Category: OPULENCE & SPLENDOUR

Luxury and the arts From houses to cars and from Hockney to van Dyck, a profile of the best and the worst

Falling Down Flass

Grade II* listed Cumbrian mansion built by opium dealer and once marketed for £1.5 million for sale for just £460,000; it was also the scene of the UK’s biggest ever cannabis raid in 2012

A 23,000 square foot, 52 room, mid-19^th century Palladian mansion in the Westmorland Dales National Park is to be sold at auction – by order of the mortgagees not in possession – for £1 million less than it was marketed for in 2014. It is sadly now described as being in an utterly wrecked, vandalised condition.

The entrance elevation of the mansion then and now

The strikingly grand interiors of Flass (prior to visits from the ‘Urban Explorers’)

The completely trashed interiors of the mansion (after visits from the ‘Urban Explorers’)

Built in 1851 for wealthy merchant brothers and tea and opium magnets Lancelot and Wilkinson Dent, 8-bedroomed Flass at Maulds Meaburn, near Penrith in Cumbria was designed by architects Grey and Mair and includes furnishings by the renowned firm Gillows of Lancaster and London.

Opulent to its core and said to have featured marble fireplaces, ivory door handles and friezes with pearls, Flass remained in the Dent family until 1973. Just prior to being sold for £17,000 (the equivalent of £202,000 today) that year to a historian named Frank Walsh, the then owner Sir Robert Dent opened up an attic of the house and discovered items from the Mughal Empire that he then auctioned for the astounding sum of £220,000 (the equivalent of £2.6 million today).

Subsequently this vast stucco finished, limestone built house – complete with a Doric porte-cochère and a three-storey tower – became a care home and was then after sold in 2000 to a singer-songwriter best known for co-writing the creepy Christian crooner Sir Cliff Richard’s Devil Woman named Christine Holmes (also known as Kristine Sparkle) and her husband Paul Davies. The pair turned the property into a performing arts school.

After the couple divorced, Davies took control of the mansion but due to spiraling maintenance costs, he eventually got himself involved with a gang of drug dealers in 2011. Due to what rental agents at the time described as the house being “totally private and hidden away, with an unmatched seclusion and charm,” Davies and his five cohorts were able to grow cannabis with a street value of £5.26 million undetected until a neighbour became suspicious. He was jailed for his role in the crime for three years and eight months in September 2015.

Singer-songwriter Christine Holmes outside Flass in September 2017 (after visits from the ‘Urban Explorers’ and their having trashed her home)

Paul Davies turned Flass into Britain’s biggest cannabis farm (and got himself three years and eight months in jail for his efforts; on his conviction his representative said: “He blames nobody but himself for getting involved in this criminal business”)

The “massive scale” £5 million cannabis farm operated at Flass was described in court as “a professional setup” and having the “real hallmarks of organised crime”

Christine Holmes subsequently took back control of Flass and after trying and failing to sell the house for £1.5 million spent £200,000 on renovations to put right the damage done by the drug operation. Her bad luck, however, was not to end there. In September 2017, the Cumberland & Westmorland Herald reported that a gang of ‘Urban Explorers’ had raided the somewhat derelict building and filmed their exploits. In the weeks that followed, trespassers returned at least twelve further times and “ransacked and trashed” the once glorious residence. She told the paper:

“I was absolutely horrified when I saw [videos of the house] online. I couldn’t believe how anyone could come into my home and believe it was an abandoned building.”

“I think since then people have been staying in the building and have even been there hiding while I’ve been there. I’m petrified. These are evil people who are breaking into my home. I think it’s becoming a game to them. They are breaking in every day.”

Auctioneers Harman Healy will now offer Grade II* listed Flass along with 17.5 acres of overgrown grounds with a guide price of just £460,000+ on 30^th January. Christine Holmes no doubt will be glad if she finally gets shot of what she likely ended up considering to be the worst kind of white elephant.

Flass – The Numbers

January 2019 – To be offered at auction with a guide price of just £460,000 ($596,000, €525,000 or درهم2.2 million).

