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PLUS JOE MARLER From the scrum to the stage, via The Celebrity Traitors SIGHTS & SOUNDS Everything Midhurst has to offer, from historic ruins to a jazz festival THE WOODCOTE A new chapter begins at the popular Graff ham restaurant
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EDITOR MARK KEBBLE ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA MAGAZINE DESIGNER PAMELLA MORENO PRODUCTION MANAGER DANICA BRODIE MEDIA CONSULTANTS LOUISE PEARSON CLAIRE YATES FINANCIAL DIRECTOR JERRIE KOLECI CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES JAMES FUSCHILLO ABIGAIL GARDNER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT
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ABSOLUTELY
Contents NOVEMBER 2026
29 50
44 12
C U LT U R E AGENDA
WEDDINGS 56 SUSTAINABILITY
JOE MARLER
59 VENUE
The best November events in Sussex
14
Exploring an eclectic career
Why couples are choosing the eco way
Exploring all Leeds Castle has to offer
29 CHRISTMAS SPECIAL
61
FOOD & DRINK 44 THE WOODCOTE
INTERIORS 70 REAL HOME
47 DRINKS
75 TREND
FA S H I O N 50 THE SHOOT
E D U C AT I O N 78 KEW WAKEHURST
Meeting new Chef Director Nathan Cornwell
Five to get you into the festive spirit
Aspiga's Party Edit
53 PRODUCTS
It's time to bring out the PJ set
BEAUTY
Top tips from Noaem Skin
Gift guides galore for all the family
A Hove project from Pfeiffer Design
Making the most of metallics
Why it is enjoying record pupil visits
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CHILDREN'S BOOKFEST A famous local face joins its mission
A B S O L U T E LY M AG A Z I N E S .C O M
The online guide to inspirational living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.
O N T H E C OV E R Apiga Party Edit (aspiga.com)
A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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TOP CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL IN THE UK 2025 & 2026
UK BOARDING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR 2025 & 2026
THE SUNDAY TIMES
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Editor’s
LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S November issue highlights
1 Weddings
Why sustainability matters and top beauty tips (p55)
2
Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra
The start of a new era (p82)
I
sometimes wonder what I would do if I weren’t an editor. Then I remember how long it takes me to decide what to have for lunch, and conclude that a complete career change might require rather more planning. Others seem considerably braver. Jeremy Clarkson has gone from testing cars to testing his patience with farming, while Kelvin Fletcher took the surprisingly literal route from playing a farmer in Emmerdale to becoming one. Then there is Joe Marler. Having spent years doing a job most of us would actively run away from – preferably before the scrum formed – the former England prop (and Sussex local) has found a new audience through television, podcasting and his wonderfully unpredictable personality. His appearance on The Celebrity Traitors certainly helped. Suddenly, people who couldn’t tell a loosehead from a lineout were talking about him. Now, with Joe Marler Will See You Live coming to Brighton Dome this November, he is taking that curiosity and humour onto the stage. We find out more inside. I will save using my imagination for working up this year's Christmas wishlist when people start asking unfeasibly early. At least our special gift guide will offer up some much-needed inspiration – even if I look enviously at some of the things our pets can enjoy this year.
5
Festive Events Three in Sussex to get you into the spirit nice and early (p41)
4
Gift Guides Plenty of present inspiration (p29)
MARK KEBBLE EDITOR
Real Home
A stunning transformation in Hove by Pfeiffer Design (p70)
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Wish LIST 10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY
PENDLE HARTE
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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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Duck Pond Created by Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa Ensemble
Wed 23–Mon 28 Dec | Age 5+ Brighton Dome Concert Hall
Swan Lake and The Ugly Duckling reimagined as a circus spectacular
Ceilidh An immersive musical
Come dance your way through the story
Tue 15–Sun 20 Dec Brighton Dome Corn Exchange AD BRIGHTON FESTIVAL 10 BD26 ChristmasDOME at Brighton Dome LTD.indd AS Ad.AW.indd 1
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7 NOVEMBER, THE FOLKLORE ROOMS
ISQ (Irene Serra) will bring her live show to The Folklore Rooms in Brighton, playing songs from her brand new album The Silence Is Deafening, released on 23rd October. ISQ has spent two decades earning a devoted following on the UK and Italian music scene, with acclaim from the likes of Time Out and Clash, and a band drawing players from the Cinematic Orchestra and Neil Cowley Trio who bring both an improvisational fluency and contemporary edge to the project. thefolklorerooms.co.uk
PHOTO: TATIANA GORILOVSKY
C U LT U R E
ISQ
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THE BEST EVENTS IN SUSSEX
MU S I C
The Feeling 11 November EASTBOURNE WINTER GARDEN The Feeling are celebrating 20 years of their hugely successful debut album Twelve Stops and Home with a special 15-date UK headline tour, performing the triple platinum-selling album and the songs that have remained firm favourites with fans and radio listeners for two decades. trafalgartickets.com
PHOTO: MATT MURPHY
T H E AT R E
Ceilidh 24- 29 NOV E MBE R , E ASTB O U R NE WIN TER GARDEN S
Ceilidh is a brand-new musical that invites you to step into the heart of one of Scotland’s oldest and most beloved traditions. It’s a gathering of songs, stories and dances, all while sharing a dram or two along the way. Led by a lively caller, you’ll be swept up in a whirlwind of music and memories from the moment you walk through the door. But as the music builds and the night takes hold, a story begins to unfold. trafalgartickets.com
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T H E AT R E
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time 17-21 November CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE Chris Boone is gifted with a brilliant mind for numbers, but unsettled by the unpredictability of people and everyday life. When a neighbour’s dog is discovered killed, she comes under suspicion. Determined to prove her innocence, Chris becomes both detective and suspect, drawn into a mystery that grows darker and more complex with every clue uncovered. cft.org.uk
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CULTURE • DIARY
L I G H T
FANTASTIC MU S I C
Glow Wild returns to Kew Wakehurst to illuminate the festive season
