Leamington and Warwick Living Mar - Apr 2022

Open Morning, Saturday 12 March 9am-10.45am 

• State-of-the-art 

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• An enriched 

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• Stimulating nursery 

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An Independent Day School and Nursery for boys aged 3-7 and girls aged 3-11

Contents 

A Note 

from the EDITOR 

28 

Delicious 

A Culinary Journey through 

Northern Ireland recipes for Easter 

I’ve been complaining a lot in the 

office this week, and not one of 

my colleagues has any sympathy 

for me. 

But, it’s understandable really...I’ve 

been complaining about my jet lag 

as I’ve just returned from Florida 

- and no, I’m not expecting too 

much more sympathy either! 

When I was little, I thought it was 

called ‘jet leg’ - cue my family 

moaning about their own jet legs 

and dragging their feet theatrically 

behind them post-flight! 

Our competition 

page returns 

04 

You can read about my Floridian 

adventures in this edition if you’re 

beginning to plan a holiday of your 

own - I know travel can fill people 

with trepidation post-COVID, 

but my goodness, a change of 

scenery was just what I needed. 

It’s a State I love to explore and 

there’s so much more to see than 

theme parks and the Everglades. 

A modern bathroom 

transformation 

34 

Key Account Manager Marion Cassidy 

e marion@minervapublications.co.uk 

d/l 01225 984502 

twitter: @LeamingtonLive 

Editor Katie Thomson 

e katie.thomson@minervapublications.co.uk 

26 

We interview chef 

Brian Turner 

Publisher Sally Thomson 

Pre-Press Manager Kate Norris 

Contributors Rebecca Rose, Peter Thomson, Sue Cooke, Matthew Biggs 

Angela Cave and Pete Lawrence. Front cover courtesy of Opies 

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS HQ 

Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton 

Trowbridge BA14 6JB 

t 01225 984 550 

visit our website www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

Disclaimer: The publishers shall not be held liable for any loss occasioned by failure of an 

advertisement to appear, or any damage or inconvenience caused by errors, omissions and 

misprints. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior permission from the 

publishers. The opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of the publishers. 

This edition isn’t short of inspiration 

across the board. We were thrilled 

to welcome top Yorkshireman 

and TV Chef Brian Turner into 

this issue - plus we are serving 

up some delicious recipes if you 

are entertaining over the Easter 

period. 

Also on the home front is an 

amazing family bathroom 

transformation, which we hope will 

inspire you to make your home 

work that bit better for you. 

We’ve also got our usual 

competition page and this one is 

a belter - you could win a boiling 

water tap worth nearly £1000, plus 

a whole host of other goodies 

including luxury hotel stays, 

chocolates and bird feeders. 

There’s lots more to enjoy this 

edition - grab a cuppa and maybe 

a sneaky Easter egg and enjoy! 

Katie 

Katie 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

COMPETITION 

To enter any (or all!) of our competitions, head to 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk/competitions. 

Find the competition and enter on that post, 

using the appropriate keyword. 

T&C’s apply and no cash alternatives available. Winners chosen at 

random - entries made after closing date will not be accepted. 

WIN 

A HOT WATER 

TAP WORTH 

£949 WITH 

ABODE 

Would you like the chance to win a brand new and 

truly traditional hot water tap, specially designed to 

complement a classic kitchen scheme? 

The new ProTrad 4 IN 1 offers 98° steaming hot 

water with the addition of fresh filtered water, 

hot and cold domestic water on demand. 

Unique and truly traditional, this new design 

is perfect for anyone seeking modern 

functionality in a traditional setting. 

Featuring ceramic style handles, 

Victorian detailing and three traditional 

finishes, why not ditch the plastic and live a 

more sustainable, healthier lifestyle with a 4 IN 1 

Pronteau hot tap by Abode. 

www.abodedesigns.co.uk 

Closes 29/04/2022 - 

Competition keyword ‘ABODE’ 

WIN 

A 2-NIGHT 

LONDON 

HOTEL 

Win a two night stay at any of The Resident 

BREAK 

hotels, plus a welcome bottle of wine. 

The Resident is an innovative brand of city 

centre hotels in London’s Soho, Covent Garden, 

Kensington, Victoria and Liverpool, focussed on enabling 

guests to live as a local ‘resident’, while providing excellent 

rooms, in exceptional locations. 

All 5 hotels receive exceptional guest appreciation and 

The Resident Covent Garden is the no.1 London hotel on 

TripAdvisor. Each room has a concealed mini-kitchen and an 

in-room grocery service is available for guests. 

www.residenthotels.com 

Closes 29/04/2022 - Competition keyword ‘RESIDENT’ 

Make a style statement with The 

Heritage Collection Feeding Stations 

that are easy to assemble, strong 

and durable with a robust screw 

connection. 

A Henry Bell Heritage Four Arm 

Complete Feeding Station comes with 

a seed tray and a water bath plus four 

Heritage Feeders – Seed, Peanut, 

Fat Ball & Suet Bites / Mealworm offering 

premium quality. 228cm height. 3 lucky 

readers will win a Henry Bell Heritage 

Four Arm Complete Feeding Station, as 

well as a 12.5kg bag of Henry Bell No 

Mess Mix. 

WIN 

A BIRD 

FEEDING 

STATION 

www.henrybell.co.uk 

Closes 29/04/2022 - Competition keyword ‘HERITAGE’ 

Rita Farhi has been proudly producing premium chocolates 

and confectionery since 2003. Using the finest ingredients, we 

create luxurious sweet and savoury treats for the discerning 

customer. Chocolate-covered fruit and nuts are our brand’s 

speciality. As well as these, we also offer a 

range of nougats, nut brittles and savoury 

snacks plus vegan options. 

Winners will receive a Farhi luxury hamper 

filled to the brim with sumptuous treats 

including filled dates, chocolate 

covered nuts and dipped fruits, 

as well as two hand painted and 

filled bonbonnieres, chocolate 

fruit selection and the brand new 

ganache filled chocolate 

hearts. 

www.farhi.co.uk 

Closes 

29/04/2022 - 

Competition 

keyword 

‘CHOCOLATE’ 

Including a three-course dinner at the 

hotels in house STK Steakhouse. 

Hilton’s latest venture in London, 

the hotel sports a smooth yet 

edgy design, with a quirky look and 

innovative offerings. The hotel is within 

walking distance of some of the world’s 

most iconic historical landmarks and 

just yards away from Millbank and the 

Thames. One of London’s most vibrant 

restaurants, STK Steakhouse provides a 

luxury dining experience like no other in 

a chic lounge – complete with fine dining 

menus, resident DJs and a high-energy 

atmosphere. 

WIN 

£250 

WORTH OF 

LUXURY 

CHOCOLATES 

WIN 

A LUXURY 

NIGHT FOR 

TWO AT THE 

WESTMINSTER 

HOTEL 

www.hilton.com 

Closes 29/04/2022 - Competition keyword ‘WESTMINSTER’ 

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

Design: 

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Jonathan Church Theatre Productions presents the Nottingham Playhouse production 

*13 – 14 May From £10* 

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FROM THE MULTI AWARD-WINNING CREATORS OF 

14 – 16 Jun 

From £10* 27 – 30 Jun From £15* 

BOOK NOW www.belgrade.co.uk 

*Ticket price includes a £1.50 booking fee. No fee applies if booking online.

J.S. BACH ST JOHN PASSION 

Bach’s most dramatic setting of the Passion text is 

brought to life by Armonico Consort and one of the 

world’s greatest tenors, Ian Bostridge. Experience 

Bach’s exquisitely beautiful arias, intertwined with 

moments of dramatic choral intensity in this fastpaced 

retelling of the Passion story. 

Ian Bostridge 

The St John Passion is perhaps the finest musical 

setting of the Passion of Christ and will be 

performed both in the tranquil intimacy of St Mary’s Church 

Warwick, and in its traditional Good Friday afternoon setting at 

Malvern Theatres. 

9th April 2022 7:30pm, Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick 

Ticket prices from: £34.50 | £23.50 | £17.50 | £13.50 

Box office number: 01926 334418 

www.armonico.org.uk 

fli 

“Pure Pleasure” THE GUARDIAN ✩✩✩✩✩ THE TIMES 

✩✩✩✩✩ THE INDEPENDENT ✩✩✩✩✩ BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE 

Registered Charity No1103159 

The leading Baby Spa in the U.K. 

Established In April 2019 the 

sessions are Aimed at 0-9 month 

olds. Spa Babies creates a 

calming environment for both 

adult and baby alike. 

Like an adult spa, parents can 

expect their babies, as well as 

their own senses to be truly 

brought to life with beautiful 

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Stratford 

Literary 

Festival 

stratlitfest.co.uk 

Maggie O’Farrell 

Ali Smith 

Simon Armitage 

Jane Garvey 

Fi Glover 

Justin Webb 

Rachel Parris 

Howard Jacobson 

Jim Al-Kalili 

SPRING FESTIVAL 

3rd-8th May 2022 

Cathy Rentzenbrink 

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8 | 2/2/22 www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

Stratford and Leamington magazine 153mm x 110mm landscape (L) £25.00.indd 1 02/02/2022 12:08


World of Park & 

Leisure Homes Show 

NAEC Stoneleigh 

Don’t miss the UK’s biggest dedicated 

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more homes, more traders, the best 

deals and it’s FREE to enter 

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Friday 10th – Sunday 12th 

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A massive display of around 60 homes 

to view including the latest models and 

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A SUNSHINE 

STATE OF MIND 

Katie Thomson heads on a road trip to discover the diverse 

sights and sounds of Florida 

I 

n telling people about my upcoming 

holiday to Florida, it became clear that 

as a destination, it has a reputation 

filled with stereotypes - the pre-conceived 

notion being that it’s all about theme parks 

and the Everglades. But this vast and 

diverse State is so much more than the 

sum of its parts - from incredible ecology, 

beautiful beaches and parks, amazing 

gastronomy, a melting pot of culture and 

history - all under the glow of consistent 

sunshine, I’d implore you to add Florida 

to your ‘must’ list this year! 

