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3 new Mary Berry recipes to make this autumn

October 28, 2025October 24, 2025 by John Holden

Mary Berry turned 90 this year and to celebrate, she has released a new cookbook, Mary 90 – aiming to give home cooks a ‘career-spanning’ collection of fuss-free recipes for many different occasions.

It accompanies a new BBC TV series, Mary at 90: A Lifetime of Cooking.

The TV chef shares a mixture of brand-new recipes and her nostalgic classics, with Berry saying it has been a “sheer joy” to write, and includes the baking she’s so known for, alongside tasty, easy mid-week meals and crowd pleasers.

Fragrant chicken traybake

“An all-in-one dish, this delicious, aromatic chicken recipe is vibrant and full of flavour,” says Berry. “Serve with rice or a dressed salad.”

Ingredients:

(Serves 4–6)

1 large aubergine, sliced into half-moons

2 peppers, deseeded and sliced into large pieces

1 large onion, sliced

3tbsp sunflower oil

3 dried lime leaves

1 large stick of lemongrass, bashed

3 large chicken breast fillets, each sliced in half

2tbsp sweet chilli sauce

150g baby spinach leaves

Small bunch of Thai basil, chopped

For the fragrant sauce:

1 x 400ml can coconut milk

2tbsp Thai red curry paste

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2tsp freshly grated ginger

Juice of 1 lime

2tsp fish sauce

2tbsp sweet chilli sauce

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C/200°C Fan/Gas 7.

2. To make the sauce, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.

3. Scatter the aubergine, peppers and onion into a large shallow roasting tin. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of the oil and toss everything together. Pour over half of the sauce. Add the lime leaves and lemongrass to the tin and roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

4. Toss the chicken in the remaining oil and the sweet chilli sauce, and season well. Place a large frying pan over a high heat until very hot. Add the chicken and brown very quickly until sealed and golden, stirring constantly.

5. Remove the roasting tin from the oven and pour over the remaining sauce. Place the chicken on top and return to the oven for about 15 minutes, or until cooked through.

6. Transfer the chicken onto a plate. Stir the spinach and Thai basil into the sauce and vegetables in the tin and gently warm over the hob until the spinach has wilted.

7. Serve the chicken traybake with rice.

Best made and served. Not suitable for freezing.

Skate wing with caper sauce and samphire

“Hugely popular, skate wings are readily available and simple to cook. The sauce makes the dish extra special. Buy samphire from the fish counter in the supermarket or farm shop,” says Berry.

Ingredients:

(Serves 4)

4 x 400g skate wings, edges trimmed with scissors

100g butter, softened, plus a knob

Juice of ½ lemon

4tbsp capers

4tbsp finely chopped parsley

400g fresh samphire

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/Gas 6.

2. Lie the skate wings on a board and use half the butter to spread over both sides of the skate wings. Season well with salt and ground black pepper.

3. Heat a large frying pan over a high heat. When hot, brown the wings in batches for 2 minutes on each side until golden.

4. Place the browned wings in a large roasting tin and transfer to the preheated oven. Roast for about 15 minutes until cooked through (the translucent flesh will become opaque when it is done). To test for doneness, try to pull the flesh away carefully from the bones with a sharp knife – if it comes away easily, it is done. Place on a large platter and cover with foil. Leave to rest in a warm place.

4. Add the remaining butter to the frying pan and heat until nutty brown in colour. Add the lemon juice, capers and parsley and remove from the heat.

5. Meanwhile, cook the samphire in a large frying pan with a knob of butter and a splash of water over a high heat. Fry for a few minutes to heat through.

6. Divide the samphire between the plates and top each one with a skate wing. Pour over the caper butter sauce to serve.

Best made and served. Not suitable for freezing.

Carrot cake with frosting

“A carrot cake is so popular, especially in coffee shops and bakeries,” says Berry. “My version includes my favourite spices. Carrot cake originated in the USA where they make cakes with oil, rather than our butter-based sponges. Use a flavourless oil, such as sunflower or vegetable.”

Ingredients:

(Serves 8–10)

4 large eggs

175g caster sugar

75g light muscovado sugar

250ml sunflower oil, plus extra for greasing

1tsp vanilla extract

2 ripe bananas, mashed

150g carrots, peeled and coarsely grated

275g self-raising flour

2tsp baking powder

1tsp ground cinnamon

1tsp ground ginger

½tsp mixed spice

55g walnuts or pecans, finely chopped, plus a few extra for decoration

For the cream cheese frosting:

250g butter, softened

2tsp vanilla extract

350g icing sugar

350g full-fat cream cheese

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas 4. Grease and line the bases of 2 x 20cm (8in) loose-bottomed sandwich tins.

2. Break the eggs into a large bowl and beat with a fork to break up. Add the caster and muscovado sugar, oil and vanilla and mix well.

3. Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and whisk using an electric hand whisk until just combined. Be careful not to over beat.

4. Divide the mixture between the two prepared tins and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35–40 minutes until well risen and lightly golden. Leave to cool in the tins for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

5. Meanwhile, make the frosting. Measure the butter, vanilla and icing sugar into a large bowl and whisk using an electric hand whisk until combined. Add the cream cheese and beat until creamy and light.

