Features

Local food champion, The Sussex Peasant brings fresh, seasonal produce direct from Sussex farms and producers to communities across the county. Here, the founder, Ed Johnstone shares his take on a comforting classic – cottage pie... As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, there are few things more comforting than a proper homemade cottage pie. Rich and hearty beef, seasonal vegetables and creamy mash, finished with a generous grating of Sussex cheese – simple, warm

Autumn sunlight on spindle leaves is a sight that’s impossible to forget, says Flo Whitaker – who also reckons it’s impossible to find a more characterful, easy-going tree... ‘Spindles’, (Euonymus europaeus) are deciduous, hardy and long-lived small trees. They are native to the British Isles and are usually found in hedgerows and at woodland edges, where they hide in plain sight for most of the year. Come autumn, their leaves erupt into glorious hues that can, literally, sto

This month Lisa de Silva explores what to consider when planning a skiing holiday, along with non-skiing activities to suit all ages and interests... Blending adventure and relaxation amid stunning mountain scenery, a skiing holiday offers so much more than winter sport. While many are motivated by the exhilaration of gliding through the powder, there are plenty of other wonderful winter activities to enjoy for non-skiers. In fact, just soaking up the scenery of majestic snow

Now is the perfect time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead. Discover heating options, fireplace inspiration, energy-saving advice and environmentally friendly ways to stay warm as autumn approaches... As summer slowly gives way to autumn, there’s a subtle shift in the air. Mornings become crisper, evenings draw in earlier and thoughts naturally turn towards making our homes feel warm, welcoming and comfortable once again. September is the ideal time to prepare y

From sumptuous timber and natural stone to tactile carpets and statement patterns, discover how the right flooring can transform a room and is the foundation of luxury... When we think about luxurious interiors, our attention naturally turns to beautiful kitchens, statement lighting, bespoke furniture and carefully chosen accessories. Yet one of the most influential design decisions is quite literally beneath our feet. Flooring provides the foundation for every room, influenc

As the autumn nights draw in, it's the perfect time to cosy up with a new book. Here are some new releases to look out for in October... Drive: A Memoir by Christian Horner For over 20 years Christian Horner built and ran Red Bull Racing, transforming a rookie team acquired for just £1 into one of the leading forces in Formula 1. Inspired by the company’s unofficial motto, ‘No Risk, No Fun’, Horner’s Red Bull rewrote the rulebook, broke longstanding records, won 14 World Cham

From choosing the perfect venue to the finishing touches, here’s how to bring your dream day together without losing sight of what really matters... Planning a wedding is one of those rare occasions when hundreds of little decisions come together to create one very memorable day. From the venue and flowers to the dress, menu, music and photographs, there is plenty to organise – but having a clear plan makes the whole process much more enjoyable. Whether you are dreaming of a

Sarah Hazebroek has overhauled her Victorian home and turned it into a fun and colourful backdrop for her antique finds and her own collection of lampshades and homeware... Credits: huddlecollection.com Photography: Richard Gadsby/Living4media Words: Amy Maynard/Living4media Over ten years ago, Sarah and Myles Hazebroek were living in a townhouse in Tunbridge Wells when they decided they needed more outdoor space for their two little ones, Ted and Polly, to roam. Sarah, who r

Helping an older parent, relative or friend remain independent doesn’t necessarily mean making major changes. Small adaptations, technology and a little practical support can make everyday life safer, easier and more manageable... For most of us, independence is something we value at every age. Being able to make our own choices, move around our home safely, pop to the shops or simply enjoy a cup of tea in a favourite chair can make a huge difference to confidence and wellbei

Before you go and spend too much money on fashion for the new season, it might be a good idea to look at the clothes in your wardrobe that you already own... Autumn always brings the temptation to go shopping, gathering tops, bottoms, knitwear and all manner of other delightful designs, yet in reality, the most stylish seasonal updates often cost very little. Either you can pick them up by being focused on what you really need or, better still, you might already own them! Her

World Sight Day is this month, so why not treat your eyes, and your tastebuds, to this mouth-watering recipe. Watercress contains many nutrients associated with eye health; it is rich in vitamin A, that contributes to normal eye function, and in vitamin C which may protect against cataracts... Serves: 4 Ingredients: 1 small pumpkin or butternut squash 200g/7oz Arborio risotto rice 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 5 shallots, peeled and finely diced 1 tbsp olive oil plus more

This month, Teddy's apprentice Bear puts her best paws forward and takes over the column, as she explains via her human interpreter, Helen Stockton... The observant amongst you will have noticed it’s a different dog at the helm this month. I have, of course, featured in Uncle Teds’ column before, but only with him breathing down my neck, checking I’m doing it properly. Now, having served my apprenticeship with chubby crayons, I’m being let loose on the literary world in my ow

Lisa de Silva explores the traditions, history and latest trends in honeymooning, along with providing some inspiration for this significant travel experience... A wonderful way to celebrate the start of married life, honeymoons play an important role in most wedding plans. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, culture or indulgent luxury, it’s a chance to spend precious alone time together, making lifelong memories. The history of the honeymoon Originating in 5th

From its medieval port and historic buildings to its riverside walks, creative spirit and beautiful beach, Shoreham-by-Sea offers a blend of heritage, nature and contemporary coastal living... Shoreham-by-Sea sits where the River Adur meets the English Channel, with the South Downs rising to the north and Shoreham Beach stretching along the coast, it is a town shaped by water, trade, industry and landscape. Today, Shoreham offers independent shops and cafés, galleries, restau

As autumn arrives and gardens fill with colourful leaves, resist the urge to clear them all away. They provide food, shelter and vital nutrients for wildlife and soil... There is something magical about kicking through a carpet of autumn leaves. Crunchy, colourful and wonderfully seasonal, they are one of the signs that summer is finally giving way to cooler days. But while grown-ups might see fallen leaves as something to rake up and remove, children can learn that they are

From spooktacular fun to autumn beauty, here's the latest goings-on across our beautiful county at this lovely time of year: Fall for Autumn at Hever Castle: Autumn Colour Monday 28th September to Sunday 1st November There’s something particularly magical about Hever Castle in autumn, when the gardens burst into fiery shades of red, gold and amber. Visitors can enjoy self-guided walks through the 125-acre grounds, with the Castle’s famous Boston Ivy providing one of the seaso

Short winter days are on the way, but hyacinth and narcissi bulbs can be grown in pots to enjoy indoors. Get planting quickly and some could even be in flower by Christmas, says Flo Whitaker... When buying hyacinth bulbs, you’ll find two distinct types; ‘standard/non-prepared’ and ‘prepared’. Standard hyacinths are primarily used to give an outdoor display in March/April. You can also fill pots of them to bring inside as they commence flowering, but non-prepared types cannot

This is a paid for article. Swans with a secret, a masterpiece stolen more times than any other, and some of the finest cooking in the Low Countries. Bill Murray takes Le Shuttle to Flanders and finds a city that feeds the senses and the soul. Tour boats on the Lys — Canal boats glide between the Graslei and Korenlei. Some journeys begin at the departure gate. Ours began in a queue of cars at Folkestone (a minor delay was had but the end result was still great). There is some

A new school year brings fresh opportunities and inevitable nerves. From building confidence to creating healthy routines, try these practical ways to help children thrive both inside and outside the classroom

From Bluey to dinosaurs, concerts and Festivals, there's something for all the family happening in Sussex this September. Check out our monthly guide so you don't miss out!