July 2014 – Offered for sale for £1.5 million ($1.9 million, €1.7 million or درهم7.1 million).

2000 – Sold for £490,000 ($635,000, €559,000 or درهم2.3 million) to the currently jailed drug dealer Paul Davies and his then wife songwriter Christine Holmes.

1998 – Reduced to £650,000 ($842,000, €741,000 or درهم3.1 million).

1997 – For sale for £750,000 ($972,000, €855,000 or درهم3.6 million).

1982 – Sold for £115,000 ($149,000, €131,000 or درهم547,000) to a retired solicitor named Malcolm Whiteside. He turned Flass into a care home which he ran with his wife Mary.

1973 – Sold by Sir Robert Dent, a descendant of the family who built the house, for £17,000 ($22,000, €19,000 or درهم81,000) to a historian named Frank Welsh.

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The garden elevation of the mansion then and now

The no doubt once glorious gardens of Flass have now gone to wrack and ruin

The entrance gates to the estate (in better days)

A plan of Flass and its surrounding land

January 23, 2019
A Poldark-esque Pad

Welsh coastal farm with beach and derelict quarry for sale for just £750,000; its environs were home to an alleged spy in the Second World War

The BBC One hit series Poldark may have been set in Cornwall but anyone wishing to live in a similar setting – complete with its own derelict quarry and beach – to where the programme was filmed might do worse than consider purchasing a 203 acre Welsh coastal farm that has recently come up for sale.

Ty Uchaf, Nant Gwrtheyrn, Llithfaen, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, Wales, United Kingdom, LL53 6HL comprises of a traditional Welsh farmhouse requiring full renovation, a granite quarry that closed in 1939, a stretch of shingle beach and 203 acres of mixed pasture, hill grazing and woodland. It could be yours for less than the price of a one bedroom flat in Knightsbridge.

THEN: In the Industrial Era the nearest settlement to the farmstead, Nant Gwrtheyrn, became prosperous as its quarries were able to supply granite to use as setts for roadbuilding. By 1886, this previously tiny farming community was home to over two hundred people according to census records.

AND NOW: Nant Gwrtheyrn subsequently declined as demand for granite roads decreased. The last of the three quarries in the area closed in 1939 and one by one the families left the village. In subsequent years after hippies moved in and wrecked the cottages, a saviour came in the form of Dr Carl Clowes, a man dedicated to raising his children as Welsh speakers. He established a cultural hub that has since morphed into a renowned Welsh language educational and heritage centre.

Ty Uchaf (try pronouncing that whilst ‘over-refreshed’) is situated in the Nant Gwrtheyrn valley on the dramatic north coast of the Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd. Originally an agricultural community, the area became a thriving centre for granite mining in the 18^th and 19^th centuries and one of three mines in the area, the Cae’r-nant Quarry, is situated on the property.

Though the mines and minerals underneath the farm are specifically excluded from the sale, the former quarry is described as “integral [ to the] industrial heritage of the area.” The farmstead itself, meanwhile, is of stone construction under a slate roof and includes a farmhouse and outbuildings that “have the scope to provide a unique family or second home in this beautiful location.”

Also included in the sale is a stretch of shingle beach with views as far as South Stack on Anglesey, 23 acres of pasture grazing suitable for sheep and cattle and 180 acres of heather hill land. There are small areas of woodland throughout with a mixture of mature broadleaf and coniferous trees.

A Mrs Margaret Gladys Fisher from Beddgelert moved into a wooden bungalow in the locality named ‘The Four Winds’ during the Second World War. Her behaviour was described as “strange ”by locals and after her home burnt to the ground and no one could find any remains, it was suggested she was a spy who’d come to the Nant to flash signals to German boats in the bay below. Given the tide was at a perfect height for mooring boats, it became legend that she’d staged her own death and escaped on a ship to Germany.

British Pathé filmed a new saloon car becoming the very first car to successfully climb the steep and previously considered unnavigable road out of Port Nant in 1934. Locals supposedly said it would have been “impossible” but the saloon, which had been brought in by boat, managed the feat in just two minutes.

