The Chiltern & Langleys Summer edition

Summer 2014

KATE MOSS TOP SHOP

SUMMER TRAVELS

Summer2014

FASHION FOOD

INTERIORS

& MUCH MORE

chiltern & langleysthe

Magazine

FOR A TOAD

CRISP, GOLD & HOPPY

3.6

SIDE POCKETSIDE POCKETSIDE POCKET

STOUT

SMOOTH, DARK AND HANDSOME

4.7

TEA KETTLETEA KETTLETEA KETTLE

twitter.com/tringbreweryfacebook.com/tringbrewerywww.tringbrewery.co.uktel 01442 890721

2 The Chiltern and Langleys Magazine

FOR A TOAD

CRISP, GOLD & HOPPY

3.6

SIDE POCKETSIDE POCKETSIDE POCKET

STOUT

SMOOTH, DARK AND HANDSOME

4.7

TEA KETTLETEA KETTLETEA KETTLE

twitter.com/tringbreweryfacebook.com/tringbrewerywww.tringbrewery.co.uktel 01442 890721

THIS MONTHTHINGS TO DO

THEATRE

FASHION

INTERIORS

FOOD

WALKS

TRAVEL

06 Bucks Railway

Hamlet

Maleficent

08 Antiques Roadshow

16 Waterside

18 The Colloseum

22 Dorothy Perkins

24 Kate Moss Top Shop

26 La Redoute

28 The Glow Company

30 Three Courses

28 Ashridge Bluebell Walk

36 Athens

38 Bruges

thechiltern & langleys

Magazine

If you would like to contribute or advertise in the next edition of The Chiltern and Langleys Magazine - don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Contact Graham:

By Phone:01296 620856

By Email:[email protected]

Web:www.thelangleysmagazine.co.uk

Twitter@thelangleysmag

SODAmedia

THE EDITORWelcome to the summer edition of our magazine. As always we are here to show off the talent in Herts, Bed and Bucks to the best of it’s potential.

What is great about what we do here is that we let you determine what you want to see in our magazine - and then we showcase the finished article to thousands of people throughout the area.

Our subscription list is rising all of the time - so you can join us to show off what you or your business has to offer.

This month, as well as all our usual features - we have a great article on Helen Stephenson and the work that she is doing at The Well regarding Mindfulness.

Also, in readiness for what we here at The Chiltern and Langleys hope is a wonderful summer, are lots of ideas to get prepared. From Fashion and Interiors to Food and Holidays - we have it all covered. And we promise no mention of the World Cup

We hope you enjoy our magazine and don’t forget to tell all of your friends about us.

Sarah MayEditor in Chief

ON THE COVER: Kate Moss for Top Shop

SUMMER TIMETHERE IS PLENTY TO DO IN HERTS, BEDS AND

BUCKS THIS SUMMER

Experience the Golden Age of Steam!The Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, a 25 acre working Steam Museum, with one of the UK’s largest collections of locomotives, rolling stock and railway memorabilia. A re-created country station in the heyday of steam travel, offers steam train rides on certain days.As well as the 1890s station, there is an impressive Visitor Centre – the former Oxford Rewley Road Station - with Refreshment Rooms, Gift Shop, a Royal Dining Coach from 1901, and a coach used by Winston Churchill and Dwight D. Eisenhower for secret war strategy planning meetings.Open Days times: 10.30 to 5.30 during British Summer Time (BST). Last admissions 1 hour before closing.Please check the calendar page for Opening Dates before travelling.

Maleficent’s Enchanted Forest Trail

To Celebrate the launch of Disney's new Maleficent film and some of the filming taking place at the Ashridge Estate we are proud to present the Maleficent enchanted forest trail. Explore the enchanted forest trail with the help of the magical characters from the film. Visit the Ashridge Visitor Centre to collect your trail map. Follow the trail, answer the questions and return to collect your reward.Times: 10am - 4pm Price: £1 per Child Trail runs until the 31st August 2014

MacbethHughenden Manor, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire HP14 4LA

Saturday 28 Jun 2014

Heartbreak Productions effect their reputation for innovative and ingenious adaptations to the full with this extraordinary interpretation of Shakespeare’s brutal and bloody tragedy, Macbeth. In a First World War rehabilitation centre, a group of soldiers commemorate the lives of those they have lost with a haunting performance of Macbeth which will ensure that the horrors of war are not forgotten. Witchcraft, manipulation and murder ensue as the soldiers attempt to recover from the physical and mental scars of war.


