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D Louise: The Jewellery Brand we Guarantee you’ll be Coveting this Spring

Pssst…I’m going to let you in on a secret. There’s a cool, new brand emerging on the jewellery scene that is about to blow up. D. Louise is a stylish collection of affordable, high-quality jewellery that you will own forever. Gold jewellery is bang on trend right now, I’m a big fan of layering mine on a night out but find that after a couple of wears, they take on a green tinge and can’t be worn again. D Louise is a range of uniquely designed pieces that can be worn every day, in the shower or at the gym without tarnishing or turning green.

D Louise

Revolutionizing Jewelry with Founder Olivia Jenkins

I’ve been crushing on this jewellery collection for some time and after chatting to founder Olivia Jenkins I think I may be crushing on her too. Olivia, aged 25 from London, set up the brand during the global pandemic after she became increasingly frustrated with her everyday jewellery turning her skin green. After researching materials and road-testing them herself, she started sourcing suppliers while juggling her full-time job in a media agency. D. Louise quickly took off and she quit her job in the city to throw herself into the business full-time. She said, “Like most people, the pandemic changed my job, I went from a very social role to being stuck at home. I felt like I had no purpose so when I spotted a gap in the jewellery market, I decided to just go for it”.

The range, which she has a hand in designing includes elegant rings, funky earrings, and bracelets as well as chic necklaces. It is made with high-quality stainless steel, which is durable, 100% recyclable and affordable. It goes through a PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coating process to add the gold plate. This method is ten times thicker than standard gold plating, making the finish on the jewellery resistant to corrosion and tarnishing, which means you can wear the pieces on the beach or in the pool and they’ll still look fabulous.

Affordable Everyday Jewelry with a Touch of Meaning

D. Louise is about wearing stylish jewellery every day that won’t break the bank, with prices ranging from £28 – £50. Olivia tells me that zodiac necklaces are going to be big this summer. Her biggest sellers are her bracelets, and I can see why, I love the Rolo Chain bracelet and the Chunky Monkey would make amazing arm candy at any pool party this summer.

Olivia named the brand after her Mum, Deborah Louise, who she sadly lost to cancer in 2017. She said, “I feel like a piece of my mum is in the business. It reminds me anything is possible and while life can be tough at times, you can create your own future”.

D. Louise is passionate about promoting sustainable fashion and offers a lifetime warranty on all pieces and any items which have manufacturing defects are recycled into new products. Olivia has ensured that not only is this ingrained into the product itself but is central to the brand. All packaging is FSC® certified, recyclable, and plastic-free. The brand partners with ‘Get Mads’ who offset their carbon, remove plastic from the oceans and plant a tree with every order. D. Louise also donates a portion of profits to support the Oceanic Society, a non-profit organisation that works to improve ocean health.

Olivia’s vision is to be the world’s most well-known stainless steel jewellery brand. I don’t think she’ll have to wait long, D. Louise ticks all the boxes for being affordable, high-quality, sustainable and super stylish.

D. Louise is offering all House of Coco readers 15% off their first purchase. Use the code 15%OFF at checkout

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Algeria

Recreate a Premium Restaurant Experience in your own Kitchen

Wagyu is the legendary super-marbled, super-pricey beef from Japan normally served in high end restaurants. Gunma Wagyu, one of the world’s most expensive cuts of beef, is now available to consumers in the UK bringing the restaurant experience to your kitchen. While foodies might expect to find such high-quality cuts in a Michelin star restaurant, Gunma Wagyu Beef offers a deliciously premium eating experience delivered direct to your door.

This indulgent dine at home experience is perfect for fans of STK or those looking to create their own Salt Bae vibe. There’s a lot of hype around this bougie piece of beef and once you’ve tried it you will understand why.

The delicious cut of meat arrives frozen in vacuum sealed packaging to ensure optimum quality. I treated my other half to some for a date night dinner, and it went down a storm. It was so easy to cook, so no wasting time slaving over the stove. It only needs a light seasoning of sea salt then you simply fry it 10-30 seconds on each side in a hot cast iron pan, greased with butter and serve. I paired mine with a glass of Malbec and a side of greens. The meat was juicy and melt in the mouth tender. The cut is highly marbled which gives the meat a unique buttery flavour. The marbling is rich in omega-3 and omega-6, improving the ratio of monounsaturated fats compared with regular beef so its healthier.

