Issuu

ESSEX

Essex

NOVEMBER 2026 / £3.95

S PEC I AL Gift guides galore, for foodies, home lovers, pets and more

NOVEMBER 2026

Meeting of

MINDS ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES.COM

ESSEX LOCAL LISA SNOWDON LAUNCHES THE EDIT IN COLLABORATION WITH BONMARCHÉ PLUS

MAISIE SMITH From an Essex childhood to the Little Shop of Horrors PICTURE PERFECT The many reasons why Dedham Vale caught John Constable's eye MANY HAPPY RETURNS Celebrating a special anniversary at the Galvin Green Man in Great Waltham

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1 6 1U6P U PE PR P EPRA R PA KR K

3 T3HTEHGERG AR NA GN EG E

Sewardstone Sewardstone Road, Road, Waltham Waltham Abbey, Abbey, EN9 EN9

Woodgreen Woodgreen Road, Road, Upshire, Upshire, EN9 EN9

Loughton, Loughton, Essex, Essex, IG10 IG10

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T HTEHDEA D I RAYI R Y

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Lighting Lightingthe the way wayhome home Wishing Wishing youyou a bright a bright andand merry merry festive festive season season andand a prosperous a prosperous New New Year Year

FEL F IECLIITCYI TWYAW LK AL EK RE R

D AD VA ID V IBDL O B LOOMOFM I EFLI D ELD Residential Residential Director Director

Residential Residential Negotiator Negotiator

felicity.walker@savills.com felicity.walker@savills.com 020 020 84988498 6609 6609

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HeadHead of Office of Office

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents NOVEMBER 2026

46 CULTURE

FASHION

INTERIORS

14 Agenda The events not to miss

52 The Shoot Lisa Snowdon's

72 Atelier 44 We meet founder

across Essex in November

collaboration with Bonmarché

Hayley Fellows-Prior

16 Maisie Smith From Essex to

55 Products Why now is the

the Little Shop of Horrors

time to bring out the PJs

77 Trend Why homes are embracing all things metal

31 Christmas Special Gift guides covering all the family

WEDDINGS

DON'T MISS

FOOD & DRINK

58 Sustainability Why couples

90 RHS Glow The countdown

are adopting an eco approach

to Christmas starts here

46 Galvin Green Man Celebrating

61 Venue The many reasons why Leeds

a special ten years

Castle is perfect for the big day

49 Drinks Five to help kick

63 How To Work It Add a golden

off the festive spirit

touch to your wedding

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

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O N T H E C OV E R Lisa Snowdon x Bonmarché (bonmarche.co.uk)

editor MARK KEBBLE • art director PAWEL KUBA • magazine designers MARIANA SUZUKI, BRUNA FACCIN, PAMELLA MORENO • group sales manager - south ABIGAIL GARDNER • media consultant CLAIRE YATES • credit control manager ALEXANDRA HVID • directors CRAIG DAVIES, JAMES FUSCHILLO • non-executive director ALEXANDRA HUNTER • managing director SHERIF SHALTOUT Zest Media Publications Ltd. cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts and photographs. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and Zest Media Publications Ltd. take no responsibility for omissions or errors. We reserve the right to publish and edit any letters. All rights reserved.

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Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S November issue highlights

here are certain films you watch as a child that stay with you forever. In the case of Little Shop of Horrors, starring Rick Moranis, I suspect that was because I spent a fair amount of it hiding behind a cushion. The problem, of course, was Audrey II. A talking plant sounds harmless enough. Quite charming, even. A talking plant with an appetite for human beings? That took rather more getting used to. I have been faintly suspicious of an oversized houseplant ever since. Yet it was great Christmas viewing. Perhaps not the obvious choice alongside the chocolates and festive television listings, but there was something irresistible about the songs, the silliness and the knowledge that something thoroughly outrageous was coming next. Even if I wasn’t always brave enough to watch it. So, discovering that Maisie Smith is starring in a new stage production brought back plenty of memories. In this issue, we catch up with her about stepping into the wonderfully peculiar world of a musical that still makes you laugh one minute and recoil the next. Sticking to the Christmas theme, our gift guide special returns this month, with ideas for all the family, including what to buy for the home. Oversized plants not included.

Hampers

The top picks for the festive season (p38)

Gift Guides

Christmas sorted for all the family (p31)

Maisie Smith

On entering the Little Shop of Horrors (p16)

D edham Vale Why it is a picture perfect destination (p20)

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MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

RHS Glow

Why everyone is talking about its return (p90)

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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

EDITOR’S PICK

GET FRUITY Black Opium Pink Glaze is the new strawberry craze by YSL Beauty, continuing the coffee ﬂoral trend with its burst of energy twisted with black coffee. This is the scent of the future. yslbeauty.com

HUNG UP Among our favourite brands is NYC-based Lizzie Fortunato. These Sun and Sea earrings were inspired by Alexander Calder's mobiles. lizziefortunato.com

A DOG'S LIFE Some of the most creative brains in British entertainment have come together to collaborate on a charity T-shirt with the slogan 'God Save the Beagles'. It has been cut by the celebrity tailor Gresham Blake and shot by Rankin, and every one sold will help get more dogs out of testing laboratories and into rehabilitation. greshamblake.com

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

S TA R R Y E Y E D Aspiga's new block print eye mask is both chic and essential. This B-Corp fashion brand has a commitment to sustainability. aspiga.com

CARRY ON Mulberry's new Stevie bag is lightweight and softly structured, with a detachable top handle and shoulder strap. We love the amethyst colour for its polished shine. mulberry.com

I L AVA Y O U The new Telstar Rocket Lava Lamp from original lava lamp brand Mathmos is an impressive piece – at 60cm tall it's unmissable and the molten movement is hypnotic. Everyone needs one. mathmos.com

S W E E T T R E AT Forget macarons. Laduree's new object of desire is the Eugénie, a combination of crisp sablé biscuit, a soft , melting centre and an indulgent crunchy chocolate shell. And they're ridiculously pretty too. laduree.com

WO R D U P It might sound unlikely, but Bella Freud's newest collaboration is with Boots, where she has curated a selection of beauty and lifestyle products. The best thing? Everything comes in a keepsake box – or in this case, a soap dish. boots.com

R E D H OT

PINK L A DY

The largest selection of everything lingerie-related can be found at Amelie's Follies. Get your red stockings before they sell out. ameliesfollies.co.uk

Tatty Devine and Zandra Rhodes have teamed up to launch a jewellery collection that perfectly combines all of their trademark styles. Expect lots of bold shapes, quirky detail, and of course lots of pink. tattydevine.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Written and directed by Erina Lewis

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PHOTO: BEN CANNON

C U LT U R E

Th e S t re e t s ION

, CLIFFS PAVIL

3 NOVEMBER

line shows, sold-out head mer of major m su a special e d siv ce as un no Following a m reets have an St e Th t ac rfo sh pe rm their iti pioneering Br d his band will ike Skinner an in its entirety, M . ee te Fr r da Fo nd e Southe and Don't Com Gr A album live. e um et pl alb m e co seminal 2004 performed th s ha t tfi ou e th ts.com the first time trafalgarticke

Agenda 14 • Maisie Smith 16 • Dedham Vale 20 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda

PHOTO: MARTIN JOHNSON

N OV E M B E R ' S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S

EV E NT

Christmas at Stow 28 November STOW MARIES GREAT WAR AERODROME Christmas at Stow will be full of fun and festivity. They will have craft stalls, musical entertainment from Sabre Saxes, Chelmsford Male Voice Choir, Braintree Voices women’s choir and the fabulous All Saints Church Handbell Ringers, playing carols and festive songs on bells dating back to 1870. Youngsters can enjoy making Christmas crafts, Father Christmas will be dropping in, and 10th Essex Living History Group lend a touch of WWI authenticity to proceedings. stowmaries.org.uk

F I L M

Dead Poets Society 26 NOV E MBE R , BE EC RO F T CIN EMA CLUB

We're off to Welton Academy in autumnal Vermont for Oscarwinning coming of age drama Dead Poets Society, directed by Peter Weir and starring the late Robin Williams. Set in 1959, a prestigious New England boys' boarding school trains generations to lead lives of conformity and tradition. That is, until the arrival of enthusiastic and unorthodox new English professor John Keating. southendmuseums.co.uk

CO M E DY

Simon Brodkin 12 November CHARTER HALL Prepare for Simon Brodkin – Unleashed. Famous for his legendary high-profile pranks and Lee Nelson persona, Simon is bringing his sharp punchlines and elite crowd work to Colchester’s Charter Hall this month, in a gig that you won’t forget in a hurry. colchester-events.co.uk

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J U M P

A RT

Out of Line Until 28 February, 2027 THE MINORIES A landmark exhibition of street art, featuring 28 original artworks by Banksy, alongside significant pieces by more than 20 leading figures from the global street art and urban contemporary art movement, is now open. Unlike many exhibitions purporting to celebrate Banksy’s work, every single piece in Out of Line is an original artwork or an artist-certified print – what you see is the real thing. theminories.org

EV E N T

FIREWORKS NIGHT

This Month’s Must See

8 NOVEMBER, DOWN HALL Set in 110 acres of Essex countryside, this magical evening promises family entertainment, tasty treats and a spectacular display that lights up the stunning estate. Gates open at 6pm with a family-friendly disco, face painting station and plenty of street food favourites from stone-baked pizzas and burgers to toffee apples and mini doughnuts. downhall.co.uk

The Other Side

9- 14 N OVEMBER, PALACE THEATRE

hen celebrated TV medium Darius Divine, host of The Other Side, plans a family dinner, he expects awkward small talk. He doesn’t expect his pregnant lover, his Gilbert and Sullivan obsessed mother-in-law, or a night of ghostly visitations. As dinner burns and tensions rise, the line between performance and reality begins to shatter. trafalgartickets.com

ABOARD The Santa Express will be roaring into Lakeside Shopping Centre in November

amilies are invited to begin their festive adventure at Lakeside Shopping Centre this Christmas, as the centre unveils The Santa Express, an immersive train journey to meet Santa himself – the likes of which Lakeside has never seen before. Running from Friday 27th November to Thursday 24th December, little ones will arrive at Jingle Bell Junction, located by the central atrium, with their tickets ready to be checked before climbing aboard an authentic train carriage as Very Important Passengers. The magical journey will take families through snow-capped hills and sparkling crystal caverns, with interactive windows, surround sound and motion effects bringing the adventure to life. After travelling through the wintry scenes, visitors will arrive at Candy Cane Lane, where children can decorate a delicious gingerbread biscuit before continuing on to Santa’s cosy cabin. There, families will have the chance to share their Christmas wishes with the Big Man himself, take a keepsake photograph and receive an early Christmas gift to take home. Nancy Foster, Centre Director at Lakeside Shopping Centre, says: “Christmas is all about creating those special moments together, and The Santa Express will give families a truly magical way to begin the countdown. From climbing aboard the train at Jingle Bell Junction, every part of the experience has been designed to make a visit to Lakeside one to remember.” lakeside-shopping.com/ thesantaexpress