THINGS TO DO

SODAmediaPrint Ad & Logo Design

[email protected]


THINGS TO DO

BBC ONE’S ANTIQUES ROADSHOWVISITS CHENIES MANOR

BBC ONE’s ever popular Sunday evening programme ANTIQUES ROADSHOW will be filming for its 37th series in the grounds of Chenies Manor, near Amersham on Thursday 3rd July 2014. The doors open at 9.30 am and close at 4.30pm. Entry to the show is free.

Presenter Fiona Bruce says, “This will be my 7th year on the Antiques Roadshow and I still feel so lucky to be presenting the programme. Every week is differ-ent; a new location and thousands of new visitors. The only constant is the pleasure of the unexpected - we never know what will turn up, from the most fabulous Faberge to the most humble object with a riveting story...’ Some of Britain’s leading antiques and fine arts specialists will be on hand to offer free advice and valuations to visitors, who are invited to raid their attics and bring along their family heirlooms, house-hold treasures and car boot bargains for inspection

by the experts.

During the last series the Roadshow unearthed some amazing finds – memorabilia bought from the last survivor of the Titanic, a teapot once owned by Nelson and a portrait by Van Dyck which turned out to be worth over £300,000. No wonder the team are keen to get going for this series.

People with large pieces of furniture or other big items can send details and photographs of their objects to: ANTIQUES ROADSHOW, BBC, White-ladies Road, Bristol BS8 2LR or e-mail them to: [email protected]. It may be possible to

The Chiltern and Langleys Magazine 9

arrange to look at the item in advance and organise transportation to the venue.

The only constant is the pleasure of the unexpected - we never know what will turn up, from the most fabulous Faberge to the most humble object with a riveting story...’

Series Editor Simon Shaw says: We love meeting our

viewers at Antiques Roadshows. And so many people tell us how much they enjoy the experience of meet-ing Fiona and the experts and seeing how the show is made. And, even 37 years later, the magic formula of surprising some lucky guests with exciting news about their treasure still seems to come true. So join us at …. It might just be your day.”

More information can be found at:www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow

MINDFULNESSThe Well at Willen

For a number of years, Helen Stephenson has been developing a Mindfulness programme at The Well at Willen (a peaceful conference venue very close to Junction 14 of the M1). The core programme is the traditional 8 session course which introduces the concept of Mindfulness in 2 hour sessions allowing for personal practice time in the weeks between each session. Helen has a background of over 35 years of experience in yoga and meditation. Helen completed her Mindfulness teacher training with the acknowl-edged training provider “enter mindfulness” and then completed supervision training at Bangor University. Short introductory drop-in sessions are offered as are practice days to re-inforce practice after completing the main course. Those attending the course include clients addressing issues of depression, anxiety or long term pain but also professionals who feel that

they could use Mindfulness in their everyday work. There is a growing interest in the application of Mindfulness for developing resilience and stress avoidance in the work-place and Helen has given presentations to teachers and to professional groups within the NHS.


Participants are introduced to a topic in each session of the course and then asked to carry out practice daily in the intervening week. Sessions include group discussions and the opportunity to reflect on experience to date. There is an opportunity for further discussion during a refreshment break and participants receive a book and CD as an aide memoir to effective practice once the course is finished. NICE has recognised that contribution which Mindfulness can make in the treatment of depression and in the support of other therapies.

