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OCTOBER 2026 / £3.95

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MAGIC OF THE MOVIES

Leeds International Film Festival returns aa

S P EC I AL Over 30 pages of inspiration and insight OCTOBER 2026

• NORTHERN LIGHTS

Exploring the best of Richmond aa

• AFTER EIGHT

The Angel at Hetton celebrates a special birthday

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ABSOLUTELYMAGAZINES.COM

ENVY DRAW ADMIRING GLANCES THANKS TO JOE BROWNS AW26

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EDITOR MARK KEBBLE ART DIRECTOR PAWEL KUBA MAGAZINE DESIGNER MARIANA SUZUKI DESIGNER BRUNA FACCIN PRODUCTION MANAGER DANICA BRODIE MAGAZINE MANAGER MARTIN CUNNINGHAM CREDIT CONTROL MANAGER ALEXANDRA HVID DIRECTORS CRAIG DAVIES JAMES FUSCHILLO, ABIGAIL GARDNER NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEXANDRA HUNTER MANAGING DIRECTOR SHERIF SHALTOUT

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ABSOLUTELY

Contents OCTOBER 2026

68 16

C U LT U R E AGENDA

A B S O L U T E LY H O M E 68 COSY-MAXXING

FRANCESCA PAVIS

Unmissable events in October

Why it's on trend right now

Meeting the Yorkshire-born BookTokker

REAL HOME

Inside a Yorkshire stunner

30 RICHMOND

FOOD & DRINK 42 FOOD NEWS

84 TRENDS

A B S O L U T E LY M AG A Z I N E S .C O M

97 BUYS

The online guide to inspirational living that helps you stay one step ahead of the crowd and gives you the chance to win exclusive prizes.

A trip around the North Yorkshire beauty

The latest from across the county

44 THE ANGEL AT HETTON Marking its birthday in style

FA S H I O N 52 THE SHOOT

Autumn tones from Joe Browns

55 PRODUCTS

Knitwear to keep out the chill

SPOTLIGHT ON

The lighting illuminating our homes

What to expect this autumn

Unique footstools from Ewemoo

E D U C AT I O N 102 MEET THE HEAD

We visit Lauren Blakeley at Queen Ethelburga's Collegiate

107 AI ERA

What we need to teach our children

O N T H E C OV E R Joe Browns AW26 (joebrowns.co.uk)

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ABSOLUTELY • THIS MONTH

LISA BYRNE

YORKSHIRE

YAT T E R Lisa Byrne experiences a whole new world this month

elcome to my favourite time of the year. When crisp, misty mornings greet our dawn dog walk, green trees and bushes transform into vibrant shades of orange, and the smell of pumpkin lattes permeates the air. It’s autumn, not new year, that I’ve always seen as a renewal and beginning, a time to embrace an exciting, fresh chapter. And this year, my personal transformation has been supported by incredible women running extraordinarily grounding retreats. Unlike many wellness figureheads, appearing to promise miracles through manifestation and a handful of supplements, these unsung heroes are in the background, beavering away, helping people find peace in this crazy modern world. TEMPLE OF SHE

I was thrilled to discover that in Scarthingwell is a magical centre called the Temple of She. Aided by the empathetic founder Lyndsay, women gather for various therapies, including Full Moon Sound Immersion, shamanic healing in The Womb Room, and the Wild Women Circle – a ceremonial gathering which has proved a godsend for ladies going through difficult times. What’s utterly heavenly about Temple of She is that groups are kept small, and once you enter the enchanting barn, it feels like you’re going into a different world where magic can happen. Trust me, you don’t want to leave! Over at Baxby Manor is charming Hay House, a spellbinding centre set up by Luna Rose, who is the epitome of a warrior queen, having been driven to holistic therapies after suffering ill health due to chronic fatigue syndrome. Each woman who joined our small day retreat appeared to arrive rather shattered, carrying heavy personal burdens. But by the end of the day, following yoga, meditation, reiki, sound and ice baths, and the most delicious food created by renowned event planner, Jane Nordli, everyone was laughing hysterically. Luna Rose ensured those present had time to share their own personal difficulties. Once tears flowed, it was proven that there’s no better therapy than a room full of compassionate female strangers to break down barriers and bring healing.

THIS MONTH I shall be...

• Immersing myself in a spot of ‘Love Resurrection’ by seeing Alison Moyet at the 02 Apollo, Manchester. • Feeding my uber-spoilt dogs the amazingly nutritious Burns Pet food. • Keeping my glow by taking the fabulous Harrogate Organics Hair, Skin and Nails Complex.

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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 Berry's are delighted to present these stunning earrings, which showcase a remarkable design featuring exquisite emeralds and diamonds. berrysjewellers.co.uk

O N E TO WAT C H We are loving this Tissot PRX 35mm Green Dial Steel Bracelet Automatic Watch. It has a green dial with a waﬄe pattern, luminous baton indexes and hands, and a date display at the 3 o'clock position. berrysjewellers.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

A Home Built to

SAVE LIVES YORKS HI R E A I R A MBU L A NCE

As Yorkshire Air Ambulance prepares to open the doors to its new permanent Northern Airbase, Chief Executive Officer Kathryn Marsden OBE looks ahead to an ambitious new chapter for the Charity, from advancing prehospital critical care to securing a lifesaving service that can continue serving communities across Yorkshire for generations to come. page 34 yaa.org.uk

Agenda 16 • Francesca Pavis and BookTok 18 • Spotlight on Richmond 30 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Agenda

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

EV E N T

The Northern Antiques Fair 8-11 October TENNANTS, LEYBURN Dating back to 1951 when The Northern Antiques Fair was ﬁrst established in Harrogate, this prestigious event continues to be the leading annual antiques fair in the north of England. Around 40 antiques and ﬁne art dealers from all parts of the country set up shop for the four-day period creating beautifully designed stands. northernfair.com

MU S I C

Damian Lewis

Boyzlife

25 O C TO BE R , P I C TU R EDROME

Damian Lewis released his acclaimed debut album Mission Creep in 2023, earning praise for its soulful vocals, rich instrumentation, and emotional honesty. Sweet Chaos is the album that follows from a place of hard-won clarity. Written two years on, it is bolder, broader, and at times more raw, and this is an opportunity to hear it live. picturedrome.net

8 October SHEFFIELD CITY HALL There are few acts that accomplished the level of success that Boyzone and Westlife respectively achieved in the 90s and 00s boyband era. Now, Boyzlife, the supergroup composed of Boyzone’s Keith Duffy and Westlife’s Brian McFadden, have announced tour dates. They’ll be performing a mixture of Boyzone and Westlife’s classic tracks, as well as their own original music. sheffieldcityhall.co.uk

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CULTURE • DIARY

O P E N

SEASON T H E AT R E

Twelfth Night 10-31 October S H E F F I E L D T H E AT R E After their ship is wrecked, Viola and Sebastian are washed ashore in different locations, each believing the other to have drowned. Without her brother, Viola disguises herself as a young man to ﬁnd safety and work, in the home of Duke Orsino. When Orsino entrusts his new aid to deliver his letters of love to the Countess Olivia, it is the disguised Viola who catches Olivia’s eye, causing a tangled romantic web, where not everything is always as it seems. sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

EV E N T

MAD ALICE GHOST TRAIN

This Month’s Must See

1 8 - 2 5 O C TO B E R , N O R T H YO R K S H I R E M O O R S R A I LWAY This immersive event gives guests the chance to discover the darker, haunted side of the North York Moors, led by the infamous Mad Alice. Visitors can step aboard if they dare and journey through darkness from Pickering to Levisham and back, encountering live actors and spooky tales, plus have the chance to discover the mysterious ghosts that still haunt the carriages and stations. nymr.co.uk

The Amy Winehouse Band 24 O C TO BER, VICTORIA THEATRE HALIFAX

ue to huge demand, The Amy Winehouse Band – Amy’s original band who were with her from the very start throughout her meteoric rise – have announced additional dates for their major UK tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of her deﬁning album, Back to Black. Released in 2006, Back to Black became the album that transformed Amy Winehouse from a rising British talent into a global cultural force. victoriatheatre.co.uk

A new festival celebrating outstanding creative talent arrives in Sheffield

heffield Theatres has unveiled the full programme for Open Works, a brandnew annual festival highlighting extraordinary creative talent from Sheffield and beyond. Running until 10th October, Open Works brings together leading names in British theatre alongside exciting local creators. The festival is a dynamic melting pot of world premieres, fully staged productions, worksin-progress, rehearsed readings, in conversations and industry workshops – all designed to champion bold stories, diverse perspectives, and fresh ideas. Expect a stellar lineup of "In Conversation" events featuring some of theatre's most visionary playwrights, directors, and creative leaders. The headline series features Royal Court Theatre Artistic Director and CEO David Byrne exploring his radical, award-winning approaches to developing new work; acclaimed Scottish playwright David Greig (One Day) alongside Roots Mbili Theatre Artistic Director John Rwothomack (Never Look Back) discussing African storytelling on UK stages; and UK Theatre Award-winning director Elin Schofield (Dear England) pairing up with frequent collaborator, writer, director and dramaturg Aisha Khan (Buffoon, A Christmas Carol). Open Works invites audiences to witness the creative journey through three distinct developmental formats: Work in Progress, Rehearsed Readings, and Scratch Nights strands. The new festival will also feature artist-led workshops. sheffieldtheatres.co.uk

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

twist PLOT

Yorkshire-born BookTok star Francesca Pavis is turning her passion for thrillers into a page-turning digital career

t is the kind of career with a storyline worthy of the psychological thrillers Francesca Pavis loves so much. Five years ago, she began sharing her thoughts about books online, driven by little more than genuine enthusiasm and a desire to connect with fellow readers. Today, the Yorkshire-born creator has built a community of more than 400,000 thriller fans across TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, earned industry recognition and travelled to New York to interview the cast of a major film adaptation. Yet, amid the awards, premieres and publishing events, her work remains rooted in something pleasingly simple: the excitement of discovering a brilliant book and wanting to tell somebody about it. Perhaps surprisingly, Francesca was not the archetypal childhood bookworm. “As a child I was always very academic and loved learning, but I wouldn’t have described myself as a bookworm,” she says. “Reading for me was more associated with studying. However, I was read to every night by my dad, so the magic of reading was there throughout childhood. It does make my

career direction more surprising, given I didn’t always have my nose in a book.” There were, nevertheless, stories that captured her imagination. “I remember loving The Famous Five series by Enid Blyton and Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney as a child,” she says. Growing up in the Yorkshire countryside also meant that life was not lived entirely between the pages. “I was very much encouraged to get outdoors.” As she grew older, her interests began to point towards the genre that would eventually define her career. “Having a keen interest in psychology and going on to study this at university definitely played a role in my love for psychological thrillers specifically.” That fascination with the darker reaches of the human mind now sits at the heart of Francesca’s online identity. Rather than attempting to cover every corner of the literary world, she has established herself as a trusted voice on thrillers and horror, recommending everything from eagerly anticipated releases to overlooked novels deserving of a second life. It is a niche, but a substantial and highly engaged one.

“I didn’t ever think I’d be on the other side of it,” she says of becoming a professional content creator. “Every book I talked about at the beginning of my career, and continue to talk about, is from a place of genuine enjoyment.” Her previous experience in marketing gave her an understanding of social media from a commercial perspective, but her own following developed naturally. “My accounts grew so organically that it took several opportunities coming in before it started feeling like more than a hobby. But even now, I’m doing the exact same thing I started doing five years ago: reading books that I enjoy and sharing them with other thriller lovers.” That consistency has proved vital. In an online landscape filled with recommendations, Francesca has given her audience a clear reason to return. “For me, it’s having an area of fiction – thriller books – that I talk about almost exclusively,” she explains. “When people want a thriller book specifically, they know where to go, as opposed to a ‘book recommendation’ in general, as this can be so broad.” A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • INTERVIEW

FRANCESCA INTERVIEWED THE CAST OF THE HOUSEMAID

Equally important is the sense that her verdicts can be trusted. “I’ve never been afraid to show my true authentic self, and while even the word authentic has become somewhat of a buzzword, it’s more important now than ever,” she says. “I’ve always been willing to love a book that nobody is talking about, to bring true gems to the top of my audience’s TBR – to be read – pile.” As followers come to understand her tastes, the relationship becomes less like that of a broadcaster and audience and more like a conversation between friends. “People who have similar taste to me will continue to come back for more recommendations. I’ve always seen it as recommending books like I would to a friend, but to my online community instead.” This ability to match books with readers is part of a much wider change in publishing. BookTok and its neighbouring communities have transformed how titles are discovered, discussed and, ultimately, sold. “Where previously you would rely solely on friend recommendations or the bestseller list, now these online communities like mine are acting as friends who have the exact same taste as you,” Francesca says. “So you know you’re going to love or hate a book.” Francesca’s Yorkshire upbringing continues to influence how she approaches a career that takes place largely on screen. “Growing up in Yorkshire grounded me in the offline world and spending as much time outdoors as possible,” she says. “This has now definitely factored into my personal life and how I love to read – surprise, surprise – outdoors. Even in the cold of winter, I’ll just take another blanket!” What does a typical week for her look like? “First and foremost, reading,” Francesca starts. “It still feels surreal to call it work,

“Tweak your perception of reading, get a taste of what you enjoy” but it is, of course, the basis of everything I create.” She balances forthcoming releases with older titles so that her recommendations remain varied, while also researching books that may deserve a place on her own TBR pile. “Then, of course, there’s filming new content, which is absolutely the best part of my job,” she says. “Sometimes I can even talk too passionately!” Editing occupies a significant portion of each day, with content tailored for TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube. There are also comments and messages to answer, conversations with publishers and, away from her desk, creator gatherings, book launches and film events. Her own story has already produced several surreal chapters. “Going from reading thriller books at home to being invited to New York to be on the set of The Housemaid and interview the cast was definitely a pinch-me moment,” she says. “It also changed what I thought my career could look like long term.” Recognition as TikTok’s Books and Learning Creator of the Year and presenting the BBC’s What’s the Book have offered further proof of how far that original enthusiasm has carried her. Even so, she says: “There’s something special about coming home from these events and campaigns to continue my current read, because that is exactly why I started.”