PHOTO: MICHAEL WHARLEY

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HOME STAGE MAISIE SMITH AND JED BERRY (WITH AUDREY II), PHOTO: DANNY KAAN

From her creative Essex childhood to a cherished musical role, Maisie Smith reﬂects on home, ambition and discovering her strengths

sk Maisie Smith where she likes to go when she returns to Essex and the answer comes easily. “Whenever I’m free, which isn’t very often these days, I’ll always go to Old Leigh,” she says. “I love being by the water, seeing familiar faces and being somewhere that feels so connected to home.” For an actress whose working life has taken her from soap storylines to ballroom routines and musical theatre rehearsals, those familiar surroundings retain their appeal. Her latest role brings her to Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre, playing Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors until 28th November. It is a production that combines a new professional challenge with memories of growing up. “Little Shop of Horrors was always a family favourite in our house growing up, so playing Audrey feels really special,” she explains. Before the character

became a part to prepare, the musical belonged to the shared pleasures of home. That connection feels especially fitting given the importance of family to Maisie’s creative development. When she considers what her Essex upbringing contributed to her personality and ambitions, she starts with her parents. “I think a lot of my creativity and personality comes from my parents,” she says. “My dad was an artist and my mum was an actor, so I grew up around creative people who supported and encouraged me every day.” It is a warm description of a childhood in which artistic expression was familiar and encouraged. Having creative people around her gave Maisie both an example and the confidence to explore her own abilities. That support remains part of the story of a performer who has repeatedly taken on new challenges, discovering what she can do through experiences that have sometimes felt frightening at the outset.

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

Many viewers first came to know her as Tiffany Butcher in EastEnders. Working in a soap offered an education in the demands of acting, particularly the need to follow a character through changing circumstances. “One of the great things about being on a soap is that your character can go through so many different storylines and emotional journeys,” she explains. “You’re constantly being

MR MUSHNIK (MICHAEL STARKE) AND AUDREY (MAISIE SMITH)

challenged, and you learn a huge amount about what you’re capable of as an actor.” The variety within one role helped her explore different emotions and situations while maintaining a recognisable character. Her account suggests that confidence develops through meeting those demands, rather than arriving fully formed. Each new storyline becomes another opportunity to learn. For

audiences familiar with Tiffany, Audrey now offers the chance to see Maisie apply that experience to a different personality, with her own wishes, disappointments and ways of navigating the world. Strictly Come Dancing provided another memorable test. “I still can’t believe I was only 19 when I did Strictly,” she says. “It was probably one of the scariest, but most fulfilling experiences I’ve ever had. I learnt so much about myself and again what I was capable of.” Asked whether it gave her greater confidence in approaching choreography and live musical theatre, her answer is emphatic: “Definitely.” Now that experience feeds into a role with a particular emotional pull. Maisie is drawn to Audrey’s complexity, and to the contrast between her caring nature and the painful experiences beneath it. “She’s such a wonderful character with so many layers,” she says. “She’s sweet, caring and protective over Seymour, but underneath that she’s suffered a lot of trauma and she doesn’t believe that she’s worthy of the life she dreams of.” For Maisie, understanding Audrey means recognising the strength involved in continuing to hope. “I think what makes Audrey strong is that, despite everything she’s been through, she still dreams of a better life,” she explains. That belief helps her approach the character’s vulnerability with care. Audrey’s

SEYMOUR (JED BERRY) AND ORIN SCRIVELLO, THE DENTIST (BENJAMIN YATES), PHOTO: DANNY KAAN

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

uncertainty and romantic nature are part of a woman who can still imagine a future beyond her present circumstances. Her connection with Seymour offers a way towards that future. “I also think Seymour helps her realise that she shouldn’t blame herself or change herself to have that life that she wishes for,” Maisie says. The relationship allows her to explore a gradual shift in Audrey’s understanding of herself. A better life begins to seem possible without requiring her to deny who she is. Those hopes find their clearest expression in Somewhere That’s Green. Maisie loves the simplicity of what Audrey imagines. “She wants a nice clean home, a washing machine, a tumble dryer and to be in bed by 9.15!” she says. “She’s not asking for the world. She craves a sense of safety and normality.” The song’s domestic details reveal a wish for security that gives its familiar words a moving emotional foundation. There is considerable affection attached to the role, particularly as this production arrives four decades after the film. Maisie’s way of finding her own Audrey is to focus on the feelings that remain recognisable. “I think even after all these years, Audrey still feels very real,” she says. “She has all these hopes and dreams, but she also has insecurities and a lot of self-doubt, and I’ve really enjoyed finding those little human details in her and bringing my own interpretation to them.” Director and choreographer CarrieAnne Ingrouille has helped create the

MAISIE AS AUDREY

space for that exploration. “CarrieAnne is wonderful. Her choreography is phenomenal,” Maisie says. “She has such a brilliant eye for both comedy and vulnerability, and she’s really open to exploring things in the room, which has made the process so fun and free.” Finding room for laughter alongside the character’s emotional history is an important part of what makes the work rewarding. The laughter has also come courtesy of Audrey II, brought to life through four specially commissioned puppets. “I am completely transfixed by the puppetry,” Maisie says. “It’s so slick and genuinely hilarious. I’ve literally cried with laughter in the rehearsal room.” Even while absorbed

SEYMOUR (JED BERRY) WITH CRYSTAL (PSALSMS-NISSI MYERS-REID), CHIFFON (RIO MAYE), RONETTA (GABRIELLE DAVINA SMITH)

in her own role, she clearly enjoys watching the other elements develop. “I think audiences are going to have such a good time watching Audrey II come to life.” Recording a new Little Shop Megamix gave the company an early opportunity to hear its collective sound and settle into working together. “It definitely helped shake off those first-day rehearsal jitters,” she recalls. “Everyone is so wonderfully talented, so hearing us all together straight away made me even more excited to start working with them.” That shared session became a welcome first step in building the chemistry on which a production depends. Manchester is now home for Maisie, having moved there with her partner, who comes from the city. She enjoys its creative scene and the quieter pleasures around where she lives, including woodland walks and coffee beside the canal. Working locally also brings the welcome prospect of commuting and sleeping in her own bed, something she notes actors do not always get to enjoy. Essex, though, remains a place of familiar faces and enduring connections. Her affection for Old Leigh offers a reminder that building a life elsewhere can sit comfortably alongside a strong attachment to where it began. As for the next professional chapter, she is content to let it emerge. “Currently I have no idea what’s next for me, but in a weird way that really excites me.” For now, there is Audrey to discover, with the encouragement of that creative Essex childhood still part of the journey. Maisie Smith plays Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors at Manchester’s Hope Mill Theatre until 28th November. Visit hopemilltheatre.co.uk for more

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Family fun with thousands of the finest, freshly grown Real Christmas Trees to choose from, including needle retaining, ‘non-drop’ & traditional varieties. Get your Christmas trees DIRECT FROM THE GROWER at Hurleys Farm. Choose your fabulous Family Tree from over 10 freshly cut varieties on display or choose directly from our fields and we will cut it for you Christmas Trees at the best prices around from 3/4ft up to 15ft for this year at our Hurleys Christmas Tree Farm, Battlesbridge.

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WILLY LOTT'S HOUSE

BEYOND the

CANVAS Follow the Stour through Dedham Vale for celebrated landscapes, village discoveries and memorable places to eat

here are places that look as though they have been composed for a painting, and then there is Dedham Vale: a landscape that helped shape how Britain imagines its countryside. The River Stour winds between water meadows, old trees and villages on the Essex/Suffolk border, gathering reflections that change with every passing cloud. John Constable made those skies famous, but the pleasure of visiting the Vale lies in finding how much life exists beyond the frame. A walk can lead from a busy village high street to a field path where the only interruption is birdsong; a morning spent looking at art can end with lunch beside the water. The valley’s story began long before its most celebrated painter. Its fertile land, river crossings and routes between settlements supported farming and trade for centuries. During the medieval period, cloth brought wealth to communities across the Stour Valley. Imposing churches and handsome buildings still speak of that prosperity, although the scene today feels more pastoral than industrious. The Stour itself was once a working route: mills, locks and river craft belonged to an economy that depended on moving goods

as well as growing them. Those practical details matter when looking at Constable’s paintings. His was a countryside of labour, weather and movement, rather than an untouched rural idyll. Constable was born across the river in East Bergholt in 1776 and went to school in Dedham. His father owned Flatford Mill, and the young artist knew the banks, paths and buildings around it intimately. Later, he returned to these familiar places in works including The Hay Wain. Walk through Flatford now and its ingredients are still recognisable: the mill, Willy Lott’s House,

the river and the low horizon that gives the sky such room to perform. Yet the setting rewards visitors who put the painting out of mind for a while. Watch the light move across a meadow or the water gather beneath a bridge, and it becomes easier to understand why he kept looking. That relationship between people and place continues. Dedham Vale was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1970 and is now known as a National Landscape. Its protected area covers around 90 square kilometres, crossing the county boundary and taking in villages, farmland,

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CULTURE • AREA FOCUS

XXX IMAGE CAPTION XXX BOATS ON THE RIVER STOUR AT DEDHAM

woods and the lower Stour. It is a working, lived-in landscape, whose appeal depends as much on its communities and wildlife as on its famous views.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO TODAY

HERE AND LEFT, TALBOOTH

Dedham makes an inviting starting point. Leave time to wander its streets before heading for the river: the village’s mix of historic buildings, independent stops and unexpected glimpses into gardens encourages a slower pace. At St Mary’s Church, visitors can find Constable’s painting The Ascension, a reminder that his connection to the village extended beyond its landscape. Dedham Art & Craft Centre offers a different sort of browse, while the Munnings Art Museum at Castle House introduces another artist who made his home here. Its rooms and studio hold works by Sir Alfred Munnings, particularly known for his paintings of horses, and offer a welcome shift from the idea that one painter tells the Vale’s entire artistic story. From Dedham, the riverside walk to Flatford is the classic outing, and deservedly so. The path links two places central to Constable’s life without demanding that you hurry between them. Pause to watch the river, take the familiar photograph at Willy Lott’s House, then explore the National Trust’s trails around Flatford. Bridge

Cottage and the other historic buildings give a sense of the hamlet’s former working life, while the surrounding paths offer views that change strikingly with the seasons. Spring brings new colour to the banks; summer invites lingering; autumn sharpens the contrast between the trees and the broad East Anglian sky. For a different perspective, get onto the Stour. Traditional boat hire at Dedham makes a gentle outing on the water, while the River Stour Trust operates electric boat trips on stretches of the lower river. These are experiences to plan ahead, particularly outside the warmer months, but even a short journey changes the scale of the valley. From a boat, the banks seem closer, the bridges more substantial and the pace of everything else pleasingly distant. Those who would rather stay on dry land can follow longer paths through the National Landscape or set out towards neighbouring villages such as Stratford St Mary and Nayland, where the valley’s character is expressed in a different collection of streets, churches and riverside views.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK A day outdoors calls for a good table, and Dedham offers several ways to finish it. In the village, The Sun Inn pairs the comfort of a historic pub with seasonal cooking; its menu makes an appealing choice whether A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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THE SUN INN

you want a relaxed lunch or a longer evening over wine. The Boatyard is handy for breakfast, brunch or lunch beside a river outing, with boat hire adding the possibility of making a full day of it. After a walk, even a simple coffee tastes better when there is nowhere urgent to be. For an occasion, Talbooth Restaurant occupies an enviable position beside the Stour. Its waterside setting turns dinner into part of the visit, particularly when the light lingers across the river. Beyond Dedham itself, Dedham Vale Vineyard offers bookable tours and tastings on the edge of the landscape: a pleasant way to exchange the

THE SUN INN

DEDHAM VILLAGE

river path for a stroll among vines. Opening times and experiences vary, so it pays to check directly before travelling. The temptation is to describe Dedham Vale as timeless. It is more interesting than that. The river has carried trade, artists have interpreted what they saw, and generations of residents have worked to keep the villages and countryside alive. Today, visitors can enjoy the famous view and then step beyond it: into a gallery, onto a boat, along a muddy path or up to a table laid for supper. Constable may have shown the world where to look, but the Vale still leaves plenty to discover for yourself.