The beauty of the State is that 

however you plan your holiday, 

you’re sure to find something that 

ticks boxes - no matter your age or 

family dynamic. If you’d like to follow 

our itinerary, here’s how it unfolded 

over two weeks: Flight into Orlando 

International Airport - Orlando 

- Tampa Bay - St Petersburg - 

Naples - Miami - depart Miami 

International. Any one of these 

fabulous destinations could afford 

weeks of exploration - but this snapshot 

will give you a flavour of some amazing 

places to visit throughout the State. 

O R L A N D O 

I went to Orlando with an expectation of 

parks and not a lot else, but I left with 

a greater appreciation of a diverse and 

interesting area. If you’re basing yourself 

in Orlando for the duration of your trip to 

Florida, it’s well-worth setting aside some 

extra days to explore further afield. 

Stereotypes aside, the parks are 

exceptionally good - being American, 

they seem to be a on a scale that we just 

can’t match in Europe. Accompanying 

me on this trip was my Star Wars fanatic 

partner, so it was inevitable that a day 

at Disney’s Hollywood Studios would 

be on the itinerary. Home to Galaxy’s 

Edge, the park gives fans the chance 

to enter an immersive world of alien 

planets - including amazing replicas of 

the Millennium Falcon, an X Wing and 

a First Order Cargo Ship. The rides are 

incredible too - technologically advanced 

simulation experiences which thrilled even 

a 30-something fan with the same wide 

eyes as a child! 

Home for our time in Orlando was the 

wonderful Magic Village Yards - a brilliant 

complex about 15 minutes drive from 

the action of the parks, but with all the 

amenities to make for a relaxing stay. The 

ORLANDO MUST VISIT: 

• You can’t visit Orlando without ticking 

off at least one of the parks - the Disney 

Park Hopper tickets will allow you to 

move between parks if you’d like to take 

in attractions across the Magic Kingdom, 

Hollywood Studios and EPCOT. It is 

Disney’s 75th Anniversary year in 2022, 

so make sure to check the calendar for 

upcoming special events. disneyparks. 

disney.go.com 

• Make time to explore Winter Park. It’s 

home to the Morse Museum of Art, where 

you’ll find a vast collection of Tiffany Glass. 

morsemuseum.org 

• Winter Park Scenic Boat tours leave on the 

hour. scenicboattours.com 

• Get to Blue Spring State Park early, as 

parking fills up quickly. 

• Stay: Magic Village Yards Orlando 

magicvillagevacationhomes.com 

villas 

are well-equipped and very 

spacious - with their own private BBQs so 

you can cook up a classic American BBQ. 

There’s also a great pool area - perfect for 

families if they still have some steam to 

blow off after a day at Disney. 

The parks are of course a huge 

draw, but if you can allow the 

time, exploring further afield 

is well worthwhile. About 40 

minutes east of our base at 

Magic Village Yards is the lovely 

Winter Park neighbourhood. 

Winter Park is a picturesque, 

upscale area with 10 tree-lined 

blocks off Park Avenue with 

more than 140 boutiques, 

restaurants and specialty 

shops. The food scene here is 

amazing, as is the vast array 

of independent boutiques and 

shops. The big draw of the area 

for residents are the three large 

lakes - each connected by a 

network of small waterways 

and surrounded by some of 

the most impressive real-estate 

you’re likely to see. Get a front 

row seat for house-hunting 

by getting out on the water - 

the Winter Park Scenic Boat 

Tour is an informative way to 

understand the area, traverse 

the waterways and see some 

wildlife too. 

TAMPA BAY MUST VISIT: 

• Get your bearings in Ybor City with a walking 

tour lead by local history buff Max Herman. His 

knowledge is unparalleled and it will give you 

a far greater appreciation for seismic historical 

events with Ybor at the centre - not least, the 

Cuban Revolution. yborwalkingtours.com 

• You can’t miss a trip to The Columbia restaurant 

in the heart of Ybor City. columbiarestaurant. 

com 

• Check out the Hyde Park area - a pristine 

neighbourhood with stretches of beautifullypreserved 

Arts and Crafts bungalows from the 

1920s 

• Explore Tampa’s Riverwalk - a 3.2 mile stretch. 

The best way to make the most out of the 

attractions is with a Riverwalk Pass - this allows 

you into seven attractions along the river as well 

as providing transportation on the Pirate Taxi. 

visittampabay.com/riverwalk-pass 

• Grab a bite at Heights Public Market at Armature 

Works - a former trolley barn converted into for 

halls, housing a range of pop-up food trucks. 

Take your food to go and enjoy it by the riverside. 

armatureworks.com 

• Stay: JW Marriott Tampa Water Street marriott. 

com/en-us/hotels

Winter Park 

Scenic Boat Tour 

One of the classic symbols of Florida is 

the manatee - the gentle giants of the sea 

and the rivers. You might be surprised you 

can see manatees only 40 minutes north 

of Orlando, in the pristine waters of Blue 

Spring State Park. From mid-November to 

March, hundreds of manatees congregate 

in the spring run to seek shelter from the 

cold. It’s a truly unforgettable sight to see 

so many of these iconic animals in one 

place. If you’re visiting out of this season, 

you can instead swim or tube in these 

crystalline waters. 

was conceived to change the quality 

of city living - being purpose-built with 

aspirational lifestyle in mind. Think lots 

of outdoor areas, a buzzing restaurant 

and night-life scene and wide, expansive 

spaces. We were staying in the newlybuilt 

JW Marriott Tampa Water Street - it 

has everything you’d expect from a 5 star 

city hotel, but with some amazing resort 

amenities too - like the resort-style sixthfloor 

rooftop pool. It’s the perfect base to 

explore the rest of this vibrant city from. 

St Pete Pier 

Naples Grande Beach Resort 

Ybor City 

12 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

T A M P A B A Y 

Tampa Bay has the buzz of a metropolitan 

city, mixed in with a neighbourhood feel in 

its community Ybor City. Built on former 

swamps in the late 1800s by wealthy cigar 

maker Vicente Martinez-Ybor, this enclave 

of Tampa Bay became a cigar-producing 

powerhouse - with over 200 factories and 

producing a staggering 500 million cigars a 

year in the early 20th century. For context, 

today, 300 million cigars are produced 

worldwide - in Ybor City, every family was 

involved in production and immigrant 

workers could buy into a slice of the 

American dream thanks to the philanthropy 

of Vicente Martinez-Ybor, who created 

social housing that workers could buy 

using a portion of their wages each week. 

It’s well-worth a visit to the last remaining 

cigar factory still producing products in the 

city - the J.C. Newman factory underwent 

huge refurbishment last year and how offers 

some incredible behind-the-scenes tours 

of their cigar production. Whether or not 

you’re an aficionado, it’s really something 

to be able to see products being made 

using the same machinery as the 1930s 

and to learn about the city built around this 

flourishing empire. 

I’d highly recommend a walking 

tour to help get your bearings 

and learn about the rich history 

of this pocket of Tampa Bay. 

Then, once you’ve worked 

up an appetite, head to The 

Columbia Restaurant for lunch. 

The Columbia restaurant is a 

local institution - this historic 

restaurant resides over a whole 

block and is the oldest in the 

state. It is run by the fifthgeneration 

owners and is the 

kind of place you wish you 

had in your own hometown. 

The food is amazing, the 

atmosphere unlike anything 

you’ll experience in the UK - if 

you like to eat where the locals 

eat, this is the place. You must 

try the Cuban sandwich and the 

iconic 1905 salad - and don’t 

forget to leave room for the 

white chocolate bread pudding. 

Home for the night was only 

a few streets away, in Water 

Street. This newly-built area 

S T P E T E R S B U R G 

Just a hop over a bridge from buzzing 

Tampa is a special city within a peninsula, 

St Petersburg. Known to locals as St Pete, 

this beautiful area its warm weather and 

for holding the title of ‘most consecutive 

days with sunshine’ at 768 days and thus 

the other name - sunshine city. It makes it 

an absolute paradise for beach-goers, 

We always love to try and eat in places 

the locals enjoy, and Frenchy’s Rockaway 

Grill is no exception. Open-air dining 

on the Gulf of Mexico, this is a fun and 

vibrant place to enjoy a long lunch, before 

a stroll along Clearwater beach. Both St 

Pete and Clearwater have been winners 

of America’s best beach for a number of 

years - and with powdery white sand, clear 

waters and amazing amenities, it’s easy to 

see why they are enduringly popular. 

A must visit whilst in the area is Clearwater 

Marine Aquarium - it cares for sick sea-life, 

and houses those that are not suitable for 

re-release, like its resident dolphins and 

soon-to-open manatee section. 

It’s important to get out on the beach 

during your stay here and our hotel offered 

that opportunity steps from the door. The 

Hilton Garden 

ST PETE MUST VISIT: 

• Head to downtown St Pete’s for amazing cafés, 

craft breweries and art. 

