North Hampshire Lifestyle Mar - Apr 2024

Work for an organisation 

you can be proud of 

After dedicating more than 30 years to 

his position, Ken decided to take a step 

back to reflect on what he wanted to do 

next. As someone who thrives on engaging 

with people, he discovered he really 

missed interacting with customers and 

helping them to resolve their problems. 

When he popped into the Society to open a new savings 

account, Ken realised they were advertising for people to 

work in his local branch. He went for an interview, and the 

rest, as they say, is history! 

We caught up with Ken to find out about what a day in his 

work life looks like, what he enjoys most about his job, and 

whether he’d recommend it to others. 

What do you like most about your role at the Society? 

“I wanted a role where I could speak and deal with people, 

and my role is perfect for that – I get to build rapport and 

relationships with our customers, especially our regular 

ones who have been coming into the branch for years. I’ve 

also built some brilliant friendships with my colleagues over 

the years and have even maintained friendships with people 

who no longer work in the branch.” 

What skills do you need to work in a branch? 

“Definitely adaptability – it’s an old cliché but no two days 

are the same! Being able to adapt to the busier periods, 

such as ISA season, as well as the quieter times, is a helpful 

skill. Getting on with people and building relationships with 

people of all ages is also really key. Our customers love us 

because they get to know the people who work here.” 

What would surprise people about working for the 

Newbury? 

“It’s such a personal place to work. I was made to feel very 

welcome when I first started, and even Phillippa, our CEO, 

makes an effort to learn your name and welcome you to the 

Society. It’s a really friendly atmosphere.” 

How does your role at the branch fit into your life? 

“I have now been working part-time after nearly 40 years of 

working full-time. This has been a big change for me which I 

am slowly adapting to, but having a supportive and adaptable 

manager in Lisa has really helped with the transition. 

Branch roles can be flexible nowadays, so it’s great for students, 

people who have maybe been off or away from work 

for a long time, or even people with young children.” 

What piece of advice would you give to people who are 

unsure about a role in finance? 

“Definitely to not be afraid if you’ve not got a finance background. 

I hadn’t worked in finance before either. Newbury 

provides great training and it’s all about the journey and 

learning.” 

Working for Newbury Building Society 

We strive to make the Society a great place to work and 

offer a range of benefits including personalised training 

anddevelopment, a community-focused organisation with 

the chance to support local charities, 2 paid volunteering 

days per year, and your birthday off. 

To find out about roles in your area, visit 

www.newbury.co.uk/careeers/. 

Newbury Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority 

and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register number 206077). English Law applies and we will communicate 

with you in English. We are participants of the Financial Ombudsman Service. We have a complaints procedure which we will 

provide on request. Most complaints that we cannot resolve can be referred to the Financial Ombudsman Service. 9391 

Newbury 

Building Society

C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

10 

EASTER RECIPES 

04COMPETITIONS 

Welcome, dear readers, 

to our egg-citing Easter 

edition! As we shake off the 

winter chill and embrace 

the blossoming spring, 

we’ve packed this issue 

with enough puns and 

delights to make even the 

Easter Bunny chuckle. 

Now, before you dive into 

this basket of joy, we must 

warn you: the following 

pages contain an eggstravaganza 

of puns. 

From yolks to bunnies, 

we’re cracking open the 

comedy vault and letting 

the laughter flow! 

So, whether you’re 

gathering the family 

together, hunting for 

chocolate treasures, or just 

enjoying some quality time 

in some spring sunshine 

(hopefully!) remember to 

take a moment to indulge 

in the silly side of life. After 

all, laughter is the best 

medicine, especially when 

paired with chocolate! 

HOME TRENDS 

Editor Katie Thomson 

e katie@minervapublications.co.uk 

Assistant Editor Kate Norris 

Publisher Sally Thomson 

Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose 

Contributors 

Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave, 

Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence 

FOR ADVERTISING 

Account Manager Helen Skeates 

e helen.skeates@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984494 

Front Cover Courtesy of Dave Foster for 

Fairfax & Favor 

22 

RETIREMENT PLANNING 

28 

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Printed on sustainably sourced paper. 

Please recycle this copy or pass it along 

when you are finished for someone else 

to enjoy. 

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. 

We’ve also got a look at 

home trends to help inspire 

your next renovation 

project, stacks of recipes 

if you’re entertaining, and 

lots of other joyful pages 

to celebrate the delights of 

spring. 

With that said, let’s hop 

to it and make this Easter 

one to remember. We wish 

you a hopping good time 

and plenty of chocolateinduced 

smiles. 

Katie 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

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EASTER 

Delicious recipes from the 

eggs-perts at Clarence 

Court Eggs 

Feasts 

Scandi-Style Platter 

SCANDI-STYLE 

OPEN FACED 

SANDWICH 

PLATTER 

When grazing boards are done well 

they become a real treat for the 

senses. You can mix and match 

your toppings to suit your crowd. 

PREP TIME: 15 minutes 

COOK TIME: 10 minutes 

Serves 6 

INGREDIENTS: 

You’ll need a large serving board for 

this or a few smaller ones. 

1 small fillet beef (pprox.. 350g) 

Olive oil 

Sea salt and freshly ground black 

pepper 

6 Clarence Court Hens Eggs 

12 Clarence Courts Quails Eggs 

Jarred marinated herring 

150g smoked salmon 

A few slices of cucumber 

A bunch of fresh rainbow coloured 

radishes and baby carrots, washed 

2 tablespoons capers 

3 tablespoons crispy dried onions 

A small mixed bunch of fresh dill, 

chives and parsley 

A small log of butter 

1 large or 2 small loaves of rustic or 

rye bread, cut into small slices 

A selection of whole grain crackers 

Honey dill dressing 

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 

1 tablespoon runny honey 

1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 

4 tablespoons olive oil 

1 small bunch dill, finely chopped 

Zest of 1 lemon 

METHOD: 

Remove the beef from the fridge 

30 minutes before cooking so 

it has time to comeup to room 

temperature. 

