Leamington and Warwick Living Jan - Feb 2025

YOUR FREE COPY JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025

Leamington Spa

Warwick

WIN

£300 TO SPEND

ON CUSTOM ART

PRINTS, SKINCARE

BUNDLES AND

MORE

ADAM

HENSON

The Countryfile

presenter discusses

life on the farm

TIME TO VEG OUT

Recipes if you’re

trying Veganuary,

or just upping your

intake

Home

FRONT

Interior trends to

watch this year

FOOD & DRINK • EVENTS • LIFESTYLE • INTERVIEWS • TRAVEL

THE SHIRES

MOSELEY

Discover peaceful living at The Shires

Retirement Village in Moseley 55+

Nestled in the heart of Moseley’s picturesque surroundings, The Shires Retirement Village offers a serene haven

for those seeking a vibrant yet tranquil lifestyle in their retirement years. Combining new luxury amenities with

the charm of a close-knit community, The Shires is more than just a place to live - it is a place to thrive.

FIND OUT

MORE

on page 9

GET IN TOUCH:

THE SHIRES

216 WAKE GREEN ROAD,

MOSELEY, BRMINGHAM B13 9PQ

Scan Me:

See Page

5 For

More

WWW.THESHIRES-MOSELEY.CO.UK

0121 449 4870

SALES@SHIRES-MOSELEY.CO.UK

C O N T E N T S

A NOTE

from the editor

18

DELICIOUS VEGAN RECIPES

Here we are: the start of

a brand-new year, a fresh

slate, and a calendar that’s

already mysteriously filling

up. Welcome to 2025!

And for the record, if you

made it through 2024 with

your sanity mostly intact,

congratulations—you’ve

earned a moment to pause,

pour yourself a nice glass of

something, and soak in this

first issue of the year.

04

COMPETITIONS

We know January can be

a bit much. Resolutions

everywhere, fitness adverts

as far as the eye can see,

and the pressure to suddenly

become a new person who

actually loves eating kale.

But let’s be real—by now,

we’ve all figured out what

works for us (and what

doesn’t). So, instead of

jumping on the “new year,

new you” bandwagon, why

not settle into “new year,

even-better you”? Or better

yet, “new year, perfectly fine

as-is you”?

INTERIOR TRENDS

33

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 Marion Cassidy

e marion@minervapublications.co.uk

t 01225 984502

Cover courtesy of The Happy Pear

LATER LIFE CARE

44

MINERVA PUBLICATIONS

Unit 21c, Paxcroft Farm,

Hilperton BA14 6JB

t 01225 984 550

www.minervamagazines.co.uk

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.

This issue is all about leaning

into the life you’ve built while

keeping things fresh. We’ve

got a look into the interiors

trends you’re going to be

seeing a lot of, alongside

some truly delicious vegan

recipes if you’re looking to

embrace a bit more variety

- if they inspire you to tweak

your midweek dinner routine

or try something new, that’s

a win in our books.

So let’s ease into 2025

together - no pressure or

undue expectations, no

stress, just plenty of good

reads, a few laughs, and a

toast to making this year

exactly what you want it to be.

Katie

www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 3

Time

COMPETITION

To enter any competition, head to

minervamagazines.co.uk/competitions - or join our

Competition Club and enter over 60 comps a year

automatically for only £12.99! Or enter for free by post.

All the below close on 15th March 2025

WIN £300 TO SPEND ON

CUSTOM ART PRINTS!

Bristol Museums Art Prints; Our Art In

Your Home. Bristol Museums is thrilled

to provide a unique and innovative way

for art lovers to enhance their living

spaces with beautiful, museum inspired

artwork through its online shop. With an

extensive collection of prints available,

from classic paintings to contemporary

works, the Bristol Museums online

shop brings the world of art into your

home, offering prints that allow you to

curate your own personal gallery.

The winner will receive £300 to spend

on Custom Art Prints on Bristol

Museums online shop (https://shop.

bristolmuseums.org.uk/collections/

prints ) and one runner up will win a

£30 E-Gift Card to spend on their online

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Keywords ‘Bristol Prints’

WIN A PREMIUM

SKINCARE BUNDLE

WORTH £300!

We’ve partnered with the renowned

skincare brand Simon Ourian M.D.,

co-founded by celebrity dermatology

doctor Dr. Simon Ourian, to offer one

lucky reader the chance to win a £300

skincare bundle! Featuring expertly

developed products designed to

enhance natural beauty and address

key skin concerns, this collection is

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simonourianmd.com/en-GB

Keyword ‘Ourian’

Use code

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WIN TWO PAIRS OF

SOCKATOOS!

Tired of the endless battle against lost

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pairs of these innovative baby and

toddler trousers with built-in socks,

ensuring your little one’s feet are always

warm and cozy. Say goodbye to lost

socks and hello to happy, hasslefree

dressing. Sockatoos are the

brainchild of UK mum Natalie Hull from

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sockatoos.co.uk

Keyword ‘Sockatoos’

WIN A FUDGE

PROFESSIONAL

HAIRCARE BUNDLE!

We’ve teamed up with Fudge

Professional to give one lucky

reader the chance to win a haircare

bundle worth £50. Fudge inspires

creativity, individuality, and fearless

self-expression. Their versatile range

includes shampoos, conditioners,

treatments, and styling products—

perfect for bold looks or everyday

haircare. Ready to step up your hair

game? Enter for your chance to win

and unleash your most confident self.

fudgeprofessional.com

Keywords ‘Fudge Hair’

WIN A LUXURIOUS FARHI

HAMPER!

Indulge in The Farhi Hamper, a

luxurious selection of gourmet treats.

The hamper includes a rich, nutty

crunch of Dark Chocolate Pistachios

and the fruity sweetness of Pâte de

Fruit. You’ll also discover the warming

spice of Cinnamon Honey Almonds

and the succulent flavour of Stuffed

Medjool Dates, and the velvety richness

of Cocoa Dusted Pecans, as well as

many more delights. Perfect for gifting

or treating yourself! 3 lucky winners will

win one of these luxurious hampers.

farhi.co.uk

Keyword ‘Farhi

The future of

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73 Clarendon Street, Royal Leamington Spa, CV32 4PN FOLLOW US

HOW TO KEEP YOUR GARDEN

GROWING FRESH VEGGIES IN WINTER

Winter doesn’t mean your garden has to go into hibernation. With a bit of

planning, you can still enjoy fresh, homegrown vegetables even when the

temperatures drop. The British Garden Centres team is here to help you make

the most of your winter garden with a guide to what you can plant in your

vegetable plot right now...

CHOOSING YOUR WINTER

VEGETABLES

Brassicas, including Brussels sprouts,

cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and broccoli,

are popular winter vegetables. Brussels

sprouts have a nutty flavour and offer

numerous health benefits. Cabbage is a

versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed

fresh, cooked, or fermented. Cauliflower

can be roasted, mashed, or used in

soups and stews. Kale is a nutrientdense

leafy green that can be eaten

raw or cooked. Broccoli is a cruciferous

vegetable rich in vitamins and minerals.

Root vegetables, such as carrots,

parsnips, beetroot, and turnips, are

also excellent choices to start sowing

in winter. Carrots are a classic winter

vegetable that can be enjoyed raw,

roasted, or boiled. Parsnips have a sweet

and nutty flavour, making them a great

alternative to potatoes. Beetroots are

versatile and can be roasted, boiled, or

pickled. Turnips are hardy root vegetables

with a slightly peppery taste. We also

recommend sowing some leafy greens,

such as spinach and chard in winter.

PREPARING YOUR GARDEN

FOR WINTER PLANTING

Adding well-rotted compost or manure

will improve your soil over the winter

months and provide both nutrients and

drainage. Before planting, we recommend

you aerate the soil and mix in some

compost, then level the bed to create a

smooth surface for planting.

For brassicas like Brussels sprouts,

cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and broccoli,

sow seeds 1cm deep directly into the

ground and space them appropriately.

Keep the soil consistently moist and

protect young plants with cloches or row

covers.

Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips,

beetroot, and turnips are also suitable for

winter sowing. Leafy greens like spinach

and chard thrive in winter and also can

be sown 1cm deep in the ground. To

ensure a continuous harvest, consider

succession planting as these will be

available to harvest in weeks.

