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WEST ESSEX

West Essex

OCTOBER 2026 / £3.95

OCTOBER 2026

S PEC I AL Over 25 pages of inspiration and insight

Autumnal

TONE ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES.COM

EMBRACE THE COLOURS OF THE NEW SEASON WITH THE LATEST COLLECTIONS FROM NUTMEG

COVER WITH SPINE.indd All Pages

PLUS ZOE MILLER On the rapid rise of her band XO and Essex home comforts FUN IN THE FOREST Exploring the best of Epping MID MORNING MATTERS 10 of the best for brunch across the county

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents OCTOBER 2026

CULTURE

FASHION

72 Trend What to expect in

20 Agenda The events not to

42 The Shoot The latest from

interiors this October

miss across Essex in October

Nutmeg at Morrisons

22 Zoe Miller On the evolution

45 Products The best knitwear

of XO and coming home

to keep out the autumnal chill

26 Epping Why it is more

77 Caribbean How they can help you to enjoy the garden all year long

EDUCATION

ABSOLUTELY HOME

80 Frances Stickley Opening

FOOD & DRINK

54 House of Clarkson Exploring

new worlds for children

34 10 Of The Best Spots to

58 Real Home Why life on the

enjoy brunch this month

farm could become a reality

39 Drinks Top tipples to raise

66 Spotlight On The lighting

a glass to this new season

illuminating our homes

than just a forest

their new 'hometel'

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

Circle Only use blue and/or white. For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.

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83 AI How best to approach learning in this new era O N T H E C OV E R Nutmeg Clothing at Morrisons (morrisons.com/nutmeg)

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

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Editor’s

LETTER ABSOLUTELY’S October issue highlights

t the time of print, I am close to the finishing line. I am not talking about taking up Hyrox, which has been in the news a lot recently for not entirely tasteful reasons, but my kitchen makeover. My wife and I procrastinated over knocking through the kitchen/dining room to go openplan for probably over a year. One week we had built up the courage, only to go and cower behind the sofa the following week. The kitchen was the last room in the house we hadn't touched since moving in eight years ago and it desperately needed revamping, so finally – finally – we took the plunge. I would be lying if I said the past five weeks had been plain sailing. For a start, our Rommie rescue dog hates men (bar me), so there was no chance I could work from home with her, so a daily commute returned to my life. Then there was the discovery of a mystery door in the back wall – we still literally have no idea what it could have been, but that knocked us back a week as the brickwork around it couldn't hold the steel support needed minus a wall. But we are so close. Just yesterday the kitchen appliances were put in, so now it's just those decorative flourishes. It's been a labour of love, but that's why our Home special is here, to oﬀer guidance and inspiration. I am oﬀ to put the (new) kettle on.

5 Absolutely Home

Top tips and interiors inspiration (p53)

4 Wishlist

What is making us green with envy (p16)

Zoe Miller

On quite a year for her band, XO (p22)

MARK KEBBLE EDITOR

23 Epping

A trip to the forest – and beyond (p26)

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Brunch

Visiting 10 of the best across Essex (p34)

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Wish LIST

NEW FLAME

Ths Skivvy is a new kind of candle – a hand sculpted glass vessel mouth-blown in India holds a sphere candle hand-poured in Australia. And Vine is a scent that brings the garden straight inside, £189. cillie.com.au

EDITOR’S PICK

10 things we Absolutely love COMPILED BY

PENDLE HARTE

GOLDEN YEARS Stylish jewellery brand Otiumberg is celebrating 10 years in business this month with a stylish campaign featuring Poppy Delevingne as well as a new store opening in King's Road. Their secret? Timeless chic and eﬀortless elegance. otiumberg.com

PRETTY GREEN Staud's palette for AW26 is full of forest shades: brown, green and rust, combined with contrast dark purples and blues. We love the muted greens best. staud.clothing

SELF CARE Diptyque's new wellness collection oﬀers an all-day ritual, starting with morning nourishment and invigoration, and finishing with evening relaxation. Les Rituels de Soin are accompanied by a collection of decorative objects too. diptyqueparis.com

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ABSOLUTELY • LOVES

C H A I N R E AC T I O N Liberty's fabulous new fashion jewellery gallery oﬀers an excellent curation of contemporary and demi-fine jewellery. Brands include Miami favourite Martha Calvo, among others. libertylondon.com

ON THE PULL Casesafe is the world's first suitcase to include an integrated tracker. You'll never lose your luggage again. july.com

FAV O U R I T E SHIRTS Lisa Corti's prints feature an element of surprise in their motifs and colourways – and for AW26 this stripe shirt has an unusual feel, in a very zeitgeisgty palette. lisacorti.com

EMERALD CITY No shade is too obscure for Amelie's Follies, where bra and pant sets come in every hue, as well as every size and shape. Book a fitting to see for yourself. ameliesfollies.co.uk

PA N O U T Just laudnched at Le Creuset is Forêt, showcasing a matte fores green with subtle lightgold detailing, perfect for the cosy, rich feel of the season ahead. lecreuset.co.uk

N E W M E TA L L I C S Alex Monroe's Teeny Tiny Snake is elegantly poised and delicately detailed, handmade in solid 18ct yellow recycled gold in their workshop. alexmonroe.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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C U LT U R E

Emerald Storm 20 OCTOBER, MERCURY THEATRE

When Riverdance and Stomp collide, a storm is born! Produced by and starring for the first time, Adam Garcia leads this boundarybreaking production, fusing the fire of Irish dance with the grit of urban tap in a high-impact night of rhythm and spectacle.

mercurytheatre.co.uk

Agenda 20 • Zoe Miller 22 • Epping 26 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda

PHOTO: TREVOR LEIGHTON

O CTO B E R ' S H OT T E ST H A P P E N I N G S

A RT

Simon Carter

PHOTO: ALI WRIGHT

PHOTO: CHARLIE CLIFT

Until 17 January, 2027 FIRSTSITE For his biggest exhibition yet, Frinton-based artist Simon Carter is transforming Firstsite’s galleries into a hand-painted landscape you can walk through and explore from within. Simon will paint directly onto the gallery walls, responding to Firstsite’s architecture. New ‘groyne’ walls, inspired by structures along the Essex coast, will reshape the galleries and create new ways to move through and experience the work. ﬁrstsite.uk

T H E AT R E

Down to Chance F I L M

The Birds 29 O C TO BE R , BE EC RO F T CIN EMA CLUB

In tribute to master of horror Alfred Hitchcock's connection with Southend-on-Sea, and the doubtless local inspiration to frame a horror ﬁlm around the threat of chip stealing seagulls that he would have experienced in the area, Beecroft Cinema Club has chosen The Birds as their Halloween screening this year. southendmuseums.co.uk

13 October C H E L M S F O R D T H E AT R E Anchorage, Alaska. 1964. The largest earthquake in US history. A parttime radio reporter, her teenage intern, a general on leave, and a local hobbyist ﬁnd themselves at the centre of a remarkable relief effort. Genie Chance, live on air, must take unimaginable risks to save her community and family from chaos. Based on the incredible true story of the Great Alaskan Earthquake, Down to Chance is a heart-warming portrait of a community in crisis with the whole world listening in. chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

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CULTURE • DIARY

CO M E DY

Laura Smyth

PHOTO: TREVOR LEIGHTON

25 October C H E L M S F O R D T H E AT R E What if all your dreams come true and you’ve still got the hump? Laura Smyth has spent the last few years selling out shows up and down the country; she has supported Jack Whitehall, Michelle de Swarte, Alan Davies, and Jason Manford and appeared on multiple panel shows. She’s even beaten cancer; she’s done all the alternative healing you could shake a stick at – and she still thinks everyone’s a d**khead. It can’t just be her, can it? chelmsfordtheatre.co.uk

Jools Holland

PHOTO: BBC PHOTO ARCHIVE

29-30 October C L I F F S PAV I L I O N Musical maestro Jools Holland and his world-renowned Rhythm & Blues Orchestra are delighted to announce their 2026 autumn/ winter tour. Renowned for his exuberant live shows, Jools will once again be backed by the full power and finesse of his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra, delivering an evening of blues music, swing music, boogie woogie and ska packed with musical virtuosity and joyful spontaneity. . trafalgartickets.com

MU S I C

Next Month’s Must See

ESCAPE

A unique exhibition has opened at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome celebrating WWI bravery

SARAH PATERSON OPENING THE EXHIBITION WITH DR HENRY RAFFAL, JOHN ALDRIDGE AND STEPHEN NUNN

MU SIC

The Shamrocks 18 O CTOBER, CLIFFS PAVILION

Great

he roaring, rousing atmosphere of traditional Irish pubs will be brought to Southend as Emmy Award-winning group The Shamrocks embark on their debut UK tour next autumn. Dubbed ‘one of Northern Ireland’s greatest ever exports’, The Shamrocks promise a night packed full of Irish charm, with classics including Danny Boy, Wild Rover and Whiskey In The Jar reimagined in their unique style, alongside original songs and compositions. trafalgartickets.com

tow Maries Great War Aerodrome has launched a new exhibition which recreates a dramatic escape from the dreaded Holzminden Prisoner-of-War camp in Germany during World War One. The First Great Escape exhibition was formally opened by guest Sarah Paterson, Curator (World War One) at the Imperial War Museum, on Friday 24th July – 108 years to the day that 29 prisoners escaped through a narrow tunnel, dug using sharpened spoons. While many were recaptured following the escape, 10 made it safely back to England after travelling on foot for 150 miles to reach safety in neutral Holland. The exhibition at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, running until early 2027 and set in one of its original WW1 buildings, explores diﬀerent aspects of this amazing feat, including a fascinating recreation of the entrance to the escape tunnel. Visitors to the exhibition can now get a taste of the cramped and diﬃcult conditions in which the escape was planned and executed. Watching over the exhibition is a life-sized standee of Commandant Karl ‘Milwaukee Bill’ Niemeyer, who ruled over the camp with a rod of iron. Niemeyer claimed that Holzminden was impossible to escape, but the ingenuity of the prisoners-of-war, who dug the tunnel over a ninemonth period, proved him wrong. stowmaries.org.uk

