ideas. southendmuseums.co.uk/beecroft

What themes feel most relevant to modern politics? Free speech, cancellation in academic circles, diversity, the after-effects of Brexit... Do audiences continue to connect with satire? I don't know that they do. It depends on the satire. But they connect with comedy!

I'm Sorry Prime Minister runs from 21-25 July at the Palace Theatre. Book tickets at trafalgartickets.com

FULL STEAM ahead

With Rivals back on Disney+, new cast member Bobby Lockwood talks about big stars, saucy scenes – and coming back

home to Essex

By MARK KEBBLE

Bobby Lockwood is no stranger to hit television, but few projects have arrived with quite the cultural impact of Rivals. Disney+’s glossy adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s beloved novel became one of the most talkedabout shows of the year, and now the Essex-born actor has joined the scandal, glamour and chaos for its eagerly anticipated second season.

As polo-playing twin Dommie Carlisle, Bobby is stepping into a world of aristocratic excess, larger-than-life characters and scene-stealing drama – and he’s loving every minute of it.

“At first I couldn’t believe the scale of it all,” he says of joining the show. “You look around and think, this is massive. The cast alone was incredible. Then you get to the locations, the costumes, the big group scenes… it was just awesome.”

It wasn’t a role that simply landed in his lap. Despite an impressive CV, Bobby still had to audition, and admits he didn't necessarily expect to get the part. What ultimately proved crucial was his instant chemistry with Maxim Ays, who plays his on-screen twin.

The pair bonded immediately, even arriving at an audition dressed almost identically in blue shirts and jeans. “We met up loads beforehand and worked out who these guys were,” he explains. “That was one of the best things about the job. Normally you do all that work on your own, but here we got to create them together.”

Their characters have arrived in season two as professional polo-playing twins whose lives revolve around competition, travel and causing a little bit of chaos wherever they go. “I knew nothing about polo before the series,” Bobby laughs. “The lifestyle is really quite wild. You never know where they’re going to be next week. They’re there to play polo, have as much fun as possible and cause a little chaos.”

Learning the sport proved almost as dramatic as the show itself. While he’d ridden horses before, polo ponies presented an entirely di erent challenge. “They just want to run,” he says. “You’re trying to learn while another horse is coming alongside trying to bump you o . It was a crazy experience, but a really cool sport.”

Of course, Rivals wouldn’t be Rivals without a little romance and mischief. Asked whether Dommie finds himself involved in any of the show’s famously steamy storylines, Bobby can only grin.

The answer, he confirms, is yes. Joining such an established ensemble could have been daunting, particularly with stars including David Tennant, Katherine Parkinson and Emily Atack already at the heart of the drama, yet Bobby found himself welcomed into the fold almost immediately. “You’re trying to balance being professional and telling yourself you belong here, while also thinking, 'Oh my gosh, that’s David Tennant!'” he says. “Watching people like that work is a huge learning curve.”

The role marks another exciting milestone in a career defined by versatility. Long before he was riding polo ponies across the countryside, Bobby was the talented young performer who became a household name through CBBC favourite Wolfblood. But, acting wasn’t even the original plan.

A keen dancer as a child, he first became involved in the industry after a local agent spotted him performing and suggested he try acting. Later, he seriously considered becoming a forensic scientist before realising that performing was more than simply a childhood hobby. That decision paid o spectacularly. His performance in Wolfblood earned him a Children’s BAFTA and helped cement

“I COULDN'T BELIEVE THE SCALE OF RIVALS. THE CAST ALONE WAS INCREDIBLE”

him as one of the UK’s brightest young acting talents. “At one point I thought maybe I should focus on presenting because it came naturally to me,” he says. “Then I won the BAFTA and thought maybe I should keep up the acting.”

The moment proved a turning point, giving him the confidence to fully commit to the profession he loved. Since then, Bobby has built an enviably varied body of work. He’s appeared in everything from family television and comedy to major Hollywood productions, including Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk. “I had never seen so many extras in my life, it was just absolutely huge,” he says.

“Christopher Nolan was one of the calmest directors I had ever worked with, you’d have thought he was having a stroll in the park. He was there with his flask of tea or co ee and he was just so relaxed, and I was like wow. You’re the man!

“I’ve always wanted variety,” Bobby

adds. “I enjoy doing a bit of everything. I want to do roles that excite me, tell interesting stories and work with people who are enthusiastic about the job.”

That mindset has helped him navigate an industry where reinvention is often essential. Rather than chasing a particular type of role, he focuses on projects that spark his imagination – whether that’s a wartime epic, a contemporary sitcom or a lavish period drama packed with polo, privilege and scandal.

Most recently, he fulfilled another long-held ambition by returning to the stage in Emma, embracing the unique adrenaline rush that comes with live performance. “I barely slept the whole time because of the adrenaline,” he says. “It was just so much fun. Ava Pickett, the writer, is unbelievable. I can’t wait to see

what else she does. I know it will be one of the highlights of my career as time goes on, I got to be in an original Ava Pickett play. Everyone involved was amazing.”

For all the success, however, home remains important. After spending time living in London, Bobby recently made the move back to Essex. “I grew up in Essex,” he smiles. “Family and friends are here, it’s just where my people are.”

It’s a fitting reminder that while his career continues to move from strength to strength, some things remain unchanged.

From BAFTA-winning child star to Rivals heartthrob, Bobby Lockwood may be enjoying the biggest chapter of his career yet – but he’s doing it with both feet firmly back on Essex soil.

Rivals is on Disney+ now

POTTED HISTORY

Nineball is becoming an increasingly popular sport in the UK, partly down to the work of Essex-based Matchroom Pool, as CEO Emily Frazer explains

In May, Brentwood played host to the Matchroom Pool UK Open Pool Championship for the first time, and featured a huge 256-player field and an increased $225,000 prize fund. Brentwood is also home to Matchroom, so Absolutely chatted to Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport, to find out what this homecoming meant, and also explore her own career progression at the company.

Q You started with work experience at Matchroom – what originally attracted you to working there?

A It was completely di erent to anything I’d experienced before. At the time it was all centred around poker, and everything was pre-recorded rather than live, but the environment just fascinated me. There were TV cameras everywhere, a green room, production crews – it honestly felt like stepping into a whole new world. I’d never been exposed to that kind of atmosphere before and I just wanted to learn everything I possibly could. I was willing to do whatever

was asked of me because I genuinely loved being there and wanted to make myself useful and absorb as much as I could.

Q What were the key moments or challenges in your career that really tested your commitment and helped shape you into a leader?

A Taking on pool was definitely the biggest challenge. I was excited by the opportunity, but the reality of building a sport and a global tour from the ground up is a huge task. There wasn’t an established structure in place – no real rankings system, no full tour calendar – so we had to create everything piece by piece. You suddenly realise you can’t rely on anyone else to build it for you. You have to find venues that believe in the product, secure sponsors, negotiate site fees, create pathways for players and give the sport direction. It really tested me because there were so many moving parts, but it also taught me the most about leadership, resilience and backing your vision even when it feels di cult.

Q Working closely with figures like Barry and Eddie Hearn, what are the biggest lessons you’ve learned from them?

A One of the biggest lessons is perspective. They both have this ability to stay calm and solution-focused even when things feel really challenging. Sometimes you can get caught up in a stressful situation, but they’ve experienced so much over the years that they’re able to quickly assess things and move forward without panic. Barry especially has built tours from the ground up before – snooker, darts and now seeing what we’re doing with Nineball – while Eddie completely transformed the sport of boxing and took it to another level globally. Both of them have overcome huge challenges throughout their careers, and hearing those stories is incredibly

“YOU LEARN THAT SETBACKS ARE PART OF THE PROCESS AND THAT PERSISTENCE IS EVERYTHING”

inspiring. It gives you confidence when you’re building something yourself. You learn that setbacks are part of the process and that persistence is everything.

Q Your journey is often highlighted as an example of hard work paying o – what advice would you give to young people in Essex hoping to follow a similar path?

A I think people sometimes underestimate how much hard work it actually takes. You really have to dedicate yourself to what you want to achieve and keep pushing, even when things feel di cult. There has to be a real fire in your belly. You also shouldn’t be afraid to try di erent things because your first opportunity might not necessarily be the thing you end up loving most. But if you want to achieve big things, you can’t always take the easy route. The harder route is usually the one that teaches you the most and ultimately gets you further. You also need thick skin. You can’t let setbacks, criticism or the first hurdle knock you o course. The people who succeed are normally the people who stay focused, stay resilient and keep going when things get tough.

Q Brentwood is e ectively home turf for Matchroom – how important is it

for the company to bring major events like the UK Open back to Essex?

A It’s really special for us because this is home. Matchroom has such a strong history here, so bringing an event like the UK Open to Essex feels incredibly important. It’s also great for the players to come here, see where we work and understand that despite how global the company has become, it’s still very much a family business at heart. It also gives local fans and the wider Essex community the chance to experience Nineball up close. Snooker has traditionally been the dominant cue sport here in the UK, so events like this are a real opportunity for us to showcase what Nineball is all about and introduce new audiences to the sport on our own doorstep.

Q Do you think hosting events in places like Brentwood helps strengthen grassroots interest in Nineball across the UK?

A Definitely. One of our biggest focuses this year has been grassroots development through the launch of the NXT GEN series, which runs alongside many of our major events globally. At the UK Open, we’ve got junior players from all over competing and getting the opportunity to experience a professional event environment. For us, it’s about finding and developing the next generation of stars from Great Britain and giving young players a genuine pathway into the sport. Hosting these events in places like Brentwood makes the sport feel more accessible and visible, which is hugely important for long-term growth.

Q With strong UK crowds and events like the Mosconi Cup selling out, what makes Nineball such an attraction for British crowds?

A It’s just an incredible live experience. The atmosphere is very di erent to a lot of other sports because fans can really

immerse themselves in it. You don’t have to sit in silence – you can walk around the arena, choose which table you want to watch, follow multiple matches at once and really enjoy the energy of the event. It works as a family day out, but it’s also brilliant for groups of friends and sports fans looking for a great atmosphere. At events like the Mosconi Cup, you’ve got 2,000 fans per session creating an unbelievable atmosphere, which really adds to the spectacle. You’ve got players from all over the world competing at the same time, and with the darker arena presentation and bigger production values we’ve introduced through events like the Mosconi Cup, it creates an exciting entertainment experience as well as a sporting one.

