The Lifestyle Mar - Apr 2024

THE 

LIFESTYLE 

MARCH/APRIL 2024 

home 

FRONT 

Trends to add into 

your space 

Easter 

FUN 

Recipes, decorating 

and more 

check 

MATE 

THE PATTEN TO EMBRACE THIS SEASON 

cutting 

GARDEN 

Flowers to plant now 

for beautiful bouquets 

WIN 

FAIRFAX & FAVOR 

APPAREL, LUXURY 

SKINCARE, 

GRILLS FOR BBQ 

SEASON AND 

MORE 

TRAVEL | HOME & GARDEN | FOOD & DRINK | BEAUTY | INTERVIEWS

Meet Your Interior Designer 

A Free Service at BoConcept 

Free interior design from the experts at BoConcept Birmingham. Whether one chair or a 

complete home, just give us your ideas, room sizes and time, we’ll do the rest. 

Book an appointment today to discover the beauty of contemporary Danish design. 

BOCONCEPT BIRMINGHAM I BOCONCEPT.COM 

67 – 69 Harborne Road, Five Ways, Edgbaston. B15 3BU 

t: 0121 661 4980 e: birmingham@boconcept.co.uk 

Free street parking 10am - 4pm. Tram: Edgbaston Village

Checks are 

officially the print 

this season 

EDITOR’S NOTE 

kept in check 

Ah, spring – that magical time of year when the 

world awakens from its winter slumber, bursting 

forth with colour, warmth, and endless possibilities! 

Join us as we embark on a journey through the 

joyous season of renewal, where every bloom seems 

to whisper tales of hope and rejuvenation. 

In this edition, we'll delight in the simple pleasures 

of spring – notably, Easter celebrations with friends 

and family, centred around glorious food. 

Prepare to be inspired as we share tips for embracing 

the season's bounty, whether it's cultivating your 

garden, indulging in seasonal treats bursting with 

flavour, or shaking up your home to welcome the 

lighter days ahead. 

We have more general updates (you're going to be 

seeing a lot of checks and a lot of neutrals!) and 

then bigger changes for the kitchen, bathroom and 

living room if a larger-scale renovation is on the 

cards. 

We've also go fantastic edits for Mother's Day 

gifting, Easter decorating, beauty hot picks and my 

personal favourite, Fairfax & Favor's Cheltenham 

Gold Cup fashion edits - complete with your chance 

to win one of their luxury coats or a handbag. 

This whole edition is themed around the promise 

and the joys of spring. So, dear readers, let's shake 

off the winter blues and embrace the boundless joys 

of the season together. Grab a cuppa, kick back, and 

we can revel in the magic of spring together. And 

Let's not forget about the simple pleasures, like lazy 

afternoons spent soaking up the sun or indulging 

in sweet treats. Because life's too short not to stop 

and smell the flowers – especially when they're in 

full bloom! 

i minervapublications | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS 

Paxcroft Farm, Hilperton BA14 6JB | T 01225 984 430 

Front Cover courtesy of Fatface | Assistant Editor: Kate Norris 

Contributors: Rebecca Rose, Angela Cave, Matthew Biggs 

Would you like to find out about advertising? Simply email 

studio@minervapublications.co.uk or call 01225 984 430. 

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

Time 

COMPETITION 

Find out more about entering our competitions online 

at minervamagazines.co.uk/competitions - join our 

Competition Club and enter over 60 comps a year for 

only £12.99! Or enter for free by post. 

All the below close on 15th May 2024 

WIN ONE OF 2 NK18 

CHARCOAL KETTLE 

GRILL FROM NAPOLEON 

GRILLS WORTH £174.99 

Create your favourite BBQ recipes 

and experience charcoal grilling 

with Napoleon’s compact and agile 

Charcoal Kettle Grill. Grilling, roasting, 

and smoking are a breeze, you can 

control heat through airflow with 

adjustable vents at the top and bottom 

of the grill. 