CARING FOR YOUR

VEGETABLES OVER WINTER

Water your plants regularly, especially

during dry periods, but avoid

overwatering, as soggy soil can lead

to root rot. Apply a layer of mulch to

conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and

protect plants from frost. Monitor your

plants for pests and diseases which can

be rife in wet and cold weather and take

appropriate action to prevent infestations.

For more advice, visit

www.britishgardencentres.com


Appliances so well designed you

want to have them around forever.

Once a Miele, Always a Miele.

Visit our

Experience Centre

in Touchwood

Shopping Centre,

Solihull.

Discover peaceful living at

The Shires Retirement Village

in Moseley 55+

Nestling in the heart of Moseley’s picturesque surroundings in South

Birmingham, The Shires Retirement Village offers a lovely haven for those

looking for a vibrant yet tranquil lifestyle in their golden years.

Combining new luxury amenities with

the charm of a close-knit community,

The Shires is more than just a place

to live-it is a place to thrive.

Our beautifully designed retirement

apartments are tailored to your

comfort and convenience, easy

with access to on-site amenities

including a Bistro, bar, communal

gardens, onsite shop, hairdresser,

well-being room, library and much

more. Whether you prefer quiet

afternoons in the garden or lively

gatherings in the bar, life at the

shires is all about living your best

retirement in style and ease.

MOSELEY

Moseley is a haven of natural

beauty, close by lies the enchanting

Moseley Bog, a site of historical and

ecological significance. —believed

to have influenced J.R.R. Tolkien’s

vision of Middle-earth in *The Lord

of the Rings*.

Living at The Shires Retirement

Village means enjoying the best of

Moseley’s delightful surroundings

every day. Visit the bustling village

centre, stroll through the wooded

areas or enjoy the impressive parks.

DOWNSIZING MADE SIMPLE

Luxury living is more accessible

than you think! With full purchase

apartments starting from just

£232,000. For a more affordable

option, Shared ownership enables

buyers to buy a part of a property,

typically between 25% and 75%,

significantly reducing upfront costs

compared to buying a home outright.

This makes luxury living more

accessible at a lower price point.

None of us like to think about getting

older however getting older can

bring challenges that need to be

considered. At the Shires we offer

adapted apartments which enables

residents to keep their independence

Should you need higher levels of care

The Shires can help you in accessing

domiciliary care services.

INDEPENDENCE WITH A

HELPING HAND IF NEEDED

Domiciliary care is individually

tailored care provided in your own

apartment. The Shires offers a

diverse selection of care providers,

empowering resident to make their

own choices ensuring their care

aligns with their individual needs

and preferences.

Retirement is your time to relax,

explore, and thrive. At The

Shires, you will find a welcoming

community, thoughtfully designed

homes, and the charm of Moseley’s

green spaces—everything you need

to live the lifestyle you’ve been

looking forward to.

Come and see it for yourself! Visit

The Shires and experience the

peace, community, and inspiration

that make it such a special place

to call home. Call today to arrange

your tour—we cannot wait to

welcome you.

GET IN TOUCH:

The Shires

216 Wake Green Road,

Moseley,

Birmingham

B13 9PQ

0121 449 4870

sales@shires-moseley.co.uk

Discover the charming 23 unique premium and luxury Club Med resorts spread

across top ski destinations in France, Italy, Switzerland, Canada and Japan.

Each resort boasts its own character, all while delivering exceptional service.

Enjoy the mountains with peace of mind

A stay in the mountains requires a different kind of organization, which is why

Club Med’s all-inclusive ski package includes:

• Ski lift passes delivered at check-in

• Group ski or snowboard lessons (all levels)

• Après-ski activities and entertainment

• Gourmet cuisine and open bar

• Kids clubs from 4 years old to 17 years old

• Facilitate your arrival: ski/snowboard equipment* ready on

arrival when pre-booked up to 30 days prior departure.

*ski/snowboard equipment not included in the all-inclusive package.

Call the ski specialists at Travel Club Elite free 0800 707 6229 for

more details and to book with exclusive savings.

Travel Club Elite is an award-winning Travel Agent of 40 years, ABTA

protected and rated 5 star on Trustpilot.

SCAN ME

WEDDING

PLANNING?

Planning a wedding is one of life’s most exciting yet challenging journeys. For many couples, it

represents the culmination of their love story and a chance to celebrate their union with loved

ones. However, the path to the perfect day can often feel overwhelming. Here are some key

pieces of advice to ensure your wedding planning experience is as enjoyable and stress-free as

possible...

ESTABLISH YOUR

PRIORITIES EARLY

Before diving into the whirlwind of

decisions, take time together to discuss

what truly matters to both of you. Is it

the venue, the guest list, or the food?

Perhaps it’s ensuring your wedding

reflects your shared values or cultural

heritage. Having clear priorities will guide

your choices and help you allocate your

budget effectively.

CREATE A REALISTIC

BUDGET

Speaking of budgets, setting one early is

essential. Weddings can quickly become

expensive, so determine what you’re

comfortable spending and stick to it. Be

transparent with each other about your

financial situation and decide together

where to splurge and where to save.

Remember to account for hidden costs,

such as gratuities, dress alterations, or

overtime fees for vendors.

STAY ORGANISED

Organisation is your best friend during

wedding planning. Invest in a planner or

digital tools to keep track of timelines,

vendor contracts, and payment

schedules. Breaking the planning process

into manageable tasks can prevent

feelings of being overwhelmed and keep

things on track.

PERSONALISE YOUR DAY

One of the most memorable aspects of

any wedding is the personal touches that

make it unique. Whether it’s handwritten

notes for each guest, a playlist of songs

that mean something to you as a couple,

or a favourite dish on the menu, these

details will leave a lasting impression.

Don’t feel pressured to adhere strictly

to traditions if they don’t resonate with

you—make your day your own.

COMMUNICATE OPENLY

Wedding planning involves many

stakeholders, from family members to

vendors, and sometimes expectations

can clash. Maintain open communication

with your partner and others involved.

Establish boundaries early on and don’t

be afraid to say no to suggestions that

don’t align with your vision.

EMBRACE FLEXIBILITY

Despite the best planning, things may not

go exactly as expected, and that’s okay.

Whether it’s a sudden change in weather

or a vendor mishap, keeping a sense of

perspective will help you adapt and enjoy

your day regardless of minor hiccups.

TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELVES

Amidst the hustle and bustle, don’t

forget to nurture your relationship.

Schedule date nights or quiet moments

to reconnect and remind yourselves of

why you’re getting married in the first

place. After all, your relationship is the

foundation of the celebration.

WEDDING PLANNING

CHECKLIST

• Discuss and set priorities as a

couple.

• Create a realistic budget and track

expenses.

• Choose a wedding date and venue.

• Compile a guest list and send out

invitations.

• Research and book vendors

(e.g., catering, photography,

entertainment).

• Select wedding attire and arrange

for fittings.

• Plan the ceremony and reception

details.

• Add personal touches and

meaningful elements.

• Schedule time for self-care and

relationship nurturing.

Planning a wedding is undoubtedly a

monumental task, but with thoughtful

preparation, open communication, and

a focus on what truly matters, it can also

be a joyful and rewarding experience.

Remember: the wedding is just the

beginning of a beautiful new chapter.

Cheers to your happily ever after!

12 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

ladbrook park

golf club

Ladbrook Park Golf Club, established in 1908

and located in Tanworth in Arden, Solihull,

is a premier parkland course that provides a

fair challenge for golfers of all abilities.

Designed by the esteemed Harry Colt, the course features lush,

tree-lined fairways, natural ponds, and a scattering of bunkers,

all set within a mature landscape. A series of brooks meanders

through the layout, adding both beauty and challenge, ensuring

that golfers must stay alert as they navigate this classic Colt

design. Known for its variety the course requires thoughtful

course management and a variety of club selections, making it a

rewarding test for players at any level.

The club has a rich history that stretches back to its founding in

1908 when a group of golfers leased 144 acres from the Bowens of

Ladbrook Hall. Just a few years later, renowned course designer Harry

Colt was commissioned to create the layout that remains largely intact

to this day. Many of Colt’s original design features continue to shape

the course, which has been described as a “real gem.”

The course’s mature character, with its graceful ageing over the

years, remains one of its greatest assets, providing a serene and

welcoming atmosphere for both golfers and wildlife alike.