Q What else is there to come in 2026?

A There’s a lot to look forward to, especially in the United States, which continues to be a huge focus for us. We’ve got a major swing of events in August, including a brand-new

Open event in Arizona, as well as moving the historic US Open to Texas, which is another exciting new territory for the tour.

We’re also continuing to expand across Asia with the return of the Reyes Cup and the return of the thrilling Philippines Open Pool Championship, which are both hugely exciting for players and fans alike.

For us, it’s all about continuing to grow the sport in key international markets while also continuing to expand the global footprint of the World Nineball Tour.

Q If you had a chance to say something to your younger self just starting out on work experience, what would it be?

A I’d probably just say: stay locked in, trust the process and be proud of how far you’re going to go. Keep working hard, stay on your path and don’t lose confidence in yourself along the way.

Discover more by visiting matchroompool.com

AUCTIONEERSVALUERS

HansonsHertfordshire auctioneers and valuers are pleased to invite you to our regional valuation days. We are currently consigning jewellery, watches, antiques and collectibles for our monthly auctions. Our experienced valuers would be delighted to meet and advise you on auction estimates. We also offer FREE home visits if you are unable to attend our valuation days.

EVERY Wednesday at Burston Garden Centre, North Orbital Road, St Albans AL22DS

10am – 1pm

EVERY Thursday at The Kings Arms, 147 High Street, Berkhamsted HP43HL 10am – 1pm

EVERY Friday at our auction house

Hansons

Hertfordshire Unit 1, Lumen Road, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 7AG 10am – 1pm

EVERY third Thursday at Saracens Head Hotel, High Street, Great Dunmow, Dunmow CM6 1AG 10am – 2pm

AND the last Wednesday of every month at The Acorn Room Pendley Manor Hotel Cow Lane, Tring, Hertfordshire HP23 5QY 10am –2pm

SPECIAL SUMMER

inside this section:

ESSEX EVENTS p28

FAMILY DAYS OUT p34

EXPLORA III p38

UK BREAK p44

SUNNY OUTLOOK

Summer is here, bringing a season of unforgettable experiences. From vibrant festivals and family-friendly adventures across Essex, to inspiring holiday escapes, discover the very best ways to make the most of longer days.

FESTIVAL FEVER

From top music acts to tasty food and drink, Essex comes into its own over the summer months with plenty of top events

Lazy Days Festival

24-26 JULY, PRIORY PARK lazydaysfestival.com

Lazy Days Festival returns to Priory Park in Southend-on-Sea for a laidback weekend of live music, craft drinks and summer atmosphere by the coast. The festival has quickly become a popular fixture on the Essex events calendar, attracting visitors looking for a relaxed escape with big-name entertainment.

This year’s headline acts include Tinie Tempah, Feeder and Sister Sledge Live, with special guests The Feeling and Natalie Imbruglia also performing across the weekend. Alongside the music, festivalgoers can enjoy artisan food stalls, cocktail bars and a range of local craft drinks while soaking up the seaside setting. The event combines family-friendly fun with a strong live music lineup, making it ideal for groups of friends, couples and families alike.

HeritageLive Festival

6-9 AUGUST, AUDLEY END ESTATE heritagelive.net

HeritageLive returns to the beautiful grounds of Audley End Estate in Sa ron Walden with four major nights of music in one of Essex’s most picturesque settings. The open-air concert series combines world-class acts with the grandeur of the English Heritage estate, creating a unique summer experience. This year’s line-up begins with reunited pop icons Scissor Sisters, whose energetic performances and genre-blending hits continue to delight fans worldwide. The Streets will perform the classic album A Grand Don’t Come For Free in full for the first time, while Pete Tong Ibiza Classics brings orchestral dance anthems alongside guests Paul Oakenfold, Chicane, Sam Divine and Sarah Story. Closing the weekend are electronic legends Faithless, celebrating 30 years since the release of their groundbreaking debut Reverence. HeritageLive has become one of the region’s standout music events, blending nostalgia, atmosphere and major headline talent. Read more on page 33.

Smoke & Fire Festival

15-16 AUGUST, PROMENADE PARK smokeandfirefestival.com

Smoke & Fire Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary in Maldon this summer with a weekend dedicated to barbecue, live-fire cooking and outdoor food culture. Held at Promenade Park, the award-winning festival has grown into the UK’s largest BBQ and outdoor cooking event, attracting food lovers and chefs from across the country. Visitors can enjoy live demonstrations, interactive workshops and an impressive selection of street food and pop-up restaurants in the popular BBQ Alley. TV personalities and barbecue experts Sam

and Shauna will host cooking sessions throughout the weekend, while new attractions include the hands-on Festival BBQ School and the European Butcher Wars competition. Alongside the food, there will be entertainment, shopping stalls and family-friendly activities, creating a lively atmosphere by the waterfront.

Colchester Castle Series

20-23 & 27-29 AUGUST, CASTLE PARK

colchestercastlesummerseries.co.uk

Set against the historic backdrop of Colchester Castle, the Colchester Castle Series o ers a festival-style concert experience in the heart of Britain’s oldest recorded city. Taking place across two weekends in Castle Park, the event brings together major headline artists in an intimate outdoor setting surrounded by the city’s famous landmarks. This year’s programme features Billy Ocean, Becky Hill, JLS, Bastille, Richard Ashcroft and Hollywood Vampires, the supergroup featuring stars including Johnny Depp and Alice Cooper. The concerts attract music fans from across the region while also boosting Colchester’s vibrant hospitality and tourism scene. Visitors can enjoy food and drink vendors,

a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to the city centre before and after the shows.

Clacton Air Show

27-28 AUGUST, CLACTON SEAFRONT clactonairshow.com

The Clacton Air Show remains one of Essex’s best-loved family events, drawing huge crowds to the county’s Sunshine Coast every summer. Taking place along Clacton seafront, the free event combines thrilling aerial displays with a lively seaside atmosphere, making it popular with visitors of all ages.

Spectators can expect spectacular flypasts, aerobatic demonstrations and appearances from historic aircraft including Lancaster Bombers and iconic Mustangs. The show celebrates both aviation heritage and modern aerial skill, with pilots performing daring stunts above the coastline throughout the two-day programme. Alongside the displays, the town hosts entertainment, food stalls and family attractions, helping to create a festival atmosphere across the resort. With stunning coastal views and dramatic performances in the skies, the Clacton Air Show remains a highlight of Essex’s summer calendar.

Chelmsford Summer Series

28-29 AUGUST, CENTRAL PARK chelmsford.live

Chelmsford Summer Series returns to Central Park for two nights of live music over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The city-centre event has quickly established itself as a key date in Essex’s festival calendar, bringing charttopping acts and nostalgic favourites to an accessible outdoor venue.

This year’s headline performers are Sugababes and McFly, with support from Melanie C, The Ordinary Boys and Twin Atlantic. The festival o ers a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of Chelmsford, attracting music fans from across the county and beyond. Visitors can enjoy food

vendors, bars and open-air entertainment while making the most of the late-summer setting. Combining major pop acts with a friendly atmosphere and convenient location, Chelmsford Summer Series delivers a lively and accessible bank holiday music experience for all generations.

Appetite On The Farm

29-30 AUGUST, KELVEDON HALL appetiteldn.com

Appetite On The Farm returns to Kelvedon Hall in Brentwood for its fifth edition, promising its biggest and most ambitious event yet. Set within the grounds of the historic estate, the festival welcomes around 20,000 people across the August Bank Holiday weekend and continues to grow as one of Essex’s leading electronic music events.

The line-up spans house, garage and techno, featuring names including Jamie Jones, MJ Cole, Skream, Eliza Rose, Todd Edwards and Saoirse, alongside emerging artists shaping the future of dance music. Six curated stages, including The Barn, The Forest and The Record Store, each o er their own atmosphere and musical identity. Appetite On The Farm combines underground credibility, large-scale production and a scenic countryside setting to create a standout summer dance music experience.

BORDER CROSSING

Two further picks close to home in Su olk and London

Latitude Festival

23-26 JULY, HENHAM PARK latitudefestival.com

Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, Latitude Festival returns to Henham Park in Su olk with one of its strongest cultural lineups to date. Known for blending music, comedy, theatre, literature and arts, the festival attracts audiences seeking more than a traditional music weekend. This year’s comedy programme has been described as Latitude’s biggest ever, featuring Sara Pascoe, Sue Perkins, Ross Noble, Jen Brister and Jack Dee, alongside a rare stand-up appearance from Sir Lenny Henry. Latitude has long been recognised for its relaxed atmosphere, colourful lakeside setting and family-friendly appeal, making it one of the UK’s most distinctive summer festivals.

Meatopia

3-6 SEPTEMBER, TOBACCO DOCK meatopia.co.uk

Meatopia London returns to Tobacco Dock this September, bringing together some of the world’s leading chefs for a celebration of live-fire cooking and sustainably sourced meat.

This year’s line-up includes internationally respected chefs such as Jess Murphy from Michelin Green Star restaurant Kai in Galway and Bangkok chef Geravich Mesaengnilverakul, alongside acclaimed UK names including Melissa Thompson, Hon’s BBQ and Khao Bird founder Luke Larsson. Visitors can expect inventive dishes, craft drinks, live music and entertainment throughout the four-day event. Meatopia continues to honour founder Josh Ozersky’s focus on sustainability, flavour and culinary creativity while attracting food lovers from across the UK, o ering a vibrant showcase of global barbecue culture.

STAGE IS SET

Why HeritageLive Festival promises a summer of gigs to remember at Audley End Estate

HeritageLive Festival returns to the spectacular grounds of Audley End Estate in Sa ron Walden this August with one of its biggest and most diverse line-ups yet, bringing four days of iconic live music to the historic English Heritage venue.