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

Clique

CULTURE Essex singer Zoe Miller talks friendship, creative control and XO’s bold next chapter with new mini-album Need To Know By MARK KEBBLE

hen Absolutely last spoke to Zoe Miller at the beginning of 2026, XO were still taking their first exhilarating steps into the pop spotlight. The fivepiece had released their debut EP, Fashionably Late, completed a sold-out headline tour and begun building a devoted fanbase with their infectious mix of electropop, attitude and honesty. Even then, Zoe’s ambition was unmistakable. Now, just months later, the singer from Hockley and her bandmates – Summer Askew, Shali Bordoni, Emmy Statham and Reanna Sujeewon – are entering a bigger and bolder chapter. There has been a new single, Clique, a London residency, festival appearances and the announcement of mini-album Need To Know, due for release on 16th October. “The past year, I feel we have had a real taste of what’s to come for us,” Zoe says. “We have had fans coming in from all over the UK to watch us. That’s crazy to me, let alone the people streaming

our music from all over the world, like Brazil, and people asking when we will tour America. The support is so surreal and reassuring – and it’s still growing.” Formed following a mysterious audition in late 2024, XO’s members arrived from Essex, London, Liverpool, Derbyshire and Hong Kong. Their chemistry was immediate, something Zoe highlighted when we first met her, but the intervening months have turned that initial connection into something deeper. “These girls healed my secondary school trauma of girl groups,” she says. “We are sisters now. We sing together and we dance together, but it’s more than that. We laugh together, we cry together, and when one of us falls, there are four of us to pick them

“We have fans coming from all over the UK. The support is so reassuring”

up. I wouldn’t change it for the world.” That bond sits at the heart of Clique, an exuberant celebration of finding the people who make you feel understood. Created with songwriter and producer Ryan Tedder and alt-pop artist Willow Kayne, the track combines tightly layered harmonies and swaggering production with XO’s distinctly British sense of humour. Its accompanying video brings their story full circle. It was filmed in the audition room where the five first met, with Polaroids from the band’s earliest days appearing alongside the confident choreography and individual style that now define them. It is both a nod to where XO started and a declaration of how far they have travelled in little more than 18 months. The visual element is never an afterthought. For XO, imagining how a track might come alive in front of an audience is part of the creative process from the beginning. “We have the funniest times in the studio while writing, creating choreography and thinking about what the staging may look like,” Zoe laughs. “At one point Reanna was leapfrogging over me – thank God we have a choreographer! But in all seriousness, A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

“We have the funniest time in the studio together, writing and creating choreography”

being in front of people is what we love most. Making sure we capture the vibe from the studio and translate it on stage in front of a crowd is so important to us.” That desire to shape their own identity has become increasingly significant. Following Fashionably Late, the five members sat down with their wider team and made their ambitions clear. “We came with slideshows and everything,” Zoe says. “We said, ‘This is what we want for us this year. Here are our goals and where we want to be.’ I think that allowed us to have more of a say creatively. The team knew we meant business. We knew what we wanted. I’m not saying we had full creative control, but we will forever and always unapologetically put in our two pence.” The resulting Need To Know reflects both the confidence XO have gained and the uncertainty of navigating life in their 20s. While Fashionably Late introduced their sound, Zoe sees its successor as a fuller journey through friendship, heartbreak and self-discovery. “The biggest change in my mindset preparing for Need To Know was definitely trust,” she says. “Trusting the process and trusting our vision. We had so much fun exploring some new sounds and different vibes musically. “We have had a lot of involvement in writing on this album, which is something we have wanted to do since the start. I feel Need To Know takes you on a journey, and I can’t wait to share that journey with the world.” Some of its most affecting moments emerged while Zoe was experiencing difficulties away from the studio. Rather than hiding those emotions, she found the recording process cathartic. “While recording a couple of the songs, I was definitely going through it,” she admits. “I found the recording process so healing. There’s a particular song that all five of us wrote together in the studio. It’s the last song on the album, and lyrically it means a lot to us girls. “We went into the studio for a session

with Paul, our amazing producer, and within a couple of hours we had finished it. We didn’t want the song to feel like a dip in the mood sonically, but the lyrics are really important to us.” Fans may also be surprised by Tell Me How It Feels, a ballad that reveals a different side of the group. “We are giving you all the feels and vocals,” Zoe says. “It’s definitely one that had me crying in the studio. We wrote on it to make it feel real for us. It’s a heartbreak anthem, for sure.” The group previewed their new music during XO Presents…, a series of free shows at Colours in Hoxton throughout August. Conceived as more than a conventional residency, the events also created a platform for emerging performers. “This is somewhere you can come if you just want to let your hair down or let your ponytail swing,” Zoe explained ahead of the shows. “You can meet new people, have a party and find your new favourite artists.” XO’s live momentum continues with a performance at G-A-Y Heaven on 17th October, followed by a November headline tour visiting Birmingham, Bristol, London and Manchester. The London date at O2 Academy Islington will be the group’s biggest capital headline show so far. For Zoe, however, success is no longer simply about chasing the next landmark. It is about recognising each extraordinary moment as it happens. “For a while, it was like being in a tunnel and not knowing when we would start seeing light,” she says. “Then we dropped Hotline and

had our first little viral moment. Our supporters started coming in from all over and we began reaching new audiences. “Success to me now is being present in all the opportunities we are lucky enough to experience. It’s very easy to feel small in a big pond. We are playing Wembley before the end of this year, so to say we are performing there just over a year in is not only iconic, but super successful.” Zoe is equally determined not to let social media turn the experience into a contest. “Just because other people are succeeding doesn’t mean you aren’t,” she says. “Everyone’s journeys are so different, and the industry is big enough to allow everyone to explore their journeys and succeed. I don’t like to compare. I cheer everyone on because this really isn’t an easy industry.” Whenever possible, she still returns to Essex to reset. “I miss my dogs too much – and my family too,” she smiles. “When I’m home, getting a coffee with my sister and going for a walk is a must. We always have so much to catch up on. I often spend a bit of time alone. It’s nice to switch off, although it’s hard going from rooms full of hundreds of people to being by yourself. But, oh my goodness, it is peaceful.” The peace may not last long. Zoe is already dreaming of European dates, world tours and a future in which XO’s feet barely touch the ground. Judging by the speed of their rise since Absolutely first met her, that future may be closer than she thinks. xoofficial.co.uk

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Forest GATEWAY Ancient woodland, centuries of history and superb dining make Epping endlessly rewarding

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• XXXXXXXX • EPPING XXXXXXXX CULTURE

t the point where London begins to loosen its grip and the Essex countryside takes over, Epping offers a particularly appealing balance. The Central line may provide a direct connection to the capital, but the town itself feels comfortably removed from it, with an historic high street, a thriving independent food scene and ancient woodland almost on the doorstep.

A POTTED HISTORY Epping occupies a naturally commanding position, standing on a ridge between the valleys of the rivers Roding and Lea, around 17 miles north-east of central London. Its elevated setting helped determine the shape of the town: rather than gathering around a single compact centre, Epping grew in a long line along the road that became its High Street. The origins of its name are generally traced to Old English. “Ep” is thought to mean “up” or “high”, while “ing” has been interpreted as cultivated land, making Epping an appropriate description of a settlement established on higher ground. Archaeological discoveries suggest that people were active in the area long before the Norman Conquest. Evidence of Roman occupation includes a coin from the reign of Emperor Domitian, discovered near Hemnall Street, as well as traces of a Roman road and brickworks around Fiddlers Hamlet.

GEORGE & DRAGON

Epping’s development accelerated during the medieval period. In 1253, King Henry III granted the town the right to hold a weekly market, establishing a tradition that continues every Monday. Its position on the route between London and East Anglia made it a useful stopping point for travellers, merchants and livestock drovers. Coaching inns, workshops and shops appeared along the road, while the market brought farmers and traders in from the surrounding countryside. For much of its early history, the settlement was known as Epping Heath. The older village of Epping Upland lay to the north, but the roadside community gradually became the more important commercial centre. Its prosperity rested on agriculture, woodland trades and the passing traffic that used the main road. Inns offered food, beds and fresh horses, while local craftspeople supplied everything from boots to agricultural equipment.

The forest was central to local life, although historically it was not a forest in the modern sense of an uninterrupted mass of trees. A royal forest was an area governed by special hunting laws, encompassing woodland, heath, farmland and settlements. Rights such as grazing cattle and gathering wood were closely regulated and frequently contested. The landscape surrounding Epping was therefore both a valuable resource and a place controlled by privilege. By the 18th and 19th centuries, Epping had become an increasingly fashionable destination for Londoners seeking fresh air and rural scenery. The arrival of the railway transformed Epping again. The line reached the town in 1865 and was later extended to Ongar. London Underground took over services in the 20th century, with electric Central line trains reaching Epping in 1949. Faster access to the capital encouraged substantial housebuilding and helped turn the town into a desirable commuter address, although the surrounding Green Belt prevented it from being absorbed into London’s outer suburbs. Today, three towers punctuate Epping’s ridge: the Victorian water tower, the tower of St John the Baptist Church, completed in the early 20th century, and the Civic Offices, built in 1990. Together they form an architectural timeline of a place that has continually adapted while retaining the outline of its historic market-town past.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO TODAY The obvious starting point is Epping Forest, although its scale is easily underestimated. Managed by the City of London Corporation, it covers around 8,000 acres and extends from Manor Park in east London into Essex. Near Epping, the landscape becomes quieter and more rural, with veteran trees, open grassland, ponds and shaded tracks creating countless possibilities for walking, running, cycling and wildlife watching. Back in town, the High Street rewards an unhurried stroll. Historic buildings sit among boutiques, cafés and familiar A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • EPPING

FRED & DOUG'S

shops, while the Grade II-listed water tower provides its most dramatic visual marker. St John the Baptist Church is another key landmark. Although extensively developed during the Victorian and Edwardian periods, the parish has much older roots, and the church remains a focal point for community life. Epping’s Monday market is the town’s most enduring institution. Granted its charter in the 13th century, it brings stalls to the High Street each week and creates a direct link between present-day shoppers and generations of residents who came here to trade. It may be smaller and more modern than its medieval predecessor, but its longevity says much about Epping’s continuing role as a centre for its surrounding villages. A short journey from the centre leads to Copped Hall, one of the area’s great ongoing restoration stories. The Georgian mansion stands within parkland on the edge of the forest, occupying an estate with a history stretching back to medieval times. After fire and decades of decline, it was rescued by the Copped Hall Trust, which is gradually restoring the house and gardens. Open days, guided tours, garden afternoons, concerts and theatre performances provide opportunities to see behind the façade and follow the project’s progress. Its restored walled garden is a particular highlight, shaped by years of dedicated volunteer work. Railway enthusiasts and families should also make time for the Epping Ongar

Railway. Heritage buses collect passengers from Epping before connecting with steam and diesel trains running between North Weald and Ongar. The experience combines vintage London transport with restored country stations and journeys through the Essex landscape. Special events range from seasonal services to transport galas, making it worth checking the timetable before setting out. It is Essex’s longest heritage railway and the only one operating over a former part of the London Underground.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK Epping’s dining scene is surprisingly varied, with most options concentrated along or close to the High Street. For breakfast or brunch, Fred & Doug’s has become a local favourite. Its bright, contemporary setting suits anything from morning coffee to a leisurely lunch, with breakfast dishes, salads, sandwiches, cakes and juices among the regular attractions. Forest Kitchen is another popular independent, serving Mediterraneaninspired food in an intimate setting. Its menus make good use of grilled meats, fish, fresh vegetables and sharing dishes, creating the sort of convivial meal that works particularly well for an evening with friends. For Italian food, Quore Matto brings Sicilian warmth to the town, with handmade-style pizzas, pasta and familiar regional dishes served in an informal restaurant. Harley’s Bistro & Lounge offers an all-day option that moves easily from coffee and brunch to cocktails and dinner. The polished interiors and broad menu give it a celebratory feel without making it overly formal. For a more traditional pub setting, the George & Dragon combines period character with a large courtyard and a modern British menu. It is equally suitable for a restorative drink after a woodland walk or a longer Sunday lunch.