For anybody who believes reading is dutiful rather than pleasurable, Francesca’s advice is to forget what they think they ought to pick up. “Tweak your perception of reading,” she says. “It doesn’t have to just be classics or bestsellers. By trying books from different genres, you can get a taste of what you actually enjoy. Then it goes from ‘I should read my book tonight’ to ‘I want to read my book tonight’.” As books increasingly make the leap from page to screen, Francesca hopes to develop the interview and adaptation side of her work, speaking to the people bringing stories beloved by her community to life. Whatever opportunities emerge, however, the essential premise will remain unchanged. “Whatever projects I work on next,” she says, “sharing my love of thriller books will always be at the centre of it.” Follow Francesca @pavisfrancesca

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REEL LEEDS Festival Director Chris Fell celebrates 40 years of LIFF, sharing its landmark moments, discoveries and enduring audience appeal

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or four decades, Leeds International Film Festival (LIFF) has invited audiences to discover cinema from across the globe, while celebrating the city’s screen heritage. As LIFF prepares to mark its 40th edition, Festival Director Chris Fell reflects on the event’s evolution, its audience-first ethos and the appeal of watching films together. From Oscar-qualifying shorts and boundary-pushing independent work to headline previews and unforgettable screenings, the festival continues to open doors for filmmakers and film lovers alike. Here, Chris reveals what makes a submission stand out, recalls treasured moments and looks ahead to an anniversary edition shaped by discovery, connection and Leeds.

Q This is the 40th edition of LIFF – what

does reaching this landmark mean to you?

A It’s extra special as it’s part of a double

celebration this year along with the 400th anniversary of Leeds starting its journey to becoming a city when it received its Royal Charter in 1626. It means a lot that LIFF has been part of this great city’s culture for 40 years and that audience demand for its programme keeps growing every year. The amount of work that all the team members have contributed since LIFF began to make the film festival happen every year has been enormous and a huge thank you to everyone who has been involved in its success. I’m thrilled to be part of the team delivering the 40th edition and we can’t wait to celebrate with the audience at our venues from 29th October to 15th November.

Q You've been Festival Director since 1999.

What have been the biggest changes you've

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CULTURE • ARTS

witnessed in audiences' viewing habits and what they expect from a film festival? A There are so many more viewing options for audiences today compared to 20 or more years ago, but they still love a film festival experience and one grounded in their local town or city, and they want it to be as accessible and inclusive as possible. I think the LIFF audience is as keen today to discover new films and filmmakers, and films from the past, as before, but one change in their viewing habits with us has been their growing frequency of discovery. We’ve adapted LIFF in several ways to support this development, including introducing a range of great-value passes to increase access to more tickets and expanding the duration of LIFF to 18 days, including three weekends, to give everyone more chances to see more films. Q Leeds has a rich cinematic heritage, from Louis le Prince to today's thriving screen industries. How important is it that LIFF continues to champion the city as a destination for film lovers? A Championing Leeds film heritage has been fundamental to LIFF from the start, and it was one of the reasons it was created. We celebrate and support the city’s historic cinemas Hyde Park Picture House and Cottage Road Cinema, and many of our audience are attending those venues for the first time through LIFF. We

also continually raise awareness of the city’s filmmaking innovators and talent, from new award-winning directors or going right back to Louis le Prince who made the world’s moving images in 1888. Our international short film competition is named after Louis le Prince, and it’s also Oscar-qualifying which means that the winner can be considered for nomination for the category Best Live Action Short Film. Q The festival is renowned for introducing audiences to films they may never otherwise see. How do you strike the balance between showcasing challenging independent cinema and attracting wider audiences? A We present previews of several high-

profile films at LIFF that are among the biggest releases of the year, and they are often in contention for the Oscars and BAFTAs. These films are a great way in for new audience members to experience LIFF for the first time, and we find that many of them return each year and increase the number of films they see. When they return, they usually buy a great-value pass which makes them feel more comfortable seeing types of films they may not have considered attending before – like in a genre new to them, from a different country, or by a filmmaker pushing artistic boundaries. Those types of films can sometimes do as well with the LIFF audience as some of the big previews. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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CULTURE • ARTS

ROCKET FUEL, PHOTO BY JACK BOLTON

CHAMPIONING LEEDS FILM HERITAGE HAS BEEN FUNDAMENTAL TO LIFF FROM THE START Q Every festival has unforgettable moments. Are there one or two premieres, guests or discoveries over the years that still stand out as defining memories? A I really miss cinemas in Yorkshire when they had huge capacities, like the former Odeon in Leeds and Bradford (where I’m from). The Odeon on The Headrow in Leeds city centre had a capacity of around 1,000 in one screen and the atmosphere with a full house for a major preview was electric: one of my favourite LIFF experiences was a sold-out preview there for The Sixth Sense, our closing film in 1999. But we do have a historic alternative venue for LIFF with a similar capacity, Leeds Town Hall, which we convert into a giant cinema, and it will reopen in 2027 after a major refurbishment: another of my favourite LIFF experiences was there in 2019 when we presented Céline Sciamma’s stunning Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Q LIFF has become an Oscar, BAFTA and BIFA qualifying festival. How significant is that status in attracting filmmakers and helping launch new talent? A Filmmakers have thousands of film festivals around the world to choose from

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for submitting their films and they often select those with qualifying status for certain awards. For LIFF, this has meant that we get to discover and support far more new filmmakers, and any British film we select for the programme can be submitted for consideration for the BAFTAs and BIFAs. Our qualifying festival status is for short films, and we have a whole section dedicated to them where we present around 140 each year in a major showcase of new talent. One great local example is Jordon Scott Kennedy’s brilliant Rocket Fuel (available to view on YouTube), which was filmed in Bradford and won our Yorkshire Short Film Competition in 2025. Q The festival receives thousands of

submissions from across the world each year. What qualities make a film really stand out to your programming team? A We have many different categories for submissions at LIFF – including fiction, documentary, animation, and ‘fantastic’ genres like sci-fi, horror, etc. Films can stand out in different ways depending on the category, but often it’s when films move on from ones we’ve seen or shown before – for example, revealing something new

about a familiar subject in a documentary, using animation to tell a story in an original way, or innovating in the use of traditional genre forms. We’re also looking for films that show strong filmmaking and storytelling skills – not necessarily learnt from a film school or university course as they can be learnt independently – and we recommend regular immersion in film festivals to learn from other filmmakers. Q Beyond the screenings themselves, how important are the conversations, Q&As and opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to connect during the festival? A We know that our audience really appreciates being able to hear from filmmakers during intros and Q&As, and often the conversations continue in the foyers or bars at our venues. This increased access to filmmakers for audiences is one of the key elements of a film festival experience and we aim to offer that opportunity at LIFF as much as possible. Q If you could sum up what you hope people take away from the 40th Leeds International Film Festival in just one sentence, what would you like that lasting impression to be? A That there is nothing like exploring film as part of a major shared experience in a film festival, they made new discoveries about themselves and the world, and they love LIFF and Leeds!

The full programme for LIFF will be revealed in early October. Discover more at leedsfilm.com

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A Dog’s life Why I wrote The Book of Baileydog By STEVE BAILEY

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CULTURE • BOOKS

BAILEYDOG AND DADSLAVE

or most of my working life, I have been the person asking the questions. Radio and documentary production has taught me to listen for what people mean as well as what they say. Before radio I had been a secondary school teacher and also an outdoor instructor, those roles taught me how to hold people’s attention and stay calm if a plan unravels. Live radio only sharpened that further; the clock doesn’t care that an anecdote has become overcomplicated and so you learn to find the heart of a story quickly. That discipline shaped my career as a BBC presenter and documentary producer. However, what it didn’t do was prepare me to be the one answering all the questions! Back in 2012 when my wife, Charly, first suggested getting a dog, I said to her that I didn’t think I could actually truly love a dog. How naive was I? I remember the exact moment Baileydog had my heart. He was a few months old, playing tug of war with a rope in the living room, teeth like little razors, giving it everything he had. He toppled

sideways, yelped and lifted a paw, as if he’d properly hurt it. I was convinced I’d broken my puppy's leg. Tears welled up in my eyes. He saw I was upset, put his paw back on the floor, walked over, and allowed himself to be scooped up into a hug he clearly hadn’t needed. He went on to change more than my routine. He made me less certain of my own opinions and more willing to let life interrupt the plans I’d made for it. As time went on his character grew and the broadcaster in me kept noticing the details, the look towards a plate when somebody was eating steak, the exasperated sigh when a request hadn’t been processed quickly enough, and I started to turn them into online posts written in ‘his voice’, translated – not created. Charly and I became ‘Mumslave’ and ‘Dadslave’ because we were slaves to the dog, fed him, washed him, played with him, walked him – and yes, picked up his poos! Baileydog rated the world against standards known only to himself, ‘acceptable’ being his highest form of praise, if he let on something was incredible then us mere humans – sorry, ‘hoomans’ – might get complacent. Over

the years, readers of my online posts didn’t just respond to the jokes I posted. They invested in the continuity of his life, because they’d been allowed into the pattern of his ordinary days, as well as observing the big humorous moments – they even noticed when he started to slow down. ‘His’ final post to the Weimaraner community was written shortly before we said goodbye to him, and was still fully in character. He’d heard us mention Rainbow Bridge, where his appetite would return and there’d be more steak, and he rated my service nine out of ten, docking a point for not producing enough steak sooner. The online reaction to his ‘goodbye’ was emotional and deeply humbling. Many had known him only through the posts I had written on his behalf, yet they wrote that his stories had helped them through losing dogs of their own or given them permission to speak about a grief the wider world doesn’t always take seriously. It was then I decided to complete the book on how my journey went from reluctant owner to the man trying to preserve his life on the page because of the astonishing impact he’d had on myself and many others. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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By the time I came to finish it, I wasn’t simply relaying his life to readers. I was confronting how completely he had altered mine. Graeme Hall, “The Dog Father”, kindly wrote the foreword, he’d laughed his way through Baileydog’s adventures before crying at the final chapter, and called it, in the end, ‘‘the best book ever written. By a dog.” The Book of Baileydog was published at the end of July and yet there are passages I still can’t read aloud without my voice cracking. Grief doesn’t move neatly from pain to acceptance – far from it. I can laugh at Baileydog’s nine out of ten one moment and be caught by the absence of his footsteps in the house, or the instinct to look for him on a familiar path, the next. When broadcasting, I can be warm and honest while still guiding somebody else’s story to the full from behind the microphone. In this book, for the first time, there was nowhere for me to hide. Readers don’t meet the presenter or producer. They meet the man whose life

MALHAM COVE

was changed by one dog, and whose heart was broken when that dog’s life ended. So for a while I’m no longer asking the questions, I am the author of a book – the interviewee, answering them. Trying to explain the power of love you get from living with a four legged friend, and sadly the immense grief that follows when they leave us. That said, the positives absolutely outweigh the negatives and with that in mind I’m pleased to write that our little puppy ‘Cooper’ began his life with us in the summer, and now new adventures await along with a lot of love and ultimately heartbreak. Crazy I know, but all dog lovers will agree. ‘The Book of Baileydog’ by Steve Bailey is out now from Scratching Shed Publishing

Baileydog’s Yorkshire Dadslave says I should share my top ﬁve Yorkshire spots, so, in no particular order, because they all deliver ‘acceptable’ treats and sniffs: Haworth and The Fleece Inn: A village of great wooferwalks and home to my local, where I served as assistant landlord for the best part of a decade. Pub duties included supervising the taps, greeting regulars, and sampling any treats passed under the bar, purely for quality control. Malham: In my book it’s where I discovered my first ever "dogtelly", a proper roaring fire in a Dales pub, after a full day’s walking around Malham Cove, Janet's Foss and Gordale Scar – it’s just what the doggydoctor ordered. Scarborough beach: One lovely sunny weekend, the second my paws hit that sand it was instant zoomies. The smells alone very nearly finished me off – it blew my mind. A little further up the coast is also pawsome for rockpools, seaweed, and several things I definitely wasn't supposed to roll in, but absolutely did. Hebden Bridge: Soooo dog friendly, with lots of quality pubs and some top notch dog friendly restaurants – one even does a Spaghetti Dogonaise. Very ‘acceptable’.

