Circus_summer19_ONLINE

CIRCUS free! Summer 2019 issue 5 footdofwecsetsitvaerl memorarboiylaial 24 lownedo❤n! poafgfeosod! queen!god save the Reviews News Interviews



Thank you!!! editor's letter Happy Birthday! To the Queen and to us – We have some fine writers in our stable that CIRCUS Magazine as we officially turn one hail from GQ, Sunday Times Supplement, year old! Sunday Mirror, and OK Magazine whose professional contributions have elevates the And what a year it has been. We have quality of the editorial content and continue featured hundreds of independent businesses, to make CIRCUS interesting. undergone a design transformation, the team has expanded, and our distribution area has I have another HUGE THANKYOU for my grown beyond belief. dear friend and former colleague, Dave Donaghy who came on board as a special We have just taken on two fantastic new favour to me to give CIRCUS the image and writers of whom I would like to introduce. professional design touch that you see today. Emma St Roas is a lover of all things vintage I don’t know what I would do without him. and a regular contributor to national magazine Vintage. She has her own blog entitled Thank you also to all of the advertisers that Frock it and we kick off with her column God took a punt on this new magazine and have Save The Queen in this issue. Eternally continued to support throughout the last year. effervescent, colourful and interesting we are We know that many get a fantastic response looking forward to seeing what she will bring after being featured in CIRCUS Magazine to CIRCUS in the coming year as let’s face it – and love our format. It has been a pleasure we ALL love a bit of vintage and retro! to work with so many interesting and unique independent businesses across the area and Louise Joy has also joined us from the mighty to be a part of your journey as you launch, Metro newspaper and will be bringing us the evolve and blossom. very weirdest and wonderful events from the Big Smoke. Before launching CIRCUS I also want to say thank you to my fiancé, I carried out market research and it showed Richard Long who has supported me that many of us are going into London at throughout the highs and lows of the last year, least twice a month purely for pleasure – so and never fails to put a smile on my face and her new column - Lou Loves London – is a make me laugh. fantastic and exciting addition to the magazine that I am certain you will all love and look And last – but by certainly no means least - forward to. THANK YOU READERS - for taking the time to read the magazine, support, and give us I want to say a very, very special and heartfelt the most TREMENDOUS feedback. We are THANK YOU to Laurence Conisbee, Deborah delighted that you enjoy CIRCUS, attend the Berryman, Joe Jeavons Golding, Ken Daniels, events we publicise, buy from the businesses Michelle Louise, Pat Nicholson, Franzi we feature and eat in the restaurants we Florack, Charley Hanson, Richard Webb. review. And that, is what makes it all worth- while. Kelly Gavaghan Managing Editor ‘LIKE’ our Facebook page where we will bring you reader offers, promotions, competitions and more! F: facebook.com/circusmag.co.uk 3

contents iinssuteh..i.s food & drink 5 food news 8 the crown 10 towcester food festival 14 the garage 17 stoneleigh house 21 healthy jamaican kitchen 23 shoulder of mutton 24 loch fyne 26 ole tapas bar art & style 38 the siren vintage 39 kwirk works 40 royal memorabilia 42 indian arts 44 vitreus art health & wellbeing 31 deborah berryman 32 psychic advice 35 wow therapy entertainment 26 46 lou loves london 48 swanbourne music festival 50 north western listings 51 mk pride 10 52 pat the hat 53 stony live 52 classic stony motoring 56 lexus ux hybrid last words 58 heart of stony 4

Published quarterly by SID Media contents T: 07392 828324 17 E: [email protected] 39 W: circusmag.co.uk F: facebook.com/circusmag.co.uk Managing Editor Kelly Gavaghan Designer Dave \"The Rave\" Editorial Contributors Deborah Berryman Pat “The Hat” Nicholson Louise Joy Emma St Roas Laurence Conisbee Charley Hanson Ken Daniels Richard Webb Advertising enquiries [email protected] / 07392 828324 Published quarterly. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, SID Media cannot accept and responsibility for any errors it may contain. SID Media cannot be held responsible for the loss or damage of any material, solicited or unsolicited. No reproduction of any part of this publication, in any form or by any means without prior written consent from SID Media. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the advertisers or the publishers. 46 56 42 5

We have 2 pair of tickets to give away for Towcester Food Festival! To be in with a chance of winning please answer this question: Which county has been named the foodie capital of the UK? Email your answers to [email protected] by May 30th ANATOLIA TURKISH MEZE & GRILL RESTAURANT “Delicious food, excellent service and always a warm welcome” Two course lunch menu available Tuesday to Friday - Midday to 5pm 1 course £8.95 2 courses £11.95 Opening times Midday – 11pm Tuesday to Saturday Midday – 10pm Sunday Closed Mondays 117 High Street, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes MK11 1AT T: 01908 562272 W: anatoliatr.co.uk

Food & drink news food and drink news When the sun is shining it’s ALL about the street food! BiteStreet local producers, restaurants, up to start a number of Sunday sunshine! Entry is free and all microbreweries, street food Street Food Sessions at The are welcome. Let’s welcome the all new Bite vendors and events and so on. Green Man in Mursley – also (More details on page 20) Street, Noshampton – described And YOU the people will be a fantastic destination for in their press release as ‘a the judges! scooter and motorbike clubs. The Tattenhoe new, happening street food The popularity of The Healthy Foodie event for Northampton. DJ, Keep an eye on the CIRCUS Jamaican Kitchen knows no liquid treats and fabulous eats.’ Facebook page as we will be bounds and the locals all Louise Salmon of Scandinavia Sounds great! Noshampton posting ‘people’s polls’ in the enjoyed their first Pop Up’ Events has taken the leap and is a new street food event coming months so YOU can restaurant back in April so they launched The Tattenhoe Foodie for Northampton, created by vote for your favourites!! are looking forward to returning in early May with much Crispin Slee and Louise Ward, on a regular basis. success. So much so, that her the team behind Towcester HJK @ The Green next is planned at the Tattenhoe Food Festival and Northampton Man Then on Saturday 15th June Pavillion on May 31st and this Winter Food Festival. It will a mini beer, street food and time there’s going to be a night launch over two days on the CIRCUS and The Healthy music festival is taking place market, to boot. Joining her is first May bank holiday weekend Jamaican Kitchen have teamed in the huge beer garden. The The Rub – Wood Smoked BBQ, and then on Fridays and Healthy Jamaican Kitchen will Eat is Greek, Kaur’s Spice, Saturdays of the first weekend be joined by OMG Churros and Wilson’s Street Food, The of subsequent months at Duston OMG USA Street Food. Music Coffee Boutique and The Little Mill Sixfields. will have a ska and reggae feel waffle Company. Sounds like a so come along and enjoy the great night! Let’s face it Crispin has ALL the contacts when it comes to the circus very best street food vendors foaowdaarndds d20r1i9nk so you can be sure of superb, gourmet street food from all our favourites. The CIRCUS Food & Drink Awards! So! As the champions that we are of the local independent food and drink scene we have decided to go ahead and launch our first ever awards! The event will take place in early December and we will be holding it at the super funky and incrediblty apt Scandinavia Tipi’s. Working with some of the key people in our local, vibrant industry the event will be a celebration our fantastic 7

seafood @ the crown Seafood @ The Crown For quite some time I have been contemplating bringing back the Friday Fish Man. You remember the one? (You will if you were born in the last century like me.) The man who used to come around the pubs selling his cockles, lobster tails and shrimp. You’d buy your little pot, smother your cockles in vinegar and pepper and tuck in with a toothpick. Lovely. By Kelly Gavaghan Everyone I speak to about this – who can my bare hands. Savouring every mouthful So much so that at this time of year, Richard remember - is in agreement. There was of juicy lusciousness, I spend the next hour, and I make our annual crab pilgrimage nothing quite like shellfish on a Friday in the digging, scraping, hammering, cracking and to Start Bay in Devon, famed for the pub with a pint and we all used to love it when slurping and generally getting quite messy abundance of its gargantuan lobster and he walked through the door. It’s unfathomable as Richard watches on amused but happy crab, as living inland, the places to buy or to me just why this tradition that first started in that I am in seafood nirvana. Yes. I really do go out and eat these jewels of the sea are Victorian times and originated in London’s East love it THAT much. few and far between. End, died out. Probably something incredibly dull to do with health and safety. Boo! “Of all the food stuffs Except….not anymore! For those Friday I have the pleasure Night Fish Man lovers, we’ve got good Of all the food stuffs I have the pleasure of eating, seafood, news. The Crown in Stony Stratford has of eating, seafood, and in particular and in particular answered my prayers – and the prayers of crustaceans, are my absolute favourite. For crustaceans, are my several other foodies it would appear – and me nothing quite beats a Devonshire crab absolute favourite.” decided to launch their very own Seafood or giant Thai shrimp, pulled from the sea in Fridays. And no, we’re not just talking fish front of you, being cooked within the hour and chips – although they serve up a decent and going to work, ripping them apart with dish of the traditional Friday favourite at this 8

I caught up with The Crown’s Chef, Ray Deakin seafood @ the crown to find out more. What prompted this decision to Platters will start from £65 for two introduce a fresh seafood menu? people. Well Nicola, who is the landlady and our front of house staff are obviously And the first weekly seafood menu the people that are front of house and starts on Friday May 10th? speaking to diners and customers. It’s Yes, and we’re really looking forward to obvious that a lot of people in Stony launching it and seeing what the response Stratford and from across the area will be like – and also what fish we will get! really know their food and several had It’s almost as much as a surprise to us as suggested the idea at different times. to the customers. But there definitely will Nicola kept telling me and we were be fish starters and fish mains. It will be looking to refresh our menu for the whatever the fresh fish of the day is on summer, so we just decided to go for it. that day. Do you know already what will be on Because of the unpredictability of what the the menu? catch will be – and put it this way – when It’s a difficult one to predict with fish and we say fresh we mean fresh - it’s probably shellfish because you are dealing with best for customers to keep an eye on our live, fresh produce and fluctuating market Facebook page and blackboards outside prices and so on. You just don’t know the pub to see what comes in and book in what the catch of the day will be. But with straight away if they see something they any good restaurant serving the freshest like on the menu. Because as we say, of fish – as we will be – you get what is once it’s gone, it’s gone! good that morning, specials go on the blackboard and once it’s gone, it’s gone. The new weekly Fish Menu Starts on That’s exactly how we will be working. Friday 10th May including starters and mains. Seafood Platters launch on the We will be getting only the freshest, best last Friday in May. Booking in advance quality seafood. That said on a weekly is essential. Platters for 2 cost £65. basis we will be adding salmon, fish pie, Keep an eye on The Crown’s Facebook plaice (or whatever the catch of the day page and blackboards inside and is) and mussels or ‘moules mariniere’. outside the pub to find out what is fresh Again though, the price of salmon is high that day. at the moment so we need to gauge what the demand will be for this. What about seafood platters? The Crown, Yes, we are going to be doing these only 9 Market Square once a month and the first one will be the Stony Stratford last Friday in May, but customers must Milton Keynes place orders in advance and pay a deposit. MK11 1BE T: 01908 262888 Again, it depends on the catch and we F: facebook.com/thecrownstony/ can’t set in stone with customers that they will get ‘A, B and C’, but we aim to have fresh lobster, crab, oysters, langoustines, scallops and mussels and will be a mixture of cooked and chilled. joint. (Light crispy ‘Eagle’ beer batter - tangy, chunky, homemade tartare - authentic British mushy marrowfat peas. What’s not to like?) No, we are talking shellfish platters with lobsters, langoustines, crabs, oysters and scallops. We are talking Bouillabaisse,Lobster Thermador, oysters with shallots, fish pie, salmon, plaice and mussels. In short – this is going to be a Friday Seafood Night unlike any other on this side of Milton Keynes for at least a 12-mile radius. About time too! 9