Five things you may not know about Epping 1. Winston Churchill represented the town in Parliament. Churchill became MP for the Epping constituency in 1924 and retained the seat until boundary changes created the new Woodford constituency in 1945. His association with this corner of Essex therefore spanned his years as Chancellor of the Exchequer, his political wilderness and his wartime premiership.

•

2. A pioneering naturalist grew up above

a local shop. Henry Doubleday, born in Epping in 1808, became a respected entomologist and helped build one of the country’s most important collections of butterflies and moths. He conducted much of his work while living quietly in the town, and his name is commemorated by a blue plaque near Buttercross Lane.

•

3. Epping suffered a deadly V2 strike.

In March 1945, a German V2 rocket hit the water tower at the hospital complex in Fairfield Road. The explosion killed seven men and damaged surrounding buildings, bringing the destructive force of the final months of the Second World War directly to the town.

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4. Epping has a German twin. Since 1981, the town has been twinned with Eppingen in Baden-Württemberg. Despite the remarkably similar names, there is no known historical connection between them; the coincidence simply provided an irresistible starting point for a lasting civic friendship.

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5. One of Britain’s great crosscounty walks starts at the station. The Essex Way begins outside Epping Underground station before travelling through villages, farmland and historic landscapes to the North Sea at Harwich. Its full 81-mile course offers a striking geographical reminder that Epping is not merely at the end of a Tube line, but at the beginning of rural Essex.

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

MAGIC

awaits

SLEEPING BEAUTY, TOWNGATE THEATRE 2025-26

CULTURE • PARTNERSHIP

Towngate Theatre promises comedy, spectacle and plenty of Essex talent with its new production of Aladdin

SLEEPING BEAUTY, TOWNGATE THEATRE 2025-26

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

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

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FOOD & DRINK

Seasonal taste TALBOOTH RESTAURANT

As autumn colours settle over Dedham Vale, Talbooth Restaurant offers a memorable riverside escape. Its elegant dining rooms provide a cosy setting for seasonal British dishes, thoughtfully prepared with modern flair. Whether visiting for lunch, dinner or a Sunday roast, guests can expect accomplished cooking, attentive service and captivating views. milsomhotels.com/talbooth-restaurant

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10 OF THE BEST

For brunch

BIRD & BEAN

Whether you prefer Turkish eggs, towering pancakes or a traditional full English, these Essex venues make brunch the highlight of the day

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Mrs Salisbury’s offers brunch with a generous helping of theatrical charm MRS SALISBURY’S

Acanteen

acanteen.co.uk Acanteen has long understood that brunch is about considerably more than putting poached eggs on toast. The Chelmsford venue moves effortlessly from relaxed daytime café to bar, restaurant and livemusic space, giving it a sociable energy even during the quieter morning hours. The brunch menu is generous and comfortdriven, ranging from Eggs Benedict and plant-based breakfasts to a chorizo hash packed into a pretzel bun. Those craving something sweet should look towards the banoffee French toast banana bread, topped with caramelised banana, mascarpone and toffee. Good coffee makes it suitable for a leisurely catch-up or an informal working breakfast, while the weekend atmosphere encourages diners to settle in for longer.

TBK House

brentwoodkitchen.co.uk Brentwood’s brunch scene would not feel complete without TBK House, formerly known as The Brentwood Kitchen. Founder Linzi opened the independent venue in 2014 with the aim of bringing a little LondonTOPPERS & TOAST

style creativity to Essex, and it remains a bright, upbeat destination for food, coffee and celebrations. Its philosophy is pleasingly flexible: diners can choose to be “healthy or naughty”, with menus covering brunch favourites, pancakes and children’s dishes. Brunch is served from Tuesday to Sunday, making this more than simply a weekend treat, while cocktails and bottomless options lend themselves to birthdays and lively group gatherings. The venue is also dog-friendly and family-friendly, with outdoor seating for brighter days.

Toppers & Toast

projectxhospitality.co.uk/ toppers-and-toast Toppers & Toast brings together the ingredients of a quintessential Leighon-Sea brunch: attractive food, good coffee, a relaxed room and an atmosphere that feels fashionable without becoming formal. Its menu balances familiar favourites with more playful ideas, including smashed avocado, breakfast burritos, folded eggs and indulgent French toast. The latter is something of a speciality, with imaginative seasonal toppings giving the dish considerably more personality than the standard café version. Smoothies, matcha and iced coffees broaden the appeal for those who want something fresher than a traditional fry-up. The venue’s sunny garden is a major attraction during warmer weather, while its cosy interior ensures it remains inviting throughout winter.

Patch

patchcolchester.co.uk Patch in Colchester proves that a memorable brunch does not need to revolve around bacon. The independent Trinity Street restaurant is entirely vegetarian and describes its cooking as plant-led, using seasonal produce from local, independent suppliers wherever possible – and sometimes ingredients

from its own patch. Brunch dishes are colourful, substantial and carefully considered, rather than meat-free imitations added as an afterthought. Turkish eggs are among the characteristic choices, bringing together creamy garlic labneh, wilted spinach, poached eggs and a warmly spiced paprika sauce. Vegan options are an important part of the offer, while the relaxed, dog-friendly dining room makes this an easy place in which to linger. Word has reached Absolutely that Patch is to close at the end of the year, so a place this good needs the send off it deserves – go visit to see why it is so beloved.

Mrs Salisbury’s

mrssalisburys.co.uk Hidden along Bright’s Path just off Maldon High Street, Mrs Salisbury’s offers brunch with a generous helping of theatrical charm. Its flagship tea room occupies historic Church House, a blue-plaque building arranged across three floors, with individually decorated rooms, vintage details and two outside areas. Even finding a table can feel like discovering a different corner of an eccentric country house. The breakfast selection is suitably bountiful, with traditional cooked choices joined by lighter dishes and changing seasonal specials. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free requirements are well catered for, making it a useful choice when a group has varied preferences. What sets Mrs Salisbury’s apart is the ease with which breakfast can stretch towards afternoon tea: linger long enough and warm fruit scones, finger sandwiches, loose-leaf tea and elaborate sweet treats begin to appear.

Cuckoo Dough

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WAFFLE & COFFEE

Few Essex brunch spots can compete with the view from No 10 Museum Street TBK HOUSE

they want breakfast or pizza, Cuckoo Dough in Colchester provides a convincing solution. This lively Short Wyre Street venue combines brunch dishes, double-fermented sourdough pizzas and cocktails beneath one roof, with nature-inspired interiors and a roof terrace that comes into its own on sunny days. Its brunch menu gives the familiar avocado-toast formula extra colour, while the restaurant’s devotion to dough ensures bread and pizza play leading roles rather than appearing as accompaniments. Those seeking a bigger weekend event can book the boozy bottomless pizza brunch, which includes a main course and unlimited cocktails for two hours; a non-alcoholic alternative is available too. It is this unusual meeting of relaxed brunch café and pizzeria that makes Cuckoo Dough stand out.

Waffle + Coffee

waffleand.coffee The name makes its priorities clear, but Waffle + Coffee is considerably more versatile than it first appears. Located in Saffron Walden’s Market Walk, the café and bistro gives brunch a playful, sweet-toothed edge, with waffles naturally taking centre stage. Those who prefer savoury food are not overlooked, however: the evolving menu has included Turkish eggs, combining creamy garlic yoghurt with perfectly poached eggs, alongside breakfast and lunch dishes. The setting is contemporary and relaxed, equally suitable for families, friends or a solo coffee after exploring the town. Its cycling-café heritage – the venue was previously known as Bicicletta – also gives it a distinctive

local identity and makes it a natural stopping point for active visitors. The real draw is choice. One person can order a richly topped waffle while another opts for eggs and a speciality coffee, without either feeling they have compromised.

The Essex Rose

tiptreetearooms.com Brunch at The Essex Rose can become the starting point for an entire day in Constable Country. This traditional Tiptree tea room sits on Dedham High Street, within easy reach of the River Stour and the walking route towards Flatford Mill. Inside, there is an appealingly old-fashioned sense of calm, with table service and plenty of room in which to enjoy a leisurely breakfast. The morning menu embraces British favourites, including the full English, Eggs Benedict, smashed avocado and breakfast baps, accompanied by coffee or tea and, inevitably, the opportunity to investigate Tiptree preserves. Friendly dogs are welcomed in a designated part of the tearoom, making it particularly convenient for walkers. Its unique quality is the combination of food and location: brunch can be followed by a riverside stroll through one of Essex’s most recognisable landscapes.

Bird & Bean

loveacup.co.uk Bird & Bean brings an independent, contemporary coffee culture to Frintonon-Sea’s elegant Connaught Avenue. Open seven days a week, it specialises in breakfast, brunch and lunch, making it a useful destination before a walk along the seafront

or a leisurely browse around the town’s shops. The menu covers both indulgent and health-conscious moods, with freshly prepared breakfast dishes joined by lighter options such as yoghurt bowls topped with house-made granola and fruit. Coffee is central to the experience rather than merely an accompaniment, attracting diners who take their flat whites as seriously as their poached eggs. The café’s atmosphere is relaxed and neighbourhood-focused, with a style that feels modern while remaining in keeping with Frinton’s quieter pace.