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Dales

G ATEWAY

Castle, culture and cobbled streets combine in Richmond, the handsome Yorkshire town guarding the entrance to Swaledale

ichmond’s Norman castle, cobbled marketplace and tightly packed roofs create the kind of view that has represented Yorkshire on postcards for generations, but this is no museum piece preserved behind glass. Behind those handsome stone façades is a lively market town of independent shops, cafés, galleries and cultural venues, while the River Swale brings a sense of the countryside almost into its centre.

A potted history

Richmond’s story began in the years following the Norman Conquest. In 1071, William the Conqueror granted extensive lands in northern England to Alan Rufus, a Breton nobleman who had fought alongside him at the Battle of Hastings. Alan established a fortress above the River Swale, taking advantage of a naturally defensive position from which the surrounding countryside and important routes through the north could be controlled. Richmond Castle developed rapidly and is regarded as one of the earliest great Norman

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EASBY ABBEY

RIVER SWALE

stone fortresses in England. Its name is commonly connected to the Old French riche mont, or “strong hill”, a fitting description of the commanding site. The settlement that grew around the castle adopted the same name, and its streets still appear to radiate from the stronghold that shaped its fortunes. Trade in wool helped the town prosper during the medieval period. Richmond stood between the upland farms of the northern Dales and the more heavily populated Vale of Mowbray, making it an important place for exchanging livestock, fleeces and agricultural goods. Narrow wynds running from the marketplace recall a time when workshops, storehouses and small dwellings were squeezed into the streets beneath the castle. Beyond the town, Easby Abbey was founded for the Premonstratensian order in the 12th century. The community remained there for hundreds of years, until Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries brought monastic life to an end. Its atmospheric ruins remain beside the Swale, creating one of the most beautiful historic sites in the area. By the 17th and 18th centuries, Richmond was benefiting from the growth of lead mining in Arkengarthdale and Swaledale. Money generated by mining, agriculture and trade transformed the town. Elegant townhouses appeared, older buildings were given fashionable new fronts and the marketplace acquired much of the Georgian character visible today. This period also brought assembly rooms, coaching inns and the Georgian Theatre Royal, reflecting Richmond’s growing social and cultural confidence.

THE STATION

The arrival of the railway in 1846 improved connections with the wider region, although Richmond remained sufficiently removed from the main industrial centres to retain its historic appearance. The branch line closed to passengers in 1968, but its handsome terminus survived and was eventually rescued for a new purpose.

Things to see and do

Richmond Castle remains the natural place to begin. Rising above the marketplace and river, its great keep offers expansive views over the town, into Swaledale and across towards the Cleveland Hills. Within the walls are the remains of halls, chambers and defensive buildings that reveal how the castle functioned as both fortress and aristocratic residence. The quieter cell-block exhibition tells the

contrasting story of its military prisoners and the marks they left behind. From the castle, it is only a short walk to Richmond’s vast cobbled marketplace. Its unusual horseshoe shape and mix of architectural styles reward a slow circuit. Independent shops occupy many of the surrounding buildings, while the Market Hall provides another link with the town’s trading past. The Georgian Theatre Royal is one of Richmond’s greatest treasures. Built in 1788, it is Britain’s oldest working theatre in its original form. Visitors can attend performances or take a tour to explore its intimate auditorium, backstage spaces and theatrical collection. After closing as a theatre in the 19th century, it served variously as a wine store, auction room and furniture warehouse before being restored. A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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VIEW OF RICHMOND

Five Things You May Not Know About

RICHMOND

RICHMOND HAS PLENTY FOR CAKE LOVERS

Richmond’s former railway terminus has been reinvented as The Station, a cultural and community destination combining a cinema, gallery, café-bar and independent businesses beneath its restored ironwork and glazed roof. Exhibitions change regularly, and it is a particularly good option when the Yorkshire weather is less than cooperative. For a change of pace, descend to the River Swale. The waterfalls close to the town centre are especially dramatic after heavy rain, when the river surges over its rocky ledges. Paths follow the water through woodland and open countryside, offering views back towards the castle. The circular walk to Easby Abbey is one of Richmond’s essential experiences. It follows the riverside for roughly a mile and a half before reaching the peaceful ruins, where graceful arches and sections of the refectory and church remain. Garden lovers should seek out Millgate House Garden, a compact but richly planted private garden tucked beneath the castle. Its terraces, borders and carefully composed views demonstrate how much character can be created within a relatively small towncentre plot. Opening arrangements can vary, so checking before travelling is advisable.

Where to eat and drink

Richmond’s food scene combines traditional tearooms and historic inns with an increasingly varied collection of restaurants. For French bistro cooking, Rustique on Finkle Street has been a popular fixture since 2009. Its Parisian-inspired interior provides the backdrop for classics such as moules, confit duck, steak and crème brûlée, making it equally suited to an unhurried lunch or dinner. The Station Café Bar is a dependable all-day choice, particularly when combined with a film or gallery visit. Seasonal menus

place an emphasis on handmade dishes and produce from Richmond and the surrounding countryside. The beautifully restored station architecture gives even a quick coffee a sense of occasion, while the relaxed setting works well for families. For breakfast, homemade cake or a traditional afternoon tea, the Little Drummer Boy Tearoom on Finkle Street embraces the comforting rituals of the English tearoom. Freshly prepared sandwiches, scones, light lunches and generous cakes are served in suitably nostalgic surroundings. Its name recalls one of Richmond’s bestknown legends, in which a drummer boy disappeared while exploring a supposed underground passage from the castle. The Kings Head Hotel occupies a prominent position overlooking the marketplace. Dating from 1720, it offers food and drink within an elegant Georgian setting and is a good place to pause while watching the daily rhythms of the square. Its menu gives familiar British dishes a contemporary polish, with Sunday lunch remaining a natural draw. Tucked into the marketplace, Number 29 Alehouse, Gin & Tapas Bar offers a more informal evening of sharing plates, craft beer, cocktails and an extensive selection of gin. It suits groups wanting to graze rather than commit to a conventional three-course meal, and its central location makes it a useful starting point for an evening in town. Richmond’s pubs still play an important part in town life. The Holly Hill Inn, across the river from the centre, combines traditional character with views towards the castle, while The Castle Tavern provides a welcoming stop close to the marketplace. Local ales are well represented, and both offer the kind of atmosphere that feels especially inviting after a walk beside the Swale.

1. Richmond in Yorkshire is considered the original from which scores of later Richmonds took their name. The best known include Richmond upon Thames, Richmond in Virginia and Richmond in Tasmania, but the name appears across North America, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere. For a relatively small Yorkshire town, it has left an extraordinary mark on the global map. 2. John James Fenwick, founder of the Fenwick department-store business, was born in Richmond in 1846. After working as a shop assistant and developing his knowledge of retail, he opened his first store in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1882. The company went on to become one of Britain’s most recognisable names in luxury shopping. 3. On 29th June 1927, Richmond lay close to the central line of Britain’s first total solar eclipse for more than two centuries. Thousands travelled north in the hope of seeing it, although cloud frustrated many observers. A plaque on Reeth Road marks the line of totality and recalls the brief moment when daylight vanished. 4. In 1606, Robert Willance was riding on Whitcliffe Scar when mist descended and his horse bolted over the edge. The animal was killed, but Willance survived despite suffering a badly broken leg. He later erected a monument in gratitude for his escape; the stone remains on the scar overlooking the town. 5. Richmond’s importance on northern coaching routes brought several prominent visitors to its inns. The celebrated Hungarian composer and virtuoso pianist Franz Liszt stayed at the Kings Head during a British tour in 1841. His visit adds an unexpected note of international musical history to the Georgian hotel overlooking the marketplace.

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A Home Built to

SAVE LIVE S Every contribution to the Big Airbase Build helps to build a permanent northern home for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance

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or most of us, home is the place we return to at the end of the day. A place of security, comfort and belonging. For Yorkshire Air Ambulance, a new home taking shape in North Yorkshire will have a very different purpose: helping its crews prepare for the moments when someone, somewhere across the county, is having the worst day of their life. Near Skipton on Swale, the Charity’s new Northern Airbase is approaching completion. Behind its doors, pilots, technical crew members, paramedics and doctors will start and finish their shifts, train for complex emergencies, prepare specialist medical equipment and remain ready for the next call. It will become the permanent home of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s northern operations, replacing the rented facilities the Charity currently uses at RAF Topcliffe and providing long-term security for a service relied upon by communities across Yorkshire. But while the building is nearing completion, there is still work to do. Yorkshire Air Ambulance is currently raising the final £400,000 through its Big Airbase Build appeal to help turn the new development into a fully equipped, operational airbase capable of supporting its lifesaving work for years to come. The new Northern Airbase will give Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s northern operations access to a much broader range of dedicated facilities. Alongside a hangar and helipad, it will provide clinical planning areas, advanced simulation and training facilities, crew accommodation and dedicated spaces to support staff wellbeing. It will also give operational and Charity teams more space to work together, while creating opportunities in time to welcome patients, supporters and members of the community to the base for selected visits and events. Together, those facilities will help create a northern base that reflects the scale

THE NEW NORTHERN AIRBASE IS AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE OF CRITICAL CARE and needs of the service today, bringing it more closely in line with Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s established base at Nostell, near Wakefield, while helping the Charity maintain its ability to reach anywhere in Yorkshire within a 20-minute flight time and continue developing in the years ahead. Kathryn Marsden OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “Our new Northern Airbase is much more than a new building. It is an investment in the future of critical care across

Yorkshire and a permanent home for our crews in the north. What matters most is what it will allow our teams to do. It will give them the right environment to prepare for the demands of the service, work together and continue developing the care we can provide to patients. “And when its doors open, it will belong to everyone who helped make it possible. This project has been built with the support of people, communities and businesses across Yorkshire, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has played a part.” That ambition comes as Yorkshire Air Ambulance looks ahead to the next five years of its service, after more than two decades of responding to emergencies across the county. Its new 2026-2030 strategy sets out a vision for “a Yorkshire where no one is beyond the reach of world-class preA B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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hospital care.” Alongside continuing to provide its helicopter emergency medical service, the Charity wants to become more clinically advanced, invest further in its people and training, make greater use of technology, evidence and data, and build an organisation that remains sustainable for generations to come. Air ambulance medicine has changed significantly over the years. Today, the priority is not simply to transport a patient quickly to hospital, but to bring advanced hospital-level care directly to the scene of an emergency. Yorkshire Air Ambulance crews carry specialist equipment and can provide advanced treatments for patients with some of the most serious injuries and illnesses. Critical care paramedics work alongside consultant-level doctors, combining their expertise to make complex clinical decisions and, where necessary, deliver advanced procedures at the scene that would traditionally take place in hospital. Looking ahead, the Charity plans to strengthen that clinical capability further, alongside greater investment in education, training, research and innovation. Kathryn said: “One of the things we are really focused on is making sure we are using evidence to guide how the service develops and learning from the best in pre-hospital emergency medicine. We also want to increase the availability of doctors within the service, with a long-term ambition to have a doctor available on every shift at both bases. “More consistent doctor cover would expand the clinical capability available on shift and allow teams to make and act on more complex treatment decisions at the scene. For me, the important thing is that we keep asking what will make the biggest difference for patients across Yorkshire, and build the service around that.”

As an independent Charity, Yorkshire Air Ambulance relies on public support to fund its lifesaving work. As the service develops, it must continue balancing investment in its people, clinical capability and facilities with the responsibility to remain financially sustainable for the future. Five years in the making, the new Northern Airbase represents a significant long-term investment by the Charity. Yorkshire Air Ambulance has committed around £5 million from its reserves to the project, with a further £3 million secured through the support of businesses, charitable trusts and organisations. With handover and completion expected before the end of 2026, the public Big Airbase Build appeal is now focused on raising the final £400,000 needed to help complete and equip the base.