Five things you may not know about Dedham Vale

1. I t s n a m e h a s c h a n g e d , but its protection has not . The area adopted the name D e d h a m Va l e N a t i o n a l Landscape in 2023; its legal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty designation remains in place.

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2 . E a s t B e r g h o l t ’s b e l l s h ave a n u n u s u a l h o m e . T h e f i ve b e l l s o f S t M a r y ’s Church hang in a separate bell cage and are rung by hand, a distinctive feature of the village.

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3. C a s t l e H o u s e w e l c o m e d r o y a l v i s i to r s i n 2 0 2 6 . The King and Queen visited the Munnings Ar t Museum in Februar y and opened its restored Garden room during its 6 5 t h a n n i v e r s a r y y e a r.

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4. T h e v a l l e y i s r i c h i n small wildlife. Across the w i d e r S t o u r Va l l e y, r e c o r d s include almost 1 ,0 0 0 moth species, alongside more than 1,500 plant species.

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5. Yo u c a n e x p l o r e b e y o n d the well-known circuit. N e w v i s i t o r g u i d e s c ove r Bures, Long Melford, N a y l a n d a n d S t o ke b y Nayland, as well as Dedham a n d C o n s t a b l e C o u n t r y.

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Singing, dancing and acting classes for 4 - 18 year-olds

Set in the glorious surroundings of medieval barns, with over 100 Exhibitors, Catering, Licensed Bar and Live Music.

Giving children and young people the Creative Courage to stand up on stage for over 35 years.

www.stagecoach.co.uk/chingford 07983512461 chingford@stagecoach.co.uk

Adult £7 Concession £6 Children Free Stagecoach Performing Arts schools are operated under franchise and are independently owned by their Principals. Stagecoach and Creative Courage For Life are registered trademarks of Stagecoach Performing Arts Limited.

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CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

SLEEPING BEAUTY, TOWNGATE THEATRE 2025-26

Aladdin offers an invitation to escape into a world of wishes, laughter and adventure

MAGIC

SLEEPING BEAUTY, TOWNGATE THEATRE 2025-26

awaits Towngate Theatre promises comedy, spectacle and plenty of Essex talent with its new production of Aladdin SLEEPING BEAUTY, TOWNGATE THEATRE 2025-26

fter the five-star success of Sleeping Beauty, Towngate Theatre is preparing to whisk audiences away on another magical adventure as Aladdin flies into Basildon for the 2026 festive season. Combining the charm of traditional pantomime with plenty of contemporary sparkle, the production promises everything families have come to love about Christmas at the Towngate. Expect cheeky comedy, slapstick mayhem, showstopping musical numbers and more than a sprinkling of magic as the classic tale is brought colourfully to life. The theatre’s pantomimes have earned a loyal following thanks to their spectacular scenery, vibrant costumes, energetic dancers and live band, which accompanies every performance. Designed as an affordable seasonal treat for all ages, Aladdin looks set to deliver another lively theatrical experience without breaking the bank. Several audience favourites will be returning for the new production.

Sophie Ladds takes on the role of the dastardly Abanazar, while Ian Hallard will bring plenty of comedy and largerthan-life glamour to Widow Twankey. They will be joined by Essex’s own Sophia Ragavelas as Spirit of the Ring, Emily Tang as Princess Jasmine and Reece Kerridge in the comic role of Charlie. With so many locally based performers among the company, the production will also celebrate the wealth of theatrical talent found across the county. Whether it is a family’s first visit to the pantomime or an established part of their Christmas traditions, Aladdin offers an irresistible invitation to escape into a world of wishes, laughter and adventure. Audiences can expect all the fun, mayhem and festive magic for which the Towngate has become known – although anyone hoping to climb aboard the magic carpet should secure their seats before tickets fly away. Aladdin runs at Towngate Theatre from 26th November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Visit towngatetheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01268 205 300 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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O C E A N R O M A N C E With its sociable spirit and idyllic setting, Nova Maldives offers a relaxed escape for couples with something to celebrate

ome Maldivian islands invite honeymooners to disappear from the world; others promise days filled with diving, dining and discovery. Nova Maldives brings these pleasures together. Set in the South Ari Atoll, a scenic 25-minute seaplane journey from Malé, this natural island pairs soft luxury with a sociable spirit, creating an escape where romance feels spontaneous and guests can settle into their own rhythm. The first impression is of greenery, soft sand and an extraordinary expanse of blue. Established vegetation gives the island character, while a generous sweep of beach and a house reef bring the Indian Ocean into almost every aspect of a stay. There is a sense of being somewhere wonderfully remote, but the atmosphere is welcoming, with little of the ceremony sometimes associated with luxury resorts. That balance is central to Nova’s appeal. Its all-inclusive community concept encourages guests to connect with one another, the island and the surrounding ocean. A morning exploring the reef might lead to a leisurely lunch, an afternoon beside the pool and cocktails before dinner. Equally, there is nothing to stop the entire day passing beneath a palm tree. For couples considering a honeymoon, anniversary, vow renewals or wedding celebration, this flexibility is particularly attractive. The scenery supplies the romance, while the island’s restaurants, activities and gathering places give friends and family reasons to turn a special occasion into a shared holiday.

ROOM TO UNWIND

Nova’s 76 villas are divided between beach and water, with interiors designed to complement their surroundings. Neutral colours, natural materials and custom-made furniture create a calm backdrop, while generous natural light allows the landscape to take centre stage. The effect is contemporary and inviting, with comfort taking precedence over extravagant decoration. King-size beds and rainfall showers sit alongside Apple TV and high-speed internet, offering familiar conveniences even somewhere that encourages a slower pace. Refillable, plastic-free organic bath amenities bring a thoughtful touch to the bathrooms. Beach Villas start at 80 square metres and place guests close to the sand and island greenery. Larger interconnected options provide flexibility for families or groups, while sunset-facing villas and private-pool categories offer couples greater seclusion. Overwater villas create a different relationship with the surroundings. Here, private terraces become places for lingering over the first coffee of the day or watching the light change across the lagoon. The pleasure lies in having the ocean as a constant presence. For a celebration involving several generations or a group of friends, that choice of accommodation matters. Some guests will favour the convenience of the beach; others will want the experience of staying above the water. Beyond the villas, Nova offers an easy transition between privacy and company. Guests can spend hours enjoying their own space, then join the island’s social life when the mood changes. A swim before breakfast,

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • TRAVEL

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • TRAVEL

INTERIORS • FEATURE

a conversation over drinks or an evening watching the last light fade can become as memorable as any planned excursion.

A TASTE OF ISLAND LIFE

Food gives the days their own gentle structure. Nova centres its dining on three restaurants, Soul Kitchen, Flames and Mizu, each offering a different atmosphere. Two bars, Solis and Wink, complete the picture, taking guests from daytime refreshments to evenings of cocktails and music. Soul Kitchen is the all-day dining restaurant, serving international flavours in a buffet setting with Indian Ocean views. It is an easy starting point for the day, whether breakfast comes before an excursion or follows a deliberately leisurely morning. Its variety makes it a useful meeting place for groups with different tastes and schedules. At Flames, the mood becomes more intimate. The grill restaurant serves local fish and seafood alongside meat and plant-based dishes, offering a setting for an evening when there is no reason to hurry. For honeymooners or couples marking an anniversary, it provides a change of pace from the main dining room. Mizu adds theatre. Perched above the water, Nova’s signature restaurant centres on teppanyaki and live cooking, with chefs preparing dishes in front of their guests. Tropical flavours and seafood suit the setting, while the performance makes dinner feel like an occasion in itself.

Together, the restaurants provide variety without making every meal a complicated decision. Soul Kitchen keeps things relaxed, Flames lends itself to a longer dinner and Mizu brings entertainment to the table. Guests can establish a favourite or change the mood from one evening to the next. By day, Solis Pool Bar offers freshly squeezed juices, cocktails and a welcome pause from the sunshine. It fits neatly

The attraction of a Maldivian celebration needs little explanation into the relaxed rhythm of moving between pool, lounger and shade. Wink, the main bar, becomes a natural gathering point as evening approaches. Beer, wine and handcrafted cocktails sit alongside pizza and snacks, with live music and DJ sets adding to the sociable atmosphere. For guests travelling together, it offers somewhere to meet without organising a formal occasion. That combination is useful when a wedding or anniversary brings a group to the island. A celebratory dinner can sit alongside casual lunches and spontaneous drinks, allowing the holiday to retain a sense of freedom.

ROMANCE COMES NATURALLY

The attraction of a Maldivian celebration needs little explanation. White sand, luminous water and the changing colours of the evening sky provide a remarkable setting. At Nova, however, the possibilities extend beyond a beautiful backdrop. The resort highlights romantic dinners on the beach beneath the stars, candlelit meals at the overwater Nava Pavilion and private dining on a sandbank surrounded by ocean. Sunset cruises offer another way to enjoy the landscape, with the island gradually receding as the evening light settles across the water.

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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XXXXXXXX • XXXXX

Nova's strongest quality is the balance it strikes between intimacy and company

These experiences suggest a celebration shaped around time together. A private dinner might mark the beginning of a honeymoon, while a sunset outing could bring friends and family together during a longer stay. The surroundings lend themselves to occasions that feel personal without requiring elaborate decoration. Making a wedding part of a holiday also changes its pace. Instead of concentrating every conversation and reunion into a single day, guests have time to reconnect over breakfast, swim together or share an evening drink. The ceremony becomes the centre of a collection of memories. Nova’s relaxed atmosphere suits that approach. There is enough happening to keep a group entertained, alongside space for anyone who prefers a quieter afternoon. Couples can enjoy moments alone without feeling removed from the people who have travelled to celebrate with them.