No 10 Museum Street, Colchester

instagram.com/tenmuseumst Few Essex brunch spots can compete with the view from No 10 Museum Street. Positioned directly opposite Colchester Castle, this independent café allows diners to enjoy breakfast while looking towards one of the county’s most important historic landmarks. Indoor and outdoor seating make the most of the location, particularly in fine weather when the castle and surrounding park provide an impressive backdrop. The food is reassuringly straightforward and freshly made, encompassing cooked breakfasts, brunch plates, sandwiches, cakes and afternoon treats. That unfussy approach is part of its appeal: rather than pursuing novelty for its own sake, No 10 concentrates on providing a welcoming café experience in an exceptional setting. It is an ideal first stop before exploring Castle Park, Hollytrees Museum or the wider city centre, and equally attractive as a place to pause after sightseeing.

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FOOD & DRINK • DRINKS

Spiced Up The Ned Skyscraper Syrah takes a grape known for power and gives it poise instead. Cool-climate Marlborough brings blackberry, cinnamon, and white pepper with fine tannins and a spiced finish. The red that eases you into the season, £17. majestic.co.uk

Sunshine Keeper

Château d'Estoublon’s Roseblood Rosé is for those not ready to admit that summer is over. Strawberry compote, raspberry, green apple, and grapefruit zest, with a crisp, mouth-filling acidity, keep everything bright and alive, £16.50. tesco.com

Southern Warmth M. Chapoutier’s Bila-Haut blanc has the kind of richness that feels made for autumn. Plump and layered, with lime, peach, and yellow wildflower, it has the weight and warmth to carry you comfortably into October, £13.95. finewinedirect.co.uk

A U T U M N

POURS Five bottles for the turn of the season B y N ATA L I A S U TA

Comfort Zone AUTUMN FIZZ

October needs perking up, and Abingworth’s Ozymandias Blanc de Blancs 2019 is here to help. The first sparkling from this small Sussex estate, it delivers toasty, bready depth and a creamy, refined mousse from extended lees ageing, £45. abingworthvineyard.com

Folklore Merlot is autumn’s most comforting companion. Blackberry, bay leaf, and red earth with soft, velvety tannins. Soft, comforting, and uncomplicated, it won’t fix the shorter days, but it will make them easier to bear, £10. tesco.com

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

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FA S H I O N

NATURAL COMFORT PAUL JAMES KNITWEAR

Paul James Knitwear's At Home in Nature campaign celebrates the enduring appeal of natural fibres and timeless craftsmanship, showcasing versatile knitwear designed for life outdoors and everyday comfort. Crafted from premium wool, cotton and merino, the collection blends heritage-inspired style with modern functionality, encouraging a slower, more considered approach to dressing. pauljamesknitwear.com

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Nutmeg Clothing at Morrisons have launched their AW26 collections, perfect to counter the chill in the air and available at stores across Essex MORRISONS.COM/NUTMEG

SEASONAL

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FASHION • TREND

POETRY Button-neck sweater, £269 poetryfashion.co.uk

BELLA FREUD New Romantics jumper, £395 numberfour.boutique

MADELEINE THOMPSON CASHMERE Conduit cardigan, £470 madeleine-thompson.com

CATH X WYSE Gabrielle tie knit top, £165 wyselondon.com

EDITOR’S PICK

PIGLET IN BED Crew neck cardigan, £139 pigletinbed.com

KNIT PICK

Keep warm in wool EMELLO

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

Cashmere knit trousers, £330 emello.com

DIOTIMA MANE Embellished top, £910 koibird.com

BRORA Cashmere cable cardigan, £445 broraonline.com

WIGGY KIT

ASPIGA Merino wool stripe cardigan, £150 and scarf, £40 aspiga.com

Alpie sweater, £425 wiggykit.com

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

SMOOTH LOOK La Prairie’s Swiss Pristine Essence is the luxurious first step in a restorative skincare ritual. Inspired by Swiss glaciers, it combines the Exclusive Cellular Complex™, Hypower LP52™ and Swiss Glacial Minerals to rebalance the complexion. laprairie.com

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Always a Classic. Designed to last a lifetime, these minimalist bottles have kept people hydrated and happy for years. Our vacuum-insulated Classic is the solution for both cold and hot beverages on the go. This iconic bottle is proof that reusables never go out of style. kleankanteen.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • NOTES

BEAUTY NOTES

The latest in luxury makeup and skincare B y PENDLE HARTE

DOUBLE ACTION

REVIEW

ROLLR

ILIA

Deodorant - but not as you know it

Is it skincare or is it makeup? Ilia’s award-winning Super Serum Skin Tint is the best of both worlds, combining light to medium coverage, powerful skincare, and mineral SPF into one easy step. Expect a dewy finish and all-day protection.

EDITOR’S PICK

iliabeauty.com

NEW CRUSH CHANEL

The new Coco Mademoiselle Crush Absolut is an intense ambery composition, threaded with the sensuality of vetiver and vanilla, the vibrant radiance of grapefruit and lychee, the sensuality of rose and jasmine, and the enveloping depth of patchouli. It’s a reﬁned, audacious, singular trail.

chanel.com

SWISS P OW E R LA PRAIRIE

La Prairie’s new Swiss Pristine products focus on modern fatigue. Using Swiss Glacial Minerals, patented biotechnology HyPower LP52™, and its iconic Exclusive Cellular Complex™, this is a new approach to healthylooking skin that strengthens the skin barrier and improves resilience.

s there anything less glamorous on your dressing table than a rollon deodorant? Finding a deodorant that not only works but also smells nice is not an easy task – and looking for a sustainable solution is even harder. And making it pretty is just an unrealistic expectation, right? Wrong. Rollr is a deodorant that ticks all these boxes, especially the looking good one. With its chic, Art Deco-esque ridged glass bottle and crystal ball (rose quartz, blue dumortierite or green aventurine), it’s a stylish addition to your inventory. Plus, the sweet-smelling reﬁlls (our favourite is Mandarin, though Juniper comes a close second, and Clary Sage is a more masculine option) are simply sachets that mix with water and last two months each. And best of all, it really works. They claim that their all-natural formula works with your body’s microbiome rather than against it. Pre and postbiotics prevent the bacteria that cause odour from growing in the ﬁrst place, rather than just masking the result – which sounds good to me and explains why this new brand has already won a host of awards. Granted, it’s more expensive at the start than most throwaway deodorants, but the investment will pay off quickly enough. Thank you Rollr. rollr.co.uk

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • TREND

OPI X SUPERGIRL Up Up and Ablaze Supergirl nail lacquer, £16.60 opi.com

MYLEE

CHANEL

Spotlight gel polish, £9.99 mylee.co.uk

Le Vernis, £30 chanel.com

EDITOR’S PICK

BIOSCULPTURE The Colour, £15.50 biosculpture.co.uk

MYLEE Snow & Sorcery trio, £24.99 mylee.co.uk

ON THE NAIL Bright and shiny nails for autumn BIOSCULPTURE

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

The Base, £15.50 biosculpture.co.uk

MAVALA Mini Colours, £6.80 mavala.co.uk

MYLEE

MYLEE Bright & Early gel polish, £9.99 mylee.co.uk

Ski Patrol Alert, £9.99 mylee.co.uk

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inside this section p54

THE HOUSE OF CLARKSON

p58

REAL HOME

p66

SPOTLIGHT ON

p72

AUTUMN TRENDS

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Water

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| Q&A H O M•EXXXXX XXXXXXXX

WORLD Absolutely ventures into the latest project from acclaimed House of Clarkson

B THE WATER HOUSE PHOTOS: JAMES BALSTON PHOTOGRAPHY

ook the house everyone will want an invite to. Hidden away just over the border in the Suffolk countryside, The Water House is a striking 14th-century holiday home where bold interiors meet five acres of private grounds, complete with a hot tub, brick BBQ and space to celebrate long into the evening. Sleeping eight guests, with an additional cottage for two and event space for up to 60, this is no ordinary country cottage. Set within 5½ acres of gardens, wildland and far-reaching views, The Water House is part of The House of Clarkson collection and the latest property from renowned interior designer Shaun Clarkson and his partner Paul Brewster, whose signature style transforms the traditional self-catered stay into something far more memorable. Designed as the kind of house guests never want to leave, it blends original period features with bold, characterful interiors full of colour, texture and personality – and here Shaun tells Absolutely all about it.

Q You’ve mixed original beams and in-

glenook fireplaces with chintz, Californian prints and 20th-century furniture. What’s the secret to bringing very different periods together without a room feeling overly designed?

A The trick is to not be too self-conscious about the way you curate the furnishings. I want each piece to feel like it has always been there, making it seem more like a personal collection of items which has grown over time, rather than being premeditated. Q The Water House is described as a ‘hometel’. What does that mean to you?

A The expression ‘hometel’ summed up

the ambition of what I first set out to do back in the early 2000s. At the time, there was little choice in the holiday home market, with badly styled and poorly equipped houses with no en-suite bathrooms, decent sound systems and TVs.

The idea was to create a home from home which has all the features of a five-star hotel, but none of the restrictions. Coming from a hospitality interior design background, the design became an integral part of the concept, with all of our houses having extraordinarily curated interiors. Q There’s a real sense that The Water House

has been designed for people to spend time together – from the 12-seat dining table to the croquet lawn, hot tub and event space. How much do you think about the way people will actually behave and interact in a space when you design it?