Whilst Willen is very accessible, Helen and her co-teacher Sarah Lovatt, are happy to arrange to present the course at locations throughout the region. Generally, delivery works best in groups not exceeding 14 members in size. For professional introductions to Mindfulness, Helen and Sarah can offer a one hour initial presentation or a more in depth day session which can form a part of Con-tinuing Professional Development. Mindfulness is currently researched and studied at the Universities of Bangor, Exeter and Oxford but currently, apart from post-graduate qualifications in these Universi-ties, formal qualifications are still evolving.

HELEN STEPHENSON

To learn more about our courses, please see the web-site www.mindfulnessmk.com, or e:mail [email protected] or give Helen a call on 01908 538191. We would be very pleased to see you at Willen or to agree to arrange a presentation at an agreed venue. Bespoke courses to meet specific training requirements can always be developed and agreed.


Dakini Leathercrafts specialise in commissions and one off pieces . We also have a wide variety of different products ranging from handbags, iPad and Kindle cases to sleeves, belts - plain and patterned - poppies and other flowers as brooches, guitar straps which can have your name or band logo and much more.

*Recently Commissioned by Walt Disney

Telephone 07854 815 291, email: [email protected] Website: www.Dakinileathercraft.co.ukHazeldene Farm, Chesham

P.B CARPENTRY & JOINERY

Laminate FlooringDeckingMade to measure unitsDoor fittingWall & floor tiling

All House refurbishmentsExtensions Loft ConversionsKitchensBathroomBedroom Refits

07752 630427 / 01494 866579 / 01628 485003 [email protected]

For a free estimate contact Paul on

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FACTORY SHOWROOMwww.britanniablinds.com

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SCORCHING ONE NIGHT SHOWS THIS JUNE/JULY

Unleash your flares and relive the sounds of everyone’s favourite Swedish pop group with Abba Reunion – A Tribute Show (Sat 12 Jul) celebrating the 40th anniversary of Waterloo winning the Eurovision Song Contest. With replica costumes, authentic choreography and superbly accurate harmony vocals accompanied by a live band, this is a night out you won’t want to miss out on. Barry Steele returns with Roy Orbison and Friends (Fri 11 Jul), offering a fusion of good old rock ‘n’ roll as he recreates the sound of Roy Orbison, and also pays homage to Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and Jerry Lee Lewis.

For thrill-seekers and those wishing to be mesmerised by the explosive, jaw-dropping skills of Martial Arts experts, don’t miss Immortal Chi – A Warriors Quest for Harmony (Thu 19 – Fri 20

Jun). Direct from China with amazing multi-media images, fabulous costumes and original live music, this is the extraordinary story of a Tai Chi Master and his ultimate challenge.

Classical music returns with A Night At The Opera (Wed 30 Jul), a show that has received international success with a programme of passion, drama, wit and audience interaction. Stars from the major companies including Covent Garden, English National Opera and Glyndebourne present a programme of celebrated arias of Mozart, Rossini, Verdi Bizet and Puccini, appealing to opera connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

Young theatregoers get ready for a magical and

accidental space adventure with The Chuckle Brothers – In A Space Oddity (Sat 21 Jun). Having visited a toy shop to buy some water pistols the Chuckle Brothers end up tampering with a toy space ship, and the outcome is a hilarious story that’s fun

Aylesbury Waterside Theatre welcomes summer with a selection of the best one night shows on the circuit offering something for everyone.

THEATRE

for all the family. Milkshake! Live (Thu 31 Jul) is sure to have children up on their feet singing, with not one, but two Milkshake presenters, brand new songs,

classic favourites and funky of dance routines, plus plenty of laughter, bags of audience interaction and bucket loads of family fun!

Remember, the Waterside Theatre’s Second Space boasts a programme of live screenings, murder mystery nights, live shows and the monthly Comedy Club – pick up a brochure or check online at www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury for more information.

To book your tickets for any of the above sizzling shows visit Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Box Office, call 0844 871 7607 (bkg fee) or visit www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury (bkg fee).

THEATRE

James Rhodes has had an astonishing life. Af-ter a traumatic childhood, he found his salvation through classical music. With sheer determination he overcame his experiences and went on to become a writer, commentator, TV presenter and renowned concert pianist, performing sold-out concerts around the world.