towcester food festival Towcester Food Festival CIRCUS catches up with Crispin Slee and William Sitwell ahead of Towcester Food Festival to find out what is in store for 2019! The 2018 festival was a huge success. Which chef demonstrations are you Val won the hearts of the nation with her What were the highlights for you? looking forward to most this year? ready smile and Yorkshire charm, along 2018 was our best year yet! The weather The chef demos are one of the centrepieces with her habit for dancing round the tent wasn’t just good, it was perfect. The highlight of the festival. The stage is hosted by former while baking! She has just launched her first for me is the same every year. I love to see BBC broadcaster Katie Johnson, who puts cookbook, entitled The Cake Whisperer, so- so many people enjoying themselves, taking everyone at ease, keeps the conversation called as she professes to be able to hear if time out from their busy lives to saunter flowing and asks the questions that everyone her cakes are cooked properly. among the stalls, enjoy some good food and is itching to ask but daren’t. drink, soak up the atmosphere of our live Northampton has recently been crowned music lawns, or get stuck in to the free family We’re delighted to welcome back Phil Fanning, THE foodie county of Great Britain in circus with the kids. the award-winning Chef Patron at Paris House, the national media. How and why do you Woburn, one of the country’s most fabled think it has evolved so in the last ten CIRCUS attended last year, and the street fine-dining establishments. Phil is one of the years? food element was extremely popular. most exciting culinary talents in the UK and will That pronouncement was wonderful. The What is your take on the rise of popularity bring a dash of Paris House flair to the demo thing that inspired me to launch the festival of the British Street Food scene? stage preparing whole crab and using the back in 2013 was a trip to Ludlow Food I saw a saying on a street food truck the other meat to create an Asian inspired steamed Bao Festival where there is such a fabulous day which read: “The best food comes on Bun with a cucumber and coriander salad. food culture. I wanted to do my bit to help four wheels.” There is a connection – ignite our local food culture and give local an intimacy if you like – in buying food directly “Our special guest producers a platform to show off their wares. from someone who has just prepared it this year is lovable freshly for you. And as it’s fresh, the flavours Bake-Off star, I’m very proud of the bursary scheme we sing. We all seem to love tucking in with our Val Stones.” launched to help start up food businesses. hands in the fresh air. It reconnects us with Last year, we had more local producers our inner caveman and cavegirl. than ever before which certainly speaks 10

to a booming food and drink economy in towcester food festival Northamptonshire. Mind you, I’m sure there are a few other counties who would beg to differ as to whether Northamptonshire is the best or not. How does it feel to be at the forefront of championing the local food scene and showcasing the best the area has to offer? It’s a pleasure. It is also humbling. Never more so than when we gather on the eve of the show to give our volunteers an exclusive pre-view of the festival. They are the real heroes and over time we have become a festival family, with many people coming back year on year. We really couldn’t do it without them. Towcester Food Festival tastings, live music on the lawns, cocktail “Northamptonshire really is THE best food masterclasses for adults and cookery school has twice the festival in the area, hosted for kids. We also have something new – national average in THE foodie county of cheese pairing classes led by cheese writer of producers and Great Britain so we can all manufacturers, be sure of a superb event. whose output Tell us what is going on to is worth over entertain all us foodies – £600 million.” and drinkers! That’s very kind of you to and expert Shane Holland. Shane will take participants on a cheese journey and match say. It is a testament to the his favourites with a selection of wine, beer, cider and even spirits. hard work of the team, our wonderful exhibitors and marvellous support of the volunteers. We will have the usual trimmings this year – chef demos, 100 plus food and drink stalls, foodie talks, free family circus, free gin and wine Northants is the most foodie so, it was back in April of this year that I me excited. It’s the business of food county in England – or at least, watched a minor twitter storm rage after I and drink. William Sitwell thinks so… suggested that Northamptonshire was the most foodie county in England. And we are growing at an unbelievable There’s nothing like a good statistic rate: between 1997 and 2016 output to smack your opponent’s round the Ok so it was rather more than a from these industries rose by almost chops with. And if you can do it from suggestion. It was a claim. And 60 per cent. the high vantage point of a well- I declaimed it in the great hall of fortified castle, so much the better. And Rockingham Castle, an ancient fortress Our farmers produce more than 687 built in the 11th century and still million loaves of bread, 32 million litres impenetrable for undesirables. And it of vegetable oil and 300 million eggs. was some of the latter who didn’t like Weetabix at Burton Latimer makes 70 hearing what I said. Because there’s a million biscuits a week, with one box great deal of food snobbery around these sold every second. days, emanating from rival counties who champion their fish, their cheese, their And you know all those counties who tarts and their wine. Foodies in Dorset say that THEY are the most foodie scoffed at me as they brandished their because of their food fairs? Well, cheddar, fish and apples. ‘Oh, come on Northamptonshire stages over 20 quality William,’ tweeted Fiona Rolt. ‘You know in food and drink festivals each year. your heart it’s a gastronomic desert.’ As for drinks, guess where the flavoured But while those of us who live in gin craze started? Only at Tom Warner’s the county know that we have great Harrington Distillery. Put that in your small producers – from Ham Tun’s glass of tonic water…Warner’s rhubarb Cobbler’s Nibble Cheese to the ciders gin to be precise. A glass of that sums and now whisky of Wharf Distillery – up our county. It has taste, depth, it’s not just the taste and pleasure of national and international appeal and it’s Northamptonshire produce that has a seriously good business. 11

safs samosas I’ve tried before at home to wrap samosas, but I was doing it all wrong. Saf showed us just how easy it is. Cut a semi-circle in half and then fold from each corner into the middle and ‘glue’ with flour and water until it makes a cone shape – then fill and seal the other end. We had made two fillings - lamb and pea and potato and pea. Chris;, one of the lovely ladies on my table, was absolutely superb at making samosas and had soon filled a tray with about 20 or so to take home. Mine were a little clumsier but tasty never the less. Saf also showed us how to make a delicious dip of quite simply lemon, coriander and birds eye chilli’s that while I recall it as I am typing, is making my mouth water. All too soon the enjoyable day was over. It was great to take some time out, do something different and learn a new cooking skill. I couldn’t wait to get home and proudly show my samosas off to my fiancé. (And yes, he was impressed!) Saf’s Kitchen I’m pretty sure that Saf didn’t give away all her secrets and that you will still find me in the The Samosa Cookery Course. By Kelly Gavaghan queue at any street food event wherever she may be – but the samosas she taught us to make are still pretty darn tasty and I’m looking forward to making them at home again soon. Hey, I may even hold my own samosa making class with my friends… Ever since I first tried a Saf’s samosa I pastry. Easier than I ever thought. Flour, water But seriously, if you are as much a fan as I have been hooked! (Who isn’t?) I literally and that’s it! It was the shaping and slapping am of Saf’s Kitchen – get along to one of her dream about them and cannot wait until from hand to hand that I found a little tricky, outstanding cookery classes. You won’t be the next time I see her at any number of but after a few goes got the hang of. disappointed! street food events around the area so I can feed my addiction and stock up. I “Richard and I were For more information on upcoming practically drool as I join the looong queue eating samosas for cookery classes follow Saf on Facebook. of ‘Saf Fans’, impatiently fidgeting until I the next four days - F: facebook.com/SafsKitchen.mk/ get to the front to get my ‘fix’. even for breakfast T: 07790 382944 with brown sauce - But now Safia Ali has started holding cookery which is how courses at Cruick Barn, Bradwell Abbey. Saf and her sisters As soon as I found out there was a Samosa eat them!” Cookery Course, I jumped at the chance to sign up! I was dying to find out her secrets and love nothing more than learning new cookery skills. After 3 long months the day finally arrived, so equiped with an apron, my own favourite knife, and Tupperware boxes galore I set out for Cruick Barn. The set-up is perfect. Six large round tables adorned with ingredients, electric hobs, chopping mats and so on. Soon enough the lesson began for the 10 eager students. Team effort This was a team effort. Chopping vegetables, frying, boiling, adding spices and Saf talked us through every step of the way, spending time with each table equally. Then onto the 12

is getting noticed, not just by outsiders who artisan spotted the posters alongside the escalators at Euston, but also by the residents of the county and neighbouring areas. With such a huge resource promoting food and drink from our little enclave of England, more and more people will get to hear about the great things we have to offer. And that can only be a good thing. The campaign has its own Northants-born champion too, in the form of MasterChef judge & restaurant critic William Sitwell. No stranger to controversy, William is revelling in making proclamations about the county’s food heritage and diversity. Some of the facts may well surprise, and many will impress, but then that’s the whole point. With its official launch at Rockingham Castle in April, the Northamptonshire Year of Food & Drink is just beginning. A celebration of The Britain’s Best Surprise initiative will local food & drink provide a great boost to the economy of the area, and many businesses like us will By Laurence Conisbee benefit, and not just those in Northants. I expect the campaign will massively raise When it comes to great local food and drink, events that really help to promote the local awareness of all our great food stories and Milton Keynes, North Buckinghamshire and food scene. Some highlights of our year will remind people to seek out what is on their South Northamptonshire are very well placed include one and two-day events such as very own doorstep. Yes, Northants is an to boast loudly. We have a huge number of those hosted at Althorp Estate, Towcester amazing county for food, but so is Milton fantastic independent restaurants & pubs, Racecourse, and the MKFoodFest at MK Keynes and North Bucks. In fact, as a tea rooms & coffee shops, as well as an Pavilion, as well as the regular markets at nation we should be immensely proud of abundance of food producers, and the Waddesdon Manor. But this year we are also our culinary diversity and heritage. number is growing every year. getting excited about another initiative. Our company, Wharf Distillery, was founded in Old Wolverton in 2009. At that time the independent food sector around the area was just starting to develop. A decade on it is flourishing and growing, and this year will see the launch of a new food and drink awards to showcase all the great and good. There is still work to be done to ensure the word gets out but, as we prepare to celebrate our 10th anniversary, we’re excited to see what amazing foodie things develop over the next ten years. “Two years ago, a group of like-minded people To find out more about local food and decided that it was time to get vocal about drink, check out the following: Northamptonshire, declaring the county to be Britain’s Best Surprise!” Northamptonshire Britain’s Best Surprise As a small producer we think this is great The idea was simple, just tell everybody how northamptonshiresurprise.com/food/ news as it clearly demonstrates that we great the county is and give reasons to visit Artisan MK Food & Drink are delivering what people want. Chain and explore. In its first year the campaign facebook.com/ArtisanMK/ stores and national brands may provide focused on historic houses, the second year MK Foodie mkfoodie.co.uk/ convenience to the masses, but it is the was all about churches. This year, 2019, The Althorp Food and Drink Festival independents that give our towns and it is all about food, with the bold assertion 11-12 May spencerofalthorp.com/the- villages their character and soul. Our that Northamptonshire is Britain’s most althorp-food-and-drink-festival-2019/ challenge, however, is making sure people foodie county. Towcester Food Festival 8-9 June know who we are, what we do, and how they towcesterfoodfestival.co.uk/ can find us. So, what makes this marketing campaign so MKFoodFest 14 September exciting to a small producer such as us? Well, mkfoodfest.org Getting the message out there is paramount the significant increases in visitor numbers to Waddesdon Manor Artisan Food to our continued growth and success, and historic houses has provided evidence that Market (every 2nd Saturday Mar-Oct) there are an increasing number of foodie the hard work is paying off. Northamptonshire nationaltrust.org.uk/waddesdon-manor 13

the garage 3 good reasons to visit The Garage By Kelly Gavaghan Hitch @ The Garage networking as we know it. More a meeting of and there are a few currently running this professional minds coming to work together concept in places like London, Oxford and If, like me you work from home and find it in one of the coolest eateries in our neck of Cambridge. As a business we are always hard to get motivated, get cabin fever and the woods. looking at ways of expanding our offering just want to have a change of scenery and and we have always strived to offer a big city get inspired and energised again, then The Garage owner, Sally Terry explains. approach but in a small rural town, which has HITCH @ The Garage could be for you. “I speak to all of my customers and many been well received by all of our customers. of them are self- employed, professional We want The Garage to be a multi-purpose Hitch is an all new concept coming to people that work from home, or students that venue which makes sense as The Garage is this forward-thinking establishment in the need a different study space. Many have a huge building and ideal for such a venture.” heart of Buckingham. It’s not your usual said the same thing; that they’d love to have dull ‘workspace’ or even duller business somewhere different to go, to be able to work “In smaller towns more and more amongst others just like them, make natural, professional, self-employed people are not forced connections, and so we thought coming together to work in a space. It’s ‘why not?’” becoming more and more popular as more and more people are self-employed or able “A lot of restaurants and eating places are to work satellite from their offices so that becoming more multi-purpose these days is why we are utilising The Garage for this “In smaller towns more and more professional, self-employed people are coming together to work in a space. The Garage is ideal for this.” 14