6. Peel the paper from the bases of the sponges and invert one onto a plate. Spread with frosting. Place the other cake on top and use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides, leaving a pretty swirl on top. Decorate with walnuts or pecans to serve.

Can be made and assembled up to 8 hours ahead. Freezes well but best to ice on the day.

Mary 90 – My Very Best Recipes by Mary Berry is published in hardback by BBC Books, priced £28. Photography by Tara Fisher. Available now

‘They play the game beautifully’: Claudia Winkleman on the The Celebrity Traitors

October 22, 2025 by John Holden

In a world dominated by Netflix, TikTok, and doom scrolling, event TV has become a rare phenomenon, though a few shows still manage to capture audiences.

When The Traitors premiered in November 2022, the reality competition series drew an average of 5.4 million viewers each week, eager to watch the latest twists of deception and betrayal.

Since then, the increasingly popular murder-mystery-style psychology game, hosted by Claudia Winkleman, has aired three series and is now gearing up for a celebrity edition.

The show, adapted from the Dutch series De Verraders, pits a group of secretly appointed “traitors” against a majority of “faithfuls.”

It’s up to the faithfuls to identify the traitors and banish them from the game before they become the next victims.

Players who survive to the end have the chance to win the prize money but if a traitor goes undetected, they’ll take it all.

The Celebrity Traitors will see 19 famous faces, including broadcaster Clare Balding and singer Paloma Faith, gather in the Scottish Highlands for the chance to win up to £100,000 for a charity of their choice.

Retired Olympic diver Tom Daley, actor Sir Stephen Fry, and Thursday Murder Club star Celia Imrie are also among the competitors.

Joining them are former England rugby player and podcaster Joe Marler, actresses Tameka Empson and Ruth Codd, Welsh singer Charlotte Church, singer Cat Burns, and comedians Alan Carr and Nick Mohammed.

Rounding out the cast are comedians Lucy Beaumont and Joe Wilkinson, historian David Olusoga, Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway, YouTube star Niko Omilana, Scottish actor Mark Bonnar and presenter Jonathan Ross.

Winkleman, 53, admits she was scared when the idea of a celebrity edition was first pitched.

“I was scared. Only because I’m in love with this show and I wanted to keep it small,” says the London-born broadcaster.

“Once a year, or maybe once every two years, felt like enough. My bosses, thank goodness, ignored everything I said.”

Asked about the line-up of celebrities, she adds: “It’s an absolute honour. I could barely breathe when I saw them all in the Highlands. I’m such a fan of every single one of them.

“The whole team were just in awe, it was hard not to scream, ‘you’re here!’ When I talked to Stephen Fry, I almost welled up; I told him, ‘this was my dream.’ We’re incredibly lucky to have the cast that we have. Each one of them is tremendous.”

Winkleman, who also co-hosts Strictly Come Dancing, says staying in character was harder with the celebrity series.

“The biggest challenge was being ‘strict,’” she explains. “All I wanted to do was chat and be friendly, but my role is aloof and grumpy. I found it hard not to just sit down with them and have a cup of tea.

“My family and I are obsessed with Joe Wilkinson. I had to stop myself from getting his autograph for my son.”

She adds: “They’re incredibly smart and kind. They play the game beautifully and were fully immersed in it. It was an extraordinary experience, and we’re so lucky 19 people said yes. It’s something we never take for granted and are so grateful for.”

Balding, 54, who has presented coverage of the Olympic Games and Wimbledon for the BBC, says she is drawn to the show from a psychological perspective.

“I love the show. Yes, I really find it fascinating, the way group thinking can be influenced,” the Hampshire-born presenter explains.

“I don’t know whether I can resist that or whether I can influence that, and I’m kind of interested in it from a psychological perspective. Also, I really want to see the castle, I want to see the grounds, and I want to meet the peacocks. Genuinely, I think it’s a fascinating programme and it’s like nothing else.”

Asked about her ability to read people, she adds: “I think I am good at it, but I can be much too trusting, so it would be very easy for somebody to convince me that they were not a Traitor. I have a few things I’ll try to look out for, and if I spot anyone being a bit casual about trying to get a shield, that will be very telling.”

Hull-born Beaumont says she has no game plan coming into the show.

“I don’t think game plans work,” says the 42-year-old comedian. “I’ve seen people think they have a game plan, but it always comes undone. I think it’s just luck – they’ve said the right thing at the right time and were aligned with the right people. I don’t have a plan for anything; I’m going to go with the flow.”

Asked if her comedy skills will come in useful, she adds: “Maybe that might help to an extent, until it starts to annoy people. I think I’m good at getting on with people, so that’s the only thing I can offer. It’s a sort of fairly OK demeanour! I haven’t got any type of plan, and I doubt I’ll contribute much to the missions, so the only thing I’ve got going is that I’m moderately pleasant.”

She adds: “If I was a Traitor, I think I could convince myself that I was a Faithful, and then I don’t think it’s so much like lying. If I could make myself genuinely believe that, then I think that’s what would get me through it.”

Faith, 44, says she plans to get rid of the boring ones if given the chance.

“Oh, I’d still vote out boring people if I’m a Faithful,” says the Hackney-born singer.