Rub the beef with a little 

olive oil. Place a medium sized 

frying pan on a medium heat. Once 

hot enough sear the meat all over 

for about 3-4 minutes on each side. 

Place on a plate and season all over 

in salt and pepper, cover with tin foil 

and allow the meat to rest. 

Place two pans of water on to boil. 

Cook the hens’ eggs for around 8 

minutes in one pan and the quails 

eggs in another pan for around 2 

minutes. Once cooked carefully 

remove the eggs from the water 

and place in a large bowl of ice 

water to cool. 

Meanwhile make the dressing, 

place the ingredients in a clean 

jam jar with a lid and shake well to 

combine. 

Just before you’re ready to serve, 

peel the eggs and slice the hens’ 

eggs in half. Remove the foil from 


the beef, place on a board and slice very thinly. 

Prepare your serving board by covering in a couple of 

squares of white or brown parchment. Place the eggs in 

centre of the board with the jar of dressing and spoon. 

Put the vegetables and herbs next to the jar. Put the herring 

in a small bowl and place on the board with the salmon and 

beef arranged nearby. Place the capers and crispy onions in 

little jars on the board. Add the bread, crackers and the butter 

wrapped in greaseproof with a butter knife. Serve with plates, 

cutlery and napkins so everyone can dig in. 

WILD MUSHROOM AND 

GRUYÈRE BAKED EGGS 

Clodagh McKenna’s creamy wild mushroom and gruyère 

baked eggs are a sublime bowl of comfort. The delicious 

woodland umami flavours of the wild mushrooms are 

enchanting, whilst the gruyère and rich golden yolks of our 

eggs bring a luxurious layer of creamy indulgence. It’s the 

perfect dish for winter days. 



Serves 2 

INGREDIENTS: 

25g butter, plus extra for greasing the dishes 

75g pancetta 

160g mixed wild or chestnut mushrooms, sliced 

100ml double cream 

50g Gruyère cheese, grated 

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 

4 Clarence Court hen eggs 

Sea salt 

Freshly ground black pepper 

METHOD: 

Pre-heat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan. 

Grease 2 small ovenproof dishes with butter. 

Place a frying pan over a medium heat and add the butter. 

Once the butter has melted, add the pancetta, toss and cook 

for 2 minutes. Next, add the mushrooms to the pan, season 

with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give a little 

shake and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the mushrooms are 

golden in colour. 

Place the grated gruyère cheese, double cream and mustard 

in a bowl, season with sea salt and freshly ground black 

pepper and whisk together. 

Once the mushrooms and pancetta are cooked, stir them into 

the creamy cheese mixture, then spoon ¼ of the mixture into 

each dish. 

Make two little divets in each portion of the creamy cheese 

mixture and crack your eggs into them. Spoon the remaining 

mixture over the eggs, being careful to not cover the yolks. 

Place the dishes on a baking tray and into the pre-heated 

oven for 15 minutes. Serve with toasted bread cut into thin 

slices, so that you can dip them into the eggs. 


Fish Pie with Rosti Top 

FISH PIE WITH 

ROSTI TOP 

Fish pie is a great all rounder for 

any time of year and is balanced 

enough to just be served up on it’s 

own without sides. Mix up the types 

of fish, you can use cod, smoked 

mackerel, frozen squid or scallops. 

You could also add sweet potato or 

parsnip to the topping along with a 

little potato. 


COOK TIME: 1 hour 10 minutes 

Serves 4 

INGREDIENTS: 

500ml whole milk 

3 fresh bay leaves 

6 whole black peppercorns 

½ onion, peeled 

1 whole nutmeg 

10g fresh parsley, chopped 

250g Smoked haddock 

150g cherry tomatoes 

3 tablespoons plain flour 

50g butter plus extra for greasing 

3 large floury potatoes, peeled 

A good splash Vermouth (optional) 

50g fresh leaf spinach 

50g frozen peas 

10g fresh chives, chopped 

70g grated cheddar cheese 

4 Clarence Court Burford Brown 

eggs, (2 soft boiled and peeled and 

2 yolks) 

250g salmon fillet, cut into chunks 

100g peeled, raw prawns 

METHOD: 

Pre-heat the oven to 200°C.Place 

the milk in a saucepan with the bay 

leaves, peppercorns, onion, a few 

gratings of nutmeg and parsley 

stalks. Place on a low heat and 

simmer for 5 minutes without boiling 

the milk, then add the smoked 

haddock and simmer for a further 

5 minutes. Turn off the heat and 

remove the fish with a slotted spoon 

and place on a plate. Whilst the fish 

is still warm remove the skin. 

Place the cherry tomatoes in a 

baking dish, drizzle with a teaspoon 

olive oil. Season with salt and pepper 

and toss together. Put the tray of 

tomatoes in the oven and cook for 

20 minutes or until the tomatoes are 

softened and starting to pop. 

Peel and coarsely grate the potatoes, 

place in a colander and season 

with 1 teaspoon salt. Toss together 

and squeeze out the water from the 

potatoes. Repeat with another 1 

teaspoon salt, place the potato in a 

clean tea towel and squeeze out the 

remaining moisture. 

Place the butter and flour in a 

medium sized saucepan on a low 

heat. Stir together until the butter 

has melted, bubbling and all looking 

golden. Strain the milk into the pan 

through a sieve. Keep stirring on 

a low heat with a spoon and then 

mix with a whisk until smooth and 

thickened enough to coat the back of 

a spoon, add a splash of Vermouth if 

using. Stir in the cheese, whisk in the 

egg yolks, season to taste and place 

to one side. 

Place a medium sized frying pan 

on a medium heat. Add the spinach 

and splash of water. Stir and allow 

the spinach to wilt. Turn off the heat, 

spoon in to the tea towel used for the 

potato and squeeze out the excess 

water. Season with salt, pepper and 

nutmeg and chop. 

