Abingdon Living May - Jun 2024

We will pay you £50... 

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Provide us with your schedule of cover and premium from your 

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Abingdon | OX14 5BB 

howdeninsurance.co.uk/abingdon 

Rated “Excellent” # 

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extras (such as Legal Expenses cover) are excluded. Offer ends 31/12/2024. # Trustpilot score correct as of 08/04/2024. Howden is a trading name of A-Plan 

Holdings which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority No. 310164. Registered in England and Wales under company registration 

number 750484. Registered Office: 2 Des Roches Square, Witney, OX28 4LE. HOW240417.

C O N T E N T S 

A NOTE 

from the editor 

15 

RECIPES CELEBRATING SHALLOTS 

Ah, May and June in the UK 

– the seasons of blooming 

flowers, endless cups of tea, 

and magazines filled with 

delightful reads - well, we 

hope you agree! 

As the sun starts to peek 

out from behind the clouds, 

this edition is bursting with 

stories to put a spring in your 

step and a smile on your 

face. 

04 

COMPETITIONS 

On the home front we have 

a living/diner transformation 

to really inspire you - with 

most of the work undertaken 

by the homeowners 

themselves! It’s a calm and 

welcoming space - perfect if 

you like things more neutral. 

On the foodie front we have 

some recipes celebrating an 

unsung hero - the flavourpacked 

shallot. Who knew 

that this versatile little root 

veg could be used in so 

many different ways! 

21 

LIVING ROOM RENO 

Editor Katie Thomson 

Editor Katie Thomson 

e katie@minervapublications.co.uk 

katie@minervapublications.co.uk 

Assistant Editor Kate Norris 

Assistant Editor Kate Norris 

Publisher Sally Thomson 

Publisher Sally Thomson 

Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose 

Pre Press Manager Rebecca Rose 

Contributors 

Contributors 

Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave, 

Matthew Biggs, Angela Cave, 

Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence 

Louise Thomson, Pete Lawrence 

FOR ADVERTISING 

FOR ADVERTISING 

Account Manager Ryan Davis 

Account Manager Ellie Keith 

e ryan@minervapublications.co.uk 

ellie@minervapublications.co.uk 

t 01225 984498 

01225 984504 

Front Cover Courtesy of Fatface 

30 

RETIREMENT PLANNING 

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. 

If you are looking to shake up 

your wardrobe a little as the 

mercury rises, check out our 

summer style guide - we are 

all about those easy-breezy 

pieces that still make you 

looked pulled together. 

Our later life guide sees an 

insightful guide to retirement 

accommodation - perfect 

if you’re considering those 

next big steps. 

We will be back again in the 

height of summer - hopefully 

having already had some 

lovely sunshine and looking 

forward to some wonderful 

July and August scorchers 

ahead. See you then! 

Katie 

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 July 2024 

WIN A FINAMILL 

RECHARGEABLE ELECTRIC 

PEPPER MILL & SPICE 

GRINDER BUNDLE! 

Fall in love with freshly-ground spices 

again with FinaMill’s award-winning 

patented electric grinder! With its 

interchangeable pods, FinaMill is a 

brilliantly easy way to grind spices, 

regardless of whole spice shape, 

size and hardness. From salt and 

peppercorn to cumin seeds and even 

coffee beans! Win one of 3 bundles: 

Available from Amazon. 

Keyword ‘FinaMill’ 

WIN ONE OF 3 METHVEN 

SHOWER HEADS WORTH 

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Methven, the manufacturer of 

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award-winning showers are offering 

their Eco Aio Shower head. Featuring 

patented Aurajet® technology, the 

handset gives up to 20% more spray 

coverage* and twice the amount of skin 

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Shop online at uk.methven.com 

Keyword ‘Methven’ 

WIN A ULLEHUSE 6-SEATER 

GARDEN LOUNGE SET IN GREY 

WORTH £949.99 FROM JYSK 

Get summer ready with the help 

of JYSK. The best-selling JYSK 

ULLEHUSE polyrattan 6-seater 

corner sofa and table set with luxury 

cushions is a garden essential. Worth 

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prides themselves on creating quality 

items that are loved in Denmark and 

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Shop online at jysk.co.uk 

Keyword ‘ULLEHUSE’ 

WIN CLASSIC 

BUNDLE BED 

WORTH £325 

Forget deflating air beds and hard roll 

mats, Bundle Beds have everything 

that you need for a brilliant night’s 

sleep in one bundle – yes, it’s ALL 

included! A super comfy self-inflating 

mattress, cosy duvet, comfy pillow and 

super soft bedding. Award winning, 

super soft and with a ten-year warranty, 

this is the perfect solution for extra 

beds, sleepovers, travel and camping! 

Shop online at bundlebeds.com 

Keyword ‘Bundle Bed’ 

WIN A GIN TASTING SESSION 

AND BOTTLE OF ARTISAN GIN 

You have the chance to win one of 

four pairs of Gin Tasting Experience 

vouchers plus a 50cl bottle of one 

of Warwickshire Gin Company’s six 

signature gins in a prize worth £77. 

The inspiration behind the awardwinning 

craft distillery’s portfolio of 

artisan premium spirits, comes from a 

desire to capture a moment in history, 

developing flavours to fully represent the 

county’s own unique story and bringing 

the range of hand-crafted flavours to life. 

Find out more at: 

warwickshiregincompany.co.uk 

Keyword ‘Warwickshire Gin’ 

WIN ANITA ROSA FAIA 

SWIMWEAR 

One lucky winner will win the Anita 

Rosa Secret Jungle Elouise Soft Cup 

Swimsuit (size 10-12) and cover up, two 

runners up will receive another costume 

from the Secret Jungle collection. 

With practical and decorative zip front 

opening for a customised design and fit, 

it’s made with Lycra Xtra Life fibre so it’s 

long lasting. The wire-free cups are kept 

in a powernet shelf with wide underbust 

elastic for an extra bust support. 

Comes with low cut rounded back and 

adjustable straps for ease of dressing. 

Find out more at Amplebosom.com 

Keyword ‘Anita Rosa’ 

4 | www.minervamagazines.co.uk

arnes coaches 

UK & European 

Coach Holidays 

High Summer 

Highland Fling 

Sat 6th July 2024 

5 Days: From £725pp 

Mountains, glens, 

lochs, and legends; 

this tour allows us 

to take in all that 

makes Scotland 

so spectacular. 

Includes boat 

cruise, Strathspey 

Railway, whisky 

tasting and 

Highland Folk 

Museum! 

The Peak District 

and Delectable 

Derbyshire 

Fri 19th July 2024 


Enjoy the heart of 

the glorious Peak 

District with visits 

to Buxton Visitor 

Centre, Tissington 

Hall, where we 

have a private tour 

followed by tea 

and scones. We 

also enjoy a cream 

tea when we visit 

Derby Silk Mill and 

finally a behindthe 

-scenes tour of 

Royal Crown Derby! 

Wonders of the 

Weald, Kent 

Thu 1st Aug 2024 

5 Days: From £629 pp 

Includes Penshurst 

Place, Walmer 

Castle, Hole Park 

and train ride! Not 

only do we visit 

three of the best 

houses in Kent, 

but have tours of 

them all and food 

at two of them! We 

also experience a 

ride on the Kent 

& Sussex Railway 

through the rolling 

hills of the High 

Weald countryside. 

01793 821303 | barnescoaches.co.uk 

Warners Corton 

Coastal Village, 

Suffolk 

Mon 5th Aug 2024 


This hotel is set in 

a stunning location 

and has quality 

entertainment, 

sports, swimming 

and activities 

designed to help 

you have fun and 

indulge. You can 

choose to do as 

little or as much as 

you like and there 

is entertainment 

every night! 