Kicking o proceedings on Thursday 6th August are reunited pop trailblazers Scissor Sisters. Following a hugely successful comeback in 2025, which included a UK arena tour, a standout Glastonbury performance and a major US tour with Kesha, the band are bringing their trademark blend of flamboyant pop, glam-rock energy and dancefloor anthems to Audley End. Fans can expect classics including Take Your Mama, I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ and Let’s Have a Kiki, with support from pop legends Bananarama and a DJ set from Gok Wan. Friday 7th August sees The Streets take to the stage for a very special performance. For the first time ever, Mike Skinner and

co will perform their seminal 2004 album A Grand Don’t Come For Free in full. Widely regarded as one of the defining British albums of the 21st century, the record spawned hits such as Dry Your Eyes, Fit But You Know It and Blinded By The Lights. The show will also feature favourites from across The Streets’ celebrated catalogue, alongside special guests JME and Jimothy Lacoste. Dance music takes centre stage on Saturday 8th August as Pete Tong Ibiza Classics arrives at Audley End. Accompanied by the Essential Orchestra, Tong’s acclaimed live show reimagines some of the greatest house and dance tracks of all time, capturing the spirit and energy of Ibiza’s legendary club scene. Joining him will be an impressive line-up of special guests including Paul Oakenfold, Chicane, Sam Divine, Sarah Story and Marc de Groot.

The festival concludes on Sunday 9th August with electronic music pioneers Faithless. Celebrating 30 years since their formation, the group will revisit a catalogue packed with genre-defining classics including Insomnia, Salva Mea and God Is a DJ. They’ll be joined by special guests Leftfield (DJ Set), Tricky and Phil Hartnoll of Orbital (DJ Set).

Set against the stunning backdrop of Audley End Estate, HeritageLive Festival has built a reputation for hosting worldclass artists in unique historic settings. Previous performers have included Richard Ashcroft, Underworld, Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Madness, Elbow, Simple Minds and Sir Tom Jones.

Tickets are on sale now via HeritageLive.Seetickets.com

SUNNY outlook

When it comes to the summer holidays, Essex has a whole host of attractions to keep all the family happy

Summer in Essex has a wonderfully oldfashioned quality to it. Long evenings settle over estuaries and beaches, village greens fill with picnics, and families spill out into parks, farms and seaside promenades in search of sunshine and distraction during the school holidays.

For many families, the great Essex summer tradition remains the seaside. Southend-on-Sea continues to draw crowds because it understands exactly what a classic British summer day should feel like. Along the waterfront, there is a carnival atmosphere in warm weather, with arcades humming, chips wrapped in paper, and children pulling parents towards rides and amusements. Adventure Island remains one of the county’s most recognisable attractions because it appeals across generations. Younger children can enjoy gentler rides while older siblings chase rollercoasters overlooking the sea. Leigh-on-Sea’s charm lies in its slower rhythm, where seafood shacks and cockle boats create an atmosphere that feels distinctly Essex yet somehow timeless. Further north along the coast, beaches become broader, quieter and more spacious. Walton-on-the-Naze beach is especially good for younger children

because of its gently shelving sands and traditional bucket-and-spade simplicity. Nearby cli s and nature areas also give older children something exploratory to do beyond sitting on the sand. Frinton beach provides a slightly more refined version of the Essex seaside experience. The beach huts, tidy greensward and quieter atmosphere attract families who prefer a more relaxed pace. Brightlingsea beach o ers something slightly di erent again, with sailing culture and estuary views that make the coastline feel more adventurous and less commercialised. Essex is equally strong when it comes to wildlife attractions, and these often become the centrepiece of family summer holidays. Colchester Zoo stands out not only as one of the county’s best attractions, but as one of the finest zoos in Britain. Children can spend hours moving between elephants, big cats, gira es and sea lions, while parents appreciate the spacious layout and surprisingly green surroundings. One reason families return repeatedly is that the zoo manages to balance education with entertainment. It is possible to leave feeling children have genuinely learned something while still having had a proper holiday-style day out.

Animal attractions are scattered throughout Essex, and many are tailored particularly well towards younger children. Old MacDonald’s Farm & Fun Park near Brentwood has become a staple of Essex family life because it mixes farm animals with fairground-style attractions and play areas. For toddlers and primary-school children especially, it is almost perfectly designed. There are enough hands-on experiences to keep children engaged but enough rides and open spaces to stop the day feeling repetitive. Similarly, Barleylands Farm Park combines traditional farming experiences with indoor and

outdoor play, which makes it useful even on unpredictable summer days when sunshine suddenly gives way to showers.

Hopefield Animal Sanctuary & Visitor Centre o ers a gentler experience focused on rescued animals, creating a quieter and more reflective atmosphere that many families find unexpectedly memorable. Call Of The Wild Zoo, meanwhile, delivers a more intimate wildlife experience where children can get surprisingly close to animals in a manageable-sized environment. One of Essex’s greatest strengths during summer is its abundance of country parks and green spaces. These are the places families often remember most fondly because they allow children freedom to roam rather than simply queue for attractions. Great Notley Country Park is particularly beloved because of its imaginative playgrounds and wide-open landscapes. The enormous climbing structures and adventurous play areas become magnets for energetic children during school holidays.

Thorndon Country Park o ers woodland trails and accessible walking routes that feel especially appealing during hot summer weather. Ancient trees provide welcome shade, and the park’s Gru alo-themed activities have long made it a favourite with younger children. Belhus Woods Country Park is another excellent summer choice because of its lakes, cycling routes and broad open meadows. Families often come intending to stay for a couple of hours and remain all afternoon. Wat Tyler Centre adds environmental trails and educational activities into the mix, making it especially rewarding for children who enjoy nature, bugs, ponds and outdoor discovery. Cudmore Grove Country Park on Mersea Island feels almost coastal wilderness-like at times, with huge skies, sea views and space for children to run freely along grassy cli s and shoreline paths. Cherry Orchard Jubilee Country Park provides another quieter option where

families can cycle, picnic and enjoy open-air summer afternoons away from crowds. Historic attractions become especially appealing during long summer days because they combine exploration with outdoor space. Colchester, Britain’s oldest recorded town, is packed with opportunities for families who want a slightly more educational holiday experience without sacrificing fun. Colchester Castle Museum remains one of the county’s standout family attractions because its Roman history feels tangible and exciting rather than distant or academic. Children can climb through vaults, explore artefacts and imagine the town as a Roman settlement nearly two thousand years ago. The surrounding castle park becomes a picnic destination in its own right during warm weather.

Elsewhere, railway attractions and transport museums hold a surprisingly enduring appeal during summer holidays. Audley End Enchanted Railway is always a huge hit. Their Woodland Adventure Days take place throughout the summer, o ering a relaxed environment for little ones to enjoy. They are o -peak, great-value days, where you can make use of their adventure playground, explore the fairy walk and of course ride on one of their trains.

Museums across Essex also become useful summer options because they provide relief from heat or occasional rain while still o ering interesting experiences. Essex Police Museum in Chelmsford is a hidden gem for older children fascinated by crime stories, policing history and forensic displays. Summer in Essex is not about a single iconic experience. It is about variety, freedom and the reassuring sense that there is always somewhere else worth exploring tomorrow. One day might involve rollercoasters and candyfloss, the next gira es and zebras, and the next simply a beach with fish and chips shared from paper wrapping. That mixture is precisely why families return year after year.

Full of FUN

World’s

largest bounce

house to make UK debut at Braintree Village

Bworld’s largest touring inflatable playhouse this summer, as Mega Bounce arrives in Essex for an exclusive six-week run from 18th July-31st August, with tickets on sale now.

Spanning 2,500 square metres and rising more than eight metres high, Mega Bounce is a full-scale inflatable world featuring giant characters, multi-storey slides, obstacle zones, sports challenges and dedicated bounce arenas. Following its launch in Dubai, this will be the attraction’s first appearance in the UK, marking one of the most significant family-friendly launches of the summer holidays.

Designed as an immersive playground for all ages, Mega Bounce will transform the area adjacent to Braintree Village’s North Car Park into a festival-style entertainment zone, complete with food vendors, music, and games.

Mega Bounce will open from 10am9pm every day with guests able to enjoy unlimited access to Mega Bounce during their 60-minute slot. The daily sessions are:

• From 10am-11am, Quiet Sessions o ering all the bounce and none of the noise.

These lower-capacity sessions are capped at 100 guests and run without music or announcements. Ideal for guests who prefer a more relaxed environment.

• Between 11am-7pm every day, All Ages* Sessions, showcasing party music, lighting e ects and videoclips on the giant screen, plus festival-style food & drinks, and entertainment zones open all day.

• From 7pm-9pm, Mega Bounce will be Adults Only**, with DJs taking to the stage Thursdays to Sundays for interactive karaoke, plus a full bar, late-night food and festival vibes.

• Selected Saturday sessions will

see Mega Bounce’s surrounding arena reimagined as a high-energy foam party, with a dedicated 7-8pm Adults Only slot combining DJs, karaoke and foam e ects for a standout festival experience.

For those taking part or just spectating, the event arena will be a hub of activity, with giant Jenga and Connect 4, chalk gra ti board, ping-pong, food and drink vendors including a fully stocked bar, and festival atmosphere. The event arena will o er guests plenty of reasons to enjoy a full day out at Mega Bounce and Braintree Village this summer.

General admission tickets are priced at £18 each, or £15 each for group bookings of more than 6 people. A booking fee is payable per ticket. Tickets for spectators are priced at £3 each which permits entry into the entertainment space, but not access to the inflatable Mega Bounce playhouse. Children must be aged 5 years and 1 metre tall to participate, under 4s can spectate for free.

To purchase tickets, visit braintree-village. com/en/news-listing-page/mega-bounce *Children must be aged 5 years and at least 1-metre tall to participate **Adult session for guests aged 16+

Ocean LIVING

Explora Journeys prepares to launch EXPLORA III in July, featuring a new collaboration with acclaimed architect and designer Patricia Urquiola, which is redefining luxury at sea

There is a growing movement in luxury travel away from excess and towards experience. Today’s a uent travellers are less interested in gilded grandeur and more drawn to spaces that feel personal, authentic and deeply considered. It is a philosophy that has shaped everything from boutique hotels and private residences to the latest generation of luxury yachts. Now it is making waves across the world of ocean travel.