Take a 20 cm x 30 cm baking dish 

and lightly grease the inside with 

softened butter. Stir the spinach 

into the sauce. Gently fold the fish, 

prawns, peas, chives and parsley in 

to the sauce too. Spoon the mixture 

into the baking dish and top with 

halved soft boiled eggs. Push them 

down into the sauce a little. 

Toss the grated potato in a little 

olive oil and arrange the rosti on top. 

Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes 

or until bubbling and the top is crisp 

and golden. Serve with stir fried 

savoy cabbage or watercress. 


BLOOD ORANGE 

PANCAKES 

Level up your pancakes with 

Thomas Franke’s take 



Serves 2 

INGREDIENTS: 

200g milk 

4 Clarence Court Burford Brown 

eggs 

100g flour 

Salt, pinch 

Crème fraiche 

Blood Orange Sauce 

300ml blood orange juice 

100g butter 

50g sugar 

50ml brandy (optional) 

10 blood orange segments 

Blood orange rind, finely sliced 

METHOD: 

For the pancakes, heat a nonstick 

pan on a medium heat. Blend all of 

the ingredients together. 

Pour a portion of the batter into the 

pan, twisting as you go to fill the 

pan with a thin layer of batter. When 

bubbles appear on the surface, flip 

the pancake over. Make all 

your pancakes, stack and keep 

warm. Tip: the reason most people 

say the first pancake never works is 

because their pan is too hot. Fully 

heat the pan, but over a 

medium heat. 

Blood Orange Pancakes 

For the sauce, mix the sugar, 

blood orange juice, and brandy 

(if using) together. 

Reduce vigorously until the 

juice begins to turn into a 

loose syrup. Remove from the 

heat, leave for 60 seconds, 

and then whisk in the cold 

butter until fully incorporated. 

Add the rind. Return the 

sauce to a medium heat and 

simmer until thickened and 

glossy. 

To serve, add the segments 

and the pancakes to the 

sauce to warm through. 

Remove the pancakes 

from the sauce and stack 

onto a plate. Spoon over 

the sauce, dress with the 

segments, and dust with 

icing sugar. Serve warm 

with a spoonful of crème fraiche. 

MARMALADE 

BREAD & 

BUTTER 

PUDDING 

Indulge in the ultimate comfort 

pudding, with a hint of zesty 

orange. Thomas Frakehas taken 

this traditional dessert and elevated 

it to a whole new level – a warming 

dessert any time of year. 



Serves 2 

INGREDIENTS: 

4 brioche rolls 

4 tablespoons marmalade 

2 tablespoons unsalted 

butter, plus some for 

greasing 

2 tablespoons sultanas 

1 tablespoon icing or caster 

sugar 

250ml orange custard 

Orange Custard 

400ml whole milk 

200ml double cream 

1 tablespoon vanilla bean 

paste 

Zest of an orange 

3 Clarence Court Burford 

Brown eggs 

100g golden caster sugar 

METHOD: 

For the orange custard, 

Bread & Butter Pudding 

place 

the whole milk, double 

cream, vanilla bean paste and 

orange zest into a saucepan over 

a medium heat and bring to the 

boil. As soon as it begins to bubble, 

remove from the heat. 

Beat the eggs and golden caster 

sugar in a bowl until pale and frothy. 

Pour over and whisk a little of the 

warm cream mixture into the eggs 

to temper. Then, add the tempered 

eggs into the saucepan of warm 

cream and return to a low heat. Stir 

well, and then remove and reserve 

250ml of your custard for the bread 

and butter pudding. Continue to 

stir the custard remaining in your 

pan until thickened to pouring 

consistency. 

For the marmalade bread and butter 

pudding, slice the brioche rolls in 

half. Generously lather with the 

marmalade and butter, and then 

arrange half of the slices in a small, 

buttered baking dish. Sprinkle the 

sultanas over, then top with the 

remaining slices of brioche. Pierce 

the rolls all over with a sharp knife, 

so they are ready to absorb all the 

delicious flavours. 

Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C. 

Pour over the reserved custard 

mixture until the brioche is mostly 

submerged. Allow to soak for 15 

minutes, before baking for 20 to 

30 minutes, until golden brown and 

the custard is set. Dust with icing 

sugar and serve with the thickened 

custard – enjoy! 


GREAT 

Taste 

Working in Michelin Star establishments 

around the world from the highly 

acclaimed Le Gavroche under the tutelage 

of Michel Roux, to restaurant Schillinger 

in Colmar, and a spell in three star Marc 

Meneau in Veselay, Daniel Galmiche’s 

culinary journey has been extraordinary. 

Sally Thomson caught up with him 

to discuss his career, his love of the 

Highlands and his new direction 

Thank you for taking the time 

to talk to me. You have moved 

recently - where are you based 

now, please? 

I am on the top of the Chiltern Hills, 

which means I’m about 35 minutes 

on the top of the hill behind Bicester. 

I’ve met you before when you 

were in the Vineyard. Am I right in 

thinking that your grandparents 

were organic farmers? 

That’s right. They had a small 

holding, mainly for friends and 

family. And it was all hand-fed, all 

organic, it was fantastic. So that 

must be about 60 years ago, that 

was pre-dating what goes on now. 

And my great aunt was a really 

fantastic cook. 

You were also in at one time in 

Scotland, for about seven years? 

“I’m fan of the Scots for 

a lot of things. I love the 

tradition, I love the kilt, 

the tartan, the mystery, 

the magic, the produce, the 

people. There’s something 

quite exquisite about 

Scotland, isn’t there?” 

Yes, I wanted to stay there, because 

I love Scotland, it’s my second 

country really. 

That’s another question I had 

for you, because my husband’s 

a Scot, and he absolutely loves 

Scotland too. 

Of course, it is a beautiful country. I 

just love Scotland and the produce 

they have is amazing. For me, the 

best produce in the UK comes from 

Scotland. 