BEYOND THE BEACH

The ocean is more than scenery here. Nova’s Aquaholics water-sports and dive centre organises activities ranging from kayaking and windsurfing to jet skiing and parasailing, giving energetic guests plenty of ways to explore.

The South Ari Atoll’s marine life is another draw. Nova highlights excursions offering opportunities to encounter whale sharks, manta rays, turtles and dolphins, alongside guided reef snorkelling. Wildlife encounters are part of the attraction, although sightings can never be guaranteed. For divers, the resort lists more than 30 dive sites within roughly 40 minutes of the island. For those who prefer to stay closer to shore, the house reef brings underwater exploration into the everyday rhythm of a holiday. These activities can add another dimension to a group celebration. A shared snorkelling trip creates something to talk about over dinner, while kayaking offers a quieter way to spend time together. Guests can choose their own level of adventure. A gentler pace awaits at EsKape Spa, where treatments take place in an overwater setting. Yoga and meditation sessions use the pavilion or sand, and private wellness sessions offer couples another opportunity to pause. Other experiences include sunset dolphin cruises with champagne and canapés, sandbank picnics and private cinema evenings beneath the stars. Coral gardening with a marine biologist adds an opportunity

to engage with the underwater environment that makes the island so compelling.

PLANNING THE OCCASION

Couples considering a wedding should speak directly with Nova about ceremony arrangements, available spaces, guest numbers and costs. It is also sensible to confirm which private meals, excursions and special arrangements are covered by the chosen all-inclusive plan. Establishing these details early allows the celebration to take shape with confidence. Nova’s strongest quality is the balance it strikes between intimacy and company. Couples can retreat to their villa, explore the reef or linger over dinner, while friends and family have plenty of freedom to enjoy the island in their own way. Whether the occasion is a honeymoon, anniversary or a gathering centred on a wedding, the appeal lies in having time to savour it. Nova provides the sand, sea and sociable warmth; the most memorable moments come from the people sharing them. For further information and prices, visit nova-maldives.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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AD OOHAV.indd 30

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Christmas S

Decor

HOME ROCKETT ST GEORGE

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without... a load of oversized paper baubles. At least not if you're Jane Rockett or Lucy St George, who believe in decorating to the max.

In this sect ion GIFTS FOR HER 32 GIFTS FOR HIM 35 FOR THE TEENAGERS 37 THE BEST HAMPERS 38 FOR FOODIE LOVERS 39 FOR THE HOME 40 PERFECT FOR PETS 43

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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BELLA FREUD Oh Wow mirror, £20 boots.com

madeleine-thompson.com

TATTY DEVINE X ZANDRA RHODES Hand and flowers small necklace, £85 tattydevine.com

GIFTS FOR

HER

JOLENE Love is Pain au Chocolat cap, £35 jolenebakery.com

All she wants for Christmas

HADES

By PENDLE HARTE

Fleetwood Mac knit, £240 hades-shop.co.uk

PIGLET AMELIES FOLLIES This Christmas, why not give her the gift of beautifully fitted lingerie? Maybe this is your first Christmas together or she’s just had her second child? A luxurious bra fitting experience can do wonders for her confidence as well as bring out her sexy side. Book her fitting with a gift voucher from Amélie’s Follies. ameliesfollies.co.uk

Linen blend gingham wash bag, £35 pigletinbed.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS

BARDOT Alerie sequin lace mini dress, £159 anthropologie.com

ANTHROPOLOGIE X PAPIER Watercolour paint set, £28 anthropologie.com

KAPTEN & SON Quilted light puffer jacket, £109.90 kapten-son.com

LAS NERIDES Blue pansy & faceted crystal sleeper earrings, £160 libertylondon.com

OTIUMBERG Midnight diamond disc pendant, £1,200 otiumberg.com

ALLY CAPELLINO Lloyd large Ebor leather bucket bag, £550 allycapellino.co.uk

LAURA BAILEY X MADELEINE THOMPSON

C.ATHERLEY No. 4 hand care set, £54 c-atherley.com

Cashmere knit, £POA madeleine-thompson.com

L'OCCITANE Neroli Orchidee shower gel, £19 loccitane.com

MULBERRY Small Stevie bag, £1,295 mulberry.com

ANTHROPOLOGIE Faux fur coat, £160 anthropologie.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDITOR’S PICK ROBERTS RADIO Revival iStream 3L, £199.99 robertsradio.com

LOEWE Leo headphones, £1,500 selfridges.com

WIIM

GIFTS FOR

BANG & OLUFSEN Beosound A5 speaker in Century Weave, £1,250 bang-olufsen.com

The WiiM Sound Lite is a minimalist, compact hi-res smart speaker available in black or white. It supports open-platform streaming, stereo pairing, multi-room expandability, and 5.1 home cinema integration, delivering exceptional sound whether you are listening to your favourite playlist, catching up on a podcast, or enjoying a festive movie. £229. wiimhome.com

TECHIES Gadgets galore for the tech-minded By PENDLE HARTE

MARSHALL Bromley 150 speaker, £399.99 marshall.com

BIG GREEN EGG Limited edition Onyx egg, from £1,495 biggreenegg.co.uk

LOEWE DYSON CameraJet electric toothbrush, £419.99 dyson.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

GIFTS TECH.indd 34

Aura.matic espresso machine, £5,000 loewe.tv

10/22/26 3:22 PM

CHRISTMAS • GIFTS

ROSEMAUND FARM DISTILLERY The Director's Cut, £126 rosemaund.com

CDG HOMME Fingerless gloves, £130 doverstreetmarket.com

OLIVER SPENCER

LOEWE

Miura socks, £32 oliverspencer.co.uk

Neo bluetooth speaker, £400 loewe.tv

dunhill.com

GIFTS FOR EDITOR’S PICK

HIM

ALLY CAPELLINO Frank backpack, £370 allycapellino.co.uk

For the men in your life

PIGLET Pembroke stripe cotton robe, £79 pigletinbed.com

By PENDLE HARTE

CDG HOMME

HAY

Champion ring, £695 doverstreetmarket. com

Regn striped umbrella, £45 selfridges.com

MR CIGAR SHOP For cigar aficionados, Mr Cigar Shop offers an impressive selection of premium cigars from some of the world's most renowned brands. From the unmistakable character of Cuban classics to exceptional blends from beyond the Caribbean, discover a collection that celebrates craftsmanship, tradition and the pleasure of a perfectly chosen cigar. A thoughtful gift for those who appreciate the finer things in life. mrcigarshop.co.uk

GIFTS MEN.indd 35

CLARIDGES Monochrome lambswool cashmere blanket £1,145 claridges.co.uk

10/22/26 3:23 PM

DJECO Skater music jewellery box, £21.59 smallkins.com

EDITOR’S PICK

NHM SHOP Grey wolf soft toy, £15 nhmshop.co.uk

K-WAY Kids' half-zip jacket, £140 k-way.co.uk

NHM SHOP Pocket microscope, £15 nhmshop.co.uk

GOLA Elan Glitz trainers, £55 gola.co.uk

GIFTS FOR THE LITTLE SOCK CO Little socks. Big matching moments. Give them a Christmas gift to share with Mini Me matching sock sets from The Little Sock Co. Gift boxed, with optional personalisation for an extra special touch. Clever stay-on design and grip soles on children’s sizes make these matching pairs as practical as adorable. thelittlesockcompany. com

KIDS

JOJO MAMAN BEBE Henley Camden wooden play kitchen, £160 jojomamanbebe.co.uk

IT LUGGAGE Daxie kids' underseat suitcase, £20 itluggage.com

Treats for tots and tinies By PENDLE HARTE

AIRHEADS The hairdryer for kids, £68 airheadshair.com

CLARIDGES Bell Boy Teddy Bear with Suitcase, £50 claridges.co.uk

FRECKLE

BANWOOD Balance bike, £149 banwood.co.uk

Freckle Label specialises in luxury newborn cashmere, crafted in small batches using Grade A Inner Mongolian fibres. Their award-winning collections focus on softness, longevity and thoughtful gifting, with every piece designed to be cherished. Thoughtful design, timeless style and exceptional quality for the earliest days. First winter heirloom set, £460 frecklelabel.com

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS ALLY CAPELLINO Kevin key lanyard, £60 allycapellino.co.uk

LOMO APPARAT STANLEY

21 mm wide-angle camera Chiyoda Edition, £99 lomography.com

The Quencher ProTour flip straw tumbler, £50 stanley1913.com

AKT The Haze deodorising body mist, £29.95 aktlondon.com

DAISY Zip jewellery case, £85 daisyjewellery.com

MOTHER MADE Mushroom mini tee, £45 mothermade.uk

MATHMOS Rocket lava lamp, £100 mathmos.com

GIFTS FOR

TEENS Getting it right for the teenagers in the house By PENDLE HARTE

JENKI Matcha at Home set, £50 jenki.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

KAPTEN & SON Bergen cloud quilted backpack, £109.90 kapten-son.com

REX LONDON Puncture repair kit, £4.95 rexlondon.com

ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS Omvria caramel, £130 ancient-greek-sandals.com

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HAMPERS.COM Spanish tapas food & wine hamper, £84 hampers.com

WOLSELEY X CHAMPAGNE BOLLINGER Christmas hamper, £375 thewolseley.com

OTTOLENGHI Ottolenghi and Friends hamper, £215 ottolenghi.co.uk

HAMPER

HAUL Baskets of festive treats

BLOOM & WILD

By PENDLE HARTE

The Family Favourites Christmas hamper, £62 bloomandwild.com

PETERSHAM NURSERIES Haye Farm Charcuterie & Craft Beer Hamper, £120 petershamnurseries.com

EDITOR’S PICK M&S

The M&S Collection Ultimate Hamper, £155 marksandspencer.com

BOLD BEAN CO The Food Lovers' Hamper, £130 boldbeanco.com

CLARIDGES Brook Hamper, £345 claridges.co.uk

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CHRISTMAS • GIFTS

THE CHILLI TRAIL

OTTOLENGHI

Brighton couple Theo and Harriet's small-batch Sri Lankan-style chilli pastes are rich and punchy, handmade in Sussex with no preservatives, and both won 1-star Great Taste Awards in 2026. They're also incredibly versatile: stir them through noodles, spoon them onto eggs, add them to a cheese toastie or use them as a marinade. The Double the Heat bundle brings the Original and Vegan pastes together, making it the perfect stocking filler for any foodie who loves a bit of spice, £12.50. thechillitrail.com