11 November BRIGHTON PATTERNS Following the acclaimed release of Put On A Record Tommy EP earlier this year, Tom A. Smith extended the doors of Tommy's Dance Place with the release of a deluxe edition, which came out on 9th September. To celebrate that, Tom is now embarking on an extensive UK headline tour. patternsbrighton.com
HENRY MOORE, RELIEF NO.1, 1959, © HENRY MOORE FOUNDATION PHOTO BY CHRIS GORMAN, THE BIG LADDER PHOTOGRAPHER
A RT
HENRY MOORE AND MORE
Book Ahead
UNTIL 23 MAY 2027, KEW WAKEHURST At Kew Wakehurst, Henry Moore and more is entering a new season. As winter approaches, changing foliage, atmospheric light and shifting weather patterns are transforming the setting for the year-long outdoor exhibition, offering visitors a fresh perspective on works by Henry Moore and contemporary artists Rana Begum, Rafael Pérez Evans and Paloma Varga Weisz. kew.org/wakehurst
Mediaeval Baebes
T
18 D EC E MBER, ST MARY’S CHURCH HORSHAM
he internationally acclaimed Mediaeval Baebes are celebrating three decades of timeless music and haunting harmonies. As music, myth and tradition intertwine, step into the magic and join the Mediaeval Baebes on a torchlit parade. Renowned for their theme tune to ITV’s hit TV show Victoria, this evening of ethereal voices, theatre and dance will embrace Christmas carols, traditional folk songs and captivating storytelling, along with tracks from their new album The Spinning Wheel. mediaevalbaebes.com/live
THE MEDIAEVAL BAEBES PHOTO: RACHEL LE FAYE
PHOTO: OLLIE DIXON
Tom A. Smith
K
ew Wakehurst’s Glow Wild returns this festive season with its most ambitious trail yet, taking visitors across uncharted waters to polar landscapes and into the wild. Running on selected evenings from Thursday 26th November to Saturday 2nd January 2027, Glow Wild invites explorers of all ages to set out on an after-dark expedition for a night of discovery, spectacle and festive escapism. Now in its 13th year, Glow Wild is again raising the bar for 2026 with an extraordinary new collection of large-scale installations and artworks created exclusively for Kew Wakehurst. At almost five metres high, a giant illuminated iceberg will become Glow Wild’s tallest lantern to date, forming part of a dramatic polar landscape from artist Kerith Ogden. Featuring 68 penguins and 1,000 fish, Ogden’s polar region will come alive under a dancing Aurora Australis lights commission from The Colour Project. Voyaging from pole to pole, visitors will discover another of the trail’s standout moments in Michelle Dufaur’s astonishing Alpine flower carpet, created using 2,500 handmade petals. The trail culminates with one of Wakehurst’s most impressive transformations, as the historic Mansion is illuminated by a bespoke projection from artist Amanda Duncan – her debut commission for Glow Wild. In Murmurations, birds, fish, insects, stars and seeds will dance across the building’s façade. A seamless blend of immersive technologies will all be intricately designed into the installations to enhance the visual spectacle for visitors.
kew.org/wakehurst
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BEYOND
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CULTURE • PROFILE
From Sussex rugby pitches to the Brighton Dome, Joe Marler has found a stage beyond sport
W
hen Joe Marler walks onto the stage at Brighton Dome this November, he will be back in Sussex with a rather different kind of crowd to face. There will be no scrum to set and no opponent to shove backwards. Instead, the former England prop will have a microphone, comedian Jake Bhardwaj at his side and a special guest whose mind he intends to investigate. Joe Marler Will See You Live brings their podcast’s unlikely consulting room to the Concert Hall on 5th November, complete with audience participation, unpredictable games and, if the show stays true to form, moments of surprising candour. For a man who made his name in one of rugby’s most physically demanding positions, it is quite a second act. Then again, anyone who watched Joe through his playing years knows he was never likely to leave the spotlight quietly. The distinctive haircuts, deadpan interviews and apparent delight in disrupting expectations made him recognisable well beyond rugby’s usual audience. What has become clearer since his retirement in 2024 is that the jokes were only part of the story. There has always been a curious, thoughtful man behind the performance, even if he sometimes preferred to keep him hidden. Joe’s story begins in East Sussex. Born in Eastbourne, he played for Eastbourne Sharks and Haywards Heath before progressing through the Harlequins academy. Heathfield Community College was among the schools on his route to the top. Those
local beginnings matter to a career that would eventually take him to World Cups and a British & Irish Lions tour. At Harlequins, he found both a club and a home for his formidable talent. Making his senior debut in the 2009-10 season, Joe established himself at loosehead prop, where the work can be brutal and much of the skill goes unnoticed by anyone watching beyond the front row. A successful scrum rests on strength, timing and trust in the people packed beside you. Joe had all three, allied to a fierce competitiveness that helped make him central to Quins for 15 seasons. He started their 2012 Premiership final victory over Leicester Tigers and was part of another title-winning side in 2021. The club also won the European Challenge Cup in 2011. England called in 2012: Joe went on to win 95 caps, playing in three Rugby World Cups and reaching the 2019 final. He was selected for the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand, another milestone for a player whose first clubs were in Sussex. His international career included the triumphs of three Six Nations campaigns, but it was rarely a simple climb from one achievement to the next. He briefly stepped away from England rugby in 2018 before returning, and later spoke openly about how difficult he had sometimes found the demands of elite sport. Nor was he an uncomplicated sporting hero. Joe’s wit could be disarming, but his behaviour on the pitch also brought disciplinary sanctions and deserved criticism. It would flatten the story of his career to pretend otherwise. Equally, his willingness to examine himself in public has become one of the defining qualities of the years that followed. The player A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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JAKE BHARDWAJ AND JOE MARLER PHOTO: TOM HARRISON PHOTOGRAPHY PLATFORM MEDIA