“If I don’t think someone is contributing much to our entertainment, I’ll just exert my influence at the Round Table.

When asked how she is at reading people she laughs: “I’m exceptional at reading people, and I’m worried that I’ll get voted off or murdered, because they’ll see that in me.

“I need to keep it under the radar about how good at it I am. I’m at the point in my life where people don’t even want to introduce me to their new boyfriend because they’re worried I’ll say I don’t get good vibes from him.”

She adds: “I quite like murdering people! I might see a different side to myself. I think that I’m always very moral and on my high horse so I might be surprised if I do some backstabbing.”

The Celebrity Traitors is on Wednesday, October 8 on BBC One and iPlayer.

For more editorial and properties to buy or let plus property previews (not yet on the open market), see our latest online magazine using this link https://online.flippingbook.com/view/889373357/

The rise of soft elegance and how to update your bathroom scheme

August 20, 2025 by John Holden

Made to relax and unwind in… think mini spa treatments with indulgent body ranges and a place to pamper, our bathrooms have become a haven for wellbeing.

Especially with our desire to escape the stresses of everyday life, investing in a little self-care, and creating the most calming environment with a luxe aesthetic is very of the moment.

And this is where the allure of soft elegance comes in, bringing your bathroom bang-up-to-date, and more characterful and charming than a minimalist approach which can sometimes feel clinical and harsh.

“Soft elegance focuses on creating spaces that feel inviting yet sophisticated, offering a softer lens through which to view minimalism,” explains Emma Freeman, brand and communications manager for Hansgrohe UK.

“It’s not about being showy or ornate, but rather subtle, luxurious, and warm – an ideal ambience for a bathroom that will help you end your day in a calmer way.”

Header photo: Blush Pink Bathroom. Visit Hansgrohe to find your nearest showroom partner. Hansgrohe/PA.

Start with colour

Soft elegance bathrooms are about serenity over statement, highlights Freeman. “They’re designed to make you feel relaxed and refreshed, using tactile materials, subdued colour schemes, and quietly luxurious finishes.

“This is where spa meets minimalism… soft elegance creates an aura that’s calm and space-enhancing, ideal when you want a bathroom that embraces overall wellness.”

What’s great about this trend is it can work just as well in large bathrooms, as it can in cloakrooms and en suites, says Freeman.

“The cornerstone of soft elegance is a calming colour palette. Muted tones like soft whites, creams, pale greys, blush pinks, and gentle blues all create a serene backdrop that promotes relaxation.”

She continues: “Avoid harsh, bright colours that can feel jarring. Soft colours create a more spacious feel and provide a backdrop for soft textures and shapes.”

Tone-on-tone layering with subtle shade contrast can also add depth without being too overstated, suggests Freeman. “To incorporate a little more personality, you could also use muted pastels as accents, such as lavender or a dusty blue.”

Lighting is important here too, she says. “Choose warm-toned LED bulbs that mimic natural light to create that cosy atmosphere, which is so key to the soft elegance trend.”

Thoughtful design choices

Under-consumption has been creeping into our vocabulary for some time now, notes Freeman, and says the ‘less is more’ philosophy is central to the soft elegance aesthetic.

She encourages a thoughtful approach to incorporating different elements that support a sense of wellness and quiet sophistication.

“Minimalism is key to this trend, but it has to be done in a softer, more organic way rather than traditional minimalism which is more sterile.”

Think about tapping into minimalism by clearing away countertop clutter and opting for hidden storage, suggests Freeman. She also advises keeping the floor space uncluttered: “Floating vanity units and ceramics that are wall-hung are a great way to lean into soft elegance.”

You want every element to feel intentional, but never excessive, she explains. “For example, bathroom furniture with a handless design, as well as soft colours in matt finishes like sandy beige and natural oak fit well into this trend.

“Internal drawer separators for your bathroom furniture keep countertops clutter free and organised. While frosted or fluted glass screens, used to zone off a shower or toilet, add just enough privacy while enhancing the room’s overall sense of calm,” she adds.

To embrace soft elegance, she says to think about incorporating natural materials that will add to the serenity. “Natural stone or marble with gentle veining, will create a timeless, organic feel,” suggests Freeman.

“You can add warmth with wood accents in light oak or walnut, and opt for matt finishes on tiles and taps to create a grounded, understated aesthetic.

“Soft textiles, such as waffle-weave towels, linen shower curtains and plush bathmats will complete the look, adding layers of comfort and texture.”

Sustainably sculpted

Other elements to consider are the smaller, finer details, such as accessories, showers and taps…

“Incorporating brassware with gentle curves and smooth, rounded edges brings a sense of grace and flow to your space,” suggests Freeman. “Every detail matters, from the shower head to the drain, to create a cohesive and thoughtful design that feels as good as it looks.”

She advises opting for fixtures in finishes like brushed bronze or nickel, polished gold, and chrome, to complement muted colour palettes and soft textiles.

“When it comes to taps, steer clear of harsh, boxy designs,” underlines Freeman. “Instead, choose cylindrical taps with flowing spouts and tactile handles that exude quiet luxury.”

She says this approach isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a space that nurtures long-term wellness for both the environment and those who inhabit it. “Think wall-mounted taps above oval basins, or mirrored shapes that echo across the room, creating a harmonious balance.