• If you like learning about marine life, book a behind 

the scenes tour of Clearwater Marine Aquarium and 

learn about the important conservation work they 

undertake. cmaquarium.org 

• Grab an iconic grouper sandwich at Frenchy’s, 

washed down with margaritas. 

frenchysonline.com 

• If you’d like some fine dining during your visit, 

there are two musts on the list. Within The Saint 

Hotel, 82 Degrees is the perfect spot for coastal 

fare, craft cocktails and breathtaking views. The 

Key Lime pie was the best we tasted during our 

trip. thesainthotel.com 

• Then, for a truly unique experience, head to 

Spinners Rooftop Grille - as the name suggests, 

the restaurant floor rotates to reveal a stunning 

360° view of the area. Make sure to have the catch 

of the day whilst you soak in miles of pristine views 

in every direction. spinnersrooftopgrille.com 

• Stay: Hilton Garden Inn St. Pete Beach 

hilton.com/en/hotels

NAPLES MUST LIST 

• Get out on the water and get a front row seat 

for some America’s most beautiful waterside 

homes in Naples. The Naples Princess 

Sunset Dinner Cruise makes the most of one 

of Naples biggest attractions - the sunset. On 

our cruise, we even saw dolphins in the wake 

of the boat! naplesprincesscruises.com 

• See world-class examples of botanical 

plants at the Naples Botanical Gardens. 

naplesgarden.org 

• If you head to Marco Island, you must stop at 

the Island Gypsy Cafe for lunch - known as 

“locally world famous” this waterfront hidden 

gem of a restaurant is nestled on the beautiful 

waterfront community of Isles of Capri. 

• If family are in tow, visit Naples Zoo - the 

tropical setting and the array of animals 

are brilliant, with highlights including a 

boat to see primates on their own islands. 

napleszoo.org 

• Stay: Naples Grande Beach Resort 

naplesgrande.com 

Inn St. Pete 

Beach is newly refurbished, with a laidback 

beach style. It has its own beachfront 

bar, Coconut Charlies, which is the 

ideal place to watch the sunset with your 

own sundowner. 

It might surprise you to find out that 

St Petes is also home to the largest 

collection of Dalí art outside of Spain. The 

Dalí Museum houses a vast permanent 

collection within a mind-bending 

architectural gem - it’s well worth a visit. 

It neighbours the spectacular St Pete’s 

Pier - this vast 26 acre site connects the 

peaceful blue waters of Tampa Bay with 

the vibrant greenery of downtown St. 

Petersburg’s parks, creating the ultimate 

place to stroll, bike, dine, drink, shop, 

swim, take in a concert and more. 

unforgettable sunsets. 

If you’re a lover of flora, the Naples 

Botanical Garden is a must-visit. This 

170-acre, world-class garden features 

plants from tropical regions around 

the world. The peaceful lily pad pools 

are beautiful, as are the zoned spaced 

like the Asian, Caribbean and Mexican 

gardens. 

You might not think it, but Naples 

and neighbouring Marco Island 

are great places to learn more 

about the ecology of the area. 

Paddle Marco operate kayak 

tours of the diverse life within the 

mangrove forests - biologist and 

naturalist tour guides will take 

you through beautiful and twisty 

mangrove tunnels, explaining 

how this essential eco system 

works and looking out for 

wildlife like ospreys, pelicans, 

raccoons, turtles and dolphins. 

M I A M I 

A trip to Florida doesn’t feel 

complete without a visit to Miami. 

The sprawling cultural icon, the city 

is diverse and buzzing. A melting 

pot of cultural influences, whether 

you’re looking to fly and flop on the 

beach, party through the night or 

take in lots of culture, it’s all here. 

The Moxy South Beach offers stylish and 

affordable accommodation in the heart of 

the action. The rooms are compact, but 

the hotel’s style more than makes up for a 

lack of space. The rooftop pool allows you 

to make the most of the Miami sunshine 

without the crowds, plus the taqueria in 

the hotel lobby sells some of the best 

quesadillas we tasted during the trip! 

Clearwater Beach 

MIAMI MUST LIST 

• Visit Miami’s iconic beach, or take a 

walk along the promenade at night to 

see it in its illuminated glory. 

• Dine in style - if you want to enjoy 

classic Mexican dishes, Como Como 

at the Moxy Hotel is excellent. A 

marisquería (a Mexican seafood 

restaurant) - with a fire station at the 

centre where the fresh, whole fish are 

grilled to perfection. 

• The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of 

Science is a must visit - you could easily 

spend a whole weekend here. It boasts 

its own amazing four-storey aquarium, 

planetarium, and a six-storey science 

centre. frostscience.org 

• Stay: The Moxy South Beach Miami 

marriott.com/en-us 

N A P L E S 

Naples really is a little slice of paradise - it 

combines beautiful weather, gorgeous 

scenery, high end shopping, dramatic 

coastlines and of course, world-class 

golfing. If you were to conjure up a pristine 

American boulevard, Fifth Avenue South in 

Naples feels like it has jumped out of your 

own imaginings. These immaculate streets 

hum with atmosphere, al fresco dining 

sprawling from beautiful restaurant façades, 

and a host of sparking boutique shops. 

Greater Naples has approximately 90 18- 

hole golf courses, with about 30 of those 

courses accessible to the public. One of 

the private courses is the beautiful course 

at the Naples Grande Resort - but guests 

have the luxury of membership during 

their stay. The resort is spectacular and 

should be first choice if you’re choosing 

accommodation in the area. As well as 

amazing amenities, including three pools, 

most rooms feature breathtaking views 

across the horizon, and in turn make for 

Hopefully I’ve inspired you to explore 

another side of Florida - It’s a state I’ve 

returned to because each time I leave, I 

have a feeling that there’s more to explore. 

I hope this snapshot helps to give you a 

flavour of some unforgettable places and 

sights and sounds of the magic of the 

Sunshine State. 

TRAVEL TIPS 

• At the time of going to press, the US 

still requires a negative PCR or Antigen 

test, plus proof of vaccination status 

for vaccinated passengers. We booked 

this quickly and easily through Eurofins: 

traveltesting.eurofins.co.uk 

• You must also complete an ESTA visawaiver 

prior to entering the US. The 

process is easy and you can register at 

esta.cbp.dhs.gov 

• For re-entry to the UK, you must 

complete a passenger locator form. 

• Make the holiday start early with valet 

parking and lounge access from the 

experts at Holiday Extras - and save ££ 

by booking early. holidayextras.com 

South Beach Miami 

Moxy South Beach Miami 


SEVENTIES 

Revival 

The throwback we can really get 

behind - it’s all about the stripes and 

soft silhouettes 

Bronze 

Knitted 

Midi Skirt, 

£55, Oliver 

Bonas 

Jumpsuit, 

£60, Joe 

Browns 

Broiderie Frill Green 

Cotton Blouse, £28, 

oliverbonas.com 

Kayla Blouse, £42.50, 

FatFace 

Shoes, £32.99, 

New Look 

Phase Eight Tania 

Dress, £99, Freemans 

Ultra High Rise 

Flare Jeans, £72, 

abercrombie.com 

Military Button 

Cowl Neck 

Jumper, £36, Lipsy 

SPRING/SUMMER ‘22 

Trends 

Suedette Jogger, 

£18, F&F at Tesco 

Leather Trainers, 

£39, Kaleidoscope 

Tori Blouse, 

£49.50, Nina 

Coatigan, £65, 

Elise Wide Leg 

Trouser, £55, 

Ribbed Beanie 

Hat, £19.50 all 

FatFace 

Emmy Pointelle 

Jumper, £48, 

FatFace 

Belted Ribbed 

Dress, £38, 

riverisland.com 

Hygge Tunic, £69, 

White Stuff 

BACK TO 

Basics 

Roll Neck Jumper, 

£19.99, New Look 

After nearly two years of home-based 

fashion, we aren’t quite ready to give up 

our comfies. Trends are reflecting this, 

with super soft basics and loose fits 


TONIQ On Demand 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

We caught up with personal trainer Arron Collins-Thomas to find out about his new 

online fitness offering, expanded from his very successful gym TONIQ... 

Your gym, with its fully-rounded approach to health and 

lifestyle, has made national news for its incredible client 

results – what will the app offer? 

At TONIQ we recognise that good health is more than just 

regular workouts, it encompasses taking care of every aspect 

of your body. We have created a solution where everything from 

nutrition, mindfulness, amazing workouts, yoga and more is 

available with guidance from fantastic trainers and experts in 

one place. 

Not only this, but as part of TOD you have access to your own 

coach, ensuring that you have someone you can speak to, to 

keep you on track and accountable as well as supporting you 

throughout. 

We have had some incredible results over the past few years at 

TONIQ and we want to be able to bring those results to more 

people. With the app we aim to give anyone, anywhere in the 

world, a taste of the TONIQ-life. 

As a TONIQ On Demand member you get to join the incredible 

community online, have access to our on demand workouts as 

well as live workouts, Q&As and educational talks. We have an 

incredible coaching team with a huge array of skills to bring to 

you including yoga, qigong, nutrition and mindfulness. 

The main workouts are written based on what we are up to at 

TONIQ in any given training block and a new phase of workouts 

launches every 6 weeks on the app as well as regular bonus 

content to keep the training varied and inspiring. 

Can you get a good experience with online coaching? 

Are you accountable and is it personalised? 

With TOD you have a designated TONIQ coach who you speak 

to on a one to one basis. When you first sign up with us you 

will have a call to help you set up your accountability sheets, 

help you curate your workout schedule and set you on the 

right nutrition plan for you. Then every month you get another 

call with your coach to help keep you on track and answer any 

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to get results and that is one of the reasons why TONIQ has 

been so successful. 

Are the classes accessible no matter your fitness level? 

Some of us are self-conscious about going to the gym or 

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No matter what your levels of fitness we can help you. Our 

expert coach will advise what level to start at for you and 

how hard to push yourself in the first consultation you have 

with them. It will be based around your fitness and any health 

concerns, so you can feel secure in the fact that you won’t be 

over training or causing yourself any harm by taking part in our 

programs. 

For people who aren’t ready for the gym again yet or who are 

self conscious TONIQ On Demand is the perfect choice. You get 

personal trainer support and expert written workouts, all from 

the comfort of your own home. 

You also get to join a great online community who share their 

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TONIQ ON DEMAND 

MORE THAN A WORKOUT 

Join our community from anywhere, at anytime with 

TONIQ on Demand, our app gives you access to: 

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Nutrition plans based on your needs and goals. 