Seasonal sweet treats hamper, £57 ottolenghi.co.uk

NORDIC WARE Nutcracker cakelet pan, £54.40 hartsofstur.com

WÜSTHOF Classic steak knife set, £299 wusthof.co.uk

CLARIDGES Honeypot & drizzler, £145 claridges.co.uk

GIFTS FOR

FOODIES Bring joy to chefs and gourmands By PENDLE HARTE

THE OXTON LIQUEUR COMPANY Personalised liqueurs, £55 oxtonliqueurs.co.uk

EDITOR’S PICK

ALEMANNA Salt and pepper shakers, £14 bigmammagroup.com

KITCHEN AID Artisan Plus mixer, £699 kitchenaid.co.uk

TRACKLEMENTS Jolliest Festive Favourites, £11.65 tracklements.co.uk

GIFTS FOODIES.indd 39

BUNDT BOOK Recipes by Melanie Johnson, £28 melathome.com

10/22/26 3:2 PM

EDITOR’S PICK

HABITAT Chequered resin tray, £18 habitat.co.uk

OCTAEVO BITOSSI HOME

Salad servers, £40 octaevo.com

Lemon pitcher, £105 bitossihome.it

MADE X BARBICAN

GIFTS FOR

Barbican tier cushion, £40 made.com

HOMES Decorative accessories for stylish abodes

BLOOMSBURY REVISITED Small Swallow lampshade, £95, and Julian base, £130 bloomsburyrevisited.co.uk

By PENDLE HARTE

EDIE PARKER Crystal cut ashtray, £190 koibird.com

HK LIVING Ceramic bowl on base, £39.95 foxandfeather.co.uk

HAY HABITAT Mustard striped electric diffuser, £30 habitat.co.uk

Tube candleholder, £16 goodhoodstore.com

TOM DIXON Splash coupe glass set of 2, £30 tomdixon.net

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

GIFTS HOME.indd 40

10/22/26 3:2 PM

AD BINKY.indd 41

10/2 /26

: 0 M

Santa’s Grotto at Redbridge Garden Centre, Woodford, 1G8 8LZ EVERY WEEKEND FROM SATURDAY 5 DECEMBER TO WEDNESDAY 23 DECEMBER 2026

Tickets £15

Pre-bookings only Scan the QR code to book Charity no.1044296

HH-Santas-Grotto-HP-190x134-F.indd 1

AD HAVEN HOUSE - FILLER MEDIEVAL BABES.indd 42

Magical walkthrough experience Visit with Santa including a gift Festive activities

www.havenhouse.org.uk/grotto 16/10/2026 07:53

10/22/26 3:2 PM

CHRISTMAS • GIFTS

EDITOR’S PICK

FRENCH BEDROOM Ma Petite Love Story Pet Bed, £395 frenchbedroom.co.uk

PETS ROCK Celebrity pets tea towels, £12.99 welovecushions.co.uk

SOPHIE ALLPORT PETIQUETTE Classic leather dog collar, £40 charleychau.com

Bubbles & Fizz dog toy, £16 johnlewis.com

PETIQUETTE Leather dog lead, £60 charleychau.com

GIFTS FOR

PETS

EBERJEY Pet PJ, £63 eberjey.com

SOPHIE ALLPORT Chicken dog toy, £16 johnlewis.com

Because animals love Christmas too By PENDLE HARTE

THE GINGER JAR LAMP CO

100% RAINPROOF Equafleece® combines lightweight, stretchy Polartec® fabric with exceptional warmth, breathability and rainproof protection. The comfortable pull-on design avoids fiddly fastenings, while five width fittings ensure a great fit for every shape. Available in 16 colours, machine washable and proudly made in Devon. Built for the job! £22–£56, depending on size. equafleece.co.uk

Ceramic pet bowl, £38 gingerjarlampco.com

SCRUFFS Alpine Pyrenees Cat Tree, £159.99 petslovescruffs.com

HOLLY & LIL Brightside dog lead, £85 charleychau.com

PETS.indd 43

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FILLER COPAS.indd 44

10/22/26 3:25 PM

FOOD & DRINK

Time to celebrate GALVI N GR E E N MAN

Good food has a way of bringing people together. At the Galvin Green Man, that spirit has shaped a decade of memorable meals and community connections. As the Essex favourite celebrates a special anniversary, Chris Galvin reflects on local loyalty, much-loved dishes and the welcome that continues to make this pub feel like home. galvinrestaurants.com

Galvin Green Man 46 • Festive Drinks 49 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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LOCAL

SPIRIT Chris Galvin celebrates ten years of community, memorable meals and a warm Essex welcome

A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK • INTERVIEW

en years after opening the Galvin Green Man, Chris Galvin’s proudest achievement is something reassuringly straightforward: it still feels like a pub. As the anniversary celebrations meet the season of gatherings and long lunches, that combination of ambition and accessibility feels particularly appealing. Here is somewhere for a special meal, certainly, but also somewhere to settle in and feel part of the neighbourhood. “First and foremost, we wanted to leave the pub as a pub,” Chris says. “Somewhere you can grab a bowl of food, bring the dog in and get him a bowl of water, and feel like it’s your local.” When the brothers took over in 2016, restoring the Green Man and returning it to the community were central ambitions. A decade later, he believes those principles remain intact. The restaurant and terrace have broadened its appeal, while the pub garden retains an important place in its identity. Guests can choose between classic pub cooking and a more considered restaurant offering, without losing the sense of welcome that connects them. “It’s always been about being open and accessible to the community,” Chris

explains. “Stay a proper community pub, while building something more.” That community made its presence felt immediately. Chris remembers the extraordinary number of guests arriving during the first few weeks, with local enthusiasm helping establish the business from day one. “The local support was incredible, and that sense of community has never left.” Familiar faces still return, alongside newcomers discovering what the brothers have created. The anniversary’s centrepiece was a special five-course dinner on 29th October, designed to celebrate both the Green Man’s history and its cooking today. Luxurious ingredients included beef from Blackwell in the Dedham Vale, while dishes revisited flavours that have appeared over the past decade. “It was very much a celebration of where we’ve come from as much as where we are now,” Chris says. As attention turns towards Christmas, the appeal of that approach extends beyond a single anniversary evening. The restaurant has developed into a destination for special occasions, while the pub remains somewhere families can visit without a second thought. For readers planning seasonal get-togethers, that choice captures much of the Green Man’s charm: a celebratory meal and the easy familiarity of a local under one roof. Some favourites need no anniversary reinvention. Ask Chris which dishes regulars would refuse to relinquish and his answer is immediate: the Scotch egg and traditional Sunday roast. “Try taking or changing either of those and you’ll hear about it pretty quickly!” Their popularity reflects what he sees as an enduring appetite for good food and an enjoyable occasion. “They want great taste and a lovely meal, and they want to enjoy coming out, whether that’s a Tuesday night or a big celebration,” he says. Essex’s restaurant scene, meanwhile, has grown stronger. “There

are far more quality restaurants in Essex now than there were when we first opened. The whole scene has raised its game.” Local relationships remain essential. Blackwell & Co supplies meat, Anglia Produce provides fruit and vegetables, and Danbury Ridge wine estate features across the wine list. Residents even donate produce they have grown themselves, a small but telling expression of the connection between kitchen and community. Those relationships proved invaluable during Covid. Galvin at Home’s barbecue boxes, cook-at-home kits and vegetable boxes helped sustain the business and support suppliers through closures. For Chris, the lesson was lasting: “How much resilience comes from looking after the people around you, not just your own business.” Recognition has followed, including the pub awards and Michelin Bib Gourmand that Chris regards as validation of the team’s daily work. Yet the brothers’ involvement remains hands-on. Jeff frequently works on the pass alongside the head chef, while Chris oversees operations and front of house. Looking towards its next decade, the ambition is to improve and evolve while keeping guests’ needs central. With festive gatherings approaching, that commitment offers a fitting way to mark ten years: celebrating the people who have made the Green Man their own. There is one promise Chris is determined to preserve: “That community feel, the sense that this is our pub as much as it is everyone else’s and staying accessible to all.” For all the accolades and anniversary flourishes, it is that generous understanding of hospitality which gives the celebrations their meaning. A decade on, the Green Man’s greatest asset remains the welcome waiting inside for every guest. galvinrestaurants.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FOOD & DRINK • DRINKS

Season’s White

Zuccardi’s Los Olivos Chardonnay is the white that works for every moment of the festive season. Fresh peach, citrus, and a touch of tropical fruit with a refreshing finish. Stock up and thank yourself later, £11.95. ndjohn.co.uk

Cape Celebration Graham Beck’s Pinot Noir Rosé is South Africa’s answer to serious festive fizz. Elegant and structured, with ripe strawberry, raspberry, honeysuckle, and a creamy, lingering mousse. The preChristmas opener that always delivers, £25. majestic.co.uk

S E A S O N ’ S

Festive Bright There is no Christmas without Riesling – this year, make it English. Four Daughters’ vibrant take on the grape delivers lemon, honeydew, and white peach with a clean finish that brings the festive table to life, £26. fourdaughters.co.uk

POURINGS Five bottles to launch the festive mood B y N ATA L I A S U TA

Tuscan Treat CHRISTMAS CRACKER

Sugrue’s Never Mind The Gamay 2025 is a still English red from a once-ina-generation vintage – juicy cherry, roasted chestnut, earthy redcurrant, and lip-smacking acidity. Only 3,000 bottles. Don’t say we didn’t warn you, £29. sugruesouthdowns.com

Il Fauno di Arcanum is your Christmas dinner red. A Merlot-led Super Tuscan from the ancient Tenuta di Arceno estate, it delivers black cherry, violet, cedar, and licorice, finishing long and spiced, £41.30. vinvm.co.uk 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_

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FA S H I O N

Intentionally RELAXED HUSH

The Hush approach is a perfect balance of style and practicality. It's about looking put together without feeling overdressed. Clean silhouettes, thoughtful details and a confident sense of ease run through every collection, creating clothes that work across busy weekdays, spontaneous plans and everything in between. hush-uk.com

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season STEP INTO THE

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Prepare for the festive period with The Edit by Lisa Snowdon, an exclusive collection the Essex local has created in collaboration with Bonmarché B O N M A R C H E .C O. U K / L I SA- S N OW D O N

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FASHION • TREND

EDITOR’S PICK

SHEBARA X OLIVIA VON HALLE Signature silk pyjamas, £POA oliviavonhalle.com

EMMA J SHIPLEY Lynx cotton pyjama set, £225 emmajshipley.com

PLUSH Soft stripe bamboo cotton pyjamas, £80 plushclo.com

CLARIDGE'S X ANDERSON & SHEPPARD Jade pyjama set, £475 shop.claridges.co.uk

BANANA Lolipop stripe pyjama set, £130 bananalondon.com

TOP SETS

Pyjama season is here

THEIR NIBS X SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR Murder On The Forest Floor cotton boxy pyjama set, £60 theirnibs.com