“For the shower, subtlety is key… select designs where nozzles are discreet, allowing water to cascade as if emerging from a cloud. A matt spray disc adds an understated sophistication, perfectly embodying this trend’s ethos of refined simplicity.”

A wellness space

“The soft elegance trend transcends fleeting fashion,” highlights Freeman. “It’s a lifestyle choice that celebrates sensual shapes, sustainable materials, and the enduring beauty of thoughtful design.”

“Aligning with the broader movement toward wellness and sustainability, soft elegance certainly has longevity – and likely to evolve towards the use of eco-friendly materials and modular furniture in years to come,” adds Freeman.

Editorial By Sam Wylie-Harris, PA

How to fast-track your home extension

August 20, 2025 by John Holden

If you’re in your forever home, planning your dream extension for indoor outdoor living, or considering a loft conversion, this could be the perfect time to make it happen.

Thanks to recent changes to planning rules, many homeowners can now extend their homes more quickly – often without needing full planning permission at all.

These updates to permitted development rights (or PD rights) make it simpler to carry out common improvements, says Simon Rix, planning expert for the Homebuilding & Renovation Show and director of Planix.UK Planning Consultants, provided you follow a few key rules.

To put you on the front foot, Rix explains what you need to know – and how to avoid common pitfalls which can slow things down…

What’s changed in the planning system?

In recent years, the government has gradually expanded what’s allowed under permitted development, outlines Rix. “This means you can carry out certain types of building work without needing full planning permission – cutting down on paperwork, delays, and thus costs.”

Key recent changes include…

“More generous size limits for single-storey rear extensions – up to six metres for a semi-detached home or eight metres for detached, under the neighbour consultation scheme,” explains Rix.

“Loft conversions with rear dormers are now allowed in most cases, up to 40 cubic metres for terraced houses or 50 cubic metres for detached/semi-detached homes.

“Outbuildings and garden rooms, such as offices or gyms, can be built without planning if they meet height and use restrictions.”

He says side extensions are also allowed in many cases, as long as they’re single-storey and modest in scale.

However, not every home qualifies. “If your property is listed, in a conservation area, or subject to past restrictions, permitted development may not apply,” Rix warns.

What you can do without full permission

If your home benefits from permitted development rights, you may be able to do the following…

“Build a single-storey rear extension of up to three metres deep (four metres for detached homes) under standard PD, or up to six to eight metres under the larger extension scheme,” he explains.

“Convert your loft into a bedroom or home office, including dormer windows to the rear roof slope.

“Add a garden room or office, as long as it’s single-storey, used for incidental purposes (not a separate residence), and doesn’t take up more than half your garden.”

Rix continues: “Create a side extension that’s single-storey and no more than half the width of the original house.”

As he points out, all of this must be done within certain height, volume, and boundary rules. “So it’s still important to double-check the technical details before you start building.”

How to fast-track your project

Even though you may not need full planning permission, it’s still essential to follow the correct process to keep things smooth…

Confirm your PD rights: “Check whether any previous planning permissions or local restrictions remove your rights to extend under PD,” advises Rix. “This can be done via your local council’s planning portal or with professional help.”

Submit a lawful development certificate (LDC): “This isn’t mandatory, but it’s strongly recommended,” underlines Rix. “It’s a formal confirmation that your plans meet PD rules, and it’s useful when selling your home or dealing with mortgage lenders.”

Use the neighbour consultation scheme: “For rear extensions that exceed three metres (terraced/semi) or four metres (detached), you’ll need to notify neighbours and submit basic plans for prior approval,” says Rix. “This is quicker than full planning, and handled by the council in 42 days if there are no objections.”

Get the measurements right: “A few centimetres over the limit can mean your build doesn’t qualify,” he warns. “Work from accurate plans and, if possible, get a professional to check everything before you begin.”

Consider the build itself: “Even if planning is easier, you’ll still need to comply with building regulations,” explains Rix. “That means proper insulation, fire safety, structural checks, and potentially drainage and ventilation considerations.”

Less red tape, but still rules

The recent changes to PD rights make home extensions more accessible than ever, highlights Rix, but says that doesn’t mean anything goes…

“You still need to work within clear rules, and mistakes can be costly.

“The good news? With a bit of planning upfront, you can avoid unnecessary delays and unlock valuable new space at home,” says Rix. Whether that’s for family life, working from home, or just more room to breathe.”

For more info visit homebuildingshow.co.uk

Talk To An Estate Agent

If you are planning an extension and your purchased your property form McCarthy Holden, why not talk to them about your extension / improvement ideas and they will give you insights into what works and any potential enhanced property value.

BBC Expose Questionable Estate Agency Practices

July 15, 2025 by John Holden

A wake-up call for anyone selling their home – Congratulations to the BBC for their recent Panorama investigation, which lifts the lid on how some corporate estate agencies appear to operate—putting profits before people.

The undercover report revealed troubling practices, including a recorded conversation in which an estate agency manager admits to prioritising buyers who use the agency’s in-house mortgage broker. Why? Because it earns them additional fees. In doing so, they compromise the interests of the very clients they’re meant to represent: the sellers.