Monthly 121 check in calls with an expert coach. 

Extensive library of classes including SWEAT, STRONGER, 

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Visit TONIQLIFE.COM to find out more

0808 500 8123 

Open your camera on me and tap the notification 

Trust score 4.9 | 450+ reviews

ADAPTING 

TO A VERY 

DIFFERENT 

WORLD 

With the second anniversary of 

the beginning of the coronavirus 

pandemic approaching, how have 

boarding schools responded to the 

challenges created by COVID-19? 

Robin Fletcher, CEO of the 

Boarding Schools’ Association 

(BSA) and BSA Group, explains... 

It’s hard to believe we have been living in 

the shadow of coronavirus for nearly two 

years. During that time, every walk of life 

has had to change and adapt to the very 

different world we’re now living in. 

Boarding schools have been no 

exception. When the pandemic first hit, 

our schools quickly had to put in place 

strict hygiene protocols for pupil and 

staff safety, organise remote learning 

for students unable to return to the 

classroom due to international travel 

restrictions, and ensure pastoral support 

for students and staff, given the added 

pressures the pandemic would place on 

mental health and wellbeing. 

Despite the enormous work required, the 

whole boarding community acted swiftly 

to get these measures in place. Two 

years on, dealing with challenges created 

by the pandemic is part of the business 

model for every school, and will continue 

to be so while COVID-19 remains a 

threat. 

Throughout the pandemic, the primary 

concern for parents has always been the 

safety of their children. Boarding schools 

are unique in that they are their own selfcontained 

communities, so managing any 

COVID cases could be done more easily 

than in some environments. To support 

member schools in this, BSA created a 

COVID-Safe Charter, which they could 

sign up to voluntarily. This meant they 

could provide reassurance to parents 

and pupils that they had done everything 

they possibly could to ensure their 

safety. This was particularly important 

for international families who wanted to 

make sure the UK was a safe place for 

their children to be. 

COVID-19 has ushered remote learning 

much quicker than had ever been 

envisaged. With some students being 

unable to return to the UK while travel 

restrictions were in place, schools 

worked hard to ensure the technology 

worked for them to continue their studies 

without compromising the quality of their 

education. 

For BSA, online technology has also 

meant we have been able to deliver a 

comprehensive range of training to our 

members virtually. This has allowed us 

offer these sessions to many international 

members who would have been unable 

to participate had the training been run 

face-to-face. 

One of the great advances in recent years 

in boarding has been the development 

of pastoral care for students and 

staff. Dedicated members of staff with 

specialist expertise in wellbeing and 

mental health have been absolutely 

crucial during the pandemic, and 

provided vital support to students and 

staff separated from their families or 

struggling with COVID-related anxieties. 

While there are still challenges, 

particularly around overseas travel 

affecting international students, boarding 

schools have shown throughout the 

pandemic that they can respond quickly 

when a new situation arises, and will 

undoubtedly continue to do so. 

For more information, please visit: 

www.boarding.org.uk 


Experience the 

Spirit of King's 


Is an independent education more or less 

likely to help my child gain a place at a 

prestigious Russell Group university? 

The answer to this is very clear, believes Dr Stephen Burley, Head 

Master of King’s High, Warwick, as he explores what excellence 

looks like in preparation for Higher Education. 

“At King’s High we pride ourselves on offering the very highest 

quality preparation for the myriad post-18 pathways of our 

students, whether that is an application to Oxbridge, Russell 

Group, Medicine and Overseas Universities, or to music and 

drama school, or apprenticeships and degree apprenticeships. 

“Our Inspire Higher Education Programme has been very 

important in enhancing our students’ preparation for competitive 

university places and we also connect them with a Personal 

Statement Tutor or an Oxbridge Mentor to offer bespoke and 

tailored support for their applications. 

“There has been an average 22% rise in the number of our 

students gaining places at their first choice university: from 

2014-2016 an average of 68% of our Upper Sixth cohorts went 

to their ‘firm choice’ destinations; we are now averaging 90%. 

In addition, last year, 82% of our students took up places at 

prestigious Russell Group universities and each year at King’s 

High up to, and sometimes more than 10% of the cohort gain 

places at Oxbridge or go on to study Medicine at university. 

“So, what does excellence look like? – I think that this, ultimately, 

comes down to a school’s agility and flexibility in responding 

to the exceptional and exciting variety of student interests. At 

King’s High we offer excellence in all that we do, and our Higher 

Education preparation, and successes of our students, whichever 

pathway they choose, are strongly based on the excellence of the 

preparation that they enjoy.” 

Read Dr Burley’s blog in full at 

kingshighwarwick.co.uk/headblog and book a tour to 

experience the Spirit of King’s at kingshighwarwick.co.uk/tour 

Stratford upon Avon School 

& Sixth Form 

A non selective popular school for students aged 

11-18, in the heart of Shakespeare country. 

Fully equipped with state of the art modern 

facilities and the ability to offer an extensive range 

of GSCE and A level options. 

Come and view all we have to offer, arrange a 

tour or join one of our open events by emailing 

openevents@stratfordschool.co.uk 

“The advantages of a 

big school with the feel 

of a small school” 

ENGAGE . ETHUSE . INSPIRE 

www.stratforduponavonschool.com 

@StraUponAvonSch 


#ALSLetsMe 

www.arnoldlodge.com 

4-18 yrs Co-educational Independent Day School 

ALS lets ME 

BELIEVE 

What will your child be? 

Are you looking for Reception entry for September 2023 

Join us on 

Friday 25th March 2022, 9:30am - 11:00am 

for our next Lower Juniors Open Morning. 

To book your place visit www.arnoldlodge.com 

01926 778050 

admissions@arnoldlodge.com 

15-17 Kenilworth Rd, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 5TW 

Lovingly crafted by Interactive Schools

LAMBING & 

ANIMALS WEEKEND 

at Moreton Morrell College 

Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 March 2022 

10.30am – 4pm (last entry on each day is 3pm) 

• Meet our new lambs – and if you’re lucky, 

see one being born! 

• Visit our Animal Centre – and see meerkats, 

porcupines, coatis and other exotic animals 

• Sit on a tractor – the perfect photo opportunity 

• Visit our Farmer’s Market – including our 

Pershore Plant Centre stall, and a chance to 

sample our award-winning juice 

• Explore the Adventure Trail... and much more! 

Refreshments 

available & 

FREE parking 

onsite 

BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW AND SAVE: 

wcg.ac.uk/lambing 


The Kingsley Preparatory School welcomes prospective families 

SATURDAY 

5TH MARCH 2022 

9.30-11.30AM 

... 

Join us for an exciting morning! 

Soak up the warm and friendly atmosphere of 

the Preparatory School as you make your way along 

our egg-tastic trail. Meet staff and current pupils 

and enjoy Easter-themed activities - and, of course, 

plenty of chocolate! 

www.thekingsleyschool.co.uk/egghunt 

Independent Day School for girls aged 3-18 

and boys aged 3-11 years old 

Beauchamp Avenue, Royal Leamington Spa CV32 5RD

gravy 

IT'S ALL 

FULLER’S PUBS HAVE TEAMED 

UP WITH LEGENDARY CHEF, 

BRIAN TURNER CBE, TO TELL 

THE STORY OF FULLER’S 

SUNDAY ROASTS AND ALL 

THE TOUCHES THAT MAKE 

THEM A CUT ABOVE THE 

REST. FROM CAREFULLY 

SOURCED INGREDIENTS 

TO PASSIONATE PEOPLE, 

FULLER’S PRIDE THEMSELVES 

ON DELIVERING EVERYTHING 

THAT MAKES A SUNDAY 

SPECIAL AND EVEN BETTER 

WHEN YOU CAN SHARE THESE 

MOMENTS WITH FAMILY 

AND FRIENDS. THAT’S WHY 

THEY’VE INTRODUCED SHARE 

SUNDAYS. 

WE CAUGHT UP WITH CHEF 

BRIAN TURNER TO FIND OUT 

MORE... 

How did you get involved with Fuller’s 

pubs, and what made you choose to 

carry on with it? 

The way I got into Fuller’s was quite 

easy. For 28-29 years I was the British 

president of the UK team of the Bocuse 

d’Or competition, which is a worldwide 

cooking competition in Leon in France. 

It was held every two years and then it 

became every year and I was the judge 

for the British team. And somebody 

managed to make a connection between 

Fuller’s and the Bocuse d’Or, wanting to 

help sponsor it. So that’s how I met the 

Fuller’s team. Listening to Fuller’s team, 

I was really enthused and excited by the 

way they approached their training of 

chefs. 

From what I understood, they want 

to do something great as far as Chef 

training is concerned? 

Well, the reality of course is quite simple; 

it is for the survival of the future of the 

hospitality industry, which has been 

amazingly good to me. And amazingly 

good to lots of people. And those that 

have taken the opportunity have actually, 

I believe, got a better way of life. Even 

if you get trained in the hospitality 

business. If you get trained to be a chef, 

and for whatever reason you need to 

leave the industry, it leaves you with 

life skills; knowing how to buy the right 

product from the right place at the right 

price, and then convert it to the right dish 

on a plate. And then eventually, if you 

leave the business, it’s a skill that you 

need at home. 

I remember when I was at school a 

long, long time ago, we had domestic 

science, which was two hours on a 

Wednesday afternoon. It was a good 

thing to do! 

It was even better in my day. I was at 

school in the 1950s and in those days 

when we got to the third year in grammar 

school, you had to choose a craft, a skill. 

For boys it was woodwork or metal work 

for girls needlework or cookery. I was one 

of the few in Yorkshire that said ‘I want to 

do cookery’. They said ‘no lad, you can’t 

do that!’. But I did. Elsie Bibby, the lady 

who taught cookery at the parish, after 

the first month would say, “Okay girls, 

let’s gather around Brian’s table because 

his is always the best”. I was hated by the 

girls, but loved by Elsie Bibby! 