West Wales & 

Pembrokeshire 

Coast 

Mon 12th Aug 2024 


Includes Picton 

Castle, National 

Wool Museum 

and free use of spa 

hotel! 

We see the great 

coastal scenery in 

this area of West 

Wales, and we 

have included two 

fascinating guided 

tours. 

World War I 

Battlefields Tour 

Tue 27th Aug 2024 


Includes visits 

to Flanders Field 

Museum, Tyne Cot 

and Essex Farm, 

Last Post Ceremony 

at Menin Gate, 

Somme Battlefield, 

Historial, de la 

Grande Guerre 

Museum, Albert, 

Thiepval Memorial 

and Beaumont- 

Hamel Memorial 

Park. 

HOME PICKUP & DROP OFF SERVICE ON HOLIDAYS 4 

DAYS & OVER! Use our online postcode checker to see 

if we can pickup from your postcode! > 

barnescoaches.co.uk/holiday-pickups 


PROVIDING A FIRST-CLASS 

SERVICE TO OUR COMMUNITY 

The Railway Inn is situated on the A415 Abingdon to 

Dorchester-on-Thames, adjacent to Culham Railway 

Station. Close to the A34, M40 and M4. We are two miles 

from Abingdon, 1 mile from Thames Footpath and 10 

minutes walk from Culham Science Park. 

16TH JUNE FATHERS DAY 

Dads dining receive a free pudding. 12-2pm bookings only. 

NOW OPEN FOR FOOD 

EVERY SATURDAY EVENING 6-9PM 

Book your table today! 

V 

01235 528046 

M info@railwayinnculham.co.uk f 

Station Road, Culham, Oxfordshire, OX14 3BT 

FUNERALS FROM £1,295 * 

Unattended Funerals • Memorials • Attended Funerals 

We’re here for you anytime. Whatever your wishes or budget, 

we can provide a funeral to suit you. 

81 Ock Street, Abingdon OX14 5AG | 01235 520808 

4 Church Street, Wantage OX12 8BL | 01235 772205 

1 Courtland Road, Rosehill OX4 4HZ | 01865 772780 

81 High Street, Witney OX28 6HY | 01993 702675 

69 London Road, Headington OX3 9AA | 01865 427272 

*Pricing is for an unattended funeral and is 

correct at time of going to print and is subject to change. 

N000012_Wantage Living Ad_110x74_24.indd 1 02/02/2024 16:02 

Showcasing the finest 

artistic talent in 

contemporary ceramics 

www.celebratingceramics.co.uk 

2024 

Advance 

Booking 

Required 

19 – 21 July 

Two Events • One Admission • One Fabulous Venue • Over 200 Exhibitors 

HELD ON ADJ ACENT LAWNS 

Waterperry Gardens 

near Wheatley, Oxford OX33 1LA 

Save £7 on Early Bird Tickets full price £14 see websites 

Friday to Saturday: 9.30am-5.30pm • Sunday: 9.30am-5pm 

www.desirefair.com 

Stunning contemporary 

jewellery and unique 

stylish silverware 

6 | Waterperry-110x153mm-v1.indd www.minervamagazines.co.uk 

1 26/03/2024 09:22

MG 100... 

Come to Abingdon Museum to see another 

exciting exhibition ‘MG 100 – Evolution of 

an icon’ celebrating the 100th Anniversary 

of the MG famous octagon trademark! 

Evolution of an icon 

This is a must-see exhibit for all MG enthusiasts. It traces 

the evolution of the marque from its birth at Morris Garages 

to the latest MG on the market today, highlighting the most 

popular models, successful record-breakers, and influential 

people who made the brand legendary. 

The exhibition runs until Sunday 30th June 2024. 

Visit the Museum’s website for more information about 

exhibitions and events at www.abingdonmuseum.com 

100 

Evolution of an icon 

ABINGDON 

COUNTY HALLMUSEUM 

Exhibition 

6 th April - 

30 th June 

2024 

F 

R 

E 

E 

A 

D 

M 

I 

S 

S 

I 

O 

N 

Follow us on 

@abingdonmuseum 

Visit the Museum’s website for more information about exhibitions and events at 

www.abingdonmuseum.com 

A service provided by 

Abingdon Town Council 


Top Tips 

when considering an 

independent school 

Every parent wants to give 

their child the best start 

in life, and this naturally 

includes choosing a school 

that best suits their child’s 

needs. For many this can be a 

daunting task, and it can be hard 

to know where to start. 

An independent education remains a 

popular choice for families, with lots 

of different schools to choose from 

including day and boarding, singlesex 

and co-educational, and schools 

with specialisms such as in the arts 

or sport. 

Open days give families the 

opportunity to see first-hand 

whether a particular school is the 

right fit. Some schools continue 

to run virtual open days in the 

aftermath of the pandemic, making 

it possible for families to explore 

what a school has to offer from the 

comfort of their own home. 

There are many different aspects to 

consider when attending an open 

day, so to help ease the process, 

here are some top tips for parents 

considering an independent school 

for their child: 

NARROW DOWN 

YOUR CHOICES 

If you live in an area with a number 

of good schools nearby, create a 

shortlist and take time to plan your 

school visits. For parents with a 

limited choice of local schools, the 

‘Find a School’ tool on the isc.co.uk 

website is particularly useful, as it 

enables you to refine your search 

by distance, day and boarding, age 

range, fee assistance options and 

more! If you are considering a school 

which is further afield, it’s worth 

making a day of it so you and your 

child can get a feel for the area. 

THINK ABOUT 

THE SCHOOL’S 

SPECIALISM OR 

FOCUS 

All independent schools are 

different, offering unique specialisms 

and strengths. Ask yourself what 

type of school would best suit your 

child – are they sporty, academic or 

creative? If you have an academic 

child you might like to consider a 

selective school, whereas if your 

child is very creative, you might 

prefer a school with excellent arts 

provision and facilities. 

DON’T BE AFRAID 

TO ASK QUESTIONS 

Teachers expect parents to be 

inquisitive and are well prepared to 

answer questions, so ask teachers 

everything you want to know; it is 

always best to speak up if you have 

any queries or concerns! Important 

areas that you might ask about 

include class sizes, the subjects 

on offer, methods of assessment, 

extracurricular activities and 

pastoral support. 

It would also be worthwhile 

learning more about how the 

school communicates with parents; 

it’s important that you feel wellinformed 

and able to discuss any 

matters pertaining to your child’s 

progress or wellbeing. If you are 

considering a boarding school for 

your child, take the opportunity 

to find out more about the on-site 

accommodation, flexi-boarding 

options and what activities take 

place over the weekends. 

Chat to pupils as well as staff and 

ask them about their experiences 

at the school. Much can be learned 

from observing their behaviour – do 

they seem happy, confident and at 

ease in their environment, are they 

engaged with their lessons and 

wider activities? 

MAKE A FOLLOW-UP 

APPOINTMENT 

An open day allows you to build an 

impression of what type of school 

is on offer. So, if you are happy 

with what you see, book a followup 

appointment with the school. 

This will enable you to speak more 

personally with the headteacher 

or registrar and provide another 

opportunity to ask any further 

questions or raise concerns you 

might have. 

The independent sector is diverse, 

with a huge array of schools and 

approaches to education on offer. 

Make the most of your open days, 

and use the experience to guide you 

as you choose the right school for 

your child. 