Why This Matters

When you appoint an estate agent, you expect them to act in your best interest—not use your sale as a tool to cross-sell other services for their own gain. Sadly, the Panorama programme highlights that this isn’t always the case.
You can watch the full episode here:

🎥 Panorama: Undercover Estate Agent

Clients Should Experience A Different Approach

At McCarthy Holden, this type of behaviour would never be tolerated. As a proudly independent, family-run business, our priority is always our clients. We focus on agreeing sales with buyers who are ready to proceed—and negotiating the best possible price for you.

Our continued success is built on trust, transparency, and results. That’s why so many of our clients return to us time and again—and recommend us to others.

Corporate vs. independent: what’s the real difference?

Larger corporate estate agencies, by necessity, may often prioritise shareholder returns and balance sheets. And, as the BBC investigation shows, that financial pressure can sometimes take precedence over client needs.

As an independent agency, we answer only to you—our clients—and our reputation in the local community is everything. We don’t just want to sell your home; we want to do it the right way.

Thinking of selling?

At McCarthy Holden we do not have any ‘in house’ mortgage brokers or conveyancers and we concentrate on delivering traditional estate agency services focused on selling or letting a client’s property. Get in touch with our team and experience the difference an independent, customer-focused agency can make.

Buy To Let – Squeeze Or Opportunity For Landlords?

June 20, 2025 by John Holden

Let’s start with the bad news, then dig a little deeper to uncover what’s really happening beyond the usual headlines

Following a wave of Government policy changes and rising costs, the buy‑to‑let segment is feeling the pinch. In addition Stamp duty on second homes has jumped and upcoming EPC C energy efficiency standards (effective by 2030, possibly earlier in 2028), will create extra costs for a Landlord in some cases.

Yet, the market is far from collapsing. Since April 2025, UK rents have continued to climb, albeit at a slower pace—up roughly 7 % year-on-year UK wide.

Some small-scale or accidental landlords are exiting the sector, squeezed by cost, regulation, and compliance pressures—yet returns remain buoyant in yield-rich regions, supported by persistent tenant demand and potential lower borrowing costs.

The Shift

In many cases however, these changes are prompting landlords—especially higher-rate taxpayers—to shift into company status. That shift is backed up with some interesting facts at Companies House.

Over 400,000 companies registered solely to hold BTL properties as of February 2025

In 2024 alone, about 61,500 new limited company BTL businesses were founded — a 23% rise from 2023

No doubt landlords shifting to a company status are influenced by Limited companies offering full deduction of mortgage interest, paying corporation tax on profits, and enjoying more flexible expense claims.

It is estimated that there is about 680,000 buy-to-let properties held in a limited company structure across England and Wales, with the number rising every year. Not all of them are new rental properties – many are being moved from personal names into a limited company owned by the same landlord

In summary, the growth in BTL companies is real and substantial. Driven by tax changes, shifting investor behaviour, strong mortgage volumes, and regional yield opportunities, the UK’s BTL sector has undergone rapid corporatisation. While momentum may ease if costs rise (e.g. stamp duty hikes), current indicators suggest the trend will continue for professional landlords.

For insights into the residential rental market and advice from professional property consultant contact our lettings department by phoning 01252 622550.

A Landlord Focused Agency

At McCarthy Holden our landlords are regarded as one in a million, perhaps unlike in the very large corporate agents where a Landlord could easily become just one in a million.

Because our Landlords are looked after by real people who live and work locally, people who you can speak to on the phone and people who are taking the responsibility of looking after your property, our Landlords experience the difference and benefits.

Our professional team are always available by phone or email and guess what, there are no online bots or automated telephone systems to get in the way of good communication.

So if you are a Landlord who wants one to one reliable service, telephone 01252 622550 for a free property valuation and advice about renting property.

Five minutes with… Interior Design Masters’ Alan Carr

April 2, 2025 by John Holden

INTERIOR DESIGN MCCARTHY HOLDEN ALAN CARR

Alan Carr’s signature sense of humour has made him something of a national treasure. Outside of the comedy circuit, he’s been getting stuck into all things interior design in shows like Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job and Spanish Job, which he presented alongside Amanda Holden, and Interior Design Masters, which is soon to return for its sixth series on BBC One.

By Rachael Davis, PA Assistant Lifestyle Editor

Once again Carr, 48, is welcoming 10 interior designers on the ultimate crash course, tasking them with transforming a range of spaces for discerning clients across the country, with their design creations being judged by guru Michelle Ogundehin and a bunch of celebrity guest judges.

Ahead of the show’s return, let’s find out more from the hilarious host.

ALAN, THIS IS THE SIXTH SERIES OF INTERIOR DESIGN MASTERS – WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?

I think the way they push the envelope, just keeps me excited in it. Because it is the sixth series now, and I think they need to excite me, they need to excite the designers, and I think they need to excite the audience. So that’s why I keep coming back. It’s a laugh, and it’s a giggle, you know?

YOU CAN TELL YOU’RE HAVING FUN! TELL ME ABOUT SOME OF THE PROJECTS IN THIS SERIES.

We’re doing youth hostels, and then we also do a dog’s transition room at Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. We do comedy clubs up in Edinburgh. We do quirky cottages up in Portmeirion for the final, which is so surreal, so fabulous, so fantastic.