As well as being ‘Poldark-esque,’ the remote setting of the property also brings to mind elements from the grim Welsh BBC One detective drama series ‘Hidden.’

Whilst the nearest settlement, Nant Gwrtheyrn, largely emptied when demand for granite setts for road building declined just prior to the onset of the Second World War, it is now once again prosperous and has been developed into a Welsh language educational and heritage centre.

Agents Carter Jonas seek £750,000 ($963,000, €840,000 or درهم3.5 million) for Ty Uchaf.

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January 13, 2019
Mrs Simpson Farmed in Mayfair

Mayfair “farmhouse” where Mrs Simpson began her affair with the then Prince of Wales for sale for 147% more than it was marketed for in 2012

Last marketed at a price of £4.75 million ($6.04 million, €5.30 million or درهم22.19 million) in 2012 and offered for sale in 2005 at an undisclosed sum also, a house where the then Mrs Simpson began her affair with the then Prince of Wales is again for sale.

Rebuilt in the early 1900s by a Mrs M. Strakosch in “the Gothic style,” Farm House – or 22 Farm Street as it is more simply known – stands on the site of a farmhouse that predated the development of Mayfair.

Entered through a large oak front door that feature the heads of the twelve apostles, the half-timbered house Mrs Strakosch commissioned featured Flemish linenfold paneling and 17^th century doors. Though much of this has now gone, a number of Jacobean and medieval features remain and what is now offered is described as “the perfect space for modern entertaining.”

Farm House, 22 Farm Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5RQ – For sale for £11.75 million

Gloria Swanson, Gloria Vanderbilt and Thelma Furness

Farm House includes three reception rooms, two kitchens, six bedrooms, four bathrooms, two terraces and a garage. It extends to 4,564 square foot over four floors and was home to the Swiss born Thelma Furness, Viscountess Furness (1904 – 1970), the twice married mistress of the then Prince of Wales and later King Edward VIII between 1930 and 1934, during their relationship.

Furness, whose twin sister Gloria (1904 – 1965) became a Vanderbilt and was also the maternal grandmother of the American news anchor Anderson Cooper, at this time, was friends with Wallis Simpson. She introduced her American friend to the prince at her country house, Burrough Court, near Melton Mowbray, first in 1931 but then became supplanted in his affections in 1934.

With their relationship approaching its end, Furness embarked on a short affair with Prince Aly Khan whilst in America and whilst there allowed Simpson to live in her Farm Street home according to the actress Gloria Swanson (1899 – 1983). Later, in her autobiography Silent Boulevard, Swanson wrote:

“Lady Thelma Furness had a charming house on Farm Street, where her friend Wallis Simpson has kept the Prince of Wales company while Thelma was away in the States.”

Swanson, whilst pregnant, and her then husband Michael Farmer subsequently rented Farm House from Furness and of their time there wrote: “The house was empty for the moment, so we settled in to wait for the baby and see old friends.”

Knight Frank now seek £11.75 million ($14.95 million, €13.12 million or درهم54.90 million) for Farm House. Reportedly, according to a 2012 Mayfair Times article, the property comes with deeds that specifically mention that it still has a “right of way for sheep.”

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January 6, 2019
The Art of The Tablescape

‘Tables d’Exception’ launched at Rolls-Royce in Mayfair

On 29^th November 2018, the extremely connected and delightfully affable Alexandra Foley organised a party for her client the French interior architect and antique tableware collector Hubert de Vinols at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars London’s Berkeley Square showroom in Mayfair.

Showcasing Mr de Vinols’ ‘Tables d’Exception’ concept – whereby the ultimate lunch and dinner parties are created with antique ‘tablescapes’ inspired by the grand styles of the 18^th and 19^th centuries – the event not only offered guests a chance to view these ‘for hire’ works of art, but also a chance to begin what was one of the busiest Christmas party seasons in recent years in London in style.