The reason Wagyu is expensive and let’s be honest, so tasty is down to the care and standards the cattle are raised in. Gunma Wagyu Beef is reared authentically in Japan by experts who mature Japanese Black cows in stress free environments for approximately 30 months to ensure good quality, high grade piece Wagyu. The cattle are raised in Gunma, a location in Japan with an abundant water resource from the Tonè River and are surrounded by green mountains which contributes to their zen lifestyle, as well as flavoursome meat.

Gunma Wagyu Beef Yakiniku cut (200g) is available to purchase on Asian Harvest, from £65. You can get next day delivery for orders placed on Monday to Thursday.

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Beauty

Restore your Glow with a Collagen Shot

Collagen is having a moment right now, I can’t scroll through my social feed without seeing a fresh faced celebrity claiming this elixir is responsible for their glowing youthful skin. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, so I spoke to Peji Kanani, founder of Swissvitae supplements.

Collagen makes up 30% of protein in our bodies and is an important building block for your skin, hair and nails. Collagen is a protein that contains key amino acids giving the skin its plump appearance, elasticity and strength. From around the age of 30 the body’s collagen production begins to decrease, this can also be accelerated by too much sun, processed foods, alcohol and smoking. When our levels start to drop we get visible signs of ageing like thinning hair and wrinkles.

While collagen is mainly coveted for its beauty properties it does more than just support healthier and better-looking skin. Collagen is an essential factor in muscle health and recovery, gut health, hair and nail strength, bone and joint health, and hormone health. You can support your collagen levels with a supplement but with so many on the market from liquids, to capsules and powders how can you be sure you are using the most effective product? Kanani recommends marine collagen. He says, “marine collagen is Type 1 collagen – the most abundant kind and is a rich source of amino acids, including proline and glycine”. Marine collagen comes from a variety of sea life, including jellyfish and fish. Once the fish’s flesh has been removed for food, everything that is left is cleaned. At this point, the collagen is extracted. It then goes through a process called hydrolysis. This breaks down the collagen into collagen peptides, which are small units of protein. Marine collagen contains a higher collagen content than other sources. It is also considered an eco-friendlier option because it prevents fish visceral from being wasted.

It is possible to keep our collagen levels high by eating a diet rich in protein and vitamins, however, it can be difficult for the body to absorb this so-called native collagen. To help with the absorption of collagen in the body, Swissvitae UK’s supplements take a liquid form. Kanani says “Liquid supplements have the advantage of their form. The liquid is already ready to be absorbed, meaning that your digestive tract can start absorbing the nutrients as soon as it starts its descent into the stomach. Research shows that up to 90% of nutrients are absorbed within approximately 30 seconds, and the entire absorption process takes up to 4 minutes. That’s a leading factor as to why liquid supplements are known to have an absorption rate of 98%. With the added value of having smaller, easier to breakdown molecules, it makes the efficacy of the absorption better, too. Powder form typically has an absorption rate of less than 30%”.

With most things don’t expect changes overnight. To see and feel the benefits you need to be taking the supplement regularly for at least three months. Swissvitae’s collagen shot contains marine collagen as well as hyaluronic acid and four different vitamins and minerals for better skin health so you’re getting more bang for your buck.

You can order your collagen shots from Swissvitae

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Canada

Wharton Lodge Cottages: An idyllic retreat near the Forest of Dean

Our intrepid doggy reporter TeamCocopup Charlie and doting dog mum Hannah spent the first few days of 2022 at the beautiful Wharton Lodge Cottages, an idyllic visit which has refreshed and invigorated our favourite doggy duo for the new year.

Located near the Forest of Dean and surrounded by the picturesque natural landscapes of the Wye Valley, Wharton Lodge Cottages is the kind of place that postcards are made of.

Just three miles from the charming market town of Ross-on-Wye and a fifteen minute drive away from the wondrous Forest of Dean, Wharton Lodge is the perfect retreat for those looking for a relaxing winter getaway. Wharton Lodge Cottages is part of the Premier Cottages portfolio.