(Battersea Dogs & Cats Home) was heart-wrenching for me, because, you know, you’re trying to be on your game, and then you’ve got these dogs!

But this was really interesting though, because it wasn’t just a kennel. What they designed was (for) the dog that was transitioning from being in Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to having its new home, so they had to create a room that looked simulated like a normal room to bring them gently into: ‘You’re going to have your forever home now’. So you can imagine how emotional that was…

You’ve got a charity, a fantastic charity like Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, they’ve got what they want, but what does the dog want? And how do you stop a dog that’s nervous or angry, calming it down, ready for its new home? I mean, that is such a curveball, isn’t it, for any designer.

SOME BIG PROJECTS, THEN… HAS THE STANDARD GONE UP?

The standard has gone up, which makes it hard for me, because I do like the weird and wonderful ones, just from a comedian’s angle, where we like to go in there and someone’s gone, what the hell’s gone on here? But you find as you get people who love to do it so much, and who have clearly watched the show and want to win, the standard does go up, and you can’t really take the mick so much because they’re bloody good. Damn!

DO YOU HAVE TO BITE YOUR TONGUE SOMETIMES IF YOU SEE SOMETHING YOU FIND FUNNY OR UGLY?

Yes, I do have to bite my tongue! I do have to bite my tongue, and they don’t warn me, I go in there and what you see is what you get. I mean, you know my poker face is not the best.

I think the reason I got the job was (because) they said: ‘Alan, you are the people at home’… I’ve got no filter. It’s got me into so much trouble before. But like I said, I go in there and, you know, if they’ve painted it the colour of baby poo, then it’s baby poo! If it looks like the inside of a nappy, what can I say?

But, yeah, I try not to be too cruel… But, I mean, sometimes I can’t help myself. You know, there’s so many WTF moments and you’re going ‘really?’ But I think that’s the joy of the show.

You get people who inspire you, you go: ‘Wow, I’m going to do that in my house’, to people like: ‘Oh my God, do not come anywhere near my house!’

DO THE ELIMINATIONS GET EASIER AS TIME HAS GONE ON?

Every series I say: ‘Can we just have a trap door put in?’ It’s just quicker, swifter, you know, one pull and they’re gone, and you don’t have any awkward goodbyes. Or gunging?

I just hate confrontation anyway, and it’s the worst bit when someone has to go home. And I do sit there sometimes like a child in a divorce proceedings. I just sit there with my hands between my knees looking awkward. I just hate people going home.

And of course, the longer you’re there, you know them. You know them so well, because we spend all day, whether it’s in Bristol, Glasgow, Edinburgh, we’re there. So, yeah, I mean, it never gets any easier, even though it is six series in. I mean, my toes are so curled up, I can’t bear it!

AS YOU SAY, THIS SHOW HAS YOU TRAVELLING ALL AROUND THE UK, MEETING ALL SORTS OF PEOPLE – WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THAT?

Yes, you do get to spend (time in) some lovely places, like Rye, I’d never been to before, and because it was streets, everyone in Rye came out to see the transformation, and they did something with the front of the shop. You’ll see it on the show, as the camera pans round, I think the whole of Rye was there and just gave a massive round of applause because they approved of what they’d done. So that was a real emotional moment for me, Michelle and the people, you know, you can’t get a better endorsement than that!

And then Edinburgh, went to comedy clubs, and they were actually doing up some comedy clubs that I had performed in when I was back in the Fringe, back in 2003 and 2004, so that was really, really emotional for me.

And then in the final I spent three days in Portmeirion, which is just so surreal and fabulous and everything, right on the outskirts there in Wales.

See, I’m so lucky. I get to spend time in these lovely places.

Obviously the industrial estate in Bristol with the containers – you know, it wasn’t Vegas, but you saw a different side of Bristol!

Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr returns to BBC One on Thursday, April 10 at 8pm

Why every home needs a posh pantry

March 26, 2025 by John Holden

Beyond the layout, smart technology, integrated appliances and sociable aspect for family and friends to mingle, storage is key to a modern kitchen.

Moreover, when placing your products – from dry foods to tins, to spices and food processors – a dedicated space is key to making your daily routine stress-free.

And with the trend for open-plan schemes and clutter-free surfaces, a pantry is right on point when planning an upgrade, or making every space count.

(by Sam Wylie-Harris PA)

Commonly associated with large farmhouse kitchens in spacious homes, Looeeze Grossman, founder of The Used Kitchen Company, says that couldn’t be further from the truth.

“A well-designed pantry is an asset in any kitchen, regardless of its size,” opines Grossman.

Here, the design expert shares her top tips for pantry planning…

If you have a large kitchen, it’s all about smart storage

If you have a large kitchen, but no pantry, adding one is a worthwhile investment, advises Grossman. “You may see it as sacrificing valuable kitchen space, but the benefits you’ll get in return are hugely worth it.”

Not only could it add more value to your home, but buyers often add a kitchen with a pantry to their wish list, says Grossman.

Moreover, she says you’ll actually gain more space by decluttering your worktops. “Small appliances, bread bins and storage items can be neatly tucked away, allowing your kitchen to maintain a sleek, showroom-worthy look.”