The club has always been committed to preserving its traditions

while embracing modern improvements. The course continues

to be meticulously maintained, and the clubhouse, modelled

after the original barn on the site, provides a warm, welcoming

environment for members and guests alike.

With well-equipped locker

rooms, a fully stocked

Professional’s Shop, and

state-of-the-art facilities

including an undercover driving range and swing studio,

Ladbrook Park offers everything a golfer could need.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Beyond golf, the club offers a vibrant social scene, with a wide

range of events from casual dinners to themed evenings.

A well-organised program of competitions caters to gentlemen,

ladies, and juniors, ensuring players of all ages and abilities can

enjoy a competitive round.

Non-golfers are welcome to join as House members and enjoy

the club’s social events and convivial atmosphere.

At Ladbrook Park, history and modernity combine to create a

golfing experience like no other. For further information about the

club, or to enquire about membership or visitor fees, please visit

www.ladbrookparkgolf.co.uk

Ladbrook Park Golf Club

7 DAY MEMBERSHIP

NOW AVAILABLE

We are pleased to announce that a limited number

of 7 day memberships have now become available,

we welcome golfers of all ages and ability.

scan to visit

our website

Ladbrook Park Golf Club is a top parkland course known for its challenging play and scenic beauty.

The club offers a vibrant, friendly atmosphere, perfect for golfers of all levels, with a busy social

scene that fosters camaraderie and competition.

For membership enquiries, please contact the club office on 01564 742264.

ESTABLISHED 1908 | www.ladbrookparkgolf.co.uk


The importance of

Early Years Education

Katie Paynter, interim Pre-Prep and Early Years Subject Adviser and Director of

Strategy & Development at Lochinver House School, in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire...

Albert Einstein famously remarked, ‘Logic

will get you from A to B. Imagination will

take you everywhere’. More recently,

world-renowned education expert and

adviser Dr Ger Graus observed, ‘Children

can only aspire to what they know exists’.

These insightful quotes share a unifying

theme: the profound influence of early

exposure and experiences on a child’s

aspirations and future potential.

As an Early Years educator, I am

privileged to be entrusted with the critical

responsibility of equipping children with

the foundational skills necessary for life—

resilience, independence, kindness, and

originality. However, the journey begins

at home. Parents play a pivotal role in

shaping their child’s early experiences

through love, reading, role modelling, and

ultimately, selecting the right environment

for their child’s education.

The importance of these formative

years cannot be overstated. From

birth to age eight, a child undergoes

rapid cognitive, social, emotional, and

physical development. Optimal brain

development requires a nurturing and

stimulating environment, nourishing food,

quality caregivers, and enriching social

interactions. And in the era of VAT on

fees, most independent school parents

are having to think hard about where their

money is best spent.

The significance of early years education

has not gone unnoticed. It remains a

focal point for governments worldwide,

and it is a cause championed by the

Princess of Wales, who has emphasised

its crucial role in shaping the future. A key

element of this effort is ensuring access

to exceptional educators and creating

environments fostering learning and

growth.

I have been fortunate to build my career

across both the state-maintained

and independent education sectors,

benefitting from exceptional training,

professional development, and leadership

opportunities, serving as Head of three

Pre-Preps over the years. My passion

for early years education is deeply

rooted, inspired by my aunt, a primary

deputy head teacher in Walsall, whose

dedication and tireless energy I witnessed

growing up.

I have the privilege of serving as IAPS’

(Independent Association of Preparatory

Schools) Pre-Prep and Early Years

Subject Adviser. Research consistently

highlights the positive impact of highquality

early years education on a child’s

long-term success. The independent

sector is uniquely positioned to deliver

these opportunities, with small class

sizes, abundant resources, and a

commitment to excellence.

I believe every child is unique, possessing

individual gifts waiting to be nurtured.

Beginning as young as just a few months

old, children across IAPS schools

benefit from an extraordinary range

of opportunities and enjoy access to

extensive facilities. Many relish in forest

school (and some, on the coast, in

‘beach school’), sports provision, dance,

languages, specialist music teaching,

cooking a STEAM offer and much

more. These experiences broaden their

horizons, inspiring future possibilities,

interests, and passions.

Children are our most precious resource,

the very foundation of an optimistic

future. Our Early Years Foundation Stage

purpose is straightforward yet profound:

to create an environment where happy,

confident, internationally minded, and

curious children can thrive, unlocking

their potential and shaping a better world.

www.iaps.uk


#ALSLetsMe

www.arnoldlodge.com

4-18 yrs Co-educational Independent Day School

ALS Lets ME

ACHIEVE

What will your child be?

JOIN US AT OUR RECEPTION OPEN MORNING

ON FRIDAY 7TH MARCH 2025 9:30AM - 11:00AM

Lovingly crafted by Interactive Schools

01926 778050

admissions@arnoldlodge.com

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

& Nature Inspired Gift Shop

The UK’s Largest Tropical

Butterfly Paradise!

Open all year from 10AM

Butterflies • Birds • Leafcutter Ants

Iguanas & so much more…

All displays fully accessible, carers free entry

Swan’s Nest Lane, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7LS

Tel: 01789 299288

enquiries@butterflyfarm.co.uk

www.butterflyfarm.co.uk

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ THE TIMES

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ THE TELEGRAPH

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ THE INDEPENDENT

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE

“Pure Pleasure” THE GUARDIAN

Supersize Polyphony 2

Back with even more daring and

adventurous staging in up to 60

different voice parts, we will once

again sing 360 degrees around

the audience, totally immersing

them in their sound! A BRAND

NEW programme, this concert will

also feature two world premieres

by Hollywood composer (and cofounder

of our education outreach)

David Buckley. If you loved the first

instalment of Supersize Polyphony,

you simply cannot miss this concert.

As an extra treat, we will bring you

Tallis’s Spem in Alium…What a way

to kick off 2025!

Warwick performance generously co-sponsored by

Braunston Marina and Derek and Rosemary Holding

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ THE TIMES

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ BBC MUSIC MAGAZINE

24th January 2025 7.30pm – Malvern

Theatres, Malvern

25th January 2025 7.30pm – Collegiate

Church of St Mary, Warwick

Handel Israel in Egypt

5th April 2025 7pm –

Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick

13th April 2025 3pm –

Malvern Theatres, Malvern

TICKETS ON SALE FROM JANUARY 2025

Tickets: www.armonico.org.uk


Places

available for

children aged 7-11

Book a personal tour today

Contact our Admissions team on 024 7627 1190

or henrysadmissions@csfoundation.org.uk

kinghenrys.co.uk

Open

Morning

Book

Now

bablake.com

Tuesday 4 February 2025

9:30am - 10:30am

Join us for our Open Morning and

set out on an adventure of discovery!

bablakeadmissions@csfoundation.org.uk

024 7627 1248


JUST VEG OUT

Partaking in Veganuary, or just needing a bit of a reset after festive indulgence? The

brothers behind The Happy Pear have shared some delicious, veg-packed recipes

with us, from their new book...

CRISPY TOFU

THAI NOODLE

SOUP

Our kids

love this! It’s

a super-tasty soup,

straightforward to make

and packed full of flavour. It makes

a great dinner as well as lunch, and

it’s also good eaten cold for a meal

on the go. Serving it with peanut rayu

takes it to the next level!

Prep the Tofu: Cut the tofu into long

rectangular chunks, about 4cm x

1cm. In a bowl, toss the tofu with the

tamari, cornstarch and garlic powder

until evenly coated. Place the tofu

cubes in an air-fryer basket, making

sure they are not touching each other

for better airflow. Toss the tofu lightly

in the oil. Air fry at 200°C (390°F) for

about 12 minutes, shaking the basket

halfway through, until the tofu is

golden brown and crispy. Set aside.


Prep the noodles: Cook the rice

noodles according to the package

instructions. Drain and rinse under

cold water to stop the cooking

process, then set aside.

Prep the veg: Finely slice the red

pepper and the carrot, slice the

spring onions into rounds and finely

chop the coriander including the

stalk. Keep some of the spring onions

and coriander back to garnish.