once known for winding up opponents began speaking with striking openness about depression, treatment and the pressure to appear invulnerable. In the 2021 Sky documentary Big Boys Don’t Cry, Joe explored his own mental health while meeting people who had found different ways to care for theirs. He wanted, he said at the time, to encourage conversations in a sport where players are expected to show no weakness once a match begins. His point was that life away from the pitch allows room for vulnerability. It was a powerful message from someone whose job had so often been to look immovable. Sussex has played a part in that more reflective life. Speaking to journalist Abi Jackson in 2022, Joe described heading to the sea near Brighton on Sundays with friends. They would talk about whatever had happened that week, then spend time in the water. Looking out across the sea, he said, gave him a sense of perspective; he called the experience “a reset button for me”. It is an appealing image of the former prop, once accustomed to being hemmed in by bodies and expectations, finding space on the Sussex coast. He has also spoken warmly about what his family encounters through living near Brighton. In a 2020 Sky Sports interview about LGBT+ inclusion, Joe
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said the visibility of different relationships locally was “great for the kids to experience”. His comments reflected a concern that runs through much of his public life now: what children learn from the adults around them, and what kind of example he wants to set. As rugby drew towards its end, another talent was already taking shape. Joe began podcasting while still playing, cohosting the show now known as Things People Do with Tom Fordyce. Its premise is wonderfully straightforward: meet people with all sorts of jobs and ask how they came to do them. The guests have included everyone from astronauts to cheesemakers and prison guards. For Joe, the pleasure lay in discovering the person beyond the job title. That interest has served him well since he hung up his boots. Joe announced his retirement from England duty in November 2024 and played his last match for Harlequins later that month. His departure ended a career spent with one professional club, but it also gave him more room to explore what he might do next. On The Celebrity Traitors, viewers who knew little about rugby met a man who could be funny, suspicious, perceptive and entirely willing to look ridiculous. He reached the final, and a new audience followed him back into podcasting.
Joe Marler Will See You Now grew from that television appearance. Each episode invites a celebrity into Joe’s fictional “practice”, where questions and peculiar tests take the place of any conventional interview. Bhardwaj plays his research assistant, helping steer an exchange that can turn from absurdity to something heartfelt without much warning. Joe is, of course, no therapist; the joke depends on everyone knowing it. What makes the format work is the same curiosity that powered his earlier podcast, and his readiness to share something of himself when a guest does the same. The live tour brings that chemistry into theatres across the country, with a different guest promised for each night. Joe says he has enjoyed playing “Dr Marler” and is looking forward to taking both the silliness and the serious moments out of the studio. Brighton is an especially fitting stop. Sussex gave him his first rugby clubs, while its coast has offered him a place to pause and reflect. This November, it will provide the audience for the latest version of Joe Marler: still mischievous, still curious, and still finding new ways to connect with people. Joe Marler Will See You Live is at Brighton Dome on 5th November. Find out more at brightondome.org
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• AREA• FOCUS CULTURE XXXXXXXX XXXXX COWDRAY CASTLE RUINS
A Sussex encore As jazz fills Midhurst this November, discover the history, walks and places worth lingering for
T
he Midhurst Jazz, Food & Blues Festival brings live music to the town from 19th-22nd November, turning a visit into an invitation to stay a little longer. Between performances, there are old streets to wander, riverside paths to follow and plenty of places to settle in for a meal. Midhurst sits in the heart of the South Downs National Park, yet its centre is compact enough to explore on foot. That combination makes it easy to spend the morning in the countryside, the afternoon among independent shops and the evening listening to music.
A TOWN WITH A PAST
Midhurst’s history is visible without needing to enter a museum. Around
Market Square and along the lanes leading away from it, timber-framed buildings sit alongside Georgian frontages and later shopfronts. The variety gives the centre much of its appeal: this is a town that has adapted over centuries while keeping the shape and scale of its older streets. A self-guided town trail offers a useful starting point for visitors who want to look beyond the windows. The story begins at St Ann’s Hill, where an Iron Age fort was followed by a Norman castle and, later, a fortified house. Medieval Midhurst grew nearby, and South Pond was created to supply fish to the castle. Today, the hill and pond are peaceful places to pause, but together they offer a sense of why this spot became a settlement. The town’s long history as a market centre is easier to picture after walking back towards the square, where A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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its streets still draw people together. Across the water meadows stands Midhurst’s most dramatic landmark. Cowdray was once a great Tudor house, visited by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, before fire largely destroyed it in 1793. Its surviving walls still make an extraordinary sight from the approach out of town. A walk towards them is worthwhile in any season, especially when November’s low light falls across the ruins and surrounding trees. Visitors should bear in mind that the ruins are currently closed for general admission; entry is through selected heritage events and guided tours, which need checking in advance.
TAKE YOUR TIME
A festival weekend calls for an unhurried start. Begin in Market Square, then let the side streets lead you past independent shops selling everything from jewellery and homeware to vintage clothing and outdoor gear. Midhurst is well suited to browsing because the next discovery is rarely far away. You can spend half an hour looking around and still have plenty of time for coffee before a performance. Regular markets and fairs add another reason to check what is happening in the square during your visit. For a deeper look at the landscape, stop at the South Downs Centre, the National Park’s visitor gateway in town. It is a practical place to find inspiration before heading out on foot. One gentle option takes you from the centre towards the Cowdray Estate, with views of the River Rother, open ground and the ruins along the way. The Great Sussex Way suggests a scenic walk of around 1.5 miles each way, leaving enough time for
lunch and an afternoon performance. Bring shoes that can cope with damp paths: November’s colour is part of the pleasure, but so is the mud.