Is that when you first started cooking 

or were you always interested in it? 

No, I was quite fortunate in that respect in 

that my father was conscripted and went 

to the Second World War and served 

in Belgium and he was drafted into the 

catering corps. When he came back he 

went back to his job in the Morley Co-op. 

It would appear, having read the history 

of Morley Co-operative society, that my 

father gained a bit of a reputation for 

being a bit of a whiz with the old food 

knowledge he picked up in the war. So 

he opened a transport cafe. He had four 

children with my mother in five years so 

consequently she was overworked. I was 

the eldest, so whenever he could my dad 

took me down to his cafe to get me out 

of my mums way! So add Elsie Bibby on 

top of that, I would say that’s how I really 

got started in the business. 

So what’s your first foodie 

memory then? 

As a young man I was in the Salvation 

Army; I used to play in their band. And 

they used to have a congress regularly 

where all the Salvation Armys around the 

area in Yorkshire would meet together 

and have a jolly old singsong. It was on a 

Sunday, but we had to eat so we had to 

go out. We had elders who helped. And 

they took us to an Italian restaurant where 

I ate food like I’ve never eaten before. 

So it was a very rare occasion and it was 

just so special. And we only managed to 

get to go there when we would do this 

congress. 

So what was your first job when you 

actually did go into kitchens proper, so 

to speak? 

Well, if we count the fact that I worked 

for my Dad in his transport cafe, so 

eventually all four of us used to go on a 


Saturday morning, leave my mother to 

have a rest at home, we would come to 

the café with my dad and then my dad 

when he closed at 11 o’clock would lock 

the doors from the outside. And he would 

say: “I’m just going to see a man about 

a dog”. We didn’t realise he meant The 

Dog and Hound pub next door! So we 

would then clean up the cafe and get it all 

ready so that Monday morning when you 

reopen it was bright and sparkling. For 

that we were rewarded; we were allowed 

to have one Blue Ribbon chocolate 

biscuit. 

What other projects are you getting 

stuck into lately? 

I run a competition called Future chef, 

which I think is part of which attracted 

Fuller’s because it is getting 11 to 16 year 

olds, getting them interested in where 

their food comes from. All the things 

that we have talked about, we’re trying 

to instil those because we’d like to do it 

earlier in life. But the education system 

doesn’t allow us to do that. What I don’t 

understand is that I suspect if you did a 

poll, that at least 50% of our MPs have 

children in school. They are then going 

to finish school and go to university and 

you need them to be healthy and have a 

proper functioning brain, which is what 

we teach kids with cooking. If you get the 

right balance of food, then you grow to 

be healthy. 

We run a scheme as well called Adopt 

a School for the Royal Academy where 

we send chefs into classrooms to try and 

teach young people about the palette 

and where food comes from and what 

to look for. So what we want to do is to 

stimulate. And I have to say we have a 

waiting list of schools as long as your 

arm. Once people have been in and done 

it, everybody gets on telling their mates! 

That’s fantastic, are you running that 

nationwide? 

Yes, we have a Northwest branch and we 

have a Scottish branch. But it is far more 

East London centric with the outposts, 

if you like, who do a great job. Because 

we don’t really want to send too many 

people from London to Scotland because 

it’s A) expensive, and B) it doesn’t help 

our carbon footprint. How it started was 

one gentleman whose daughter was at 

school in Putney and learning nothing 

about food and he was getting frustrated. 

“Well I’ll come and do it!” he said. So he 

did and it was as simple as that! 

My husband has only just got into 

cooking and now he’s into it in a big 

way. And I’m now not allowed in the 

kitchen! 

Well that’s the thing, you can share 

it around a bit now! You’d be gobsmacked 

the number of people, when I 

did the shows, that walk past, men by 

themselves, and they say: ‘Hi Brian. You 

saved my life because my wife passed 

away and I’ve suddenly nobody to cook 

for me”. It’s so gratifying to see this 

system actually works. 

Do you ever get a chance to eat out 

yourself? 

Yes, I do. I haven’t been out as much just 

recently. But certainly, it’s in my DNA if 

you like. I go out to lunches more than 

dinners these days. Then I can get home 

at a sensible time. But it’s keeping up 

with what’s going on. And there’s so 

many things that are changing these days 

and so many people that need supporting 

that the list of where to go is just getting 

bigger and bigger and bigger. 

Apart from James Martin who you’re 

very friendly with, do you have any 

other foodie heroes in your life? 

Well two of my heroes have sadly passed 

away, the Roux brothers. But then there’s 

the wonderful Raymond Blanc who is a 

foodie hero of mine. He’s a wonderful 

man and we have had some good times 

together. But let me just take you back 

a little bit; there was a guy called Eric 

Scamman, who taught me to make 

sauces at the Savoy Grill. I’ll never forget 

the words that he gave me, helping me 

understand how to make the right the 

right sauce. Then of course, Paul Bocuse; 

the great French chef of my era, who has 

also sadly passed away. He was a great 

contributor to all our lives. 

He influenced your cooking? 

Oh yes. The way I look at it is you know 

with music colleges when you come to 

do your examinations? They ask you to 

choose a piece of music that you want to 

play and you choose whatever you want 

to play, and you play. And then they say 

‘Right, that’s very good. Now, here’s a 

piece of music you’ve never seen. Play 

that’. You have to cite read it. I think 

that’s how we should look at cooking. 

We need people to be able to understand 

the basics of the classics, the French 

cuisine as I understood it. Once you’ve 

learned that you can go off on a tangent 

and you can cite read someone. I don’t 

wish to uplift Ready, Steady Cook too 

much, but that’s what that programme 

did. Here are some items, do something 

with them. Sometimes you did something 

phenomenal. People would say ‘Oh I 

must make that!’. Other times people 

would say ‘Oh, that looks rubbish. I’m 

not going to do that’. But in fact, the 

two principles were aligned with a music 

examination. 

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had? 

You’re going to ask me for the dishes, 

which I won’t be able to tell you but 

many moons ago, I can’t remember 

when it was now, I was filming in Hong 

Kong. The food and beverage manager 

of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, which 

was where we were staying, invited me 

to dinner one night after we had finished 

filming. We had dinner in the Mandarin 

Oriental overlooking Victoria Harbour 

in a Chinese restaurant called Manwah 

and that was probably the best meal 

I’ve ever had. I’ve been very fortunate to 

have some wonderful meals around the 

world in the houses of some great chefs. 

But I have also sat around the table with 

friends and just sat and eaten and you 

couldn’t ask for much more. 

What are your plans for this year? 

I think that Fuller’s Sunday lunchtime is 

going to take quite a bit of my time this 

year and I’m quite happy to devote my 

time to that. I think that certainly in winter 

times when you can go into a pub like 

Fuller’s and see a an open fire going…to 

me that suddenly tells you this is the time 

to sit down and eat and enjoy yourself 

and the company of others. 

To find your nearest Fuller’s pub and to 

book a table, please visit: 

www.fullers.co.uk/pubs/pub-finder 


MARINATED 

LAMB LEG 

ROMANESCO 

WITH PICKLED 

WALNUTS 

After some Easter inspiration? We feature a few recipes 

courtesy of family-favourite brand Opies, that are set to 

be real crowd-pleasers with the entire family... 

SERVES: 6 

PREPARATION TIME: 30 minutes 

COOKING TIME: 30 minutes 

(plus overnight marinating time) 

ALLERGENS: Dairy 

INGREDIENTS 

2kg lamb rump or boneless leg, portioned into equal pieces 

500g live natural yogurt 

25g fresh rosemary, leaves and stalks separated 

2 whole romanesco, leaves removed 

3 tbsp vegetable oil 

7 Opies Pickled Walnuts, 4 finely chopped and 3 halved for 

serving, plus 1 tbsp pickling liquid 

60ml olive oil 

500ml fresh lamb stock 

METHOD 

The night before, trim the fat from the lamb then mix with the 

yogurt and rosemary leaves. Cover and put in the fridge to 

marinate overnight. 

The next day, trim the stalk off a romanesco so that it sits 

upright on a board. Slice 5cm off each side with a bread knife 

(keep these off-cuts to make the couscous). Slice the rest of 

the romanesco into three thick slices. Repeat with the other 

romanesco. Oil a large, non-stick baking tray with 1 tbsp 

vegetable oil. Lay the romanesco slices in a single layer and 

drizzle with a little more vegetable oil. Season with salt and 

scatter over the rosemary stalks, ready to roast. 

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Wipe the marinade off 

the lamb and season with sea salt. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable 

oil a large ovenproof frying pan. Fry the lamb until golden all 

over, then roast in the oven for 8-12 mins, depending on how 

rare you like it. Put the romanesco in the oven at the same 

time. Once the lamb is ready, remove from the oven, flip the 

romanesco slices over so they char on both sides, and cook 

for a further 10 mins. Cover and rest the lamb in the pan for 

10 mins. 

Finely chop or pulse the romanesco off-cuts in a food 

processor until they are the texture of couscous. Mix the finely 

chopped walnuts into the couscous with the olive oil, and 

season with salt. 

Meanwhile, simmer the stock in a wide saucepan with 1 tbsp 

of the walnut pickling vinegar from the jar for 10 mins until it 

forms a jus. 

Slice the lamb and serve with the romanesco slices, some 

couscous, half a walnut and the jus. 

www.opiesfoods.com 


The Harvester 

An outstanding & relaxed countryside pub 

• Variety of craft beers avaialble from 

independent brewers 

• Quality local food & drink 

• Open 7 days a week 

• 3 unique spaces & separate dining area 

• Large courtyard garden with wood fired 

pizza oven 

• Free wifi • Dog Friendly 

Church Road, Long Itchington, 

Southam CV47 9PE 

Tel: 01926 812698 l @liharvester 

www.theharvesterinn.co.uk 

Relax, unwind and indulge... 