Make the soup: Place all the

ingredients for the yellow curry paste

sauce into a blender and blend until

smooth. Add to a pot and bring to a

gentle boil, then reduce the heat and

Serves 2–3

Crispy tofu

200g firm tofu

2 tbsp tamari

1 tbsp cornstarch

1 tsp garlic powder

1.5 tbsp oil

Soup

200g rice noodles

Veg

1 red bell pepper

1 carrot

3 spring onions

1 handful of fresh coriander

Yellow curry paste sauce

1 clove garlic, minced

1 inch piece of ginger,

peeled and grated

1 red chilli

1 stalk lemongrass

juice of 1 lime

1 tbsp maple syrup

15g fresh coriander (just

the stalks)

1 tsp ground turmeric

2 tbsp tamari

1 x 400ml can coconut milk

400ml veg stock

Garnishes

fresh lime wedges

red chilli

peanuts or peanut rayu

simmer for about 10 minutes to allow

the flavours to meld together. Season

with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble: Divide the cooked

noodles between the serving bowls.

Ladle the hot soup over the noodles,

making sure to distribute the

vegetables equally. Top each bowl

with a portion of the crispy air-fried

tofu. Tofu can also be oven cooked.

Garnish and serve: Garnish with the

peanut rayu, reserved sliced spring

onions and chopped coriander, lime

wedges and sliced red chilli, if using.

Serve immediately, encouraging

everyone to squeeze some lime

juice over their soup to enhance the

flavours.

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CAULIFLOWER

CURRY BAKE

This is a really handy one-pan dish – simply prep

all the veg, put them in a pan with the sauce, bake

in the oven and that’s it. It’s great served with rice

or toast for a family dinner. You can substitute the

veg for pretty much any other veg that you have

to hand.

Serves 4

Sauce

3 cloves of garlic

2 cm cube of fresh ginger (8g)

1 x 400g tin of coconut milk

400ml vegetable stock

1½ tbsp medium curry powder

1 tsp ground turmeric

3 tbsp tamari or soy sauce

1 tbsp maple syrup

juice of 1 lime

Veg

500g sweet potato or butternut squash

1 x 400g tin of black beans

6 vegan sausages, defrosted if from frozen

1 medium leek

1 head of cauliflower

2 tbsp oil

1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce

Garnish

10g fresh coriander, basil, flat parsley or chives

Preheat: Preheat oven to 180°C fan/400°F/gas 6.

Prep the sauce: Peel the garlic and ginger. Roughly

chop them, place in a blender with the coconut milk,

vegetable stock, curry powder, turmeric, tamari or

soy, maple syrup and lime juice until smooth.

Prep the veg: Cut the sweet potato or squash into

bite-sized pieces. Drain and rinse the black beans.

Slice the sausages into bite-sized pieces. Slice the

leek into 1–2cm rounds, washing thoroughly to

remove any hidden sediment.

Combine the veg and sauce: Place the chopped

sweet potato or squash, black beans, sliced

sausages and leek into a large, deep oven dish. Pour

the blended sauce over the vegetables and mix well.

Prepare the cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower head

into four equal-sized steaks from top to bottom.

Place the steaks and any smaller pieces, including

the leaves (thinly sliced), on a separate baking

tray. Coat with 2 tablespoons of oil, drizzle with 1

tablespoon of tamari, and sprinkle with salt.

Bake: Place the casserole dish and the tray of

cauliflower in the oven. Bake for 30–40 minutes, or

until the sweet potato or squash and cauliflower

are tender and cooked through.

Chop the herbs: While the bake is in the oven,

roughly chop your chosen fresh herb.

Garnish and serve: Once baked, remove both the

dish and tray from the oven. Carefully place the

roasted cauliflower steaks on top of the curry bake in

the casserole dish. Garnish with the chopped herbs

and serve hot.


PORTUGUESE

CHOCOLATE

MOUSSE CAKE

There’s a chocolate café in Lisbon

that only sells one type of cake,

which we thought was strange –

but when we tasted the cake we

understood why! This is our tribute

to that very cake: it’s easy and quick

to make for something so elegant.

Serves 12

Sponge

1 tbsp ground flaxseeds

3 tbsp water

130g plain flour

150g coconut sugar or brown sugar

1 tsp baking powder

40g cacao powder

150ml plant milk

180ml neutral-tasting oil

½ tsp pure vanilla extract

Chocolate mousse

250g chocolate chips (54% cocoa)

75ml sunflower oil

160ml aquafaba (chickpea water

from a 400g can)

1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice

20g caster sugar

To decorate

2 tbsp cacao powder

Preheat the oven, line the tin and

make the flax egg: Preheat the

oven to 180°C fan/400°F/gas 6. Line

an 8-inch springform tin with baking

parchment on the bottom and

sides. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground

flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of

water and let it sit for 3 minutes.

Make the cake: In a large bowl,

sieve in the flour, coconut sugar,

baking powder and cacao powder

and mix well. In another bowl,

combine the plant milk, 180ml oil,

vanilla essence and flax egg until

homogenous. Gradually mix the wet

ingredients into the dry until well

combined. Pour the mixture into the

tin, level it, then bake for 20 minutes

in the preheated oven, rotating

halfway through. Remove from the

oven and cool completely.

Make the mousse: Melt the

chocolate chips in a bowl over a pan

of simmering water (don’t let the

bottom of the bowl touch the water)

or in a microwave. Remove from

the heat and mix in the sunflower

oil. Using an electric mixer, whip the

aquafaba with the vinegar or lemon

juice until stiff peaks form. Gradually

add the sugar on slow speed, then

increase to high and whip for 5–8

minutes. With the mixer running,

slowly add the melted chocolate until

fully incorporated. Continue mixing

for another minute until you have

a smooth, yet liquid, mousse-like

texture.

Assemble: Spread the chocolate

mousse evenly over the cooled

sponge cake. Refrigerate for at least

2 hours to allow the mousse to set.

Serve: Using a sieve, dust the top

of the cake with the cocoa powder.

For clean slices, use a hot knife to

cut through the mousse without

squashing it.

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David and Stephen

Flynn, published by

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from all good

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We catch up with countryside hero

Adam Henson. He talks to us about

his passion for his farm, his animals

and how he enjoys helping the

guests who visit his Cotswold Farm

Park to appreciate the delights of

the beautiful countryside.

I’m talking to you in some winter

sun, but I know it’s been a

challenging, wet summer?

Yeah, it’s been very challenging for,

well, tourist enterprises, outdoor

tourist enterprises and farms right

across the UK, just because it’s

been horrible. We’ve certainly got

some fields with quite a lot of crops

in them that we haven’t actually

harvested and we never will.

I didn’t realise until I did some

research, just how much you’ve

got going on at the farm. You’re a

very busy chap, aren’t you?

Yeah, we’re a busy team, and we’ve

got a big team, thankfully, to keep

everything heading in the right

direction. My father diversified and

opened the Cotswolds Farm Park in

1971, and he was a bit of a trailblazer

for diversification, because now I

think it’s over 60% of farmers have

a second job. Duncan, my business

partner, over the last 30 years,

continued developing the farm park,

and then to grow and expand on the

types of diversification we’ve got.

Because we would struggle as a

tenanted farmer to make a living out

of just straight agriculture. So we’re

still proper farmers and growing

crops and lamb for the table. Crop

wise, we’re growing wheat and

barley and oats and so that all goes

into food production or the barley

goes into beer. We’ve got a beer

licensed with Butcombe Brewery -

it’s called Rare Breed.

Then in terms of livestock, we’ve

got a collection of rare breeds,

alongside commercial sheep that

produce lamb for the table. And

then we have the wool from all

the sheep - all our rare and native

breed wool goes to Harrison

Spinks in Yorkshire - a luxury bed

making factory. I’ve got one and

it’s spectacular - makes those early

mornings a bit harder as you want

to stay in bed!

When you started to farm all

those years ago, did you imagine

how your life would change?

No, not in the slightest. I mean, I

sort of saw my dad’s career grow

because he did some work in the

television and I saw the popularity

of the Farm Park and so I grew up

with that diverse range of income

streams going on at the farm. And

in my teens I realised that actually

that’s what I wanted to do. I wanted

to come home and run the business.

I love the Farm Park - the camping

and glamping element too as well

as the farming. We have a beautiful

spot here and I love to share that.

To be a farmer, I think you have to

be incredibly committed. I grew up

in Wiltshire and lots of my friends

are farmers and they never knew

whether they’re going to have a

good year.