Amongst those present were Heather Bird Tchenguiz, Liz Brewer, Basia Briggs, Dr Mark Collins, Navjot Dhanoa, Constantin Gordon, William Hanson, Christopher Hargreaves, Christian Huhnt, David Jenkins, Richard Martyn-Hemphill, Lord Oxmantown, Marie-Athena Papathanasiou, Alexis Parr, Melleney Samsudin and Matthew Steeples.

Of his reasoning to introduce his company into the UK to serve “à la française,” Vinols told The Steeple Times:

“I wish for Tables d’Exception to enable a return to refined entertaining, where a beautiful setting inspires convivial discourse. Tables d’Exception is the ‘Go To’ for generous hosts who want to entertain at the highest level, in the spirit of the Gilded Age and Belle Époque.”

Photographs: Courtesy of Edward Lloyd and David Kerr.

Pictured top: Hubert de Vinols, Heather Bird Tchenguiz and Matthew Steeples.

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An example of Hubert de Vinol’s work

Another option for those hiring his antique tableware

Organiser of the event The Hon. Alexandra Foley with Matthew Steeples and Marie-Athena Papathanasiou

Dr Mark Collins and David Jenkins

Basia Briggs

Melleney Samsudin

Dafydd Jones and Liz Brewer

Lord Oxmantown and William Hanson

Navjot Dhanoa, Matthew Steeples and Christopher Harrgreaves

Constantin Gordon and friend

Richard Martyn-Hemphill and Matthew Steeples

January 3, 2019
From Ceaușescu to The Queen

1967 Rolls-Royce state landaulet originally built for the Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu – but considered too extravagant even by him – and later used by Her Majesty The Queen to be auctioned

Romanian President Nicolae Ceaușescu was a dictator whose extravagance was a bit like that of Barbara Amiel: It knew no bounds. In 1966, ignoring the wishes of his Russian handlers, Ceaușescu decided to order what became the most costly Rolls-Royce Phantom V state landaulet by Mulliner Park Ward ever produced and spent £20,000 in 1966 (the equivalent of £652,000, $824,000, €726,000 or درهم3 million today) creating a truly luxurious vehicle.

Featuring nearly every available option possible, including a rear seat that could be raised or lowered to suit the height of passengers, this luxurious limousine also came with a combination cocktail bar and entertainment cabinet with a television. It had dual air conditioners for both the front and rear compartments, fluorescent lighting for parades at night and a refrigerated wine cooler. So over-the-top was it that, though Ceaușescu allegedly “probably could not have cared less” himself, Leonid Brezhnev, General Secretary of the Communist Party, complained about the lavishness of the vehicle, had it stored for one year and then shipped back to England.

Romanian President Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife Elena

Replaced with a “more suitable Silver Shadow,” Ceaușescu’s Phantom V state landaulet was sold on to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based Dr. Erle M. Heath and his wife Bonnie. They used it on a daily basis for three decades and racked up 117,000 miles in it but also loaned it to dignitaries and personalities on occasions. Used to chauffeur Her Majesty The Queen on her state visit to Bermuda in 1975, the car was also her transportation during her visit to the Grand Cayman Islands in 1983.

Subsequently, in 1978, the vehicle also was used by Princess Grace of Monaco in Pittsburgh in 1978 and then after the death of Dr. Heath in 1992, it eventually became part of the Calumet Collection. Exhibited at various concours d’elegance, the Phantom V state landaulet also transported the American astronaut Buzz Aldrin and now has 161,795 miles on its clock.

RM Sotheby’s will sell this “rich in history” car at their Arizona 2019 auction on Friday 18^th January 2019. They offer it with no reserve and an estimate of £791,000 to £1.2 million ($1 million to $1.5 million, €880,000 to €1.3 million or درهم3.7 million to درهم5.5 million).

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December 26, 2018
A Fire Sale

Repossessed Grade I listed Dorset mansion once worth circa £15 million for sale for £3 million; the catch? It’s burnt to the ground

An “exceptionally important,” Grade I listed, 38,000 square foot, 16^th century country house in Dorset with 131.6 acres for just £3 million is certainly something that sounds like a bargain. Sadly, however, Parnham House, near Beaminster comes with a catch: it burnt to the ground in April 2017 and doesn’t even have a roof.