Find out more at napoleon.com/en/uk 

Keyword ‘NK18’ 

WIN A LUXURY FAIRFAX 

& FAVOR TRENCH & 

HANDBAG 

Ready for the races? British Luxury 

Fashion & Rural Vogue brand Fairfax 

& Favor are giving a lucky reader the 

chance to win a Victoria Wool Coat 

worth £495, and a runner up will win 

Tetbury Crescent Bag worth £285 - 

perfect attire for race season. 

Shop online at fairfaxandfavor.com 

Keyword ‘Fairfax & Favor’ 

WIN ONE OF 3 SETS OF 

LUCIA BRAS AND BRIEFS 

With comfort in mind, Lucia is designed 

to give you great fit and support even 

without an underwire. Special materials 

and tailoring techniques provide great 

shaping with interlock fabric panels for 

strength. The straps are comfy with 

soft foam, (adjustable of course) and 

there is a soft band under the bust. 

No digging in! Can be paired with the 

matching high-waist briefs. 

Shop online at belladinotte.com 

Keyword ‘Lucia Underwear’ 

WIN £100 SUPPLY 

OF NATURAL GLOW- 

WHERE BEAUTY AND 

HYDRATION COLLIDE 

Effective hydration is the essential 

elixir for combatting lacklustre skin, 

nails, and hair. Natural Glow’s ultrapure 

water is enriched with glycine, 

a key player in collagen production, 

and meticulously crafted with a 

perfect blend of electrolytes, including 

potassium, magnesium, chloride, and 

calcium. Three lucky readers will each 

win £100 worth of Natural Glow. 

Shop online at natgloweu.com 

Keyword ‘Natural Glow’ 

WIN JEWELLERY SET BY 

COEUR DE LION 

The Mysterious Cubes & Pearls jewellery 

set in gold-black offers timeless black 

crystals combined with elegant crystal 

pearls to create breathtaking earrings 

(£65), a versatile bracelet (£79) and 

necklace (£159) with a customisable 

length, ideal for layering. 

See more at coeur-de-lion.org 

Keyword ‘Coeur De Lion’ 

WIN ONE OF 11 ALTRUIST 

SKIN BUNDLES 

You’ve got the chance to win a set of 

Altruist suncare products. Altruist’s 

high-quality, affordable 5 star ultra 

UVA sun protection range has been 

developed by consultant dermatologist, 

Dr Andrew Birnie, to help reduce the 

incidence of skin cancer. We have 

11 prize packages, each including an 

Altruist SPF 50 Primer, Altruist SPF 50, 

Altruist SPF 30 and Altruist Face Fluid 

SPF 30 worth £29 each. 

Find out more at www.altruistsun.com 

Keyword ‘Altruist’ 

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk


CONTENTS 

32 

06 COMPETITION 

Fabulous goodies to be 

won, from a designer 

coat to BBQ grills 

08 TRENDSETTERS 

Two trends you need 

to take note of 

12 FOR MAMA 

Lovely gift ideas for 

your mum or motherfigure 

16 BEAUTY 

Skin saviours and 

makeup must-haves 

this spring 

17 EASTER FUN 

Gorgeous ideas for 

decorating, plus lovely 

gift ideas 

18 RECIPES 

Perfect dishes for 

feeding crowds 

32 RENOVATION 

Ideas for kitchen, 

bathroom and living 

spaces to inspire 

39 GARDEN 

Advice on what to 

plant now if you want 

blooms for cutting

h a u s l i f e 

thoughtful gifts 

12 

at amazing prices 

18 

hauslife.co.uk 


Cushion, 

£12.50, 

jysk.co.uk 

Britty Flynn 

Poster, 

desenio.com 

Checkerboard 

Table Lamp, £59, 

rockettstgeorge.co.uk 

FatFace Bea Gingham Scarf, £35, 

Keswick Wide Leg Crop Jean, 

£59, Frome Check Shirt, £46 

Hair Clip, £6.99, 


CHECK-MATE 

Step into a world of timeless design with these 

beautiful checkerboard patterns. This classic motif, 

known for its versatility, takes centre stage in 2024, 

offering a bold yet structured aesthetic. From 

fashion to interiors, Checkerboard effortlessly blends 

nostalgia with a contemporary twist. 