We plant being not quite sure what

the yields will be. We don’t know the

price we will get. And so it is a bit of

a gamble. You try to do your very,

very best to grow good crops and

breed good animals and look after

them to our best your ability. But

yes, it can be tricky at times.

I was going to ask, do you have

a particular animal that is your

favourite?

“in my teens I realised

that actually, that’s

what I wanted to do. I

wanted to come home

and run the business.”


of course for us, the Cotswold Farm

Park becomes very busy over the

Easter holidays with a lot of people

coming to see lambing. And it’s

coming slightly later this year.

We carefully plan our tupping dates

so that the ewes are giving birth

during February half term and Easter

holidays so that our visitors can

watch ewes giving birth. I love that.

That’s a great time of year.

“We’ve got 50 different

breeds of seven

different species. I

like working with

them all. I do like our

county breeds. The

Gloucester Old Spot pig

is fantastic.”

We’ve got 50 different breeds

of seven different species. I like

working with them all. I do like our

county breeds. The Gloucester Old

Spot pig is fantastic. Gloucester

cattle which my dad helped save

from extinction. There was a severe

a possibility of losing them - he and

a bunch of mates, bought the cattle

and the national herd has been built

up ever since. And now they’re still

rare, but not endangered.

You’ve been involved with

Countryfile since about 2001, is

that right?

That’s right. My dad used to work

on the telly with Johnny Morris on

Animal Magic and in a program

called in the country with Angela

Rippon. So the telly wasn’t alien for

me. And my uncle was a famous

actor, Nicky Henson. So we used to

have celebrities coming to the farm.

My wife worked in television and

did presenter search. So she and

my dad persuaded me to apply and

we agreed that it wouldn’t matter

if I had a go at trying to get a job

presenting, but never thinking I’d get

the job. And amazingly I managed to

land it and been doing it ever since.

Farmers are obviously very in

touch with the seasons - do you

have a favourite time of year?

Spring probably. I love watching the

spring flowers come into bloom. The

green buds coming out on the trees,

all the birds going crazy. And then

So do you time the different ewes

or do you just, you know, a bit of a

free for all?

So ewes come into season in the

autumn months when the day length

gets shorter. The gestation period is

five months and so what we know

is when February half term is when

Easter is. So we’ll put in a ram in

with 20 ewes and then we might

add another 20 and another 20 and

so that we get a spread of ewes

giving birth over that. Hopefully that

stops it being a headache when

they all start giving birth at the same

time. We spread out over six weeks.

And so what do you do with your

cows?

The Gloucester cattle have a

gestation period of nine months. So

we’ll put the bulls in in June/July

time. And then they’ll be giving birth,

late spring. Cows will give birth all

year round, but we have ours giving

birth in spring/early summer when

there’s plenty of grass. That way

people can see baby calves on

display at the farm park. So all the

babies, piglets, calves, lambs and

the chicks. Getting up close, feeding

animal snacks and holding a baby

chick and stroking a rabbit is such a

lovely experience.

I think it’s very good for children. It’s

very good for them because they


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sort of learn about agriculture, rare

breeds and conservation in a handson

way.

What do you think the general

public should be taking hold of

regarding conservation? Because

I know you feel passionately

about it, don’t you?

Yeah, I do. We’re in various

conservation schemes on the farm.

So we’ve got lots of areas where

we plant wildflowers. And for the

pollinators, we’ve got seed crops

that feed the birds in the winter.

We’re managing our hedges in a

careful way to make sure there’s

plenty of berries on them in the

winter for the birds. And so we farm

the whole, although we’re producing

lots of food as well, we’re farming

very much in connection and in line

with conservation and particularly

now over the last few years, looking

really carefully at soil health and

“we farm the whole...

we’re farming very

much in connection

and in line with

conservation”

capturing carbon, holding water in

the ground.

Unfortunately, over the years,

the quality of our soil has sort of

depleted and not enough care

has been taken to ensure that we

maintain good soil. We’re learning

from our mistakes and learning from

the organic world. And so we’ve

been doing quite a lot of good things

for many years, but we’re now

concentrating on that very hard and

using consultants and advisors to

help us with that. But as far as the

question on what the public should

do, I would always advise them to

try and buy British food wherever

they can and support the British

farmer. But as far as conservation

goes, if you’re lucky enough to have

a garden, you know, have a bird table

to feed the birds, have an interest in

planting to benefit pollinators.

We have wildflower meadows on

the farm - we harvest the seed

to create a range of wildflower

seed packets that we sell called

Wildscape. Rather than having every

inch of the garden manicured, it’s

about letting some parts grow a little

wild, to encourage that diversity

and welcome in lots of different

plant foods to feed a wide variety of

insects and birds. I think even if you

don’t have a garden, a window box,

a little patch of greenery, makes a

huge difference.

The one thing I know that you

like to write, don’t you? When do

you get the chance to do that? I

mean, how can you fit it in? You

must have to do it in the middle of

the night!

Oh no - I have help! I use a

ghostwriter. I did not sit down and

type it all myself. I’ve used a friend,

who I know is a very good writer,

and they’ll interview you and you’ll

tell them the stories and work out

the shape of the book and where

the chapters are going to fit and

the stories you want to put. They’ll

record me talking. They go away

and type it up. We work together on

it over a number of months.

Are you most proud of the books?

No, I think we’re really proud

of the business. We entertain

about 185,000 guests now at the

farm each year - my team are

wonderful and they pour so much of

themselves into it. Farming really is

a vocation, a calling. We deal with

uncertainty and it’s all-consuming,

but it’s certainly my passion.

cotswoldfarmpark.co.uk


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Road, Road, Stourbridge, Stourbridge, DY8 3SS. DY8 Bucklescale 3SS. Bucklescale Limited Limited trading trading as Aristocraft as Aristocraft Kitchens Kitchens (FRN: (FRN: 794399) 794399) is a credit is a credit broker broker not a lender not a lender

and is and authorised authorised and regulated and regulated by the by fi nancial the fi nancial conduct conduct authority. authority. Credit Credit provided provided by Novuna by Novuna Personal Personal Finance, Finance, a trading a trading

style of style Mitsubishi of Mitsubishi HC Capital HC Capital (UK) Plc, (UK) authorised Plc, authorised and regulated and regulated by the by fi nancial the fi nancial conduct conduct authority authority (register (register no. 704348). no. 704348).

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Opportunity awaits.

This This dream kitchen

could be be yours

sooner than than you you think. think.

For For a limited a limited time, time, our our furniture furniture is is

half half price price and and we offer we offer a two-year a two-year

monthly monthly payment payment plan plan with with no fees no fees

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Prefer Prefer to spread to spread the cost the cost over over longer? longer?

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Or you Or you can can opt to opt defer to defer your your payments,

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a whole a whole year year before before you you start start paying. paying.

We think We think you’ll you’ll fi nd fi our nd amazing our amazing fi nance fi nance

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get the get kitchen the kitchen you’ve you’ve always always dreamed dreamed of, of,

for half for half price. price. Our Our 50% 50% offer offer ends ends on on

28th 28th February February 2025. 2025.

Free

boiling boiling water water tap tap

with with your your order order

Limited Limited availability availability

Leamington Spa Spa showroom

103 103 Warwick Warwick Street Street

Leamington Spa Spa

CV32 CV32 4RJ 4RJ

For For more more information to or to

book book a a consultation, call call us us

on 01384 on 01384 262 262 710 710

Luxury Luxury Kitchens, Kitchens, Bedrooms Bedrooms & Bathrooms & Bathrooms

M O V E I N:

M O C H A

M O U S S E

Luxurious, warm, and timeless,

Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2025,

Mocha Mousse, is set to transform

interiors with its velvety richness.

This versatile neutral, reminiscent

of creamy coffee with chocolate

undertones, creates a welcoming

atmosphere perfect for modern and

classic spaces alike. At Haus, we

have a stunning range of furniture

and soft furnishings to help you

embrace this trend effortlessly.

FURNISHINGS

THAT MAKE A

STATEMENT

Introduce Mocha Mousse into your

living spaces with carefully chosen

furniture pieces. A plush Mocha

Mousse sofa or armchair serves as

a cosy focal point, while a statement

coffee table in warm wood tones

complements the hue beautifully.

Pair these with black lighting to help

punctuate the space.