By P E N D L E H A R T E

ENNA MODA Salmon pink striped pyjama set, £82.99 ennamoda.com

IT'S 9PM Vogue silk pyjama set, £375 its9pm.co.uk

ASPIGA PIGLET Berry gingham linen blend pyjama set, £125 pigletinbed.com

EBERJEY X ELSA HOSK

Organic cotton pyjama set, £90 aspiga.com

Gisele printed PJ top, £POA eberjey.com

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SPECIAL ISSUE a b s o l u te l y - w e d d i n g s .c o . u k

PICTURE PERFECT LEEDS CASTLE

Set amid beautiful, eye-catching countryside, Leeds Castle brings centuries of romance to your wedding day. From grand castle celebrations to intimate gatherings in historic surroundings, its picturesque grounds create an enchanting backdrop for exchanging vows and celebrating. leeds-castle.com

In this sect ion S U S T A I N A B L E W E D D I N G S 58 V E N U E : L E E D S C A S T L E 61 H O W T O W O R K I T 63

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Naturally

Wed

From seasonal ﬂowers to treasured

heirlooms, thoughtful choices are shaping a more sustainable future for weddings

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WEDDINGS • TREND

omething old, something new, something borrowed… something greener? As couples plan their celebrations for 2026 and 2027, sustainability deserves a place alongside the dress, the venue and the first dance. It offers an appealing way to create a wedding with personality, where beautiful details have a purpose and the pleasure of one extraordinary day leaves less waste behind. There is evidence that this thinking has already entered the mainstream. Bridebook’s UK Wedding Report 2026, drawing on data from more than 7,000 couples, reports that 83% make a sustainable effort in at least one element of their wedding, while 23% incorporate second-hand or vintage details. The appeal is easy to understand. Weddings bring together purchases, journeys and generous hospitality, often for a single occasion. Planning more thoughtfully can reduce unnecessary consumption while making the celebration feel more personal. A grandmother’s earrings, flowers grown nearby or a menu inspired by the season can carry greater meaning than something selected simply because tradition says it belongs on the list. The starting point is the big picture. Guest travel, venue energy use, catering and décor all contribute to a wedding’s environmental footprint, as the Sustainable Wedding Alliance explains. Its carbon calculator helps couples explore those choices before committing. Choosing a location convenient for most guests, considering rail connections and arranging shared transport are useful early decisions; holding the ceremony and reception together also avoids another round of journeys.

A beautiful countryside setting alone tells couples little about how sustainably a venue operates. Ask practical questions: how is the building heated, what happens to food waste, and which furnishings are already available? Existing character can do much of the decorative work. A handsome dining room, established garden or atmospheric courtyard may need fewer additions, making it easier to concentrate the budget on details that genuinely enhance the experience. Flowers offer one of the most evocative opportunities. The Sustainable Floristry Network recommends locally sourced, seasonal, field-grown blooms and arrangements without plastic floral foam. Working with a florist’s available palette, rather than insisting on a particular imported variety, can produce wonderfully individual results. Hiring vessels and giving flowers to guests afterwards helps extend their usefulness, while untreated plant material can be separated for composting where facilities allow.

At the wedding breakfast, generosity benefits from careful planning. Ask the caterer to build the menu around seasonal ingredients, with appealing plant-based dishes given proper attention. Confirm numbers and dietary requirements before final orders, and question whether multiple substantial meals are necessary. Agree how surplus will be handled in advance, rather than leaving the issue until midnight. Fashion brings another chance to rethink the single-use purchase. A pre-loved gown can be expertly altered; a family dress might inspire a contemporary redesign. Hiring suits, borrowing accessories and letting bridesmaids choose outfits they will wear again all put longevity into the picture. For couples buying new, useful questions include where garments are made, what they contain and whether repairs or alterations will help them enjoy another outing. The same approach works across the tablescape. Hire linen, crockery and decorative pieces where practical, and move suitable arrangements from the ceremony to the reception. Digital RSVPs can reduce printing, while paper invitations can remain a cherished keepsake in a simpler stationery scheme. Favours deserve particular scrutiny: something edible, useful or meaningful earns its place more readily than an object guests leave behind. Ask suppliers to explain their sourcing and waste arrangements, and what their environmental claims mean in practice. A clear answer about reusable equipment or measured energy use is more helpful than an attractive green label. Couples can then choose priorities that fit their circumstances. That is why sustainability feels so relevant to the weddings of 2026 and 2027: it gives couples a framework for celebrating with intention. Begin with travel, food and the venue, then consider what can be borrowed, hired, reused or enjoyed afterwards. There is still ample room for fabulous flowers, exceptional food and a dance floor full of friends. The lasting impression comes from the care invested in the celebration, and the memories everyone takes home. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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WEDDINGS • VENUE

A Royal Romance With historic settings and countryside charm, Leeds Castle offers couples an enchanting backdrop for a wedding to remember

hoosing a wedding venue is about more than finding a beautiful setting. It is about imagining the moments that will unfold there: arriving for the ceremony, gathering loved ones together and sharing those first celebrations as a married couple. Set within 550 acres of Kent countryside, Leeds Castle offers a backdrop that makes those possibilities particularly easy to picture, combining over 900 years of history with a choice of distinctive venues and accommodation. The appeal begins with the surroundings. A castle wedding carries a sense of occasion all of its own, but the estate’s variety gives couples the freedom to find a setting that reflects their personalities. Whether they envisage an elegant celebration within historic walls or an occasion that embraces the outdoors, there are different ways to

make Leeds Castle part of their story. Within the Castle, the magnificent Ceremony Room provides a memorable setting for exchanging vows. The elegant Maiden’s Tower offers another distinctive option, while characterful Battel Hall adds to the estate’s collection of wedding venues. Each brings its own atmosphere, allowing the choice of location to shape the feel of the day. For couples drawn to an outdoor celebration, the Pavilion Lawn and Castle Island provide picturesque surroundings for ceremonies and receptions, placing the estate’s landscape at the heart of proceedings. Just as important is the opportunity to spend time together beyond the ceremony itself. On-site accommodation allows couples and guests to extend their celebrations, turning a wedding day into a longer shared experience. Beautifully appointed bedrooms within the Castle and Maiden’s Tower sit alongside the Stable Courtyard, charming cottages and distinctive Lakeside Lodges. With several accommodation styles available,

staying on the estate becomes another part of the occasion, giving loved ones more time to enjoy the setting and each other’s company. Behind the romance, thoughtful planning helps bring everything together. Bespoke wedding packages, including exclusiveuse options, offer flexibility for couples looking to create a celebration tailored to them. Experienced wedding coordinators and trusted specialist suppliers provide support throughout the process, helping each element form part of a cohesive day. Ultimately, the attraction of Leeds Castle lies in the combination: remarkable history, countryside surroundings and the scope to create something personal. The setting provides the grandeur, while the couple’s choices give the celebration its character. From exchanging vows to enjoying time with family and friends, it offers the space and support to begin married life with a truly memorable occasion. leeds-castle.com

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WEDDINGS • HOW TO WORK IT Enchant bow bag with chunky gold chain, £149 from Dune London. dunelondon.com

Gold

rush

From shimmering gowns to bold trims, new season bridal collections are going for gold – and to dazzling effect

A RUNWAY IMAGES: BARCELONA BRIDAL FASHION WEEK

n enduring favourite for bridal jewellery, gold is a key trend in new season bridal attire – the perfect excuse to dazzle on your wedding day. It makes a fabulous foil to pure white, or you can choose a metallic hued gown to shine at a glamorous evening celebration. However you choose to display your metal, this is a hue that symbolises love, luck and permanence – and that, surely, is the Midas touch.

Embellished halter neck bodice with a sumptuous frothy skirt in blush-to-gold hues. marcoymaria.com

Chic bridal separates – an angled top with train and wide pants – are accessorised with chunky chain belt and mini metallic bag. isabelsanchis.com

Maison Lazaro's scenestealing ballgown features a shimmering gold bodice and overlayer. lazarobridal.com

A classic Hollywoodstyle gown with bootlace straps and soft train studded with gold sequins. demetrios.com

Isabel Sanchez' slimline white gown is topped with a capelet fringed with long gold tassels. isabelsanchis.com

Esska chunky heeled platforms in gold, £170 from Oliver Bonas. oliverbonas.com

Erika lab-grown diamond ring in 14ct gold, £690 from Aurum. aurumiceland.com

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01277 366844 10/22/2607:34:39 3:2 PM 15/12/2025

HEALTH & BEAUTY

SIMPLE ROUTINE INNERSENSE

Innersense's founders spend their working lives backstage on shoots and in the salon chair, so a ten-step routine was never going to be practical or what they would recommend. They built their haircare brand around what a working stylist actually reaches for, not what looks impressive lined up on a shelf. innersensebeauty.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y PENDLE HARTE

SIMPLE ELEGANCE

REVIEW

LA BONNE BROSSE

EDITOR’S PICK

The bespoke French hairbrush

JIL SANDER

Jil Sander has added to their Olfactory Series with six new fragrances: Shiso, Salt, Lily, Sesame, Mahogany and Vanille. Each is built around just three ingredients, and they are minimalist and unisex.

jilsander.com

DAILY RITUAL T3

T3’s popular Aire 360 has launched a dual voltage version, because once you are using this you won’t be able to travel without it. The new model has lightweight, compact design and a shorter handle for effortless, travel-friendly styling.

t3micro.co.uk

M A R I NE P OW E R POW C H I TO CA R E B E AT Y

This Icelandic wellness brand has launched a Revive Shampoo and Conditioner, powered by an oceanderived ingredient sourced from Icelandic waters alongside marine collagen and geothermal silica. It leaves hair soft and luxurious-feeling. chitocare.co.uk

f course there are lots of hairbrushes out there, making lots of different claims. Using the wrong one might keep the tangles at bay, but it won’t bring the best out of your locks, so it’s worth ﬁnding The One. French brand La Bonne Brosse launched two years ago with a mission of delivering real haircare using high class natural materials, and making each brush an object of desire in itself. Now these brushes are top of Christmas wishlists – and a series of simple questions leads to a diagnosis determining which of the eight models is for you. Mine is the number two (“care and detangling”) for its combination of nylon and boar bristle brushes that moisturise and strengthen my long, ﬁne hair. The brand advises lengthy brushing before bed (the fabled 100 strokes) which cleans away the day’s dirt, as well as morning brushing for style and stimulating hair growth. Other models address detangling, massaging, hydration and other hair issues; there’s a baby version and a round blowdry one, and each one comes in a wide array of bright and appealing colours, including the newly launched aubergine. Need a new hairbrush? Add this to your Christmas list, because at £146 each, these are special occasion purchases. LA BONNE BROSSE

labonnebrosse.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • GIFTS

SENSSE Perfect Smile Lip LED Duo, £99.99 senssebeauty.com

EDITOR’S PICK

SENSSE Timeless LED Face Mask gift set, £319.99 senssebeauty.com

SENSSE Aura Pro Laser Hair device, £129.99 senssebeauty.com

BEAUTY

T3 Aire 360 dual voltage, £299.99 t3micro.co.uk

GIFTS All the best beauty tech By PENDLE HARTE

DYSON

Airsmooth hot brush in ceramic pink, £199.99 dyson.co.uk

Airsstraight dryer and straightener in plum/copper, £349.99 dyson.co.uk

DERMALUX LED face mask, £449 dermalux.com

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INTERIORS

TIMELESS SCHEMES AT E L I E R 4 4

Hayley Fellows-Prior, founder of Leigh-on-Sea’s Atelier 44, reveals how thoughtful colour, natural materials and treasured finds bring personality to interiors, sharing her approach to creating spaces that balance everyday practicality with warmth, character and individuality.