THE PUBLIC APPEAL IS NOW FOCUSED ON RAISING THE FINAL £400,000 Kathryn said: “Yorkshire Air Ambulance has such a special connection with the communities we serve. People support us in so many different ways, often because they have seen the helicopter overhead, know somebody we have helped, or simply want to know that the service will be there should they or someone they love ever need it. “As we develop, we want to hold on to everything that makes this Charity special while making sure we are strong enough to meet the needs of the future. We can have ambitious plans for our clinical care, our people and our facilities, but none of them happen without our supporters.” Now, with the new Northern Airbase moving closer to completion, Yorkshire Air Ambulance is asking people across the county to help finish the job. Every contribution to the Big Airbase Build will help complete and equip a permanent northern home for the Charity and bring five years of planning, investment and support to life.

To support Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s Big Airbase Build and help complete the new Northern Airbase, visit yaa.org.uk/big-airbase-build

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Connemara Pony Sales Europe’s largest and leading sale of Connemara ponies and horses, held in Clifden, Galway – the heart of Connemara. Bringing together buyers and sellers from across Europe and North America, offering quality ponies for every discipline.

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An Unrivalled Offering • Over 200 entries per sale day • Performance & ridden ponies • Exceptional youngstock • Proven bloodlines & future prospects

Seamless International Purchasing • Sand arena, vetting & stabling on site • Worldwide transport • Secure online bidding

2026 SALES DATES • Thursday 22nd October – Monday 26th October 5 day sale expecting 1300+ lots to be on offer

• Saturday 28th November • Sunday 29th November

For more information please visit: www.connemaraponysales.com CONNEMARA_PONY_HP_ABS_YORK_OCT2026.indd 1

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Treasured possessions The Gold & Silver Roadshow events head to Yorkshire this month, an opportunity to cash in on a host of vintage objects

here will be a host of Gold & Silver Roadshows across the North West over the course of October, with special one-day events being held at: The Steeton Hall Hotel, Station Road, Steeton, Keighley on Saturday 10th October and Monday 19th October; and The Norton Grange Hotel, Manchester Road, Castleton, Rochdale on Wednesday 28th October. What can you expect at these events? A Jewellery & Coin Roadshow will be held at the Bromborough Royal Oak. A very lucky couple called at one of their recent roadshow events with a couple of old gold chains and a silver charm bracelet and a bag of old silver coins. They were paid over £1,600 just for the coins alone. They turned out to be pre 1947 silver coins that were normal currency a few years ago and are now highly collected. Like most people, who can only dream of winning the pools or the lottery, a lot of normal households have a hidden treasure of old gold jewellery, silver

jewellery, teapots, trophies, trays and old objets d’art. Why not get a free valuation from an expert at one of the roadshows? There is no queuing and their experts will give you a one on one appraisal of the value of your treasured possessions in a private area, where there are no prying eyes, watching the process evolve. If you like the valuation, their expert will make you the same offer in cash which you can accept or decline at no cost to yourself. Anything can be an unearthed treasure. Any old British or foreign coins. Any old wrist watches or pocket watches. All chains, bracelets, rings and bangles broken or not and in any condition. If you think it is a diamond ring, bring

it along and they will confirm it to be genuine. If you have an old trophy or tankard or any silver coloured items, let them value them for you. Old war medals and old Masonic medals can be very valuable. You will be surprised to hear that they have paid thousands of pounds for certain war medals and even the General Service Medal group is worth bringing especially if you have the original box. Also of great interest are old military uniforms, tunics, hats and any army, navy or RAF field gear. There are rarely any queues at the events and they can normally offer a valuation within a few minutes. They will give you a free valuation on which they back up with a cash offer, there and then. Get looking now in your old drawers, cupboards, and jewellery boxes. Look in the loft and the cellar, even old broken or squashed items of jewellery and silver are valuable. Of particular interest are gold and silver cigarette cases, Vesta Cases, thimbles, candlesticks, trays and all things silver are needed. Pocket watches in gold and silver and all wristwatches by: Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Longines, IWC are particularly in demand. 07378 965411 / goldandsilverroadshow.co.uk

Roa d s h ow e v e nts KEIGHLEY Saturday 10th October & Monday 19th October, 10.30AM-4PM The Steeton Hall Hotel, Station Road, Steeton, Keighley, BD20 6RY ROCHDALE Wednesday 28th October, 10.30am-4pm The Norton Grange Hotel, Manchester Road, Castleton, Rochdale, OL11 2XZ

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FOOD & DRINK

Birthday BOUNTY THE ANGEL AT HETTON

Michelin-star The Angel at Hetton is celebrating its eighth anniversary, and inside we chat to Chef Patron Michael Wignall about special menus, their culinary journey and what ambitions remain. angelhetton.co.uk

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WHAT TO DRINK

TASTING NOTES

GRAPE news

Food news and the most exciting openings across Yorkshire By MARK KEBBLE

Wine recommendations for the month By THE WINE SOCIETY

Premier Idylle Vouvray Brut, Famille Bougrier NV  £12.50 Refreshing, complex and energetic Vouvray traditional method sparkling with a fine, delicate mousse and flavours of baked apple, quince, lemon zest and a long, dry finish. This is a mouthwatering and affordable example of sparkling Vouvray and would make a perfect aperitif.

Undurraga Candelabro Reserva Chardonnay Leyda Valley 2024  £9.50 Chilean chardonnay with a fresh appley aroma and ﬂavour from the cool Leyda Valley. This has been tank fermented and aged brieﬂy on its yeast lees to confer some richness on the palate.

The Society's Exhibition Fleurie 2024  £12.95 Attractive, ﬂoral Fleurie, in keeping with its name, with vibrant red-fruit notes on the palate. Lovely crunchy fresh fruit with a long ﬁnish. Its crunchy vibrant fruit is a great match for chicken, whether chargrilled, stuffed, marinaded or spatchcocked. Since it was founded back in 1874, The Wine Society has dared to do business a little differently. Bringing together a community united by a shared love of wine, The Society is a co-operative and owned by its members. This means there is no requirement to pump profit into annual dividends or bonuses for shareholders – all profits go back into the business. The Wine Society welcomes all wine lovers. Become a member today and receive £20 off toward your first order. thewinesociety.com

Taste of the

countryside AY S GA R T H FA L L S H OT E L

Aysgarth Falls Hotel is home to the Palmers restaurant, which offers reﬁned countryside dining in an elegant yet relaxed setting. Featuring fresh seasonal menus and local produce, it’s a true culinary reﬂection of the Dales, paying homage to seasonal ingredients grown in the surrounding landscapes. aysgarthfallshotel.com

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FOOD & DRINK • NOTES

TAKE THREE TREAT Where to make the YOURSELF most of National Indulge in these Vegetarian Week delicious desserts this month

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BLACKER HALL FARM

Former TV chef, Stephanie Moon, has joined Wakeﬁeld's Blacker Hall Farm as a chef consultant for its on-site restaurant, The Barn Kitchen. Stephanie is one of Yorkshire's most well-known chefs having appeared on BBC Two’s The Great British Menu, BBC One’s Chef’s Programme, and Channel 5’s Street Market Chefs. blackerhallfarmshop.co.uk

B O OT H S

Booths Christmas is coming on 8th October. From nostalgic Christmas classics to exciting new treats, get a ﬂavour of what’s to come with a sneak peek of the tastiest Christmas food to order available this upcoming festive season. Scan the QR code for the preview

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Anything but plain A AG R A H F O O D S

Aagrah Foods is celebrating a Great Taste Award, after its Plain Naan was awarded two stars meaning every product in the brand’s range now holds at least one coveted Great Taste star. The Yorkshire-based family business is known for its authentic, restaurant-quality Kashmiri ﬂavours. aagrahfoods.com

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The feel-good morning movement sweeping the UK is coming to Fodder on 2nd October, bringing huge tunes, coffee, connection and a whole lot of joy. The morning kicks off at 7am with a walk around the Great Yorkshire Showground, led by Rant & Ramble co-founder Leesa Collinge, before everyone heads into Fodder Café for a dance from 7.30am-8am. fodder.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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ANGEL

A sc e n d in g Michael Wignall reﬂects on eight years of evolution, ambitious cooking and creating a true Yorkshire Dales destination

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FOOD & DRINK • Q&A

“Everything has a purpose, without unnecessary fuss”

ight years ago, chef Michael Wignall and business partners James and Jo Wellock took charge of The Angel at Hetton, beginning a new chapter for the historic Yorkshire Dales inn. Since then, it has become one of the county’s defining dining destinations, retaining a Michelin star while evolving into a restaurant with 16 individually designed bedrooms and suites. To mark the anniversary, Michael devised an eight-course Celebration Lunch inspired by the ingredients, flavours and ideas that have shaped The Angel since 2018. Yet nostalgia tells only part of the story. Here, he reflects on the restaurant’s gradual evolution, his respect for Yorkshire produce, changing expectations of fine dining and the team behind its success. He also explains why the surrounding landscape remains central to everything, from the pared-back interiors to the menus, and reveals plans for an extensive kitchen garden as The Angel looks towards its next eight years.

understated, keeping the focus on the landscape. That thinking runs through the restaurant and food: everything has a purpose, without unnecessary fuss. It has been a gradual, organic process. We’re always considering how to improve the experience and business. It’s about never standing still. Q How did you choose which flavours and ingredients deserved a place on the anniversary menu? A The celebration menu looked back at dishes, flavours and ingredients that have shaped The Angel. We didn’t want simply to recreate the past, but to bring everything we’ve learnt into the menu.

It always starts with the ingredients. We look at what is at its best at that time of year and build around it. That might be Yorkshire roe deer, North Sea cod or an Orkney scallop, but it is also about smaller ingredients that can completely change a dish: a particular vegetable, wild herb or berry. You can see that in marinated Orkney scallop with buttermilk, mandarin and butternut squash, or Yorkshire roe deer with salsify, chestnuts and onion. Both allow the main ingredient to lead while building layers of flavour and texture. We balance flavours, textures and temperatures so every course has a reason for being there. Q The menu combines Yorkshire

produce with influences including dashi, ponzu and Tahitian vanilla. How do you retain a strong sense of place? A When you’ve cooked for as long as I have, you pick up influences from around the world. But you’re still surrounded by the landscape and produce on your doorstep. We’re in the heart of game country, so in season we make the most of it. Dashi, ponzu or Tahitian vanilla might influence how we prepare or balance an ingredient, but Yorkshire produce remains at the heart of the dish. Ultimately, we want

Q Eight years after taking over The Angel at Hetton, in what ways is the restaurant different from the one you originally envisaged? A We’ve always had a clear vision, but we’ve still been on a journey, tweaking and evolving along the way. To think we’ve been here for eight years is quite something; it has gone incredibly quickly and it’s a milestone we’re proud to celebrate. We developed The Angel into a restaurant with rooms where everything feels connected to the Dales. The interiors use natural materials, warm woods, stone and neutral tones. They are comfortable and O TL E U LY T E LY. A B SAOB LS U m aLgOaNzD i nOeNs

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FOOD & DRINK • Q&A

“Great cooking is about ﬁnding really good ingredients and treating them with care” every guest to experience something that excites and inspires them: ingredients they know presented in ways they perhaps haven’t experienced before.

Angel now, but helping them develop the confidence and skills to progress in their future careers. That loyalty and shared belief have been a huge part of our story.

Q The Celebration Lunch offered a more accessible introduction to your Michelin-starred cooking. Was that part of the thinking? A Great cooking isn’t about using the most expensive ingredients. It’s about finding really good ingredients and treating them with care. If something has been produced with care and tastes good, that’s what matters to us. I have huge respect for the Japanese approach to food and its appreciation for the ingredient and the skill involved in preparing it. The Celebration Lunch put that philosophy into practice, rather than relying on luxury ingredients to make a dish special. If it introduced new people to our Michelinstarred cooking, we’re pleased about that.

Q How have diners’ expectations of

Q Which people have played the greatest part in The Angel’s journey? A Everyone has played a part. You’re only as good as the team around you, and we’re fortunate to have many people who have been with us for a long time. It’s important that everyone feels they have a voice and can contribute. We encourage the team to bring forward their own ideas and think creatively. It’s not just about what they can contribute to The

fine dining changed since 2018?