Raspberries in particular, it was 

raspberries that my husband 

remembers growing in his garden 

when he was a little boy. They 

had buckets and buckets of 

raspberries. 

Best in Europe. Yes, they are. It’s 

just the season itself, so sometimes 

it can last for two weeks, three 

weeks, and sometimes for six 

weeks, because of the weather. I’m 

fan of the Scots for a lot of things. 

I love the tradition, I love the kilt, 

the tartan, the mystery, the magic, 

the produce, the people. There’s 

something quite exquisite about 

Scotland, isn’t there? 

What made you decide to leave 

Scotland at that stage then? 

I had a chance to go to live in 

Singapore for nearly four years. 

When I came back, I was in Portugal 

for one year, running the Penina, 

which is in the Algarve, where they 

have the famous Henry Cotton golf 

course, which is world renowned. 

And after that, I went to Harvey’s in 

Bristol for nearly seven years as well. 

You’re naturally a French chef and 

you’ve been all over the world 

however is there another cuisine 

that you like? 

I love Japanese food as well. I 

mean, it’s fantastic. There’s a 

symbiotic relationship between 

French and Japanese cooking - we 

have the same discipline and way 

of thinking about food and produce 

and where to get it. 

What direction is your career 

taking now? 

I don’t want to go back to 100 

covers and working all hours. I 

want something more intimate - 

everybody to come together, sit 

down together and go together and 

do that Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 

that’s it. Maybe 12 to 18, maybe 

12, 10 and 12 covers, that’s all I 

want to do. But proper, really nicely 

done. And I don’t want a 30-course 

menu. I want a seven-course menu. 

Simplified, focusing on connection - 

that’s what good food is about! 

danielgalmiche.co.uk 


ROAST LEG 

OF LAMB with 

California Walnut 

& Apricot Crust 

Prep: 15 minutes 

Cook: 2 hours plus resting 

Serves 6 

2kg whole leg of lamb 

4 spring onions, roughly 

chopped + 2 extra 

2 sprigs rosemary, leaves only 

100g California Walnuts + 25g 

75g dried apricots + 25g 

1 clove garlic 

2 tbsp rapeseed oil + 1 tsp 

50g fresh breadcrumbs 

1 tsp white wine vinegar 

1 sprig mint, leaves chopped 

Preheat the oven to 180°C, gas 

mark 4. 

Remove the lamb from the 

fridge, pat dry with kitchen 

paper and place in a large 

roasting tin. Make 6 x 6cm long 

deep slits in the meat and set 

aside. 

Place 4 spring onions, rosemary, 

100g walnuts, 75g apricots 

and garlic in a food processor 

with the 2 tbsp oil and blitz to 

a coarse crumb, mix into the 

breadcrumbs and season. 

Press some of the crust mix into 

the slits of the lamb and press 

the remaining over the top of 

the joint. Roast for 1 hour then 

cover with foil and cook for a 

further hour to give medium 

rare. Remove from the oven and 

rest for 15 minutes still covered 

in foil before carving. 

Meanwhile, mix the remaining 

sliced spring onions, chopped 

walnuts and diced apricots 

with 1 tsp oil, 1 tsp white wine 

vinegar and mint. Serve with 

the leg of lamb. 

COOK’S TIP 

Prepare the lamb in advance 

with the crust on and leave 

out for 10-15 minutes before 

cooking. 


BRAISED PEAS 

with California 

Walnuts & Pancetta 


Cook: 10 minutes 

Serves 4-6 as an 

accompaniment 

½ tbsp rapeseed oil 

150g smoked diced pancetta 

5 spring onions, sliced 

300g frozen peas 

1 clove garlic, crushed 

50g California Walnuts, roughly 

chopped 

300ml chicken stock 

2 sprigs mint, leaves only 

1 tsp Dijon mustard 

Heat the oil in a large frying 

pan and fry the pancetta for 3 

minutes until crispy, drain off 

most of the excess oil. Add the 

spring onions, peas and garlic 

and fry for a further 3 minutes. 

Stir in the walnuts, stock, mint 

and Dijon and cook for 2-3 

minutes. 

EASTER NESTS 

with California Walnuts 


Cook: 3-4 minutes 

Makes 12 

200g milk chocolate, broken into 

pieces 

2 tbsp golden syrup 

50g unsalted butter, diced 

75g cornflakes 

50g California Walnuts, roughly 

chopped + 12 halves 

80g bag mini eggs 

Place 12 fairy cases in a 12-hole 

muffin tin. Place the chocolate, syrup 

and butter in a large bowl and set 

over a pan of simmering water, allow 

to melt completely then cool slightly. 

Stir in the cornflakes and chopped 

walnuts until completely coated. 

Divide between the paper cases and 

make a little hollow in the centre of 

each. 

Press a Walnut half and 2 mini eggs 

in the hollow and chill until set. 


p e r f e c t 

g i f t s , 

c l o t h e s & 

a c c e s s o r i e s 

1 0 % o f f 

o n l i n e a n d i n 

s t o r e u s i n g 

1 0 H A U S L I F E 

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The Alice Gilet 

in Nubuck & 

Toscana, £450 

The Tetbury 

Women’s Crescent 

Bag in Chocolate 

Suede, £285 

The Heeled Soho Boot 

in Ink Suede, £395 

R A C E D A Y E D I T 

Cheltenham Festival 

Beautiful rural vogue pieces from the 

quintessential country brand - Fairfax & Favor 

fairfaxandfavor.com 

The Belgravia 

Ankle Boot in Black 

Suede, £250 

The Ada Cape in 

Biscuit Wool, £525 

The Grace Coat in 

Tan Suede, £825 

The Sienna Cape in Monochrome 

Houndstooth, £495 


STYLISH 

Stays 

AZTEC HOTEL & SPA 

bristol 

Sometimes we all just need a retreat from the world, and 

the Aztec Hotel, with its lovely spa, fabulous dining options, 

comfortable rooms and family-friendly set up, makes it the 

perfect getaway for the whole gang. 