Remodeled by the architect John Nash in 1810 and subject to a costly renovation – sadly now obviously gone – since being bought by the late financier Michael Treichl and his wife Emma in 2001 for £4 million, Parnham House has variously been a family home, was requisitioned during World War II by American troops and was the School for Craftmanship in Wood from 1976 to 2001.

Michael and Emma Treichl

The front elevation of Parnham House before the fire

The front elevation of Parnham House after the fire

The fire in full force

The aftermath

Now listed on the Heritage at Risk Register and likely to cost millions to restore, Parnham House’s destruction came about as a result of an arson attack on the property. The wealthy financier Treichl, who subsequently strangely left just £10,000 in assets in his will after drowning himself on Lake Geneva in June 2017. He is said to have suffered severe depression and possibly suffered catastrophic losses after betting on Brexit.

Offered for sale by Sanderson Weatherall, the estate also includes an undamaged dower house, an undamaged cottage and equestrian facilities. In addition there is a mature park, formal gardens, a lake, walled gardens, a deer park, a tennis court, a bowling green, a swimming pool, fields, woodland and a stream.

Parnham House – The Numbers

2018 – For sale for £3 million ($3.8 million, €3.3 million or درهم13.8 million).

2017 – Said to be worth £15 million ($18.8 million, €16.6 million or درهم69.1 million).

2001 – Sold to Michael and Emma Treichl for £4 million ($5 million, €4.4 million or درهم18.4 million).

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December 18, 2018
A Dictator Rides

Superb example of the “world’s ultimate limousine” to be auctioned; the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman was the favourite of dictators across the globe

Produced from 1963 to 1981 with a run of 2,677 units made, the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman – also known as the ‘Grosser’ or ‘Grand Mercedes’ – is undoubtedly a star amongst cars.

With owners having included politicians such as Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos (who had four) and Robert Mugabe and personalities including Coco Chanel and Elvis Presley, these high-end king of sedans has not only presence but also provide a smooth and quiet ride and extreme levels of comfort.

Later this month in California, a fine example of such a car will be sold at auction. Presented in dark blue (which is rare given most ‘Grossers’s’ are in black) with red leather, the 1969 Pullman offered has a 6,332-cc overhead-cam V8 engine and has been subject to a comprehensive renovation since being purchased by its current owner in 2005.

An estimate of £157,000 to £196,000 ($200,000 to $250,000, €176,000 to €220,000 or درهم735,000 to درهم918,000) has been set for the vehicle. It will be sold at RM Sotheby’s Peterson Automotive Museum auction on 8^th December and seems like a veritable bargain given that Yugoslavian president Josip Broz Tito’s ‘Grosser’ sold for £2.5 million ($3.2 million, €2.8 million or درهم11.7 million) in 2017.

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December 3, 2018
A Castle With A Catch

Romantic island in Ireland complete with its own castle for sale for just £80,000; there is, of course, a catch

A 0.54 acre island at the southeastern end of Lough Key, near Boyle in County Roscommon is to be sold this December. A castle was built there first in the 12^th century and though that was eventually burnt to the ground after being struck by a bolt of lightning, about 200 years ago a “folly house” was constructed in its place by an English family named the Kings.

Once again now a ruin, this Irish National Monument is described as being in a “perilous state” but could potentially be restored to create what could be the most spectacular holiday home imaginable.

Associated with the Legend of Una Bhan – the tragic story of a girl who fell in love with the son of the clan chief owner of the island – McDermott’s Island also featured in the works of W. B. Yeats and was visited by Sir Bob Geldoff when he made a BBC film titled A Fanatic Heart about the Irish poet in 2016. It was previously used for the Sky One sitcom Moone Boy starring Steve Coogan and Johnny Vegas in 2014.

Offered with a guide of £79,000 ($102,000, €90,000 or درهم373,000), bidding opens on 7^th December and closes on the 13^th December though BidX1. Grand Designs loving sorts will no doubt be queuing up.