Book Courses and 

Holiday Camps 

Strength and Conditioning Rugby Camp 

Monday 27 - Thursday 30 May 

8.30am - 4.00pm on each day 

Welcoming boys and 

girls aged 8 to 15 years 

Junior Climbing Courses 

Welcoming boys and 

girls aged 5 to 15 years 

Saturdays: seven-week course 

Saturday 8 June - Saturday 20 July 

Sundays: seven-week course 

Sunday 9 June - Sunday 21 July 

Book your child’s place online today 

abingdon.org.uk/sports-and-leisure 

Abingdon School, Park Road, Abingdon OX14 1DE 

Activities are run by Abingdon School Enterprises Limited on behalf of 

Abingdon School. Company No. 04442429

Exceptional Breadth | Individual Focus 

Open Morning 

Saturday 18 May 

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Minerva OM Adverts March 2024 A4.indd 3 08/03/2024 10:39:25

Wills 

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Trusts 

Lasting Power 

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Probate 

working with speed 

compassion and 

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The death of a loved one is difficult 

enough without having to navigate 

complex legal and financial issues. 

Our local, empathetic, knowledgeable, approach 

swiftly helps executors with the preparation of the 

inheritance tax forms and obtaining the grant of 

probate. In addition we can collect and distribute 

the assets, create trusts and deal with as much or 

as little of the administration for you as you wish. 

Plan for your family’s future with a Will, Lasting 

Power of Attorney or Trusts. 

Contact us for a no-commitment conversation: 

Phone us on: 01235 251572 . Email us: j.goulding@uhy-rossbrooke.com 

Write to us: UHY Ross Brooke . Suite 1 Windrush Court . Abingdon Business 

Park OX14 1SY . Our Website: www.ross-brooke.co.uk/probate

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Tunic £55, Fatface 


S T Y L I S H 

Stays 

COOMBE ABBEY 

HOTEL warwickshire 

Nestled in the serene landscapes of Warwickshire, England, 

Combe Abbey Hotel stands as a beacon of history and luxury. 

Originally a 12th-century Cistercian monastery, it has evolved 

into a stunning hotel while retaining its historic charm and 

architectural grandeur. 

Guests are welcomed into a world of opulence and tranquillity, 

where every corner exudes elegance and sophistication. The 

hotel offers a variety of luxurious accommodations, from cosy 

rooms to indulgent suites, each meticulously appointed with 

modern amenities and picturesque views of the surrounding 

countryside. Iwona and Abbi were particularly welcoming and 

helpful, ensuring we had everything we needed for our stay. 

Culinary delights await at the hotel’s restaurants and bars, 

where guests can savour exquisite dishes crafted from locally 

sourced ingredients. The Garden Room Restaurant offers fine 

dining with a modern twist, while The Abbeygate Bar provides 

a more relaxed atmosphere for light bites and afternoon tea. If 

you fancy soaking up the opulence in your room, there is also 

an extensive Room Service Menu. 

Combe Abbey Hotel is also the perfect venue for weddings, 

celebrations, and special events. With its enchanting setting 

and experienced event planners, it promises unforgettable 

moments amidst the historic beauty of Warwickshire. 

Beyond the hotel’s walls, guests can explore the wonders of 

Warwickshire, from the historic city of Coventry to the majestic 

Warwick Castle. Whether seeking cultural experiences or 

natural beauty, there is no shortage of attractions to discover. 

In essence, Combe Abbey Hotel offers a timeless retreat 

where history, luxury, and natural beauty converge, inviting 

guests to unwind and create lasting memories in the heart of 

Warwickshire. 

Coombe Abbey Hotel, Brinklow Rd, Binley, Coventry 

CV3 2AB | coombeabbey.com 

CALCOT & SPA 

tetbury 

Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Tetbury, the Calcot Hotel 

and Spa offers an enchanting escape that seamlessly marries 

luxury with rustic charm. Renowned for its exceptional culinary 

offerings, the hotel delights guests with a culinary journey 

that celebrates locally sourced ingredients transformed into 

delectable dishes, from hearty breakfast spreads to gourmet 

dinners. 

Moreover, the spa at Calcot Hotel is a sanctuary of tranquillity 

and rejuvenation. Guests indulge in an array of therapeutic 

treatments, from tension-relieving massages to revitalising 

facials, delivered with precision and care. 

The latest addition to the Calcot experience is the Grain Store, 

a state-of-the-art fitness facility that sets a new standard for 

wellness. This modern space features cutting-edge equipment 

and innovative fitness programmes tailored to every guest’s 

needs. From energising workouts to relaxing yoga sessions, 

the Grain Store offers a holistic approach to well-being, 

ensuring guests leave feeling refreshed and revitalised. 

In summary, the Calcot Hotel and Spa is a haven of 

luxury where impeccable service, culinary excellence, and 

indulgent spa experiences converge. With the addition of the 

Grain Store, guests can now embark on a comprehensive 

wellness journey, embracing both physical fitness and 

holistic relaxation. Whether seeking a romantic getaway or a 

rejuvenating retreat, Calcot Hotel promises an unforgettable 

stay that exceeds all expectations. 

Calcot & Spa, Gloucestershire, Tetbury GL8 8YJ 

calcot.co 


O U T O F A F R I C A 

in the heart of Leicestershire 

Escapism. That’s been the fodder of 

my day dreams recently. I honestly 

feel like I haven’t taken a deep breath 

in months - I’m sure we can all relate 

to those stretches where life feels like 

a hamster wheel. 

Well, if that’s you too, I think I have 

the perfect antidote. I was recently 

invited to stay at a glamping tent with 

a difference - an Out of Africa-themed 

safari tent, nestled lakeside in the 

glorious surrounds of Brook Meadows 

Farm Camp Site. 

This is no ordinary tent though - inside 

the khaki canvas of the Marabou Safari 

Glamping Lodge you’ll find a kitchen 

with a fridge and a hob, a full bathroom 

with a luxury roll top bath, two double 

beds (including one mosquito netdraped 

four-poster), two tented singles 

and the absolute jewel in the crown - a 

bespoke cabin bed festooned with fairy 

lights. This bed caused literal squeals 

of delight with our accompanying sixyear-old, 

who bundled herself into the 

space immediately, declaring she never 

wanted to leave. 

The interior has been so thoughtfully 

conceived, with layered details - antique 

furniture, vintage glassware, quirky 

lighting and a vast array of jungleprinted 

velvets and cane detailing. 

Owner Claire’s eye for design is evident, 

and all the elements are functional as 

well as beautiful. 

We don’t necessarily equate camping 

with a good night’s sleep, but this is 

glamping, so the beds were supremely 

comfortable and the bedding cosy. 

We awoke well rested, to the distant 

moos of the farm’s cattle and dappled 

sunlight on the canvas. 

lake - who knew that waiting for the 

whistle of a stove-top kettle would 

be the needed prompt to take a deep 

breath. There’s something luxuriant 

and lovely about the necessity of 

camping, glamping or otherwise, to 

slow things down; you’re more mindful 

in everything that you do - from rolling 

up the canvas covers on the windows 

to lighting a fire, things take more time 

and that’s perfectly lovely. 

As well as being the heat source of 

the tent, the wood-burning stove was 

also our oven - we loved the elemental 

nature of it, not to mention the 

amazing flavour it gave our sausages! 

There’s a fire pit with cooking grill 

outside too - ready to make the most 

of the summer months. 

The farm is a working one, and we 

were treated to a talk about the calving 

season - even getting to see a calf that 

was only a day old. The farm is also 

home to a flock of happy hens, and 

owner Mary will help little visitors to 

collect the day’s eggs, some still warm 

in the nest. This connection to nature, 

and to food production, is so vital for 

children to understand, and the whole 

process is brought to life on the farm. 