This is a family-friendly hotel, and that feeling of incusivity 

makes for a relaxing stay. Children are at the fore-front, even 

getting their own ‘V-I-little-P’ dressing gowns on arrival - 

meaning they can relax into their stay alongside mum and dad. 

You’ll also find lovely extras like eye masks and pillow spray in 

the room, to aid relaxation. 

The spa makes the Aztec a real destination - with a warming 

sauna to a relaxing hot tub, a steam room for deep breathing 

and finally a well-sized swimming pool for a refreshing dip 

and some lengths. Caudalie and TempleSpa treatments are 

available in the four relaxing treatment rooms, to really take 

your recharge to a new level. The lounge area is a great space 

to kick back in, with coffee and a paper - it is lovely to be able 

to take some time out to recharge in a comforting space. 

Make sure you don’t miss The Curious Kitchen - the Aztec’s 

wonderful restaurant. Executive Chef Marc Payne has brought 

in a range of new techniques to expand on the expertise 

already shown in the kitchen. The team smoke, cure, pickle 

and preserve in-season meaning all year round the produce 

is at its best. The hotel showcases these new skills in 

masterclasses held every Saturday, were the chefs showcase 

their talents and share expert advice with guests. 

Whether you’re visiting for a spa day or a night away, you’re 

sure to check out feeling recharged. 

Rooms from £84 | Book direct at aztechotelbristol.co.uk 

Aztec W, Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4TS 

MONDRIAN 

shoredich, london 

We know London has an inimitable buzz, and this is 

especially true in Shoreditch. Matching the energy of its 

setting, the Mondrian is the perfect city bolt-hole for your 

next adventure. 

The styling is contemporary and achingly cool - but 

importantly, very inviting. The standard king rooms make 

resplendently comfortable bases if your weekend is featuring 

lots of city exploration - or, if you plan to be more inert, the 

palatial penthouses would be the premium choice. All the 

rooms are equipped with lots of five-star luxuries, including 

delightful steam showers, a quirkily-stocked mini bar and 

plush beds for an excellent night’s sleep - a must when 

staying away from home. 

Breakfast is served on the rooftop - adjacent to the hotel’s 

crowning gem - its own rooftop pool. It has the same 

characterful furniture and artwork as the rest of the hotel - 

creating a lovely, light-filled space to enjoy. 

The hotel is perfectly placed to enjoy the best of Shoreditch 

and connections to the wider city - but with a fantastic gym, 

a pool, spa treatments and a wonderful atmosphere, you 

can find all you need within its walls. 

don’t miss - dining at bibo 

Located in the hotel and described as ‘a little piece of 

Andalusia in central London’, BiBo is a dining concept from 

chef Dani García, packing plenty of style and flavour. The 

tapas dishes are designed to be shared - make sure you 

order the porcini croquetas - crispy parcels of deliciousness 

filled with creamy umami mash. 

Rooms from £197 | 45 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT 


Strala Peach Cushion By Abigail Borg, £85 

Each, abigailborg.com 

Conch Shell 052, 

benjaminmoorepaint. 

co.uk 

Shoreditch 3 Seater Sofa in Stain Resistant Cotton 

Velvet Blossom, £1643 darlingsofchelsea.co.uk 

Earthborn Peach Baby, 

earthbornpaints.co.uk 

PEACH FUZZ 

It’s official - Pantone have announced that their 

pick for Colour of the Year 2024 is Peach Fuzz! 

Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz was described by the 

Pantone Colour Institute as a comforting hue ‘softly 

nestled between pink and orange’ that was chosen 

to express a yearning for community and cosiness 

during uncertain times. We absolutely adore this 

shade, and to help you get inspired we’ve gathered a 

selection of products to help you embrace this sweet 

subtle shade in the New Year 

Tonal Pinks Twist 

Dinner Candles, £6.49, 

giselagraham.co.uk 

High West Wild 

Studio Poster, £15.95, 

desenio.com 

Candle Holder £26.99, 

sofastore.com 

If you’re not feeling 

a total redecoration 

coming on, why not 

add Peach Fuzz into 

your interior with some 

smaller accessories like 

glassware, cushions or 

candles 

Earthborn Peach Baby, 

earthbornpaints.co.uk 

Cary Silk Cushion, £160, 

sweetpeaandwillow.com 

Ligne Roset Chair and 

Footstool, ligne-roset.com/uk/ 

Natural Wax Boxed 

Candle, £21, 


Liberty, Vaisselle, Glass Vase With Two 

Handles, £645, libertylondon.com 

Set of 2 Short 

Cocktail Glasses £32, 

roseandgrey.co.uk 


Green Botanical 

Pyjamas, £49.99, 


Benjamin Moore Hunter Green, 

benjaminmoorepaint.co.uk 

Smile Kitchens Hjerte 

Range in Spruce Green, 

smilekitchens.com 

Leopard Art, £38, aureous.co 

Swyft Model 06 in Vine, 

£3735, swyfthome.com 

The Hot List 

OUR FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE TRENDS 

Forest Green Stoneware Mug, 

£14, roseandgrey.co.uk 

Thistleton Pantry in ‘Thicket’, 

£2057, lochannakitchens.co.uk 

FOREST GREEN 

Ca’Pietra Bamboo Lustre Avocado 

+ Forest and Glass House Floor, 

capietra.com 

While soothing shades of sage have been a firm favourite over 

the last year or two, we’ve spotted a subtle shift towards bolder, 

earthier forest green hues that act as the perfect addition to infuse 

the home with rich colour, character and charm while still keeping 

things grounded. This love for deep forest greens stems from an 

ongoing desire for a greater connection to the natural world and its 

calming effects (one of the key reasons behind biophilic design’s 

increasing popularity). 