When EXPLORA III launches in July, the newest vessel from luxury lifestyle brand Explora Journeys will introduce a fresh interpretation of what it means to feel at home at sea. At the heart of that vision is an exclusive collaboration with celebrated architect and designer Patricia Urquiola, whose newly conceived Owner’s Residence promises to bring a distinctly residential sensibility to one of the most exclusive addresses afloat.

The arrival of EXPLORA III is one of the most anticipated launches in luxury cruising this year. Following a Mediterranean prelude voyage in July and a maiden journey from Barcelona to Lisbon in early August,

the ship will visit Southampton before continuing its inaugural season through Northern Europe, Iceland and Greenland. For British travellers, its August call o ers an early opportunity to glimpse the future direction of luxury ocean travel.

For Patricia, whose work spans architecture, interiors and product design, the commission represented something far more nuanced than creating a lavish suite. The Spanish-born designer, who has collaborated with some of the world’s most respected design houses and hospitality brands, approached the project through the lens of emotion and connection.

Rather than competing with the surrounding seascape, her design allows the ocean to become the central character. Positioned at the stern of the ship on Deck 7, the residence opens onto uninterrupted views across the water, with oversized windows framing constantly changing horizons like living works of art. It is a design strategy that aligns perfectly with Explora Journeys' philosophy of fostering what it calls an "Ocean State of Mind" – a slower, more mindful way of experiencing travel through a deeper connection with the sea.

The scale of the residence is undeniably impressive. Covering 280 square metres in total, including a remarkable 125-squaremetre private terrace spanning the width of the vessel, it ranks among the largest and most exclusive accommodations available anywhere at sea. Yet despite its generous proportions, the design emphasis is on intimacy rather than spectacle.

Patricia has described the residence as a protective nest, shaped by Mediterranean influences and conceived as a place that moves in harmony with the rhythms of the ocean. Earthy colours, warm neutrals and tactile natural materials establish an atmosphere that feels calm and reassuring. Bronze accents catch shifting daylight, while Cipollino and Travertino marble introduce layers of warmth and texture. Ribbed woods create

THE DESIGN ALLOWS THE OCEAN TO BECOME THE CENTRAL CHARACTER

gentle waves of movement throughout the interiors, echoing the changing patterns of the sea beyond the glass.

This emphasis on materiality has long been a hallmark of Patricia’s work. Across residential projects, luxury hotels and furniture collections, she has consistently explored how texture and craftsmanship can influence emotional wellbeing. On EXPLORA III, those ideas are translated into an environment where every surface has been selected not only for its appearance, but for the way it responds to natural light throughout the day.

The result is an interior that feels remarkably grounded for a setting surrounded by water.

Furniture plays an equally important role in establishing the residence’s character. A curated collection from leading Italian design brands including Cassina, Moroso and Kettal reinforces the project’s residential credentials. Many of the pieces were designed by Patricia herself, bringing a personal signature to the space without overwhelming it.

In the living area, sculptural sofas and elegant dining furniture create inviting zones for relaxation and entertaining, while carefully chosen lighting introduces warmth and softness after sunset.

The bedroom continues the narrative of understated luxury. Here, a bespoke king-sized bed dressed in fine linens becomes the focal point, complemented by a spacious dressing area and a marbleclad bathroom complete with double vanity, rain shower, bathtub and private steam room. Every detail has been designed to encourage guests to unwind, reconnect and settle into the slower pace that ocean travel naturally invites.

Perhaps most striking is the fluidity between indoor and outdoor living. A continuous sculpted marble wall treatment extends through the residence, subtly guiding movement towards the expansive terrace. Outside, guests can soak in a private whirlpool, dine alfresco or simply watch the horizon unfold from a collection of beautifully appointed lounge furnishings. The boundary between architecture and landscape feels intentionally blurred.

It is this sense of seamless living that increasingly defines modern luxury. Across the hospitality world, travellers are seeking spaces that feel less like temporary accommodation and more like extensions of their own lifestyle. The Owner’s Residence captures that shift perfectly, o ering the comfort and familiarity of a private home combined with the freedom of exploring some of the world’s most remote and spectacular destinations.

The launch of EXPLORA III also reflects the broader ambitions of Explora Journeys itself. Since entering the market, the brand has positioned itself as a contemporary alternative within luxury cruising, combining European sophistication, spacious accommodation and immersive itineraries. Every suite onboard faces the ocean, while the emphasis on wellness, gastronomy and intuitive service aims to attract a new generation of travellers who may never previously have considered a cruise holiday.

Patricia’s involvement signals the growing convergence between the worlds of high design and luxury travel.

Increasingly, travellers are choosing destinations, hotels and experiences not simply for where they are, but for how they make them feel. Design has become an essential part of the journey itself.

As EXPLORA III prepares to arrive in UK waters this summer, it brings with it more than a new level of luxury accommodation. It o ers a compelling glimpse into the future of life at sea –one where comfort, craftsmanship and emotional connection matter just as much as the destinations beyond the horizon.

For discerning travellers seeking the ultimate home away from home, the future may well be floating on the ocean.

Explore the Explora III

Experience a journey to stunning fjords, colourful coastlines and Nordic delights

DEPARTURE PORT

Southampton 17th August

RETURN PORT

Copenhagen 25th August

From vibrant Southampton, you will be able to indulge in a day of luxury at sea as you glide into Mandal, where Norway’s southern sun shines on golden beaches and white-washed houses. You continue your Norwegian odyssey with Sandnes, the gateway to Stavanger’s multi-coloured streets, then Olden’s dramatic ords and glaciers. In Bergen, sample seafood delicacies and view scenic peaks, then take a breathtaking rail journey through the beauty of Flåm. For the lively finale, enjoy the joyful welcome of Copenhagen.

Discover more at explorajourneys.com

Together we create magical moments.

Everyday is magical when Mickey Mouse is around. Get to relive that magical time when you were a kid through the eyes of your baby discovering the famous Mickey Mouse for the first time. Watch your children’s eyes light up with wonder and excitement.

With the new Disney | Stokke® Collection, whether it’s sitting, sleeping or even bath time, you get to add an extra dose of magic to your everyday life. So, let's embrace that magic together, as we watch our children grow, learn, and discover the world.

Disney I Stokke® Collection

ENJOY THE experience

The founder of TRIPLA on why your holiday shouldn’t be hard work

To me, true luxury is when everything on the holiday flows

We’ve all been there. Ten-tabs deep in-flight options, hotel reviews, and “must-see” lists. Why does organising time away so often feel like a job in itself? We sat down with Carsten Lund, founder of TRIPLA, to hear why he believes travel should feel e ortless, and how his own experiences have inspired a di erent approach.

Q Carsten, you’ve spent a lifetime travelling. What stands out most from those experiences?

A I’ve been lucky to see the world through both a luxury and practical lens, from barefoot escapes on private islands to cultural weekends in Europe, and even multi-generational cruises or villas. And what always stands out is how much detail matters. The transfer that’s waiting without fuss or the restaurant that actually lives up to its promise. It’s these little things that turn a good trip into a truly memorable one.

Q Many of us know the stress of planning holidays. What do you think makes it so challenging?

A Time, mostly. People are busy, and while travel should be restorative, organising it often isn’t. I’ve seen clients arrive exhausted before their holiday even begins because they’ve spent weeks trying to piece it all together online. One family I worked with wanted a milestone birthday in Tuscany. They’d been overwhelmed by villa choices and didn’t know which were genuinely right for them. We stepped in, found a villa with space for grandparents, teenagers, and young children, complete with a private chef for a celebratory meal

and a private wine tasting. For them, it turned from a logistical headache into a celebration they’ll never forget.

Q When we were chatting before this interview, you said luxury is about “ease.” What does that mean to you?

A To me, true luxury is when everything flows. That doesn’t always mean extravagant, but it does mean thoughtful. A wellness retreat in the Alps where transfers, spa treatments, and mountain hikes are seamlessly coordinated. Or a short city break where the flights, hotel, and a hard-to-get dinner reservation are already sorted. We do work with hightouch experiences, but it’s not about the price tag, it’s about removing stress and creating something that feels personal.

Q In your experience as a traveller and industry professional, have you noticed travel needs changing in recent years?

A Very much so. People are no longer just looking for a nice hotel or a beautiful view, they often want something deeper, something that resonates. I’ve noticed a real shift towards travel that feels meaningful. For some, that means behind-the-scenes cultural access; meeting local artisans, exploring places tourists don’t usually see. For others, it’s culinary journeys, connecting with a region through its food and wine. And increasingly, it’s about restoration: wellness retreats, mindful escapes, and time to simply switch o in a way daily life doesn’t allow. Travel has become less about ticking o a destination and more about creating experiences that inspire, enrich, and stay with you long after you’ve returned home.

Q With travel uncertainty on the rise, how can travellers be sure their money is safe?

A At TRIPLA, protection isn’t an add-on – it’s the foundation of everything we do. All flightinclusive holidays are fully ATOL protected, and every client payment is held securely in Trust by NatWest Bank and the Travel Trust Association. This means client money is safeguarded from the moment they book, even in the unlikely event that a supplier or TRIPLA were to fail. In a landscape where reassurance matters, TRIPLA ensures every journey is 100% financially secure.

Q What’s the best way to start planning a trip with TRIPLA?

A Everything begins with getting to know you. When clients connect with us, it gives us a sense of their travel style and helps us start shaping ideas that are genuinely personal. Joining our mailing list also keeps you in the loop with tailored inspiration, updates and occasional o ers, including the chance to win a £500 travel voucher. It’s a simple first step toward creating a journey designed entirely around you.

Q And finally, what do you hope clients feel when they travel with TRIPLA?

A Peace of mind, really. That feeling of being looked after so they can just enjoy the experience. Whether it’s a river cruise with private excursions, a birthday in Tuscany, or a quick Parisian escape between board meetings, I want them to feel it was designed just for them. And that they never had to worry about the details.