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Food is part of the festival’s promise, and Midhurst offers options for every stage of the day. For coffee and something sweet while exploring the centre, try Comestibles, Fitzcane’s, Kemaelli’s or Garton’s Coffee House. The Lion’s Den is another towncentre stop and one of the festival’s music venues, making it tempting to turn a quick refreshment break into a longer stay. As with any busy festival weekend, checking opening hours and booking where possible will make the day easier. For lunch or an early supper, The Swan offers a traditional pub setting, while Fratelli brings Mediterranean flavours to West Street. If the occasion calls for a more leisurely meal, The Spread Eagle serves lunch, dinner and afternoon tea in a historic inn; tea beside the fire would make a pleasing counterpoint to a chilly walk. The Wheatsheaf on Wool Lane is another central pub option when you want to stay close to the music. It is worth going a little beyond the centre, too. Cowdray Farm Shop & Café provides a place to refuel after a walk and browse food to take home. The Royal Oak, just outside Midhurst, offers seasonal food in a country pub setting, while the wider area includes The White Horse in Easebourne and The Blue Bell at Cocking. Together, they make a compelling case for extending a festival visit into a full weekend: one evening can belong to jazz, and the next day to a long walk and a lingering Sunday lunch.
THE LION'S DEN, HERE AND BELOW
Five things you may not know about Midhurst 1. Guy Fawkes once worked at Cowdray. His connection with the house later drew suspicion towards the Montague family after the Gunpowder Plot. 2. Cowdray became a barracks. Parliamentarian soldiers used the Tudor house during the Civil War. 3. The Old Library had several lives. During the Second World War, the building was used as an evacuee centre; it later served as a youth centre and school canteen. 4. Dante has a local connection. The sculpture by South Pond was a gift to the town from Midhurst resident Philip Jackson.
WOOLBEDING BRIDGE, A MEDIEVAL BRIDGE OVER THE RIVER ROTHER IN THE SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK NEAR MIDHURST
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5. Midhurst has more than 100 listed buildings. That remarkable concentration helps explain why a short walk through town can span so many periods of architecture.
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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
S
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.
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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,
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CULTURE • TRAVEL
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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.
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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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ABSOLUTELY • PARTNERSHIP
Treasured possessions The Gold & Silver Roadshow events head to Sussex this month, an opportunity to cash in on a host of vintage objects
T
here will be three Gold & Silver Roadshows heading to Sussex in November, with a special one-day event being held at The Harbour Hotel, 57 North Street, Chichester, PO19 1NH on Tuesday 10th November; and The Ropemaker, 93 Havant Road, Emsworth, PO10 7LF on Wednesday 11th November and Wednesday 18th November. What can you expect at these events? A very lucky couple called at one of their recent roadshow events with a couple of old gold chains and a silver charm bracelet and a bag of old silver coins. They were paid over £1,600 just for the coins alone. They turned out to be pre 1947 silver coins that were normal currency a few years ago and are now highly collected. Like most people, who can only dream of winning the pools or the lottery, a lot of normal households have a hidden treasure of old gold jewellery, silver jewellery, teapots, trophies, trays and old objets
d’art. Why not get a free valuation from an expert at one of the roadshows? There is no queuing and their experts will give you a one on one appraisal of the value of your treasured possessions in a private area, where there are no prying eyes, watching the process evolve. If you like the valuation, their expert will make you the same offer in cash which you can accept or decline at no cost to yourself. Anything can be an unearthed treasure. Any old British or foreign coins. Any old wrist watches or pocket watches. All chains, bracelets, rings and bangles broken or not and in any condition. If you think it is a diamond ring, bring it along and they will confirm it to be genuine. If you have an old trophy or tankard or any silver coloured items, let them value them for you. Old war medals and old Masonic medals
can be very valuable. You will be surprised to hear that they have paid thousands of pounds for certain war medals and even the General Service Medal group is worth bringing especially if you have the original box. Also of great interest are old military uniforms, tunics, hats and any army, navy or RAF field gear. There are rarely any queues at the events and they can normally offer a valuation within a few minutes. They will give you a free valuation on which they back up with a cash offer, there and then. Get looking now in your old drawers, cupboards, and jewellery boxes. Look in the loft and the cellar, even old broken or squashed items of jewellery and silver are valuable. Of particular interest are gold and silver cigarette cases, Vesta Cases, thimbles, candlesticks, trays and all things silver are needed. Pocket watches in gold and silver and all wristwatches by: Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Longines, IWC are particularly in demand. 07378 965411 goldandsilverroadshow.co.uk
N E X T R oa d s h ow events CHICHESTER HARBOUR HOTEL Tuesday 10th November, 10am-4pm The Harbour Hotel, 57 North Street, Chichester, PO19 1NH THE ROPEMAKER AT EMSWORTH Wednesday 11th & 18th November, 10am-4pm The Ropemaker, 93 Havant Road, Emsworth, PO10 7LF
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AT PETWORTH HOUSE 28 NOV 2026 – 3 JAN 2027
Nature becomes the artist in a magical winter wonderland. Journey through the grand state rooms of Petworth House where creativity and nature come together. Marvel beneath the stars, gaze up at the moon, and discover an enchanting festive experience inspired by the natural world.
Normal admission applies. No booking required. nationaltrust.org.uk/petworth The National Trust is a registered charity no. 205846
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Christmas S
P
E
C
I
A
L
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 30 TECH GIFTS 32 GIFTS FOR HIM 33 GIFTS FOR KIDS 34 GIFTS FOR TEENS 35 THE BEST HAMPERS 36 GIFTS FOR PETS 39
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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
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Linen blend gingham wash bag, £35 pigletinbed.com
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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
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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
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Aura.matic espresso machine, £5,000 loewe.tv
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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
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CLARIDGES Monochrome lambswool cashmere blanket £1,145 claridges.co.uk
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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
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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
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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
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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
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BUNDT BOOK Recipes by Melanie Johnson, £28 melathome.com
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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
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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
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Snowdogs™ Discover
28 Nov - 10 Jan Discover ten beautifully hand-painted Snowdog™ sculptures around Sheffield Park and Garden, in East Sussex as you take in glorious wintry scenes and delight in festive games and activities for all the family.