Mary even discussed how the different 

chicken breeds produce varying 

colours of egg shells - something we 

were treated to in our own hamper. 

There’s lots to enjoy in and around the 

farm. Optional extras include a range of 

gorgeous handmade, locally sourced, 

hampers delivered fresh to the door; 

wood fired pizzas on site every 

Tuesday and Saturday and a coffee 

shop with artisan homemade coffee 

and cakes. As part of a working farm 

guests can take a 4x4 tour of farm or 

settle in on a straw bale for a Saturday 

night ‘moovie’ in the cowshed cinema. 

Brook Meadows have also partnered 

with local petting farm Mini Meadows 

to provide visitors to the lodges and 

tents with passes to enjoy. 

Many of us holiday with our four legged 

friends in tow - and your furry child will 

be well catered for with a little welcome 

pack of their own, featuring homebaked 

treats, rope toys and a natural 

nose and paw balm - you won’t be the 

only one feeling relaxed after a stay! 

If you are looking for a true retreat, in 

the most beautiful of surroundings, I’d 

implore you to book a stay at Brook 

Meadows - I know I’ll be back next time 

I need to take some time for myself. 

Katie Thomson and family stayed as a guest of Brook Meadow (01858 880886 

www.brookmeadow.co.uk). A four-night self-catering midweek stay in Marabou costs 

from £145 per night based on two people sharing. Add £15 per night per additional 

person, up to eight people. 

Or a four-night midweek stay in a lakeside cabin costs from £120 per night based on 

two people sharing. Add £15 per night per additional person, up to four people. Nonelectric 

camping pitches cost from £24 midweek and £26 Friday to Sunday or Electric 

camping pitches from £34 midweek and £36 Friday to Sunday. Cost includes one 

vehicle for 2 people and the pitch. Based on a two-night minimum stay at weekends. 

Mornings were slower, with a coffee 

taken out on the deck overlooking the 

Brook Meadow, The Wrongs Farm, Welford Road, Sibbertoft, Market Harborough 

Leicestershire, LE16 9UJ 


That’s 

Shallot 

UK Shallot help us celebrate this unsung 

hero! Find more recipes at: ukshallot.com 

SALMON AND 

SHALLOT 

TANDOORI 

SKEWERS 

These tandoori salmon skewers 

are the perfect BBQ recipe for 

summer, or they can also be 

grilled indoors on a griddle pan 

if it’s a classic British summer 

of rain! 

Serves: 4 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes 

(plus up to 60 minutes 

marinating time) 

Cooking Time: 10 minutes 

For the quick pickled shallots 

4 round shallots, peeled and 

finely sliced 

125ml water 

125ml white wine vinegar 

½ tsp fennel seeds 

½ tsp cumin seeds 

1 tbsp table salt 

2 tbsp golden caster sugar 

For the skewers 

4 skinless salmon fillets (about 

125g each) 

2 round shallots, finely chopped 

1 large garlic clove, grated 

2.5cm piece of fresh ginger, 

grated 

Juice of 1 lime 

100g Greek yoghurt 

1 tsp Kashmiri chilli powder 

1 tsp ground turmeric 

1 tsp ground cumin 

2 tsp ground coriander 

2 tsp smoked paprika 

Salt and pepper, to taste 

Vegetable oil 

To serve 

4 naan breads 

4 tbsp raita 

2 tbsp coriander leaves 

1 long green chilli, finely sliced 

Lime halves 

Prepare the quick pickled 

shallots. Place the sliced 

shallots in a clean bowl. Put the 

water, wine vinegar, fennel and 

cumin seeds, salt and sugar into 

a small pan over a medium heat 

and stir until the sugar and salt 

are fully dissolved. Pour the hot 

pickling liquor over the shallots 

and leave to cool slightly. Cover 

the bowl and place in the fridge 

to pickle. 

To prepare the salmon, cut each 

fillet into 4 equal-sized chunks. 

Place the chunks in a bowl with 

the chopped shallots, garlic, 

ginger and lime juice and mix 

well. 

In another bowl, mix the yoghurt 

with the spices and some salt 

and pepper. Add this spiced 

yoghurt to the salmon and mix 

well again. Leave to marinate 

in a cool place for at least 20 

minutes, or up to an hour. 

Once marinated, thread the 

salmon onto your skewers. 

Brush the hot barbecue or 

griddle pan lightly with a little 

vegetable oil then lay the 

skewers on it. Cook for 2–3 

minutes on each side until 

golden brown and lightly 

charred. Meanwhile, warm the 

naan on a low heat in the oven. 

Once cooked, transfer the 

skewers to a warm plate. 

Spread the naans with a 

tablespoon each of raita. Top 

with a salmon skewer. Scatter 

over the pickled shallots, some 

coriander and sliced green 

chilli. Serve with lime halves for 

squeezing over. 


CHAAT MASALA 

POTATOES AND 

SHALLOTS 

Sweet and crunchy, raw echalions 

shallots marry perfectly with crispy 

new potatoes, cold yoghurt and a 

zingy dressing in this fresh Indianinspired 

salad. 

Serves: 4 

Preparation Time: 10 minutes 


For the potatoes 

750g baby new potatoes, cut 

lengthways into 1cm thick slices 

2 tbsp olive oil 

1 tsp chaat masala 

½ tsp ground turmeric 


250g thick Greek yoghurt 

1 echalion, thinly sliced on a 

mandolin or by hand 

1 green chilli, thinly sliced 

1½ tsp coriander seeds, toasted 

1½ tsp nigella seeds, toasted 

For the coriander chutney 

30g fresh coriander, reserving a few 

for garnish 

1 green chilli, deseeded and roughly 

chopped 

1 tbsp lime juice 

4 tbsp olive oil 

Salt 

To serve 

1½ tbsp shop-bought tamarind 

paste 

1½ tsp caster sugar 

¼ tsp chaat masala 

Preheat the oven to 200°C fan. Put 

a large pan of salted water on to 

boil. Once boiling add the potatoes 

and cook for 4-5 minutes until 

cooked through. Drain the potatoes. 

Add the potatoes to a large baking 

tray – drizzle with the 2 tbsp oil, 

and top with the chaat masala, 

turmeric and seasoning. Toss 

to mix thoroughly. Roast in the 

oven, stirring once or twice, for 35 

minutes, or until deeply golden. 

Meanwhile, make the coriander 

chutney. Put all the ingredients into 

a food processor or blender and 

blitz until smooth. Set aside. 

To make the tamarind dressing, 

whisk together all the ingredients in 

a small bowl with 1½ teaspoons of 

water until the sugar is dissolved. 

Set aside. 

Spread the yoghurt on a large 

serving platter. Top with half the 

coriander chutney, swirling it through 

without completely incorporating. 

Drizzle with half of the tamarind 

dressing, and top with the potatoes, 

shallot and chilli. Drizzle over the 

remaining coriander chutney and 

tamarind dressing, then sprinkle 

over the toasted seeds and reserved 

coriander leaves and serve. 

CHICKEN, 

SHALLOT AND 

CASHEW CURRY 

This warming, fragrant chicken curry 

is the perfect dish to cook over the 

weekend when you have a little bit 

more time. Serve with rice, chapatis 

and pickles for a delicious feast. 