If you’re looking for a luxury spa in Warwickshire, step 

into bliss at Elan Spa at Mallory Court. Tucked amongst 

the trees in Mallory’s glorious grounds, you’ll discover 

a peaceful retreat where you can de-stress in sublime, 

state of the art facilities. 

Our spa breaks are beautifully designed to allow you 

to escape the everyday and indulge in pampering and 

relaxation in tranquil surroundings with your partner or 

friends. Whether you simply want a spa break weekend, 

a few hours ‘me’ time or you’re celebrating a special 

occasion, our spa packages at Elan Spa are, quite 

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CALL 01926 330214 TO SPEAK TO OUR DEDICATED SPA TEAM 

LEAMINGTON SPA, WARWICKSHIRE CV33 9QB 

01926 330214 | ELANSPA@MALLORY.CO.UK | MALLORY.CO.UK 

01_02_22 110x153.indd 1 www.minervamagazines.co.uk 26/01/2022 10:33 | 29

CARAMEL & 

GINGER HOT 

CROSS BUN 

BREAD & 

BUTTER 

PUDDING 

Opies have taken the 

everyday Easter favourite 

- Hot Cross Buns - and 

transformed them into a 

delicious dessert with 

caramel and ginger. 

A decadent twist on 

a classic pudding! 

PREPARATION TIME: 20 minutes 

COOKING TIME: 35 minutes 

SERVES: 6 

ALLERGENS: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten 

INGREDIENTS 

6 hot cross buns, sliced into 4 

3 large eggs 

300ml whipping cream 

300ml milk 

1 tsp vanilla extract 

75g golden caster sugar 

3 balls of Opies Stem Ginger with Syrup, 

finely chopped, syrup reserved 

3 tbsp Carnation caramel sauce 

TO SERVE: 

Fresh warm custard 

Some of the leftover caramel sauce 

METHOD 

Take a large oven dish that 

will fit 6 hot cross buns 

comfortably and arrange 

the sliced hot cross buns in 

the dish. 

In a large bowl whisk together the eggs, 

whipping cream, milk, vanilla extract, 

caster sugar and 2 tablespoons of the 

reserved stem ginger syrup. 

Pour the batter evenly over the hot cross 

buns. Scatter over the finely chopped 

stem ginger, cover and leave in the fridge 

for a couple of hours to allow the hot 

cross buns to absorb the mixture. You 

could also leave it overnight. Pre-heat the 

oven to 190°C / 170°C fan / gas 3. 

Drizzle over half of the carnation caramel 

sauce and cook in the oven for about 

30-35 minutes, until the custard is set but 

still retaining a slight wobble. 

Leave to cool slightly before serving 

with fresh custard and a little drizzle of 

caramel sauce. 

www.opiesfoods.com 

@OpiesFoods 


Breakfast at Hillers 

served daily 9.00am - 11.30am 

We use only the finest, freshest, 

locally sourced ingrediants 

Contact our Garden Restaurant on: 

01789 491950 

A.H. Hiller & Sons Ltd 

Dunnington Heath Farm • Alcester • B49 5PD 

Tel: 01789 772771• info@hillers.co.uk 

www.hillers.co.uk

SPECKLED EASTER 

CHOCOLATE CAKE 

Celebrate Easter in style with a gorgeous, speckled cake that you can master at home! 

EQUIPMENT 

9” Springform Cake tin 

Grass tip nozzle 

Flower tip nozzle 

Mixing bowl 

Sieve 

Wooden spoon 

Spatula 

INGREDIENTS 

Sponge 

250g plain flour 

60g cocoa powder 

1 ½ tsp baking powder 

1tsp bicarbonate of soda 

290g golden caster sugar 

200ml vegetable oil 

250ml buttermilk 

2tsp vanilla extract 

3 large eggs – beaten 

BUTTERCREAM 

300g slightly salted butter 

675g icing sugar 

1tsp vanilla extract 

4tbsp milk 

Food gels (pink and green used here) 

SPECKLED SPLATTER 

1tsp cocoa powder 

1tbsp vanilla extract 

MERINGUE CHICKS 

1 large egg white – approx. 40g 

80g caster sugar 

yellow food gel 

edible pens 

Chocolate nest (optional) 

100g milk chocolate 

Balloon 

Grass tip and piping bag 

METHOD 

SPONGE 

1. Preheat oven to 160 fan 

and grease and line a 9” 

cake tin 

2. Put flour, cocoa, baking 

powder, bicarbonate of 

soda and caster sugar in a 

bowl. Add oil, buttermilk, 

vanilla and eggs and mix 

well. 

3. Pour mixture into cake tin and bake for 

45-55 mins or until a skewer comes out 

clean. Leave cake to cool. 

4. Trim top if needed and slice cake in 

half. 

BUTTERCREAM 

1. Beat butter until light and fluffy then 

add half of icing sugar and beat well. Add 

remaining icing sugar, vanilla and milk 

and beat until smooth. 

2. Remove a spoonful of buttercream and 

place in a bowl with pink food gel for the 

flowers. Pop in piping bag with flower tip. 

3. Remove a spoonful of buttercream 

and place in a bowl with green food gel 

for the leaves. Pop into piping bag with 

leaf tip. 

4. Colour the remaining buttercream 

pastel pink. 

5. Place one piece of sponge on a 

cake stand and spread over some pink 

coloured buttercream. Top with another 

layer, then cover the whole cake and use 

a large palette knife to make it nice and 

smooth. 

SPECKLED SPLATTER 

1. Mix the cocoa powder and vanilla 

extract together in a 

small bowl and 

use a little 

brush to 

create little splatters all over the cake to 

make it look like a speckled egg shell. 

MERINGUE CHICKS 

1. Heat oven to 100 fan. In a mixer, whisk 

egg white until frothy and dry, then add 

the sugar a spoonful at a time until all 

sugar is used up and the meringue is 

thick and glossy. Add a little yellow food 

gel and place in piping bag. 

2. Snip the end and pipe small triangular 

shapes onto baking paper and bake for 

30-35 minutes. 

3. When dry, draw some eyes, a beak 

and some feet onto the meringues with 

edible pens to look like little chicks. 

Chocolate nest (optional) 

1. Melt milk chocolate in a bowl over a 

pan of simmering water. 

2. Blow up a little balloon and balance it 

on a bowl. 

3. Place the melted chocolate in a piping 

bag with grass nozzle and pipe roughly 

over the balloon. 

4. Leave to set and place in the fridge. 

5. Pop balloon and place next on top 

of cake, securing with a little chocolate 

icing. 

6. Pipe chocolate buttercream inside nest 

and tom with meringue chicks, mini 

eggs. 

7. Slice and enjoy! 


BATHROOM 

BLISS 

How rethinking a layout and some luxury finishes can transform a 

dated family space. We caught up with homeowner Kate to find 

out how she made this little sanctuary 

Tiles: RAK Ceramics Fashion Stone in Ivory; 

Bath: RAK Cloud Freestanding Bath 


Great British Design since 

TM 

FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR DREAM 

KITCHEN AT 1909 LEAMINGTON SPA 

VISIT OUR BRAND-NEW SHOWROOM AT: 

103 WARWICK STREET 

LEAMINGTON SPA, CV32 4RJ 

01926 895200 

WWW.1909KITCHENS.CO.UK/LEAMINGTON-SPA

The drying wall 

solution - hooks 

RAK Moon 

The sleek Lithe Audio Ceiling 

Mounted Bluetooth Speaker 

looks amazing paired with 

the flush shower head 

What were some of the obstacles you 

faced with this project? 

Firstly, the room is really small for a family 

bathroom! It measures 2.2m long by 

1.65m wide. Previously, I guess because 

of the small width, the bath was against 

the longer wall with the door - but it 

meant you basically walked into it as 

soon as you entered the room. By opting 

for a shorter bath, we were able to flip the 

orientation and create a space that feels 

much larger. 

What made you choose this design? 

I love the look of micro cement and 

Venetian plaster, but it was coming out 

at £130 per square metre. So when I 

found the Fashion Stone range at RAK 

Ceramics, I was thrilled - it’s exactly the 

warm stoney beige colour I was looking 

for and had a beautiful graduation 

of pattern through it that mimics the 

micro-cement. I also had the mosaic tiles 

installed in the shower niche - cement 

doesn’t allow for pattern, so I think it was 

the perfect option. 

I’ve wanted black taps since about 2016 

when I saw them on an Australian design 

show - I was so thrilled to find RAK also 

stock them. Most of the bathroom is 

kitted out with the Amalfi range, which 

has the most amazing textured finish - it 

looks and feels so luxurious. 

The basin tap feels so amazing - I read 

once that you should invest in the objects 

you touch everyday and this tap is 

honestly dreamy. The motion to turn it on 

is really slick - it’s the little things that add 

up to making a space feel luxurious. 

Is the shower over a freestanding bath? 

Yes - this design decision did cause 

some head scratching for the builder! I 

wanted the look of a free standing bath, 

especially because we knew we’d have 

to get a smaller one, so I thought why not 

emphasise it. The way we counteracted 

the water issue is to have a small wet 

room former tray in each corner behind 

the bath, and also to run the underfloor 

heating in this area to help dry out the 

splashes. So far, so good! 

The bath is an absolute beauty - it’s the 

RAK Cloud design and at a petite 1.4m, 

it was the perfect size. It is very heavy 

though, as it’s resin - so just bear that in 

mind when planning! The shape of it is 

unlike anything I’ve ever seen before - it 

really has a beautiful form and gorgeous 

curves. I love that it sits on a base. 

Did you have any tech installed? 

Yes - was a must for my partner. We’ve 

got the most beautiful shaver socket 

and dimmer switches from Corston 

Architectural Detail- the black bronze 

finish is so modern but also timeless. The 

switch outside controls the spotlights and 

then the LED strip lighting in the recess 

by the bath separately. The recess it sits 

in offers a handy space to put products 

for showering and was created by adding 

a shallow stud wall. 