“We like to offer something different. the garage We are always being discerning in what we are doing here at The Garage.” Artisan Breads which is based in Westbury just a few short miles away and has only launched in the last year. I’ve tasted his work and can confirm that his breads are fantastic. He delivers freshly made sour dough, rye and vegan rolls, 3 times a week to The Garage. This is proper artisan bread with no preservatives and is the ONLY bread you should use in a proper deli sandwich in my humble opinion. purpose. The building is a substantial size Sally always likes to stay one step ahead. Peter Pan and John Lennon and more and there are several areas where people “We like to offer something different. We are beautifully imprinted or embossed on can either find a quiet spot to really crack on, are always being discerning in what we the covers which will have all your friends or more sociable areas. Talking to customers are doing here and we have a feeling our admiring. They are super chic and stylish they all say ‘when are you starting this Sally? deli sandwiches will go down really well with a vintage feel and slightly whimsical too I’m in’. We are offering a space for students in Buckingham. We posted this on social and I can see they will be a popular line. who would like a change of scenery from the media as a ‘test the water’ exercise and had University that I know would like to come and a terrific response, so we are launching this There are paperweights and jotters with work here. So, we are launching Hitch in the very soon. People can phone in orders or perforated quotes at the bottom of each page coming weeks. For £15 customers can work just walk in and wait and we can also provide that can be torn off and given to people, put here, and this covers hot and cold drinks, tray platters for corporate meetings too.” in lunchboxes or your beloved’s pocket to bakes and a light informal lunch.” find. Very sweet. Retail @ The Garage Keep an eye on social media for The Garage Mabel’s Daughter in the coming weeks to find out when HITCH And as if all of this isn’t enough, Sally is going launches. to also be doing a little bit of retail too. She Another line being showed me her small range of stationary introduced is from Deli Sandwiches @ The Garage imported from the States and there are a local designer. several pieces I have my eye on. Beautiful, long We all know that a deli sandwich is a thing necklaces made from of beauty and The Garage have also added Sugarboo is the stationary brand that will semi-precious stones this string to their bow. They are now offering be on sale and consists of leather and cloth with silver plated or a really super-duper, takeaway sandwich bound pads and jotters boasting famous sterling silver beads service including Reuben on Rye (corn literature and film quotations. Musings and clasps. Amazonite, jasper, labradorite, beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and Russian from Bob Dylan, C.S Lewis, J.R.R Tolkien, quartz, jade and even volcanic lava rock coleslaw), Lobster Roll and Vietnamese and some are also made with freshwater Banh Mi and a fantastic Ham, Egg and Chip pearls. Each are unique and have gorgeous sandwich. The ham is cooked at The Garage, pendants with a lovely vintage feel and the chips are homemade, the eggs are free whimsical sayings and quotes. range. DELICIOUS! So, there you have it folks, three very good The sandwiches will be fully loaded like a reasons to visit The Garage this Summer – 4 proper American deli sandwich which I can if you include the excellent food and drink! tell you from experience are ENORMOUS! The bread is being supplied by Geoff’s The Garage 3 Well Street Buckingham MK18 1EW T: 01280 832300 F: facebook.com/WellStGarage/ W: wellstgarage.com 15

The Garage is an independent Restaurant & Bar located Olivier’s at The Woburn Hotel 2 AA Rosette Restaurant in Buckingham. Open seven days a week for lunch, • dinner,TdhreinGksa,rtaeagse&Rceosftfaeeusraanndt e&veBryatrhing in between. Winner of The Best Restaurant in Bedfordshire on 3 occasions OpInendu7sdtaryias lacwheieckdféocroLrunincha,nDiincnoenricanbduiDldriinnkgswith an • “Thisuplbaceeathavsibreea,llyecpluetcBtuickginlgohbaaml coonothkeinmgapa”nd the Perfect for everyday dining, special best cock5t*aTirlipaAndvdisowr Rineveielwisert for miles around. occasions, corporate and private dining 3 WeWll eStarelseot, hBauvckeinagphraimvaMteKs1p8a1cEeWfoTreel.v0e1n2t8s0a8n3d23m0e0etings. Olivier’s Restaurant 1 George Street,Woburn, Bedfordshire MK17 9PX www.wellstgarage.com [email protected] Telephone: 01525 292292 [email protected] 3 Well Street t: 01280 832300 thewoburnhotel.co.uk Buckingham www.wellstgarage.com MK18 1EW [email protected] J4116 TWH Olivier's Rest ad Circus Magazine 89x262 Nov18.indd 1 19/11/2018 12:53

stoneleigh house Let them eat cake Don’t mind if I do! If it was good enough for Marie Antoinette then hey, it’s good enough for me! I’m usually a savoury kind of gal, but every now and then I get a hankering for a good old fashioned, quintessentially English, Afternoon Tea. By Kelly Gavaghan So on a bright, sunny spring day I drove Stoneleigh House Boutique Hotel And what does lay behind it? A touch of to Buckingham, picked up Roz, my step The Alice in Wonderland and a world of mother in law to be, and we sauntered up to A handsome building, nay, a peacock gorgeousness it would seem! Stoneleigh House to partake in the custom, may it be said, stands proud on busy first started at Woburn Abbey in the 1840’s Castle Street. A grand, pillared porchway Immediately you are enveloped with a sense by Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the 7th framing the beautiful, rather regal front door of the sublime. Flamboyant and quirky Duke of Bedford. painted a glossy aubergine and gleaming interior design with a feminine touch. Walls with brass fixtures, original sash windows adorned with the biggest and brightest, Stoneleigh House launched on the funky floral prints, chairs upholstered in spectacularly sunny day of Harry and “A touch of The Alice plush colourful velvets, decorative vintage Meghan’s wedding last year after new owner in Wonderland and furniture that has been introduced to Annie Barclay Lawrence teamed up with former a world of delicious Sloane paint teamed with modern mirrored employee and dear, long-time friend, Jane gorgeousness.” and glass pieces too, creates an eclectic Parslow to transform the tired and unloved and striking interior design. You eat with bed and breakfast it once was into the thing with decorative surrounds, a fresh coat of your eyes and we had already begun our of beauty it is now. sophisticated grey paint dresses the exterior afternoon feast without putting a morsel in in its best bib and tucker and with shiny black our mouths! In just a year the six bedroom, 17th century and gold railings accessorising the look – house – now boutique hotel - set in the heart this building is a beauty. Just looking at it The second thing to hit you is the sound of of the historic university town of Buckingham, draws you in, eager and intrigued to see what joyful peels of laughter drifting through the has become a firm favourite with the locals lays behind that beautiful front door. building, emanating from the heart of the and we were keen to find out why. home – the kitchen. Staff members begin 17

stoneleigh house to appear, every one of them smiling from ear to ear, welcoming and warm. Nothing is forced and you just sense that this is a happy place to work – and I get the impression that it doesn’t FEEL like work to the ladies, for throughout the entire time that Roz and I were there all we could hear was the lovely sound of laughter. It’s a beautiful thing and whether Jane and the Stoneleigh staff realise it or not, creates a gorgeous atmosphere. We were greeted like old friends and felt at home straight away. “Sit down, relax and let me get you a pot of French Earl Grey!” Jane said, beaming from ear to ear. Her smile and bubbly personality are contagious, and we too found ourselves beaming from ear to ear, taking in the beautiful surroundings and marvelling at the stunning cakes on display on the bar under shiny glass cloches. They looked like they belonged in the finest French Patisseries. We couldn’t wait for our Afternoon Tea to arrive. Afternoon Tea “We felt like two naughty schoolgirls who had indulged in a few stolen hours Bottom Tier - Sandwiches of sweet, naughty but heavenly indulgence And it soon did arrive and boy, did it look and delight.” good. Finger sandwiches sat shoulder to shoulder with all the uniformity of soldiers cake with sinful layers of smooth and sultry Top Tier Scones on parade all present and correct. Salmon, chocolate ganache that was just divine – On the top tier stood two huge fresh baked cucumber and cream cheese, ham with the there is no other word for it - and an innocent scones. A perfect light brown appearance lightest touch of English mustard, egg and looking small square of fruit cake, so moist and cutting into them, a texture light, cress, cheese and tomato – all the traditional and obviously made with care and excellent slightly flaky and delectably warm. I’m a favourite fillings that one would expect, quality ingredients. Making fruit cake is a ‘jam first clotted cream on top’ scone lover encased in the softest bread with lashings of labour of love and literally takes hours to (is that the Devon or Cornish way? I can real butter. perfect. And yet, it is polished off in seconds. never remember…). Roz and I savoured and enjoyed every mouthful of this superb Middle Tier - Patisserie Afternoon Tea. We felt like two naughty The second tier was a beauty – glistening schoolgirls who had indulged in a few strawberry tarts artfully arranged around a stolen hours of sweet, naughty but heavenly cloud of vanilla cream. The crown was sitting indulgence and delight. atop what turned out to be the most excellent shortbread pastry case that I half expected to be a little soft. But no, this was sturdy and crisp and cracked as the fork broke into it. Who knew you could make shortbread so strong yet refined? Also joining the party was glossy glazed and rum soaked Opera Jane Parslow – The Sugar Chef Jane, now let me tell you about Jane. After reading the above it will come as no surprise to you that the fabulous Ms Parslow is in fact otherwise known – and loved – as The Sugar Chef. She joined us in the Drawing Room after we had finished, and we got to find out much more about her and how she came to launch Stoneleigh House. “When I was just 18, I used to work for a gentleman called Barclay Lawrence who owned a wine bar in Buckingham – but I was a stroppy teenager and he ended up having to sack me!” She laughs good naturedly. 18

“Soon after I decided to study catering at stoneleigh house Aylesbury College and then from there my very first employment was at The Savoy in London working under Anton Adelman and Gary Holihead as 1st Commis Chef to begin with. Then I progressed to work with Head Pastry Chef, Peter Webber as a Chef de Partie and that’s where my love of patisserie really began.” Jane went on to work for more highly that you see in Stoneleigh is ‘Jane’. No wonder they are always laughing. They respected eating establishments and Head aren’t ‘staff’ they are Jane’s dearest and Chefs such as The Toll Booth at Dedham, “I designed all of the rooms – with a little help trusted friends that she has known a very Essex for Steven Blake. After a while she of course from local businesses. For example, long time. “Rachel Rawlings is Chef, Angie married and took time out from professional Margaret from Cygnet Interiors just across Robinson and Julia Martinez are Front of kitchens whilst raising her children, having the road upholstered all the chairs and made House, Lisa Hill is the Head Housekeeper returned back to Buckingham. When the the drapes, blinds and soft furnishings, my and at weekends Daisy Adamson looks after children were of school age, she took a husband Gary carried out all the decoration, Front of House too. We’ve also been joined position at a local private school and worked I used local builders and electricians from by Barnaby Castle who is from the Hilton there for 15 years until one day she received Stony Stratford and I began recruiting my in Milton Keynes and undertakes all of our a cryptic phone call from Barclay who wanted lovely friends to come and work at the hotel.” private fine dining events.” to meet with her after all these years. “No wonder they are And has Jane been happy with her first year “We met up and he took me for a walk, and always laughing. of business? “Honestly Kelly, it was all hands we ended up outside Stoneleigh House. They aren’t ‘staff’ to the pump to get the place open. We just He asked me what I thought of it. I was still they are Janes decided to give it one major final push and clueless as to why he had asked me to come. dearest friends!” launch on the day of Harry and Meghan’s We looked around the place and he told wedding last year. It was a fantastic day me he was thinking of buying it – and then for many reasons. We were all exhausted he revealed his surprise which was that he afterwards but regrouped, had a meeting, wanted me to run the place!” She exclaimed. defined our strategy, and that was it. The realisation hit that we were open In short, Barclay wanted Jane to not just run for business – but we were all happy the place, but to take on the full renovation and determined to make a success and devise the business model. Everything of Stoneleigh together.” I would say that they have all done just that. Word is spreading far and wide of Stoneleigh. The impressive décor, sun trap garden and most of all, superb food and cakes. And I have to add - it’s very rare to walk into a business and find such a joyful and relaxed atmosphere. This comes as a result of friends - very good friends - who obviously find it a pleasure to come to work and be in one another’s company day in, day out. The ladies are doing something very, very right. And it comes naturally to each and every one of them. Thank you, Jane and friends, for one of the nicest and girliest afternoons that Roz and I have enjoyed in a very long time. Stoneleigh House – a small hotel with a very big heart. Stoneleigh House Boutique Hotel 17 Castle Street Buckingham MK18 1BP T: 01280 823892 F: facebook.com/Stoneleigh-House- Boutique-Hotel W: stoneleighhouseboutiquehotel.com 19