©National Trust 2026. Registered charity no. 205846 © Snowdog Enterprises Ltd 2026.
Sheffield Park and Garden
nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffieldpark
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CHRISTMAS • PARTNERSHIP HEY! CHRISTMAS TREE
Three
CHEERS
A trio of local events to kick-start the festive spirit
Sheffield Pa r k a n d G a r d e n
Kent & East S u s s e x R a i lway
Visit Sheffield Park and Garden in East Sussex this Christmas for a magical Snowdogs™ Discover Christmas trail, running from 28th November until 10th January, 2027. Discover ten beautifully hand-painted Snowdog™ sculptures around the garden and delight in festive games and activities for all the family. Snowdogs™ Discover at Sheffield Park and Garden is free with normal admission and is presented by National Trust and Wild in Art in collaboration with Penguin. nationaltrust.org.uk/sheffieldpark
M i n e r va T h e at r e Hey! Christmas Tree heads to the Minerva Theatre from 5th-27th December. Enchanting, funny and heart-warming, this festive story about the importance of finding friendship and somewhere to call home, created especially for Chichester Festival Theatre by Michael Morpurgo and written by Vicki Berwick, returns to the Minerva Theatre following its hugely popular 2024 premiere. HEY! CHRISTMAS TREE 5-27 December Written by Vicki Berwick Relaxed Performance: 9 December From a poem by Michael Morpurgo Music and Lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer cft.org.uk
SNOWDOG SCULPTURE © NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/ ARNHEL DE SERRA
KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY
Step aboard a vintage steam train this Christmas and enjoy a magical journey through the beautiful Wealden countryside with Santa and his elves. For over 50 years, Kent & East Sussex Railway’s Santa Specials have created treasured family memories. Running on selected dates from 29th November to 23rd December, plus a special Magical Christmas Eve service, there’s festive fun for everyone. Their relaxed service on Sunday 29th November at 11.15am runs without music, offering a calmer experience while still including all the Christmas magic. Choose your festive experience. Bronze – Standard Class: Steam journey, named gift from Santa and onboard magician; Silver – First Class: Bronze benefits, trolley drinks, visits from Jingle & Sparkle and an Elf-ship Diploma for every child; Gold – Premium: Silver benefits, unlimited prosecco, beer or soft drinks, luxury mince pies and festive treats served at your seat. All tickets include a 75-minute return journey, family photograph, unlimited vintage gallopers rides and Winter Wonderland. Babies under 18 months travel free and receive a gift. Private compartments and group bookings are available. Book now by calling 01580 765155 or emailing enquiries@kesr.org.uk kesr.org.uk/santa-2026 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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FOOD & DRINK
Numbers GAME FOUR
Aaron Dalton and FOUR are excited to announce a new series of monthly autumn dates, including from 11th13th November, featuring exciting new menus and accompanying wine pairings. The autumn menu will see Aaron further build on a unique concept based around seasonal tasting menus, wood-fired cooking and the contrast of ambitious fine dining food with its unique setting in a purpose-built extension in the chef’s home. fourfood.co.uk
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NATHAN CORNWELL
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FOOD & DRINK • PROFILE
Nathan Cornwell’s appointment as Chef Director brings fresh culinary ambition to The Woodcote’s idyllic South Downs retreat
F
or Nathan Cornwell, the next chapter of his career is about putting down roots. After more than 15 years in leading European kitchens, The Woodcote’s new Chef Director is bringing his experience to West Sussex, with an ambition to create a destination restaurant shaped by its South Downs surroundings. “What attracted me was the opportunity to build something with a real sense of place,” he explains. “The Woodcote gives me the chance to take everything I’ve learnt and create something with its own identity.” The appeal extends beyond the kitchen. With bedrooms, a garden and plans for a 40-cover fine-dining restaurant, The Woodcote offers the opportunity to develop an experience that encourages guests to linger. “I want it to feel generous and relaxed while still having the standards and attention to detail you’d expect from a serious restaurant,” Nathan says.
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His cooking has evolved towards a similar balance. Having once felt the need to demonstrate technique on the plate, he now prefers to let exceptional ingredients lead. “There is still a lot of technique behind the food, but I don’t necessarily want the guest to see all of it. I want clarity of flavour, seasonality and dishes that feel natural rather than overworked.” That approach draws on lessons from some influential mentors. David Everitt-Matthias taught him about wild food and developing an individual identity; Hywel Jones instilled consistency and discipline; and Mark Birchall demonstrated the commitment required to build an ambitious restaurant and team. Time at Scandinavian restaurants Geranium, Kadeau and Oaxen Krog also transformed his understanding of seasonality. Fermenting, pickling, drying and preserving became ways of capturing ingredients at their best, while the landscape itself helped determine what should be cooked. “It also taught me to look much more closely
at what is growing around you rather than deciding what you want to cook and then trying to find the ingredients.” In West Sussex, there is plenty to discover. Nathan points to the nearby coast, farms, game, dairy, vineyards and wild produce, although it is the people behind those ingredients who have particularly captured his imagination. Relationships with fishermen, growers, gamekeepers, cheesemakers and foragers are increasingly shaping the evolving à la carte menu. “I like having those conversations where somebody tells us something is particularly good or that they’ve suddenly got an ingredient available,” he says. “That can be much more inspiring than sitting in the kitchen trying to write a menu on paper.” Dishes such as Duncton Mill trout with lovage taramasalata illustrate his thinking. The nearby producer’s fish provides the starting point, with lovage bringing freshness and herbaceous flavour, and taramasalata adding richness. South Coast lobster with garden cucumber follows the same principle: the cucumber’s freshness balances the shellfish’s natural sweetness, connecting kitchen, garden and coast. Wild ingredients must earn their place through flavour, too. Nathan values the bitterness, acidity and perfume they can bring, rather than using them simply because they were found nearby. The Chef’s Garden will become an increasingly important part of this approach. Plans to expand its productivity will focus on varieties chosen for flavour, alongside herbs, leaves, vegetables, fruits and ingredients that are difficult to source commercially. “I don’t expect us to become completely self-sufficient, but I’d like the garden to have a real influence on how we cook.” Having helped The Barn at Moor Hall earn its first Michelin star, Nathan knows that recognition grows from daily standards. His priority is to build a team that takes pride in its work, supports young chefs and develops a clear culinary identity. The wider ambition is substantial, but he sees no reason to rush. Restaurant, bedrooms, garden and supplier relationships can evolve together, creating somewhere guests visit for the food and stay to explore the surrounding countryside. “Long term, I’d like The Woodcote to be recognised as one of the best country restaurants in Britain,” he says, “but with an identity that’s completely its own and firmly rooted in West Sussex.” thewoodcote.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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rugsofpetworth.co.uk Golden Square, Petworth, West Sussex, GU28 0AP | 01798 344027
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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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Celebratory m o m e n t s
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Aspiga have released their party edit, stylish sustainable fashion for the new season ASPIGA .COM
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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 56 V E N U E : L E E D S C A S T L E 59 S K I N C A R E R O U T I N E 61
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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
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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
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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 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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2027 & 2028 dates available
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WEDDINGS • BEAUTY XXXXXXXXXXXXX
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Impression Wedding skin without the lastminute panic: how to plan with confidence
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he venue is booked, dress fittings are in the diary – now attention turns to skin. It’s tempting to add new products and elaborate routines, but the best wedding skin plans are rarely the busiest. The best kept secret is that the consultation should be booked early on. For most brides, the goal is fresh, even-looking skin that does not need more foundation than usual on the day. Makeup should enhance, not conceal the skin.