Warm Blue Gingham Linen Bedtime 

Bundle £415, pigletinbed.com 

Checkity Check 

Check Wallpaper, 

lusthome.com 

Afina Check Bone Box, 

£195, oka.com 

Chennai Handwoven Cushion Cover, 

£27, hauslife.co.uk 

Rug, £254, 

pappelina.com/en 

Chequered Earth Art Print, 

£23, greenlili.com 


Walcot Marble Side Table, 


Dylan Armchair, 

£795, 

theroost.com 

Homewares from 

katiefischer.de 

‘Graceful Neutral’ Paint, 

yescolours.com 

Serenity Coffee Table, £299, 

wheresaintsgo.co.uk 

Ceramic Vase, £39.99, 

wayfair.co.uk 

Trendsetters 

OUR FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE FASHIONS & FINDS 

Antique White 

Table Lamp 

With Linen 

Shade, £99, 


Boxed Wall Art, £179, 

rowenhomes.com 

NEW NEUTRALS 

Grounded neutral hues have become a staple within the 

world of interior design thanks to their ability to create a 

calming, tranquil ambience throughout the home (and the 

fact that these versatile shades compliment virtually every 

colour combination you might have in mind). 

Whether you’re looking to go all out or simply need a few 

statement accessories to ground your space, our curated 

collection has a little something for everyone. 

Cushion, £45, 

frenchbedroom.co.uk 

Clifton Sofa, £2499, 


CorkWall - Lagos Beige, 

naturewall.com 


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 


Cheltenham 

Festival 

4 days of unmissable action, returns 

from March 12th to 15th, 2024. 

ADVERTISING FEATURE 

Anticipation is reaching a fever pitch as we gear up for four 

days of pulsating excitement, camaraderie, and unparalleled 

sporting moments. Among these, Wednesday stands out as 

the talk of the town, promising a unique fusion of fast horses 

and slow fashion in a celebration like no other. 

Style Wednesday at the Cheltenham Festival is a day that 

transcends the ordinary, where the style is as timeless as 

the races are thrilling, and the glamour matches the glory. In 

2024, as we commemorate the centenary of the Cheltenham 

Gold Cup, Style Wednesday takes centre stage, offering a 

distinctive blend of elegance and modern spectacle that pays 

homage to the festival’s rich heritage. 

More than a day at the races, Style Wednesday is a living 

testament to a century of fabulous and timeless fashion 

that has graced the Cheltenham Festival. As we honour the 

remarkable journey of the Cheltenham Gold Cup, this day 

becomes a celebration of the glamorous side of the festival, 

passed down through generations alongside the racing 

history that defines Cheltenham. 

The track’s highlight on Style Wednesday is the Betway 

Queen Mother Champion Chase, a race that demands speed, 

accuracy, and precision. As the finest two-mile chasers vie for 

glory on the track, Style Wednesday unfolds as a cherished 

family tradition, intertwined with the festival’s rich racing legacy. 

Raise your glasses to a century of the Cheltenham Gold 

Cup and let Style Wednesday be your canvas to showcase 

not just the latest trends but the enduring stories and 

traditions that make the Cheltenham Festival an unparalleled 

experience. Join us in creating memories that transcend time 

and become a part of the living tapestry of this iconic event. 

Secure your place in history at Style Wednesday by ensuring 

your tickets and hospitality now, available at 

www.thejockeyclub.co.uk/cheltenham/events-tickets/ 

the-festival/ 

Don’t miss the chance to be part of the glamour, the tradition, 

and the slow fashion movement at the Cheltenham Festival. 

Be a part of a legacy that continues to evolve with each 

passing year. 

HORSE RACING TIPS 

From the expert 

Join expectedwinners.com for racing tips from an 

expert with decades in the industry - plus, get your first 

two months half price, saving you £100! 

'Adrian thanks for giving me a fantastic days entertainment 

and a big profit to boost, I take my hat off to you, you are the 

master.’ - Peter 

Hardware | Switches & Sockets | Lighting 

corston.com 

Check out the history of past winners.you will 

also find my charter and past testimonials. 

www.expectedwinners.com 

Please do NOT join if you are not sure that this is the service that 

you feel you would be comfortable with, and that we could enjoy 

a long and financial future together! Please gamble responsibly. 