SUMMER STREET FOOD @ THE GREEN MAN, MURSLEY STREET FOOD SUNDAY DATES (All are welcome and particularly scooter and motorbike clubs!) Sunday 19th May Saturday 15th June (See below) Sunday 21st July Sunday 18th August Sunday 15th September Between midday – 4pm MINI BEER, MUSIC AND STREET FOOD FESTIVAL The Healthy Jamaican Kitchen is joined by OMG Churros & OMG USA Street Food Live music and DJ’s Between midday – 6pm COOKERY LESSONS @ OUR KITCHEN AT BOND ESTATES, MK We offer both meat and vegan cookery courses Sunday lessons – take home 5 courses for two people Meat dates – 9th June – 11th August – 6th October Vegan dates – 23rd June – 22nd September ‘LIKE’ US ON FACEBOOK AND MESSAGE US FOR MORE DETAILS F: THEHEALTHYJAMAICANKITCHEN/ E: [email protected]

authentic jamaican food Authentic Jamaican motorbikes in the extensive beer garden.) Street Food The HJK is now in high demand for events across the area so check out their website Whether it’s jerk chicken, curried goat or vegan recipes of the Rasta Ital for details of more dates. From Swanbourne diet, one thing’s for sure, it seems everybody LOVES Paulina’s food at Music Festival to the all-new BiteStreet and The Healthy Jamaican Kitchen! firm favourite Eat Street MK - and everything in between! Since launching The Healthy Jamaican (soft drinks only of course!) and fuel your tank Kitchen at the beginning of this year the so-to-speak, for the next leg of the journey Cookery Courses @ The Healthy street food business has gone from strength whist listening to some Jamaican tunes in Jamaican Kitchen to strength. Adding Pop Ups and Cookery the sunshine. An enjoyable way to spend a Courses has just added more strings to Sunday and you don’t just need to be a biker Offering both vegan/Ital and meat cookery their bow and it’s safe to say that Jamaican to attend. Come along if you fancy some courses has also proved popular for Paulina born Paulina’s authentic Jamaican food has Caribbean flavour to your Sunday. and more dates are being added to the busy become a firm favourite with food lovers diary as I type! Student cooks get to learn across the area. Mini Beer, Street Food and Music about Jamaican produce, cook 5 courses Festival and take more than enough home for two Pop Up people. They also receive recipe cards and a Also planned is a mini beer, music and street special blend of Paulina’s homemade, secret The first Pop Up foodie night at The Green food afternoon on Saturday 15th June where recipe jerk sauce. Man, Mursley was a sell out and so well OMG will be joining The HJK for the afternoon received by all the locals that the Healthy and serving churros and Street Food USA Videos have been posted on their Facebook Jamaican Kitchen has been invited back, but style. (Expect fantastic burgers and Philly page of very happy students who have this time with their street food van, for more Cheese Steaks from the local food business). thoroughly enjoyed the day and thoroughly dates throughout the summer (See advert for Live music and DJ’s playing ska and reggae recommend. Classes are kept small and details on opposite page). is also planned so the afternoon is expected intimate - 4 people max - as Paulina likes to to be a lively one and all are welcome (Plenty spend time with each student so they get More Pop Ups are being planned for the of space to park up cars, scooters and maximum benefit from the class. Parents future so keep an eye on their Facebook and children are welcome too on the cookery page for more details soon. courses and their Bond Estates Kitchen also has disabled entry and facilities. Sunday Ride Out Street Food So, there you have it! It’s been a busy The Green Man has always been popular start to the year, but CIRCUS is right with scootering and motorbike clubs enjoying behind The Healthy Jamaican Kitchen a Sunday ride out who are always looking and couldn’t be happier for their success. for great destinations for a ‘Pit Stop’. So, the Long may it continue! Healthy Jamaican Kitchen will be taking their street food van along to park up and feed the Keep up to date with The Healthy hungry riders. Quench your thirst in the pub Jamaican Kitchen: F: facebook.com/ thehealthyjamaicankitchen/ W: healthyjamaicankitchen.com 21



shoulder of mutton Burger Night! The welcome is warm, the food is good, traditional, hearty pub food and the locals Tuesday night is steak and burger night at The Shoulder of Mutton, have rekindled their love of The Shoulder Calverton. Living just a five-minute walk away, we took a stroll to one of of Mutton once again. Food and drink lovers our favourite village pubs to indulge. By Kelly Gavaghan from across the area are flocking back to the pub. Proof that a little bit of care and What we ate: What you should know attention and a landlord and staff with the right attitude CAN make a village Classic Beef Burger - £10.95 When you visit on a Tuesday - which is also pub a success in these days when many Spicy Beef Burger - £12.95 Steak Night - you get a free pint or glass of are closing down at a rate of knotts across Total - £23.90 wine with your steak or burger. Always a the UK. good way to pull in the punters – offer them And how was it? free alcohol and they will come in droves. The good food has helped to turn the pub The burgers are all homemade by popular around and is going down a storm in fact, Gut-bustingly gorgeous! Richard’s ‘Classic’ chef, Ben Corbett and I have to say you could with Friday Fish & Chip Night chocka block was served with crispy bacon and melted really tell. Finely chopped onions, parsley, with bookings as are Sunday afternoons for cheese. While I do love a brioche with a the ravishing roasts. Booking in advance is burger (the slightly sweet dense bread holds “The good food advised for both. well and marries well with the salty savoury has helped to turn flavour of the well-seasoned meat) the bread the pub around Great value, good quality produce and buns were a good quality and held together and is going down a solid selection of real ales. Walking (or well. My ‘Spicy’ burger is a new favourite for a storm.” staggering) distance from Stony Stratford me and I haven’t seen this served anywhere in the pretty village of Calverton and the else (Maybe I just haven’t been looking fresh garlic, salt and pepper and with the footpaths are now open from the new though…) Served with a generous dollop flame grilling adding that smoky, chargrilled Fairfields estate, just a ten minute walk of medium hot chilli, tangy jalapenos with a flavour. It tasted great. away. The Shoulder of Mutton gets a thumbs hint of heat, a good quality melted, mature up from us! cheddar cheese and sour cream on top of What’s it like there? the beautifully seasoned and chargrilled The Shoulder of Mutton burger. I tucked in, got messy and enjoyed It’s got to be said that since Gary Ion took Calverton every morsel. over the village pub – that, lets face it, had Milton Keynes Both burgers are served with a nice and fresh become unpopular with the locals due to a MK19 6ED garden side salad and chunky chips. The lack of love, he and his team have breathed T: 01908 562183 chips are frozen but are a decent quality. I new life into the place. W: shoulderofmuttoncalverton.co.uk polished off everything on my plate. Them F: facebook.com/ thar burgers were darn good! shoulderofmuttoncalverton 23

summer @ loch fyne Summer Seafood Nights at Loch Fyne Woburn I can’t think of anything nicer than listening to jazz in a gorgeous garden, in the summer sun eating seafood cooked on a barbecue – can you? Well if that’s your bag then this is EXACTLY what is on offer at Loch Fyne Woburn this summer. CIRCUS finds out more… We hear you have a jazz event planned for with a glass of wine on a nice sunny day, grab the addition of our new marquee there’s no this summer at Loch Fyne Woburn. Tell us a quick coffee or a bite to eat and it is open to need to worry about the weather. about these. all our diners when not booked out for private Yes! We are quite excited about this and dining, events or corporate activities. Can every day diners eat and drink in the are currently speaking with a number of garden too? local, well known and popular Jazz bands to Our corporate customers use it regularly for As I say, EVERYONE is welcome to come and arrange Jazz afternoons in our garden, which team building exercises and barbecue’s. enjoy our garden – even if it’s just for a drink. is something we have never done before You can celebrate a Christening or even Since advertising the garden in CIRCUS last here at Loch Fyne Woburn. have your wedding breakfast there and with year, more and more locals and visitors to Woburn are doing just that and many people We envisage lazy sunny afternoons, listening that live and work in Woburn didn’t even realise to some soothing jazz and we plan to have a that it was even here! We realised that we had barbecue and run other special offers at the a real jewel here and that we should be using events. We are close to getting it set in stone it more as the feedback is always that it’s so so can’t give fixed dates yet, but CIRCUS lovely. Many just find it a calm place to come readers can ‘like’ our Facebook page where and have a drink during the day and of course we will post news and dates of the events in diners are very welcome to have their meals the coming weeks. out here if they wish. So, the beautiful walled garden is being Loch Fyne is always great for offers, booked out more and more for private what offers do you have running so far functions? this Summer? The garden is a beautiful walled ‘secret’ space We have 2 4 1 cocktails available such as and a great place to visit, whether it’s to relax homemade Espresso Martini, Loch Fyne 24

Signature G&T, Elderflower Collins, Bellini’s summer @ loch fyne and many more.Our lunch time set menu is always popular as you can have 2 courses for £10.95 and add a glass of house wine for just £2.00. If you check our Facebook page out there are also many more fantastic offers that pop up over the year, so it’s well worth keeping an eye on to take advantage of them. The deals are always good and there are some great savings to be had! And will there be barbecue’s in the garden too? Yes, we are promoting our barbecue heavily this summer and will post on our Facebook page nearer the time of the dates it will be on as it won’t be every day. The menu will be suitable fresh seafood produce selected from our A la carte menu. If companies or guests want to hold an event with the barbecue in the garden then we are always happy to work with the client to tailor a menu around their budget, requirements and preferences. We hear there is a Summer Menu Summer barbecue menu Tuna niçoise salad Preview night. Do people have to book in Olives, anchovies advance? Starters Our Summer Menu Preview night takes Scottish langoustines Whole gurnard place on the 19th June and will be inside Garlic butter, burnt lime mayonnaise Tomato & herb salsa, aioli, heritage potatoes our restaurant. However, if the weather is King prawns really nice then we will have the garden in Chimichurri sauce, mayonnaise British 8oz beef burger operation also for our guests. Cornish sardines French fries, seeded brioche bun, crispy Greek yoghurt, chilli & coriander dressing bacon, cheddar cheese, gherkin, dill The menu is not finalised yet but will be a mayonnaise 3-course menu at a great price. Preview nights Mains have been known to get very busy and both Whole lobster 28-Day aged british rib-eye steak upstairs and downstairs will get full so we Garlic butter, french fries, mayonnaise Twice-cooked chips, béarnaise sauce, baked would advise people to book in advance if they field mushroom would like to dine with us at that foodie event. Whole sea bass Greek salad We will also have some great wines on offer with a 25% discount on specially selected wines of the month on the evening and as mentioned earlier the 2 4 1 cocktail offer will be in full swing. The Summer Menu Preview is always a great sea-foodie event. For updates on events and offers ‘LIKE’ the Loch Fyne Woburn Facebook page. F: facebook.com/LochFyneWoburn/ Loch Fyne Seafood & Grill 19 Market Place Woburn MK17 9PZ T: 01525 290877 W: lochfyneseafoodandgrill.co.uk 25

ole tapas bar Ole Tapas Bar A Superb Spanish Success Story! By Kelly Gavaghan Spain has a very special place food – and more so the people outside kitchen. On our ascent Andalucía, leisurely enjoying in my heart for deeply personal that produce, cook and serve we would gather almonds, the freshest of food grown and reasons. A couple of years ago the food to you. The passion walnuts and pomegranates picked from the mountainside. I spent some time in Sierra for superb produce, that every from the trees and tomatoes, Even the Jamon Iberico, goats Nevada, and then later on morsel that you put into your onions and long heart peppers cheese from Ronda, olives and in the year the mountains of mouth, be a joy to eat, has from the vegetable patch – five bread had all been produced Andalucía, when I volunteered captured my heart. From the times the size of those we by neighbouring campo’s and to work at a horse sanctuary cool, contemporary cafés of could ever buy in the UK. We purchased fresh that morning at entitled Time & Space, just Barcelona to the remote meson’s the meson where the sheep and outside a tiny village called in the mountains of Andalucía, “The food goat herders – as is the custom Atajate in Malaga province. where a dish of plump, delicious of Spain is - gather to partake in a morning acetunas and a thirst quenching, quite simply, snifter of Aguardiente – a strong, The first visit that year was to chilled bottle of San Miguel can heaven on alcoholic aniseed liquor – before Sierra Nevada and was a week’s be bought and enjoyed in the a plate.” heading out to take their flocks holiday. I Googled ‘Prettiest caliente sol for just uno euro. from grazing place to grazing Village in Spain’ and Frigiliana would create the simplest, yet place. came up. Picture perfect in every Living amongst the locals and by far and away the tastiest way I really believed that I had working on the campo was by of dishes I have ever eaten. Food and drink, quite simply, experienced a taste of the real far and away one of the best These were beautiful moments. IS their life. Farm land on the Spain – that was until I found experiences of my life, not least All of us dusty, exhausted, hot mountains has belonged to the myself in the mountains, rather so from a food perspective. After yet content, eating together families for centuries. Some of suddenly and unexpectedly, for working all day in the searing and watching the sun set over the old boys that would say a two months later that year… heat on the mountain with the lazy “Bueno Dias” to me each horses we would amble up morning were, quite literally, Right from the very start I the hill, tired but happy, to the as old as the hills. There is no have had a love affair with the 26

