Everyone’s talking about... Bobble hats From left to right: Hat, £50, with interchangeable fur bobbles at £22 each, Bobbl (www.bobbl.co.uk); Cashmere bobble hat in grey/icing, £89, Rosie Sugden (www.rosie sugden.com); Mink bobble hat in cocoa, £270, The Soho Furrier (www.thesohofurrier.com)
The three Gladwin brothers, two of whom were founders of Notting Hill’s The Shed, where diners sit on tractor seats (Country Mouse, February 12), have done it again. Their latest venture is Rabbit on the King’s Road (020–3750 0172; www.rabbit-restaurant.com), which serves up British-style tapas. The plates might be small, but the flavours are big: think venison stogies, rabbit ravioli and Jerusalem-artichoke ice cream (nicer than it sounds). Practically everything on the menu comes from the Gladwin family farm in Nutbourne, West Sussex.
For 60 years, the jewellery experts at Warwickshire’s George Pragnell have attended royalty, world leaders and Hollywood stars, as well as scores of newly engaged couples on the hunt for the perfect ring. To mark its diamond jubilee, the company has put together a collection of 60 exquisite pieces, which are glittering magnificently in its Stratford-upon-Avon boutique. Necklace pictured, £56,500 (01789 267072; www.pragnell.co.uk)
Spook whips up fabulous menus for every occasion, from shoot lunches to Christmas parties. Attention to detail is its stock in trade: puddings and canapés are decorated with edible flowers. Three-course dinners from £40 per person (020– 3397 9537; www.spookcooking.com)
If the pre-Christmas rush has left you feeling wrung out and in need of a little TLC, escape to Stoke Park in Buckinghamshire. Set in 300 acres of parkland, the country club and hotel boasts a superb spa that’s just introduced a new range of treatments (from £90) in association with Aromatherapy Associates. Each oil is made with natural plant and flower extracts, for the fullest possible therapeutic benefits. Afterwards, spoil yourself with a festive afternoon tea (£32.50). Rooms from £340 per night, including breakfast (01753 717171; www.stokepark.com)
If you’re after a watch to match every outfit, call on Parkers Jewellers. Founded in 1883, the vintage-watch specialist has designed a unique range of leather straps for its vintage Rolexes. They’re unisex and available in 14 colours, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. Watch with one strap, £2,500, and additional straps £150 each (0114–234 3365; www.parkersjewellers.co.uk)
Mulberry and Mungo & Maud, two British brands with a longstanding love for Man’s best friend, have teamed up to create a colourful collection of leads and collars. From dachshund to great Dane, there’s something for every dog. Collars from £70, leads from £100, Mulberry (01761 234273; www.mulberry.com)
It’s cashmere, but not as you know it. Pure Cashmere, a 100% sustain- able British operation, has launched an undyed collection just in time for Christmas. Untouched by chemicals, the pieces are softer than soft—perfect for snuggling up by the fire. From £69 (www.purecollection.com; 0844 848 1030)
Luxury hotel launches Christmas afternoon tea
Luxury boutique hotel The Wellesley introduces a Christmas champagne afternoon tea.
Luxury news round up - October 2014
Hetty Chidwick rounds up the very best in the world of luxury this month.
Credit: Le Grand Joux
Luxury chalets: Le Grand Joux
Country Life reviews Le Grand Joux, a luxury chalet and spa in Portes du Soleil.
Credit: Novikov
Luxury news round up - September 2014
Hetty Chidwick rounds up the very best in the world of luxury this month.
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Dawn Chorus: The world's highest property has a fittingly sky-high priceOur daily round-up of news includes a flat that's 2,500 ft above the ground, our stop-you-in-your-tracks picture of the day, a chance to see two of Country Life's best-loved experts, and news about our Quiz of the Day.
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Brockfield Hall, the great Yorkshire house that's gone from Regency mansion to modern family homeBrockfield Hall in North Yorkshire is the family home of Charlie Wood and Hatta Byng, editor of House & Garden, who have transformed it since they came here in 2020, winning multiple awards in the process. John Martin Robinson reports on the restoration project that revived this compact Regency house as a modern family home. Photographs by Paul Highnam for Country Life.