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November 28, 2018
Moscow Nights

John Simpson marks the publication of his novel ‘Moscow Nights’ at Daunt Books in Marylebone

Described as: “An engaging yarn with a strong, sometimes mischievous autobiographical element” by The Sunday Times, esteemed foreign correspondent John Simpson launched his second novel at Daunt Books in Marylebone last night.

John Simpson and Claire Rubinstein

Amongst those present to celebrate the occasion were – in from New York – financier Marcel Croome, Brexit campaigner Gina Miller and her hedge fund titan husband Alan, the Daily Mail’s Alexis Parr and social media guru Claire Rubinstein. As drinks flowed, guests admired Daunt Books’ clever displays and many copies of Simpson’s book – a topical tale based around espionage and skulduggery titled Moscow, Midnight – were sold to a most enthusiastic gathering.

To purchase a copy, click here.

Alan Miller, Gina Miller, Claire Rubinstein and Matthew Steeples

Daunt Books was packed for the occasion

Claire Rubinstein and Marcel Croome

Matthew Steeples, Claire Rubinstein and friends

Marcel Croome, Claire Rubinstein and Alexis Parr

Description – MP Patrick Macready has been found dead in his flat. The coroner rules it an accident, a sex game gone wrong.

Jon Swift is from the old stock of journos – cynical, cantankerous and overweight – and something about his friend’s death doesn’t seem right. Then days after Macready’s flat is apparently burgled, Swift discovers that his friend had been researching a string of Russian government figures who had met similarly ‘accidental’ fates.

When the police refuse to investigate further, Swift gets in touch with his contacts in Moscow, determined to find out if his hunch is correct. Following the lead, he is soon drawn into a violent underworld, where whispers of conspiracies, assassinations and double-agents start blurring the line between friend and foe.

But the truth will come at a price, and it may cost him everything.

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November 27, 2018
The Final Festivals of 2018
Where to go for food, games and music? Fabio Contissa suggests three festivals worth visiting in the UK before 2018 is out

Padstow Christmas Festival, Padstow, Cornwall

In early December, the quaint Cornish town of Padstow succumbs to the culinary spirit of Christmas. Fortunately for visitors, this means delicious food, live music and a dazzling firework displays. The legendary town of Padstow has always been famous for its food – its unique location right on the water makes it an ideal spot for fish and seafood, and local chefs promise not to disappoint this year. So, what’s on the menu?

The four-day Padstow Christimas Festival is packed with surprises. Featuring star chefs Rick Stein, Paul Ainsworth, and Nathan Outlaw, the festival promises to deliver on flavour. You’ll be able to view several demonstrations by these acclaimed ‘food heroes’ as well as more than 60 other chefs who’ll come flocking to the event.

The demonstrations won’t skimp on style as they spread across all four days of the festival. Best of all, the viewing is free – though if you want to taste the goodies, you’ll have to head over to the event’s Christmas marketplace. Here you’ll find over 100 vendors selling everything from homemade sausages and sweet pies to specialty soaps and blankets knitted by hand – perfect for Christmas gifts or yourself even.

They’ll be serving up delicious food in Padstow this holiday season. Image credit: Pixabay CC0

So, how can you get to the festival? Aside from driving, you could travel on the train to Bodmin Parkway, and from there, take the bus right to Padstow. You could also take a ferry to Padstow from Plymouth or fly right into the Newquay Airport.
- Where: On the North Quay in Padstow, Cornwall, PL28 8AF.
- When: December 6^th to 9^th
- Features: Live cooking demonstrations, craft and food market.
888Poker LIVE Festival, London

If you’re entranced by the bright lights and captivating colours of the casino, you might want to head to the 888Poker LIVE Festival in London this year. A gathering of poker enthusiasts is getting ready to play in one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year, and you can join them on their way to celebrate the game and compete alongside them for your chance to shine. Entering the tournament is simple enough, and the venue itself is worth exploring, too.

Aspers is without a doubt one of London’s top casinos, featuring two fantastic restaurants and two world-class bars. You could head to the rooftop terrace to get away from the action or plant yourself right on the swinging casino floor to experience the festival firsthand. Either way, gear yourself up as this tournament will be one enthusiasts will likely never forget.