retirement age here. They just ole tapas bar keep on going. The mountains are abundant with trees and food they eat has roots deeper (now Olé Tapas Bar). CIRCUS became friends in Andalusia. bushes bearing fruits, vegetables than you can ever imagine. launched on the 10th April and He and Beatriz hail from San and nuts, positively drooping It is no wonder they are so Café Olé opened their doors Sebastian in the northern Basque from the weight of the giant, passionate about it. exactly one week later. Exactly region and arrived in England in edible treasure. one year later, on the anniversary 2002 with zero English and no Olé Tapas Bar, of the launch of this magazine, I formal culinary training. Call it Wild boar is hunted, chickens Wolverton decided to celebrate and chose fate, but he was in the right place supply fresh eggs each day, Juan’s restaurant to mark the at the right time and was thrown pigs are reared to make the most But I digress. A year ago, when I occasion. in at the deep end one day when delicious hams and sausages was in the process of launching he was working in the kitchen at and there is even a festival to the very first issue of CIRCUS, Now Juan…let me tell you Tapa Tapa in London, cleaning celebrate the Mosto grape that I met Juan Carlos and his about Juan…his passion for up and washing plates, when was nearly wiped out hundreds beautiful wife Beatriz who were fantastic Spanish produce is a chef walked out. The Head of years ago. To this day the just about to launch Café Olé just as great as the farmers that Mosto is respected and revered, with people coming from all over Spain to tiny Atajate to celebrate for 3 days solid with much imbibing of the precious, fermented wine, generously served from jugs by the village girls dressed in traditional costumes. Mosto is LETHAL – you have been warned. I found myself at 3am in the morning of the 2nd night leading around 200 festival goers in the conga around the village square! Food and drink are the livelihood of the mountain folk and the villagers. It is what they barter with, their currency, their reason for living, their pleasure. They live from one simple but superb meal to the next. There are no pretensions here when it comes to good food. The respect for their crops and lives of the 27

ole tapas bar Chef looked at Juan and said, my family.” Juan explained. “I throughout Santander’s Spanish To start “If you can survive this shift, the looked at the house prices and workforce. When Richard and job is yours.” 11 months later he started looking for a suitable I visited we were surrounded For Richard and I we ALWAYS became Sous Chef and just six place to open a restaurant, sold by beautiful Spanish people start our tapas extravaganza with months after he was promoted to our London flat, bought a house all enjoying paella and tapas acetunas (olives), Manchego Head Chef. here and launched our very first washed down with San Miguel or cheese and Iberico ham. Three restaurant, Olé Tapas Bar, just a a glass of their delicious Sangria. words - EXCELLENT QUALITY Since then he has gone few months later.” As I say, the Spanish KNOW PRODUCE! The innocent looking on to work for some leading good food so for them to return olives had been marinated in restaurants including Brindisa, Since then, Juan’s feet haven’t week after week is a testimony in Juan’s special blend of herbs, 2 AA Rosette, Notting Hill touched the ground, with Olé itself to the wonderful food that lemon juice and olive oil and Brasserie, The Summerhouse Tapas Bar an instant, overnight Juan creates and serves at Olé packed a punch of concentrated and Hispania for Michelin Star success when news of the Tapas Bar. flavour with a capital ‘F’! Executive Chef, Marcos Moran. tapas bar spread like wildfire Manchego (from the Castillion Together they catered for the region in the province of Spanish Embassy and the Botin Cordoba) is sheep’s milk cheese family who own Santander. and is usually aged for 6 months. It produces a caramel and nutty One day Juan was cooking flavour with a touch of saltiness for Santander executives at and a fairly firm texture which Hispania and one of them matches perfectly with the sweet suggested that he should open quince jelly which it is served a restaurant in Milton Keynes, with here at Olé Tapas Bar. “Because there are so many Spanish people there!” he Jamon Iberico tastes every bit said. He pooh-poohed the idea as expensive as it is. It is worth for a while until one day he every single penny and is one decided to get on a train and of my all-time favourite things to come and take a look. “The put in my mouth to be savoured sun was shining, we went to and enjoyed immensely! This is Willen Lake, I looked at my wife the produce of black mountain who was relaxed and smiling pigs that feast on fresh acorns and our children were happy and is simply salted, hung and and playing. At that moment I air dried. That is it. You don’t decided I wanted a better life for need to mess around with it. You 28

only need some Tumaca – which ole tapas bar is lightly toasted bread spread with pulped fresh tomatoes and garlic (which is also a breakfast favourite all over Spain). The meat had been allowed to sweat slightly on a warmed slate before serving to let it breathe and really allow the flavours to sing. It was perfection. Recommendations “In 25 years of food writing this level. They also won the silver was THE BEST pork belly that I award for Best Breakfast in MK As we were enjoying our have ever eaten. It was superb.” by MKFM. ‘starters’ – which immediately prompted a discussion about our several great reasons to order Chantilly cream. It originates Richard and I both strongly next trip to Spain – Beatriz came this dish! from Galicia during the times agree that Olé Tapas Bar is past with two plates of pork belly of mediaeval pilgrimage and is a rare diamond that we have that stopped us in our tracks. “I Homemade desserts decorated with the St James’ unearthed, and we will be want one of those!” we declared All desserts are homemade cross with a stencil laid in the returning very soon with scores and 15 minutes later one was at Olé Tapas Bar and I opted for centre of the tarte and dusted of friends and Spanish family delivered to our table. My a traditional Spanish favourite with icing sugar. (The dessert is to sample the Fiesta menu and GOD! I kid you not when I say – Tarta de Santiago - a dense named in honour of St James, listen to some Spanish guitar. To that in 25 years of food writing almond cake with citrus notes of the patron saint of Spain.) The Juan, Beatriz and the team, keep this was THE BEST pork belly orange and lemon and is served perfect end to my meal. Richard on doing what you are doing that I have ever eaten. It was with a cloud of the lightest vanilla chose another Spanish homely because you are doing it right. superb. Juicy, succulent meat favourite of rice pudding topped that just shredded away with with cinnamon that he declared Spanish gastronomy at its the crispiest, crackling rind. So was as good as his Spanish finest. And it’s right here in Milton tasty! Juan told me that it takes a mother’s. High praise indeed! Keynes. How lucky are we? long time to cook, starting with it being vacuum packed and sous- 5 stars on Trip Advisor Café Olé vide slowly at a low temperature Triangle Building and then the crackling skilfully Within just 1 year, Olé Tapas 60 Wolverton Park Road and expertly executed when Bar has shot up the Trip Advisor Wolverton ordered. This chef knows what charts and is now ranked #3 out Milton Keynes he is doing. of a staggering 394 restaurants MK12 5FJ in Milton Keynes. They rate 5 E: [email protected] We were struggling to decide stars for food and service – it is W: oletapasbar.co.uk which tapas we wanted next – easy to see why. This superb, F: facebook.com/ such was the choice, so Beatriz authentic Spanish food speaks oletapasbarMK recommended the Arroz Negro. for itself and is excellent on every The Calasparra Bomba rice - used for paella too - was cooked perfectly - with a little bit of ‘bite’. It was saturated in the maritime flavour of squid ink with chunks of cuttlefish cooked at a raging heat for 2 – 3 minutes with moist king prawns joining the party. It is an unctuous dish with great health benefits as squid ink is rich in iron and antioxidants. It’s said to be good for treating heart disease – so there you go, 29

Mindfulness Courses in Milton Keynes Ever feel stressed, anxious or struggle to switch off at night? Whitespace Yoga & Wellbeing Studio has the answer! Mindfulness meditaaon is a fantasac “brain training” technique, which increases mental strength. 8wk Mindfulness Based Stress Reduccon Course £215 | £195 Earlybird Tuesdays | 7 - 9 pm The most recognised and established minfulness course, taught all over the world. Scienafically proven to help people cope beeer with stress, depression and anxiety. Next courses start: 14th May 8th October 4wk Introduccon to Minfulness Course £59 Wednesdays | 8 - 9 pm Combines meditaaon exercises with an overview of the theory behind how the pracace leads to real and sustainable change. Next courses start: 15th May 26th June EXPERIENCED MINDFULNESS TRAINERS NO.1 WELLBEING PROVIDER IN MK FOR 8YRS RATED 5* ON GOOGLE Not sure about mindfulness? 14 Days £20 Get started with yoga, pilates and more of unlimited classes whitespacestudio.co.uk | 01908 566610 | Stony Straaord

Breathe your body. Get quiet, sit up tall, close your health & wellbeing your way eyes and just breathe in and breathe out. For to easy so many people, when uncomfortable feelings arise, the tendency is to run, numb or deny by Deborah Berryman and to “push” the feelings away. But no feeling is forever. And when we race from how we These days we’re pretty good at taking care influence our circulatory system, chemical feel, we lose an opportunity to know ourselves, to figure out where we are, what we need, and of our health – we change our diet for better regulation and metabolism. And so, breathing why we’re feeling that way. nutrition, and change our drinking habits well can help to detoxify our body and provide Breathe and observe for better hydration, but if we’re breathing more nutrition to our cells to optimise our diet. One of the biggest gifts of consistent yoga practice is the ability to breathe through dysfunctionally – and by that, I mean Breathe for peace intense sensation. In life, when painful or inefficiently, it’s impossible to reap the full pleasurable sensations arise that threaten to throw us off centre or rob us of our peace, we benefits of those changes. But more importantly for me, is how our breathe and observe. I believe when we say we want to be happy; we really mean we want breathing can be a fast track to reducing to feel inner steadiness. That we are aligned with what’s true for us. We want to be able to On average we can live without food for up to stress and creating a positive internal identify what’s blocking, inspiring or terrifying us. We want to believe in our ability to have 3 weeks, without drink for up to 3 days – yet environment. In just a few seconds, we can a positive impact on the world around us. There’s no way to do any of that if we run every most of us can’t live without breathing for use our breath to calm our nervous system, time a difficult feeling arises. more than 3 minutes. We breathe on average get better clarity and stabilise our mood. The ability to connect with our breathing, slow it down, feel it happening is both simple 23,000 times a day (that’s a LOT!), so our We can create enough space between and profound. When we can scan our body for tension and when we exhale, maybe we breath is essential to our health and wellbeing. our thoughts to get a taste of something can soften a little. We can relieve ourselves of the illusion that we’re in control. Paradoxically, Just like with food and drink, not every breath called peace. we grant ourselves the greatest power we’ll ever have. has the same nutritional value. Make time to breathe The next time you are having an intense Get in to the habit of taking a few slow, On a physical level, our breath performs emotion, observe what’s happening in deep breaths several times a day. Sign up to a yoga, breathing or meditation class. several important Don’t say that you haven’t got time, this can be CRUCIAL in reducing stress, keeping functions including “We can use our breath to calm perspective and freeing up energy for the stuff providing oxygen, that truly matters. You have nothing to lose other than feelings of tension and worry. eliminating toxins our nervous system, get better and postural stability. clarity and stabilise our mood.” Breathing can also Sending you love and wishing you peace. Deborah Berryman Deborah Berryman is a Yoga & Meditation teacher, writer and mentor. She launched Whitespace Yoga & Wellbeing Studio in Stony Stratford over 9 years ago and is on a personal mission to share the benefits of wellbeing practices. Whitespace are offering CIRCUS readers the chance to try out 14 days of unlimited classes for just £20! Offer runs until June 30th, 2019 Whitespace Yoga & Wellbeing Studio 5 St Pauls Court Stony Stratford MK11 1LJ T: 01908 566610 E: [email protected] W: whitespacestudio.co.uk 31

