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Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
'Downsizing' couple buy £3m home on abandoned river private island
A London couple who were planning on downsizing from their pricey Richmond home in south west London made a big U-turn when they bought a 13-bedroom mansion on a private island on the Thames A couple who once toyed with the idea of downsizing have instead made the ultimate upgrade by snapping up an abandoned 13-bedroom mansion on a private island in the Thames worth a staggering £3million. Andy Hill, 67, a music entrepreneur, and his wife Sheila, 66, say they were first drawn to the property after coming across D'Oyly Carte Island, near Weybridge, Surrey, while kayaking years ago. Despite its derelict state, the couple couldn't stop thinking about the 'ridiculous' patch of land. 'My wife is very creative and she could see through what was essentially a derelict property. Every window was smashed and boarded up, the garden had metres of brambles in it,' Andy recalled. 'She turned to me and said, 'That is so sad, we should do something about it'.' At the time, the couple were living in pricey Richmond, southwest London, and briefly considered moving into something smaller. Instead, in a dramatic U-turn, they bought the 19th-century property when the owner's agent contacted them in 2021. What followed was a long restoration project to transform the 1.9-acre island and mansion into the dream family home. 'It would have been so sad to see it demolished as it has such a rich history and culture,' Andy said. 'It is so unique - there aren't many private islands on the Thames. We just wanted a nice family home. We thought it would be a great place to have family reunions.' With their two children - both architects - and Sheila, a Royal College of Art alumna, the Hills embraced the mammoth task of bringing the property back to life. Now, their island estate hosts family birthday parties, music concerts, and even Pilates classes. A former boat house has been reinvented as a riverside bar named D'Oyly's, and a once-leaky glass dome responsible for flooding the hallway has been repaired. 'It really does feel like a party house and a fun house. We have the perfect balance,' Andy said. The couple's new home even drew a visit from Princess Anne earlier this year, who came to personally thank them for restoring the cultural landmark. The island is named after Richard D'Oyly Carte, a theatre impresario who once owned the land and produced Gilbert and Sullivan's operettas. He also founded the Savoy Hotel in London. 'He was the Simon Cowell of the 1800s,' Andy joked. Despite the steep renovation costs - and the dust, noise, and disruption- Andy insists it's been worth every penny. 'The expression 'no pain no gain' is very true. We are seeing lots of progress every day. It is fun to see what was a dead island and house be brought back to life. If I had to do it all again, I wouldn't change a thing.' Inspired by the island's musical roots, Andy launched the Weybridge Festival, hosting a series of summer concerts last year. The festival returns from July 4-6, with a hog roast, Pimm's tent, face painting, and more. To make the event safe, he met with council officials and invested £35,000 in infrastructure, including emergency escape plans. While Elmbridge Borough Council initially opposed the event, it was later approved. 'It is not dangerous. Nobody is going to burn to death on an island 50 yards from the mainland,' Andy said. 'It's an amazingly calm place to live.' The Hills are not the only ones seeking island life in the UK. Young couple Sacha Pritchard, 25, and Matt King, 28, moved to a one-bedroom bungalow on a boat-only-accessible island in Hampton, saving £20,000 a year on rent compared to London flat shares. 'It was the best decision we ever made,' said Sacha, who commutes to her job by boat and documents their lifestyle on her TikTok account @LondonIslandLiving. 'It isn't for everyone, but we love it.' But it's not without its own risks. In 2023, Andrew Philip, who lives on Pharaoh's Island in Surrey, saw his dream home engulfed by flames, with fire crews struggling to access the island due to a lack of bridges. 'It is slightly nerve-wracking living so close to water. Every few years our lawns flood,' he said. 'But it is a really lovely community.' Even so, private islands remain in demand. Last summer, Temple Weir Island near Marlow went up for sale for just £75,000 - a bargain compared to London prices. 'For those with a spirit for adventure, it's the perfect hideaway,' said estate agent Richard Maby.