Finding Wharton Lodge is a piece of cake as the property boasts its own online visitor’s guide that will give you everything you need from ‘What Three Words’ directions to dog friendly places to visit. It will even recommend a few charming dog friendly pubs and restaurants.

The three luxury, dog friendly cottages are quintessential country-chic. Grosvenor, Harewood and Elgar are run by the lovely Nicky and George Cross, who live in a handsome building on-site and will welcome you to your designated cottage with a smile. The three cottages ooze with warmth and familiar comforts, elegant without being too stuffy and are a true home from home in Ross-on-Wye.

We stayed in the beautiful Grosvenor Cottage, which comfortably sleeps three and boasts plenty of room to relax and unwind. Grosvenor boasts a generously-sized master suite and an extra single bedroom, perfect for small families. Downstairs, there is an elegant lounge complete with log burner, flatscreen TV and bluetooth speakers too.

The fully-equipped kitchen also comes with a lovely welcome hamper full of breakfast essentials and of course all the necessary tools to make a perfect cuppa. Breakfast can be enjoyed in the outdoor courtyard or in the kitchen, both offering their own lovely countryside views. Grosvenor is one of two dog friendly cottages on-site and comes with its own private walled courtyard garden, which is perfect for late night doggy business.

Plenty of places claim to be dog friendly, but with Nicky and George parents to three darling Labradors of their own, Wharton Lodge Cottages surely takes the dog friendliness up a notch. Wharton Lodge boasts its own beautifully maintained walled garden and glasshouse. The property is surrounded by 13 acres of parkland, perfect for pooches like Charlie with a little bit too much energy. A ball-throw and hose are also conveniently located at the field entrance, while a dog waste bin is located in the outhouse. Small details — sure, but all important touches that any dog owner would appreciate.

Wharton Lodge serves as a perfect base to explore the nearby sites. There is plenty to see in the nearby Golden Valley, Brecon Beacons, Malvern Hills and the Cotswolds. The historical cathedral cities of Gloucester, Hereford and Worcester are also within driving distance. For a lovely meal, visit The Moody Cow or the Hostelries – which each offer an elevated take on pub classics.

Forest of Dean offers plenty of stunning circular walks, and for adventure-seekers there is also mountain biking and even a Go Ape acropark. Beyond the Forest, there are also several National Trust Houses to visit that will take your breath away.

Since our visit was set during the new year holiday period, we unfortunately missed out on a few activities in Ross-on-Wye. However, thanks to the hospitality of Nicky and George and the truly fabulous, cosy and effortlessly luxurious cottages at Wharton Lodge – our visit was certainly an unforgettable one.

Wharton Lodge is part of the Premier Cottages portfolio. Unlike many of the very large holiday rental websites, Premier Cottages does not add a booking fee to the price of its holidays. This means guests can save 15% or more by booking with Premier as their prices are “all inclusive” with no hidden charges, cleaning fees or service costs. In peak holiday periods this can result in savings of hundreds of pounds. With Premier you book direct with the cottage owner rather than through a central reservations number and all properties have been inspected and rated 4* or 5* by the national tourist board.

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To book Wharton Lodge visit www.premiercottages.co.uk or call Nicky and George at: 01989 750140

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Fitness

The Body Lab London, Where Science Meets the Luxury of Five-Star Wellness

New to the wellness scene is The Body Lab. Located in West London, the brand is pioneering a new and unique health offering to empower people’s lifestyles. Exclusive to the UK, the facilities have been expertly curated to meet the rise in demand for those looking for optimal health that’s intelligent, informed, and more connected than ever. From the Hyperbaric Hydroxy AirPod that speeds up the body’s healing process, the first of its kind in the UK, and the coldest whole body Cryotherapy Dual Chamber in Europe at -110 degrees Celsius, to enhanced recovery treatments such as the Float Tank, The Body Lab London is set to disrupt the luxury wellness market.

Overseen by industry professionals in the vibrant atmosphere of an expert-led facility, the state-of-the-art therapies are designed to improve the body’s ability to perform and recover at its best. The treatment benefits include reduced inflammation and oxidative stress, accelerated fat loss, increased metabolism and stimulation of collagen production. The company vision is to offer the most comprehensive and holistic journey to optimal health currently available on the market.