Serves: 4 

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus 

2 hours marinating time and 30 

minutes soaking) 


For the chicken 

2 tbsp Greek yoghurt 

2 tsp turmeric 


800g skinless bone-in chicken 

thighs and drumsticks 

2 tsp vegetable oil 

6 cloves 

1 cinnamon stick 

120g round shallots, peeled and 

finely chopped 

1 tsp sugar 

100ml warm water 

½ tsp ground cardamom 

For the cashew paste: 

75g cashew nuts 

5cm piece of ginger, peeled and 

roughly chopped 

2 green chillies 

For the temper: 

1 tbsp vegetable oil 

2 round shallots, peeled and thinly 

sliced 

30g cashew nuts 

1 tsp mustard seeds 

10 curry leaves 

Put the yoghurt, turmeric and salt 

and pepper in a bowl and stir to 


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combine. Mix through the chicken, 

cover and leave in the fridge to 

marinate for at least 2 hours. 

Meanwhile, make the cashew 

paste. Soak the cashews in 100ml 

of warm water for half an hour. Put 

the cashews and their liquid in a 

blender with the ginger and chillies, 

blitzing to a smooth paste. 

Heat the 2 teaspoons of vegetable 

oil in a large, lidded saucepan on 

a medium heat. Add the cloves 

and cinnamon and let sizzle for a 

couple of minutes until fragrant. 

Add the shallots and cook, stirring 

often, until golden – around 6 

minutes. 

Add the chicken and fry for 8 

minutes until seared all over. 

Lower the heat, add the sugar, a 

pinch of salt and 100ml of water. 

Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, 

stirring halfway through. Stir in the 

cashew paste, simmer for a further 

5 minutes, add the cardamom, and 

take the pot off the heat. 

Allow the curry to rest whilst making 

the temper – heat the 1 tbsp oil in a 

small frying pan on a medium heat. 

Add the shallots and cook for five 

minutes until starting to turn golden. 

Add the cashews and fry for a 

further 2 minutes. Add the mustard 

seeds and curry leaves, cook for 30 

seconds. Pour the temper over the 

curry and serve with rice or chapati. 

BEEF AND 

SHALLOT 

EMPANADAS 

The filling of these empanadas is 

a classic combination of Spanish 

flavours – beef, shallot, sultanas and 

olives. Deep fried until crispy, then 

finished with a salsa verde inspired 

shallot green sauce. 

Serves: 6-8 


resting time) 


For the dough 

450g plain flour 

1 tbsp salt 

60g unsalted butter 

1 egg 

6 tbsp water 

1 tbsp vinegar 

For the filling 

2 eggs, hard-boiled 

1 tbsp of olive oil 

4 echalion shallots, peeled and 

chopped 

1 garlic clove 

1 tbsp dried oregano 

500g beef mince 

1 tbsp raisin 

1 tbsp pitted green olives, roughly 

chopped 

½ a 400ml tin of chopped tomatoes 

Vegetable oil for frying 

For the green sauce 

1 small bunch of tarragon 

2 large bunches of flat-leaf parsley 

2 round shallots, peeled 

3 tsp Dijon mustard 

40g small capers, drained, rinsed 

and roughly chopped 

200ml extra virgin olive oil 

2 tbsp sherry vinegar 

Start with the dough - mix the 

flour, salt, and butter in a bowl by 

hand until it comes together as a 

homogeneous dough. 

In a separate large bowl, beat the 

egg, water, and vinegar, and add the 

mix to the flour dough. 

By hand, knead the mixture on a 

clean surface covered with a little bit 

of flour until it comes together as a 

rustic dough, and set aside, covered, 

in the fridge for one hour. 

To make the filling – peel and cut 

the hard-boiled eggs into thin slices. 

Heat the oil in a large pan on a 

medium heat - cook the echalion 

shallots until golden brown, then 

add the garlic and oregano, and 

stir for two minutes. Add the beef 

mince and cook for 10 minutes until 

browned. Add the raisins, olives, 

hard-boiled eggs, and chopped 

tomatoes. 

Meanwhile, make the green sauce 

by blitzing all the ingredients to a 

chunky texture in a blender. 

Heat 6cm vegetable oil in a large, 

deep-frying pan on a medium heat. 

Take the dough and roll out with 

a rolling pin to form a rectangular 

sheet around 2cm in thickness. 

Then, using a small bowl or cup, cut 

out circles around 12cm in diameter. 

Take a circle of dough and fill it with 

2 tablespoons of the beef filling. 

Then, fold the dough over and mark 

the edges with a fork to close the 

empanadas. 


Add a few empanadas to the oil at 

a time – cooking for 4-5 minutes 

until golden brown. Serve on a large 

platter or board with the green sauce 

on the side. 

SHALLOT 

PISTO WITH 

MANCHEGO 

EGGS 

Pisto is a vegetarian Spanish dish 

similar to ratatouille or caponata. 

Here we’ve topped it with a crispy 

Manchego fried egg, making it the 

perfect brunch, lunch or even dinner. 

Serves: 4 


resting time) 


4 tbsp sultanas 

50ml sherry vinegar 

60ml extra-virgin olive oil 

4 echalion shallots, peeled and cut 

into 2cm cubes 

1 red pepper, deseeded and cut into 

2cm cubes 

1 aubergine, trimmed and cut into 

2cm cubes 

2 courgettes, trimmed and cut into 

2cm cubes 

1 garlic clove, peeled and minced 

1 tbsp dried oregano 

4 ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped 

3 tbsp toasted pine nuts 

Salt and black pepper 

4 tbsp chopped parsley 

Vegetable oil, for frying the eggs 

100g Manchego, grated 

4 eggs 

1 big pinch smoked paprika, to serve 

Put the sultanas and sherry vinegar in 

a small bowl and leave to plump up. 

To make the pisto, put the extravirgin 

olive oil in a large, deep frying 

pan on a medium heat. Once it’s hot, 

add the echalion shallots and red 

pepper, and fry, stirring occasionally, 

for about 5 minutes, until soft. Add 

the aubergine, cook for 2 minutes, 

then add the courgette and cook, 

stirring from time to time, for a 

couple of minutes, until all the 

vegetables are soft. 

Stir in the garlic and oregano, cook 

for a minute, then add the tomatoes 

and cook on a very low heat, stirring 

occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, until 

they reduce and turn saucy. Strain 

the sultanas, discarding the vinegar, 

then add them to the pan with the 

pine nuts. Season to taste, then take 

off the heat and stir in the parsley. 

Add a little vegetable oil to a medium 

frying heat on a medium heat – add 

a little pile of grated Manchego and 

once it’s melted crack an egg on top. 

Add a little more Manchego around 

the borders of the eggs. Fry until the 

egg white is set and the cheese is 

golden and crispy. 

Transfer the pisto onto dishes and 

top with the eggs, then finish with a 

drizzle each of extra-virgin olive oil, a 

good pinch of smoked paprika and 

pepper. 

ukshallot.com 


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A living and dining room 

transformation to inspire... 

Photography by Lucy Hartley-Saunders 


With many of us opting to 

improve instead of move, it’s never 

been more important to make our 

spaces work better for us. After 

extending a kitchen to the side 

of their house, homeowners Kate 

and Tom needed to reconfigure 

the existing kitchen and separate 

dining room into a space that 

reflected the flow of their lives. 

Opting to open the rooms 

completely, we caught up with 

them to discuss the process. 

In terms of the build, can you tell us 

what you’ve done? 

The living area occupies what was once 

the dining room, and the dining room was 

the teeny tiny kitchen. We prioritised a 

larger living space over a big dining area - 

I think many of us have moved away from 

the formal dining space, instead opting 

to have something move convivial. We 

have a large breakfast bar in the kitchen, 

which is in the new extension, so there are 

options for dining, and it made sense to 

just keep the space flowing. 