Visit hellotripla.com/absolutely, WhatsApp 07822 034871 or call 020 3026 9936 for more

Garden ESCAPE

A leafy Earl’s Court retreat bringing calm, comfort and character

In a city that rarely slows down, finding a genuine sense of escape in London can feel like a luxury in itself. Yet tucked away behind the bustle of Earl’s Court is a hotel that o ers exactly that: a pocket of calm where London’s energy softens, gardens take centre stage and lingering a little longer feels entirely natural.

London may be one of the world’s great city-break destinations, but choosing the right base can make all the di erence. With a trip planned to the Eventim Apollo for a live screening of Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark accompanied by a full orchestra, Earl’s Court proved the ideal location, o ering excellent transport connections via the Circle, District and Piccadilly lines. What we hadn’t anticipated was finding a destination that would make us rethink leaving the hotel at all.

Nestled on a quiet residential street

just moments from the station, Templeton Garden feels worlds away from the capital’s relentless pace. The neighbourhood has long attracted notable residents, from literary figures to film-makers, and the hotel pays homage to that heritage through its sense of understated elegance and connection to nature. At its heart lies a beautifully landscaped garden – a rarity in this part of London and one that immediately sets the tone for a more relaxed stay. Even viewed through rainspeckled windows during our visit, it provided a welcome sense of tranquillity.

Inside, the design strikes a careful balance between contemporary luxury and classic English charm. The 156 rooms and suites have been thoughtfully conceived, with natural textures, muted tones and refined detailing creating an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. Our Junior Suite was

Templeton Garden feels worlds away from the capital's relentless pace

particularly impressive. A generous fourposter bed dominated the room, while earthy hues and elegant finishes lent it a distinctly residential feel. The spacious bathroom, complete with freestanding bath, separate shower and Le Labo amenities, reinforced the sense that no detail had been overlooked. Complimentary cheese and biscuits waiting on arrival provided an especially thoughtful touch.

As evening arrived, we headed to Sprout, the hotel’s intimate cocktail bar. There is a confidence to the space that avoids any hint of pretension. The drinks menu is inventive without becoming inaccessible, with each cocktail built around a defining ingredient or visual flourish. Our raspberry margaritas struck the perfect balance between creativity and drinkability, delivering plenty of personality while remaining reassuringly familiar. It’s the sort of neighbourhood bar many Londoners would be delighted to have on their doorstep. Fortunately, dinner required little more than a short stroll across the corridor to Pippin’s, Templeton Garden’s restaurant. Overlooking the gardens, the dining room o ers a calm and elegant setting, while the kitchen focuses on seasonal

British ingredients elevated with a light contemporary touch. The menu encourages sharing and conversation, but equally rewards those happy to settle in for a leisurely meal of their own choosing.

To begin, padrón peppers proved considerably more generous than their modest menu description suggested, while a classic shrimp cocktail arrived beautifully presented and disappeared almost as quickly. For mains, the beer-battered haddock was everything this British staple should be – crisp, delicate and perfectly judged, accompanied by chunky chips and mint-crushed peas that felt comfortingly familiar while maintaining a refined edge.

Across the table, the market fish of the day, a beautifully cooked Coley served in a white wine sauce, showcased the kitchen’s ability to let quality ingredients speak for themselves. Seasonal asparagus and a fresh summer salad completed the picture.

Dessert continued the strong showing.

A generously portioned matcha Basque cheesecake paired with honey ice cream delivered rich flavour and a striking finish, while simpler scoops of ice cream o ered a lighter conclusion. Throughout the meal, service was attentive without becoming intrusive, with thoughtful wine recommendations – including a glass of Nyetimber Classic Cuvée and a refreshing rosé from Léoube –complementing the menu beautifully. What lingers most about Templeton Garden is not any one feature, but the

feeling it creates. The gardens, the thoughtful interiors, the inviting food and drink o ering – all combine to create a hotel that feels less like a stopover and more like a destination in its own right. And so, in a city celebrated for movement, Templeton Garden o ers something increasingly valuable: a reason to pause. The perfect London escape, it proves that sometimes the best part of a city break is finding somewhere you’re reluctant to leave.

miirohotels.com/templetongarden

FOOD & DRINK

Seven heaven

ANGELINA

Dalston’s Angelina has marked its seventh birthday with a new Kondate-style menu. The multi-course seasonal menu is served in five sections: Antipasti, Crudo, Pasta, Binchotan and Dolci, and the emphasis is on wild flavours, clarity and restraint. angelina.london/restaurant

FOOD wizardry

The Magic Mushroom in Billericay has been awarded two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence. Founder Darren Bennett explains how they did it

Q What does receiving two AA Rosettes mean to you personally after nearly 30 years of running The Magic Mushroom?

A It was fantastic to receive two AA Rosettes and I’m very proud of the whole team as it is a huge achievement. It is great that after 30 years The Magic Mushroom is still the success it is and we are always changing and evolving with times and trends.

Q Take us back to 1996 – what was your original vision for The Magic Mushroom when you first opened?

A Back in 1996, I never thought I would still be here 30 years later! My vision was always and still is to o er first class, freshly cooked food from contemporary menus

with a traditional influence for lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea in a relaxing atmosphere.

Q How di erent was the local dining scene in Billericay back then compared to today?

A Back when I first established the restaurant, the local landscape was very di erent. There were only a handful of restaurants within a five-mile radius of Barleylands, and developments such as the Festival Leisure Park in Basildon, with its wide range of dining options, had not yet been built. Since then, the area has evolved significantly, with a much stronger and more diverse international food o ering. Despite that, I still

feel Billericay remains the ideal home for what we o er. Its location is central to the surrounding areas, which allows us to attract a broad mix of both loyal local guests and those travelling from further afield.

Q You’ve mentioned the restaurant is always evolving – what have been the most significant changes over the past three decades?

A The actual layout of the restaurant has changed as we have extended several times including a couple of refits. The addition of the back restaurant/ function room and private dining room with its own entrance and bar, is extremely popular for anything from baby showers to

“It is great that after 30 years The Magic Mushroom is still the success it is”

wakes and everything in between. Such is the demand for these areas that at the beginning of June, we are opening an additional private dining room and lounge bar area. I think it is good to o er somewhere for these special occasions, rather than people having to travel further afield out of the area. We receive some lovely feedback on the customer service we o er for these special occasions, as well as the standard of cuisine on the menus. We can now comfortably seat up to 180 covers. We have also extended the kitchen and equipment as the restaurant has grown.

Another major change is that there was no social media 30 years ago. Today, diners can instantly leave reviews and comments across social media platforms and on your Google Business Profile. That means potential new guests can learn a

great deal about the restaurant through feedback from people who have genuinely dined with us. It has become an invaluable tool for building awareness and trust. While it can sometimes be challenging to manage, overall, it makes a huge di erence to a restaurant’s reputation and success in today’s market.

Q How do you strike the balance between modern innovation and maintaining those classic culinary traditions?

A I think it starts with respect for the fundamentals. Classic culinary traditions exist for a reason – they are built on technique, discipline, and flavours that have stood the test of time. If those foundations are strong, they give you the confidence to innovate in the right way.

For me, modern innovation should enhance the dining experience rather than replace tradition for the sake of being di erent. That might mean using contemporary techniques, lighter presentations, or new flavour combinations, but always in a way that still honours the integrity of the ingredient and the essence of the dish.

The balance comes from knowing why you are changing something. If innovation improves flavour, texture, consistency, or the guest experience, then it has value. If it distracts from the plate, it probably doesn’t.

Diners appreciate creativity, but they also appreciate authenticity.

The best restaurants manage to feel current while still grounded in timeless hospitality and strong classical cooking. We introduced a signature dessert

last year, which is something we had wanted to do for a long time. It is our ‘Magic Mushroom’ (see left) and is extremely popular with its pistachio sponge and accompanying raspberry sorbet – classic ingredients but presented in an innovative way.

Q With the new private dining room and bar opening, what’s the next chapter for The Magic Mushroom?

A The next chapter for The Magic Mushroom is very much about bringing in the next generation to grow and evolve the restaurant. I am extremely proud that my son, Liam, is joining the team, and I hope the business will remain in the family for the next 30 years and beyond.

Alongside that, it’s about continuing to develop and empower the wider team, giving people more responsibility in the day-to-day running of the restaurant and creating a structure that allows me, over time, to take a step back with confidence. I strongly believe that successful businesses are built on trust and shared responsibility.

Nurturing talent has always been important to me. Over the years, I’ve recruited many local people, including young individuals who simply needed an opportunity to prove themselves. It’s incredibly rewarding to see them grow, develop their skills, and flourish within the industry.