atelier44.co.uk

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INTERIORS • Q&A

Atelier 44 founder Hayley FellowsPrior discusses thoughtful interiors, Essex inspiration and creating homes ﬁlled with personality

or Hayley Fellows-Prior, a successful interior begins with understanding the people who will live in it. The founder of Leigh-on-Sea studio Atelier 44 creates calm, layered homes where treasured possessions, natural materials and thoughtful colour choices come together to tell a personal story. Her route into design was far from conventional. After years working in corporate insurance, becoming a mother prompted a reassessment of her priorities and a desire to build a more creative career. Retraining led to the launch of Atelier 44, with her previous experience bringing valuable skills in budgeting, organisation and communication. Today, her approach favours longevity and individuality. Vintage furniture sits alongside contemporary artwork, earthy tones mingle with burgundy and ochre, and practical considerations receive as much attention as aesthetics. As the mother of a four-year-old, she understands that even the most beautiful family room must withstand everyday life. Leigh’s independent spirit, period architecture and coastal setting provide a fitting backdrop to her work. With colourful Essex projects taking shape and ambitions to develop more complete homes, Hayley is building a studio centred on character. Here, she discusses career changes, considered spending and why the most compelling interiors should feel unmistakably connected to the people living there. Q What inspired you to establish Atelier 44? A Interior design was actually a complete

career change for me. I spent many years working in corporate insurance, but I’d always been obsessed with interiors and with the way a home can completely change how you feel. After having my son, my priorities shifted quite significantly. I knew I wanted to build something of my own and do work that felt much more creative and instinctive. I retrained in interior design and eventually launched what became Atelier 44.

Q How do you make a home feel individual? A People will often come to me with

Pinterest boards or references to a particular style, but I’m much more interested in how they want their home to feel, how they actually live in it, what they already own and love. The best homes reveal themselves over time. They shouldn’t feel as though everything was bought from one place in one weekend. Artwork, vintage pieces, books, objects collected on travels or something inherited are often the things that give a room its soul.

Q Why champion timeless design over “fast interiors”? A People are exhausted by the idea that their homes constantly need updating. We’ve had years of being shown a new musthave colour, sofa, tile or kitchen every five minutes, particularly through social media. I’m certainly not anti-trend, but there’s a difference between being inspired by something and designing your entire home around what happens to be popular that year. Buying fewer, better things and creating a home you

genuinely love is far more appealing than reinventing it every couple of years. Q What draws you to natural

materials and earthy colours?

A A room can have a relatively simple colour

palette, but still feel incredibly interesting if you layer different woods, linens, aged metals, stone and woven materials. I definitely wouldn’t describe myself as a purely neutral designer. I love burgundy, ochre, browns and unexpected colour combinations. It’s more about the tone of a colour than whether it’s bold or neutral. Ultimately, I want a home to feel warm, tactile and lived-in.

Q How do you mix vintage and

contemporary pieces?

A I actually think the contrast is

what makes it work. If everything is antique, it can start to feel like a period set. If everything is brand new, you can lose character and depth. An old chest of drawers might sit underneath contemporary art, or a modern sofa might be paired with a battered vintage side table. There usually just needs A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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INTERIORS • Q&A

HAYLEY FELLOWS-PRIOR

Q Which current projects stand out? A I’m working on a home locally where

to be a thread running through it: colour, proportion, material or the overall mood.

Q How does an Essex property

Q What does quiet luxury mean to you? A Quiet luxury isn’t really about

house rather than impose a completely unrelated style onto it. Essex has such a brilliant mix of properties, from Victorian and Edwardian houses around Leigh and Westcliff to cottages, coastal homes and much larger family properties. I look at the architecture, original details, natural light and setting. It’s about respecting what is already there while allowing the people living in it now to put their stamp on it.

expensive things. It’s about things that feel considered: beautiful lighting, a really good paint colour, natural materials, curtains that hang properly or getting the proportions of a room right. Some of the most luxurious-looking homes are quite restrained. There’s breathing room and the materials feel good. Spend where it matters, take your time, mix high street with vintage, and invest in the pieces you touch and use every day.

Q Where should a redesign begin? A Before choosing a single paint

colour or cushion, work out how the room needs to function. Who uses it? What currently drives you mad about it? What needs storing? Where does the furniture need to go? Establish your overall budget early, then create a strong visual direction before shopping. One of the biggest mistakes is buying individual things without knowing how they’ll work together. You end up with lots of lovely ingredients but not necessarily a lovely meal.

influence your approach?

A I always want to work with the

Q How do you balance

beauty with family life?

A I have a four-year-old, so I’m very much

living the reality of this one! There’s no point creating a beautiful room that makes everyone terrified to actually live in it. I’m always thinking about durability, storage, washable fabrics and where toys are going to disappear. With kitchens and open-plan rooms, zoning is really important. Lighting, furniture placement, rugs and changes in texture can create smaller, more intimate areas. Practical doesn’t have to mean boring.

the clients have really embraced colour and personality. We’re designing two bedrooms alongside a games room with a grown-up private members’ club feel, using rich burgundies, ochres, greens, dark wood and lots of texture. Another client is reclaiming her home and making it completely her own again. We’ve gone for rich colour, animal print, eccentric artwork and pieces with character. I love when the finished room tells you something about the person.

Q How has Leigh-on-Sea shaped your work? A There’s such a strong independent

and creative community here. People really value individuality, whether that’s in their homes, the clothes they wear or the places they eat and shop. I love the mixture of old and new: beautiful period houses, the Old Town, independent businesses and this slightly eclectic creative energy. A walk along the seafront or through the Old Town is usually enough to clear my head.

Q What is next for Atelier 44? A Several projects I’ve been designing

behind the scenes are now being built and installed. I’d like to continue growing the studio organically, working on more full-home projects with clients who value thoughtful, characterful design. Longer term, I want Atelier 44 to be known for homes that are beautiful but also interesting: layered, individual places that feel completely connected to the people who live in them. And if there are a few more wonderfully eccentric Essex houses along the way, even better. atelier44.co.uk

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INTERIORS • TREND

DAR LIGHTING Mikara table lamp, £75 decor-lighting.co.uk

MELODY MAISON Gold wavy mirror, £219.95 melodymaison.co.uk

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Desert palm table lamp, £90 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

CULT FURNITURE Carson armchair, £449 cultfurniture.com

DANETTI

EDITOR’S PICK

SIX THE RESIDENCE Chrome and cane dining chair, £270 sixtheresidence.co.uk

Louis table lamp, £75 danetti.com

MIXED METALS Shiny accents for your winter interior By P E N D L E H A R T E

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Gold distressed mirrored side table, £60 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

MINDTHEGAP Peregrine chair, £2,100 mindtheg.uk

ROCKETT ST GEORGE Gold disco ball, £45 rockettstgeorge.co.uk

JYSK Remmels armchair, £169.99 jysk.co.uk

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E D U C AT I O N

HOUSE PROUD R U G BY S C H O O L

Rugby School is an independent co-educational school for full boarders and day students aged 13-18, located in the town of Rugby in Warwickshire, the heart of England. They offer a broad academic curriculum, extensive opportunities in sport, music and performing arts, and supportive pastoral care to help students develop their talents and confidence. rugbyschool.co.uk

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DECISION

TIME Five tips for parents when choosing a primary school

s the January application deadline looms for primary school admissions, parents across Essex are making the critical decision of choosing the right school for their children. With a range of considerations, the process can seem overwhelming. Nancy Summers, Head of School at Tyrrells Primary School in Chelmsford, shares her top tips for parents to make an informed decision and ensure their little ones get the best possible start to their education.

NO QUESTION IS A SILLY QUESTION We understand that choosing a school for your child is a huge decision and that you need as much information as possible to make a confident choice. Whether you’re curious about the school’s

approach to reading, how lunchtime is organised or where children hang their coats, every detail contributes to understanding how the school will suit your child’s needs. At Tyrrells Primary School, we ensure that our tours have lots of opportunities built in for parents to ask questions to our Year 6 children, our Deputy Headteacher and myself, so that you get a true sense of the school.

THINK ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S SEVEN-YEAR JOURNEY THROUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL When choosing a school for your child, it is important that you have an understanding of what they will experience in their Reception class, as well as what their school experience will be like when they are older and ready to go onto secondary school. For example, during a Tyrrells tour, you will see the whole school in action and will have a tour with two of our

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EDUCATION • FEATURE

Year 6 children who can tell you all about their learning experiences and where they are planning to go next.

TRY TO FOLLOW YOUR OWN INSTINCTS When choosing a school, you will be bombarded with information from multiple sources, including lots of other people’s opinions. However, it is really important that you visit all schools that you are interested in. You know your child better than anyone and need to try and visualise where you think suits them best. Trust your own instincts when making the final decision about the preferences that you select.

LOOK AT EACH SCHOOL’S ADMISSIONS CRITERIA CAREFULLY Each school that you are considering for your child will have a slightly different set of admissions criteria. Make sure

that you have a look at the criteria for each school so that you understand how applications will be ranked and the chance that your child has of being admitted to the school. At our tours, we have maps available of our priority admissions area and also give details about how often we have offered places outside of this area.