12 MONTHS TO GO
A year out is the ideal time for your skin to be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional. A consultation covers your medical history, current skincare and previous treatments. Advanced skin imaging can provide a useful baseline and reveal underlying pigmentation or redness. This doesn’t mean a year of constant treatments. It allows time to establish a suitable home routine, introduce active ingredients gradually and build a plan around your skin instead of a standard bridal package.
6 MONTHS TO GO
By now, your routine should be set and it’s time to work on concerns that affect how make-up sits. Uneven pigmentation and persistent redness can make the complexion look patchy. Rough texture
or enlarged pores tend to push people towards heavier foundations. Starting professional treatments now, if appropriate, allows time for a course, with recovery time and a review at the end. The aim is clearer, more even skin that needs less covering up.
3 MONTHS TO GO
Time to review progress and fine-tune the plan you have, not start a new one. Stick to products your skin tolerates and keep to your treatment schedule, allowing enough recovery time before the wedding. Your make-up trial will show how foundation sits on your skin and whether lighter coverage could work. This is your chance to say how much make-up feels comfortable.
THE FINAL MONTH
This is not the month for anything new. No new products or stronger actives. During the final week, keep products familiar and resist vigorous exfoliation. Don’t let nerves tempt you to book the new trendy facial on the menu either. This is the home stretch and with this plan in place, your skin should be looking its very best. Starting with less than a year? Don’t panic. A shorter plan is still worth doing as long as you use the time wisely and know when to stop. Written by Iki Rhode, independent prescribing pharmacist, and Dr Chris Vary, founders of Noaem Skin in Hove. Discover more at noaemskin.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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Health is about more than the hours you spend exercising At Goodwood, movement, recovery, expert support and the restorative power of nature come together to help you live well for longer. Set within 11,000 acres of beautiful West Sussex countryside. Discover a healthier way to live. Only at Goodwood.
Explore membership
goodwood.com/healthclub
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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.
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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 GUIDE
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
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
A HOME T RAN S FO R M E D PFEIFFER DESIGN
Inside a Regency townhouse in Hove, Pfeiffer Design has paired period grandeur with confident colour and contemporary comfort. From botanical wallpapers to bespoke joinery, discover how thoughtful design has transformed a once tired property into a richly layered family home. Read more over the page.
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INTERIORS • REAL HOME
A REGENCY
renovation Absolutely visits a Hove townhouse where Pfeiffer Design brings colour, craftsmanship and contemporary comfort to period grandeur
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here is a particular pleasure in seeing a period home come back to life. The architectural details that first made it special regain their presence, while thoughtful changes allow a new generation to make it their own. At this Regency townhouse in Hove, Sussex-based Pfeiffer Design has brought those ambitions together, creating a richly coloured family home that feels both rooted in its past and ready for its next chapter. For the homeowners, a busy family of four who had moved from the countryside, the appeal of the property lay in its historic character. Its interiors, however, needed attention. Previously white and lacking personality, the house had not been renovated for years. The brief was to restore its grandeur, introduce contemporary comfort and bring more colour into everyday life. It was a project well suited to Pfeiffer Design’s expertise. The studio specialises in combining interior architecture with interior design, considering the practical framework of a home alongside its decorative identity. Spatial planning, built-in furniture and architectural finishes form part of the same process as fabrics, furnishings and the final details. Its emphasis is on individual homes shaped around the people who inhabit them, with beauty and functionality given equal consideration.