Listening to new ideas and encouraging progression within the team is key – that’s how you keep a restaurant moving forward and ensure long-term success.

magicmushroomrestaurant.co.uk

Smooth Operator

Copper Rivet's Masthouse Single Malt is Kent distilling at its most ambitious. Naturally sweet and beautifully smooth, with vanilla and to ee on the nose and a nutty, peppery finish. Try it as a highball with green apple and soda, £43. bbr.com

Soak It Up

Bathtub Gin arrives bold, perfumed, and ready for summer. Warmly spiced with juniper, orange peel, and cardamom at its heart, it is as happy in a classic G&T as it is in something more adventurous. Either way, pour generously, £34.

majestic.co.uk

Caribbean Soul

Kromanti's Tamarind Rum is bold, balanced, and botanically infused. Each sip reveals a carnival of zesty tamarind, white pepper and cinnamon. Try it with ginger beer and a squeeze of lime for the summer cocktail you didn't know you needed, £32. masterofmalt.com

season SPIRIT OF THE

Five bottles to pour all summer long

By NATALIA SUTA

WILD WEST

Zacal's Manso Sahuayo Mezcal is the wildcard your summer needs. Crafted from semi-wild Maguey grown in the highland volcanic soils of Michoacán, it delivers almond sweetness, tangy citrus, and subtle smokiness. Sip over ice or mix with watermelon juice, £67. masterofmalt.com

Liquid Gold

Pleasant Land's Amaretto Liqueur is handcrafted with locally sourced apricots and aged in Léoville Barton red wine casks. Smooth, nutty, and gently fruity. Sip over ice with an orange twist or pour over vanilla ice cream. Summer sorted, £35. thewhiskyexchange.com

Natalia Suta is a WSET-certified wine writer and educator with a knack for making wine accessible and fun. When she is not writing, she’s busy curating wine experiences and offering consultancy to help others discover the joy of wine. Follow Natalia on Instagram @_winerocks_

FASHION

Spill the tea

LILI CURIA

Steeped is part of Lili Curia's Limited Series of capsule collections, shaped by material-led design and produced in very small quantities. It's built around deadstock Italian canvas dyed using chamomile tea, revisiting Lili Curia signatures through material treatment and expressive detail. The chamomile dyeing introduces natural variation and softness, creating subtle shifts in tone that emphasise time, process, and the character of the canvas itself. lilicuria.com

sea CITYand

Hansine’s HS26: Tropica is a refined edit that blurs the line between resortwear and everyday elegance

By PENDLE HARTE

the traditional sauna experience, upgraded

CLEVERLY COMPACT FOR THE CITY

LUXURIOUSLY LARGE IN THE WILD

classic design, best in class, built to last

victoriabeckhambeauty.com

BEAUTY

NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare

By PENDLE HARTE

CITY SKIN

TEOXANE

Teoxane Urban Shield SPF30 is built around urban ageing. It’s triple shield protects from UVA/ UVB rays, pollution and oxidative stress – not just sun damage, but also dullness, pigmentation and barrier stress from city life, £60. teoxane.com

REVIEW

The Longevity test, via the Lucie App

ACTIVE

INGREDIENT

HOTEL, MIKE

We are loving Hotel, Mike’s hydrating hand and body wash with notes of cut grass, spiced pepper, and marine air. The new, female-founded bath and bodycare brand blends highperformance skincare with a playful, modern approach to sustainability, £26. hotelmike.co.uk

GET THE GLOW

BARBARA STURM

The new skincare-infused Everything Bronzing Drops are designed for e ortless, everyday radiance, delivering a natural, sun-kissed bronze while hydrating and smoothing the complexion. Rooted in Dr. Sturm’s science-driven approach to glow, this next-generation bronzing-skincare hybrid perfects, nourishes and illuminates in one step, £125. en.drsturm.com

Are you curious to find out your biological age? Not your chronological age. This is the age your body really thinks it is, as a result of everything you’ve ever done to it. It’s a bit of a daunting prospect, like getting your exam results on a test you forgot to revise for. But happily the process is easy enough, and thanks to the fabulous Lucie App, I am sitting in the comfort of my own home for the duration.

Lucie is a clever app that connects experts in the worlds of beauty, wellness, fitnesss and medicine with clients in London and the Cotswolds. It works with E ect doctors, whose mobile team are here to give me a verdict on my longevity – but first I’m hooked up to an IV drip to boost my vitamin levels, and treated to a small fingerprick test to calculate my iron. The longevity test focuses on breath, creating a metabolic blueprint by assesing my cardio-respiratory fitness and my fat-burning e ciency. This happens through a gas mask-type apparatus that’s strapped tightly to my face for 15 minutes (while the IV is in my arm) and I am told to just relax. Results are almost immediate, and a full report arrives in my inbox outlining my various scores and advice on how to improve them. And my age? I’m going well. Three years down on my actual years. I’ll take that.

VICHY Mineral 89 72H Moisture Boosting Daily Fluid SPF50+, £26 sephora.com

GREEN PEOPLE

AUGUSTINUS BADER The Solar Shield SPF50, £120 augustinusbader.com

GREEN PEOPLE

Scent-free facial sun cream, £30 greenpeople.co.uk

SKEYNDOR Age Photo Defence – Daywear Protective Emulsion SPF50, £66.67 skeyndor.uk

MECCA COSMETICA To Save Face SPF50+ Superscreen, £35 meccacosmetica.com

EDITOR’S PICK

SUN SAFE

Scent-free sun cream SPF50+, £30 greenpeople.co.uk Protect yourself with these

NUXE Sun Mist Fresh 30SPF, £27 nuxe.com

By PENDLE HARTE

GREEN PEOPLE Scent-free sun cream, £33.50 greenpeople.co.uk

BELIF Super Drops hydrating sun serum, £22 harrods.com

INTERIORS

Design DUO

The RIBA East Awards winners have been announced, with two catching Absolutely’s eye

IT GIVES THE EXPERIENCE OF MOVING THROUGH A SEQUENCE OF DISTINCT PLACES

In late May, 13 winners of the 2026 RIBA East Awards were announced. Amongst the standout projects was a house in Epping Forest, and the Small Project of the Year winner was a stunning transformation just over the border in Su olk. Absolutely asks the judges about what made the two stand out.

A House at Fairmead, High Beach, Epping Forest

By Sergison Bates architects

Located at the edge of Epping Forest, A House at Fairmead is a mature testament to a long-term client-architect relationship. Knowing each other well, the client provided a minimal brief, trusting in shared values and an iterative process of getting to know the family and the site through the design development period. The architect describes the home as being “conceived as a collection of

good rooms shaped for quiet moments, family life, and celebration”. The house is compact and e cient. Instead of corridors, deep thresholds and seemingly thick walls link one room to the next, giving the experience of moving through a sequence of distinct places, each with its own carefully controlled daylight and proportion. These internal walls house storage, a lift, and WCs, whilst the external walls are 650mm thick, made simply from solid insulating clay blocks and finished inside with bare lime plaster. They hold heat, soften sound, and make the rooms feel grounded and protective. The plan is arranged around a dramatic, 4.5m-high, perfectly daylit living room. A reclaimed greenheart timber column from Guyana stands in this space, not merely as a structural support, but as an anchor that subtly organises the room around it. The proportions are measured, humane, and

uplifting. The space feels almost Moorish with its deep reveals, natural high-quality materials, and masterful handling of light. Externally, the brickwork is playful, varied, and meticulously set out, with 38mm lime-filled joints that give the façades a woven, textile-like quality. Windows of di ering shapes and sizes dance across the elevations, which are at times playful and at others stern. Cement tiles from Majorca, exposed timber, lime plaster, and carefully made joinery create a quietly rich interior. Outside, a natural swimming pool and extensive tree planting knit the house into its forest edge, extending habitats and strengthening ecological resilience. This is very much a house for life. Accessibility has been designed in from the beginning, with a lift discreetly buried in the thick wall and level access throughout. Built simply, with highly skilled tradespeople and a client who understood both architecture and construction, the house is at once primitive and refined – a timeless, adaptable home shaped for human experience.

The Drift – Abbots Hall (Small Project of the Year winner)

By Leep Architects / Corinna Dean

The architect’s own home, The Drift is a collection of seemingly derelict grain stores, silos, and farm buildings, surrounding a Grade II-listed, 15thcentury Su olk barn. While planners were focused on the restoration of the barn, the architect chose the opposite: to make gutsy restorations of the less precious, agri-industrial buildings on the site, leaving the barn largely untouched. At purchase, the site had consent for the construction of new buildings around a formal courtyard. The architect describes an iterative design process that focused on the collection of workaday farm buildings, initially earmarked for demolition. Time spent living in temporary buildings on site allowed them to see the potential in working with these, rather than dismissing them.

Three elements make this a home: the steel-framed 1960s grain store is used as the main two-bedroom home; a connected former grain silo functions as guest accommodation; and a tall covered area framed with an open concrete portal – which, owing to its huge height, is both weather protected and drenched with sun – creates a uniquely usable, highly British outdoor living space. The listed barn itself has simply been stabilised, reroofed in Corten steel, and, other than a small work pod sitting independent of the main structure, left as an opportunity for the future.

The jury was taken with this brutal yet sensitive logic, that ultimately resulted in an e cient, a ordable, authentic, and sustainable home. Around the buildings, the landscape has been rewilded, a historic horse pond reinstated with overhanging terraces from the house, a floating reed bed and meadow created, and dead hedging used to both denote and soften hard boundaries. These muscular structures and wild landscape retain a beguiling air of dereliction, but within and around them the architect has wrought a home that is sophisticated, stylish, and comfortable.

The same decision-making process of sensitivity and confidence that was applied to the masterplan also extends into the details. On the one hand they are brutally honest, and on the other seemingly tough, with functional agricultural hardware elevated to become poetry. Ladders, concrete pipes, steel gratings, scars, and cracks have all found new meaning. Steel sheeting that previously lined grain drying silos has been repurposed as cladding, and bricks moved around the site and loose laid on sand to create Alvar Aalto-like terraces.

The architect has judiciously removed elements to admit light exactly where needed, and sparingly added quality new elements where home comforts are required. The heart of the home is the main living pod, inserted into the former grain store. A warm, beautifully lit, timberframed, ply-clad, cement-floored space with light on three sides, it leads to an enclosed winter garden which faces the restored horse pond. On its long side it has a direct connection to the covered terrace. This space is a liveable, well-thought-out, controlled piece of residential design.

Built for less than £1,750/sqm, The Drift is a masterclass in adaptive reuse, ignoring the precious, and finding joy, patina, and interest in the everyday.

Home improvements should always add a bit of sparkle

And to celebrate our 60th birthday, we’re offering an extra layer of loveliness.

This month, we’re offering free upgrades to our new Triple 28 glazing and a free home security monitoring system when you order new windows, doors or extensions.

I know what you’re going to say, we shouldn’t have, but go on....you deserve it.

SLEEP EASY THIS

summer

How Jensen Beds ensures sleep that makes your day

Jensen Beds has been creating premium beds in Norway since 1947, combining Scandinavian craftsmanship, innovative sleep technology and timeless design to deliver exceptional comfort. Deeply rooted in Norwegian heritage, the brand is known for its dedication to quality, attention to detail and the belief that great sleep is essential to everyday wellbeing – helping you wake up fully rested, every morning.