A It is important to know how the space

is used and we put a great deal of consideration into the design of our homes to ensure it works for our guests. I’ve had 35 years’ experience in hospitality and 25 years’ experience in the holiday home market and feel it is key for guests to have their own spaces during their stay. At the

SHAUN CLARKSON AND PAUL BREWSTER

Q The Water House is a 14th-century property, but you’ve deliberately avoided creating a stereotypically restrained country cottage. What was your starting point for the interiors, and how did you decide how far to push the colour, pattern and personality? A I have always had an eclectic taste, which

comes from a love of extraordinary things from different eras. When I stepped inside the house, my first inspiration was to use wallpaper as I wanted to accentuate the frame of the cottage by having a patterned background behind it. This created the perfect backdrop for me to then add in all the curated items, as well as setting up the colour scheme so every space has its own feel without being over-designed. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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H O M E | Q&A

apologetically eclectic. Do you think we’ve become too cautious about expressing personality in our homes? A Social media has made interior design

more accessible; however I do think people are generally quite cautious, especially with colour and pattern. Your home expresses so much about your personality, and you’re putting yourself on the line by expressing yourself through the medium of interior design. This can make people feel very vulnerable. I understand that my style is not everyone's cup of tea, but I think it definitely expresses the person that I am, or how I want to be perceived! I was designing for commercial spaces, including the holiday homes, which is di!erent from designing for yourself. Our homes are all about escapism and I can understand if some people wouldn’t want to live with that design 24/7. Q Your portfolio has included some memo-

Water House, we have four communal living spaces; the grand sitting room, the snug room, the dining room, and the kitchen. We wanted these to be areas for everyone to enjoy, whether that is somewhere to watch a football match, somewhere to have breakfast while people are cooking, or space to dine with children. But the most important space is the one where everyone can get together, which is exactly what we designed our dining room for, making it the room to come together for those celebratory meals, with the space often being the centrepiece of our demographic’s weekends away.

kinds of design. From my personal homes to the holiday homes I design, and the commercial spaces I create for other clients, it’s all about the customer experience, journey and having a fundamental understanding about the way people behave when they want to relax and have fun. I’ve always said I create fantasy worlds; once you pass through the threshold, you are transported into a di!erent world. Q At a time when so many interiors are influenced by the same social media trends and neutral palettes, yours remain un-

rable hospitality and cultural names over the years. Which projects or periods most shaped the designer you are today?

A I believe I was very lucky as when I

started in the business in the early 90s, there was a flourish in inventive and creative hospitality. Originally pubs, wine bars and nightclubs were in very specific categories and clichéd, but the 90s was when nightlife became less polarised. Now commonly known as “gastro pubs” and “style bars”, this period saw pubs and restaurants merge, as did wine bars and nightclubs, and is when design and functionality became an integral part of your going out experience. houseofclarkson.com

Q You and Paul Brewster have developed

House of Clarkson into a collection of very individual retreats rather than creating a recognisable, uniform ‘brand look’. Why is maintaining the personality of each property so important to you?

A I feel it’s important to have variety

in the portfolio. Each of our properties o!ers a di!erent experience, from an exciting weekend on the canal in London, a getaway with friends by the sea in Hastings in the hustle bustle of the old town, to a tranquil break within five acres of beautiful gardens and park land at The Water House. Q You’ve worked across homes, restau-

rants, bars, clubs and hospitality throughout your career. How has designing spaces where people socialise influenced the way you approach residential interiors – and vice versa?

A My experience in hospitality has been

instrumental in the way I approach all

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RURAL A historic farmhouse on the EssexSuffolk border offers space, character and remarkable possibilities

ome homes offer far more than an attractive collection of rooms. They embody the landscape around them, preserve the stories of generations and present their next owners with an opportunity to shape an entirely new chapter. Grove Farm, occupying an elevated position at Great Henny on the Essex-Suffolk border, is one such property. Centred around a Grade II-listed farmhouse dating back to the 16th century, the estate brings together approximately 300 acres of farmland, historic parkland, traditional barns and uninterrupted views across the Stour Valley. The farm has remained in the same family for three generations, giving it a sense of continuity that is increasingly difficult to find. Its setting is undoubtedly one of its greatest assets. From the farmhouse and surrounding grounds, the land falls away towards the River Stour, revealing a broad panorama of rolling countryside, grazing pasture and open skies. Yet for all its rural seclusion, Grove Farm is also a working estate with the buildings, acreage and infrastructure required to support a wide variety of future ambitions. At its heart stands Grove Farmhouse, a handsome and characterful home extending to approximately 4,500 sq ft. Its origins can be traced to the 16th century, with sympathetic additions introduced over the centuries. The result is a property that bears the hallmarks of its long history while offering flexible accommodation. Currently arranged with six bedrooms, the farmhouse would be well suited to multigenerational living, although its layout could be reconfigured to create one substantial home.

A covered walkway at the side of the house leads into a generous boot room and farm office, establishing the practical character expected of a country property. Beyond this is an area presently used as ancillary accommodation, incorporating a kitchen, shower room and comfortable sitting room, with stairs rising to the first floor. This part of the house could provide privacy for extended family members, older children or guests, or perhaps become a dedicated space from which to work. The principal part of the farmhouse is approached through a rear hallway, which opens into a well-appointed kitchen and breakfast room. Complete with a range cooker and pantry, it has the welcoming, functional atmosphere that naturally becomes the hub of a rural home. Elsewhere on the ground floor are an additional shower room, a study and the main hall, from which doors lead into the rear garden. Two staircases connect this central part of the house to the first floor, while another descends to the cellar. The reception rooms offer generous proportions and an abundance of traditional appeal. The dining room has a fireplace that provides a natural focal point, while the similarly spacious sitting room enjoys a dual aspect, allowing light to enter throughout the day. These are rooms with the scale to accommodate family celebrations and formal entertaining, but they retain a warmth appropriate to everyday life. With considered updating, the house has the potential to balance its period character with the comfort and understated elegance of a contemporary country interior. Upstairs are six bedrooms and a family bathroom, with four of the bedrooms featuring built-in storage. The principal

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Legacy

The estate brings together approximately 300 acres of farmland

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bedroom is especially striking, benefiting from its own dressing room and sash windows that frame the surrounding countryside. Waking to those far-reaching Stour Valley views would be a daily reminder of the property’s remarkable position. Outside, the formal grounds introduce another layer to the house’s appeal. A delightful walled garden lies to the rear, with raised vegetable beds that speak to the traditional rhythms of country living. It also contains a self-contained studio, a conservatory and a collection of period outbuildings and stores. Together, these spaces offer intriguing possibilities, whether used for creative pursuits, home working, guest accommodation or the development of a kitchen garden. To the front, lawns incorporate part of the old driveway and turning circle before flowing into historic parkland. A threebay garage block stands to the side of the house, accompanied by a further office or studio. Modern essentials have not been overlooked: fibre broadband is connected, while solar panels and battery storage provide additional power. Water is supplied through a private borehole, and heating comes from a combination of a straw burner and an oil-fired boiler. Beyond the domestic setting, Grove

Farm’s scale becomes clear. Its modern and traditional agricultural buildings extend to more than 30,000 sq ft and are arranged around yards covering almost 2.3 acres. They include two grain stores with a combined capacity of more than 1,000 tonnes, a workshop, livestock buildings and timber-framed traditional barns with weatherboarded elevations and pantile roofs. The buildings may hold considerable potential for diversification or redevelopment, subject to the appropriate planning permissions. Full consent has already been granted for one range of older farm buildings to be converted into two homes: one

with two bedrooms and another with one Additional structures across the site could offer further opportunities for alternative uses, making the estate appealing not only as a private country home, but also as the foundation for a broader rural enterprise. The land itself is divided between approximately 208 acres of arable farmland and almost 95 acres of grassland. The arable ground, principally classified as Grade 2 and 3, has supported a rotation of winter cereals and sugar beet. The pasture includes traditional parkland extending east from the farmstead, as well as low-lying meadows beside the River Stour, where the land has been used for hay, silage and summer grazing. Sporting rights are included with the freehold insofar as they are owned, and fishing rights on the River Stour add another dimension to the estate’s connection with its landscape. Whether viewed as a productive farm, an ambitious restoration project or an exceptional family home with room to evolve, Grove Farm is filled with possibility. What makes the property particularly compelling is the relationship between its constituent parts: the centuries-old farmhouse, sheltered walled garden, traditional buildings, sweeping parkland and working fields. Together they form a place with genuine character and provenance. For a buyer prepared to invest imagination and care, Grove Farm represents a rare chance to become the custodian of a significant rural estate and carry its story into a new generation.

See more at fennwright.co.uk

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BOCONCEPT’S NEW

AW26 Collection For AW26, BoConcept unveils a new collaboration with Italian architect and designer Claudio Bellini, reimagining how we sit, dine and gather at home

KAKU LIGHTING COLLECTION

PARAGGI SOFA SET

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eading the range is Paraggi, a sculptural highback sofa that reflects Claudio Bellini’s belief that furniture should be “not a static object, but a living, evolving space.” Inspired by the sheltered bay of the same name, its enveloping high back creates a sense of comfort and protection, while adjustable arm and backrests let the sofa’s form and atmosphere shift with ease and without visible mechanisms. Available as an armchair, 2.5 and 3-seater sofas, chaise lounges, corner modules and pouffes, and upholstered exclusively in fabric, Paraggi is BoConcept’s first fully functional high-back design.

Alongside it sits Volterra, an architectural dining collection of tables, chairs, sideboards and side tables. Defined by bold yet refined geometry and a considered palette of wood, ceramic and glass, it channels Bellini’s belief that “a table is a sort of basic architectural element.” As he puts it: “We are not designing for trends, we are designing to last.”

“We are not designing for trends, we are designing to last” – Claudio Bellini warmth and texture to considered, contemporary interiors. Choosing pieces for a home is about more than finding something you love. It’s about understanding how those pieces will work within your space, alongside what you already have and the way you live. That’s where BoConcept’s complimentary Interior Design Service comes in. Available in-store, at home or virtually, the service gives customers access to BoConcept’s professional interior designers, who can help bring the possibilities of the new collection to life in their own space. From layouts and colour palettes to fabrics, finishes and configurations, designers can

create personalised proposals and 3D visualisations, helping customers see how their choices could work before committing. It’s a more personal way to experience the collection — and a chance to create an interior that feels entirely your own. Call or email your local store to book your free appointment. To celebrate the new collection, BoConcept is offering 15% off all sofas, including the new range, instore only at BoConcept St Albans, Westfield London, Tottenham Court Road, Harrods, Notting Hill, Battersea Reach, Finchley Road, Fenwick Brent Cross, Fenwick Kingston and Guildford until Sunday 11th October. boconcept.com

VOLTERRA COLLECTION

Together, the collections mark a continued collaboration rooted in shared values, Italian sensibility meeting Danish design clarity. Completing the AW26 story, BoConcept also introduces a new lighting collection exploring soft, layered illumination through sculptural pieces such as KAKU and BLOSSOM, alongside a range of tactile, handcrafted rugs developed with Linie Design, both designed to bring

VOLTERRA SIDEBOARD

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COLD

Front How to prepare your deck for cooler weather

ou might think of your deck as being just for summer use, but with proper preparation and clever styling you can easily turn it into a cosy space for autumn. Here are five ways to extend your deck’s season.