The Kensington HQ screams the kind of luxury synonymous with a five-star hotel, Dyson hair tools and ADEM hair and skincare products feature in the changing rooms. The Wellness Lounge has been designed as a relaxation area to enjoy the range of premium coffees, protein shakes and juices.

High-end fitness equipment has been carefully selected from leading industry brands to create a world-class gym facility, including Prime Fitness, Atlantis Strength, Watson, Eleiko, Keiser and Technogym. Bespoke personal training is offered as standard across all membership packages and is unlimited with The Body Lab London’s Signature Membership package. There’s also an on-site podcast room where expert guests will be dropping in to discuss all things wellness and keep members updated with the latest news. The facility itself features the highest standard of air purification and ionisation plus lighting that mimics the body’s natural circadian rhythm (i.e. warm in the morning and evening, cool in the day). Every sensory factor has been considered from the music to the scent in the air, to optimise training performance.

John Attard, Managing Director of The Body Lab London says: “The Body Lab London is the ultimate premium lifestyle experience that will revolutionise the wellness and fitness sector and we’re excited to be providing facilities and treatments like no other. All of our therapies, programs and expert-led initiatives are scientifically proven, and we’re excited to be offering some of these for the very first time in the UK, combined with state of the art facilities and leading innovations.”

The Body Lab London has the wow factor as well as the expertise and tech to take your wellbeing to the next level.

Membership packages range from £5,000 – £18,000 per annum. For more information visit The Body Lab London

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Chef's Table

‘Miracle On’ Christmas Menu returns to Six by Nico

Christmas may be over but Six by Nico is carrying the festive cheer all the way through to joyful January with the ‘Miracle On’ Christmas menu.

There’s a story every six weeks at Six by Nico, and the ‘Miracle On’ menu – which was launched on the 14th and will run until the 9th of January is certainly one worth telling.

The six-course menu is a celebration of old-fashioned nostalgia. From Christmas traditions to festive decorations, the menu is a journey back to Christmas spent with family – and serves as a reminder of why we cherish it so much today.

The ‘Miracle On’ menu was inspired by beloved Christmas themes and goes like…

  • Memories of a Christmas Market – Smoked Sausage & Onion Compote, Smoked Sausage Espuma, Crispy Potato, Gherkins & Pickled Shallots
  • Partridge in a Pear Tree – Partridge, Duck & Chicken Boudin, Haricot bean, Pickled Walnut & Salsify
  • Who Doesn’t Like Brussel Sprouts – Chanterelle Mushroom, Sprout Tops, Ewes Cheese Royale, Confit Egg & Fermented Black Garlic
  • Smoked Salmon Blinis – Smoked Salmon, Celeriac, Queen Kale & Granny Smith Apples, Smoked Caviar & Potato Blini Foam
  • Festive Fun and Game – Haunch of Venison, Game Pie, Jerusalem artichoke, Toasted Hazelnut Emulsion & Sherry Juś.
  • Buche De Noel – Dulce de Leche Mousseline, Sour Cherry, White Glacage & Hazelnut, Chocolate Aero

Commenting on his latest culinary masterpiece, Nico Simeone said: “Nothing will stop us all from having a fun-filled Christmas this year, and I think we all appreciate festivities more than ever.

Most of us are familiar with the traditional Christmas lunch and all the trimmings but this December, our team at Six by Nico wanted to bring the magic of Christmas nostalgia to the plate with our ‘Miracle On’ menu and create the perfect Christmas dining experience for all of our customers”.

Miracle On is open from midday, Monday through to Sunday in Six by Nico Canary Wharf. Each six-course menu will be available from noon. The menu will be priced at £37 per person with the option to enjoy an expertly selected wine pairing for an additional £33 at each restaurant. As ever, there is a vegetarian alternative available for every course, as well as festive inspired snack sides, such as Sourdough bread with festive spiced chicken fat butter and Pigs in blankets; smoked ham hock and pancetta ballotine from £5.