psychic advice Dear Charley Ask Charley our resident psychic business and life coach. This issue it’s ADHD that is causing one reader pain – and Charley offers some Charley Hanson sound advice. Try to find a support group if you have not Dear Charley Other people who have to live with this already done so for parents with children I have a special needs daughter aged 11 condition will understand how hard it really with special needs, ADHD – Autism. SENCO (she has ADHD and Autism). It is a very is, the conflict, the lack of sleep, constant or social services will be able to point you in difficult condition to live with for both her and battles…Its mentally and physically the right direction. Buckinghamshire County us as parents. My problem is other parent’s exhausting, and understandably it is getting Council has CAMHS team for behavioural ignorance about the condition. She is being you down so I suggest you back away from support and they can also work with the bullied at school because she is different. this continual conflict as there is no winner school to resolve problems. There are also It’s really getting me down and I’m finding of any of these arguments. Your energy parenting classes that will be extremely it hard to cope. My husband sadly refuses could be used more effectively in other ways helpful. Don’t be scared of asking for help! to accept that her brain functions differently generating a more positive outcome. to ‘normal’ brains. Hence arguments and I feel over the next few months a lot of your tension at home. Some days I feel like \"It’s time to take problems will be behind you as you have driving away and never coming back. Sorry a step back and now found a constructive way forward. I for offloading onto you Charley, but I need focus on what’s have some lovely positive cards here for you your help. I just need to know if my daughter important, which this year. I see a happy family unit and going will be ok in this life? is your health, forward I see a child who has a fantastic Karen M your child, and imagination and is very active and happy in your family.\" herself, you will find something she excels in Hi Karen that she loves to do. I also feel horses would As I tune into your energy field, I feel quite To explain to our readers ADHD be a great connection with your daughter. apprehensive to the point that my nerves – Attention Deficit Hyperactivity are on edge and I feel shaken. You seem to Disorder is a childhood disorder Blessings be holding all your tension in your stomach. and can continue through Charley x My throat is constricting so you must have adolescence and adulthood. a lot on your mind that you would like to Symptoms may include difficulty For help and advice please contact communicate. You seem to run on adrenalin, staying focused and paying Milton Keynes Child and Adolescent but I feel you are also exhausted. You seem attention, difficulty controlling Mental Health Service (CAMHS). to be rushing around hitting brick walls and behaviour, and hyperactivity T: 01908 724228 not achieving very much. (over activity). W: cnwl.nhs.uk You seem to be engaging in constant battles Have a burning question or issue? around you and feel so isolated, like there’s Contact Charley at charleyhanson no one in your corner. It’s time to take a step @hotmail.com back and focus on what’s important, which is your health, your child, and your family. 32

Back Pain? Neck Pain? Sciatica? Headaches? Sports Injury? Chiropractic care from =Anthony Boylan MChiro DC may help. As a chiropractor, Anthony is trained in working with the body’s nervous system, which can be thought of as its control centre. When you’ve lost function, it may be due to a lack of communication between the brain and this all-important system. Areas of dysfunction often present, and you become more prone to injury. With chiropractic care, we seek to re-establish communication between the brain and nervous system to give you benefits such as: Fewer Injuries Greater Mobility Increased Immunity Pain-free Living Less Medication Required Just pop in or get in touch using the details below 86 High Street, Stony Stratford, Milton Keynes, MK11 1AH T: 01908 265222 E: [email protected]

FREE UV Coating & Hardcoat (Worth over £30.00) with children’s specs* (*complete pairs from a selected range) UaV1d9WCviterhtthis OUR NEXT WORKSHOPS FREE Introduction to a Yoni Egg Practice Prescription Sunglasses 11th May 2-5 PM Choose from a selected range when you Yin, Restorative, spend £175 or more on complete Live Guzheng and Nidra Workshop spectacles at DW Roberts this summer ... 13th July 2-4.30 PM SaUNdW1v9Ciethrtthis Conditions Summer Solstice Celebration apply 22nd June 3-6 PM 63 Queensway, A Journey Through Sounds, a whole day workshop and concert in the evening Bletchley, MK2 2DR [email protected] 15th June 3 St John Street, 01908 218121 OUR OFFERS Newport Pagnell, MK16 8HE Corporate Yoga Packages Wellbeing Hen Party Packages 16 High Street, 01908 562355 Baby Showers Wellbeing Packages Stony Stratford, MK11 1AF Alchemise Yoga and Wellbeing Studio 6 Sponne Shopping Centre, 01327 350240 37 Silver Street Towcester, NN12 6BY Newport Pagnell MK16 0EJ 17 The Square, Radcliffe Street, 01908 313338 T: 01908465900 Wolverton, MK12 5DQ alchemiseyogastudio.com www.dwroberts.co.uk

WOW therapy health & wellbeing Statistics show that 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience mental health problems each year caused by worries about money, job and relationships. CIRCUS talks to counsellor Natasha Cleweley, to find out how she is helping people to improve their mental health through her WOW Therapy Centre in Woburn Sands. What made you decide to launch WOW We also offer a service to local schools and today’s society facing up to and talking about Therapy? organisations. We run reflective practice their problems. Research shows that men find It has always been our vision to open a vibrant sessions to anyone working in helping it harder to access support. This is something and accessible Counselling and Wellbeing professions. We provide clinical supervision we would like to address. We are non- Centre. We know the power of good therapy and Continuing Professional Development judgemental and can offer flexible therapeutic and how it can transform lives. (CPD) for counsellors and other mental health support options for men. professionals. As a team we wanted to be able to showcase What is the most satisfying aspect of your the potential of dynamic, diverse and vibrant Who can benefit the power of WOW Therapy profession? talking therapy and how it is as relevant to self- Everyone can benefit from therapy. We The moment when we turn a corner with care as going to the gym, booking a beauty work with people of ALL ages, genders and clients. That ‘WOW!’ shift of realisation treatment or having social time. We know background including children and young and change happens. This is the most from experience that often therapy is either people. I love what I do. I just want to help spectacular and humbling experience to accessed at a point of crisis or not at all. And people experience the life changing shift witness as a counsellor. We are privileged to it can sadly be too late. We wanted to change therapy can provide. sit alongside people when this happens. this by opening a local therapy centre with a vibrant message. Sandra is experienced in relationship issues What is next for WOW Therapy? and trauma and has worked with Rape Crisis We hope to become a central part of the wider We believe in working on wellbeing through for many years and in addition supporting community in terms of providing a counselling vibrant and relevant therapy. We strive to clients with depression, suicidal thoughts and service which breaks the stigma of seeking provide healing, hope, resilience and promote self-harmers and anxiety and bullying. She is support for mental health. mental health well-being. highly experienced and knowledgeable with a warm, welcoming approach. WOW Therapy Who is part of the WOW team? High Street Our team consists of registered counsellors, What counselling do you have in place Woburn Sands psychotherapists and trained mental health for men? Milton Keynes practitioners. We combine a wealth of We wholeheartedly believe in providing a MK17 8RB experience in the field of counselling and space for men, without judgement. We believe mental health. This includes trauma, addiction, it is important to voice this as we recognise W: wowtherapy.co.uk anxiety and youth support. We also bring our that men, at times, can have a harder time in E: [email protected] own life experiences - so we make together T: 0333 577 3223 we make an eclectic and diverse team! “One day we aim to hear of mental What services do you offer? health being The Wow Therapy Centre offers prioritised and face to face counselling, therapy being group counselling, mentioned as workshops and drop ins. casually as a trip to the gym.” 35

Luna Mays do more than just lashes… FACIALS COMPETITION TIME! MASSAGE WIN! WIN! WIN! NAILS TINTING Spray Tan SPRAY TANS AESTHETICS Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage WAXING & THREADING PERMANENT MAKEUP Crystal Clear Dermabrasion Facial MALE TREATMENTS TONING WRAPS Cut and Finish MILLION DOLLAR FACIAL MICRONEEDLING Value - £188 “BE YOUR OWN KIND To be in with a chance of winning OF BEAUTIFUL!” answer this question: Monday to Friday 9am-7pm What respected industry publication Saturday 9am-6pm has awarded 5 Stars to Headonist Sunday by appointment only Hair & Beauty every year since 2010? Late evening appointments available Email your answers to: Luna May’s Salon [email protected] 75 High Street, Stony Stratford Winner will be announced on June 6th 2019 T: 01908 260104 E: [email protected] W: luna-may.com

Professional hairdressers and barbers for men and women Headonist is the 1st and only salon in Milton Keynes to be awarded 5 stars by the prestigious Good Salon Guide every year since 2010! ★★★★★ Cool, spacious and luxurious Headonist Hair & Beauty Salon was established in 2007 to bring a London salon experience to Milton Keynes. It’s a place to rejuvenate and relax in the heart of the prestigious Hub. We are looking for models to participate in an exciting hair and retro American 80’s fashion show. Must be between 18 – 25 Male and female models needed We will be holding a casting on Sunday 9th June @ 2pm Please also register your interest by messaging us via Facebook and sending us a recent full length picture of yourself. Headonist Hair & Beauty 313 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes MK9 2GA T 01908 609898 F headonisthairbeauty W headonisthair.com TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR FANTASTIC RANGE OF HAIR & BEAUTY TREATMENTS, OFFERS AND DISCOUNTS VISIT WWW.HEADONISTHAIR.COM

siren vintage From vintage… Jade Monica Wallace is the rather cool owner of The Siren Vintage in Stony Stratford. CIRCUS finds out how she started her love affair with the past. When did you develop your love of all late 19th century to mid-20th century, although hairdressing double chair with hood hairdryers things vintage Jade? we lean more toward the 40’s and 50’s. There attached that actually work, so we have started It really started from a young age. I had a just seems to be a real appetite for those eras running vintage hair tutorials where people can natural eye for older pieces and the styles and of feminine glamour and style by our clientele. come in groups. It’s a lot of fun and everybody designs just really appealed to me as a young That’s not to say that we don’t also edge into looks beautiful and love their ‘do’s’. If people girl. My mum would drag me along to charity the Mod influenced 60’s clothes too for men reading are interested, they can book via email shops, jumble sales and car boot shows. At and women – and children too actually. or instore. first, I was reluctant but as I matured, I realised choosing vintage was not only helping the “We carry some How can vintage lovers buy your pieces environment in a small way but made me feel really interesting online? much more confident in myself and my body pieces. People say They can view our Etsy store - Etsy.com/ compared to the fashions you find in High they love coming TheSirenVintage or as our stock is ever Street shops. Also, the skilled workmanship to Siren Vintage changing, and we don’t know what will come and quality materials make the clothes stand because you never in one day to the next, it is best to keep an the test of time and last longer. know what you eye on our Facebook page where we post might find!” regularly. How did you start trading in vintage goods? As well as clothes we have jewellery, toys, We accept PayPal and deliver globally. I had just graduated, did the usual travelling records, art, kitsch ornaments and furniture. and working abroad and when I got back, I There are religious icon pieces, vintage The Siren Vintage couldn’t find a job that I actually wanted to 83 High Street do. I was just 22 at the time and decided Christmas ornaments – all sorts really and Stony Stratford to start selling my ever-growing we are always happy to help people MK11 1AT collection of vintage clothes. In source items too. T: 07926 565364 fact, the very first item I sold was E: [email protected] a silk 40’s blouse to a West End What sort of events do you F: facebook.com/TheSirenVintage/ theatre wardrobe mistress run at The Siren Vintage and was used in Driving and how can people register Miss Daisy. their interest or find out about them? Describe the stock in your We got hold of a 1950’s boutique and what era's they come from? We cover several eras - from the 38

kwirk works …To Retro! first love which was the 'Soul Scene' of the 1960’s to the mid 1970’s. So, labels such as 80’s American Classics are THE latest fashion trend to hit the UK for Fred Perry and Ben Sherman. We also sell the younger generation. We speak to Linda Hart, owner of online shop gritty ,well-worn Levi's in all designs which KWIRK Works to find out how she sources her rare finds. are ALWAYS in high demand along with bold bright Hawaiian Shirts that never go out What inspired you to start collecting 80’s together, so each time we’ve gone over to the of fashion. We’ve got a really lovely, wide American Retro clothing? USA – or Europe – we do our research and selection of pretty, festival garb, gorgeous I was ‘there’ at the very start of the Northern actively go and seek out more fantastic rag tops and 'T' shirts from that era too, Original Soul scene and was a regular at Wigan markets and thrift stores – and always pick up 80’s American football and baseball shirts and Casino and the scene was all about the bargains. jackets too are all really popular right now. music, the dancing and of course the fashion. We dressed differently and would go out of We keep going further and further afield and But we are super thrilled to be expanding our way to find interesting pieces from the have really found some gems! in to Dickies Street Wear which is a classic 50’s and 60’s that nobody else had. American brand that has been going since Describe the stock in your boutique and 1922. So, original American bowling shirts, My daughter moved to Atlanta, Georgia, USA the different styles? striped polos, logo bomber jackets and so on. just over a year ago and my best friend Jenny The core style of our stock is based on our Brook and I go and visit regularly. Each time This line again reflects back to our original we go over we visit the local Thrift Stores – love and the resurrection of a Soul Era that they don’t have ‘vintage’ as such over there has been bubbling away underground in the – and we pick up the most amazing clothes UK for the last few years. from that era. What are the price ranges? Where do you source all these great It varies of course, but really anything clothes from? between £5 to £100 and more if we have an We are always, always on the lookout for a outstanding piece. gem ...Both Jenny and myself, usually holiday View the whole collection of 80’s American Retro Classics at: W: etsy.com/uk/shop/KWIRKWORKS Or call Linda or Jenny on the numbers below for more details. Linda Hart : 07941 541260 Jenny Brook: 07968 352266 39