James has no formal academic musical education or dedicated mentoring. He has released four previous albums, all of which have topped the iTunes classical

charts. In addition, he presented and performed in the acclaimed television documentary “Notes for The Inside” which aired in August 2013 on Channel 4 in the UK.

He has played in venues including the Barbican, Roundhouse, Royal Albert Hall, The Jazz Café, Queen Elizabeth Hall and Soho Theatre in London and he has recently toured Australia, Hong Kong, Chicago and Vienna.

On Sunday 14th September, using his trademark ‘stand-up style’, insights and anecdotes on classical music, maverick pianist James Rhodes comes to Watford Colosseum with his highly unique show. This concert tour celebrates the release of his memoir, Instrumental, a tribute to the therapeutic powers of music, as well as a fascinating insight into the lives of some of the great composers.

James is currently releasing his 5th studio album called “Five” and filming his new series for Channel 4 which is due to air this September in the UK.

Five years on from his debut recording, James Rhodes has firmly established himself in the classical world as a pioneering figure – reaching out through concerts, recordings

and television documentaries to create new fans whilst remaining unabashedly dedicated to the core classical repertoire that he performs. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to catch a unique performance at Watford Colosseum on Sunday 14th September.

Tickets £20.00*, £15.50*

Groups 8+ 10% off, groups 20+ 20% off

Concessions £2.00 off for seniors and under 16

JAMES RHODES - LIVEWatford Colosseum Sun 14 September 7.30pm


THEATRE


BECOMEA

WRITER

Have you ever thought you could be a scribe. Have you got

something to say on almost any topic you like. Well here is your chance. You can reach an audience of thousands if you can write a captivating, interesting and thought provoking article for these pages. Send in an article to [email protected], and we will definitely read what you have to say and see if you make the grade.


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John and Jackie May run a small family business in Chorleywood that serves its local community and treasure their customers.

John and Jackie May have had a shop in Chorleywood for over 20 years. They started with a butchers shop and when the green grocers across the road shut they added a range of green grocery. When the shop next door became available they moved and were able to offer the full range of grocery, green grocery and butchery.

John makes all his own sausages and burgers from locally sourced producers. They offer fresh and frozen meats; with multi-pack freezer orders and special offers are usually displayed on the blackboard in the window. During the game season they offer a full range and if you have any special requests then John can usually source what you’re looking for.

Since the horsemeat - scandal trade has increased as customers can be reliably informed about the origins of their meat.

Over the years they have introduced a wide range of home cooked pies, pasties, quiches, sausage rolls, soup, meals, fruit pies and cakes. Jackie’s cakes have taken Chorleywood by storm; she has a selection

of loaf cakes, sponge cakes, brownies and flapjacks.

J and J May’s have 6 freezers of Cook’s meals, these are ready meals with quality ingredients that are cooked the way you would at home and not over processed like most prepared

meals. They have a wide range that includes different portion

sizes and some amazing curries and puddings.

John and Jackie do catering for local events which can range from platters of

sandwiches and nibbles to hot dishes to your

specification to a barbeque if required. Barbeque events

can be tended or supplied with sausages, burgers, chicken and

other barbeque treats.

They also sell sandwiches and salads made daily on the premises with their own coleslaw and wardolf salad. During the summer months there is a small range of bedding plants, vegetables and hanging baskets. All enquiries: 8 Main Parade Chorleywood Herts WD3 5RB 01923 283450

J & J MAY


FASHION


Summer 2014

LEFT:High Summer Green Mint Jacket

RIGHT:High Summer

Pretty Pastel


Kate MossExclusive


FASHION

TOP: Ecru Jacket, Ecru Embroidered Tshirt, Tur-quoise Bag, Jeans, Camel SandalsEcru Jacket, Ecru Embroidered Tshirt, Tur-quoise Bag, Jeans, Camel Sandals

LEFT: Ecru/Grey Cardigan, Ecru Sleeveless Dress, Black Studded Bag

RIGHT:Grey Slogan Sweatshirt, Gold-Coloured Se-quin Skirt

FASHION

Ever looked in a kid’s room and marvelled at their glow in the dark stars? Don’t suffer from “glow envy”, The Glow Company are now featuring glow in the dark vinyl wall decals with much more grown up and sophisticated designs.