Glace Bottle Green Kit Kat Tiles, 

porcelainsuperstore.co.uk 

Chasseur Round Casserole 

20cm Forest £144, dexam.co.uk 


Cambridge Kitchen in 

Driftwood Blue, Benchmarx 

GO GREEN 

From calming sage to power-packed 

emerald, green isn’t going anywhere. 

Green is easy to incorporate into your 

kitchen’s color scheme and has the 

ability to make kitchen cabinets sing. 

Paint ‘Secret Room’ , 

earthbornpaints.co.uk; 

H O M E 

Renovating 

G U I D E 

If you’re looking to improve rather 

than move, these are the trends you 

need to take note of for 2024 

Nettuno Parkland Tile, 

claybrookstudio.co.uk 

K I T C H E N 

Preveli Pendant, £180, darlighting.co.uk 

oliveandbarr.com 

oliveandbarr.com 

ORNATE 

LIGHTING 

There has been a definite move 

away from the understated 

kitchen, and the larger-than-life 

trend is back - particularly light 

fixtures that are oversized and a 

statement piece. 

Otoro Recycled 

Pendant, £250, 

nkuku.com 


Bye Bye Birdie! 

Divine Savages 

SPA FEATURES 

Consumers are placing increasing 

priority on products and design 

that focus on health and wellness. 

There’s increased interest in spa-like 

amenities in bathrooms, including 

steam showers and saunas. Steam 

showers have been at the top of the 

list as science has shown they may 

contribute to allergy relief, lower 

blood pressure and better sleep. 

Bath Brush, £14, 

gardentrading.co.uk 

B A T H R O O M 

PLAYFUL 

WALLPAPER 

Bathrooms are the perfect place to go 

a bit over the top and showcase your 

personality by using wallpaper as your 

hero piece. There is so much fabulous 

paper in the marketplace that there’s truly 

something for everyone — from small, 

classic prints to exotic toiles and florals to 

mural-like papers. 

Rockpools Wallpaper, 

fionahoward.com 

GEOMETRIC 

PATTERNS 

Carpe Diem Wallpaper, lusthome.com 

Expect a surge in the popularity of 

patterns in both flooring and wall designs 

in 2024. The focus won’t necessarily be 

on colourful pattern designs but on the tile 

arrangements. Think geometric patterns 

such as chevron, basket-weave and 

herringbone layouts to take centre stage. 

Avalon GreyTile, £27.99, 

tilemountain.co.uk 

Harlequin Geometric Tiles, £42, 

porcelainsuperstore.co.uk 

Valentine Marble Mosaic, 

hyperiontiles.co.uk 


Studio McGee 

WARM NEUTRALS 

Paint ‘Grasscloth’ , 

claybrookstudio.co.uk; 

Cavendish Armchair, 

£450, hauslife.co.uk 

Warm, textural spaces with natural 

materials in moodier, earthy colour palettes, 

immediately brings a laid-back and inviting 

feel. We’re moving away from bright whites 

toward more creams, browns, rusts, and 

muted greens 

Tali Cushion, £35, 

hauslife.co.uk; Tanhu 

Wool Throw Blanket, 

£210, whitemotive.com 

L I V I N G 

Lacock Limestone Flooring, 

artisansofdevizes.com; 

The Gentry Owl Cushion, 

£29.99, claire-louise.co.uk 

Amber Interiors 

Edith Nature Motif 

Lamp £225, sweetpeaandwillow.com 

www.torimurphy.com 

ENGLISH 

COUNTRY 

Queen Anne Scroll 

Wing Chair, £1593, 

darlingsofchelsea.co.uk 

It goes to show that the classics 

never go out of fashion - this style is 

especially good if you’re looking to 

reduce your carbon footprint with the 

use of antique and vintage pieces. 

Green Flutterby Stained 

Glass Film, purlfrost.com 

Camille Limewash Oak 

Large Console Table, 

£750, cotswoldco.com

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ACTUAL SIZE (1:1 SCALE) 

Please Note: Colours and print quality may vary between the above proof and final printing. 

If a specific colour is required, please inform us of the Pantone reference number. 

Advertisement copyright Smile Publications Ltd 

SMILE PUBLICATIONS LIMITED, 3 WHEELWRIGHTS YARD, THE STREET, HATFIELD PEVEREL, CHELMSFORD, ESSEX. CM3 2EA TEL: 01

Marching into Spring 

NOTES FROM 

THE GARDEN 

This is such a positive time in the garden, 

bulbs like green spears piercing the borders 

and the verges brightened by daffodils 

and lots to be done to prepare for the peak 

growing season too. 

If you have a greenhouse then, having done the spring clean 

it is time to sew sweet peas – what could be more delightful 

than a bowl of frilly sweet peas giving off that unique summery 

fragrance, and the variety and colours on offer are a feast for the 

eyes – and nose. 

It may be tempting to tidy the garden and indeed we should – but 

beware of being too tidy! Birds and insects love places to rootle 

around in, hide and nest in and find food so a little untidiness - 

just a corner will do- is a help to them. Perhaps some old wood, 

a pile of prunings, cardboard pieces and leaf piles will certainly 

offer this and if you have nettles, as long as they are out of the 

way, caterpillars will be very grateful too. For children who 

are keen to get involved, then building a bug hotel is a great 

opportunity to introduce them to the fun to be had outdoors so 

the whole family can share and enjoy your green space. 

It is time to plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes, those 

overgrown perennials can be divided – and shared with friends – and 

don’t forget to top up containers with some lovely fresh compost. 

‘SPRING IS WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE WHISTLING, EVEN 

WITH A SHOE FULL OF SLUSH’ DOUG LARSON 

April is the time to get your gloves on and prune rambling roses 

and tie in any loose stems, and a general hoe of borders to 

prevent the spread of weeds is a great plan – no doubt your 

garden robin will enjoy the results of that particular exercise too! 