A We’ve always taken a relaxed approach

to service. We encourage the team to show their personality while remaining attentive, rather than anything feeling too formal or starchy. Fine dining shouldn’t be intimidating; people should be able to settle in, enjoy themselves and feel genuinely looked after. Diners are much more engaged with fine dining now. Through cookery programmes, social media and chefs sharing what happens behind the scenes, people have a greater understanding of ingredients, technique and the work that goes into a dish. They’re curious and want to know the story behind what they’re eating, which is good for us because we’re curious too. What hasn’t changed is our belief that everything should have a purpose. We talk about detail without fuss, whether that’s the food, service, dining room or bedrooms. Our identity hasn’t changed, but we’ve become more confident in what it is.

Q How has The Angel evolved into a complete Yorkshire Dales destination? A It was always our intention for The Angel to be a destination. I’ve always loved the Dales – the rolling hills, dry-stone

walls, open skies and wooded valleys – and part of the reason for creating it was to share that with people. I want guests not simply to come for a meal, but to enjoy the landscape and everything it offers. We have 16 individually designed bedrooms and suites reflecting the landscape. Guests can settle in with a drink, enjoy a tasting menu and retreat upstairs. Breakfast is a five-course tasting menu and an extension of the experience. Even the moss used around the knives is collected locally, while copper details reference the mines that once operated nearby. The interiors are modern but connected to the area’s history and landscape. The whole experience is about sharing somewhere we love and giving people the chance to slow down and enjoy it too. Q What comes next? A We’re exploring how to become even

more connected to what we grow and produce here, and have land we’re looking at developing into an extensive kitchen garden. The ambition is to grow more of our own ingredients, work with the seasons and bring more of what we produce into the restaurant. It feels like a natural next step. Growing more ourselves will strengthen our connection to where our ingredients come from. We want The Angel to keep evolving, but always in a way that feels rooted in the Dales and the people around us.

angelhetton.co.uk

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FOOD & DRINK • PARTNERSHIP

Festive Dining on the

Swinton Estate Discover an extensive selection of dining experiences

AT THE HEART OF EVERY MENU IS THE ESTATE’S ESTATETO-PLATE PHILOSOPHY

hristmas is a time for coming together, and there are few better ways to celebrate than around a table filled with good food. This festive season, Swinton Estate offers an extensive selection of dining experiences, from elegant afternoon tea and relaxed family gatherings to memorable Christmas Day feasts and private celebrations. At the heart of every menu is the Estate’s estate-to-plate philosophy, with seasonal ingredients sourced wherever possible from across the 20,000-acre Swinton Estate. Much of the produce is grown in the four-acre Walled Garden, one of the largest and most productive kitchen gardens of any hotel in the UK, or is sourced from Estate farmers and trusted North Yorkshire suppliers. Executive Chef Steve Darou and his team have created menus that showcase the very best of the season. For a quintessentially festive treat, Festive Afternoon Tea is served in the Drawing Room, where views across the Deer Park, antique details, and a roaring fire provide the perfect backdrop.

Expect delicate sandwiches and savouries, freshly baked scones, and an array of festive cakes. For something more substantial, Samuel’s Restaurant offers seasonal British dining in an atmospheric setting overlooking the Deer Park. Traditional Yorkshire favourites sit alongside seasonal dishes, while The Terrace Restaurant & Bar offers a more relaxed option, with small plates and sharing feasts ideal for festive gatherings with family and friends. Dogs are also welcome in the bar area, making it the perfect choice after a winter walk around the Estate. Christmas Day itself takes centre stage with a five-course festive lunch at The Terrace Restaurant & Bar, complete with Champagne and canapés on arrival, available to book by non-residents. For those looking to make their celebration particularly memorable, private dining spaces across Swinton Park Hotel offer the opportunity to gather exclusively with friends, family, or colleagues, with menus and entertainment tailored to the occasion. There is also plenty happening throughout December. Swinton Supper & Christmas Carols brings three-course dining and live entertainment to the Ballroom on selected December evenings, while Champagne Christmas Lunch in Samuel’s Restaurant pairs a three-course festive feast with Champagne and live festive music. On selected dates in November, Afternoon Tea & Luminescence combines festive Afternoon Tea in Drawing Room the with live singing and access to Luminescence – A Winter Light Trail. Whether you are planning a long-awaited get-together, a Christmas party with colleagues, or simply looking for an excuse to enjoy a festive meal, a warm Swinton welcome awaits. With seasonal produce, beautiful surroundings and plenty of opportunities to raise a glass, festive dining on the Swinton Estate is all about good food, good company, and a little festive magic. Discover the full range of Christmas dining experiences, menus, dates and availability at swintonestate.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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FA S H I O N

Happy days

BERRY’S JEWELLERS

A Chopard signature, reimagined. The Happy Diamonds Icons Pendant frames free-moving diamonds in sculptural ethical gold, creating a striking interplay of movement and light. Bold yet effortless, the iconic design channels contemporary elegance with a distinctly free-spirited attitude. Discover the collection at berrysjewellers.co.uk

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PERFECT

Transition

Sumptuous fabrics from glossy leather to plush velvet mark Joe Browns’ AW26 collection, designed to look and feel good from day to evening J O E B ROW N S .CO.U K

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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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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

SW I SS 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

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

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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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T H E N E W FAC E O F

A N T I -AG E I N G At Renovo Dental, leading clinician Dr Beatrice Welsh and Clinical Director Dr Usman Riaz are taking a different approach to ageing

or decades, the conversation around ageing has focused largely on the skin. Serums, injectables, lasers and surgery all promise to soften its visible signs. Yet one of the most influential features in how we perceive a face is often overlooked – the smile. We have long called the eyes the window to the soul. But if the eyes invite connection, the smile is the ice-breaker. More than that, our smile is a powerful visual indicator of youthfulness, health and vitality. Healthy tooth proportions, brighter enamel and defined edges are characteristics we associate with youth. A smile can communicate warmth, energy and confidence before a word has even been spoken. But just as our skin records the passage of time, so do our teeth.

“People think of dentistry as treating teeth,” explains Dr Usman Riaz. “But our teeth, bite and jaws form part of the architecture of the lower face. What happens inside the mouth can influence what we see on the outside.” It is this relationship that sits at the heart of anti-ageing dentistry. WHEN TEETH AGE THE FACE CHANGES TOO Teeth are remarkably resilient, but not immune to a lifetime of use. Biting and chewing, grinding, clenching, acidic diets and ageing dental work can gradually alter their shape and length. Edges flatten, enamel thins, teeth become shorter and darker, and the bite can change. Excessive tooth wear can give an otherwise youthful face a more aged smile – effectively allowing the teeth to age ahead of the person.

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HEALTH & BEAUTY • PARTNERSHIP

The aim isn’t to give every patient perfectly straight, white teeth. The most beautiful smiles have character. You should notice the person ﬁrst In advanced cases of tooth wear or tooth loss, there can also be a reduction in the vertical dimension of the lower face – the height between the nose and chin when the teeth meet. The lower face may appear more compressed, the lips can lose dental support and lines around the mouth can become more noticeable. This is where restorative dentistry can have an intriguing role in visible age reversal. By rebuilding prematurely worn teeth, restoring lost proportions and reestablishing a stable bite, carefully planned dentistry can help reverse some of the dental signs associated with ageing. The objective is not to create a different face. It is to restore what time and wear have taken away. “Your smile could be the best facelift you ever needed – and the best makeup you’ll ever wear. The difference is, you don’t wash it off at the end of

the day. A beautifully designed smile becomes part of you,” says Dr Riaz.

kind of luxury, it is meticulously planned dentistry that appears effortless.

IMPERFECTLY PERFECT Looking younger, however, does not mean looking artificial. Nature is rarely perfectly symmetrical. Real teeth have subtle variations in shape, texture, translucency and position – and these tiny imperfections give a smile character. Dr Welsh and Dr Riaz embrace the concept of the ‘imperfectly perfect’ smile – cosmetic dentistry designed around the individual rather than an idealised template. “The aim isn’t to give every patient perfectly straight, perfectly white teeth,” explains Dr Welsh. “The most beautiful smiles have character. You should notice the person first, not their dentistry.” Modern cosmetic dentistry can preserve and sometimes deliberately recreate, these natural nuances. It is a quieter

THE ARCHITECTURE OF YOUTH At Renovo Dental, tooth length, bite, gum architecture, tooth wear, facial proportions and lip support are considered together. Digital scanning, photography and advanced 3D planning allow these relationships to be studied before treatment begins. Treatment might involve whitening, composite bonding, ceramic restorations, orthodontics, replacing missing teeth or rehabilitation of worn teeth. But sometimes the most important decision is knowing when not to treat. Instead of simply asking, How can we make this smile look better, modern dentistry asks how can we help this smile age better? For Dr Welsh and Dr Riaz, the future is about individuality over uniformity, preservation over unnecessary intervention and longevity over trends. Sophisticated anti-ageing is not necessarily about looking 20 years younger. It is about restoring the cues of health, vitality and youthfulness, while preserving what makes a smile natural and unmistakably yours. R E N OVO D E N TA L Pendle House, Clitheroe Road, Chatburn, BB7 4JY 01200 441000 | hello@renovodental.co.uk renovodental.co.uk

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DECADES IN DESIGN FRENCH BEDROOM

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, French Bedroom continues to bring romance, elegance and a touch of Parisian charm to British homes. Founded by Georgia Metcalfe, the brand has grown from a passion for beautiful French-inspired furniture into a much-loved interiors destination, offering sumptuous beds, luxurious linens, statement lighting and decorative details designed to make every bedroom feel truly special. frenchbedroom.co.uk

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INTERIORS NEWS

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COSY- MA X XI NG

p72

REAL HOME

p76

SPOTLIGHT ON

p84

AUTUMN TRENDS

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INTERIORS N OT E S Ideas, designs and styles for your home By PENDLE HARTE

COLOUR

M ATC H HABITAT

Colour is key in Habitat's new AW26 collection, where easy pieces such as this buttercup yellow trolley pair with 70s-inspired upholstered seating. A strong collection of decorative accessories includes ceramics, glassware and textiles. habitat.co.uk

SOFT TOUCH HYDE & HARE

Hyde & Hare is the home of natural fibres, a British-born luxury lifestyle brand rooted in the concept of Hygge. Drawing on age-old traditions and the inherent beauty of natural materials, the brand curates a collection of sustainably sourced soft furnishings, all made from the finest natural and sustainable fibres by skilled makers and artisan-owned co-operatives. hydeandhare.com

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H O M E | NEWS

TAKE FIVE Plant pots

BERGS POTTER Viva self-watering pot, £33 growurban.uk

ART WORK DIOR

HEAVENLY HOMES

BOLD BRIGHTS

Terracotta face plant pot, £32 heavenlyhomesandgardens.co.uk

BITOSSI HOME

Bitossi Home draws on the heritage of Bitossi Ceramiche, a historic Tuscan manufacturer with over 150 years of expertise in Italian ceramics. Building on this artisanal legacy, the brand reinterprets the world of tableware through a contemporary design vision that blends craftsmanship, creativity and originality. bitossihome.it

Part of the Dioriviera capsule, this square pillow showcases the Dior Arabesque motif drawing inspiration from the work of artist Christian Bérard with a colourful floral pattern, elevated by Jonathan Anderson's hallmark Dior Médaillon signature, £1,050. dior.com

HAY Flower pot with saucer, £55 nordicnest.com

ALBERT & MOO Checked mini plant pot, £10 albertandmoo.com

POTS OF FUN VILLA BOLOGNA

FERM

Founded, confusingly, not in Italy at all but in Malta, Villa Bologna Pottery has been using the same traditional methods to make each piece since the 1920s. These are stylish, highly collectible pieces with lots of character. villabolognapottery.com

Evoke pot low, £225 fermliving.co.uk

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Settle in The Creative Director of Yorkshire-based flooring brand Hug Rug on why it’s all about cosy-maxxing this autumn By L I Z Z I E M O S L E Y

s another autumn approaches, with darker nights and colder temperatures on their way, many of us are looking to reinvent our homes to create cosy, inviting spaces ahead of the winter months. The new trend of ‘cosy-maxxing’ is the perfect way to transform your home into a warm, inviting space this season, ready to curl up and relax, escaping the crisp weather. Our homes are our sanctuaries, and we’re always looking for ways to make our spaces feel cosier – especially during autumn and winter. ‘Cosy-maxxing’ is all about designing with comfort and warmth in front of mind, imbuing interiors with a cosy and inviting atmosphere. The trend encourages us to consider all the choices that really bring a room to life, including everything from texture to colour and pattern.

There are many ways you can achieve this feeling in your own home. Heritage patterns that feel nostalgic and familiar are a great way to create a comforting space. To create a truly restful atmosphere, look to warm tones and soft accents; ambient lighting and plush textures will make your space feel snug and enhance feelings of wellbeing. With cosy-maxxing, more is more: don’t be afraid to layer, or to mix and match different textures to enhance the snug, cocooning feeling.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT COLOUR SCHEME

Picking the right colour palette is important for achieving an autumnal feel. Earthy tones and warm neutrals are key colours for this time of year. Shades like olive green, mustard yellow and deep browns are incredibly versatile and will bring a sense of calm and comfort to interiors.