Cotton Kimono 

Dressing Gown, 

£38.99, 


Sophie Conran Lavandula 

Set of 2 Mugs, £33, 

portmeirion.co.uk 

Feel Good Vibes Limited 

Edition 3 Wick Candle, £55, 

neomwellbeing.com 

Use code 

LIVING15 for 

an exclusive 

15% discount at 


MOTHER’S 

Lovely gift ideas for your 

mum, grandmother or 

mother-figure 

day 

Cotton PJs, from 

£44.99, 


Stove Top Whistling 

Kettle, £49, 

enamelhappy.co.uk 

Asteraceae Gardening 

Gloves, £17.50, 

annabeljames.co.uk 

Fern Leaf Gold 

Plated Earrings, 

£16.99, 


Now, word of 

advice - only give 

appliances as gifts if its 

something they love doing! But 

for the keen cook, this food 

processor is amazing. Chop, 

grate, dice, spiralise 

and even knead 

dough in this incredible 

machine - a cook’s 

perfect companion. 

Cuisinart 3.3L 

Expert Prep Pro 

Food Processor, 

£280, 

cuisinart. 

co.uk 

Flexible Neoprene lining, 

natural rubber construction 

and a fantastic level of arch support and comfort, 

these superb Aussie-made gumboots are a wonderful 

investment - as comfortable as walking boots with a 

fabulous fashion-forward silhouette. Fergie Black Tall 

Wellington Boot, £114.95, uk.merrypeople.com 

Stork Black Short 

Kimono, £68, 

onehundredstars.co.uk 


Make tracks for 

a great day out 

Explore this 21-acre living museum 

and unearth almost two centuries of 

railway history. 

01235 817 200 | didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk 

MARLBOROUGH - Overton Framing Studio 

March 2nd - Octopus Amigurumi 2-4.30pm. 

March 11th - Granny Squares for Beginners 6-8pm. 

April 6th - Granny Squares for Beginners 2-4.30pm. 

April 6th - Granny Squares for Beginners 6-8pm. 

April 8th - Octopus Amigurumi 6-8.30pm. 

TROWBRIDGE - Court Street Gallery 

April 10th - Octopus Amigurumi 6-8:30pm. 

CROCHET CLUB 

Every Monday 6-8pm at Overton Framing Studio, 

Marlborough 

CRAFT IN THE PUB 

Every Tuesday 6-8pm at Coopers Arms, Pewsey 

www.crochetbouquet.co.uk/living 

crochetbouquetbyjen@gmail.com 

i @crochetbouquetbyjen f crochetbouquetbyjen 


Spring 

SALE 

L I M I T E D S P R I N G S A L E | E N D S S O O N 

H A U S , 3 A B B E Y G A T E S T R E E T , B A T H 

H A U S L I F E . C O . U K

EASTER 

A delicious selection of recipes to cater for any crowd, plus 

Easter gifts and decorating 

Image - laskasas.com/en

MY LITTLE HERO 

FACIAL SERUM 

Bring dull skin back to life with VOYA My Little Hero, 

the original VOYA facial serum. Fucus Serratus 

(Seaweed) and Sunflower Seed Oil hydrate and 

strengthen skin, while Camelina Oil protects and 

nourishes. Gentle enough for most skin types, this 

super-serum strengthens and moisturises for a visibly 

glowing complexion. £64, voya.ie 

Beauty 

HOT PICKS 

SILK TO SET 

KAJAL LINER 

Wing it, smoke it, waterline or 

buff it. Adored by makeup artists 

and non professionals in equal 

measure! These kajals create 

crisp wings or can be buffed for 

an effortless, chic smoky eye. 

Available in a beautiful range 

of shimmering jewel tones and 

classic brown and black. 

£17, hildunbeauty.com 

RHUG BEAUTY 

HYDRATION 

SET 

Meet your defence against 

dehydrated and dull-looking skin. 