royal memorabilia God save the Queen unclassy, unofficial, yet subversively cool and therefore utterly fabulous wares that you can (and the rest of the family!) pick up in the tourist shops around the major streets and sights in London. Inexpensive and Why we love Royal Memorabilia. By Emma St. Roas hugely popular with tourists these items are often a sight to behold!! The Royals; undoubtedly this country’s first A list celebrities and forever at the heart of Flags, cups, plate, t shirts and figurines are on British culture. They have forever fascinated the more conservative side of the ‘tourist tat’ us. We have adored them for hundreds of phenomenon. The more adventurous shopper years and are fiercely proud of our country’s can take their pick from inflatable crowns, most famous family. swimsuits imprinted with Harry and Meghan’s faces and Royal condoms brandishing the tag Fast forward to 2019 and we are still besotted. lines ‘Fit for a prince! and ‘Lie back and think of We pour over their style, relationships, holidays England’!!!!! and nothing rouses the nation like a royal wedding or birth of a prince or princess. With But is there a typical customer? I spoke to Craig all of these events, comes the memorabilia Jones, a sales assistant for a popular Oxford and souvenirs, a business that originates from Circus tourist stall who told me, “We don’t have the marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince a typical customer. It’s a complete mixture of Albert In 1840. tourists buying joke type presents for friends and family and day trippers who just want a little something to remember London by.” Since the 1900’s, the phenomenon has The Queens Jewels Highly collectable continued to grow. Fast forward 171 years to Sparkling replicas of the Queens jewellery But is this just a pointless waste of time and the 2011 wedding of The Duke and Duchess collection can be bought from the Tower of money? Apparently not. Collecting Royal family of Cambridge where a staggering £222 London. Copies of royal engagement rings, memorabilia can actually be highly lucrative. million pounds worth of official – and unofficial tiara’s and brooches can be yours at a fraction For example, limited edition ‘Charles and Diana’ - merchandise was sold. Starting with the of the original price. High street jewellers Coca Cola bottles released in 1981 can fetch ‘official’ is the Royal Collection Trust, produced have recreated the iconic engagement ring upwards of £135 each on eBay. Royal Doulton to a spectacular finish, and commissioned belonging first to Princess Diana and lovingly ‘Victoria & Albert’ jugs are worth £110 and most by Buckingham Palace. A boom for British passed on to Kate by Prince William. Owning a recently the Royal Doulton, Limited Edition industry indeed! little piece of history, even a replica makes us ‘Loving Cup’ released to commemorate the feel closer to the monarchy. union of Kate and Wills is now worth £700! Stoke on Trent china The china pieces… plates, tea sets, ornaments Emma Bridgwater tributes In conclusion, the Royal family are a constant and collectables are produced in the potteries I’m a huge fan of the English pottery range, that we can be proud of and continue to buy in of Stoke on Trent and sold at Windsor Castle, Emma Bridgewater. Emma has created a range to. And with the imminent arrival of Harry and Hollyrood House and Buckingham Palace. The of mugs, tea towels and plates that celebrate Meghan's first child memorabilia is showing no beautifully crafted pieces commemorate births, in her words, “Our landscapes, landmarks signs of dying down anytime soon. anniversary’s and weddings. and long reigning Monarchs“, the collection interwoven with fascinating facts about our Emma St. Roas is our brand-new vintage These include The Queens Diamond Jubilee in Royals. and retro expert and writer. Visit her blog 2012, the 60th anniversary of the Coronation In @ www.frockitblog.com. Welcome to the 2013, The Queens 90th birthday and china- Tourist Shop Kitsch! team Emma! wear to celebrate the births of HRH Prince I’ve left my absolute favourite genre of souvenirs George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. until last. Tourist Shop Kitsch! The decidedly 40

royal memorabilia “Love them or loathe them, the Royal family tourism and souvenir ‘industry’ is said to be worth in the region of £1.8 billion per year!” 41

indian arts Indian Arts, Stony From the Portobello Road to the High Street in Stony, Indian Arts has evolved into one of favourite destinations for unique, quirky and individual household items. CIRCUS speaks to owner and visionary Simon Rhodes to find out how it all began and what his exciting plans are for the future. Tell us where your love for all things difficult as this was before the invention of knowledge of sales and the internet I could Indian started Simon. the internet. With this challenge and once I access a global marketplace to sell these The idea and passion for India started in my started a family the idea got put on hold and I products. Indian Arts was born! early 20’s and in 1992 I first travelled there began a career in sales. straight after college. About 8 years ago I decided that I wanted How easy was that to do? to make a career change. The problem was Setting up the business was surprisingly Whilst travelling, we saw many beautiful - what could I do? I knew that I wanted to easy. Initially the business was started as places and met the people who have the use the power of the internet to build a sales a hobby in a spare bedroom with the goal skills and imagination to make and produce business. of building an online presence with good some of the great items that we now buy. I reputation. The biggest challenge was to find was hooked. After nearly 3 years wondering what I could reliable suppliers with a range of suitable do, I realised that the idea I had when in products which we could sell. So how did you start selling in the UK? India was something I had enjoyed and Upon my return from India, I decided to try been passionate about. By combining my Fortunately, with some research we selling some of the great things we had seen. managed to find experienced, like minded I did this for a year or so by getting stalls “We hope that by suppliers who have been able to support us in Camden, Portobello and Greenwich investing in our in the growth of the business. markets in London. This gave me the local high street opportunity to make regular trips to India. we will gain the With many late nights, early mornings and I was living the dream! support of the local numerous trips to the post office to get the community.” business going, my house soon became full I soon realised that to make this a success of products and it was then that we realised I would need to find a better way to get that we needed to take the step of making the products to the customer, which was the business a full-time venture. 42

Tell us about the sort of products that you indian arts sell and the price ranges. The focus of the business is to sell ethical, fair trade, handmade, recycled & vintage products that are primarily sourced from India. We have built up a unique and exciting range of cushions, rugs, throws, lanterns, incense, furniture & gift items. With prices from as little as £1.50 to large furniture items for over £1,000, there is something to suit all budgets. Do you think that there is a gap in the market locally for the products that you sell? Our research has also found that there are many people who are looking for something different and ethical and independent in the Milton Keynes area, however they mostly find the same large chain stores with only a few independent shops located around the area. Over the last few years people are becoming “The focus of the business is to sell ethical, fair more aware of the issues that surround trade, handmade, recycled & vintage products their buying, including ethical purchasing, that are primarily sourced from India.” sustainability and the environment. The demand for ethical products is With the planned increase in new housing increasing and we expect this trend to in the local area we expect this demand to continue as more people choose to shop grow as more people come in to the area in a more considered manner. making Stony Stratford the go to place to find shops like ours. What made you set up shop in Stony Stratford/ Stony Stratford and the surrounding areas Will there be more ‘field trips’ to far flung The idea of a high street shop has always have a great sense of community and there shores to source new products? been a part of the vision for the business are many events that bring visitors in to the We hope to spend more time travelling and probably goes back to those early days town. We hope that by investing in our local to meet and see the crafts people, build trading in markets in London. high street we will gain the support of the new relationships and find new products local community to both buy our items and both in India and in other countries such We decided that establishing a traditional help spread the word about our products and as Morocco which has been our most ‘bricks and mortar’ shop would provide us what we are about. recent trip. with the perfect showroom to display our products, which will help us to grow and How do you see the business growing in develop our brand. the next year or so? Over the next year or so our goal is to spend As a trial, we set up a small popup shop time sourcing more unique products for our in Stony Stratford for a few months which shop, and to increase awareness of our shop proved that there was a market for the locally to help build a regular customer base. products we sell in the local area. We expect that the online business will Since opening the shop and talking to the continue to grow. During the next year we customers, there is a consensus that there will be looking to expand our product ranges are many people who do not like using with many new and exciting Fair Trade and the internet for their shopping and prefer handmade ethical products. the experience of a real Indian Arts shop. With 61 High Street the products Stony Stratford we sell, colour, MK11 1AY texture, smell T: 0800 988 4202 and sound are E: [email protected] an integral part W: indianarts.co.uk of the experience F: facebook.com/pg/indianarts1/ and are what we believe will help keep customers coming back to visiting us. 43

vitreus art Vitreus Art Silver Jewellery Making By Kelly Gavaghan for the earring and pendant attachments. Then they were fired in the kiln. While my masterpieces were being ‘fired’ I took a break for lunch at the incredibly quaint but cool ARTea Rooms… When the pieces came out of the kiln, they had actually shrunk by 11% which is normal. They still looked quite burnished but then Jenny handed me a wire brush and told me to ‘get scrubbing’. All of a sudden, the alchemy happened and – tada! I’d made silver! I felt like a child experiencing magic for the first time! Art is good for your health! In conclusion and all in all, I’d really had the nicest day and quite surprised myself just how much I enjoyed the course and learning something new and noted just how happy and relaxed I felt after. I was very pleased with myself and the jewellery that I had made, as were my father and daughter whom I created the pieces for. They may not be perfect, but they were made out of love, and for that reason they told me that they will treasure them always. When was the last time that you took a The process Vitreus Art studio is a tranquil and visually day out for yourself and did something beautiful environment and Mike and Jenny completely new? No, I couldn’t remember My first surprise was to learn that we would are such interesting and creative teachers either. So, inspired by Mike Caddy’s be using a precious metal clay - or PMC - and artists - not to mention the loveliest of article in the last issue of CIRCUS entitled that had 999 particles of silver per thousand hosts and great company. I came away ‘Discover your inner artist and improve making it purer than the standard 925 that feeling so blessed and fortunate that I had your health!’ I decided to book onto a is commonly sold. After deciding what we had the opportunity to do something different silver jewellery making workshop at his were going to make (heart shaped earrings and that I took a day out to stop and smell the studio; Vitreus Art at Wakefield Park. and a pendant for my beautiful daughter) we roses. also chose from a variety of patterned rubber In early March I booked a day off work, mats, which would be the pattern for the back And yes, I 100% agree with Mike – Art Is turned off my mobile and headed up to of the pieces. We used a special balm to rub Good for Your Health! the beautiful art studio, looking forward to into our hands and the mat so that the putty whatever was in store. didn’t stick. We rolled the putty across it, then During the day I had the opportunity to ask peeled it off carefully. We then chose another Jenny and Mike more about their business It was a small class; just me and my teacher pattern for the top of the piece and again, and training. Jenny who is also co-owner of Vitreus Art carefully laid across to imprint. (I also made a - one to one tuition. My favourite. I arrived to curly ‘D’ keyring for my lovely Dad.) When did you launch Vitreus Art Gallery? find my work station laid out with all the tools, We opened our galley in December 2014, pastes and rubber mats and metal plates that Once this was done, we simply chose where but we’ve been making stained glass I would need for the day. And so, it began. we wanted to place the heart shaped cutter commissions and selling at design shows for and shaped our pieces, also piercing holes around 14 years, and teaching glass art for over 10 years. What do you both specialise in? We each have more than 15 years- experience in making stained glass in traditional and contemporary methods. Jenny has added Precious Metal Clay jewellery making and fused glass to her range of skills 44