KEEP IT CLEAN

TREX ENHANCE NATURALS IN TOASTED SAND AND ROCKY HARBOR

Over time, leaves, dirt and debris can trap moisture, causing mould and decay to form on timber decking. This can become dangerous, particularly in colder, wetter weather, so make sure to sweep your deck regularly. Unlike timber, high-quality composite decking is a low-maintenance, high-performance option that can withstand the worst of the UK climate. Trex®, the world’s leading composite decking brand, is stain, mould and mildew resistant, and keeping it looking its best is a matter of simply cleaning it gently with a mild detergent and water*.

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HERE AND BELOW TREX TRANSCEND LINEAGE IN BISCAYNE

TREX ENHANCE BASICS IN CLAM SHELL

Turn your deck into a cosy space for autumn with proper preparation and clever styling MAKE IT COSY

To create a cosy atmosphere for cooler days and nights, swap out summer accessories for seasonal décor in warm, earthy colours like deep green, burgundy and shades of brown. Cushions in textured fabrics, knitted or faux fur throws and outdoor rugs made of natural fibres will all add a sense of warmth and comfort.

STAY WARM

While styling your deck for autumn will give it a cosy feeling, if you want to add heating to provide a comfortable space for entertaining in cooler weather there are a variety of options to choose from,

including wall- or ceiling-mounted electric heaters, free-standing electric patio heaters, propane tower heaters or gas or wood-burning fire pits. To pick the safest heater for your space and ensure your choice doesn’t invalidate any warranties, contact a professional.

LIGHT UP

Lighting will add a warm, inviting glow to the deck, and, as the days get shorter, enable you to continue to use it safely. String lights and lanterns are pretty, decorative options, with downlights and lights incorporated into railings or steps being a practical option that ensure your deck can be used safely after sunset.

PROTECT FURNITURE

As the weather becomes colder and wetter there is a risk that cushions, fabrics and furniture will become damp and mouldy if left outside. If possible, store any movable items indoors or in an outdoor storage box when not in use and, for furniture that can’t be moved, invest in quality, breathable covers. Once autumn is over, a few small steps will allow you to stay on top of winter maintenance. Prepare for any forecast storms by securing any freestanding items or moving them indoors; sweep leaves and debris away regularly; clear any snow and ensure your drains are clear and gutters are clean to prevent rainwater overflowing. Want to extend your living space with a stylish, practical deck? See the Trex difference for yourself – order a sample at uk.trex.com/shop (*For details, visit uk.trex.com/care) A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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This season, lighting is confidently stepping into the spotlight

Interiors

spotlight Experts from the industry pick out five lighting trends we can expect to see this autumn 66

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s autumn draws in and daylight begins to fade earlier, lighting takes on a renewed importance within the home. More than a practical necessity, the right design can transform a room, creating warmth, atmosphere and a sense of comfort throughout the darker months. This season, lighting is also stepping confidently into the spotlight as a decorative feature in its own right, with expressive forms and tactile materials bringing personality to every corner. Statement floor lamps offer scale and sculptural presence, while striking pendants turn dining areas into places of occasion. Natural wood introduces an organic, grounding quality, and the enduring romance of chandeliers continues to influence both classic and contemporary schemes. Elsewhere, fringed shades revive the glamour of bygone eras while casting a beautifully diffused glow. Here, leading interiors experts discuss how to use them to illuminate the home with style, character and warmth.

STATEMENT FLOOR LAMPS By Shelley Cochrane, Accessories Buyer at Furniture Village As people increasingly desire layered lighting schemes that include a combination of ambient, task and accent lighting, they are becoming less reliant on the traditional ‘big light’. With this, statement floor lamps have risen in popularity. Not just a source of task lighting for reading, statement floor lamps add decorative and sculptural presence to a room. Oversized designs with exposed bulbs add contemporary elegance and a sense of scale, whilst eye-catching ceramic bases add an artisan-like feel through organic textures. Whether modern or traditional, a striking floor lamp should look as good off as it does on, functioning as a piece of art by day and a source of light by night. To choose a floor lamp, consider your existing space. The right floor lamp should complement your style, whether patterned or pared-back, traditional or modern. In a living room, position a floor lamp next to a sofa or armchair to provide adequate task lighting for reading. In a dining room, place a floor lamp in a corner, where it can function

as ambient or accent lighting, setting the mood and creating intimate lighting for cosy dining. SCULPTURAL DESIGNS By Magdalena Gierasinska, Head of Product & Displays at Barker and Stonehouse Sculptural lighting designs can work anywhere in the home, but there are two rooms where they can have the greatest impact. The first is the hallway. Often one of the smaller spaces in the home, there are limited opportunities to introduce statement furniture, but an eye-catching lamp can instantly add personality while providing the soft illumination needed to create a welcoming entrance. Secondly, a sculptural light suspended above a dining table creates a sense of occasion, drawing attention to the area and making it feel like a more considered part of the home. WOODEN DESIGNS By Shelley Cochrane, Accessories Buyer at Furniture Village Wooden lighting designs are proving popular as people seek new ways to add character to A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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There is something nostalgic about fringing

their homes. Wood is an incredibly characterful material because it features distinctive knots and grains. Not just reserved for furniture, wood is a fantastic choice for lighting, bringing an organic warmth and tactility to interiors. It also evokes a connection to the natural world. The inherent charm of the material lies in its individuality, as no two grain patterns are exactly alike. When illuminated the contrast between the earthy wood and glowing light feels warm, inviting and grounding.

the atmosphere of the room itself. In a bedroom or dressing room, this gentle glow creates a mood that feels intimate and cocooning, like candlelight caught in crystal. Chandeliers also shift beautifully with the seasons. In summer, they reflect and scatter natural light, creating a bright, weightless radiance. In winter, they o!er a warm and festive twinkle, adding depth and atmosphere to long evenings. They’re surprisingly versatile and suit both contemporary and classic spaces, either by echoing a home’s history or adding a note of old-world glamour to something more modern. When choosing where to place your chandelier, think carefully about how you will dust it. This practical consideration might influence your choice of height and positioning to make cleaning easier. Also, in smaller rooms, avoid petit chandeliers as they can make the space feel even more compact. Instead, glass wall lights or petite glass pendants o!er a refined alternative, casting delicate pools of light that enhance the space without competing with its architecture or scale.

CHANDELIERS By Georgia Metcalfe, founder and Creative Director at French Bedroom Influenced by Castlecore and Bridgerton style interiors, chandeliers have been a big lighting trend for 2026 and this shows no signs of abating. Chandeliers exude romance, elegance and grandeur. They have the power to transform a bedroom or dressing room into a truly special and inviting sanctuary. Originating in 14th-century France, chandeliers were once emblems of prestige, their candlelit arms dancing across the ceilings of grand châteaux and glittering salons. Over the centuries, they have evolved from practical fittings into sculptural centrepieces, serving as artful expressions of French design that are ornate, layered, and unapologetically sophisticated. Their light is one of their most romantic qualities. Soft and delicate, it enhances everything it touches, from fabrics and finishes to

FRINGED LIGHTING DESIGNS By Georgia Metcalfe, founder and Creative Director of French Bedroom Fringing and tasselled detailing was very prominent at WOW!house 2026, indicating that fringed lighting designs are set to make a comeback. Opulent, glamorous, and romantic, there’s something irresistibly nostalgic about fringing – echoing the elegance of bygone eras, from the decorative detailing of stately homes to the playful swish of a 1920s flapper dress. Now, fringing is en vogue once again, whether draped along the edge of a cushion, sweeping the base of a bed, or accenting a lampshade. In lighting design, especially, fringe works beautifully to softly filter light in a gentle, ambient way. It casts delicate shadows and adds a subtle sense of movement, making it perfect for the bedroom, where mood and atmosphere matter most. When layered in contrasting tones, it also becomes a visual focal point, blending whimsy with e!ortless elegance.

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S L E E P

Solution

Customise your Jensen bed to create a bespoke sleep environment

Jensen bed is a personal choice. From the comfort inside the bed to the textile, size, headboard and legs, there are countless ways to create a bed that feels right for you – and looks right in your bedroom. With different bed types, spring systems, textiles and accessories to choose from, you can create a sleep experience that is truly your own.

Start with the right comfort

Good sleep starts with comfort. Choose the bed type and spring system that suit your body and the way you sleep. With Jensen, mattress firmness can also be individually selected on each side of a double bed – without a gap or hard edge between you and your partner. So

you can share a bed without having to share the same comfort preference.

Find the right size

As the colder months approach, the size of your bed matters – both for your sleep and for the room around it. Consider how much space you need to sleep comfortably, while leaving enough room for bedside tables and movement around the bed. From single beds to generous double beds, choose the size that works for your needs and your bedroom.

Choose your textile

Once the comfort is in place, it is time to create the look. Your choice of textile can completely change the character of the bed – from light and understated to warm and sophisticated.

Explore different colours and textures to find the combination that suits your personal style and the atmosphere you want to create.

Add a headboard

A headboard gives the bed a more complete look and can become a defining feature in the bedroom. Choose a design that complements your bed and textile, whether you prefer something soft and understated or a more distinctive statement.

The details make the difference

The legs may be a small detail, but they can make a big difference to the overall look. Different shapes, materials and heights allow you to give your Jensen bed a lighter, warmer or more contemporary feel.

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It is these details that make the bed truly personal.

Complete the bedroom

Why stop with the bed? Add bedside tables and carefully selected accessories to create a complete and harmonious bedroom. By coordinating the bed, headboard, legs and surrounding furniture, you can create a space where every element works together – with the Jensen bed at its centre.

Make it yours

From comfort and size to textiles, headboards, legs and bedside tables, every detail can be chosen to create a Jensen bed that feels personal to you. First, make it feel perfect. Then, make it look perfect.

Made in Norway since 1947

Jensen was established in 1947, when resources were scarce and ingenuity was essential. Our first mattresses were made using materials such as horsehair and cotton wool – natural materials that were available at the time. Much has changed since then, but our commitment to outstanding sleep comfort has remained the same. Every Jensen bed is still made in Svelvik, Norway. For us, Made in Norway is more than a label. It represents generations of craftsmanship, attention to detail and a dedication to quality.