Numerous poker ambassadors are set to arrive in London during this time – amongst them World Series of Poker champions Scott Blumstein, Martin Jacobson, and Joe Cada. Are you interested in competing alongside the UK’s best, perhaps even taking your shot at winning some of that £387,000 ($500,000) Main Event prize pool?

Before you decide to play in any poker tournament, you need to figure out what your playing style is and if it has the potential to take you to the top. Infographic credit: PNIMG

There are a few ways to work your way into the tournament, and 888Poker is there to lend a helping hand to you by offering the chance to win a £1,700 ($2,200) package deal. How can you get it? Several satellites are available for hopefuls who want in. These buy-ins start from only one cent, but you’ll have to compete hard to get the package. If you want to skip some of the competition, you can register for the direct qualifier. This buy-in is £84 ($109), and you’ll have the opportunity to win your spot at the big table that much faster.

The deal includes £270 ($350) of travel money, which deposits right into your account. You can use this to book your transport to and from London. As for accommodations, you’ll receive £348 ($450) for three nights between the 30^th November and 2^nd December. On top of that, your £1,084 ($1,400) on-site tournament buy-in is taken care of completely. You’ll also get the 888Poker LIVE kit, comprised of incredible 888Poker swag you won’t want to miss out on.

The festival itself boasts ten tournaments with buy-ins ranging from £100 ($129) all the way to £5,000 (£6,456) at the high-rollers table. Enjoy No-Limit Hold ‘em throughout the festival or try your luck at Omaha. The ladies will also enjoy sessions built especially for them, and high-rollers won’t be disappointed by the end of the event.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJuuJ4-nfxY

Those partaking will also be able to take advantage of enjoying the magicial Christmas spirit of London during their visit. As The Steeple Times previously mentioned, it would be worth trying perhaps some of these these Instagram-worthy London eateries, for example.
- Where: Asper’s Casino, 312 The Loft, Montfichet Road, Olympic Park, London, E20 1ET.
- When: 22^nd November – 3^rd December 2018.
- Features: Personalities, London scenery, guaranteed Main Event prize pool of £387,000 ($500,000).
Great British Folk Festival, Skegness, Lincolnshire

Are you ready to rock out to some of the U.K.’s greatest folk music? Then Lincolnshire is the place you need to be during the end of November. Skegness is already known as a big music hub, and the Great British Folk Festival lineup this year is set to be quite a doozy — in a good way, that is.

One of the top headliners this year is Jon Boden & the Remnant Kings. Lead singer Boden is famous for his brash and unapologetic style. It works for him, as he’s received eleven BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards – the most won by any folk musician. Coming in at a close second (or first, depending on your opinion) is Lindisfarne, known for such hits as Meet Me on the Corner and Lady Eleanor.

Join other fans in Skegness for a weekend of live music, dancing and fun at the Great British Folk Festival. Image credit: Pixnio/CC0

Ralph McTell is set to grace the stage as well, singing such classics as From Clare to Here and Streets of London. Attendees also can look forward to Oysterband – their stylish take on folk has a certain flair that fans across the world can’t seem to get enough and they’ve also been the recipients of five well-earned BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. The legendary Janice Long will also be playing, and that’s one set of vocal cords I would suggest you wouldn’t want to miss either.

So, how can you get your piece of the Folk Festival pie? You’ll need to purchase a ticket for this over 18 year olds only festival, which you can buy along with your room. An entry for three nights costs anywhere from £100 ($129) to £150 ($194) –but prices will only increase as the date draws nearer so early booking is advised.
- Where: Butlin’s Resort, Ingoldmells, Skegness, Lincolnshire, PE25 1NJ.
- When: 30^th November – 3^rd December 2018.^.
- Features: Folk music artists Lindisfarne, John Boden, New Celeste, Fisherman’s Friends and more.
Fabio Contissa is a freelance writer with an extensive knowledge of restaurants and fine dining.

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November 22, 2018