A pantry also makes it easier to stay organised. “With clearly labelled shelves and a well-thought-out layout, you can quickly locate ingredients and kitchen essentials.

“Seasonal cookware, rarely used gadgets, and holiday-specific items can be stored here,” suggests Grossman. “Freeing up your everyday cupboards for items you use on a daily basis.”

If you have a small kitchen, you can still create a pantry space

Even in the smallest of kitchens, a well-planned pantry space can make all the difference, highlights Grossman.

“Wall-mounted solutions like spice racks and plate racks offer an effective way to maximise vertical storage, freeing up valuable cupboard space for dry goods and bulk ingredients.

“Open shelving can also be a stylish and practical option, allowing you to keep essentials like jars of pasta, rice, and cereals within easy reach while adding character to your kitchen,” suggests Grossman.

If you prefer a more streamlined appearance, she says to use wicker baskets or containers inside your cupboards – making it easier to find what you need without rummaging through cluttered shelves.

Grossman continues: “For those who prefer a more concealed storage approach, slim pull-out pantry units or stackable organisers can transform even the narrowest cupboard into a functional space for food storage.”

“Clever additions like over-the-door racks for spices or small tins can create extra storage without taking up valuable worktop space,” she adds.

Whether tucked away or showcased as part of your kitchen’s design, Grossman says a thoughtfully arranged pantry ensures even the most compact kitchens remain both stylish and highly functional.

It doesn’t have to cost a fortune

Designing a functional and stylish pantry doesn’t have to come with a high price tag, she underlines. “While many assume adding a pantry requires a significant investment, it can be achieved cost-effectively with the right approach.”

Think second-hand or ex-display, that can be used as a standalone unit or part of a larger kitchen redesign. In addition, most pantry layouts follow a simple, formulaic approach, notes Grossman.

“Shelves for dry goods, designated spaces for jars and tins, and clever use of vertical storage – instead of splurging on high-end organisers, everyday household items can be repurposed to create a tidy and efficient space.”

She says basic baskets, repurposed jars, and stackable containers work just as well as premium alternatives, helping to keep everything in order without unnecessary expense.

Even more budget friendly, Grossman suggests checking out car boot sales, online marketplaces and discount stores for baskets, jars, and organisers… a fraction of the price of high-end homeware shops.

“With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can design a well-organised, stylish pantry that maximises space and functionality, all without overspending.”

Organisation is key

A well-organised pantry isn’t just about storage, it’s about creating a space where everything has its place…

Thoughtful layout planning is essential, and by ensuring everyday essentials are easily accessible, and surplus items neatly tucked away, even the smallest pantry can feel spacious and efficient, says Grossman.

Beyond practicality, a well-arranged pantry can be a design feature in its own right, she enthuses. “There’s a certain satisfaction in opening the pantry doors to a beautifully arranged space.

“In fact, a thoughtfully planned pantry often becomes a talking point, with friends unable to resist taking a peek at what’s inside.”

With the right balance of organisation and creativity, Grossman says a stylish and efficient pantry is well within budget for every home.

Recruiting Experienced Personnel

April 4, 2025March 21, 2025 by John Holden

McCarthy Holden is recruiting for experienced personnel across residential sales and residential lettings specialities, offering high level rewards in high performing branches.

Right now we are recruiting for experienced estate agents personnel across residential sales and residential lettings specialities, so if you are a manager, assistant manager or negotiator, then take a look at our immediate needs and consider sending your CV to us as soon as possible.

Experienced Sales & Lettings Personnel Wanted

Job opportunities include positions such as manager / assistant manager level and negotiators, in offices currently based around Fleet, Hartley Wintney and Odiham in Hampshire.

We are offering high level rewards in high performing branches and we want people with sales and communication skills underpinned with attributes such as work ethic and a desire to succeed. Salary will be commensurate with experience and is comprised of basic salary plus commission.

As an independent, family run company, we have built our reputation based on honesty, integrity and a deep understanding of the local property market. As such, we are looking for additional team members who share our commitment to these values.

A summary of skill based and personality attributes for either residential sale s or residential lettings is as follows.

• Previous experience in residential sales or lettings estate agency.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• A customer-first attitude with a strong focus on delivering high-quality service.
• A genuine interest in property and the local area.
• A full UK driving license.
• A self-motivated, proactive approach to work.

What To Do Next

If you would like to be considered for joining the McCarthy Holden team then please forward a cover letter with your application and CV as applications without this covering letter will not be considered.

Send your application to Jill Wood using her email jwood@mccarthyholden.co.uk

TV presenter Matt Baker on Channel 4’s National Trust: Our Dream Farm.

March 19, 2025March 18, 2025 by John Holden

By Yolanthe Fawehinmi, PA…

Matt Baker’s dream farm looks like the traditional hill farm he grew up on in the Durham Dales.

But when the 47-year-old British TV presenter thinks about the 600-acre farm in Eryri, (formerly Snowdonia), North Wales, that tenant farmers (people who rent land from a landlord and work the land) compete for in the second season of Channel 4’s National Trust: Our Dream Farm With Matt Baker, it’s a close second.