A structural steel was added between the 

old kitchen and dining room, then the old 

door from the hallway was blocked up, so 

the sofa could tuck neatly into that corner 

of the room. 

We pulled up all the floorboards to insulate 

fully underneath, and pulled down the 

ceiling to make the new electrical elements 

easier to install, and again improve the 

insulation. The two spaces were fully replastered. 

It was a lot of work, but actually, 

the walls weren’t in great condition before 

and now they are beautifully smooth. 

“We prioritised a larger 

living space over a big 

dining area - we wanted 

to have something move 

convivial.” 

What flooring was here before 

and why have you chosen the 

finish you have? 

This space has been transformed 

by the flooring, which was an 

easy-to-lay, fully DIY process. 

The flooring runs from the 

kitchen all the way through 

to the living area. It had to be 

something that would work with 

the underfloor heating, be able 

to stand up to the demands of 

kitchen life, be easy to clean 

with two dogs in the house and 

still give the space a feeling 

of warmth. I wanted to find a 

clean-looking tone which didn’t 

read too grey or too yellow, so 

settled on Canadian Nude Oak 

from Karndean - it’s a rigid-core 

product, so doesn’t need gluing 

down and just clicks together 

using the tongue and groove 

system. It can be laid over an 

existing floor too. 

That stove is amazing - why 

did you choose it? 

The existing fireplace had a small 

opening in it, and it looked like it 

would lend itself well to an inset 

stove. I’m not over-stating it 

when I say this stove is one of my 

favourite things I’ve ever had in 


▶ 

The doors were a real success story - we widened 

what was once the single kitchen door into a set 

of slimline double doors on parliament hinges so 

they can open right back to the wall. The glazing 

helps to ensure light can shine on this darker 

pocket of the house. We used reeded glass film to 

create an obscured effect for the utility door - still 

allowing light to shine, but without needing to see 

the detail of the appliances in there. 

▶ 

The dogs are clearly giving 

this feather-filled sofa 

their seal of approval. The 

space is styled with subtle 

patterns and textures, 

including lovely throws and 

cushions from homewares 

brand hauslife.co.uk 

▶ 

We went for the Stovax Riva2, which had a sleek but 

robust design. The visuals are spectacular - the range 

provides convergent airflow to keep the glass clean. 

I’m eco-conscious, so that weighed in heavily on my 

choice - the Riva2 not only meets but exceeds Ecodesign 

efficiency standards, which aim to improve air quality by 

minimising the level of permitted emissions from wood 

burning products. For those in smoke control areas, as 

we are, all models are DEFRA exempt as standard for 

burning wood in urban areas without the need for an 

additional kit. 

▶ 

This is actually an extendable table - so it can be round 

to seat four people, then has leaves to take it all the way 

to a 12 seater. It’s only the two of us, so we didn’t want a 

massive table that spent most of the year getting in the 

way, only to be used at full capacity at Christmas. So, 

this arrangement really suits us. I wanted the chairs to be 

sleek and sit below the top line of the table, as the space 

is small and I didn’t want them to encroach. Then the 

black lines just make sure that strong shade is present in 

each little zone. 


The ‘during’ photos are interesting to look back 

on - it really is a big transformation 

▶ 

“I really love this 

space. It feels 

welcoming and cosy, 

and that was always 

the goal. It’s not a 

formal seating area, 

but a place to retreat 

from daily life” 

▶ 

There’s no getting away from the need for a TV 

in a living space, but I really didn’t want it to be 

the focal point of the room. I wanted a smaller 

television with a slimline frame, so it didn’t make 

such a visual statement - I really loved the slimline 

look of this Mitchell & Brown QLED 4K Ultra HD 

TV- and even better, they’re a British brand with 

a seven year warranty, which is so much longer 

than many other brands. It’s a smart TV, so ready 

to go with all the apps. We’ve got it mounted on 

a pull-out bracket, ready to move as and when 

it’s needed. 

my home. It offers instant cosiness, 

and such a beautiful focal point 

whether it’s roaring or gently glowing. 

That sofa looks incredibly 

comfortable… 

Oh, my, goodness! It is the most 

comfortable sofa I’ve ever sat on - 

it’s the Chaise Otto from 

sofa.com. My partner and I saw it 

in our local showroom and sat on 

it for nearly half an hour! We didn’t 

want to move, and it immediately 

transported us to lazy Sundays in 

front of the fire, stretched out on 

the chaise. It has feather-wrapped 

cushions which make it dreamily 

squishy, and the covers are 

removable for washing, which is 

essential with my penchant for beige 

alongside having two dogs…it also 

means we can update the look of it 

in a few years without replacing the 

whole sofa. 

Are there any other design 

elements you love? 

We’ve zoned this space with this 

huge rug from Ruggable - it’s actually 

machine washable so can stand 

up to daily life, spills, muddy dog 

paws and more! Then we have the 

amazing Lithe Audio ceiling speakers 

- one above the dining table and the 

other in the adjoining kitchen space, 

connected to one another. It’s lovely 

to be able to have music on whilst 

cooking, and then keep the ambient 

sounds on during dinner. I think they 

look really sleek too. 

How did you use black as an 

accent? 

The house already has blackframed 

windows, so it made sense 

to include this in the other design 

choices. By echoing the black in the 

stove surround, the internal doors 

and the dining chairs, it means your 


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eye can move from vignette to vignette, without 

feeling like one element is really pulling focus. 

Is the cabinetry bespoke? 

Sort of! We had some quotes which really varied, so 

we found the most cost-effective solution was using 

IKEA Metod upper cabinets on a frame on the floor, 

and then using some sturdier timber to make tops 

and shelves. By running the skirting boards around 

the front of the frame, they look built in - it’s a really 

good tip for making things look bespoke. 

Is there anything you’d change? 

I really love this space. It feels welcoming and cosy, 

and that was always the goal. It’s not a formal 

seating area, but a place to retreat from daily life, 

where you can really just spill out and chill. It’s 

versatile enough to cater for our needs as they shift. 

The space is full of design touches which help make it feel lived in, 

but also high end. All the sockets and switches are from Corston 

Architectural, and they just exude quality. Family photos are 

styled alongside more conventional decor items, plants and pieces 

collected from holidays - this isn’t a show home, but reflective 

of who lives here. Lighting is key too - wall lights help make the 

room feel cosy, with lamps and picture lights offering additional 

multi-level lighting. 

▶ 

STOCKIST INFORMATION: 

Sofa, Otto Chaise in Taupe Brushed Linen Cotton 

sofa.com; Sarrah Blue Quartz Rug, ruggable.co.uk; 

Alvah Extendable Round Dining Table and Chantilly 

Polyester Blend Upholstered Slat Back Parsons Chair both 

wayfair.co.uk; Karndean Canadian Nude Oak Flooring, 

palioexpress.com; Neutral Abstract Sands Canvas Print, 

abstracthouse.com; Stovax Riva2, find your nearest supplier 

at stovax.com; QLED 4K Ultra HD TV (available in 43”, 

50” & 55” screen sizes), find your local stockist online at 

mitchellandbrown.co.uk; Reeded Glass Film, 

surfacedesigns.com; Heritage Clear Glazed Doors, 

climadoor.co.uk; Cushions, Coffee Table, Throw and 

Log Basket from hauslife.co.uk; Ceiling Speakers from 

litheaudio.com 


A BRITISH GARDEN CENTRES GUIDE 

Companion planting 

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves planting different types of plants 

together for their mutual benefit. This method not only helps protect plants from pests and 

diseases, but also promotes pollination, saves space, enhances productivity, and attracts 

beneficial insects. Companion planting is an effective and eco-friendly way of gardening as it 

eliminates the need for chemical sprays to repel insects and other pests. 