Our #TeamCoco review is coming soon – so watch this space

WWW.SIXBYNICO.CO.UK

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Adventures

WINTER SUN: BEAT THE BLUES IN DUBAI

With the nights drawing in, sun-starved Brits are craving some much-needed vitamin D. With so much up in the air, deciding on the perfect destination for that first big trip is a hard feat. However, things are reassurinngly Covid-secure in Dubai, and the UAE on a whole as we go into the New Year and dream of a getaway.

Nothing is overlooked and masks are mandatory in all enclosed public places, until you sit down for food of course. Social distancing is still practiced and people remain very respectful of space; with Dubai being the centre of the world and home to countless nationalities, people are aware of different boundaries and levels of comfort in regards to closeness. My room at Jumeirah Beach Hotel was laden with hand sanitisers, information on local rules and the staff could not have been more attentive from the moment I arrived. With azure Arabian Gulf views, endless sun, a long golden beach on the doorstep and sumptuous dining options, the five-star hotel is the perfect place to beat the blues this winter.

Yes, the flight is lenghtly – especially if you haven’t travelled far in the last two years but you can tick off every country in the world from the safety of one Emirate, ideal for those wanderlust cravings. This is particularly prominent in the mind-boggling array of world-class restaurants in Dubai that feature cuisine from Cannes to Chiclayo. My taste buds rejoiced after maxing out on the same boring Deliveroo order for the last 18 months. You can head to the breezy European style bistro, Cassette, in the atmospheric The Courtyard in Al Quoz for croissants, cold brew coffees and nomad working. During the sun-soaked days, chow down on contemporary Indian food at Bombay Bungalow by the beach, and, come evening, jump in a golf buggy and hop over to the other nearby Jumeirah hotel along the glittering coastline, Jumeirah al Qasr, and tick off Monte-Carlo at the ever-chic French Riviera restaurant.

For those distinctly Dubai moments that the glittering Emirate is famed for all over the world, I went first on an exhilarating Desert Safari Experience to thrash around in the endless dunes and learn about the local culture from the expert guides, before heading to SAL at Burj Al Arab for balmy sundowner cocktails, a hotel that is synonymous with luxury, hospitality, and decadence across the globe. With so much to take in, the Dubai Frame is a great way of bridging the gap between old and new. The monument offers panoramic views of the entire city with its futuristic skyscrapers touching the clouds right across to the older section of the Emirate located near the river that has remained the same for generations.

Looking to be totally transported? Dubai Old Town on the banks of the creek takes the top spot. Gypsum buildings have been beautifully restored to their original glory, complete with wind towers that cast a contrasting silhouette to the modern skyline. Start at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and learn about the rich cultural history of the past and also of the present. Perch on Bedouin-style carpets and pillows, and feast on a selection of delicious dishes whilst your local host answers questions about life in the UAE. With its motto ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’ – all questions are welcome and answered, no matter how sensitive. I left feeling humbled and thoughtful, before being thrown back into the hustle and bustle almost straight away in the kaleidoscopic gold, spice and textile souks.

The energy and forward-looking feeling in the Emirate was received like a welcome tonic after months of reminiscing in lockdown about what life used to be like. As we flew over the silver metropolis on a Seawings Seaplane Tour there was a buzz of construction of brand new restaurants, new hotels, and new homes. One to watch is the opening in 2022 of Atlantis The Royal Resort & Residences which will be made up of a staggering 231 luxury apartments, 693 hotel rooms and 102 suites. The hotel will exclusively host restaurants helmed by international celebrity chefs, including Gaston Acurio, Costas Spiliadis, Ariana Bundy, Heston Blumenthal and Jose Andres.

Our trip ended with an exquisite meal at Cé La Vi as we toasted how far travel has come and gazed up at the astonishing Burj Khalifa in all its glory. We clinked our glasses with the restaurant’s name on our lips 220 metres above sea level and sipped on one of the famous ‘Not You Last Word’ cocktails (or two!).