WALLS THAT WOW

Painting your walls in rich

brown shades is a simple yet

transformative way to refresh your

home. This versatile shade pairs

seamlessly with earthy tones like

olive green and terracotta, as well

as crisp whites for a contemporary

Norfolk Coffee Table, £289

look. Create a really

enveloping feel by colour

drenching - taking the wall

colour onto the ceiling.

SOFT

FURNISHINGS

THAT TIE IT ALL

TOGETHER

For a subtler approach, incorporate

browns in soft furnishings. Add

cushions, throws, or curtains in this

warm hue to introduce depth and

texture. Layering these with other

neutral tones or even soft blush

pinks can create a sophisticated yet

cosy vibe. Look for rugs in natural

fibres or patterns that incorporate

Mocha Mousse to pull the look

together effortlessly.

Curvo Armchair, £999

WHY

M O C H A

MOUSSE

WORKS

This versatile Aisha Wool Throw, £149

colour creates a

perfect balance between comfort

and style. Its earthy undertones

evoke feelings of calm, while its

depth makes it bold enough to

make a statement. Whether you

want to refresh a single room or reimagine

your entire home, Mocha

Mousse is a timeless choice.

Explore Haus’s collection of curated

home furnishings, hauslife.co.uk, or

shop our gift collection in store at 3

Abbeygate Street, Bath.

Please note, we do not

carry our furniture

collection in-store.

Balancing Stones Art, beachhouseart.co.uk;

Coat Paints,

Debate Club, coatpaints.com


Interiors

2025

As we enter 2025, the interiors world is

embracing trends that reflect sustainability,

individuality, and modern sophistication.

Here’s a look at the upcoming styles

and innovations set to shape kitchens,

bathrooms, and bedrooms, showcasing how

each space will look, feel, and function.

Kitchen: Higham Furniture;

Below: Gold Tinkisso Tap, £146.99,

dowsingandreynolds.com

SUSTAINABLE

MATERIALS AND

GREEN LIVING

Sustainability is a guiding

principle for 2025, with a strong

preference for eco-friendly and

renewable materials. Kitchens

are set to showcase bamboo,

reclaimed wood, and stone, which

give a natural aesthetic while

reducing environmental impact.

In bathrooms, we’ll see earthy

materials like terrazzo and cork,

which add an organic feel while

being sustainable. Bedrooms

are expected to embrace textiles

made from organic cotton, wool,

and linen, emphasising a soft,

natural touch that’s also kind to the

environment.

Handmade Chester Castle

Headboard, £750,

anboise.com; Recycled

Cotton Throw

Blanket, £34.99,

hauslife.co.uk

MIXED METALS

AND ELEGANT

METALLICS

Mixing metallic finishes will be a

prominent trend across British

kitchens and bathrooms, blending

brass, nickel, and blackened steel

for a rich, layered look. Kitchens

may combine warm and cool tones,

such as brushed gold handles with

silver taps or copper lighting fixtures

with stainless steel appliances.

This approach brings a touch of

sophistication and flexibility, making

kitchens and bathrooms feel both

classic and contemporary. In

bathrooms, metallic accents will

add a hint of luxury, particularly

in taps, shower heads, and light

fixtures, balancing practicality with

a touch of glamour.

SMART

TECHNOLOGY

INTEGRATION

The integration of smart technology

continues to transform the way

British households function, with

kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms

seeing notable upgrades. Kitchens

are likely to

incorporate

smart ovens,

refrigerators,

and lighting

systems

that can be

controlled via

smartphone,

making

cooking and

food storage

more efficient.

Bathrooms are moving

towards smart showers

and toilets, with adjustable

settings for temperature

and lighting to create a

spa-like experience. In

bedrooms, smart lighting

and voice-controlled

sound systems enhance

comfort and convenience,

helping to personalise routines

and maximise relaxation.

LUXURIOUS

B E D R O O M

RETREATS

Bedrooms in 2025 are designed

as personal retreats, emphasising

luxury, comfort, and wellness.

British homes will incorporate

plush rugs, high-quality linens,

and layered textures to create

a sanctuary-like atmosphere.

Bedrooms are also set to feature

built-in storage solutions, allowing

for clutter-free and organised

spaces. From sumptuous fabrics

to integrated lighting for softer

ambience, these bedrooms aim to

evoke the tranquillity of a spa or

boutique hotel, ideal for relaxation

after a busy day.

RETRO AND

VINTAGE-

INSPIRED DESIGN

The charm of retro and vintage

styles will add character to British

interiors, particularly in kitchens

and bathrooms. Vintage-style

appliances, such as rounded

refrigerators and retro-styled taps,

will bring nostalgia to modern


30% OFF*

Discover your dream kitchen

Visit our stunning showroom and explore a range of beautiful

kitchens! Open weekdays 7:30am-5pm and Saturdays 8am-12pm.

Pop in to browse for inspiration, or book an appointment with our

expert kitchen designer by calling the number below or scanning

the QR code.

<<

01926 468033

www.bpsbuildit.co.uk

BPS Leamington Spa,

Tachbrook Park Drive,

Warwick,

CV34 6RH

Book your Free Kitchen Design Consultation

* Kitchen discount offer available until 31 March 2025. For T&Cs visit our website

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Inspirational bathroom ideas

Pick up a copy of your FREE Kudos Bathroom Collection brochure

in-store.

Visit our stunning showroom to explore a wide range of stylish bathrooms!

Open weekdays 7:30am-5pm, Saturdays 8am-12pm.

01926 468033

www.bpsbuildit.co.uk

BPS Leamington Spa,

Tachbrook Park Drive,

Warwick,

CV34 6RH

Book your Free Bathroom Design Consultation >>

* Discount applies to all products listed in the bps Kudos Bathroom Collection catalogue

The Amtico Décor x National

Trust Collection and Rosa

Classic Marble in Polygon

Key Laying Pattern both

Amtico

kitchens. Bathrooms may feature

retro tile designs, claw-foot tubs,

and vintage brass fittings, offering

a timeless look with a nostalgic

twist. Bedrooms will adopt vintage

furnishings like upholstered

headboards and antique bedside

tables, combining modern comfort

with a touch of historical elegance.

PATTERN MIXING

AND MAXIMALIST

AESTHETICS

Maximalism is returning as a

refreshing alternative to the

minimalist trends of recent years.

In kitchens, we’ll see bold tiles,

vibrant colours, and mixed patterns,

creating lively, engaging spaces.

Bathrooms may feature patterned

floors, wallpaper accents, and

statement lighting, all contributing

to a visually dynamic atmosphere.

Bedrooms will embrace maximalist

decor with an array of textures,

patterns, and colours, combining

vintage prints with modern designs

to create eclectic and layered

spaces. This trend allows for greater

creativity, personal style, and an

abundance of visual interest.

PERSONALISED

AND ARTISANAL

TOUCHES

Personalisation is a key trend

for 2025, with bespoke and

handcrafted elements being

used to create unique spaces.

In kitchens, custom cabinetry

and hand-crafted tiles will

lend a one-of-a-kind feel,

while bathrooms may feature

artisan vanities and decorative,

hand-painted tiles. Bedrooms

are moving away from

uniform designs to embrace

individuality, with features like

Clockwise from left: Tangier

Antiqua Tiles, wallsandfloors.co.uk

Laura Ashley

Wicker Eau De Nil Tile, diy.

com ; Gatsby Pink Tiles,

custombuilt

wallsandfloors.co.uk

headboards, bespoke storage,

and handmade artwork. This trend

is all about reflecting personality,

supporting local craftspeople, and

making each room feel truly unique.

LAYERED

TEXTURES IN

BEDROOMS

The trend of layered textures in

bedrooms is all about comfort,

making spaces feel cosy and

inviting. British bedrooms will blend

soft bedding, velvet cushions,

woven rugs, and wooden accents to

achieve a warm, tactile atmosphere.

Layering textures creates visual

depth and adds a luxurious feel

without overwhelming the room.

This trend also works well with

neutral and earthy tones, creating a

restful environment ideal for winding

down at the end of the day.