This mix of our Purifying Cleansing 

Lotion, our favourite vitamin-rich 

Active Treatment Serum and 

Protecting Day Cream will leave 

your skin feeling re-energised and 

nourished. 

Set Includes: Purifying Cleansing 

Lotion 120ml, Active Treatment 

Serum 30ml, Protecting Day Cream 

15ml and a Muslin Cloth £175, 

rhugwildbeauty.com 

BEAUTY COMPLEX 

GIFT SET 

Beauty Complex 

is more than just a 

collagen supplement, 

it’s a super 

supplement with 8 

active ingredients 

working together to 

transform the hair, 

skin and nails. All 

with the ease of a 

single powdered 

sachet solution, 

ensuring optimal 

nutrient 

delivery and 

absorption, 

simply add 

water! 

Beauty 

Complex was 

designed by 

experts to 

compensate 

for declining 

Collagen, Ceramides 

and Hyaluronic Acid 

in the body. Perfect 

for those looking to 

upgrade their beauty 

game and support 

their hair, skin and 

nails from within - 

£125, reviveactive. 

com 

ELLA & JO - ENZYME MASK 

Give your skin the glow-up it deserves with this incredible facial 

enzyme face mask formulated with gentle exfoliating fruit acids, 

hydrating hyaluronic acid and brightening vitamin C all 

formulated together to brighten and rejuvenate the skin, 

unblock pores and accelerate cell renewal, leaving the skin 

fresh-faced, smooth and naturally radiant. 

A super skin renewal facial mask for your skin to be used 

2-3 times per week. Designed to give your skin the ultimate 

radiance treatment and maximise your current skincare 

routine. Incredible to use pre-event or party or when your 

skin is just lacking a bit of lustre, makeup is sitting a bit 

different and needs a glow up! £32, ellaandjo.co.uk 


NEW Mineral 

Collection, 


Garden Trading, 

gardentrading.co.uk 

Blossom Lemon 

Bunny, £14.95, 

jeremyshomestore. 

co.uk 

Hop 

T O I T 

Create an inviting and 

dramatic tablescape 

with foraged flowers 

Made for versatility, from steaming coffees and 

luxurious hot chocolates to tasty teas and herbal 

infusions, the Series 5 Multi Beverage does it all. 

No capsules needed, no countertop clutter: just 

enjoy your favourite café-style hot drinks at home. 

Operated with modern LED touch controls 

and encased in dark metal, this appliance will 

revolutionise your mornings, whilst the easyto-clean, 

non-stick jug ensures hassle-free 

maintenance as well. small-appliances-uk.haiereurope.com, 

amazon and very.co.uk 

Pastel Egg Wreath, 

lights4fun.co.uk 

Easter Tote Bag, £5.99, gingerray.co.uk 

Set of 2 Egg Cups, £17.50, 


Garden Trading, 


Feel Refreshed 

Reed Diffuser, £45, 

neomwellbeing.com 

Cuddlebunny bamboo soft 

hooded towel, £31.99, 

cuddledry.com 


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. 


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. 


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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!

The 

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Station Road, Marlow SL7 1NW 

Scan the QR code to book your table ...

PASTORAL CARE 

in schools 

Children’s mental health has hit 

a worrying low, according to a 

raft of research from charities 

and professional bodies. From 

anxieties caused by exam 

stress and social media to the 

devastating toll of the pandemic, 

the picture has never been starker. 

MENTAL HEALTH 

SUPPORT IN SCHOOLS 

Schools have a key part to play both 

in terms of prevention and picking 

up the pieces when things escalate, 

but the picture here isn’t great either. 

‘Provision in schools is patchy and 

fragmented – having a counsellor isn’t 

even mandatory in schools,’ says 

David Stephenson, senior policy and 

campaigns officer at the charity Mind. 

Good news is that Ofsted and ISI 

now assess personal development, 

which includes mental health in 

schools. Areas such as resilience, 

confidence, independence, and 

how to keep mentally healthy are all 

covered. As part of pastoral care in 

schools, all schools have to provide 

a mental health and relationships 

curriculum, and the government has 

committed to a £1,200 training grant 

for each school to ensure a whole 

school approach, albeit by 2025. 