Here, that approach began with a refurbishment from top to bottom. The layout was reconfigured to improve flow and make the house more comfortable for family life, with the basement transformed into a self-contained annexe for guests. All five bedrooms were also reorganised to have their own en-suite bathrooms, bringing a new level of convenience to the period property. These changes underpin the finished interiors. A successful renovation needs to accommodate daily routines as gracefully as it presents its architectural treasures, and the work here gives the family greater flexibility in how they use their home. Guests have their own space, while the bedrooms offer privacy and independence. Throughout the house, the original features remain central to its appeal. Ornate cornicing, sash windows, traditional panelling and antique chandeliers were lovingly restored, giving the new decorative schemes an established framework. Against this backdrop, colour brings warmth and fresh energy, drawing attention to the character of the rooms. The family’s move from the countryside provided a starting point for the palette. They wanted to carry something of the natural world into their city home, and deep greens, navy, pinks and yellow now appear throughout. Each room has its own identity, making the journey through the townhouse varied and engaging, while the shared inspiration gives the interiors a sense of connection. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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INTERIORS • REAL HOME
Pattern develops that theme further. Botanical, floral and foliage-inspired wallpapers introduce movement and detail, translating the owners’ affection for nature into something more expressive than a single colour choice. In the dining room, dramatic tree-patterned wallpaper is paired with a pink ceiling and green upholstery. The combination gives the room a generous dose of personality, with the ceiling becoming an integral part of the scheme. Elsewhere, nature-inspired wallpaper appears on bathroom feature walls and alongside bespoke bedroom headboards. At the centre of the townhouse, the bespoke kitchen by Alistair Fleming offers a gentler palette. Cream cabinetry is paired with Caesarstone worktops and a matching splashback, while a pale mint green island introduces a subtle connection to the stronger colours nearby. Antique brass hardware and a statement pendant light add warmth, and striped bar stools provide a playful finishing touch. Positioned between the dining room and living area, the kitchen has an important role in connecting the home’s shared spaces. Its quieter treatment gives the eye somewhere to rest, allowing the more dramatic decorative choices at either end to retain their impact. The result feels balanced, with room for both sociable activity and everyday ease. Bespoke joinery is another defining element. Pfeiffer Design’s services include cabinetry, furniture and upholstery, and this project demonstrates how tailored pieces can address practical needs while contributing to a home’s character. Custom-built bookcases in the snug accommodate the owners’ literature, while a grand vanity unit brings presence to the principal bathroom. Designed to echo the profiles of the architecture, the new joinery also sits
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comfortably alongside the family’s antique and vintage furniture and personal belongings. Those existing pieces give the interiors a sense of continuity: this is a new chapter for a collection already rich in meaning. Ultimately, the townhouse’s appeal lies in the care with which those layers have been brought together. Restored Regency details, confident colour and furniture made for its setting create a home with individuality – and behind the decorative richness is a considered layout that supports family life. pfeifferdesign.co.uk
PHOTOS: BEE HOLMES
Throughout the house, the original features remain central to its appeal
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YOUR TRUSTED LOCAL EXPERTS FOR
Coins • Banknotes • Medals EXCELLENT PRICES PAID - CASH WAITING! CALL TODAY: 01243 915 155 TO BUY OR SELL Offices at Langstone Park, Langstone Road, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 1SA (by appointment only please)
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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
Kew Wakehurst 78 • Golf at Seaford College 81 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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Rooted IN
Wonder From woodland discoveries to laboratory experiments, Kew Wakehurst is inspiring Sussex pupils to see science and nature differently
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hand pressed against the bark of a giant redwood, a dragonfly hovering over a wetland, the discovery that a tiny seed can help safeguard a species: at Wakehurst, learning begins with looking closer. Across this 500-acre Sussex landscape, school visits turn the natural world into something children can touch, investigate and understand. After announcing a record number of school pupil visits in the 25-26 academic year, with 14,713 students welcomed, its approach is finding an increasingly enthusiastic audience. For Julie Whelan, Learning Manager, the appeal lies in a combination of extraordinary surroundings and educational expertise. “We fill an expertise gap in plant science and environmental education for all the schools, teachers, and educators who visit us,” she explains. Woodlands, meadows, wetlands and plant collections become settings for lessons, with talented teachers and carefully curated sessions helping to bring the curriculum into focus. Wakehurst’s programme spans Early Years through to Key Stage 5, encompassing workshops, learning trails, fieldwork and laboratory sessions. Teachers work with the team beforehand to discuss pupils’ existing knowledge,
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how they learn best and what they should take away. The resulting experience might involve art inspired by nature, a plant adaptation trail or microscopy, but the starting point remains consistent. “Every session starts with sparking curiosity and inspiring wonder,” says Julie. For younger visitors, that wonder is often found in encounters with nature: spotting newts and frogs, feeling tree bark or counting pollinators in the meadows. Older pupils can explore more complex
questions, debating which plants should take priority in conservation or extracting DNA from plant samples in the laboratory. These encounters give pupils room to ask their own questions, follow an unexpected discovery and share what they notice with others. Alongside scientific understanding, these activities encourage teamwork, problem-solving and the confidence to investigate. “We don’t just talk about science and nature; we bring them alive in our landscapes,” Julie says. That distinction matters at a time when concepts such as biodiversity and sustainability can feel distant from everyday experience. Here, students encounter living plants, the wildlife they support and the scientists working to protect them. One response Julie frequently hears captures the shift: “Oh, this is science – I get it now.” At the heart of that experience is Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, the world’s largest wild seed bank. Pupils can watch scientists at work and follow a seed’s journey around the atrium, discovering the effort involved in preserving material for future restoration. Germination, viability and conservation become visible processes, supported by stories that make their significance easier to grasp. “Every seed has its own conservation
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• PROFILE • XXXXX EDUCATION XXXXXXXX
story,” Julie explains. Accounts of habitats restored after wildfires or extreme weather, and species brought back from the brink of extinction, offer a hopeful perspective on environmental challenges. Young visitors can see that scientific knowledge has practical consequences, and that protecting nature is something people can work towards together. There is also space to slow down. Following a pilot research project with Royal Holloway in 2022, Wakehurst embedded the science of nature connection into its educational programme. Sessions encourage children to engage their senses and appreciate their surroundings, building a relationship with nature alongside their knowledge of it. Julie reports that pupils feel calmer after nature connection walks, notice more in the world around them and better understand their role in protecting it. Schools are encouraged to continue this work beyond their visit, with teacher training helping them carry those experiences back into everyday learning. Accessibility is equally central. Advance timetables, photographic social stories
and opportunities for teachers to visit beforehand help pupils prepare, while staff adapt activities throughout the day. Outdoor learning’s multisensory character, and its limited reliance on written responses, allow children to participate at their own pace. “Nature is a great leveller – you don’t need lots of knowledge to experience the joy and wonder of the natural world,” says Julie. Wakehurst is developing its provision for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities through work with local SEND schools, exploring how it can better support their outdoor education needs. The next chapter also includes
expanded teacher training and a new November conference, developed with STEM and the Royal Society of Biology, bringing together teachers and laboratory technicians to exchange ideas and explore developments in science education. For Wakehurst, the ambition reaches beyond a memorable school trip. It is about helping learning stay alive once pupils return to their classrooms, and encouraging them to keep noticing, questioning and caring about the natural world. In Sussex, that journey can begin with a seed. kew.org/wakehurst A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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UK SCHOOL OF THE DECADE
TOP CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL IN THE UK 2025 & 2026
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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP
COURSE RATING
Seaford College offers students an exceptional environment in which to enjoy and develop their golf
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eaford College, near Petworth, is one of only a small number of schools in the UK to have its own nine-hole golf course on site, giving students the opportunity to play and practise without leaving the school grounds. With stunning views across Lavington Park, the course forms part of Seaford’s extensive 450-acre estate at the foot of the South Downs. Alongside the course, students benefit from an on-site driving range, a state-ofthe-art indoor golf simulator and expert coaching, with students able to book individual lessons with Seaford’s resident golf professional, Andy Shakespear.