Claremont Chest of Drawers,

£549, hauslife.co.uk


Bespoke, hand made kitchens that don’t cost the earth

T H E L E A M I N G T O N K I T C H E N C O M P A N Y

www.theleamingtonkitchencompany.com

35 Denby Buildings, Regent Grove, Leamington Spa, CV32 4NY

01926 710349


Lick Beige 02 Soho

Farmhouse Paint

From top: ‘Tuffet’

from earthbornpaints.

co.uk; ‘Cotswold Green’

from anniesloan.com; ‘Round

Room’ from craigandrose.com

EARTHY TONES

AND WARM

COLOUR PALETTES

Earth tones will define 2025’s

colour palettes, reflecting the desire

for comfort and natural beauty.

Kitchens are shifting away from

white and grey tones to embrace

warm hues like terracotta, olive,

and clay, paired with natural wood

cabinetry and worktops. Bathrooms

will mirror this trend with earthy

greens and browns, often in tiles

or wall colours, creating spaces

that feel calming and serene. In

bedrooms, muted colours such as

taupe, sage green, and dusky pinks

will dominate, adding warmth and

tranquillity to the sleeping space.

Nkuku

BRINGING THE

OUTDOORS IN

Natural elements continue to

inspire interior design, with

an emphasis on bringing

the outdoors into kitchens,

bathrooms, and bedrooms.

Kitchens may include indoor herb

gardens or large windows that

connect with garden views, while

bathrooms could feature natureinspired

designs like stone basins

and wood accents. Bedrooms will

incorporate houseplants, natural

wood furniture, and organic

textiles,

Round Rustic Wooden Tray, £34,

marquisanddawe.co.uk

creating a soothing connection with

nature that promotes well-being

and relaxation. This trend reflects a

larger movement towards biophilic

design, which seeks to strengthen

the link between indoor and outdoor

spaces.

The trends of 2025 bring a fresh

perspective to British interiors,

focusing on sustainability,

technology, comfort, and

individuality. Kitchens, bathrooms,

and bedrooms are becoming more

personalised, reflecting the unique

tastes and values of homeowners

while remaining functional and

stylish. Whether through sustainable

materials, smart technology,

or a cosy, layered aesthetic,

these trends reflect a balance

between modern living and

timeless design, making British

homes truly inviting and inspiring

spaces for the coming year.


BESPOKE KITCHENS AND INTERIORS

WINTER OFFER |10% OFF CABINETRY*

MONDAY 6TH JANUARY - SATURDAY 22ND FEBRUARY

VISIT OUR STRATFORD-UPON-AVON SHOWROOM

Frazier House, Main Street, Tiddington, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 7AN

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*T&Cs available on our website

DOWNLOAD OUR BROCHURE

Effortless ways to add

a touch of luxury to

your bathroom.

With a Ripples bathroom design specialist

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Think of your bathroom as your sanctuary. This is a place

where you will be spending time by yourself; be it your morning

routine, an evening bath, or your skincare ritual. Creating this

sort of space can be easy to accomplish without having to

do too much work. So, if you’re thinking of re-designing your

bathroom, then our Senior Designer Gurnaam from Ripples

Solihull, has a few tips and tricks to consider when making

those important design decisions.

LIGHTING

Feature lighting would be my first go-to. This could be simple

underlighting or recess lighting up to pendant lights. Choosing

great lighting gives a simple bathroom a much more luxurious

feel, especially if you can opt for stunning wall lights, or multiple

layers of light which can add additional intrigue.

BRASSWARE

Special finish brassware really can give an exceptional touch.

This style of brassware is generally more expensive than

standard chrome, however, if you can find options which are

within your budget, these items will elevate a bathroom. I would

always encourage you to speak to a designer about special

finish brassware as it is important to go for higher quality as it’s

handled every day, and you’ll quickly tell if it’s not up to scratch.

TILES

A standout tile will always elevate a bathroom. Whether it is the

pattern, shape, or material, choosing a tile that compliments the

room will add a touch of luxury.

Simplicity can often work best when it comes to using tiles to

provide a luxury feel. I would suggest choosing one style of tile

and using it only in essential areas. For example, behind the

basin and within the shower area, really works well and allows

you to use most of your budget on components that are of

better quality.

HEATING

Underfloor heating would be my big go-to. Providing an extra

level of warmth to a bathroom can give a level of comfort to

the room. Even if it is limited to the shower area, it is a real

indulgence for the feet.

Visit Ripples Solihull at 1693-1695 High St, Knowle, Solihull B93

0LN. For more information, visit ripplesbathrooms.com or call

01564 730223.


E S T . 1 9 8 8

D E S I G N E R B A T H R O O M S

CREATING BEAUTIFUL BATHROOMS SINCE 1988

| ripplesbathrooms.com

RIPPLES SOLIHULL, 1693 - 1695 HIGH STREET, KNOWLE, SOLIHULL, WEST MIDLANDS, B93 0LN

01564 730223

SHOWROOMS NATIONWIDE

RIP468 - Leamington Spa and Warwick Living 165x240 +3mm second version.indd 1 21/11/2024 11:43

NOTES FROM THE

Garden

Perhaps, after the colour and sparkle of

Christmas, January gardening might seem

a gloomy prospect - but not so, as you

are planning for those lazy hazy days of

summer and the pleasure you will get from

the planning and work you put in now.

It can also be part of your new year fitness plans so

absolutely worth braving the weather and getting things

underway early. If the weather really does defeat you, just

retire to your favourite armchair with a good garden book

or magazine, a seed catalogue and a notepad and start

planning.

On a slightly different note, following the amount of flooding

so many areas have endured recently it is time to think

about what we do with our gardens. Tarmac seems to be the

material of choice for many people who want to use their

front gardens to park but it doesn’t drain and adds to the run

off water when we have heavy storms. There are so many

permeable alternatives that still give great hard standing but

actually drain too. Some, like grasscrete, have a honeycomb

of solid material but the spaces in between are earth. This

not only allows for drainage but birds and insects can access

the area too.

One drive may not make a difference - but whole streets

certainly do and instead of battling nature we may be better

working with it. Let’s hope that 2025 is kind to us all, and the

planet we inhabit.

For more advice, visit Matt Bigg’s website:

www.matthewbiggs.com

Matt recently received the Outstanding Contribution to

Horticulture Award at the Garden Media Guild Awards and

Podcast of the Year Award for a ‘Gardeners’ World Podcast -

‘Gardening With Cancer’ at the Savoy.


BURNING BRIGHT

(and hot, and efficiently...)

If you have a wood burning stove or open fire, you’ll

know that running it becomes a bit of a pre-occupation

- if you use it as a primary heat source in the home,

keeping it ticking over all day can become a chore.

Furthermore, with spiralling energy costs, many of us

are searching for the most cost effective solution for

keeping the house warm as the colder weather bites.

If you are looking for an alternative or even a

supplement to kiln-dried logs, you might have heard

of wood briquettes. Lava Logs provide an eco-friendly

wood fuel choice, offering a high energy, longer-burning,

cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to firewood.

WOOD BRIQUETTES VS. LOGS:

A PRICE COMPARISON

A standard 0.8m³ bag of traditional firewood holds

250kg of material. This comes in at an average cost of

£150 with delivery.

A pallet of premium-quality wood briquettes contains

910kg of material, coming to a total cost of £472 with

delivery.

Four times the fuel volume at the equivalent cost for

firewood is £600, meaning that you actually get more

weight for your money with briquettes.

That’s not all. Logs also have a 15% lower calorific value

— this refers to the amount of heat energy produced

when a specific quantity of wood is burned.

So, add in a 15% cost increase to achieve the same

level of energy output, and you’ll be paying £690 for

logs, compared to £472 for briquettes. This means that

wood briquettes are, £ for £, over 45% better value for

money!

Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be able to

feel good about yourself, as briquettes are far cleaner

and less polluting.

Order your Lava Logs from duffieldtimber.com - with

free UK delivery.

Maya

Co

Property Law Services

SOLICITORS

Purchase Fee: £699.00 (Freehold)

Sale Fee: £599.00

Your home forms the cornerstone of your life and your family.

Therefore, whether you are in the process of

acquiring your initial property, relocating to a

new place, or investing in a vacation home. Our

assistance is at your disposal to guarantee that all

legal prerequisites and procedures are managed.

With our staff having over 30 years of experience,

Registered Office:

434 Foleshill Road Foleshill

Coventry CV6 5JX

T: 02476 664 000 F: 02476 103 000

we have the best people to help you and provide

you with clear advice and rapid service.