Travelbag offers five nights in Dubai staying in the 5* Jumeirah Beach Hotel on a half board basis from £1,479 including direct return flights from London Heathrow with Emirates. Selected January 2022 travel. Based on two adults sharing. To book, Call Travelbag on 0207 001 4112 or visit www.travelbag.co.uk. All packages subject to availability. Free unlimited access to Wild Wadi Waterpark™

For more information, see visitdubai.com

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Accessories

17 Festive gifts to make your mum smile this Christmas

From toddler tantrums to pandemic breakdowns, our mums are with through thick and thin. This Christmas, Team Coco has rounded up some of the best festive gifts out there to really make your mum special. Because we believe that while every mum makes Christmas as magical as can be, they deserve some Christmas sparkle too.

1. Marylebone 1596 Pyjama Set from Fable & Eve available at https://www.fableandeve.co.uk/

2. Large Format Triple Wick Candle by Acqua di Parma x Emilio Pucci available at Harrods https://www.harrods.com/

3. Micro-Needling Serum Serenity Kit by Environ available at https://www.environskincare.com/uk/

4. Disco Small Earrings by Monica Vinader available at https://www.monicavinader.com/

5. Multi-Coloured Jumper by Belle Modelle available at https://belle-modelle.co.uk/

6. Crossover Bag by Meg & Bee available at https://megandbee.co.uk/

We absolutely adore Fable & Eve’s super stylish and cosy pyjama sets that can go from bed to lounge with ease, and we’re sure your mum will too. Also, who doesn’t love a large triple wick candle from Acqua di Parma and Emilio Pucci’s stunning new collaboration to elevate your Christmas with the fam. It is the perfect festive gift.

We love female-owned independent fashion Belle Modelle’s joyful, brightly coloured knitwear that’s totally flattering and affordable too. Leila Gregory is the creator of Belle-Modelle’s joy-inducing collection and her mission is to inspire real women of all shapes and sizes to embrace stylish, colourful clothing.

Meanwhile, Meg & Bee’s leather bags, which feature vibrant multi-coloured straps that can easily be mixed and matched – can be worn with any outfit. The perfect festive gift, Meg & Bee boasts a variety of different-sized crossbody bags named Major Kit, Classic Kit, Mini Kit & Limited Kit as well as their New Mobile Kit, all of which can be customised with various straps, tassels and charms. Each design bears the brand’s unique signature gold star disc charm, the hallmark of a Meg & Bee bag.

7. Luxury Hamper from Wild Cornwall available at https://wildcornwall.net/

8. Woven Tie Front Quilted Jacket by Lyle & Scott available at https://www.lyleandscott.com/

9. Hand Sanitiser from Never Go Alone available at https://www.nevergoalone.com/

10. Dark Green Watch by Maurice Lacroix available at https://www.mauricelacroix.com/

11. Liga Tea for 2 Set by Liga available at https://loveliga.co.uk/

12. Hug in a Box Gift Set by Atlantic Blankets available at https://atlanticblankets.com/

Mum will swoon with Wild Cornwall’s luxury gift hampers which are filled with a curated selection of delicious, locally sourced foodie treats, while the Liga Tea Set will surely elevate her next cuppa. Never Go Alone’s minimalist hand sanitisers will also work well as a last-minute stocking filler for mum – which will undoubtdely become a staple for her purse in these covid times.

What mum wouldn’t appreciate a ‘hug in a box?’ which is exactly what Atlantic Blankets are offering with this fabulously cosy festive gift set.

13. Gradient Sunglasses from Longchamp available at https://www.longchamp.com/

14. Jurassic Quilted Coat from Temperley London available at https://www.temperleylondon.com/

15. Gold Necklace by Aurum available at https://aurumiceland.com/

16. Theragun available at John Lewis https://www.johnlewis.com/

17. Nuit Bouquet by Shida Preserved Flowers available at https://www.shida.florist/

Mum will love this quilted Jurassic Coat from Temperley London which is a new feminine take on classic, robust outerwear. Not to mention, the beautiful coat is designed to train local talent in the craft via an apprenticeship programme, as every step of the garment-making process is rigorously sense-checked to minimise carbon and waste and to maximise local industry.

We love Aurum’s sustainable, Icelandic inspired jewellery pieces and we’re sure mum will too. Each piece is fully sustainable and was designed, with love, by Icelandic goldsmith Guðbjörg Kristín Ingvarsdóttir, who is the feature of an inspiring Women Worldwide interview here.