Then there’s the Lithe Audio waterproof 

speaker in the ceiling - it looks amazing 

set against the inset circular RAK shower 

head too. It allows you to connect your 

phone or tablet wirelessly - amazing for 

watching movies in the bath or listening to 

the radio in the morning as you get ready 

for work. We will be using the same tech 

all synced up in the rest of the house. 

Finally, the loo! Who knew a toilet could 

be exciting, but this one is! The RAK 

Ceramics Des Rimless Close Coupled loo 

has a touch-less flush - super hygienic 

and very easy to clean - the battery life 

RAK Joy Wall Hung Vanity 

Unit with Built in Basin in 

Grey Elm - 600mm with 

Amalfi Basin Tap 

Corston Architectural 

Shaver Socket in bronze 

Before 


LAYOUT 

More than anything, it was the 

layout of this space that made it 

feel cramped. The bath protruded, 

meaning you all but knocked into 

it as you came in. You’d have to 

edge past the basin to get to the 

loo. By moving the loo and flipping 

the bath, the whole space is more 

open and that creates an amazing 

feeling of luxury. 

Below is the before and after of the 

layout. Thee door has also been 

flipped so you come into an open 

space, rather than side stepping. 

After 

WC 

lasts two years too! The toilet is also rimless inside, meaning 

there are fewer nooks and crannies for bacteria to live. 

BATH 

BASIN 

WINDOW 

Where’s the towel rail? 

Another one that confounded the builder a bit - again because of 

the size of the bathroom, I was worried about the projection of a 

towel rail into the room. My other half also only hangs his towels 

rather than folding them on a rail - so we came up with a different 

solution. The underfloor heating is electric and these wires can 

be (carefully) taken out of the matting - we asked the builder to 

cut grooves into the wall to accommodate the cables and tile 

over them - thus creating a warm wall. We then positioned hooks 

about 10cm clear of the top edge of the cables and the towels 

hang against a warm wall to speed drying. 

DOOR 

What’s the secret to a successful bathroom scheme? 

I think we are looking for bathrooms to feel like an escape - in 

line with that, lots of storage is essential - looking at clutter is 

not relaxing! Making more of a layout and maybe opting for 

smaller baths to maximise the feeling of space also helps. Our 

vanity unit is a floating one, helping the volume of furniture in 

the room to feel smaller. 

BATH 

STOCKIST INFORMATION: 

For tiles, bathroom furniture and taps: 

RAK Ceramics: www.rakceramics.com 

Find your nearest supplier here: www.rakceramics.com/uk/en/ 

store-locator/united-kingdom 

WC 

WINDOW 

For light swtiches and sockets: 

Corston Architectural Detail: www.corston.com 

For audio Equipment: 

Lithe Audio: www.litheaudio.com 

DOOR 

BASIN 


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TREES 

please! 

In this edition, our regular 

contributer Matt Biggs tells us 

how planting trees can make the 

world of a difference... 

There are many, many schemes to plant trees, in their hundreds 

and thousands and in many different places here and around 

the world. But just as a journey of a thousand miles starts with 

a single step so it is with tree planting, if even a few of us plant 

just one tree, that multiplication will make a big difference. I once 

saw a series of cartoons about ants – one by one they looked at 

the river they had to cross and one by one they realised that they 

couldn’t make it – however when they all combined, they made a 

raft and floated safely across – I love that image! 

The choice of tree is very dependant on your space, your location 

and what you want it to do for you – you might want a productive 

tree so a fruit tree or even a walnut would be possible choices, 

you might want to look out on it and enjoy it as it changes 

through the year so Rowans, crab-apples or, of course, the 

elegant silver birch will give you that or you might want that burst 

of Spring blossom and think of one of the flowering cherries 

– and then there is always my own personal favourite – the 

handkerchief tree, that is a stunner! 

The magnificent 

H andkerchief Tree 

Do your homework and seek advice from a local nursery or 

garden centre to ensure your choice of tree is right for the space 

– not only now but in 10 or 20 years’ time – and your tree will give 

shelter to birds and insects, add to the local biodiversity and add 

too the stock of trees that will make the future better for all of us, 

and our children and grandchildren too. 

Creating space at home... 

Over the last few years many of us have spent more time at home than ever before. 

Creating extra space for our families and our work has been challenging. At Cabin 

Master, they provide a clear bespoke service to ensure you can have extra space 

which suits your needs and your budget. With over 20 years experience in designing, 

manufacturing and installing garden rooms and garden offices throughout the UK – 

you only need to look at their Trustpilot review page to see their customers journeys 

and experiences with the Cabin Master teams, are outstanding. 

The in-house designers will work with you to ensure your building is perfect. Choose 

from a variety of cladding, window & door options, internal paint and floor colouring, 

overall building size and lighting. Their purpose built factories in Derbyshire will then 

manufacture your building and the 10 year guarantee gives you great peace of mind. 

Whether you are wanting to gain office space or a chill zone for the kids, a garden bar to 

entertain in or a BBQ cabin to cook in all year round…or why not create a space that’s 

multifunctional for the whole family! And a garden room isn’t just a room in your garden, 

it’s a room that adds value to your home as well as your life, whilst creating a stunning 

feature in your outdoor space that you’re proud to show off. 

Their Nottingham show site is home to over 25 stunning buildings in a range of sizes and 

prices to tick all boxes. Get in touch with their team today on 0115 932 8888 or visit the 

show site next to the Toton Tram station, Nottingham ~ Open 7 days a week. 

Visit – www.cabinmaster.co.uk 


A garden room isn’t just a 

room in your garden… 

it’s a room that adds value to your life, and your 

home. With 20 years experience in designing, 

manufacturing and installing garden buildings 

throughout the UK you can trust that Cabin Master 

will deliver you The Perfect Space for your garden, 

such as a Garden Office, Gym, Mancave, Garden 

Bar, Entertaining Space or Spare Room. 

The Perfect Escape. 

Holiday at home... 

with a BBQ cabin. It can become the heart and 

soul of your garden. Our trademarked sloping 

wall design not only gives the cabins an 

unmistakable silhouette, it also makes them 

very comfortable and enables you to sit back 

and relax whilst enjoying countless days and 

nights with your favourite people. 

Free Site Surveys Free Design Service No Obligation Quotes Flexible Finance Available 

www.cabinmaster.co.uk 

www.arcticcabins.co.uk 

Call: 0115 932 8888 

Visit Our Open Air Cabin Master Village 

With 22 Stunning Buildings On Display 

Opening times: Monday - Sunday 10am - 4pm 

The Rose Gardens, 251 Toton Lane, Stapleford, Nottingham NG9 7JA.

Spring 

LANDSCAPING 

After winter’s long reign on your lawn, spring 

can’t come fast enough. You’re finally ready to 

transform your landscape. But first things first, 

you’ll first need to know how to prepare your yard 

for spring... 

DO YOUR RESEARCH 

Plan out your strategy for your landscaping in advance. Are 

you going to break it up in phases, or are you going to hire a 

landscape professional to help you plan? Ask for guidance from 

your local nursery or neighbours who’s gardens you admire! They 

can probably give you as good of advice as a professional. 

PLAN FOR MAINTENANCE 

Unlike a paint colour in your home, once it’s up you’re done, 

landscaping requires maintenance and care. From pulling weeds, 

watering and pruning, to occasional replacement of dead plants, 

etc… Plan what plants will suit your maintenance schedule. 

Consider hiring a professional gardener or lawn service to take 

care of your yard if necessary. 

CONTRAST WITH YOUR EXTERIOR HOME 

Your landscaping should be an enhancement of your exterior 

home. Choose plants that compliment or contrast the colors in 

your home as well as the architectural time period of your home. 

A modern and minimalist home may enjoy a modern Zen-inspired 

landscape, while a Victorian home may have quaint gardens and 

flowering areas that are typical for the Victorian era. Plan your 

outdoor landscaping to be in harmony with your exteriors. 

AFTER A DRIVEWAY? THE SECRET IS WHAT LIES BENEATH! 

Weed membrane – Lay this down over the bare ground before 

you lay the sub-base. A good quality one will stop the weeds 

growing and still allow water to past through. 

Sub-base – go as deep as you can on the sub-base, we would 

recommend 150mm. 

Gravel mats/gravel holders - Absolutely vital as they stop the 

gravel ‘travelling’. These are interlocking, plastic mesh, rigid 

square grids that lay on top of the MOT and then you rake all the 

gravel into them. They can’t be seen through the gravel, but they 

do a great job of keeping it all localised and in the same place. 

Edging – sometimes your driveway will be self-contained between 

walls, but if not, make sure you have good solid edges to contain 

the sub-base and the gravel. If you don’t do this, your driveway 

will start sprawling. 

Size is everything – There’s lot’s of great looking gravels to choose 

from these days but the golden rule is trying not to go less than 

20mm in size. Anything less will tend to get stuck in your car 

tyres tread or get walked into the home in your shoe tread. 

BUILDINGS LTD 

Home office, cinema room, 

workout space or a place to relax 

and restore - whatever you need 

an extra room for, then a Garden 

Room from Kirkdale Buildings 

Limited can help you achieve it. 

Our fully insulated bespoke garden 

rooms, compliment your garden, 

and provide you with the perfect 

space for year-round use. 