No matter how big or small your green space is there is lots to 

enjoy and plan for – and after all that energy expenditure you 

can reward yourself with a cup of coffee and a good gardening 

magazine or book to plan future horticultural exploits. 

For more advice, visit Matt Bigg’s website: 

www.matthewbiggs.com 

Exceptional, bespoke kitchen design & manufacture 

9D Farnham Trading Estate, Farnham GU9 9NN | 01252 750445 | www.lucasgrant.co.uk | hello@lucasgrant.co.uk 


DAHLIA 

Lots of people get put off planting dahlias, but 

they are easier to grow than you might think. 

Dahlias love rich, well-drained soil in full sun. 

They’ll still give you lovely blooms without a 

lot of soil preparation, but enriching the soil by 

digging in a mulch when planting will give you 

even better results. Like most bulbs and tubers, 

they don’t like poorly drained soil, so dig in 

plenty of compost or topsoil to raise the level of 

your garden beds slightly if you have heavy soil. 

Dahlia ‘Totally Tangerine’ 

Dahlia ‘Café au Lait’ 

For best results, start your dahlia tubers in 

temporary pots in a greenhouse in March or 

April to grow on to transplant outside later in 

the season – this will give them a head start. 

Alternatively, you can plant the tubers directly 

outside in May. Dahlias are half hardy, which 

means that should be kept frost free over winter 

and during spring. 

Dahlia ‘Daisy Duke’ 

C U T T I N G 

Seek true enjoyment from your 

garden by planting flowers perfect for 

cutting - we went to the experts at 

Farmer Gracy for advice! 

Garden 

Ranunculus ‘White’ 

PEONY 

You can plant peonies in autumn 

or spring, but always in the same 

season that they are sent to you so 

that they are fresh when planted. 

In the first year they remain fairly 

compact but over time these plants 

can fill a space up to 1.2m. Peonies 

are happiest in a border in sun or 

partial shade, choose a suitable 

spot and dig over the soil before 

planting to ensure it is loose and 

soft for planting. You can also grow 

peonies in large patio containers in 

a soil-based compost. 

Ranunculus ‘Elegance® Malva’ 

RANUNCULUS 

Ranunculus are grown from corms which look like claws. Thriving 

in a sunny spot, the lovely big blooms these plants produce will 

appreciate a warm, sheltered spot away from strong winds to keep 

them in top condition. Ranunuculus are half hardy, for best results 

it’s a good idea to start them off in pots and then transplant out into 

their final positions from mid spring. They’re particularly well suited 

to growing in patio containers, but also do very well at the front of a 

mixed flower border with rich, free-draining soil. Plant them directly 

into a sunny, sheltered border or patio container between April-June. 

If planting earlier, start them off in pots or cell trays in an unheated 

greenhouse to transplant out later in spring. 

Paeonia ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ 

See more varieties, care advice and get inspiration at farmergracy.co.uk 


A HAPPY & 

HEALTHY 

Retirement 

Retirement marks a significant 

milestone in life, offering the promise 

of relaxation, exploration, and newfound 

freedom. However, achieving 

a happy retirement requires careful 

planning and foresight, particularly 

in the UK where factors such as 

pension schemes, healthcare, and 

cost of living play crucial roles. By 

taking proactive steps, individuals 

can pave the way for a fulfilling and 

financially secure retirement. 

START EARLY AND 

SAVE DILIGENTLY: 

The foundation of a successful 

retirement plan lies in starting 

early and consistently saving for 

the future. Take advantage of 

workplace pension schemes such 

as the government-backed National 

Employment Savings Trust (NEST) or 

employer-provided schemes, which 

often include employer contributions. 

Additionally, consider contributing to 

private pension plans or Individual 

Savings Accounts (ISAs) to diversify 

your retirement savings. 

UNDERSTAND 

STATE PENSION 

ENTITLEMENTS: 

The UK State Pension provides 

a fundamental source of income 

for retirees. To maximise your 

entitlement, ensure you have 

made sufficient National Insurance 

contributions throughout your 

working life. The State Pension 

age is regularly reviewed, so stay 

informed about any changes that 

may affect your retirement plans. 

CREATE A 

REALISTIC BUDGET: 

Assess your current financial 

situation and outline a realistic 

budget for retirement. Consider 

your expected expenses, including 

housing, healthcare, leisure 

activities, and potential long-term 

care costs. Factor in inflation and 

potential fluctuations in income 

28 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

to ensure your budget remains 

sustainable throughout retirement. 

You need to work out what you’d 

like retirement to look like, how 

much that would cost per year, and 

save and invest in line with those 

expectations. 

DIVERSIFY 

INVESTMENTS: 

While pensions form a core 

component of retirement planning, 

diversifying investments can provide 

additional sources of income and 

mitigate risks. Explore investment 

options such as stocks, bonds, 

mutual funds, and property, taking 

into account your risk tolerance and 

long-term financial goals. 

HEALTHCARE AND 

LONG-TERM CARE 

PLANNING: 

Healthcare costs can significantly 

impact retirement finances, 

especially as individuals age. 

Familiarise yourself with the NHS 

services available to retirees and 

consider private health insurance 

options to supplement your 

healthcare needs. Additionally, 

explore long-term care insurance to 

protect against the potentially high 

costs of residential or home care in 

later life. 

D E B T 

MANAGEMENT: 

Prioritise clearing outstanding 

debts before entering retirement 

to alleviate financial burdens and 

ensure a smoother transition. 

Develop a repayment plan to settle 

any outstanding mortgages, loans, 

or credit card debts, allowing you to 

enter retirement with greater financial 

freedom and peace of mind. 

STAY ACTIVE AND 

ENGAGED: 

Retirement is not just about 

financial planning; it’s also about 

maintaining physical, mental, and 

social well-being. Stay active by 

pursuing hobbies, volunteering, 

or engaging in part-time work 

if desired. Cultivate social 

connections with family, friends, and 

community groups to foster a sense 

of belonging and fulfilment during 

retirement. 