Shida Preserved Flowers’ Christmas collections have been designed to add some extra luxury to the upcoming holidays. For the ultimate in Christmas luxe, the Nuit collection has all the drama! From the statement king protea flower and gorgeous black ostrich feather to the pretty black glixia flowers and lush eucalyptus greenery. Fluffy pink cloud bush adds a whimsical touch to this stand-out bouquet that mum will surely love.

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Dog-friendly

The Duncombe Arms is your new ‘home from home’ in Staffordshire

It’s easy to mistake The Duncombe Arms as just another idyllic country-side pub in Staffordshire, but driving past this truly fabulous locale without entering its world would be a true travesty. Don’t be fooled by an unassuming stone façade, because The Duncombe Arms is so much more than a country-pub (although in that regard, the Michelin-recommended pub is excellent too).

TeamCocopup Charlie and I stayed in The Walnut House, located just a few paces away from the main building. The dog-friendly Walnut House offers ten individually-designed bedrooms that exude country-side chic. While designed as ‘pub with rooms’, in many ways The Walnut House is more of a ‘home from home’ with each room expertly balancing modern luxuries with familiar touches of home.

We stayed in the Game Birds room. A dark mouse grey shade from Farrow & Ball is balanced a rich and vibrant artisanal wallpaper of – you guess it – game birds. A wool throw, a handsome collection of books, and a Roberts Radio add a softness to the interiors. Large French doors open to a patio with pastoral views of The Dove Valley, perfect for those travelling with hyper-active pooches.

Outside of your room, a quirky selection of art from the Crane Kalman Gallery in London adorn the walls, giving The Walnut House a decidedly boutique-hotel appeal, which doesn’t feel out of place amidst the pastoral landscapes of Ellastone. The Duncombe Arms also offers self-catering accommodation for those travelling in larger groups. The Garden Cottage is peak cottage-core, while the Old Barn is rustic chic at its finest.

The heart of The Duncombe Arms must be the pub, which during our stay, was always filled with clinking glasses, familiar chatter, and wonderful aromas. Look for Hotel Manager James Oddy who has all the best recommendations on what to order – whether that’s with the hotel’s excellent elevated pub menu or extensive 200-wine strong wine list.

The food at Duncombe Arms is second-to-none and it quickly becomes apparent why The Michelin Bib Gourmand, The Good Pub Guide, and included in Estrella Damn Top 50 Gastro Pubs have all included it on their best pubs lists.

There are several dining rooms at The Duncombe Arms to suit whatever you fancy, each one offering a slightly different take on the classic English pub, from a cosy snug to a fairy-light covered conservatory. A new addition is the glass-walled extension that offers plenty of romance in the evenings and is also the ideal spot for Sunday brunch.

The menu mixes pub classics with a creative spattering of modern British dishes. The menu is full of surprises and maximises the high-quality locally-sourced ingredients available in Staffordshire. From the autumn menu, the caramelised cauliflower (a humble side) was a clear standout, as was the Mackerel with aioli and tarragon and the buttered baby carrots and aubergine. It truly says something about the quality of the cooking when even the sides, often an afterthought in many other establishments, continue to delight in new and exciting ways.

For mains, the pork loin with white bean, truffle and parsnip tantalises with its perfect balance of texture, flavour and pizazz while the 40-aged dry wood rib eye steak, served with tick cut chips, was (unsurprisingly) delicious too.

So, if you are looking for a dog friendly staycation that will surely dazzle, we highly recommend The Duncombe Arms. There is no other place in Derbyshire that will, not just serve an impeccable pub meal, but will welcome you to your ‘home from home’ quite like it.

A deluxe double room at The Walnut House at The Duncombe Arms starts at £195 for double occupancy including breakfast. For more information visit https://www.duncombearms.co.uk/

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Culture

The Delicious Dolomites

Famous for its fantastic ski runs, the Dolomites may not be the first place that comes to mind for a foodie getaway however, this rugged, dramatic landscape is the backdrop to some of the finest Italian cuisine. I took an out of season trip to this beautiful corner of Italy and took a culinary journey up the mountains.