Printed on long glow photoluminescent vinyl; the same material that glow emergency signs are made from, glow in the dark wall decals make an incredible

focal point in your home glowing much brighter and much longer than standard glow stars, quite literally leaving them in the dark!

Contemporary, chic and every inch the glamorous accessory, the Giant Glow Chandelier Wall Decal measures a huge 50cm x 50cm, and in the light appears with muted grey tones that are complimentary to any interior. Turn out the lights however, and the print comes alive with a haunting green glow that is both beautiful and romantic.

The enigmatic Glow Moonlight Wall Decal is available with a 50cm diameter or, even more dramatically with a whopping one metre diameter and depicts the full moon in incredible detail. It is in fact a real lunar image captured in Nantes, France on February 23rd 2005 by photographer Norbert Rumanio. Printed in soft grey, this stunning image takes on ethereal beauty when the lights go out as it shines brightly with a luminous green glow.

GLOW IN THE DARK WALL DECAL


INTERIORS

Have a light bulb moment with the design in your home and embrace industrial chic with the glow in the dark light bulb wall decal. An element light bulb image that will light up your room with a luminous glow, this light bulb cannot be turned on or off again, but will take charge from the light around it and glow brightly in the dark.

Stylish, unusual and lots of fun, glow in the dark wall decals make it easy to dress your home with fresh, individual design and bring a whole new aspect to atmospheric mood lighting. Find out more at www.glow.co.uk


FOOD

1 pound ground pork sausage 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 1 pound large fresh jalapeno peppers, halved length wise and seed-ed

Ingredients

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

2. Place sausage in a skillet over me-dium heat, and cook until evenly brown. Drain grease.

3. In a bowl, mix the sausage, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese.

4. Spoon about 1 tablespoon sausage mixture into each jalapeno half.

5. Arrange stuffed halves in baking dishes.

6. Bake 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until bubbly and lightly browned. Serve with Ranch dressing.

Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos

HERE IS ANOTHER STARTER, MAIN AND DESSERT FOR YOUR FAMILY TO ENJOY


1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets lemon pepper to taste garlic powder to taste salt to taste 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup water 1/4 cup vegetable oil

1. Season salmon fillets with lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt.

2. In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and vegetable oil until sugar is dissolved. Place fish in a large reseala-ble plastic bag with the soy sauce mixture, seal, and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

3. Preheat grill for medium heat.

4. Lightly oil grill grate. Place salmon on the pre-heated grill, and discard marinade. Cook salmon for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easi-ly with a fork.

Grilled Salmon

Ingredients

Directions

1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 2 egg whites 1 cup white sugar 2 cups fresh strawberries 1 cup heavy cream 1 teaspoon lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F (150 degrees C).

2. Mix flour, sugar and butter until crumbly. Stir in chopped walnuts.

3. Press two-thirds of the mixture in the bottom of a 9x13-inch bak-ing dish; the remaining crumble will be used for the topping. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Cool crust completely.

4. In large deep bowl, stir together egg whites, sugar (see Cook's Note), strawberries, and lemon juice. Whip with electric mixer at high speed for 10 minutes.

5. In another mixing bowl, whip whipping cream until stiff and fold into strawberry mixture. Spread over cooled crust. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. Freeze for 6 hours or overnight before serving.