“I’m very fortunate to have grown up on a very traditional hill farm in Durham Dales. That’s the farm that I love. I love a mixture of landscapes as well. Welsh farms are very similar to the kind of farms that we have in the Durham Dales, but thankfully, my dream farm is the farm I grew up on,” says Baker, a former presenter on children’s television show Blue Peter from 1999 until 2006.

“It’s the world I know and love. It’s where I feel comfortable in that kind of landscape with lots of dry stone walls and older buildings, but also more modern buildings that you can drive tractors in and get all of your stock in if needs be. I love a hardy, rugged farm with a good yard and some modern barns.”

In the documentary-style series, seven shortlisted candidates are put under the watchful eye of the National Trust as they complete real-life farming tasks in the hope of becoming the new tenants of a unique hill farm in the national park, with a four-bedroom farmhouse at its heart, for the next 15 years.

The National Trust have a lot more applicants for their farms than they have to give.

So in National Trust: Our Dream Farm With Matt Baker, contestants will be judged on how well they maximise the opportunities that the farm has to offer.

This can be anything from tourism, how innovative or business savvy they are to how they prioritise environmental sustainability.

Across eight episodes, prospective tenants will be eliminated one by one until only two hopefuls are left and invited to have a final meeting with the National Trust. But only one person can win and become the proud owner of the farm.

“For me, any show that puts our agricultural world front and centre is absolutely vital, as far as I’m concerned. Not a lot of people know of the world of tenant farming, and the fact that a third of British farmers are tenant farmers. I think you only have to go out into the countryside and be so thankful that it looks the way that it does because of our farmers,” says Baker, who shares two teenage children, Luke and Molly, with his wife, physiotherapist Nicola Mooney.

“Not only are they producing our food, but they’re looking after our environment. I think we should shed light and can gather as much support as possible for the farming community, and show people what goes on and how challenging it is.

“Our farmers have to be jacks of all trades, you got to be so independent, and they’re providing all of the time. People need to be more grateful to our British farmers for producing our food and looking after our environment. In my eyes, it’s our farmers that make Britain what it is.”

From 2009, Baker looked into people, places and stories making news in the British countryside, whilst he co-presented BBC One’s Countryfile.

The following year, he stood in for English comedian and presenter Jason Manford, 43, as a guest presenter on BBC One’s magazine programme The One Show.

But when Manford resigned in November 2010, Baker was promoted to a more permanent position as a co-host with Welsh TV presenter Alex Jones, 47 – the same year he came second place on the eighth series of Strictly Come Dancing with Russian-Kazakh ballroom dancer Aliona Vilani, 40.

In the first episode of the new Channel 4 series, Baker says that if he were the winning tenant of the farm, he would be bursting with ideas and know exactly where to start.

“What is unbelievable is that the lake [on the farm] is where the legend of the red dragon from Wales comes from, which is incredible. There’s a legend that’s told actually in the series where the white dragon and the red dragon had a battle, and basically, the white dragon leaves and the red dragon remains. And that’s why the Welsh dragon is on the Welsh flag, it comes from that lake, which is just unbelievable,” he says.

“So I would certainly feature that heavily, I would key into that because a farm like this is so hard to come by. It’s one of the most nature-rich farms the National Trust have in Wales.

“I’ll certainly keep up with all of the grazings they do up on the mountain pasture, honestly, the nature there is everything. I love that side of things as well.

“But I’d be welcoming people from all over to come and immerse themselves in that kind of world. I would certainly lean into all of the heritage that’s there, including the walling. There are a lot of foundations around the 600 acres that reflect the things that have gone by over the years and the way that the shepherds used to work the land. So I’d look at reinstating some of those.

“I’d also keep on with those heritage animals, the stock that’s there, the Welsh Black cattle and the mountain sheep. I would run it very traditionally, but I’d invite people to come and experience that world.”

So what misconceptions does Baker think people have about countryside life and farming?

“It’s maybe a bit rose-tinted,” Baker admits. “It’s not as bucolic as people imagine. Our countryside goes on in winter. The tougher months are really challenging. People think things only happen in springtime, when the birds are tweeting and the flowers are out, the lambs are bouncing around.

“But let me tell you, it’s very hard work, it’s a tough life, and it’s not a job, it’s a lifestyle. Families are wrapped up in this constantly, and they work together. I think the togetherness and the community are very strong in the rural community.

“I think the biggest misconception is that people don’t understand where our food comes from or how it’s produced and the effort level. You only have to try and grow cress (an edible herb) on the window, think about a bit of food production, and then ask yourself the question, are you still doing it?

“And if you’re not still growing cress on the window, why not? A lot of people can’t be bothered, so be thankful to the people that are producing your food.”

National Trust: Our Dream Farm With Matt Baker cames to Channel 4 on Saturday, March 15

Fragrant chicken traybake

Skate wing with caper sauce and samphire

Carrot cake with frosting

Start with colour

Thoughtful design choices

Sustainably sculpted

A wellness space

What’s changed in the planning system?

What you can do without full permission

How to fast-track your project

Less red tape, but still rules

Talk To An Estate Agent

Why This Matters

Clients Should Experience A Different Approach

Corporate vs. independent: what’s the real difference?

Thinking of selling?

The Shift

A Landlord Focused Agency

Experienced Sales & Lettings Personnel Wanted

What To Do Next

Find a Property

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