REGULARLY REVIEW 

AND ADJUST PLANS: 

Life is dynamic, and retirement 

plans should adapt accordingly. 

Regularly review your financial 

situation, investment portfolio, and 

retirement goals to ensure they 

remain aligned. Consider consulting 

with a financial advisor periodically 

to assess progress, make necessary 

adjustments, and stay on track 

towards a happy and secure 

retirement. 

In conclusion, planning for a happy 

retirement requires a proactive 

approach that encompasses 

financial preparation, healthcare, 

and lifestyle choices. By starting 

early, saving diligently, diversifying 

investments, and prioritising physical 

and emotional well-being, individuals 

can embark on retirement with 

confidence and optimism for the 

fulfilling years ahead. Remember, 

the key to a successful retirement 

lies in thoughtful planning and 

continuous adaptation to changing 

circumstances.

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Poster, from 

£10.95, 

desenio.com 

Stripe Wallpaper, lusthome.com 

Wall Light, £95, pooky.com 

Frill Cushion, £122, 

mollymahon.com 

Annie Sloan 

S T R A W B E R R Y 

and Rose 

This is a pairing that packs a punch in the best way possible. Playful 

and bold, a mixture of juicy reds and blushed pinks is sure to have 

heads turning in spring and summer months around the corner. 

Explore the full curated edit for some inspiration! 

HKliving Pink Cushion, 

£49, roseandgrey.co.uk 

Jeego Cushion £95, 

libertylondon.com 

Red Algae No 1, from £18, 

beachhouseart.co.uk 

Four Spiral Candles, £20, 

talkingtables.co.uk 

Table Cloth, £95, 

mollymahon.com 

Cotton Pyjamas, £95, 

tartanblanketco.com 

30 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

Nudie Rudie Bathmat 

£59, antipodream.co.uk 

Cotton Pyjamas, from 

£44.99, hauslife.co.uk

THE PERFECT 

CHOICE FOR 

RETIREMENT LIVING 

IN HAMPSHIRE 

DISCOVER 

MORE ABOUT 

McCARTHY 

STONE 

Retirees in Hampshire can 

continue enjoying living their life 

to the full thanks to McCarthy 

Stone's Retirement Living 

developments in Hook and 

Tadley. Offering a unique brand 

of living for the over 60s, both 

developments present a choice of 

low maintenance and spacious 

apartments to provide all the 

home comforts for a relaxing 

retirement, as well as a host 

of social activities right on the 

doorstep. 

HEAR FROM ONE OF 

OUR HOMEOWNERS. 

Lorraine, moved to Roslin Place, 

Hook in May 2023 and has 

been happy in her lovely new 

two-bedroom apartment ever 

since. Lorraine says: "Living in a 

McCarthy Stone development 

definitely has a community feel to 

it. Having coffee mornings to meet 

up with friends is a joy and a glass 

of fizz adds to the enjoyment of 

living here." 

She goes on to add: "I must 

admit that when going for an 

appointment I will sometimes 

have to leave several minutes 

earlier so that I can have a chat 

with a neighbour or two along 

the corridor before getting into the 

car, which makes you feel part of 

the McCarthy Stone community;' 

SOME OF THE ADVANTAGES. 

Roslin Place and Yelland Place 

have plenty to offer the most 

discerning retirees. 1here are 

stylish fixtures and fittings, 

including top of the range built-in 

appliances in every apartment. 

Beautifully landscaped gardens 

are maintained all year round 

and are the setting for many 

social activities during the 

summer months. It is also 

reassuring to know that both 

developments have a 24-hour 

emergency call system in place 

to provide emergency assistance 

should it ever be needed. A House 

Manager is available during office 

hours to oversee the day-to-day 

running of the development and 

to help with anything you might 

need to enjoy the independence 

of your new home. 

WHY MCCARTHY STONE? 

More than nine out of 10 

customers would recommend 

McCarthy Stone to a friend, 

ensuring it has received 

the full Five Star award for 

customer satisfaction from the 

Home Builders Federation. 

McCarthy Stone is the only UK 

housebuilder of any size or type 

to achieve this rating every year 

since it started in 2006. 

Buy from: £142,500-# 

Book your tour of 

these stunning new 

developments. 

Both show suites are open 

Tuesday - Saturday, 

10:30am - 5pm. 

ROSLIN PLACE AND 

YELLAND PLACE 

EXC LUSIVELY FOR 

THEOVER60s 

OF FER S: 

• Quality one and two bedroom 

apartments 

• Convenient locations close 

to town centres 

• Stylish communal lounge 

• Dedicated House Manager 

• Beautifully landscaped 

gardens 

• Perfect blend of privacy 

and community 

CALL 0800 310 0975 TO BOOK A TOUR OR VISIT 

MCCARTHYSTONE.CO.UK/HAMPSHIRE 

Roslin Place, Station Road, 

Hook, Hampshire RG27 9GU 

Yelland Place, 46 New Road, 

Tadley, Hampshire RG26 3BR 

*Trustpilot l'll'll'll'll'l 

Rated Excellent on Trustpilot 

McCARTHY STONE 

.wyttwu/ 

'Subject to avalability. -shared Ownership example shown when purchasing a 50% share and with monthly rent. Other shares and 

purchase options available. Qualifying criteria apply. See mccarth ys tone.co.uk/shared-ownership for more details. 

SC017276

THU 20 JUNE 2024 

RODRIGO Y GABRIELA 

THE YAWANAWA 

Celebrate Summer Solstice & World Music 

with an immersive concert experience 

in the heart of nature 

“ 

The Mount is such a magical venue in a beautiful 

spot amongst the trees and the wild flowers 

“ 

WASING ESTATE, NR READING, RG7 4LY 

@WASING1759 

TICKETS AT WASING.CO.UK/SOLSTICE

North Hampshire Lifestyle Mar - Apr 2024

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