Lefay Resort and Spa Dolomiti

I checked into the luxurious Lefay Resort and Spa, a modern, mountain hideaway located in Pinzolo This oasis of calm is the perfect base to explore this gastronomic region, rich in tasty, unique dishes.

This expansive mountain range is dotted with restaurants. After a morning hiking up to Vallesinella in the Madonna de Campiglio region, I was ravenous and ready for lunch. Hugging the side of the mountains is Chalet Fogajard, an alpine lodge straight out of Heidi. This beautiful rustic retreat offers spectacular views of the Brenta Dolomites and is the perfect location for lunch. As the afternoon sun sneaks through the rugged rocks and clouds, I enjoy a well-earned, cold glass of Nosiola and soak up this outstanding location. The charismatic owner, Eduardo greets me and swiftly seats me opposite the fire in a snug nook of this charming restaurant. All the menu uses local in season produce. It’s simplistic, fresh but the finish and presentation of all the dishes makes it feel that bit more special than your run of the mill Italian mountain hut.

Views at Chalet Fogajard

Starter was a flan of ricotta cheese with fondue and cannelloni served with cabbage and beef Carne Salada – a classic Garde Trentino dish bursting with flavour. Now this is a bold statement, but I stand by what I say, the lasagne here is by far the most delicious I have ever tried. Unlike traditional lasagne this had no meat and was instead made with four simple local ingredients – homemade pasta, radicchio, butter and casolét, an Italian cheese produced in the mountains and valleys of Trentino-Alto Adige. This Italian staple was delicate yet rich in flavour. Desert was a light, fluffy chocolate mousse served with homemade biscuit followed by a selection of liqueurs made by Eduardo’s wife, using herbs and plants foraged from the local hills. Be warned, these fragrant sips pack a punch.

Alimentari Caola, Pinzolo

Back in Pinzolo, I head to Alimentari Caola, an Aladin’s cave of tasty morsels. Owner Antonio lives and breathes his business. This 100-year-old delicatessen has been in the family for three generations and stocks some of the best produce from the surrounding area. His passion for all things local is reflected in this modest two floor store that houses over 350 local wines, 167 types of Grappa (17 of which are from the region) as well as some of the finest cheeses including some produced by his son. Downstairs Antonio has created a space to sample these delectable wares. I got to try the delicious creamy Fiori, Crozzon and Malga cheeses as well as rich, juicy hams from the region. Nibbles of local bread and Carne Salada are served with oils from Lake Garda. This is accompanied by a glass (or two) of Ferrari Rose, a dry and delicate sparkling wine. Alimentari Caola is more than a delicatessen, it’s a hidden gem, a place you must go if you want to buy some authentic Italian produce. Pick up some amazing chocolate and wine or Italian oil and cheese while tapping into Antonio’s knowledge of all things local.

The tasting menu at Grual

I conclude my stay with a gastronomic treat back at Lefay Resort. There are so many great places to eat in the region but the hotel’s fine dining restaurant, Grual, offers a unique, culinary experience that’s a real tribute to the Dolomites. Executive chef, Matteo Maenza, has designed an eight-course ‘altimetric’ tasting menu that reflects the territory and a specific altitude. The menu highlights the natural characteristics of the three mountain ranges, starting from the valley floor with ingredients such as red turnips and white fish, then moving up to alpine pastures with wild herbs, apple and brown trout then finally reaching the high mountains with char, deer, and roe deer. The menu is 100% seasonal and Maenza often takes mountain walks with his sous chef for inspiration. Every course was paired with an excellent wine and beautifully presented. I adored the Spaghetti Monograno Felicetti with smoked mountain butter, cornelian, and deer. The Arctic char, Trentino bread purée with wild broccoli was to die for but the pièce de resistance was desert which consisted of Caramel Tarte Tatin, puff pastry ice cream and almond chips as well as a final course of walnut emulsion, chocolate mousse, blackberry compote and mountain pepper ice cream. I finished the evening with a bespoke herbal tea made from herbs locally foraged. I was truly spent, while each course was modest in size by the time I finished my eighth I was full up.

Lefay Resort is a great location to explore this gastronomic region and experience a fusion of Italian and Alpine cooking.

A stay at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti costs from 350 Euros per room, per night including breakfast and taxes.

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