Experience Jensen in London

Made in Norway is more than a label. It represents generations of craftsmanship, attention to detail and a dedication to quality

Today, you can experience this Norwegian craftsmanship in the heart of London. Choosing a new bed is a personal investment, and finding the right comfort is an important part of that decision. Visit our showroom at the Chelsea Harbour Design Centre, where our London team can introduce you to the Jensen collections, help you explore different comfort options and guide you towards the bed that is right for you.

Jensen Chelsea Harbour, 0203 914 1262 jensenbeds.chelseaharbour@ hildinganders.com jensen-beds.com/uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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RICH R E V I VA L

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The Vawdrey House reveals the five design trends shaping our homes this autumn

MALCOLM MENZIES 82MM PHOTOGRAPHY

s autumn settles in, our homes naturally become the focus once more. Shorter days and cooler evenings encourage a shift indoors, but the seasonal change is about more than adding a throw or lighting a candle. It oﬀers an opportunity to reconsider how a room feels: whether it is welcoming enough for long suppers, layered enough for quiet afternoons, or expressive enough to bring pleasure through the darker months. This year, that renewed attention is translating into interiors with confidence and character. The pale, paredback schemes that have dominated for so long are giving way to warmer woods, enveloping colour and patterns that reward a closer look. Rather than following one prescribed aesthetic, homeowners are choosing details that feel personal, combining crafted finishes with treasured furniture and making bolder decisions in rooms where atmosphere matters most. The appeal lies in the balance. A richly painted ceiling can transform an otherwise simple room; an imaginative tile layout can animate a restrained bathroom; and a vintage piece can soften the clean lines of a contemporary extension. These are ideas that can be embraced at any scale, from a complete renovation to a thoughtful weekend update. Above all, they recognise that successful rooms are not simply seen, but experienced – through colour, texture, light and the stories carried by the objects within them. Deep colour palettes, bold wallpaper, natural timber and eye-catching patterns are therefore returning to the forefront as homeowners move away from neutral, safe

schemes to interiors with greater individuality. Sophie Chapman, Associate & Interior Designer at The Vawdrey House, shares her five key design directions she expects to see shaping homes this season.

DEEP, MOODY COLOUR PALETTES One of the biggest trends we’re seeing is a move towards richer, deeper colours. While neutrals still have their place, homeowners are becoming more confident by introducing colours like olive green, chocolate brown, burgundy, terracotta and deep blue into their homes. This is particularly true in spaces such as dining rooms, studies and snug areas where a more intimate feel is desired. These colours work particularly well when used beyond the walls too. Painted joinery and woodwork, kitchen cabinetry and ceilings in these bold shades bring a stronger sense of identity to a room. Start by assessing the amount of natural light alongside the existing materials within the space rather than choosing a shade in isolation.

WALLPAPER DRENCHING Wallpaper is making a strong return, but we are seeing demand for pattern-drenched spaces that are more dramatic. It can be particularly successful in smaller spaces such as cloakrooms, bedrooms and studies, where committing fully to a pattern often has much more impact than restricting it to one wall. There is also growing interest in wallcoverings that introduce natural materials and craftsmanship into the home. Manufacturers are producing collections A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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that incorporate cork, bark, wood veneers and even embroidered leather, bringing a richness and tactile quality that goes beyond traditional wallpaper.

THE WARMTH OF NATURAL TIMBER Natural timber continues to be a popular choice across multiple surfaces thanks to its natural variation and character, but we’re moving away from timber that is paler or more uniform. Instead, homeowners are introducing walnut tones, smoked oak and darker stained woods which bring warmth and character to joinery, kitchens and furniture. Fluting and other crafted details are another way we’re seeing timber used to add interest without relying on additional colour or decoration.

PATTERNED TILES BECOME MORE PLAYFUL Creating interesting patterns with tiles is making a strong return, but in a more sophisticated manner. Rather than relying on a single statement tile in a bold pattern, we are seeing creative laying styles and designs using more minimalist tiles. In bathrooms, for example, checks and stripes can be used together, or a patterned floor can sit alongside a simpler wall tile in a related colour. The important thing is that the patterns have something connecting them, whether that’s colour, scale or material. Tiles that balance handcrafted character with cleaner colour palettes and contemporary applications feel relevant for today’s homes.

MIXING OLD AND NEW People are becoming less concerned with following trends and more interested in creating homes that reflect their personality. That often means mixing antiques and pre-loved items with contemporary pieces, introducing artwork and collecting objects over time rather than designing a room around a single look. We love seeing older pieces sitting alongside contemporary architecture. An antique table, vintage chair or inherited piece can prevent a newly designed space from feeling like a show-home, while contemporary elements can give older homes a new lease of life. The most interesting interiors rarely come from choosing every detail at once. They develop over time, and that mix of different periods, materials and personal objects is often what gives a home its character. thevawdreyhouse.com

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LIGHT SHINES ON Keeping the summer vibe alive: the louvered pergola that makes autumn outdoor living possible

here is something rather lovely about an Essex garden in early autumn. The light changes, the evenings take on a cooler edge and the whole space begins to feel settled. But that does not mean it has to be abandoned until spring. With a louvered roof pergola from solar shading manufacturers Caribbean your garden can become a beautiful outdoor room that works long after the last days of summer have faded away. At the heart of the idea is a clever adjustable roof. The aluminium louvers can be tilted to let in sunshine or provide shade, then closed when autumn rain arrives. Add windproof side

screens and integrated infrared heating and you can stay outside comfortably even when the temperature drops. That makes a pergola an ideal setting for autumn entertaining. Imagine sitting down to dinner beneath the warmth of an infrared heater, with the garden around you and the sound of rain safely above your head. Or gathering with friends for drinks after dark, with integrated LED lighting creating a warm glow overhead. The beauty is that you can make the space your own. Comfortable outdoor furniture, cushions and an outdoor rug can give it the feel of a proper living room, while a dining table or outdoor kitchen makes it a natural place to entertain. There is no need to wait for perfect weather before using it. And because Caribbean's modern pergolas are made from durable aluminium, they are designed to remain outside throughout the year with very little maintenance. They can be attached to the house or positioned independently in the garden, creating a defined space wherever it works best. For homeowners who love their garden but find that the British weather dictates when they can enjoy it, a louvered pergola offers an appealing alternative. Rather than seeing autumn as the end of outdoor living, you can embrace everything the season has to offer. Caribbean’s range of British-made aluminium pergolas is designed around one simple idea: making your garden a place to enjoy for far more of the year. Ready to make more of your garden this autumn? Discover Caribbean Blinds' louvered pergolas at cbsolarshading.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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E D U C AT I O N

FULLY PREPARED FR AM L I NGHAM CO L L EGE

At Framlingham College, Sixth Form is designed to help students discover their strengths, pursue ambitious goals and prepare confidently for life beyond school. An academic programme is complemented by expert guidance, leadership opportunities, enriching activities and a supportive boarding and day community. framlinghamcollege.co.uk

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Blue N OT E S

The new picture book from Frances Stickley explores negative emotions frankly, giving both language and positive guidance on navigating the blues

e adults do our level best to protect children and ensure their happiness. But not every day can be a good one, despite our efforts. So do picture books focused only on positivity do children a disservice? Frances Stickley certainly thinks we need a dose of realism and her new picture book, The Storm Cloud, tackles sadness, anxiety and depression head on.

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Bear wakes up with a storm cloud above his head. Even though it’s a warm spring day he feels chilly and decides to go back to bed. There’s nothing he can do to shift that cloud, which keeps on growing. Feeling overwhelmed, he refuses to go out for a picnic with his friends because he doesn’t want to spoil their day. The emotions described in the book are complex enough for adults, let alone very young children, but with spare and thoughtful text and clever use of colour, The Storm Cloud takes us on a journey through

darkness and back to lighter times. We all like to envisage early childhood as carefree – halcyon days – making it hard to admit that anything can ever interfere with that. We do this even knowing that children are complex beings, just like adults. Frances thinks it’s vital for us to acknowledge childhood’s darker moments without apportioning blame or guilt to ourselves. “I actually feel like we wilfully minimise those feelings because, for so many of us, they feel like personal failings – especially as parents,” she says.

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EDUCATION • INTERVIEW

“That moment of, 'Oh, it's not just me' is huge” “There’s such a culture of toxic positivity. Even the very idea of being sad or anxious is inextricably intertwined with, ‘What’s wrong?’ If our children aren’t happy, something needs fixing. But it doesn’t, does it? Not really. With the best will in the world, we’re never going to shield them from those feelings and surely we’d be doing them a disservice if we did.” As a former primary school teacher and literacy specialist, she sees books as a critical way of helping children understand themselves and their place in the world. “I think books are one of the safest and most e!ective ways we have of helping children make sense of their emotions. There’s something about seeing a feeling played out at a slight remove – through a character, through story – that makes it feel both manageable and permissible,” she says. Just as important, books put names, colours and shapes to emotions. This brings clarity and some sense of control. “It gives children the language sca!old for something they might have only felt as a sort of internal chaos up until that point.” And seeing feelings played out in a story also normalises them. “That moment of, ‘Oh, it’s not just me’ is huge, especially when there’s such an underlying expectation that happiness is the default. Books quietly challenge that. They allow space for complexity without demanding resolution or ‘fixing’ things too quickly.”

Fixing things – feeling better – is a process that we know can take time and honesty, and this is what Bear goes through in The Storm Cloud. Once he has admitted out loud that there is something wrong, his buddy Squirrel sits with him and helps him talk about the cloud above his head (a cloud that only Bear can see), bringing comfort and care without passing judgement or minimising those feelings. It’s a message to bring comfort to children experiencing dark times, and it also supports the development of empathy – including for readers who know that there’s something up with a friend or family member. Frances recently wrote a piece for BookTrust about the value of books which tackle difficult emotions – life’s downs as well as ups – and especially as read-out-loud choices for groups of younger children. She sees this as an important way for peer groups to process the complexities and trials of life by making connections together. Such read-out-loud sessions become a public acknowledgement that negative feelings exist for everyone and having them doesn’t make you di!erent or weird. She’s certain that only reading books to children about happy characters doing lovely things is a form of dishonesty, of misplaced overprotectiveness. “We approach all art forms anticipating some reflection of the human experience, and

by censoring those emotions that we know children experience in total abundance we’re not only doing them a disservice, but arguably real damage,” she says. “The cognitive dissonance that comes from, ‘Hang on. I know that I’m feeling angry or frustrated or really sad, but I’m not seeing that reflected anywhere in my cultural surroundings,’ is massive. We’re not just failing to show them what life is really like; we’re teaching them to distrust their own bodies and feelings in response to events. It’s how we end up with all the secondary issues around those feelings – the shame, the guilt, the confusion, the compartmentalisation.” Frances is an old hand when it comes to writing books that resonate with children. Her three daughters have acted as both critical readers and influences on themes she’s chosen. “Absolutely they’re the readers and the reason, not even consciously, just by osmosis really,” she says. “My first book, What Will You Dream Of Tonight?, was a desperate cry for help to get my now nearly 14-year-old daughter to sleep through the night,” she says. “Now I can’t get her out of bed!”