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ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF HUG RUG

H O M E | DESIGN

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H O M E | DESIGN

With the cosy-maxxing trend, more is more: don't be afraid to layer or to mix and match Calming and grounded, grey is also a timeless neutral. This season, we’re seeing a move away from cooler greys with blue undertones towards warmer greys and greige, which make interiors feel inviting and restful. If you’re looking to achieve more depth, experiment with layering greys. Consider a mix of textures, shades and materials to create a cosy, tonal scheme with contrast and interest. With the cosy-maxxing trend, more is more: don’t be afraid to layer, or to mix and match to enhance the snug, cocooning feeling.

DECORATING FROM THE GROUND UP

Rugs are the perfect way to add warmth and a cosier atmosphere by introducing a softer feel underfoot. For maximum impact, layer rugs with each other or over carpet, which adds comfort and visual interest to the home. You can then layer other plush accessories like cushions and throws throughout the space, which make

homes feel truly welcoming and lived-in – a space to relax and unwind. In open-plan rooms, rugs can be used to zone and carve out defined areas within larger spaces for reading, lounging and relaxing, which can bring an enhanced sense of cosiness to bigger interiors that might otherwise feel bare. A rug can be used to anchor pieces of furniture such as a sofa, armchair or coffee table to define your living room or to highlight a cosy reading corner. In any space, texture plays an important role, adding tactile softness for a sense of comfort and relaxation. The great thing about washable rugs, plush doormats and accessories is they are easy to store away and switch out for seasonal decor upgrades, allowing you to cosymaxx to your heart’s desire in the autumn and reinvent your space again when spring comes around.

ELEVATING EVERY SPACE

Achieving a cosy environment isn’t confined to your living spaces. You can

create little moments of everyday comfort throughout the home. Your hallway is a great place to start. It’s the first place you enter and the last space you’re in before leaving, so it sets the tone for the entire home. It’s important to decorate this area with style and comfort in mind, creating an inviting atmosphere right from the very beginning. Runners are perfect for achieving the cosy-maxxing aesthetic in the hallway, providing a warm welcome every time you step into your home. Consider using designs with traditional patterns, which are becoming increasingly popular this autumn as they provide a welcoming and nostalgic feel to the entryway. Adding an outdoor mat is also an easy way to decorate your entryway, injecting personality and cosiness from the first step. They also have the added benefit of also protecting your floors from the dirt and mud outside during the colder months.

hugrug.co.uk

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M O D E R N OUTLOOK 72

Kingsfield House brings bold contemporary architecture, flexible interiors and far-reaching countryside views to the edge of Carthorpe

here is a particular skill involved in designing a contemporar y countr y house. The architecture needs to make a statement without fighting its rural surroundings, while the interiors must feel impressive yet comfortable enough for everyday family life. Kingsfield House, on the edge of Carthorpe near Bedale, achieves that balance with considerable confidence. Surrounded by open North Yorkshire countryside, the five-bedroom home has been conceived around three essential elements: light, space and landscape. Its elegant brick elevations give the building a reassuring sense of permanence, but behind them lies an unapologetically modern home covering 4,468 sq ft. Every principal room has been

positioned to draw in daylight, frame a garden view or strengthen the connection between indoors and out. The sense of scale is established immediately inside the double-height reception hall. Rather than being treated simply as a place to pass through, this is a dramatic introduction to the house and the starting point for a series of interconnected living spaces. Generous proportions are balanced by clean architectural lines, ensuring the interior feels calm and considered rather than overwhelming. At the heart of Kingsfield House is its expansive kitchen, dining and sitting space. Extending to more than 34 feet at its widest point, it reflects the way many families now want to live: cooking, eating and relaxing together in one sociable room. Distinct areas give each activity its own identity, yet the open arrangement allows conversation and movement to flow easily between them.

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H O M E | REAL HOME

It is an interior designed for entertaining, but not at the expense of practicality. An integrated surround-sound system adds atmosphere for gatherings, while the relationship with the terraces makes it possible for parties to spread naturally outdoors. The kitchen may command attention, but a separate sitting room offers a quieter alternative when a greater sense of retreat is required. Flexibility is another of the house’s defining strengths. Five reception spaces provide scope for family life to change throughout the day, while a dedicated office and separate study recognise that working from home has become a permanent consideration in residential design. Keeping the two spaces apart allows more than one member of the household to work privately without sacrificing a bedroom or taking over a communal room. There is also a gym, removing the need for exercise equipment to compete with the interiors

elsewhere. A substantial boot room provides a practical transition between garden and home – an especially useful detail in a rural setting where muddy footwear, dogs and outdoor pursuits are likely to be part of daily life. Upstairs, the principal bedroom measures 21ft in length and is accompanied by its own dressing room and bathroom. Four further bedrooms and bathrooms create generous accommodation for family and guests, without the morning queues associated with a more conventional layout. A separate wing has been configured as a self-contained apartment, introducing another layer of versatility. It could provide independence for older children, visiting relatives or live-in support, while making Kingsfield House particularly well suited to multi-generational living. A lift links the floors, ensuring the home can adapt to its residents’

It is an interior designed for entertaining, but not at the expense of practicality

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needs over time and making its generous proportions easier to navigate. The dialogue between house and landscape continues outside. Expansive terraces provide a series of places to sit, dine and entertain, softened by architectural planting and a generous lawn. A detached outbuilding contains a covered outdoor kitchen and sunroom, creating an allseason destination rather than a space reserved only for the warmest summer afternoons. Beyond the more formally arranged garden lies a private wildflower meadow. This looser, naturalistic landscape provides an effective counterpoint to the precision of the architecture, while opening the house towards uninterrupted rural views. It also reflects a wider movement in garden design away from immaculate expanses alone and towards planting that feels rooted in its surroundings. Despite this country setting, Kingsfield House remains well connected. Bedale is around 10 minutes away, while Harrogate can be reached in approximately 35 minutes and York in 40. Northallerton and Thirsk stations are both around 15 minutes away, with direct rail services from Northallerton to London King’s Cross taking approximately two hours and 12 minutes. Its five bedrooms, five bathrooms and five reception rooms are impressive on paper, but its real appeal lies in how those spaces work together. Kingsfield House demonstrates that bold contemporary design can belong in the Yorkshire countryside – and that architectural drama is at its most successful when it also makes everyday life feel effortless. Carthorpe in Bedale has a guide price of £1,400,000. Find out more at struttandparker.com

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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 76

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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 L AMPS 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 offer 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 offer 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 effortless elegance.

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L AY E R E D

LIGHTING Creating a cosy home for autumn

s the days grow shorter and evenings draw in, lighting becomes one of the most important elements in creating a warm and inviting home. Autumn is the perfect time to rethink how we illuminate our spaces, moving away from bright, uniform overhead lighting in favour of a more considered approach. The secret? Layering your lighting. Rather than relying on a single central light source, layered lighting combines different types of illumination throughout a room. Think a statement pendant overhead, a pair of wall lights, a table lamp on a sideboard and, now, a carefully positioned light tucked into a bookshelf or cosy corner. By combining different sources at varying heights, you can create depth, warmth and a welcoming atmosphere that changes with the time of day.

PUTTING BOOKSHELF LIGHTING IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Marking an exciting new chapter, bookshelf lighting steps into the spotlight for 2026. Something a little different, Pooky’s new collection is designed to bring a soft, considered glow to shelves, alcoves and overlooked corners. Powered by the Genesis rechargeable cell, the new library lights offer complete freedom from wiring, making them perfect for hard-to-reach spots and spaces without sockets. The clamp fastening feature allows the bookshelf lights to be attached almost anywhere and then easily moved from place to place. Effortlessly practical and endlessly versatile, each design can be paired with hundreds of interchangeable shades, so you can mix and match to suit your space. Bookshelves are often overlooked when it comes to lighting, but illuminating them can completely transform

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Rechargeable designs remove many of the limitations of traditional lighting

a room. A well-placed library light can highlight favourite books, treasured objects and decorative pieces, turning shelving into a feature in its own right. Rather than flooding the entire room with light, it creates a softer pool of illumination that draws the eye and adds another layer to the overall scheme.

ILLUMINATE YOUR COSY CORNERS

Autumn is also the season for embracing those smaller, cosier spaces within the home. A reading chair tucked into the corner of a living room, a window seat or a little alcove can all benefit from their own source of light. For reading nooks, consider combining a directional wall or library light with a softer table lamp nearby. The result is practical enough for reading while still contributing to the wider ambience of the room. In an alcove, a small lamp can bring an otherwise dark space to life, while a rechargeable light offers the flexibility to position illumination exactly where it is needed. The beauty of these smaller pools of light is that they don’t need to be bright. In fact, keeping them warm and gentle helps to create the cosy feeling we naturally crave as the temperature drops outside.

THINK BEYOND THE MAIN LIGHT

One of the easiest ways to make a room feel more inviting is simply to switch off the main overhead light and turn on several smaller sources instead. Try a table lamp on a console, wall lights either side of a sofa and a library light illuminating a bookshelf. Each source will create its own pool of light, giving the room a sense of depth and making it feel instantly more intimate. The same principle can be applied throughout the home. In a bedroom, use bedside lamps alongside a wall light or softly illuminated dressing area. In a hallway, consider a wall light to pick out artwork or architectural details. Even a kitchen can benefit from layered illumination, combining practical task lighting with decorative wall lights and softer lighting in dining or seating areas.

LIGHTING THAT WORKS AROUND YOU

As our homes become increasingly flexible, lighting needs to be flexible too. Rechargeable designs remove many of the limitations of traditional lighting, allowing you to experiment with placement without worrying about where the nearest socket is. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your lighting as the seasons change. Moving a lamp, introducing a new shade or adding a small pool of light to an overlooked corner can make a surprising difference. For autumn, focus on allowing each light source to work together to create a layered, inviting scheme. Ultimately, good lighting is about more than simply brightening a room. It’s about creating an atmosphere, drawing attention to the details you love and making your home feel welcoming as the evenings get longer. This autumn, look beyond the ceiling and consider the spaces in between. Bookshelves, alcoves and cosy corners might just be where the magic happens. Discover more at pooky.com A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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The Art of

AUTUMN LIVING As the seasons change, warm colours, tactile surfaces and thoughtful details can transform our homes into inviting spaces to enjoy throughout autumn and beyond

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H O M E | PARTNERSHIP

utumn has a way of changing how we think about home. As evenings draw in and temperatures begin to fall, we naturally spend more time indoors — cooking, entertaining, relaxing and retreating from the world outside. It’s also the perfect time to consider how our surroundings make us feel. Creating a welcoming home doesn’t necessarily mean following the latest trend. Often, it’s about choosing beautiful materials, warmer colours and considered details that bring comfort and character to everyday spaces.

EMBRACE WARMTH AND TEXTURE

One of the simplest ways to make an interior feel more inviting is through texture and tone. Warm stone, soft beige, taupe and earthy neutrals provide a timeless foundation, while richer greens, blues and terracotta shades can introduce depth and personality. Natural stone brings its own individual markings and character, while stone-effect porcelain offers another way to introduce the look of natural materials throughout the home. Tiles can provide texture too. From subtly tactile surfaces to statement feature walls, they offer an opportunity to introduce colour and pattern without overwhelming a room.

CREATE YOUR OWN RETREAT

Few rooms lend themselves to autumn relaxation quite like the bathroom. As colder mornings and darker evenings arrive, a beautifully designed bathroom can become somewhere to slow down and unwind. Large-format tiles can create a calm, seamless

Tiles offer an opportunity to introduce colour and pattern without overwhelming a room backdrop, while natural textures, bathroom furniture and carefully chosen mirrors add warmth and individuality. Lighting also plays an important role. Combining practical illumination with softer lighting around mirrors or features can completely change the atmosphere, creating a bathroom that feels relaxing as well as functional.

MAKE HEATING PART OF THE DESIGN

Of course, warmth becomes increasingly important at this time of year — but heating needn’t simply be practical. Today’s radiators can form part of the interior itself. Slim vertical designs make clever use of wall space, traditional column styles introduce character, and a wide choice of colours and finishes means a radiator can either complement its surroundings or become a statement feature. It’s another example of how functionality and good design can work beautifully together.