Stephenson acknowledges that the 

more mentally healthy schools have ‘a 

school nurse, mental health support 

teams and the majority of secondary 

schools now have counselling for 

children,’ but is concerned that 

this ‘doesn’t go far enough. We are 

aware of staff being overstretched 

and schools under-resourced - some 

tell us they are having to use pupil 

premium funding to bring in external 

support to deal with mounting mental 

health problems.’ 

AWARENESS TRAINING 

FOR TEACHERS 

A positive step towards good mental 

health in children is the growth in 

training staff in mental health first aid. 

At Lord Wandsworth College, a co-ed 

day and boarding senior school in 

Hampshire, this goes for all staff. ‘It 

means they know what to look out for 

and what to do when a pupil comes 

to them – in some cases that will be 

a listening ear and reassurance, other 

times support or signposting,’ says 

headteacher Adam Williams, who 

adds that staff wellbeing in schools is 

also a priority for them. 

PEER SUPPORT 

The school has a peer mentoring 

programme whereby young people 

are trained to support one another 

and break down the stigma often 

associated by mental health. 

‘Sometimes you feel safer and more 

comfortable talking to someone 

nearer your age – and they are just 

more likely to understand,’ said a 

pupil on our recent visit. The school 

also involves parents, running talks 

and giving practical advice on how to 

support teenagers. 

But while the discourse around 

teenage mental health is often 

negative, Williams says, ‘We try to 

keep wellbeing in education positive 

- making sure pupils get fresh air, are 

active, get opportunities to do things 

they enjoy, don’t feel pressured and 

talk openly about feelings. The idea is 

to first and foremost be preventative.’ 

WELLBEING HUBS 

A dedicated wellbeing hub is one 

way to address mental health issues 

in children. At Malvern St James, an 

all-through girls’ day and boarding 

school, The Hive is described by 

Zinnia Wilkinson, director of pastoral 

care, as ‘a comfortable, welcoming 

space where pupils can just be but 

also see a counsellor for a 30-minute 

session just for one or two weeks 

because sometimes that’s all they 

need.’ 

Pastoral support in schools can 

also include a wellbeing dog, 

which Wilkinson says ‘provides an 

opportunity to walk and talk which 

can be a great way in to get pupils 

who struggle more with opening up.’ 

That Wilkinson’s role is non-teaching 

is important in itself – where that isn’t 

the case, it can be harder for pupils 

and parents to access them. 

MENTAL HEALTH VS 

GRADES 

Wilkinson points out that parents 

often perceive a school to be good 

pastorally or academically, but not 

both. ‘In fact if a school is pastorally 

strong, it’s in the best position to 

thrive academically,’ she says. 

Sophie Blunt, housemistress 

at Wycombe Abbey, a day and 

boarding senior school for girls, 

agrees. Outstanding pastoral care 

might not be the first thing you 

think of at one of the top academic 

schools for girls, and yet many of 

the parents we spoke to whose 

daughters had needed intervention 

were full of praise for how the school 

had responded. ‘Wellbeing education 

is at the heart of our curriculum – it’s 

on timetable for every girl,’ she says. 

For Dean Taylor, associate 

headteacher at Seven Kings School, 

a co-ed state school for 4-18 in east 

London, it’s the relationship between 


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Come and see our Junior and 

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Saturday 22 June 

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KING_Leam Edition_171x246_June24OpenMorn.indd 1 13/02/2024 09:59

staff and pupils that holds the key to positive mental health 

in schools. ‘The ethos is more important than anything and 

you can walk around this school and see that it’s inclusive, 

friendly, safe and with clear and consistent boundaries,’ 

he says. The school pays particular attention to pressure 

points such as exam time and makes sure every child 

has a trusted adult. There’s a joined-up approach with 

the SENCO too, in the knowledge that youngsters with 

conditions such as ADHD and autism can be particularly 

at risk of mental health problems. ‘The most vulnerable 

pupils have a one-page profile that’s shared with all staff,’ 

he adds. 