MADE IN NORWAY

Just outside Oslo, along the shores of the Drammen Fjord, lies the small coastal town of Svelvik – home to Jensen Beds for generations. Here, skilled craftsmanship and a strong design tradition continue to shape every product. Each bed is handmade in Norway using carefully selected materials and advanced comfort technology, ensuring both durability and a refined sleeping experience. Every Jensen bed is backed by a 25-year guarantee against frame or spring breakage, reflecting the brand’s commitment to long-lasting quality.

GET YOUR BEDROOM READY FOR THE SUMMER SEASON

As the warmer months approach, Jensen introduces one of its most innovative sleep technologies: Jensen TempSmart™. Designed to help maintain an optimal sleeping temperature throughout the night, TempSmart™ creates a more balanced and comfortable sleep environment, even during warm summer nights. Jensen TempSmart™ products are sold separately and are an easy and a ordable way to upgrade your sleep experience. If you find yourself tossing and turning during the night, it is often because your body temperature is either too high or too low. The right duvet, pillow and bed linen is therefore important for a good night’s sleep.

NOT TOO HOT, NOT TOO COLD

The advanced temperature-regulating materials of Jensen TempSmart™ absorb, store and release excess body heat when needed, helping to reduce overheating and chilling during sleep. The result is a more stable sleeping climate and improved comfort through the night.

FRIENDLY TO NATURE – AND YOU

Jensen beds are made in Norway using only materials, production methods and suppliers that live up to their highly set expectations. To prove their sincerity they work with leading sustainability labels, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). It makes us all sleep better.

RE-THINKING AND RE-USING

The planet demands us to be smarter when it comes to the use of resources. And beds are no exception. Working with circular design, Jensen extends the life cycle of their beds and accessories, without compromising their quality. Their aim is always to make beds that stand the test of time, while constantly working to reduce their footprint.

EXPERIENCE JENSEN IN CHELSEA HARBOUR

For those wanting to experience Norwegian sleep comfort first-hand, Jensen Beds can be discovered at the showroom in Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, London. Located among some of the world’s leading interior and design brands, the

Jensen Beds offers a more stable sleeping climate and improved comfort through the night

showroom o ers visitors the opportunity to explore the full collection of Norwegianmade beds, experience the quality of the materials and receive expert guidance in creating the perfect sleep sanctuary.

117 Design Centre South, First Floor Chelsea Harbour, Lots Road, SW10 0XE 020 3914 1262

jensen-beds.com/uk

ELEVATE your space

Seven ways to make your deck an extension of your home

Awell-designed deck can add an outdoor room to your home – and creating a versatile space that combines practicality with personal touches will make the deck your favourite place to be. From plants to pillows, here are seven top tips to make your deck feel like home.

HIGH-PERFORMANCE DECKING

The heart of the deck is the material it is made from, with a quality deck ensuring a stable base for your outdoor space. Composite decking such as Trex® is a more durable alternative to wood materials. Over time, traditional timber can warp, fade and splinter, while Trex is low-maintenance, high-performance decking that doesn’t require standing, staining or sealing – ever! With up to 50year limited residential warranties and resistance to rotting, mould and mildew, Trex looks good and is long-lasting.

COHESION WITH YOUR HOME

For your deck to be an extension of your home, it should harmonise with the style and décor of whichever room it connects to. You can achieve this by using similar colour palettes. If your interior floors are a warm wood colour, opt for similar decking boards, while a cooler grey colour palette inside your home will be complemented by decking in grey tones. Trex has five ranges incorporating 15 colours and grain patterns, so from contemporary greys to warm browns and light oaks, there’s an option for all spaces and budgets.

DEFINE YOUR DECK

Extend the living zones of your home by defining areas of your deck to create a functional layout. Whether you want an area for entertaining, a barbecue space or a quiet spot for reading, use tape to map out the zones and give you a good idea of the size of any furniture needed. Outdoor rugs are a great way of defining these spaces, and again, can complement the décor in your home.

MAKE IT MATCH

Once you’ve defined the areas of your deck, give the deck itself a coherent style. Sticking to a neutral colour palette will allow you to add pops of colour, with accessories like rugs, cushions and throws adding texture and patterns.

GREENERY IS KEY

Adding plants to your deck is the perfect way to link your home and outdoor space. As well as providing your garden with a sense of flow, research has shown they improve wellness and positivity. Hanging baskets and decorative planters also add colour and cosy clutter to your deck and provide shade on sunny days.

Make your deck a versatile space that’s your favourite place to be

TAKE COVER

Creating a sheltered area on your deck is another way to help the space feel like an extra room in your home. A pergola, awning or umbrella are all additions that will extend the indoors and keep you protected from the sun and those inevitable summer showers, so you can stay outdoors no matter the weather!

BRING THINGS TO LIGHT

Don’t underestimate the finishing touches. Lighting your deck makes it functional and appealing for evening use. String lights and lanterns are decorative options, with downlights and lights incorporated into railings or steps being practical options that ensure your deck can be used safely after sunset.

Want to extend your living space with a stylish, practical deck? See the Trex difference for yourself – order your free sample at uk.trex.com/shop

GRAHAM & GREEN

Lionel sofa, from £2,260 schplendid.com EDITOR’S

CULT FURNITURE

Lombard carver chair, £149 cultfurniture.com

SCHPLENDID

Yellow Apero pitcher, £42 grahamandgreen.co.uk FERROLUCE

Summer outdoor stool, £99 peppermillinteriors.com

By PENDLE HARTE

POOKY

Leela wall light, £100 pooky.com

DAR LIGHTING

Chrissy table lamp, £66 darlighting.co.uk

CRAFTED to last

A century-old business continues creating handcrafted furniture for iconic locations nationwide,

writes the current owner

By KARL BAROWSKY

Inever expected to end up owning a teak furniture business. In fact, it happened almost entirely by accident. Back in 2003, I was simply looking for fencing materials for my farm. I had an old wartime bomb crater in one of my fields that needed securing, and while searching for a wire strainer – or a “monkey strainer” as we call it in the North East – I stumbled across stacks of beautiful teak timber. Curiosity got the better of me. One conversation led to another, and before I knew it, I had met the managing director and bought the company.

It’s a decision my wife has never quite forgiven me for. Then again, this was the same household that unexpectedly acquired four Hereford cows one afternoon, so perhaps she wasn’t entirely surprised.

The business itself has a much longer history. Founded in 1923 as F. Peart & Son, it has remained proudly based in Hartlepool for more than a century. When I took over, I threw myself into creating a future for the company, investing in websites, exhibitions and trade shows, from Gardeners’ World to SALTEX and Leisure Industry Week. Looking back, I probably spent far too much money trying

Sustainability has always mattered to me

to work out how to get where I wanted to be, but I’ve never lost sight of the goal.

Today, we continue to craft handmade outdoor furniture from our Hartlepool workshop, using only the finest teak, oak, iroko and British sweet chestnut. Sustainability has always mattered to me. Timber is one of the world’s most beautiful natural materials, and I believe it deserves to be treated with respect. Fortunately, our craftsmen share that same passion.

Over the years, our furniture has found homes in some remarkable places. We’ve worked with organisations including the National Trust and supplied benches and seating for iconic parks and gardens across the UK and beyond. Our pieces can be found in botanic gardens, golf clubs and public spaces from London to the Channel Islands, as well as in France and Germany. We’ve even created commemorative benches marking historic moments, including the signing of Magna Carta in St Albans, alongside tributes to figures such as Charles Darwin in Bristol Botanic Garden. For me, though, the greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that every piece begins the same way: with skilled hands, exceptional timber and a family business that still proudly calls Hartlepool home.

To find out more about Teak Garden Furniture, call 01429 890808 or visit teakgardenfurniture.co.uk

EDUCATION

PREPARED FOR EVERYTHING CLAYESMORE

Nestled in the stunning Dorset countryside, Clayesmore combines academic ambition with exceptional pastoral care, inspiring pupils to thrive with confidence and character. Renowned for its broad curriculum, outstanding co-curricular opportunities and strong sense of community, the

Active IMAGINATIONS

Why sports are essential for students’ development on and o the pitch

By CALLUM RIDGWAY

Since 2017, the number of children playing sports has been steadily rising, reflecting a growing understanding of the importance of physical activity for children and young people, which has likely spurred from the UK’s avid interest in and support of well-established sporting competitions. From health benefits to skills development, sports are about more than trophies; they are essential for a student’s personal and academic development.

At The Boswells School, we have long recognised the benefits of sports and movement for our young people and pride ourselves on the robust sports curriculum and extra-curricular activities we o er. Our students can choose to study GCSE or A-level PE or the Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma (CTEC) in Sport and Physical Activity, and our CTEC results

are consistently among the top five per cent of the country. Our U18s girls’ volleyball team recently secured their third national championship in a row – but what does sports success really mean for our students?

A foundation for active adulthood

Movement is crucial for our bodies, whether we are children or adults. Playing a sport can help to prevent chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. Moderate to high intensity activity – for example running – helps to improve heart health while higher impact sports, like football, netball or tennis, are particularly e ective at building bone density and strength, which can help prevent injuries later in life. Here, every student can choose from a wide range of sports and activities to provide a balanced approach to fitness. Another benefit of regular physical activity is its impact on children’s sleep.

SPORTS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR A STUDENT'S PERSONAL AND ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT

With more than a quarter of 15-year-olds in England reporting being too tired to concentrate on their lessons, improved sleep habits can support concentration, which is particularly helpful during intensive periods, such as exams when students may find it more di cult to sleep well.

Skills for the workplace

Yet, encouraging physical activity in the school day goes beyond supporting our students’ physical health, it also prepares them for the future workplace. With employers looking for employees who are resilient, adaptable and collaborative, solo and group sports are an e ective way to develop the skills and character to equip students for success beyond school. So much so, nine in ten employers recognise the benefits of sport in developing qualities that are important for the workplace. Our sports captains gain valuable leadership skills as they mentor and inspire

their teammates, who are learning to work and communicate as a team. Our Young Leaders programme, which provides students in Years 7 to 13 with opportunities to work with local primary schools, further strengthens the collaborative skills they develop on the pitch.