StrawberryChantilly

Directions

Ingredients


WALKS

BLUEBELL WALKBY ANDREW CLARKCourtesy of The Chiltern SocietyASHRIDGE

ROUTE:From the Brownlow Café turn left past Monu-ment Cottage and take thebridleway ahead. At the top of the hill bear left on the Meadow Trail and followthe fence until it bends to the left. (Alternative route detailed below *1).1. Continue ahead for c30m to a fork. Bear left along a level paththrough the woods. Follow this path as it twists and turnsthrough the woods to a wide track.2. Turn left along the track and stay on it for c500m, ignoring alltracks on either side. Continue past the estate cot-tages on the


right and to the main road ahead. Cross the road with great careand continue straight ahead on the tarmac driveway, signpostedto the Bridgewater Arms.3. After c50m, take the path diagonally left through the woods and followthe markers to the edge of the golf fairway. Once on the other side,turn right along the edge of the fairway and then past a bunker to anaccess road.4. Turn left along it past Old Park Lodge. Note the part sundials on itswalls. Where the road bends to the left, keep straight ahead to theright of a barn and through a wood. Stay in the same direction acrossthe golf course and up the hill to the left of the clubhouse. At the topturn left along an access road to a junction.5. Turn left and after c50m bear diagonally right. Follow the marker

postsacross the fair-way and into a wood. The path then meets a crossingpath that runs along the side of garden fences. Do not go straightahead on the narrow path, but turn left and follow the fencing all theway to the main road. Cross with great care to the wide track ahead.Stay on this for c1km ignoring all tracks left and right.6. Shortly after a wide clearing the track narrows slight-ly and thendivides. (Alternative route detailed below *6). Take the track thatswings round to the right and follow it through a car park to a road.Cross into Dockey Wood. Walk round the Wood as directed, takinggreat care not to trample any of the bluebells. Return to the road atthe top end of the Wood and turn right along it to some small woodenposts on the verge on the left.7. Take the grassy woodland track directly behind the posts. Go over acrossing track and follow the path as it winds through

the woods down toa major track. Turn left and follow it for just over 1.5km back to the café.

Alternative routes, out of the bluebell season*1. Follow the fence round to the left for c100m. Where the fence begins

to bend again, turn right on a wide, often muddy track to rejoin themain route at a five-way path junction. Take the second path on left

and head for the estate cottages as described in point 2 above.*6 Do not take the path that swings to the right, but continue straightahead for c300m. Near the road, look for the crossing path that joins

from wooden posts at Point 7 above. Turn left to rejoin the main route.

START: National Trust Ashridge Estate Visitor Centre car park. Grid ref:SP 971 130. Nearest postcode: HP4 1LT

DISTANCE: 4.6 miles, with 110m of ascent over the length of the walk

TERRAIN: An easy walk that can be muddy after rain

MAPS: OS Explorer 181 and Chiltern Society 19

SHOWCASEYOUR

TALENTPhotographers of the world unite! If you are looking for a great platform to show off your talents as a photographer - look no further.

If you have a talent for creating wonderfiul photgraphs that tell a story in themselves - get in touch - we would love to showcase your talent.


with its magnificent architecture, legendary cultural attractions and unpar-alleled place in history, the Greek capital continues to captivate. The city blends the classical and the contemporary and boasts some of the world’s oldest landmarks.

The Acropolis No visit to Athens is complete without a journey through the acropolis - the sacred rock of Athens. Acropolis Hill dates back to the Archa-ic period (650-480 BC), when precious offerings were made to honour the city’s patron goddess, Athena Parthenos. Dur-ing the Classical period (450-330 BC) three temples were erected on the site: the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion, along with the mon-umental entrance called the propylaea. Today, the temple ruins still command the city landscape.

Ancient legends Near the acropolis is the Hill of the Muses (Philopappou Hill), where philosopher Socrates was sentenced to death for his anti-democratic views and advanced ideas on youth and religion. Socrates was ordered to take his life by his own hand by drinking a cup of hemlock in accordance to Athenian law. In Horolo-gion, known as the Tower of the Winds, listen closely for the voices some say speak from an ancient time.