We can assist with buying, selling or letting

commercial and residential property, enabling

you to concentrate on establishing yourself

comfortably in your fresh abode.

Birmingham Office

Suite G02, Quadrant Court

49 Calthorpe Road, Edgbaston Birmingham B15 1TH

T: 0121285 5576 F: 02476 103 000

W: www.mayaandcosolicitors.com E: info@mayaandcosolicitors.com

Maya and Co Solicitors are Solicitors of England and Wales. We are regulated by Solicitors Regulation Authority. All prices are subject to VAT, other fees

maybe chargeable for additional services and disbursements depending on the value of the property. The offer is available to Birmingham, Solihull, Walsall,

West Bromwich, Tamworth, Dudley, Sutton Coldfield, Wolverhampton, Tipton and Bromsgrove residents only, this is available for limited time only, and the

company reserve the right to withdraw this offer at anytime. To qualify for this offer please present this voucher upon your consultation.


DEMENTIA CARE

in focus

Selecting the right dementia care

for a loved one is a deeply personal

and often challenging decision.

Dementia affects not only the

individual but also their family,

and ensuring they receive the

appropriate care is paramount. With

careful research and consideration,

you can make choices that prioritise

your loved one’s wellbeing while

offering you peace of mind.

UNDERSTAND

THEIR NEEDS

Dementia manifests in diverse ways,

and each stage of the condition

presents unique challenges. Begin by

assessing your loved one’s specific

needs. Do they require help with

daily activities, such as dressing or

eating? Are they prone to wandering

or experiencing behavioural

changes that need specialised

care? Identifying these factors can

help determine the type of support

required, from companionship to

professional nursing.

Additionally, consider their

emotional and social needs.

Maintaining a sense of familiarity

and routine is crucial for individuals

with dementia. You may need

to explore care options that

offer a stable environment while

addressing cognitive stimulation and

companionship.

RESEARCH CARE

OPTIONS

Dementia care is available in various

forms, each catering to different

levels of need. Below are common

options to explore:

Home Care: Many families opt to

keep their loved ones at home for

as long as possible. Home care

services provide professional carers

who visit regularly to assist with

personal care, medication, and

household tasks. This option allows

your loved one to stay in familiar

surroundings while receiving the

support they need.

Residential Care Homes: For those

requiring more constant supervision,

residential care homes provide a

structured and secure environment.

These facilities typically have trained

staff who specialise in dementia care.

Nursing Homes: If your loved one

has advanced dementia or significant

medical needs, a nursing home may

be appropriate. These homes have

medical professionals on-site and

offer comprehensive care.

Day Care Centres: These centres

offer daytime support and activities

designed to engage individuals with

dementia. They provide a break for

family carers while promoting social

interaction.

EVALUATE

FACILITIES &

SERVICES

Once you’ve narrowed down

your options, visit potential care

providers to assess their suitability.

Speak with staff to understand

their qualifications and approach

to dementia care. Look for facilities

with tailored activities, dementiafriendly

environments, and a focus

on dignity and respect.

Pay attention to the atmosphere

during your visit. Are residents

engaged and comfortable? Is

the environment clean, safe, and

welcoming? Reading reviews and

speaking to other families who

use the service can also provide

valuable insights.

CONSIDER COST

AND FUNDING

Dementia care can be costly, so it’s

essential to understand the financial

implications. In the UK, social care

assessments provided by local

councils can determine eligibility

for funding. You may also want to

explore benefits such as Attendance

Allowance or Carer’s Allowance,

which can help offset expenses.

INVOLVE YOUR

LOVED ONE

Whenever possible, involve your

loved one in the decision-making

process. Their preferences and

comfort should be central to the

choice you make. While advanced

stages of dementia may limit their

ability to participate, including

them in earlier stages can ease the

transition and help maintain their

sense of autonomy.

SEEK SUPPORT

Finally, don’t hesitate to seek advice

from dementia charities, healthcare

professionals, or support groups.

Organisations such as Alzheimer’s

Society offer invaluable resources

and guidance for families navigating

this journey.

By taking a thoughtful and informed

approach, you can find dementia

care that ensures your loved one

is supported with compassion and

dignity.


Our services:

Wills

Lasting Powers of Attorney

Probate

Family & Divorce

Conveyancing

Commercial Property

Corporate & Commercial

Employment

Medical Negligence

Personal Injury

Dispute Resolution

Notarial Services

59 - 61 Coten End

Warwick

CV34 4NU

01926 499889

enquiries@bttj.com

www.bttj.com

Offices also located in:

Coventry

Balsall Common

Southam

Questions

about care?

We can help

At WCS Care we know moving into a care home is an

emotional and difficult decision and there’s a lot to think about.

With over 30 years’ experience, we can help you navigate

the process of finding the right care home, so that you feel

confident about the decision you make – whether that’s

choosing a WCS care home, or one outside

our group that’s more suited to your needs.

Philip

Rainsford

Trusted

Advisor

Call me today to get answers

to your questions.

07802 728447 p.rainsford@wcs-care.co.uk

wcs-care.co.uk /wcscare Registered charity number 1012788


Protecting Assets

During Divorce

The breakdown of a marriage or civil

partnership can often be a painful,

uncertain and distressing experience. The

process of dividing up your shared assets

can be one of the most challenging and

contentious parts of the separation process.

Protecting Your Assets

During separation, individuals sometimes attempt to hide assets

from their partners. In doing so, they might aim to place them

beyond the reach of the Family Court, which can take a dim view

of this. By reaching out and taking independent advice from an

experienced Family Lawyer, both parties will be in a stronger

position, and be able to fully take advantage of their changing

financial circumstances.

One of the first steps in the divorce process, when starting to

negotiate financial aspects, is the full and frank disclosure of

both parties’ assets. In some situations, all the assets might

fall within the matrimonial pot and therefore be up for division

between you and your spouse. However, in other cases there

could be an argument for the division of certain assets. Your

Family Lawyer will be able to advise you which assets may fall

within this category and help you to safeguard personal assets

to protect them upon your separation, particularly bearing in

mind the impact of the government’s recent Autumn budget.

Cost Savings with Mediation

Some separating couples may find that they can work through

financial matters together. For couples separating amicably,

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Mediation is an effective and cost-saving way of preserving

assets. A Mediator can help you to create a neutral, safe

environment, supporting couples through all aspects of their

separation, including financial disclosure and consideration of

settlement options, to help you reach a solution with which you

are both comfortable.

Gifting Money to Children

For parents looking to give money to their married children,

it may be helpful to speak with a Family Lawyer early on to

determine how best to safeguard gifts from the effect of a

marriage or civil partnership breaking down.

How SE-Solicitors can help

SE-Solicitors’ experienced Family Lawyers can help with any

of these challenging situations. Whilst every case is unique,

we always strive to achieve the best possible outcome for our

clients. For any questions and further information, or if you

would like to arrange an appointment to discuss your particular

circumstances, please contact our Family Law experts on

hello@se-solicitors.co.uk, or call 01295 204000.

A new bond

between

heritage

and style in

later living

Discover Lichfield Bonds,

where remarkable views of

Lichfield’s Gothic cathedral

are complimented with this

exquisite community of one

and two bedroom homes.

Exclusively for those

enjoying life over sixty.

Prices from £315,000.

“I was drawn in by the

ready-made community

and the assurance

that everything is taken

care of.” Pegasus Homes resident

Exclusive facilities

Resident’s lounge

Resident’s kitchen

Resident’s terrace

Guest suite

24/7 CCTV

Lifts to all floors

Camera door

Friendly on-site team

Close to local amenities

Discover a new lease of life at a

Pegasus community across England

01543 648 728 | lichfieldbonds@pegasushomes.co.uk

Lichfield Bonds, Cross Keys, Lichfield WS13 6FP. Image shown is indicative only. Prices shown are correct at time of

publication and may be subject to change. Prices shown are exclusive of service charge, which is payable monthly and is

reviewed annually. For full terms visit pegasushomes.co.uk/company/legal/terms-and-conditions/

Momoko Hirata. © Sam Robinson.

Director Carlos Acosta

Sir David Bintley’s

Cinderella

19 February – 1 March

“ Beg your fairy

godmother

for a ticket”

Bachtrack

birminghamhippodrome.com

Leamington and Warwick Living Jan - Feb 2025

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