vitreus art while Mike has developed a specialism, in Tiffany-method glass, PMC Silver Jewellery, Your stained-glass art is really stunning sculptural glass garden art and making 3d Shibori Silk Painting (using ancient Japanese and unique. Do you get commissioned stained glass lamps in modern styles. Mike methods), scented candle making and glass for pieces? also does some glass fusing when the kilns applique, which is very similar to mosaic. Actually, we delivered our first commission aren’t full of students’ work! just a few months after setting up our own Our art tutor, Clare Tebboth runs classes studios 15 years ago! Since then we have How long have you been running silver in Painting & Drawing, Wild Watercolours, been commissioned to make traditional jewellery making workshops Jenny? Printmaking and Mixed Media Madness so leaded windows, large statement wall art, Well, we are in our second year of running we really do offer a range of fun classes for all garden sculptures, highly personal fused the Precious Metal Clay classes now which painters and new artists. glass art projects as well as decorative have proved really popular. We had to both designs to liven up corporate offices. attended an intensive PMC Certification The gallery is full of interesting and beautiful courses in 2016 with Helen Forder who runs art. It really is a joy to spend the day here. We love working closely with the customer the UK’s PMC accreditation centre so that we How do you select the artists? at all stages and want as much of their input became accredited to teach too. Well, we select mainly local artists for our as possible when it comes to the design, gallery as we aim to support local makers choosing the textural and coloured glass and What other workshops do you run who have something unique to offer, but we invite them to view the work-in-progress at Vitreus Art? we also work with makers from a little at the studio. We invite the client to add their Everything we love! We run classes in glass further afield when we find work that excites personal touches like significant dates or fusing, making stained glass lamps and us! Everything is artisan-made and often words that are subtly incorporated as part of mirrors, traditional leaded glass and modern completely unique. the piece. “The best job in the world for me is teaching This really is the dream job for you two students and seeing how making something isn’t it! beautiful brings so much joy.” Jenny - It is! The best job in the world for me is teaching students and seeing how making something beautiful brings so much joy. Doing this for a living has been my dream for years and I can’t quite believe I’m doing it! Mike concludes – Absolutely! Making stained glass for our customers and enabling our wonderful students to discover their own artistic inner-side is such a pleasure. It’s hard work, but it sure beats a desk job for me! So, there you have it! If you are interested in discovering your inner artist and trying something new, get in touch with Jenny and Mike @ Vitreus Art to find out more about their fantastic variety of art courses! Vitreus Art 4 Wakefield County Courtyard Towcester NN12 7QX T: 01327 810320 W: vitreus-art.co.uk/ 45

lou loves london! London!Lou Loves There’s a running joke between my friends and I that if there’s anything cool going on in London and I haven’t already mentioned, booked tickets for or heard of it, it probably isn’t worth it! By Louise Joy Luckily, this isn’t strictly true because Because life is too short - and London You then travel to a secret location to find the vibrant city of London is never short moves quickly - I try my hardest to attend as yourself pretty much living in the movie. You of quirky pop up bars, immersive events, many events as I can. In the past, I’ve failed can explore the immersive sets, watch as offbeat tours..and of course damn right spectacularly in The Crystal Maze and I’ve scenes from the film unfold around you or get weird and wonderful everything else! been scared silly on London’s Ghost Bus tour. fully into character. You can speak to the actors, Thanks to Secret Cinema, I’ve even become a be given tasks and even find yourself in secret hospital patient during the zombie apocalypse, rooms or earning fake money for your part. a lady of the night during the Bohemian movement in Paris and a scorned Montague The second part of the experience is watching in Verona Beach - kudos if you can correctly the movie. It takes place at the location but guess all three films brought to life when I was it’s always somewhere really quirky. Actors these characters! also act out prominent scenes from the movie as it’s playing, and you can also get involved Secret Cinema presents Casino during this part. Casino Royale is set to be a Royale thrilling ride of high stakes, deception - and of course, martinis. Probably the easiest - and most glamourous - choices to date, if you’re looking to dip your toe Secret Cinema presents Casino Royale into the immersive world of Secret Cinema, this runs from the 5th of June to the 22nd of summer is the time to do it. Let me give you the September. Tickets start from £49 and lowdown: Secret Cinema (sometimes pricey but includes access to the online M16 employee always worth it) is essentially an event split into portal, bespoke mission briefing and alias two parts. The first part sees you transforming on top of the immersive experience/film. yourself into a character pre-decided for you. 46

Variant 31 lou loves london! If you’re after an entirely different type of thrill, The Murder Express ABQ London then I’d recommend Variant 31 - if you’re brave enough of course. This heart pumping experiencing a Martian invasion of 1898. The this. The new venue also includes a pizza bar immersive experience combines horror, experience lasts for 110 minutes and includes and a party bar. If you love Breaking Bad, this gaming - and zombies. No word on what the a 20 minute intermission at a bar, as well as the one’s for you. If you don’t? It’s still a hell of a storyline is exactly as of yet, but what we do choice of drinks in a steampunk themed bar lot of fun (but there are many inside jokes). know is that it’s a 90 minute experience taking once the experience is complete. Science b*tch! place among 35 floors across seven buildings Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds: The An ABQ London experience costs £35. - and you’ll have free reign to explore wherever Immersive Experience runs from the 1st of you want. What we do know is that it involves June until the 31st August and tickets start The Murder Express a bio-weapon called Variant 31 and we all from £39.50. know that bio-weapons are usually a bad idea. For a not-so-classic murder mystery evening, The experience involves hidden passages, ABQ London try The Murdér Express. More immersive controllable weather and team building as you theatre than getting involved in the who-done- try and escape. So, it’s basically a giant horror Finally - although ABQ London is open all it mystery (although there’s still opportunities escape room which includes the undead. year round - you can’t deny that this Breaking to get involved!), this expedition takes place Where do I sign up? Bad themed cocktail bar isn’t perfect on a on a luxury ‘train’ whilst indulging in a four Tickets for Variant 31 are available from the warm summer’s day in the capital - pub crawl course menu and drinks from the Seven Sins 2nd of September and start from £55. around Hackney anyone? Don your hazmat platform bar. The attention to detail is said to suits and climb aboard the RV for an exciting be second-to-none, and many guests choose Jeff Wayne’s The War of the cocktail making experience. With hilarious to dress the part. The menu has been curated Worlds: The Immersive Experience (and definitely not suitable for under 18’s!) by MasterChef 2016 winner Jane Devonshire in character staff and experimental cocktails too, so you know the food is also going to be This one is definitely going to be a fan favourite - such as the Dry Walter or ABQ Brekkie (yes, delicious. and who hasn’t heard of The War of the Worlds? it comes with cereal), you’ll be mad to miss The Murdér Express runs indefinitely and This experience offers immersive theatre, tickets start from £53. augmented reality, virtual reality, holograms (!) and other cutting-edge technology to help bring Louise Joy describes herself as a writer, Jeff Wayne’s classic vision to life. And if you blogger adventurer and music enthusiast don’t know what War of the Worlds is? You’ll be and hails from the mighty METRO newspaper. We are overJOYed to have “Therefore, I’m extremely excited to bring you her on board at CIRCUS! my column all about the quirky goings-on in London. In my first column, I’m talking about Check out Louise’s fabulous, quirky the top five immersive events going down in blog @ www.formidablejoy.com where the capital this summer.” I can GUARANTEE you will be amused, bemused and inspired. Louise is no average blogger. And we LOVE her for that! 47



festival fun! weather – so our fingers are crossed for sunshine on 25 August! Family Fun @ What bands and performers can the Swanbourne Festival audience look forward to this year? Our headliners are The Zutons. We are CIRCUS gets the low down on what our favourite local festival has to offer. thrilled to have secured them as they have reunited this year for a series of gigs, after When did Swanbourne Festival launch and people and were fortunate to have incredible eight years apart. Their shows so far have how did it all begin? weather. Last year, 2018, we upped the all been selling out – so Swanbourne Music Swanbourne Music Festival has been under scale and sold nearly 3,000 tickets. Scouting Festival is a hot ticket to grab! We can’t wait the leadership of Oakman Inns since 2017, for Girls performed, and they were brilliant! to see thousands of happy faces singing when they took over and refurbished The However, the amazing heatwave of last along to ‘Valerie’! Betsey Wynne pub. There was a small summer broke over the August bank holiday community festival in the same space in and it was a very wet day. A true ‘festival We are introducing something a little different previous years, but with the support of the mud’ experience for everyone who braved it this year with the boys from RSVP Bhangra Swanbourne Estate, we’ve grown the event in their wellies! as our support act. Their modern Bhangra and put some decent budget behind it, to energy has rocked crowds at Glastonbury, help it grow into the great festival it now We’ve added to our food and drink offerings Isle of Wight Festival, Boomtown and all the is. We wanted to keep up the community over the years so we can appeal to all tastes, big festivals – and they will definitely get the support, with various local charities bringing the usual burgers, ice cream and Swanbourne crowd on their feet! benefitting from fundraising opportunities, bars to our visitors, but also Mexican, Indian, and offer a really good value bank holiday Jamaican and Italian cuisines – as well as The Eclectix will be back again this year day out for visitors. Ticket pricing rises the plenty of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free after we received such fabulous feedback closer we get to Sunday 25 August – so we options. about them last time. We’ve also got several advise you to get in and buy yours as soon more local and up-and-coming bands and as you can. Each year we work on logistics and take performers entertaining us throughout the our attendee feedback on board, and afternoon. Is the festival a family affair? hopefully our fans will see the tweaks and Absolutely! We have loads on offer for all improvements we make every time they The full line-up can be seen at www. ages. There will be inflatables and bouncy attend. The one thing we can’t book is the swanbournemusicfestival.co.uk. castles, some small fairground rides for little Tickets can be purchased at www. ones, and various craft and sweetie stalls to swanbournemusicfestival.co.uk. keep kids happy. The event is really safe, completely contained in a single field, and the atmosphere over the last couple of years has been lovely. We have loved seeing lots of babies and toddlers dancing at the front of the stage! Tickets for children Under 10 are free, as we want to attract families and offer a good value day out. We’ve also ensured that the festival doesn’t finish too late – at around 10pm. How have you seen it evolve over the years? In our first year (2017), we laid the foundations for a much bigger event than locals had previously seen and booked Toploader to play. We attracted 1,500 49

north western The North Western listings The music is hotting up at The North Western to deliver some sweet summer sounds! By Andy Knight FRIDAY 7TH JUNE THE REFORMERS The Reformers are a well-known, popular MK band who play big songs from the likes of Thin Lizzy, David Bowie, T-Rex, Sex Pistols, The Clash, Dandy Warhol’s, Oasis and The Ramones. The Reformers FRIDAY 14TH JUNE Dr. Moonshine DOWN SOUTH FRIDAY 10TH MAY FRIDAY 12TH JULY TALLER THAN ELVIS Down South are a fairly new band who got DR. MOONSHINE together through various local jam nights. We are welcoming Taller Than Elvis to the They play a soulful mix of classic rock and Dr. Moonshine are a three-piece party covers North Western for the first time. A great band blues numbers. band playing everything from The Beatles to with a charismatic front man that will get the Greenday and everything in between. crowd in party mood! Down South FRIDAY 19TH JULY FRIDAY 17TH MAY LIFE AFTER AFTER THE LIGHTS Life After always go down well at the North After the Lights are one of the area’s most Western with their mix of classic songs from popular bands. They have been going for The Pretenders, Fleetwood Mac, Blondie and years and play classic rock focussing on the more. 70’s. Expect to hear hits from Wishbone Ash, The Eagles, Lynrd Skynrd and more… FRIDAY 24TH MAY FRIDAY 21ST JUNE Life After KRAZY KAT LADIES LITTLE PIG FRIDAY 26TH JULY These Kats are a quirky local outfit that cover Little Pig have been going for many years SWEENEY TODD songs from across the decades. Perfect for and are a well-liked local band that play the weekend vibe at the North Western. songs by legendary bands such as Pink Sweeney Todd will be playing the North Floyd, REM, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Western for the first time. Best described FRIDAY 31ST MAY The Kinks and a few more to boot! as a vintage covers band with plenty of THE RETROS experience. Expect a night full of surprises! FRIDAY 28TH JUNE We welcome The Retros back to the North LYIN’ TOADS The North Western Western, a four-piece old skool rock band from 11 Stratford Road Buckingham and Bedford. If you like your music Lyin’ Toads are a fun three-piece band with a Wolverton loud, fast and classic they are the band for you. big sound. They will play a great set of songs Milton Keynes to bring in the weekend perfectly. Great rock MK12 5LJ The Retros covers from Deep Purple to David Bowie. T: 01908 322797 F: facebook.com/ FRIDAY 5TH JULY northwesternwolverton IDENTITY CRISIS Identity Crisis return after a triumphant gig earlier this year. Great lead vocals and awesome musicianship along with a good following make for a cracking night. 50