A Roman legacy In what was the an-cient walled quarter of Athens, you’ll also

discover the striking Hadrian’s Arch, a gift from the Athenians to the Roman emper-or Hadrian. The marble arch, inaugurated by Hadrian in 131AD, lies on an ancient street that led from the old city of Athens to the new Roman section he built.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus The an-cient temple is now in ruins in the centre of Athens. Although begun in the 6th Century BC, it was not completed until the reign of the emperor Hadrian in the 2nd Century AD, when it became the largest temple in Greece.

Hadrian dedicated the temple to Zeus, known to the Romans as Jupiter, to the king of the gods. He erected a giant gold and ivory statue of Zeus and placed an equally large one of himself next to it.

It is not known when the building was destroyed but, like many large buildings in Greece, an earthquake probably brought it down during the mediaeval period.

Ancient in setting, modern in feel Athens’ historic appeal is well balanced with its modern and sophisticated restaurants, shops and colourful outdoor markets. The Plaka is a lively shopping district at the foot of the acropolis, dating back to the 19th Century. Here you’ll find a maze of cobblestone pedestrian streets lined with shops, boutiques, souvenir stands and antique flea market stalls that beckon to all who visit.

Athens

an ancient city in a modern world


TRAVEL

an ancient city in a modern world


Break to BrugesFor most tourists, the best feature of Bruges is the winding cobbled streets that lead to the main tourist areas of Market Square, with its open air cafes, and Burg Square, home to the oldest gothic city hall in Bel-gium.

The belfry on Market Square is one of Bruges’s most distinctive landmarks. Its bell tower dates back to the 13th century and is over 80m high. If you climb the 366 steps to the top you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views over the city’s skyline.

The cobbled streets boast plenty of tempting chocolate shops, so don’t expect to stick to a healthy diet. The chocolatiers are highly skilled and their creations are nothing short of works of arts, so you can expect to pay quite a lot for the privilege of eating their creations.

Once you’ve eaten all the choc-olates you could want you can wash it down with a speciality beer from one of the beer bou-tiques. There are also two histor-ic breweries offering tours where you can sample Straffe Handrick, Brugs Tarwebier and Brugse Tripel beers straight from the barrel.

You can buy chocolates and beer much cheaper in the local super-markets, but that certainly spoils the shopping experience and the chocolate and beer won’t have the same handmade quality.

The religious sites of Bruges are another big draw for tourists. The Basilica of the Holy Blood is a beautiful gothic church on

Burg Square and houses a vial of blood that is believed to have come from Jesus. There is an am-bient Romanesque-style chapel underneath the main church.

The Church of Our Lady dates back to the Romanesque and gothic periods. The east end of the church is home to the tombs of Charles the Bold and his daughter, Mary of Burgundy. The church also has a small but lovely Michelangelo sculpture of the Virgin and Child.

One of the main cultural high-lights of Bruges is the City Museum of Fine Arts. The col-lection mainly focuses on works by painters who either lived or worked in Bruges and spans sev-eral centuries. There are plenty of arts and crafts shops scattered around the city, specialising in works by local artists and lace-work.

As Bruges is a perfectly compact city, getting around is easy on foot. If you want to sit back and enjoy the view you can hop on a boat for a tour of the city’s beau-tiful canals. Tours only cost a few euros and it is the best introduc-tion to Bruges. Like Amsterdam, cycling is a popular way to get around the city and you can rent a bike from many locations.

The best way to travel to Brug-es is on the Eurostar service to Brussels’ Gare du Midi and then a connecting local train service to Bruges, in total taking just 3 hours 20 minutes from London.

If you love chocolate, beer, canals and charm, the Belgian city of Bruges, just a train drive away on Eurostar, offers the perfect desti-

nation for a city break. It is regarded as the best preserved medieval city in northern Europe as is fondly known as the Venice of the North.

The historic city centre is surrounded by picturesque canals and enclosed within ancient city walls. Once inside, everything is close to hand. There is street after street of charming cen-turies-old houses, majestic gothic churches, plenty of chocolate shops and canal-side bars, cafes and restau-rants.

The Chiltern & Langleys Summer edition

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Transcript of The Chiltern & Langleys Summer edition