Seaford also supports talented golfers with ambitions beyond school. Several students have gained golf scholarships to universities in America in recent years. One of Seaford’s current talented golfers is Georgia Young, who finished second in the Sussex Amateur Ladies Championship at Crowborough Beacon Golf Club. Georgia was selected for the Sussex County Ladies Team and has offers of golf scholarships at American universities in 2027. Recent success within our Prep School includes Seth Edwards winning the ISGA Junior Cup at Drayton Park and the Seaford team finishing second overall. Whether students are playing for enjoyment or competing at a high level, golf at Seaford provides opportunities to develop confidence, resilience, focus and a lifelong enjoyment of the sport. Golf also plays a part in the wider Seaford community, with annual golf days bringing together parents and alumni to socialise, compete and network. The golfing ethos at Seaford is another example of the commitment to giving students opportunities beyond the classroom, helping them discover new interests, develop their talents and enjoy being active in one of the most beautiful school settings in Sussex. Seaford College, Lavington Park, near Petworth seaford.org
GOLF FROM YEAR 3 TO YEAR 13 Golf opportunities are available throughout the school, from Year 3 through to Year 13. Students can enjoy golf recreationally, learn the game for the first time or develop their skills with aspirations to compete at a high level and potentially pursue a professional career. Having such extensive facilities on site means golf is part of everyday school life, with students able to practise regularly alongside their academic studies. Competition is an important part of the programme. Prep School competitions are held on Seaford’s own course, while senior students have opportunities to represent Seaford against other schools, including fixtures at nearby Cowdray Park Golf Club. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s
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LAST WORD • MUSIC BRIGHTON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA PLAYING AT BRIGHTON DOME. PHOTO: FRANCES MARSHALL
JOANNA MACGREGOR PERFORMING AT BRIGHTON DOME. PHOTO: FRANCES MARSHALL
why everyone is talking about…
Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra A new partnership begins at Brighton Dome, marking nearly 100 years of performance history
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n recognition of a relationship that has endured for nearly 100 years and as part of Brighton Dome’s ongoing commitment to championing regional artists, Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra (BPO) became the venue’s Resident Orchestra in September. Lucy Davies, Director and CEO of Brighton Dome, says: “Today we cement our relationship with BPO after nearly 100 years of travelling side by side. In formalising BPO as our Resident Orchestra we celebrate the power and endurance of the city’s creative collaborations. Brighton Dome & Brighton Festival is proud to be the official home and partner for Joanna MacGregor’s exceptional leadership and brilliant orchestra.” Joanna MacGregor, CEO and Music Director of Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra, adds: “To become Brighton Dome’s Resident Orchestra is a wonderful recognition of BPO’s vibrant performances over the last century, and cements an already close partnership. We’re looking forward to developing ambitious, world class programmes and exciting artistic collaborations for Brighton audiences.”
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Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1925 and first performed on Brighton Dome’s Concert Hall stage in 1928. It has been a fixture of the venue’s event seasons ever since, most recently celebrating its centenary with an acclaimed concert programme last year. The orchestra’s hundred-year history includes some of music’s most iconic names, from Myra Hess and Rachmaninoff to Yehudi Menuhin, Simon Rattle and Evelyn Glennie. Sir Thomas Beecham became its first President in 1932, a position later held by Vaughan Williams and Benjamin Britten. It has a rich tradition of championing living composers; in 1946 Francis Poulenc performed his own concertante at Brighton Dome, while recent seasons have included music by James MacMillan, Gwilym Simcock and the upcoming premiere of Eric Vloeimans’ new work. Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra opened a new event season at Brighton Dome on 27th September with a programme that included Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on the Theme of Paganini, Gershwin’s jazzy homage to Havana, Piazzolla’s
Spring in Buenos Aires and the clashing tectonic plates of Janáček’s Sinfonietta. The season continues with a Stravinsky and Mozart piano concerto pairing; a jazz and strings fusion riot drawing on baroque, contemporary and rock pieces; and a sweeping journey through music inspired by Antarctica. The season will end with Nigel Kennedy joining BPO for an exclusive performance of Beethoven’s heroic violin concerto, alongside his own thrilling arrangements of Jimi Hendrix. Brighton Philharmonic Orchestra’s history at Brighton Dome is part of the venue’s rich musical heritage, which also includes opera superstar Adelina Patti, who performed several times at the turn of the 20th century and Samuel Coleridge Taylor, who premiered two pieces of music on the Concert Hall stage. brightondome.org
LUCY DAVIES AND JOANNA MACGREGOR PHOTO: CHLOE HASHEMI
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