01926 332142 

enquiries@kirkdalebuildings.co.uk 

www.kirkdalebuildings.co.uk 

To find out more then contact us on 

01926 332142, email us at 

enquiries@kirkdalebuildings.co.uk, 

view our website 

www.kirkdalebuildings.co.uk 

or to see photos of a completed 

project on our Facebook Page visit: 

Kirkdale Buildings Ltd 

f 

@Kirkdale Buildings Ltd 


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RETIRE 

in style 

WITH RECENT HARGREAVES LANSDOWN 

FINDINGS SUGGESTING LESS THAN 40% OF 

PEOPLE ARE ON TRACK FOR A COMFORTABLE 

RETIREMENT, WE TAKE A LOOK AT HOW TO 

PREPARE FOR RETIREMENT AND THE BREADTH 

OF OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE ALL- 

IMPORTANT AUTUMN YEARS... 

WORK OUT WHAT YOU’LL NEED 

Whether your pension will be enough 

to pay for the retirement you want will 

depend on the savings pot you amass 

as well as the cost of your lifestyle when 

you retire. 

Working out what income you will need 

in retirement may not be straightforward, 

however. Your life in retirement will be 

different from your working life: some 

costs may go up while others will reduce. 

According to a Which? 2021 survey, 

households with two people spent a 

shade under £2,170 a month, or around 

£26,000 a year, on average. 

This covers all the basic areas of 

expenditure (which had a combined 

cost of £18,000 per year on average) 

and some luxuries, such as European 

holidays, hobbies and eating out. Aiming 

for this level of income will provide a 

ACCORDING TO A 

WHICH? 2021 SURVEY, 

HOUSEHOLDS WITH 

TWO PEOPLE SPENT A 

SHADE UNDER £2,170 

A MONTH, OR AROUND 

£26,000 A YEAR, ON 

AVERAGE. 

good platform for your retirement. 

You’d need £41,000 a year if you include 

luxuries such as long-haul trips and a 

new car every five years. 

WORK OUT WHAT YOU’VE GOT 

It’s now time to work out how much 

you’re likely to have in retirement. It’s 

a good idea to do this about two years 

before you retire. 

Dig out the latest statements you have 

for all your pensions, including from old 

employers and personal pensions. You 

should be sent an annual statement for 

each of your pension schemes, including 

any employer-based arrangements and 

personal pension plans, even if you are 

no longer contributing to them. If you 

don’t have up-to-date statements, you 

can ask for these to be sent to you. You 

may also be able to access pension 

values online via your pension company/ 

scheme website. 

CHECK WHAT YOUR PENSION COULD 

BE WORTH 

As well as telling you what your pension 

is worth now, annual statements will also 

detail what your pension might be worth 

at retirement. 

These forecasts (don’t think of them as 

anything more than rough estimates) will 

be based on a range of assumptions 

including investment growth and inflation 

between now and retirement. 

It is important to consider the effect 

of inflation because over time this can 

significantly reduce the spending power 

of your pension. 

THINK ABOUT HOW AND WHEN TO 

CASH OUT 

Recent pension freedoms have given 

retirees considerable flexibility over how 

they draw an income or withdraw lump 

sums from their accumulated retirement 

savings. 

Pension savings can be accessed from 

age 55. You no longer have to buy an 

annuity – an income stream for life – and 

can choose how much income you take 

and when to take it. 

You could take your whole pension fund 

as cash in one go – with 25% being taxfree 

and the rest taxable. Other options 

include taking a lump sum now, with 

further withdrawals when you want or 

an ongoing regular income (via so-called 

drawdown or an annuity). 

However, the danger of these pension 

freedoms is that people withdraw too 

much money too quickly and risk running 

out of money before they die. 

It is also possible to pass on your 

pension savings completely free of tax. 

So, as well as being a tax-efficient way to 

invest, pensions can be a very useful way 

to reduce inheritance tax bills.

Foods to help 

reduce joint pain 

Benjamin Franklin was right when he said 

‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of 

cure’ – it is so important, no matter our age, 

that we adopt dietary and exercise habits that 

support strong bones and joints. Where there 

is pain, there is inflammation – so trying to 

avoid inflammation in the body is one of the 

first steps to take to eradicate pain... 

The underlying cause for inflammation may be due to a number 

of factors. Some common areas for consideration are: 

HORMONES: Some hormones are connected with the 

inflammatory response (examples include insulin, cortisol and 

oestrogen). 

FATS: The amount and type of fat in the diet is directly linked with 

inflammation, especially the essential fatty acids omega 3 and 

omega 6 (they are called essential because they have to come 

from our diet – we cannot manufacture them ourselves). 

DIGESTION: Our digestive system also has the power to mess 

about with inflammation in the body. If the digestive system is 

struggling then localised damage may occur in the gut leading 

to inflammation and food sensitivities (food sensitivities or 

intolerances are associated with the immune system, which in 

turn triggers inflammation). 

Eating to reduce inflammation: 

Make sure you get regular amounts of protein into your diet. 

Including protein in meals and snacks helps prevent sudden 

highs in blood sugar. Focusing on protein in this way is a good 

start in regulating hormone levels (including insulin, cortisol and 

oestrogen). 

Eat foods high in omega 3 fats. These fats are broken down 

into anti-inflammatory properties in the body. The best sources 

are oily fish (wild salmon, sardines, mackerel), ground linseeds, 

walnuts and green vegetables. 

Eat foods known to have anti-inflammatory properties (many 

foods have compounds that work in the same way as ibuprofen!). 

These include beetroot, ginger, turmeric and dark red and blue 

berries. 

Consider avoiding foods that you think may be contributing to 

your pain and monitor what happens. The most common foods 

here are gluten (found in wheat, barley and rye), dairy products, 

eggs, soy, nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, aubergine), 

and foods high in the substance lectin (beans, pulses, grains, 

nuts, seeds). 

EYE SPECIALIST 

CLINIC 

0121 726 3199 

■ YAG Laser Capsulotomy 

■ Glaucoma Clinic 

■ Dry Eye Clinic 

■ General Ophthalmology 

■ Private Cataract Surgery 

Mr Don Williams Consultant Optom & Director 

Registered Specialist (IP) 

FCOptom M.Sc (Dist) B.Sc (Hons) DipTp (IP) 

PGDip Refractive & Cataract Surgery 

Higher Cert Glaucoma Prof Cert Glaucoma 

Prof Cert Med Retina 

FCOptom: Fellowship of the College. The College’s highest and 

most prestigious award recognising clinicians of higher standing 

Edgbaston Eye Clinic 

The Consulting Rooms, 

38 Harborne Road, Edgbaston B15 3EB 

Free patient parking on site 

info@edgbastoneyeclinic.com 

www.edgbastoneyeclinic.com 


Award 

winning care 

homes 

Our dementia specialists take a gentle yet 

proactive approach to care, supporting each 

resident to be as independent as possible. We 

champion innovation through our partnership 

with the Association for Dementia Studies at 

the University of Worcester. 

We’re here to help you and your family at 

every step of the journey. 

If you’re considering care, call Maria 

on 01926 675688 or email 

maria.cridge@careuk.com 

Trusted to care. 

Rated 

9.9 

out of 10 on 

carehome.co.uk 

Priors House care home 


careuk.com/priors-house

Quality care in 

Leamington Spa you 

can trust 

When a family is thinking about care for 

a loved one, they want the best - they want 

to know that the care home they choose will 

put their loved one’s safety, happiness and 

wellbeing first... 

Care UK’s Priors House care home in Leamington Spa provides 

residential, dementia and nursing care, giving families peace of 

mind that their loved ones can stay living at the home should 

their needs change. 

Living at Priors House is all about quality of life. Every colleague 

in the home is passionate about enabling residents to enjoy 

a fulfilling lifestyle, tailored around their unique needs and 

preferences. The lifestyle team organises a huge variety of group 

and one-to-one activities, with plenty going on each day. 

The team at Priors House are proud to have achieved 83% in 

the recent relative survey, in fact 92% of families feel their loved 

ones are treated with kindness, respect and dignity^. Once their 

relative has settled into Priors House they are able to focus on 

spending quality time with them again just enjoying each other’s 

company. 

With the extra support that our care home offers, new residents 

are often surprised at what they can do, whether that’s being able 

to continue with an activity they’ve enjoyed in the past, or even 

discovering new hobbies with our daily activities. 

Whether your loved one enjoys a quiet cup of tea in bed before 

starting the day, loves going for strolls in the landscaped 

grounds, or enjoys a chat over a beer, the team at Priors House 

will spend time to enable them to continue living life the way they 

want to. 

Priors House is part of award-winning provider, Care UK – 

one of the UK’s most successful care home operators* with 

over 35 years’ experience of delivering high quality care to 

older people. 

Priors House care home 

Old Milverton Lane, Leamington Spa CV32 6RN 

01926 675688 maria.cridge@careuk.com 

Careuk.com/priors-house 


*As rated by the Care Quality Commission in England and the Care 

Inspectorate in Scotland. 

^ Care UK relative survey Aug/Sept 2021 – based on a sample of 7 relatives. 

Study operated by QRS Market Research, an independent survey agency 

Want to make a difference? 

Start your career in care now 

Every day well lived 

Registered charity number 

1012788 

We’re recruiting carers in our 

Warwickshire care homes. 

Benefits include: • a free DBS check • company sick pay 

• free workwear • discounts on days out & shopping 

• free health & wellbeing support • free training • fixed rotas 

Apply 

now 

www.wcs-care.co.uk/opportunities 

or call our recruitment hotline 

on 07719 074 810 

for more information. 


An Independent & Family Owned, 

Plant Focused Garden Centre 

Our garden centre is built on 

the foundations of being expert 

growers and horticulturalists. 

We feed the garden centre with 

home grown plants, shrubs & 

trees from our nursery which set 

the high standards for the rest of 

our centre. 

Now in our 4th generation, 

we have been a family owned 

business since 1942. We pride 

ourselves on a professional and 

relaxed approach to make you 

feel part of a community and 

extended family. 

STONELEIGH RD, BAGINTON, COVENTRY, CV8 3BA 

02476 303 382 | WWW.SMITHS-GARDENCENTRE.CO.UK

Leamington and Warwick Living Mar - Apr 2022

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