A HOME DESIGNED AROUND YOU

Ultimately, the most successful interiors are those that reflect how we want to live. Whether it’s the tactile beauty of natural stone, a richly coloured tile, an inviting bathroom or simply the warmth of a beautifully designed room, thoughtful choices can make home feel even more special. Family-run since 1988, The Tile Company has been helping Yorkshire homeowners create beautiful spaces for more than 35 years. Its inspiring showrooms bring together tiles, natural stone, bathrooms, radiators, mirrors and accessories, with friendly, knowledgeable advice to help turn ideas into reality. Visit The Tile Company’s Yorkshire showrooms, explore thetilecompany.co.uk or call 01904 436085 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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H O M E | TRENDS

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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Making sustainable living beautiful

Artisan homeware handcrafted in England. www.tomraffield.com

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M O R E T H A N J U ST A

FLOOR Bringing natural oak into the home, thanks to JS Woodcraft

hen planning an interior, flooring is often one of the biggest decisions you will make. It runs throughout the home, connects individual spaces and provides the backdrop for everything from furniture and lighting to kitchens and soft furnishings. Get it right, and it can completely transform the character of a property. At JS Woodcraft, just north of York, they specialise in creating bespoke engineered oak flooring designed around the individual home rather than a one-sizefits-all collection. Natural oak remains an enduring choice, particularly across the beautiful period properties, country homes and contemporary renovations found throughout Harrogate and the surrounding areas. Its appeal lies not only in its durability, but in its individuality. Every board is different, with natural variations in

grain, tone and character ensuring that no two floors are ever exactly the same. Today, there is also far more choice than simply selecting a light or dark oak floor. Width, grade, texture, pattern and finish can all dramatically change the overall look. Wide planks can create a relaxed, elegant feel, while herringbone and chevron introduce pattern and architectural interest. For something more distinctive, bespoke parquet designs can become a real feature within an entrance hall or principal living space. Colour is equally important. JS Woodcraft’s in-house finishing team can create everything from pale, understated raw-oak tones through to warmer traditional shades and deeper, richer finishes. They can also work from an existing piece of flooring, furniture or interior inspiration to develop a bespoke colour specifically for a project. Practicality should always be considered alongside appearance. Engineered oak is

particularly well suited to modern homes and renovations, including properties with underfloor heating, while different grades and finishes allow homeowners to choose the level of natural character that works for their lifestyle. One of the best pieces of advice they can give is to view flooring in person. Photographs and small samples are useful, but seeing larger areas of timber and comparing different grades, widths and finishes gives a much better understanding of how a floor will look within your own home. JS Woodcraft’s showroom and manufacturing facility at Sutton-on-theForest allows customers to do exactly that, while also seeing where their flooring is created. Because, ultimately, a beautiful wood floor shouldn't simply follow a trend. It should complement the property, work with the way you live and become better with age. jswoodcraftflooring.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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KITCHENS | BEDROOMS | PANTRIES | LAUNDRY ROOMS | BOOT ROOMS

A Timeless Approach to Kitchen Design

Meticulously Made Here at 1909 Kitchens, traditional joinery meets meticulous modern making. Ask us our single most defining character trait and we’d say our attention to detail. We carefully consider every last inch of your in-frame, painted furniture to achieve an individually tailored union of timber cabinetry, worksurfaces and hardware that will live on and on.

Where you can find us 1909 Kitchens by Cookhouse, York, YO31 7PB 1909 Kitchens by Abbeywood, Durham, DH1 4ED 1909 Design Centre, Heighington (by appointment only) Interiors for Living, Leeds, LS15 7JY

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Request your free brochure or book a design consultation Concept Kitchens, Weatherby, LS23 7FG Ripon Interiors, Ripon, HG4 1QW Jolly Kitchens, Richmond, DL10 7JQ Fox Kitchens, Settle, BD24 9EX

Scan the QR code to connect with your nearest store.

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The heart OF THE

HOME Reimagined the Northern Way

or over 30 years, John Wray Range Cookers has been the name Yorkshire, Cumbria and the North East trust with their Agas. As a family-run business with rural roots, we understand that an Aga is never just an appliance — it’s where dogs dry off, roasts sizzle, and family life happens. That understanding sits behind everything we do, from selling reconditioned Agas to fitting the latest electric conversions. At the core of our business is a handpicked selection of reconditioned Agas for sale, in oil, gas or fully electric, and in a range of colours and oven configurations from classic 2-oven models to spacious 4-oven Agas. Every cooker

goes through our own signature reconditioning process, stripped back, rebuilt and restored to like-new condition using Britishmade components, before being delivered with a full five-year parts warranty and 12 months’ labour cover. It’s the way to own the timeless look and feel of an Aga without the price tag of a brand-new one. Increasingly, that’s where our ElectricKit Advanced system comes in. Many of the Agas we sell are supplied fully reconditioned and already fitted with ElectricKit Advanced, giving customers a cooker that looks every inch the traditional Aga but runs as a modern, energy-efficient appliance from day one. Each oven and hotplate has its own electric element and thermostat, controlled through a full-colour touchscreen or remotely via the Smart Life app, so you can preheat before you’re home and get an alert the moment dinner’s ready. Two independently controlled solid hotplates handle everything from a rolling boil to a gentle simmer, and customers can add induction or radiant hobs, powered warming plates, or upgraded ovens to suit how they actually cook. Because it’s fully electric, there’s no flue, no fuel deliveries and no annual servicing to think about. We also convert existing Agas to ElectricKit Advanced for customers who already own one, along with our simpler ElectricKit Classic and eControl systems for those who prefer a different level of control. Beyond sales and conversions, we refurbish and re-enamel tired Agas back to showroom condition, and handle servicing, repairs, installation and relocation across the region.

We understand that an Aga is never just an appliance Whatever stage your Aga is at, from buying your first one to upgrading the one you’ve had for decades, we can likely help. Our showroom near Richmond is open by appointment, so every visitor gets proper, unhurried advice — no pressure, just honest guidance from people who’ve spent their working lives around these cookers. johnwrayrangecookers.co.uk

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Now open at Redbrick

Or shop with us in Harrogate

RED B RI C K , 218 BRADFORD ROAD, WF17 6JF

4 9 – 57 STAT I ON PARAD E, H ARROGAT E, H G1 1T T

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Premium

Cooking & Cooling Walter Dix & Co are the leading kitchen appliance retailer in the North East and North Yorkshire

hether you are planning a new kitchen and want the very best in premium appliances or if you just have a broken appliance that needs replacing, then Walter Dix & Co is definitely worth a visit to see products on display in their Gateshead showroom. In a heavily saturated market, with most retailers withdrawing actual products physically on display, their showroom is a great find to seek out all the finer details and to see and touch get unbiased advice on products. Walter Dix & Co since 1931 have been supplying AGA cookers. They offer a full installation service, fantastic trade-in offers on old for new, have a removal service and offer full servicing on AGA and Rayburn cookers. The company was founded in 1888 and is still a fourth-generation family business. The company's history has diversified over the years and since the late 80s they have enhanced their product lines into premium conventional range cookers and premium refrigeration. On trend lately is the Shaker kitchen and combined with a Range, whether heat storage like

an AGA or Everhot or whether a conventional range cooker all will provide a statement focus on any new kitchen install. The cooking ranges at Walter Dix & Co offer more capacity across one area for cooking than their built-in counterparts, so having a statement piece often coupled with either a built-in cooker hood overhead or a canopy hood can provide that in any kitchen. Range sizes start from a 60cm slot-in, up to more than two metres wide. Premium brands such as LaCornue, Lacanche, Falcon, Ilve, Wolf, Fulgor Milano, Lofra, Bertazzoni, Rangemaster and from AGA, the Mercury and Masterchef are all on display. Other heat storage brands from Rayburn and Everhot are also on display. Cooling and refrigeration appliances can also be found on display at the showroom. Brands such as SubZero, Fisher & Paykel, Bertazzoni take centre stage, alongside their cooking counterparts. If you are looking for inspiration and want to get further information or assistance, get in touch with the team at Walter Dix & Co. The showroom is open six days a week with plenty of parking. wdix.co.uk A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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Save 20%

CARLHANSEN.COM

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DESIGN ICONS FOR DAILY LIFE

Hans J. Wegner

SAVE 20% ON HANS J. WEGNER DINING TABLES Hans J. Wegner’s dining tables are connected by the trinity of simplicity, functionality, and form. Imagined in the 1960s and crafted from solid wood using traditional techniques, the CH327 and CH337-CH338-CH339 tables exhibit handcrafted detailing and aesthetic timelessness. Whether the shape, length, or design, the tables offer easy adaptability embracing the demands of everyday life. The campaign price applies to the selected products and variants from September 1st to November 30th, 2025.

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J O Y O U S

discovery The French House: a little piece of France in York

T You don't need to live in a centuries-old farmhouse to embrace antiques

here is something addictive about French antiques. Perhaps it is the romance of imagining where a piece has come from, or the knowledge that its imperfections – a timeworn finish, faded paintwork or wellloved upholstery – are part of its story. For anyone with a passion for interiors, a visit to The French House in York is rather like stepping through a doorway into another world. Tucked away on North Lane, just north of the city, The French House is a treasure trove of French furniture and decorative finds, with a collection spanning the 17th to 20th centuries. Think characterful farmhouse tables, elegant mirrors, antique beds, upholstered chairs and lighting, alongside French linens, textiles, picture frames, glassware and smaller pieces that can completely transform a room. But you don't need to live in a centuries-old farmhouse – or have a home filled with traditional furniture – to embrace French antiques. In fact, their charm arguably works best when mixed with contemporary interiors. An oversized antique mirror can soften the clean lines of a pared-back room, while a rustic farmhouse table looks effortlessly cool paired with contemporary dining chairs. A vintage French chair in a bold fabric, an ornate bedside table or a collection of old frames can add warmth, texture and personality to an otherwise minimalist space. It is this mix of old and new that makes antique shopping feel particularly relevant today. Rather than creating a perfectly matched interior, French antiques offer a way to introduce individuality and create a home that feels collected over time. They can sit happily alongside contemporary lighting, modern art and streamlined kitchens, adding the kind of character that is difficult to replicate with something bought brand new. The French House's collection is sourced directly from France, with the team travelling to house clearances, brocantes, auctions and village fairs to discover pieces with genuine history and character. New stock is continu-

ally arriving, so there is always something different to discover – and plenty of temptation for anyone who enjoys the thrill of the hunt. There is also a practical side to the romance. Furniture is restored in-house, with pieces checked, treated and prepared for today's homes, while the York workshop offers upholstery and restoration services. For those looking for something more specific, there is also a bespoke, made-to-measure furniture service. Perhaps the greatest appeal of French antiques is that they don't have to be precious. These are pieces designed to be lived with. A scratched tabletop, faded paint or slightly wonky chair isn't a flaw to be hidden; it is part of what gives an object its character. So whether you're furnishing an entire room or simply looking for that one piece that will make your space feel more like you, The French House is well worth a rummage. With its ever-changing collection and eclectic mix of furniture and decorative finds, it offers plenty of inspiration for bringing a little French character into the home. york.thefrenchhouse.co.uk 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 • PARTNERSHIP

No two Ewemoos have quite the same personality

E W E M O O

Footstools

Handmade in Wales with character

rom a simple idea around the kitchen table to a much-loved Welsh interiors brand, Ewemoo Footstools has spent the past 16 years proving that traditional craftsmanship, a little imagination and plenty of character can go a very long way. Founded in Wales by Bethan MorganJones, Ewemoo began with an original sheep footstool design and has grown into a thriving cottage industry, with every footstool still individually handmade by the Ewemoo team at their workshops in Ystradgynlais, Powys. At the heart of Ewemoo is a commitment to making something properly. Each footstool begins with a strong handmade wooden frame before being upholstered and finished by hand. Customers can choose

from colourful cotton twist finishes or luxurious genuine sheepskin, with designs ranging from the original Ewemoo sheep to characterful Highland cows, bulls and pigs. Welsh touches are important too. Selected designs feature beautiful Welsh wool ears from Melin Tregwynt, while special details such as Ewemoo's removable daffodil brooch add another little nod to the company's Welsh heritage. No two Ewemoos have quite the same personality, particularly the genuine sheepskin collection where the natural variations in each fleece make every piece wonderfully individual. Bespoke requests are also welcomed, giving customers the opportunity to create an Ewemoo to complement their own home. Although they certainly raise a smile, Ewemoo footstools aren't simply decora-

tive. They are made to be practical, sturdy pieces of furniture that can be enjoyed for years. The company even offers a reupholstery service, breathing new life into older Ewemoos rather than seeing them discarded – something that reflects the traditional belief that well-made furniture should be cared for, repaired and enjoyed. Today, Ewemoo is supported by a small local team affectionately known as the “Ewemoo family”, with its creations sold through independent retailers around the UK as well as directly to customers. You'll also find the team exhibiting at some of Britain's best-known country shows, festivals and Christmas markets. Over the years, Ewemoo has found its way into homes far beyond Wales, including those of some familiar faces, but its roots remain firmly where the story began. For Bethan, that is an important part of what makes Ewemoo special: an original Welsh design, handmade by local people, combining traditional skills with a wonderfully quirky idea. After 16 years, the Ewemoo flock continues to grow – one handmade footstool at a time. ewemoo.co.uk 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 | PARTNERSHIP