BEANS WITH SWEETCORN AND SQUASH 

A good example of the companion planting method is the “three 

sisters” method. This technique involves planting three main crops - 

beans, sweetcorn, and squash - together in the same plot of land. 

The beans are nitrogen-fixing plants, which means they can convert 

nitrogen from the air so it can be used by the soil. This process helps 

to increase soil fertility and provides the sweetcorn and squash with 

the necessary nutrients to grow. The sweetcorn acts as a natural trellis 

for the beans to climb. As the beans grow up the corn stalks, they 

provide stability, whilst the beans also provide shade to the soil, which 

helps to keep it moist and cool. The squash acts as a natural mulch, 

which helps to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds. 

GARLIC WITH ROSES 

Planting garlic bulbs at the foot of roses makes them taste nasty to 

aphids, ants, snails and flea beetles. The beautiful globe flowers of the 

garlic also have the added benefit of attracting bees and butterflies. 

Garlic is also said to help with powdery mildew when sprayed on the 

plant as well as enhancing the rose’s fragrance. 

TOMATOES AND BASIL 

Planting basil near tomato plants can be beneficial as the aromatic 

oils released by basil can enhance the flavour of tomatoes. Basil 

also has natural pest-repelling properties, which can help protect the 

tomato plants from insects like aphids and whiteflies. 

MARIGOLDS WITH VEGETABLES 

If you are looking for a natural and effective way to ward off harmful 

insects like aphids and whitefly, French marigolds could be the perfect 

solution and act as a natural repellent for pests that can damage your 

vegetable patch. We recommend planting French marigolds alongside 

peas, beans, potatoes, and sweetcorn. 

ONIONS WITH CARROTS 

Planting onions alongside carrots can be extremely beneficial for 

both vegetables? Onions have a strong scent that acts as a natural 

repellent for root flies, which are known to damage carrot growth. Not 

only does this method offer a practical solution for pest control, but it 

also maximises the use of your vegetable. 

HERBS AND BRASSICAS 

Did you know that certain herbs can not only enhance the flavour of 

cabbage, broccoli, and kale but also keep away unwanted pests like 

cabbage moths? Thyme, Sage, and Rosemary are some of the most 

effective herbs when it comes to repelling cabbage moths, thanks to 

their strong scent. 

LAVENDER AND CHILLI 

Planting lavender and chilli together offers multiple benefits for your 

garden. Lavender’s aromatic scent acts as a natural pest repellent, 

deterring insects like aphids and moths that can harm chilli plants, 

while also attracting beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, 

enhancing pollination and resulting in a better chilli harvest. 

HOW TO MAKE SUMMER BATHROOM 

RENOVATIONS WITH WATER SAVING 

IN MIND 

Did you know you could save around £400 simply by 

swapping your shower handset? It’s a great option if 

you’re looking to enhance your shower experience without 

undergoing a full-scale bathroom renovation. An easy 

smart swap, a shower handset can be easily added to your 

bathroom in just 5 minutes without any tools. 

A global manufacturer of beautiful, innovative and awardwinning 

showers, taps and valves and holder of three of 

six worldwide patents for showering technology, Methven 

showerheads provide performance without compromise. 

Methven is committed to conserving energy and water to 

protect the planet for generations to come with its innovative 

technologies which deliver an invigorating showering 

experience whilst using less water. 

Emma Foster, Head of Marketing & Product at Methven UK, 

shares her insights on renovating with water saving in mind: 

“The shower is without a doubt one of the most used items 

in the home, with multiple people using it at least once a 

day, so it is important that it offers you and your family an 

invigorating experience. 

“It is a common misconception that you need to replace the 

whole shower to enhance the performance, when in fact, you 

can simply replace your existing shower head to reinvigorate 

your showering experience, which is cost-effective and easy 

to-do. 

“Our shower heads are designed to reduce water usage, 

leading to lower gas consumption for heating. A Methven 

shower head which operates at 6 litres per minute, can 

therefore help a family of four save approximately £400 plus 

per year on their energy bills. 

“Households in the UK with a bath and shower, with 

unrestricted fixtures and appliances, use a staggering 

147.75 litres of water per person, per day on average. With a 

standard shower operating at 15 litres of water per minute, a 

6-minute shower uses as much as 90 litres. 

“The Aurajet Aio handset from 

Methven, for example is optimised 

to 8/litres per minute. The 

handset also features patented 

Aurajet® technology for a 

powerful, full-bodied spray, 

providing up to 20% more 

spray coverage*, while helping 

to reduce water consumption 

and bills. 

*Compared to a conventional 

Methven handset 

For more information about 

Methven’s water saving showering 

solutions, visit: uk.methven.com 


THE VELVETISER 

Create a moment of bliss in your day - in just two and a half 

minutes, you’ll have barista-grade hot chocolate at home. 

A stylish addition to the kitchen, it has a sleek silhouette 

and pours as easily with the right or left hand. You can use 

Hotel Chocolat sachets or your own premium chocolate 

blends - and it froths milk beautifully for coffee too. Starter 

kit complete with chocolate sachets and mugs, £109.95, 

hotelchocolat.com 

DOUBLE OVEN 

With a generous 74-litre capacity, this Hotpoint 

built-in electric double oven provides ample 

space for cooking confidently and enhancing 

the flavour of your dishes. The Multiflow fan 

ensures even heat distribution throughout the 

entire oven, maintaining consistent temperature 

levels regardless of where you place your 

food, guaranteeing perfect results every time. 

Additionally, the Digital Display offers a variety 

of time settings, enabling you to select the ideal 

cooking duration for your meal. Hotpoint Class 

2 DD2 540 IX Built-in Double Oven - Stainless 

Steel, £359.00 Energy Rating: A 

SANDWICH MAKER 

Make your toasted sandwich from any 

loaf - from focaccia to a thick handsliced 

loaf. Stuff with your favourite 

filling and then brown and seal the 

perfect toasted sandwich. And it’s not 

just for sandwiches – you can also 

experiment with delicious French 

toast, omelettes, pastries, 

quesadillas and calzones.It 

couldn’t be easier to clean up 

afterwards – the removable, 

non-stick plates can go in the 

dishwasher. Sandwich Maker 

(GRSM1U), £80, cuisinart.co.uk 

COFFEE MAKER 

The One Cup Grind and Brew Coffee Maker has 

a built in, stainless steel conical burr mill, which 

automatically grinds your choice of beans directly 

into the HomeBarista reusable filter pod. Easy 

to use, simply place the filter pod into the chamber 

and choose your desired cup size – there’s a choice 

of 3 sizes: 120ml, 210ml and 300ml. You’ll then 

have delicious, perfectly brewed, fresh filter coffee. 

Cusinart One Cup Grind & Brew Coffee Maker 

(DGB2U), £250, cuisinart.co.uk 

AMERICAN FRIDGE/FREEZER 

For juicier strawberries and crunchier cucumbers, look no further than 

this Haier American fridge freezer - it keeps food fresher for much 

longer, thanks to its humidity and temperature control zones. As it has 

a 537 litre capacity, there’s plenty of room for up to 29 shopping bags 

filled with the family’s favourite goodies. The freezer drawers will make 

it so easy to see the contents - reducing waste. Its ‘Total No Frost’ 

technology moves cool air around to stop ice building up. Plus it has a 

water dispenser to quench your thirst with a cooling drink. Haier FD 83 

Series 7 HFW7819EWMP, from £1599, Energy Rating: D. 