DISCIPLINE 

Nearly half of young people are disciplined at school for 

behaviour related to their mental health, according to 

Mind’s latest research. One in four school staff were aware 

of a student being excluded from school because of their 

mental health. Seven Kings avoids this by never taking 

behaviour at face value. ‘It’s about conversations and 

getting pupils to reflect if they’ve broken rules. Were you in 

the right place at the right time with the right people, and 

if not what can we do to fix that? Who was affected? And 

what could you do next time? These repetitive questions 

from all staff help them self-regulate,’ says Taylor. 

MENTAL HEALTH IN PRIMARY 

SCHOOLS 

Parents should be enquiring about mental health in 

primary schools too, says Lauren Munro-Hall, PE and 

PSHE teacher at Notting Hill & Ealing High School and 

spokesperson for the Girls’ Day School Trust. ‘Right 

from year 1, we introduce emotional literacy and we 

prioritise resilience.’ But don’t just take schools’ word 

for it on strategies, she says. ‘In our open evenings, we 

encourage parents to talk to the girls themselves. They 

ask them things like, what are you covering in PSHE at 

the moment? If you need support, who do you go to?’ 

‘Schools should be able to tell you what they’ve improved 

since Covid,’ adds Ruth Simmonds, project manager for 

schools peer education at the Mental Health Foundation. 

‘And it’s important to know how they’re measuring what 

they do too – otherwise it’s just a tick box exercise.’ 

Of course it’s not just up to schools to solve the current 

mental health crisis. In fact, says David Stephenson of Mind, 

‘we find that not all young people want support for these 

problems in schools, which is why we would like to see 

more hubs to help young people out in the community.’ 

‘Don’t be afraid to ask your school for help if you think 

your young person needs it,’ says Melanie Sanderson, 

managing editor at The Good Schools Guide. ‘Although 

there are varying degrees of provision, mainly depending 

upon budget, all good schools should be focused on 

working in partnership with families to ensure the wellbeing 

of their pupils. Transparency is important and your first 

port of call should be your child’s form teacher or tutor 

who should be key in helping elevate your concerns to the 

appropriate staff member.’ 

Article from The Good Schools Guide - an excellent 

resource for parents. goodschoolsguide.co.uk 

A different approach to 

family law 

Our Horsham team deliver exceptional client 

care and promote the use of alternative 

dispute resolution to help minimise both the 

emotional and financial cost of separation. 

The Family Law Partners office is in 

central Horsham. We also advise clients in 

Billingshurst, Cranleigh, Crawley, Godalming, 

Guildford and surrounding areas. 

We can help you with: 

Children matters 

• 

Divorce and Separation 

Dissolution of Civil Partnerships 

Cohabitation disputes 

Prenuptial and Postnuptial agreements 

Cohabitation agreements 

Mediation and Collaborative Law 

For a confidential conversation and to learn 

more about our fixed fee appointments 

contact our team: 

01403 599215 

info@familylawpartners.co.uk 

www.familylawpartners.co.uk 


Create Your Story 

with King Edward VI School 

May 2024 

Taster Mornings 

Thursday 9 May | Thursday 16 May | Tuesday 21 May 

9.45am - 12.45pm 

For children currently in Year 5 

& Year 7 who are thinking of joining 

us in September 2025. 

Our Taster Morning events are a fantastic way 

for parents and children to experience our 

school. During the event families will have the 

chance to meet the Head, explore the school and 

grounds, learn more about King Edward's and 

join us for lunch. 

Please register by completing 

our enquiry form at kes.school 

or scan QRCode

HOME & 

GARDEN 

Trends and tips for renovating the kitchen, bathroom and living 

room, plus this season's hot combo - strawberry and rose pinks 

Image -mollymahon.com

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 


Discover beautiful, timeless & unique 

reclaimed wood products for your home. 

Handmade in Sussex by the Sea. 

We’re redefining sustainable living through handmade furniture crafted from reclaimed wood. 

With a commitment to eco-conscious design, we invite you to embrace furniture that tells a unique 

narrative while making a positive impact on the environment. 

Enhance your living space with our pieces that blend craftsmanship, history, and 

sustainability with unique reclaimed wood products for your home. 