DON’T MISS THE DEADLINE It is crucial that you complete your online application for a school place here before 15th January 2027 to ensure that your choices are considered. Any applications received after this date are considered late and will only be dealt with once everyone else has been placed. Put your schools in order of your true preference and make sure that at least one school on your list is your catchment school or one where you know you are guaranteed a place. Good luck with your decision! tyrrellsprimary.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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J U S T

BRILLIANT An award-winning theatre academy is celebrating quite a period of creativity and performance

oung performers from across Essex and Herts spent their summer immersed in professional theatre training, as Brilliant Theatre Academy completed two inspiring summer intensives that culminated in live performances for family and friends. Held at Harpenden's Eric Morecambe Centre, the unique two-week programme brought together aspiring actors and musical theatre performers aged 7-21 for an unforgettable experience of rehearsing, creating and performing alongside industry professionals. The success of the summer programme follows another major milestone for the academy after

Brilliant Theatre Academy was recently named Best Performing Arts Training Academy – Hertfordshire in the 2026 UK Enterprise Awards, recognising its commitment to professional training, expert teaching and outstanding opportunities for young performers. The first intensive saw musical theatre students spend a week developing their singing, acting and performance skills under the guidance of the Brilliant creative team alongside West End professionals Sedona Sky (Heathers), Jordan Crouch (The Great Gatsby), Lucinda Buckley (Hadestown) and Claire-Marie Hall (Operation Mincemeat). The week concluded with a showcase celebrating everything the students had achieved. One of the guest tutors, Lucinda Buckley, said: “The enthusiasm,

“I HAVE NO DOUBT THERE WILL BE SOME PHENOMENAL ALUMNI TO COME FROM THIS SCHOOL ”

EDUCATION • FOCUS

talent and pure joy within the young performers at Brilliant is a true testament to the exceptional teachers that are wholeheartedly committed to motivating and growing the confidence of their students. I have no doubt there will be some phenomenal alumni to come from this school.” In the second week of the intensives, aspiring actors took on the challenge of creating and performing a brandnew adaptation of Treasure Island in just five days, giving them the opportunity to experience the fast-paced rehearsal process and collaborative creativity that sits at the heart of Brilliant’s training philosophy. The summer intensives reflect the academy’s commitment to learning through doing, giving young performers the opportunity to apply their skills in real productions while working in a supportive, professional environment. David Jenkins, Founder of Brilliant Theatre Academy, said: “These two weeks perfectly capture what Brilliant is all about. We believe young people learn best by doing, and throughout the intensives we’ve seen students challenge themselves, support one another and achieve far more than they ever thought possible. Watching them grow from the first rehearsal to the final performance is incredibly rewarding. Their commitment, creativity and willingness to embrace every opportunity has been outstanding, and the atmosphere throughout both weeks has been something really special. Receiving the UK Enterprise Award this summer was a wonderful recognition of everything our staff and students work so hard to achieve, but seeing these young performers develop their skills, find their voice and leave feeling inspired is the achievement that means the most to us.” Brilliant Theatre Academy provides professional-standard performing arts training for young people aged 7-19, with weekly sessions in St Albans and Dacorum. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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PROPERTY

SEWARDSTONE ROAD, WALTHAM ABBEY EN9 GUIDE PRICE

£2,250,000

his is a rare opportunity to acquire an exceptional Huf Haus extending to approximately 4,555 sq ft, occupying a private setting behind electric gates within 1.325 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. The Grange enjoys a remarkable sense of privacy and seclusion while offering generously proportioned accommodation arranged over three floors.

SAVILLS LOUGHTON

020 8498 6600 savills.co.uk

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5 BEDROOM, 5 BATHROOM NEW BLAKSTAD FINCA WITH SEA FACING, COASTLINE POSITION, CLOSE TO THE BEACH IN CALA LLENYA, GUIDE PRICE €8,900,000

MEDITERRANEAN

MOVES

With offices across Essex and London, Durden & Hunt is now opening doors to island living through its latest international partnership

here is a particular appeal to thinking about Mediterranean sunshine as the days grow shorter in Essex. For some, it means planning next summer’s escape; for others, imagining somewhere to spend longer stretches of the year. Now, an estate agency familiar to homeowners throughout the county is making that second possibility a little more tangible. Durden & Hunt has launched its Ibiza operations through an exclusive partnership with Everything Ibiza Properties, bringing together its UK network and the experience of an established team on the island. For the company, whose offices span every Essex postcode, it represents another step in an international journey that already

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PROPERTY • OVERSEAS CHARMING 5 BEDROOM, 5 BATHROOM MEDITERRANEAN VILLA WITH GUEST APARTMENT NESTLED IN THE PEACEFUL BENIMUSSA COUNTRYSIDE IN SAN AGUSTI DE VEDRA, GUIDE PRICE €2,950,000

includes Dubai. For clients, it offers a new route into a property market with considerably more variety than Ibiza’s party-island reputation might suggest. At launch, the portfolio comprises more than 50 properties, ranging from coastal villas and traditional countryside fincas to apartments and urban residences. Locations include Ibiza Town, Santa Eulalia del Río, San José and San Juan, alongside Cala Jondal, Roca Llisa, Talamanca and Es Cubells. Whether the attraction is a sea view, a quieter rural setting or proximity to town life, the intention is to match each buyer with the part of the island that suits them. “We’re delighted to be partnering with Everything Ibiza Properties as we take the next step in our international expansion,” says Durden & Hunt founder James Hunt. “Yvonne, Scarlett and the wider team have been helping clients buy and sell property on the island for more than 25 years, so combining that depth of local knowledge with our established buyer network, marketing expertise and reach in the UK felt like a very natural partnership.” The properties themselves illustrate the breadth of the offering, albeit firmly at the luxury end of the market. A fivebedroom, five-bathroom new Blakstad finca in Cala Llenya, with a sea-facing coastal position close to the beach, carries a guide price of €8.9 million. In San José, a contemporary six-bedroom villa in peaceful countryside is offered at €5.3 million. Elsewhere, a Mediterranean villa in Cala Conta combines five bedrooms with sea and sunset views, at a guide price of €3.6 million. A five-bedroom property with a guest apartment in the Benimussa

countryside, in San Agustí de Vedrá, is priced at €2.95 million. Together, they offer different interpretations of island living, from contemporary architecture to homes shaped around their Mediterranean surroundings. “Ibiza has a unique appeal for UK buyers,” James explains. “It offers an exceptional lifestyle, beautiful and diverse properties and a truly international community and we’re seeing continued interest from people looking for a second home, an investment, a rental opportunity or a permanent move abroad.” The UK side of the operation will be led by founders James Hunt and Alexander Durden, alongside area manager Ross Chimes. They will work with Everything Ibiza Properties managing director Yvonne Anderson and sales director and partner Scarlett Sánchez-Marcos. For Yvonne, understanding the island’s individual neighbourhoods is central to

the service. “Ibiza is a market where local knowledge, trusted relationships and an understanding of what makes each area and property unique are incredibly important,” she says. “Our aim has always been to provide clients with honest, personal advice and to make the process of buying or selling in Ibiza as straightforward as possible.” James believes buyers and sellers have an opportunity to take a more considered look at the market, a fitting moment to think about how a home might work beyond a holiday. For Essex clients, the partnership combines a familiar agency with people who know the island first-hand. As Durden & Hunt extends its reach, the emphasis remains on the personal relationships that help turn an enticing property into the right home. durdenandhunt.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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PROPERTY • INSIGHT

THIS FIVE-BEDROOM FAMILY HOME IN UPPER PARK, LOUGHTON (HERE AND RIGHT), IS ON THE MARKET WITH SAVILLS FOR A GUIDE PRICE OF £2.25M

What lies

AHEAD? Felicity Walker from Savills Loughton discusses if the West Essex property market will see a ‘Burnham Bounce’

gainst a backdrop of continued economic and geopolitical uncertainty, the prime property market here in West Essex has remained remarkably steady. While buyers and sellers continue to navigate a challenging landscape, activity is supported by those with a clear reason to move. Of course, much of what happens next will depend on what Prime Minister Andy Burnham has up his sleeve for the Autumn Budget (which at the time of writing is still two weeks away). But while July and August witnessed an expected lull, September and October returned to similar levels of activity to earlier in the year. Demand is undoubtedly more measured, but realistically priced, well-maintained homes are selling well. In Loughton and

its surrounds, properties listed with a guide price up to £1.5m have generated the most interest, while in neighbouring Hertfordshire we have agreed deals ranging from £900,000 to £3m+. We also have several properties listed privately which are gaining traction among our registered buyers.

PRICE SENSITIVITY That said, the market remains sensitive. According to Nationwide, UK annual house price growth halved to 0.8% in September, down from 1.6% in August. Savills own research shows that prime regional property prices fell by an average of 1.5% in the three months to the end of September and are 4.1% lower than this time last year. Loughton has fared slightly better – prices have dropped by an average of 1.2% in the last three months and by 3.6% year on year – but a lack of movers upsizing and relocating from London is having an effect.

Deals are also taking more time to progress, with a particular delay between offer accepted and exchange. This lack of urgency is the opposite of the pandemicera mini boom, when strong competition drove rapid decision-making.

NEEDS-BASED BUYERS So, what can we expect as we head into 2027? Provided the budget hasn’t thrown any curve balls, the market should remain resilient. But continued global uncertainty means that living costs and mortgage rates are likely to remain elevated. Fortunately, the experience of the past year tells us that activity doesn’t necessarily depend on perfect market conditions. Life goes on, and it’s our families, careers and personal finances that ultimately drive decisions to move – benefitting areas with established local demand supported by strong connectivity, lifestyle, schooling and transport links. This should bode well for Loughton and the rest of West Essex. Although we’re unlikely to see an immediate reversal to the fall in house prices, activity should remain. However, pragmatism will be key. Buyers will likely continue to take an increasingly considered approach, so setting a realistic guide price will be essential for those hoping to sell. Visit the Savills office at The Triangle, 1A Smarts Lane in Loughton or call 020 8498 6600

FELICITY WALKER

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LAST WORD • EVENT

why everyone is talking about…

RHS GLOW The illuminating event returns to Essex to kick-start the festive season

s the days grow shorter, one of Essex’s best-loved gardens is preparing to shine after dark. RHS Glow returns to RHS Garden Hyde Hall, near Chelmsford, on selected dates from 26th November to 30th December, with a redesigned trail promising a fresh perspective on this familiar landscape. Nine new installations will illuminate the grounds, leading visitors through muchloved spaces and areas that have never previously featured in the evening event. For those who know Hyde Hall for its seasonal planting and sweeping Essex views, it is an invitation to discover how dramatically a garden can change once darkness falls. This year’s displays take their inspiration from the natural world. Illuminated reeds will cast a delicate glow across the Birch Grove, while the seasonal colour of the Winter Garden provides a setting for intricate living willow sculptures handcrafted by Hyde Hall’s own garden team. Elsewhere, installations echo the forms of mycelium networks, beehives and dandelions. Among the new additions is Octave, an interactive light and sound installation in which visitors’ footsteps trigger musical notes and shifting colours. Oversized illuminated dandelions add another playful element, transforming recognisable natural shapes into striking features against the night sky. There is pleasure, too, in the spaces between the installations: following a path towards the next pool of light, watching trees emerge from the darkness and noticing details that might pass you by during a daytime visit. Whether explored with children, friends or someone special, the trail offers a welcome opportunity to slow down during the busy festive season. The evening continues beyond the illuminations, with festive food and drink

available and marshmallows to toast over a crackling fire pit. A warming drink makes a fitting companion to a winter walk, while the Garden Centre and gift shop offer Christmas trees, decorations and gifts for visitors looking to bring a little seasonal sparkle home. With its combination of garden craftsmanship, imaginative lighting and interactive experiences, Glow gives returning visitors plenty of new discoveries while offering first-timers an atmospheric introduction to Hyde Hall. Tickets start from £8.50 for RHS members and £12 for non-members, with under-fives admitted free. Advance booking is recommended. rhs.org.uk

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