BOILING WATER TAP 

Designed in England and handcrafted 

in Italy, the Pronteau Propure 

Quad is a clean and contemporary 

tap that boasts sleek, sharp, and 

sophisticated lines. A tap that is 

packed full of style and engineering 

excellence, perfectly blending design 

with functionality whilst adding 

contemporary styling, symmetry, and 

personality to your kitchen. 

Built-in safety 

features ensure 

little hands 

are safe for 

complete peace 

of mind 

SLIMLINE 

DISHWASHER 

Together with 3D Zone Wash, the 

combined action of the powerful 

water jets from the upper and lower 

spray arms and the variable speed 

inverter motor, makes sure precisely 

the right amount of water is used 

throughout the selected basket for 

either 40% more cleaning power or 

40% more energy efficiency, depending on 

your needs. 

With enough capacity to hold up to 10 place 

settings and including a dedicated cutlery 

tray, this dishwasher is great for cleaning up 

after dinner parties and everyday mealtimes. 

Hotpoint HSFO 3T223 W X UK N Dishwasher, 

from £399, Energy Rating: E. 

It delivers 98° boiling water, 

alongside hot, cold and filtered water, 

to cater for all your household needs. 

From £899, see the full range at 

pronteau.co.uk 

Appliance 

GUIDE 

As items we use every single day, the appliances 

in our homes have to be practical, energyefficient 

and functional. We take a look at some 

upgrades you could make 

UPRIGHT VACUUM CLEANER 

The HL4 gives great performance, across all 

floor types with no loss of suction to deeply 

clean carpets and above-floor surfaces. 

It’s lightweight, easy to carry at under 5kg, 

and moves seamlessly from floors to other 

surfaces at the press of a single button. 

And gives you peace of mind with a FREE 

warranty up to 3 years. Hoover Upright 

Vacuum Cleaner with ANTI-TWIST - 

HL4, £199, hooverdirect.co.uk 

VENTING INDUCTION HOB 

This Hotpoint vented induction hob features a built-in vent hood 

that automatically removes vapours and odours. With Automatic 

Aspiration, the hood will routinely set the right power level to 

protect your kitchen by keeping it smelling and feeling fresh, so 

you can spend more time cooking and eating with your loved 

ones. The innovative Combi Due Zone allows you to combine 

two cooking zones into one extra-large space, which is easily 

controlled with Hotpoint’s unique touch control hobs. So, no 

matter what you are cooking, and how many people you are 

cooking for, Hotpoint has you covered. Hotpoint PVH92BUK 

Black 90cm Vented Hob, from £1899, Energy Rating: A 


NEW BEGINNINGS 

Choosing Retirement Accommodation 

As one approaches retirement 

age, the prospect of downsizing 

and moving into retirement 

accommodation becomes 

increasingly relevant. It’s a significant 

decision that requires careful 

planning. Here, we delve into some 

common considerations to help guide 

you through this transitional phase. 

LOCATION, LOCATION, 

LOCATION 

First and foremost, consider the 

location. Do you want to stay close 

to family and friends, or perhaps 

venture to a new area for a fresh 

start? Think about amenities nearby, 

such as shops, healthcare facilities, 

and recreational activities. Access 

to public transport is also crucial 

for maintaining independence 

and staying connected with the 

community. 

TYPES OF 

ACCOMMODATION 

Retirement accommodation 

comes in various forms, including 

independent living apartments, 

retirement villages, and assisted 

living facilities. Determine the 

level of support you require and 

choose accommodation that aligns 

with your needs and preferences. 

Independent living offers freedom 

and autonomy, while assisted living 

provides additional support with 

daily tasks and healthcare services. 

FINANCIAL 

CONSIDERATIONS 

Budgeting plays a vital role in the 

decision-making process. Consider 

the cost of accommodation, including 

any ongoing fees for maintenance, 

utilities, and services. Explore 

financial options such as selling your 

current property, renting, or accessing 

equity release schemes. 

FUTURE-PROOFING 

Planning for the future is essential 

when considering retirement 

accommodation. Think about how 

your needs may change over time 

and whether the accommodation 

can accommodate those changes. 

Look for features such as accessible 

design, mobility aids, and flexible 

care options. By future-proofing your 

choice, you can ensure that your 

retirement accommodation remains 

suitable and supportive in the years 

to come. 

HEALTHCARE AND 

SUPPORT SERVICES 

As we age, our healthcare 

needs may evolve. Consider 

proximity to healthcare facilities 

and the availability of support 

services. Assess whether the 

accommodation offers on-site 

healthcare professionals, emergency 

assistance, and access to additional 

care if needed. Prioritising access 

to healthcare can provide peace of 

mind and ensure your well-being as 

you age. 

LEGAL AND 

CONTRACTUAL 

CONSIDERATIONS 

Before finalising any agreements, 

thoroughly review the legal and 

contractual aspects of the retirement 

accommodation. Seek legal advice 

if necessary to understand the 

terms and obligations involved. Pay 

attention to details such as lease 

agreements, service contracts, 

and exit fees. It’s crucial to have 

clarity regarding your rights and 

responsibilities as a resident. 

SOCIAL AND 

RECREATIONAL 

OPPORTUNITIES 

Retirement accommodation often 

provides a range of social and 

recreational activities to enrich 

residents’ lives. From fitness 

classes and hobby groups to 

communal events and outings, 

these opportunities foster a sense 

of community. Take the time to 

explore the amenities and social 

offerings available within different to 

find the right fit for your lifestyle. 

EMBRACING THE 

JOURNEY 

Moving into retirement 

accommodation marks the 

beginning of a new chapter in 

life. Embrace this transition with 

optimism and open-mindedness. 

Take the time to explore different 

options, ask questions, and involve 

loved ones in the decision-making 

process. By carefully considering 

your needs and preferences, you 

can embark on this journey with 

confidence and enthusiasm. 

Choosing retirement accommodation 

requires thoughtful planning and 

consideration of various factors. By 

focusing on location, accommodation 

type, financial considerations, social 

opportunities, healthcare services, 

future-proofing, legal aspects, and 

embracing the journey, you can make 

an informed decision that aligns 

with your lifestyle and preferences. 

Remember, this transition is an 

opportunity for new beginnings and 

exciting possibilities. 


YOUR 

HEARING 

IS AS IMPORTANT 

AS YOUR VISION 

a local independent 

healthcare practice. 

Providing high 

quality, discreet & 

confidential hearing 

healthcare in Oxford 

area for more than 

30 years 

isn’t it time you got 

your ears checked? 

We can help with: 

Full audiological 

assessment 

High specification 

hearing instruments 

Personalised Hearing 

Healthcare 

Custom made noise 

reducing ear plugs 

Repair & servicing 

Ear wax removal 

To find out 

more call 

01865 861 861 

5 Farmoor Court, Farmoor, Oxford OX2 9LU 

Open Monday-Friday, 9am to 5pm 

FREE ALLOCATED PARKING 

Email: info@oxfordhearingcentre.co.uk 

www.oxfordhearingcentre.co.uk

QUALITY 

KITCHENS AT 

A PRICE 

YOU’LL LOVE 

We offer a complete project-managed 

Building and Installation service. 

GERRARDS CROSS 

12F Pilgrim Walk · Packhorse Road 

Gerrards Cross · SL9 7QE 

01753 963 000 

THAME 

Unit 8 Rycote Lane Farm · Rycote Lane 

Thame · OX9 2NZ 

01844 279 900 

ridgewayinteriors.co.uk 

hello@rkiltd.co.uk

Abingdon Living May - Jun 2024

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