07888 701 588 The Printwerks, 1 St James's Street Mews, Brighton BN2 1RT info@oceanicwoodstore.com 

Claire Louise is an artist and designer from 

Durham in the North East. 

As a child, Claire was immersed in arts and 

crafts and so began her creative journey. Her 

creativity led her to take a degree in fashion 

and she graduated in 2007 with 1st Class honours. 

In the same year, she was short-listed for the SDC 

(Society of Dyers and Colourists) Textile & Colour 

Award at Graduate Fashion Week and her handpainted 

silk scarves were short-listed for London 

Fashion Week. Working with mixed mediums of 

water-colours, fabrics and machine embroidery, 

Claire’s designs have merged with the world of 

greetings cards, homeware and personal beauty care. 

Claire received a Northern Enterprise Award in 2023 

for ‘Best Woman-Owned Artisan Homeware Company’. 

Her work is available for licensing and is already seen 

on a range of ceramics, candles, apparel, tech, 

home-wares and gift-ware. 

Pelham House, Cadger Bank, Lanchester, Durham DH7 0HE Tel: 07715 

373344 Email: sales@claire-louise.co.uk f ClaireLouiseCards 

www.claire-louise.co.uk 


Studio McGee 

WARM NEUTRALS 

Paint ‘Grasscloth’ , 

claybrookstudio.co.uk; 

Cavendish Armchair, 


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 


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, 


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 


Argento and Birch 

Argento and Birch is a small family 

business specialising in the design, 

development and craft of wholly bespoke 

furniture projects. 

Argento meaning Silver in Italian is a nod to the owner Guy’s 

Italian heritage. Their projects range in size from accessory 

pieces, such as charming mirrors to boot rooms or resplendent 

artisan kitchens. Guy Silver, the founder of Argento and Birch, 

prides himself on hand-crafting every single project in-house, 

quite literally! 

Situated in the graceful Worcestershire countryside, Guy founded 

his business after a change in lifestyle from a career in IT to a 

grand personal project of restoring his Grade II Listed early- 

Georgian home to its former glory. He and his wife Emma’s home 

restoration has been a labour of love, and one only has to glance 

at a handful of ‘before and after’ photographs from their project 

so far, to appreciate the high quality craftsmanship that Guy 

consistently produces, with every detail considered. 

Guy has a wide-ranging skillset, both practical and theoretical, 

which he applies to all projects, but Emma’s eye for design and 

colour make them the perfect team. On commissioning Argento 

and Birch to undertake your project, you will be enlightened by 

Guy’s ability to turn your ideas into reality, regardless of how 

complex or simple they might be. In particular, Argento and Birch 

blend cutting-edge technology with traditional crafting methods, 

both in the workshop and over the coffee table, to create your 

bespoke design. 

For example, Argento and Birch utilise specialist software to 

assist you with visualising how your hand-crafted cabinetry will 

be tastefully placed within a current room or perhaps within a 

totally new layout. Furthermore, Guy’s well-equipped workshop 

(that he fitted out himself!) has only the best machine tools, handtools 

and carpentry accessories to create all of his projects. 

Put simply, Argento and Birch offer the full-service, from your 

initial idea to a completed project that will undoubtedly make 

your home flourish from the inside-out. No project is too big or 

too small and you can rest-assured that the attention to detail, 

workmanship and quality will be second to none. 

www.ArgentoBirch.com 

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or a complimentary consultation and design service and bring your dream to life. 

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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 

38 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

Nudie Rudie Bathmat 

£59, antipodream.co.uk 

Cotton Pyjamas, from 

£44.99, hauslife.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 


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NO CHAIN 

GUARANTEED PURCHASER 

FIXED COMPLETION DATE 

NO ESTATE AGENTS FEES 

Available at Potters Wood, Verwood, Whitsbury Green, 

Fordingbridge and Spring Meadows, Fontmell Magna. 

Contact us today to book your viewing 

01425 613958 

sales@pennyfarthinghomes.co.uk 

View our 

Step-By-Step 

guide

The Lifestyle Mar - Apr 2024

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