Managing a schedule that includes training sessions, matches and studying teaches all our sports students important time management skills that employers value right from the very beginning in Year 7. Every training session, match or tournament also develops players’ problem-solving skills: from split-second decision making to longer-term strategic thinking, they analyse, evaluate and process information quickly and e ectively.

Stress management and improved mental wellbeing

With more than 500 children a day in England being referred to mental health

services for anxiety, building resilience has never been more important. Through training and competitions, students learn how to navigate mistakes and losses, manage pressure and maintain focus during periods of intense performance. The coping strategies that they naturally develop during games are also hugely valuable in all areas of their life and can be used in many di erent situations. Throughout their time at school, children will face times when they feel uncomfortable, worried or even anxious. While anxiety can be normal, and even helpful over short periods, over longer periods it can impact a child’s physical, mental and academic performance. Physical movement can help improve a child’s mood through the release of endorphins, while team sports can have a powerful impact on their sense of belonging. Top tip: if your child will be transitioning to secondary school this year, joining a sports team can help them build friendships with like-minded children.

Most importantly, the social element of sports makes them fun and interesting as both hobbies and subjects. Many of our students look forward to their weekly lessons or training sessions with enthusiasm, sharing that they provide a welcome relief from the rigour of studying or revising.

The physical, mental and academic benefits of both solo and team sports are clear, which is why physical education is core to our students’ learning at The Boswells School. The results on the pitch or the court reflect a more significant win for our young people though: the confidence and character that they develop during their time with us that prepares them for success beyond the classroom.

Callum Ridgway is Head of Faculty (Sports and PE) at The Boswells School. Find out more at boswells-school.com

At Brentwood Preparatory School, they have found the ‘sweet spot’ of modern education. By combining award-winning, world class facilities with an individualised approach to pastoral care, they o er a rare dual advantage: the expansive opportunities of a progressive learning environment delivered within the warm, nurturing environment of a small school community where pupil wellbeing is at the heart of everything they do.

It is often assumed that a school must choose between being small and nurturing or large and well resourced, but Brentwood Prep is the exception to that rule. Having fully integrated their state-of-the-art developments, they provide their children with a breadth and depth of academic and co-curricular programmes that few schools in the country can match, all while maintaining a village-school atmosphere where every child is known and valued.

Head of Prep, Alice Goodfellow, explains: “Every child at Brentwood Prep is important,

balance

Big school opportunities, small school feel: life at Brentwood Prep

they only get one shot at their education and we take that responsibility very seriously. Our established Pastoral team, which includes two Pastoral Mentors, and Heads of Year, ensures our care remains highly personalised. Class and Form Teachers play a significant role in being a child’s constant in school life, someone that knows them well and who they can turn to for advice at any point. All adults at Brentwood Prep go out of their way to have positive, regular interactions with the children, this is their community, this is where they belong.”

This growth of the Shenfield Road campus was meticulously planned to achieve an optimum balance. Paradoxically, as the school’s facilities expanded, the pupil-tosta ratio was significantly reduced: more sta means more time to dedicate to each child. This investment in people ensures that the ‘small school feel’ is protected by a dedicated team that provides a personalised experience for every child.

The benefits of this ‘big school’ infrastructure are woven into the fabric of daily life. A rich, varied academic enrichment programme is

built directly into the timetable, ensuring every child – rather than just a select few – enjoys access to elite-level academic and co-curricular challenges. This sense of opportunity extends to their vibrant House culture, where children have ample opportunities for leadership roles and chances for pupils to represent their peers. Furthermore, their team of coaching sta and extensive grounds mean that every child, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to represent the school in sports.

“We have reached a point where we o er the best of both worlds,” Alice adds. “The growth of the school has actually allowed us to know our pupils better. We have the resources to o er an incredible range of activities, but we remain small enough to ensure no child is left on the sidelines. Our pupils are the main beneficiaries of an approach that o ers them the world, while keeping their happiness and wellbeing at the very centre of it.”

Brentwood Preparatory School will hold its next Open Morning on Saturday 6th June 2026. To register, or find out more information, visit brentwoodschool.co.uk

T£2,000,000

his exceptional six bedroom detached residence, positioned on the prestigious Tomswood Road in Chigwell, presents an impressive blend of modern design and luxurious family living. Set behind Bluetooth enabled electric gates, the interior is thoughtfully arranged to o er expansive and versatile accommodation, including six bathrooms and two reception rooms.

MAKING moves

Setting a sensible guide price is key in a sensitive market, says Felicity Walker of Savills

Whatever your property plans for the rest of this year – whether you’re considering a move or just keeping a close eye on market conditions – it’s important to understand what’s driving current sentiment.

For the most part, levels of activity in West Essex have remained largely resilient. The conflict in the Middle East has certainly knocked buyer confidence. But for now, even if the seam of demand has become thinner, deals continue to be done – albeit buyers have a clear focus on value and a ordability.

SENSITIVE MARKET

The most recent RICS Housing Market survey shows just how sensitive the market remains, reflecting a weakened economic outlook, a delay in prospective base rate cuts and a rise in political uncertainty both at home and abroad. Furthermore, according to Nationwide, annual house price growth to the end of May was just 1.7% –down from 3% in April and representing the first monthly fall (0.6%) of 2026.

Data from property market analysts TwentyCI also gives a useful snapshot, suggesting national activity levels have dropped despite more stability in the mortgage markets.

To that end, Savills recently revised its five year house price forecasts. Our researchers expect mainstream house prices in West Essex and the wider East of England to fall by an average of 3.5% this year – recovering to increase by 2% in 2027 and by 13.9% in the five years to 2030.

STRONG TRACK RECORD

It’s by no means all doom and gloom. The most popular areas will always outperform expectations – and our Loughton o ce has had a strong year to date.

As well as selling more properties than when compared to the same period in 2025, we’ve also had more buyers contact us to register their interest.

Demand is undoubtedly more measured, but realistically priced, well-maintained homes continue to have strong appeal. And with property moves largely dictated by personal life events, there remains a select core of committed buyers.

Partnering with a trusted agent with a proven track record is a good first step for those hoping to sell. But with the market likely to remain sensitive for the foreseeable future, setting a sensible guide price is absolutely essential.

If you’re considering a move we’d be delighted to hear from you. Visit the Savills o ce at The Triangle, 1A Smarts Lane in Loughton or call 020 8198 6600

What buyerswant

James Hunt, founder of Durden & Hunt, o ers up his top tips on how best to present your home

One of the questions I’m asked most often by sellers is simple: what are buyers looking for right now?

The honest answer is that it’s rarely just about size, specification, kerb appeal or even location alone. While bedrooms, square footage and transport links will always matter, buyers are increasingly making decisions based on how a home will actually support the way they live.

For sellers, that means presentation is critical, it informs the first o er a buyer makes, before they’ve even stepped through the door. In most cases, their opinion has already begun to form online, based on photographs and the way a property is positioned.

a sense that a home will be easy to live in.

Outdoor space is another key consideration. Whether it’s space for summer dining, children playing or simply somewhere to unwind, buyers are trying to picture themselves in it. Even smaller outdoor areas can be powerful selling points when they are well maintained.

Inside the home, certain features continue to carry real weight. Open plan kitchen/living spaces remain highly sought after, particularly when they naturally lend themselves to entertaining and family life. Buyers want to see flow, light and functionality. Equally, practical elements matter more than ever: good parking, useful storage, utility rooms and well thought out layouts all contribute to

Equally, buyers are asking far more about lifestyle than they once did. They want to understand where the nearest independent co ee shop is, how walkable the neighbourhood feels, what schools and parks are nearby and whether there is a genuine sense of community. These are the details that help them move from viewing a house to imagining a life. This is where sellers can make a real di erence. It is essential to brief your agent not only on the property’s features, but on the lifestyle it o ers. The shortcut to the station, the local high street, the park at the end of the road, these are not always captured in photographs or floorplans, but they are often what creates an emotional connection during a viewing. Buyers are still rational, but they are also increasingly guided by feeling, by whether a home fits the next stage of their life.

On the market

A stunning family home in Loughton

Durden & Hunt welcome to the market this 2,130 sq detached home, comprising five bedrooms, three bathrooms (two being ensuites) plus additional downstairs WC, an open plan living and dining room, separate kitchen and breakfast room and additional reception room. Externally the property benefits from a spacious landscaped garden, carriage driveway and garage.

Spareleaze Hill, Loughton, IG10 Offers in excess of £1,750,000 durdenandhunt.co.uk

why everyone is talking about…

Loaf

A new opening in Chelmsford is catching the attention of interior design lovers across Essex and beyond

British furniture brand Loaf, known for its ridiculously comfortable sofas, beds and homewares, has o cially opened the doors to its new Chelmsford Shack.

The 5,500 sq ft space, designed for film nights, quiet reading moments and proper down time, opened in late spring, marking the brand’s 12th Shack in the UK.

With plenty of Loaf’s signature snoozeinducing sofas and beds, hand-woven rugs, lights, tables and more, Loaf encourages customers to come by and ‘rest-test’ its pieces, chat to comfort experts and really make themselves at home.

There’s also a new Colour Corner, a more hands-on take on the swatch area, where customers can explore fabrics, shades and paint combinations – making design decisions easier as they lay out options and build their own moodboards.

The Shack also features Loaf’s third Movie Lounge, complete with a curated line-up of British, family-friendly films and free popcorn – the perfect setting to sink into Loaf’s famously generous sofas with the whole family, and quite possibly the comfiest cinema seats in the world.

New for Chelmsford is the Loaf Reading Nook, o ering a quieter corner of the Shack – a space to switch o properly, with curated books and built-in seating designed for losing track of time.

The Loaf Pantry also launched as a new concept for the brand – a help yourself space o ering tea and co ee from independent British makers (local roaster Wood Street Co ee and tea specialists Good and Proper Tea), alongside classic Loaf favourites such as Tunnock’s Tea Cakes.

As always, the Shack is family-friendly, with thoughtful touches for children such as a colouring-in station, while dogs are warmly welcomed and encouraged to ‘rest-test’ Loaf’s Woofins dog beds.

Discover more at loaf.com