The Storm Cloud, written by Frances Stickley and illustrated by Emily Hamilton, is out now (Post Wave, £12.99) A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

PA S S I O N

FEASIBILITY

N OV E LT Y

LEARNING IN THE

AI ERA In conversation with Dr Guillermo Gallacher, founder of Creative Research Tutoring

Q Tell us about Creative Research Tutoring. A Creative Research Tutoring (CRT)

helps secondary school students carry out independent research projects, including the UK's EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), the IB Extended Essay, submissions to international journals for high-school students, and other forms of academic research. We start by finding a question the student is genuinely curious about and work with them through to a finished piece they're proud of. Sessions run online, one-to-one and in small group pods, so students get consistent, structured support wherever they're based. The goal is to develop valuable soft skills, such as communication and creativity, alongside hard skills, such as coding and data analysis. Students also learn to use AI effectively and responsibly, and to experiment across topics before committing to a university degree. I also provide workshops to schools. Q What's your own background? A I'm a London-based economist with a

PhD from the University of Washington,

Seattle. I've split my career between academia and industry, with peer-reviewed publications and research cited by outlets including Bloomberg and the Financial Times. I've taught economics and statistics at universities in the US, Canada, and Argentina, from undergraduate to PhD level. I've also mentored high school students based in Japan, Switzerland, and the US, guiding them remotely through their research projects. Q How is CRT's approach different? A Two things. First, we treat AI as a research

tool to use well, not avoid or lean on blindly. Teaching students to use it thoughtfully is a genuine research skill, one most are never explicitly taught. Second, we focus as much on the softer side: communication, creativity, structuring an argument, presenting findings, and more. Those skills carry through to university and beyond, whatever a student ends up studying.

Q What got you into working with young people and creativity? A Long before academia, I was a sailing coach for kids aged 10 to 16, in both New Zealand and Argentina. Coaching and supervising research have more in common than you'd think. Both are about meeting someone where they are, building their confidence, and helping them push a little further than they thought they could. I'm also passionate about songwriting, music, creativity, and mindfulness. CRT is the result of all my own learning and experience. Q How can readers get started? A The easiest first step is a free

online consultation. You can book one by sending an email to guillermogallacher@gmail.com directly. You can learn more about my background and framework on the CRT blog. My first post explored the idea that a good research topic, or 'sweet spot', sits at the intersection of passion, feasibility, and novelty, as shown in the diagram accompanying this piece. Read more on the CRT blog: crtutor.substack.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

“We allow every pupil to embrace ambitious opportunities”

GENERATION

gap year

From cultural experiences, to earning extra cash and kick-starting careers, Framlingham College explores why gap years are at an all-time high

ap years are experiencing a major surge in popularity. As attitudes towards work-life balance changes, combined with the longing for adventure and the desire to be financially independent, more young people are putting higher education on pause for once-in-a-lifetime travel opportunities and career experience. Statistics by the BBC showed that in the 2025-26 academic year, 36,925 of UK students deferred their university offers, representing roughly 6.4% of all offers made – the highest rate of gap years in the last 10 years, according to UCAS. Framlingham College in Suffolk has seen this trend rise within their own Sixth Form. At the end of the academic year 2025-26, more than half (59%) of pupils who secured university placements choose to defer their university offer for a year and head off on

a gap year (compared to 41% in 2024-25). The main reasons for pupils taking a gap year before heading off to university were ‘travel and cultural experiences’ (20.5%) and ‘work experience and extra financial independence’ (23.3%). The top three most popular travel destinations were Kenya, South Africa and Australia. For those working during their gap year, pupils secured placements, internships and full-time roles in agriculture, sales, sports coaching, insurance and au pair industries. This rise in university offers and gap year choices highlights not just the academic prowess of Framlingham’s Sixth Form, but also how they support every pupil for their future, prepare them to establish their place beyond school in a global society, and equip them with the confidence, knowledge and essential life skills to pursue adventure and live, study and explore the world independently. Head of Sixth Form at Framlingham

College, Caroline Styles, says: “As more young people opt for a gap year, this 'time out' from traditional education provides a well-earned breather after what can be a rigorous exam season, while still building interpersonal skills, independence and adaptability, all of which are highly valued by universities and employers. “The confidence, resilience and global outlook fostered through a Framlingham education allows every pupil to embrace ambitious opportunities and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. With our bespoke futures programme, pupils have access to one-to-one guidance and individualised support from our in-house UCAS and careers team, ensuring that every pupil can make informed decisions about their future pathway; whether that involves applying for Oxbridge, discovering gap year opportunities across the globe, or securing internships and heading straight into paid work.” The world needs independent thinkers, risk takers and autonomous learners who can listen, debate, question and respectfully challenge others. At Framlingham, these skills are developed in every pupil, ensuring that they leave with the knowledge, confidence, empowerment and academic prowess to embrace their adult world, make a positive impact on society and in doing so, create their own story. Discover more about Framlingham College on their next Open Day at framlinghamcollege.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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PROPERTY

SEXTON’S LANE, GREAT BRAXTED CM8 OFFERS OVER

£1,500,000

ich in character, Noakes Cross Farm retains a wealth of period features. The heart of the home is a stunning kitchen, dining and family space finished to an exceptional standard. Offering three double bedrooms, multiple reception spaces and a principal suite, plus approx one acre of landscaped grounds, this perfectly balances heritage charm with modern family living.

FENN WRIGHT WITHAM

01376 516464 fennwright.co.uk

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PROPERTY • INSIGHT

LEIGH ON SEA

In the know

James Hunt, founder of Durden & Hunt, on why local knowledge matters more than ever

This month, we completed Durden & roperty has always been a local Hunt’s acquisition of Diggins & Co, an business. National headlines established South Essex agency founded by may influence confidence, but Darren Diggins. Over four decades, Darren individual markets rarely move and his team have developed exceptional in precisely the same way. local knowledge and longstanding community Demand can vary considerably relationships across Rayleigh, Rochford and between neighbouring towns, the surrounding areas. Darren will remain roads and even property types, which is why involved as a consultant, while operations genuine local knowledge remains so important. are brought together through our LeighAt the same time, the way homes are on-Sea branch, combining that local marketed has changed dramatically. expertise with our wider marketing Buyers are no longer necessarily platform and national and moving from the next street international network. or even the next county. For clients, this type of Digital marketing, improved partnership should offer the presentation and wider best of both worlds. Sellers professional networks mean benefit from detailed local the right buyer could come advice alongside exposure from London, elsewhere to a larger audience, while in the UK or overseas. buyers gain access to more The strongest estate JAMES HUNT properties and connected agencies must therefore expertise across a wider area. combine two qualities that were As the industry continues to evolve, once viewed separately: deep roots technology and reach will become within their communities and the reach, increasingly valuable. However, property technology and resources required to decisions remain deeply personal. The compete in a much broader marketplace. businesses that succeed will be those Scale can create opportunities, but it capable of moving forward without losing should never come at the expense of the relationships, accountability and local personal relationships or an understanding understanding upon which trust is built. of what makes an area distinctive.

On the market Durden & Hunt welcome to the market this exceptional six bedroom detached family home offering over 2,500 sq ft of accommodation, featuring spacious open plan living, kitchen and dining areas, a dedicated home office, utility room, dressing room, guest WC and three bathrooms. Externally the property benefits from a stunning 180ft south facing rear garden backing onto woodland and a carriage driveway providing parking for up to eight vehicles. Woodside, Leigh-On-Sea, SS9 Asking Price: £1,250,000 durdenandhunt.co.uk

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LAST WORD • EVENT why everyone is talking about…

ROMAN RIVER

Festival

The acclaimed music extravaganza returns to local Essex landmark buildings

his October, the Roman River Festival returns with a captivating programme of worldclass music performed in some of north Essex’s most atmospheric buildings. Taking place from 20th–25th October, the 2026 festival brings internationally acclaimed musicians into historic churches and intimate local venues, while retaining the relaxed, welcoming spirit that has long been central to its appeal. The festival opens on Tuesday 20th October at St Mary the Virgin in Wivenhoe with Benjamin Britten’s complete Canticles. Led by acclaimed locally based choirmaster and tenor Ben Vonberg-Clark, the performance will mark the 50th anniversary of the composer’s death and provide a suitably powerful opening to six days of music. On Wednesday 21st October, the setting shifts to All Saints in Fordham, where the Silvanus Quartet will bring together works by Beethoven and Britten with the distinctive energy of Nordic dance tunes. Colchester’s Old Library hosts a lunchtime concert of Mozart and Ravel on Thursday 22nd October, before the Nocturnalia Ensemble transports audiences back to the 17th century that evening. Performed on period instruments at St Andrew’s in Fingringhoe, the programme will explore the rich relationship between British folk and art music. The festival’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent comes to the fore on Friday 23rd October. A Young Artist Spotlight at Wivenhoe House Hotel introduces violinist Cyrus Yuen and pianist Bethany Reynolds, before the day concludes at St Mary’s in Dedham with monumental piano trios by Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev and Beethoven. A symphonic high point follows on Saturday

24th October at St Peter Ad Vincula in Coggeshall. Chamber orchestrations of Elgar’s Cello Concerto and Mahler’s Fourth Symphony promise to make full use of the church’s evocative surroundings. The finale takes place on Sunday 25th October at St Michael and All Angels in Copford, beneath some of Britain’s finest surviving early church frescoes. Here, the Bruegel Consort will perform latemedieval Marian polyphony, recreating the extraordinary interlocking vocal lines originally composed to reverberate through vast stone churches. Despite the calibre of its artists and repertoire, Roman River Festival remains refreshingly informal. Its dedicated front-of-house volunteers, many of them familiar faces who have welcomed concertgoers for years, help create an atmosphere that is warm, accessible and entirely free from pretension. For full details and bookings, visit romanrivermusic.co.uk

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