GO WITH THE

FLOW

The essential role of Yorkshire Dales Drainage

hen it comes to the infrastructure that keeps homes, farms, and businesses operating smoothly, drainage and wastewater systems rarely receive the attention they deserve. Yet across rural communities, particularly in areas where properties are not connected to mains sewer networks, these systems are absolutely vital. This is where Yorkshire Dales Drainage has established itself as a trusted and essential service provider. As a family-run business with more than 30 years of industry experience, Yorkshire Dales Drainage specialises in septic tanks, sewage treatment plants, drainage solutions, waste management, and environmental services. Their work extends far beyond simple maintenance; they help property owners navigate increasingly complex en-

vironmental regulations while ensuring wastewater systems remain efficient, compliant, and environmentally responsible. One of the company’s greatest strengths is its commitment to providing complete, end-to-end solutions. Whether a homeowner requires a septic tank inspection before purchasing a property, a farm needs a new sewage treatment plant, or a business is dealing with blocked drains, Yorkshire Dales Drainage offers a comprehensive service that includes surveys, design, installation, maintenance, CCTV inspections, and emergency support. In an era where environmental compliance is becoming increasingly important, the company’s expertise provides valuable reassurance. Their services are designed to help customers meet current regulations and avoid potentially costly issues in the future. Free site visits and detailed surveys allow property owners to understand exactly what is required, while professional guidance helps simplify what can often be a confusing process. Perhaps most notable is the company’s focus on customer confidence. Every new installation comes with a 10-year guarantee, demonstrating a commitment to quality workmanship and long-term reliability. Combined with their 24/7 availability and strong reputation across Yorkshire, Northumberland, Cumbria, County Durham, and surrounding regions, Yorkshire Dales Drainage has positioned itself as more than just a contractor – it is a trusted partner for rural property owners. As rural communities continue to grow and environmental standards evolve, the demand for knowledgeable drainage specialists will only increase. Yorkshire Dales Drainage exemplifies how local expertise, professional service, and environmental responsibility can work together to deliver practical solutions that protect both property and the countryside for future generations. For more contact MD Lisamaria on 07837133116, or visit yorkshiredalesdrainage.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

ABOVE AND BEYOND STON YH URST

Stonyhurst helps pupils flourish beyond the classroom through sport, music, drama, outdoor education, service and an extensive co-curricular programme. These opportunities encourage confidence, creativity, teamwork and resilience, enabling every young person to discover new interests, develop talents and build lasting friendships. stonyhurst.ac.uk

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HEAD Absolutely chats to Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate’s Lauren Blakeley

Q Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate has

developed a distinctive reputation for its approach to education. What do you believe are the key elements that make the school such a special place for pupils today? A What makes Queen Ethelburga’s special is that we don’t believe there is one definition of success, or one mould every young person should fit. We want every pupil to discover what they are capable of and become the very best version of themselves. That starts with our people. We have talented, committed staff who know our pupils as individuals and care deeply about their development. Alongside that, we offer exceptional breadth of opportunity academically, creatively, in sport, leadership, technology and beyond the classroom. There is also a genuine sense of community. We are a diverse, co-educational school welcoming pupils from more than 50 nationalities, and whether they are day students or boarders, we want every pupil to feel known, supported and valued. Ultimately, QE combines high expectations with genuine individuality. We want young people to aim high, enjoy their education, develop confidence and understand that their journey is their own.

Q How is Queen Ethelburga’s adapting to ensure pupils are prepared for the world they will enter beyond school? A The world our pupils will enter is changing incredibly quickly, so preparing them for the future cannot simply mean preparing them for a particular job. It means developing the adaptability, curiosity and confidence to navigate a world that may look very different from today. We continually consider how technology, AI and emerging industries are changing the skills young people will need. We want pupils to use new technologies intelligently and responsibly, while ensuring technology enhances rather than replaces the human qualities that matter most. That is why our approach extends well beyond the traditional curriculum. Through sport, performing arts, STEM, enterprise, leadership and enrichment, pupils develop communication, collaboration, creativity, problem-solving and resilience. We want them prepared not just to pass exams, but to keep learning, adapting and succeeding throughout their lives. Q Academic achievement is an important part of a pupil’s education,

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• PARTNERSHIP • XXXXX EDUCATION XXXXXXXX

but what qualities do you believe young people need to develop alongside academic success to thrive in life? A Academic achievement is important, and we are proud of the standards our pupils achieve. But results alone don’t tell you who a young person is, what they can contribute or what they might achieve. Alongside academic success, young people need curiosity, resilience, confidence, kindness and the ability to work with others. They need to cope with setbacks, listen to different perspectives and have the confidence to take opportunities. They also need self-awareness: understanding what motivates them, where their strengths lie and what kind of person they want to become. That is why education should be about developing exceptional young people, not just exceptional results. Q For families considering Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, what can their child expect? A Choosing QE is about much more than choosing a school. It is about choosing an environment where a young person can discover who they are and what they are capable of.

LAUREN BLAKELEY

Every pupil arrives with different strengths, interests and ambitions, and we want to build on those rather than asking them to fit a predetermined idea of success. Whether their strengths lie in academics, sport, performing arts, leadership, technology or a combination of these, we provide the opportunities and support to explore them. Wellbeing and belonging are central to that experience. We have high expectations, but we also want pupils to enjoy being young, make friends, try new things and develop confidence in themselves. Ultimately, we want every pupil to leave QE with strong qualifications, a sense of who they are and the confidence to make their own mark on the world. qe.org A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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B E Y O N D

T H E

classroom How Stonyhurst helps every pupil ﬂourish

ounded in 1593, Stonyhurst is the UK’s leading Catholic boarding and day school for pupils aged 3-18. Set within a spectacular 1,000-acre estate in Lancashire’s Ribble Valley, the school seeks to form men and women for others by nurturing each pupil’s academic, sporting, creative, spiritual and emotional journey. Stonyhurst’s latest Independent Schools Inspectorate report, published in May 2026, provides a strong endorsement of the educational approach that has shaped generations of pupils for more than four centuries. The inspection confirmed that Stonyhurst meets all the relevant Independent School Standards and identified its co-curricular provision as a Significant Strength

– an important distinction within the current ISI inspection framework. Inspectors stated that “the cocurricular programme promotes pupils’ wellbeing particularly effectively and is a significant strength of the school”. This recognition reflects the central role that experiences beyond the classroom play throughout a Stonyhurst education, from Pre-Prep through to Higher Line (Sixth Form). Academic ambition is complemented by opportunities that support pupils’ confidence, character formation, wellbeing and personal development. Rooted in the Jesuit tradition, Stonyhurst encourages young people to grow intellectually, socially, spiritually and emotionally. From the earliest years, children are encouraged to explore, question and discover. As they progress through the school, they encounter an increasingly broad

STONYHURST ENCOURAGES YOUNG PEOPLE TO GROW INTELLECTUALLY, SOCIALLY AND SPIRITUALLY

EDUCATION • PARTNERSHIP

programme encompassing leadership, service, Catholic formation, sport, music, drama, outdoor education and academic enrichment. With more than 80 activities available, pupils might represent Stonyhurst in sport, perform on stage, debate global issues, serve local communities or take part in specialist academic societies. Each experience encourages pupils to challenge themselves, work with others and develop interests that can last well beyond their school years. Individual talents are further supported through scholarship opportunities in Academica, Music, Drama and Musical Theatre, Art and Design, and Sport, alongside specialist pathways and enrichment opportunities. Welcoming the inspection findings, William Doherty, Head of Stonyhurst, said: “The recent ISI inspection and the performance of Stonyhurst in not only meeting all standards but also achieving a significant strength in our co-curricular programme provide an outstanding springboard for our future aspirations. “We hold true to the mindset that innovation is our tradition, that our faith does justice, that our pursuit of academic excellence is complemented by our holistic co-curricular programme and that we form our pupils as impactful global citizens with a true understanding of human excellence as men and women for others.” Join us for our Whole School Open Day on Saturday 3rd October or arrange a private visit.

stonyhurst.ac.uk 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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PROPERTY

Halifax Road, Calderdale HD6 OFFERS OVER

£2,000,000

lead Hall is an impressive Grade II listed

residence of exceptional character S period believed to have been built in 1636. Providing more than 8,800 sq ft of accommodation, the property retains a remarkable wealth of original architectural detail, including intricate oak panelling, stained glass windows, and carved fireplaces and panelling.

STRUTT & PARKER HARROGATE

01423 205442 struttandparker.com

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PROPERTY • FOCUS

MONEY CAN BUY… A stunning detached home in Mirﬁeld takes centre stage this month WHERE Situated within the sought-after setting of Knowl Park Gardens, Mirfield, the property enjoys a prestigious residential position. WHAT An exceptional six-bedroom detached residence offering luxurious contemporary family living, outstanding leisure facilities and beautifully landscaped grounds in Mirfield. INSIDE Arranged over three floors, the accommodation has been thoughtfully designed for both sophisticated entertaining and modern family life. The stunning open-plan kitchen, dining and family space forms the heart of the home, with expansive glazing drawing natural light into the interiors and creating a seamless connection with the landscaped gardens. A spacious formal lounge, private study, guest cloakroom and practical pantry provide additional flexibility. Six beautifully appointed double bedrooms include a luxurious principal suite with dressing room and elegant en-suite bathroom. Above the integral garage, an outstanding lifestyle suite incorporates a spectacular cinema room with feature double doors opening onto a Juliet balcony, alongside an additional double bedroom and stylish shower room. OUTSIDE The beautifully landscaped gardens provide a truly exceptional private retreat. Expansive porcelain terraces, frameless glass balustrades, manicured lawns and mature trees create a wonderful combination of privacy and tranquillity. A heated resistance swimming pool with integrated spa forms the centrepiece, complemented by a bespoke barrel sauna and dedicated wellness suite with steam room and shower facilities. PRICE Offers Over £1,600,000 AGENT Fine & Country Wakefield, 01924 234881 A B S O L U T E LY m a g a z i n e s

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LAST WORD • PLACE

why everyone is talking about…

Harewood

HOUSE The iconic Yorkshire landmark is all set to be transformed

ne of Yorkshire’s best-loved historic houses is preparing for an ambitious transformation after securing major support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The grant will fund the first stage of Reimagining Harewood, a landmark programme designed to protect the estate’s heritage, improve accessibility and share its complex history with wider audiences. At its heart is the proposed transformation of Harewood’s Grade II-listed Bakehouse into a welcoming new visitor centre. The redesigned building will become a social and interpretation space, helping visitors navigate and enjoy Harewood more easily. Plans include a café connected to the estate’s recently opened adventure playscape, a retail area and improved accessible facilities, including a Changing Places toilet. The surrounding Pleasure Grounds, which link the Bakehouse, House and Courtyard, will also be landscaped. Historic views will be restored and new paths created towards the lakeside, bringing different parts of the estate together while supporting Harewood’s commitment to a low-carbon future. Crucially, the visitor centre will provide a permanent place in which to explore the history of Harewood, including its connections to the transatlantic trade in enslaved people. Although Harewood House Trust has researched and interpreted this legacy for more than 30 years, the new space will allow these stories to be shared with everyone arriving at the estate. A Curator of Community Voices will be appointed as part of the project, ensuring that the interpretation is developed in consultation with local people and descendant communities.

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“We are delighted to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players,” says Rachel Crewes, CEO of Harewood House Trust. “This investment marks an important next step in our long-term vision for Reimagining Harewood.” An 18-month development phase will now allow the Trust to undertake surveys, planning and community consultation, while refining the proposals and securing additional funding. The ambition is to complete the transformation by 2030. The Bakehouse scheme is the first phase of a much broader vision. Reimagining Harewood also includes plans to restore and rethink the gardens and landscape, with proposals developed alongside The Landscape Agency and award-winning

garden designer and broadcaster Matthew Wilson. The aim is to create spaces that are more inclusive, engaging and resilient to environmental change. Built from 1759, Harewood House combines architecture by John Carr, Robert Adam interiors, Thomas Chippendale furniture and 100 acres of landscape shaped by Capability Brown. Today, the independent educational charity welcomes around 250,000 visitors annually. Through Reimagining Harewood, this remarkable Yorkshire landmark is looking beyond preservation alone, considering how a historic country house can remain relevant, honest and welcoming in the 21st century. harewood.org

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