Scottish Sun
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Private English island that's now open to the public with live music festivals and riverside bar
And the other islands near the UK you can buy for yourself ISLE GO Private English island that's now open to the public with live music festivals and riverside bar A PRIVATE island in the UK that hoped to be home to the 'Savoy on Thames' is open to the public - with a music festival on it every summer. D'Oyly Carte Island was previously called Folly Eyot before being bought by Richard D'Oyly Carte (behind the Savoy Hotel) in 1890. 4 D'Oyly Carte Island has a riverfront bar open to the public Credit: Alamy 4 The island was once privately owned Credit: Alamy 4 The island property is being renovated Credit: Alamy However, it remained closed to the public until last year, after it was bought by Andy and Sheila Hill in 2021. Last summer the island hosted a number of summer music events as part of larger Weymouth Festival. This year, the island is hosting the D'Oyly Carte Island Summer Concerts 2025 from July 4-6. Bands include Flo Collective, Yacht Brothers and Miami Coast. Running from 11am to 4pm, tickets cost £20 per person although kids under 10 go for free. Previously, people could only visit the island by using a chain ferry to pull themselves onto it. A footbridge was later built in 1964, which allowed easier access to the island. Now, people can park just outside the island, before walking the free foot bridge. The island is also home to D'Oyly's, an outdoor cafe where people can order food and drinks such as alcohol cocktails as well as crepes. People can visit on the island and sit in the outdoor garden or even pull up on the side by boat. The private party island loved by celebs thats is for sale for £25million Guests can even moor on the island with 45 pitches that have electricity and water, along with heated toilets on the island. New this year are a number of wellness events such as yoga, pilates and forest bathing with a number of classes already sold out. Original owner Richard D'Oyly Carte was dubbed the Simon Cowell of the Victorian era due to his creation of the Savoy Opera Theatre as well. After buying the island in the late 1800s, he also built the huge Eyot House on the island complete with a grand ballroom and even a real crocodile. It was hoped that the hotel would become the "Savoy on Thames" with a dedicated boat service between the two hotels. However, after being denied an alcohol license, the 13-bedroom property remained as their home, where they invited friends and family over instead as well as having their own private concerts. The Grade-II listed mansion was was left abandoned for years, was sold in in 2021 for £3million along with the island. It is now being converted, with the 13 rooms being reduced to 10 en-suite bedrooms and will eventually be open to the public. Until then, the hotels' grand ballroom opens every year to just 50 people as part of the D'Oyly Carte Music with "intimate performances" by top artists, yet to be revealed. In the mean time, here are some private islands you can buy off the coast of the UK. And a man who has been to more than 100 Scottish islands reveals his favourites.
The Sun
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Private English island that's now open to the public with live music festivals and riverside bar
A PRIVATE island in the UK that hoped to be home to the 'Savoy on Thames' is open to the public - with a music festival on it every summer. D'Oyly Carte Island was previously called Folly Eyot before being bought by Richard D'Oyly Carte (behind the Savoy Hotel) in 1890. 4 4 4 However, it remained closed to the public until last year, after it was bought by Andy and Sheila Hill in 2021. Last summer the island hosted a number of summer music events as part of larger Weymouth Festival. This year, the island is hosting the D'Oyly Carte Island Summer Concerts 2025 from July 4-6. Bands include Flo Collective, Yacht Brothers and Miami Coast. Running from 11am to 4pm, tickets cost £20 per person although kids under 10 go for free. Previously, people could only visit the island by using a chain ferry to pull themselves onto it. A footbridge was later built in 1964, which allowed easier access to the island. Now, people can park just outside the island, before walking the free foot bridge. The island is also home to D'Oyly's, an outdoor cafe where people can order food and drinks such as alcohol cocktails as well as crepes. People can visit on the island and sit in the outdoor garden or even pull up on the side by boat. The private party island loved by celebs thats is for sale for £25million Guests can even moor on the island with 45 pitches that have electricity and water, along with heated toilets on the island. New this year are a number of wellness events such as yoga, pilates and forest bathing with a number of classes already sold out. Original owner Richard D'Oyly Carte was dubbed the Simon Cowell of the Victorian era due to his creation of the Savoy Opera Theatre as well. After buying the island in the late 1800s, he also built the huge Eyot House on the island complete with a grand ballroom and even a real crocodile. It was hoped that the hotel would become the " Savoy on Thames" with a dedicated boat service between the two hotels. However, after being denied an alcohol license, the 13-bedroom property remained as their home, where they invited friends and family over instead as well as having their own private concerts. The Grade-II listed mansion was was left abandoned for years, was sold in in 2021 for £3million along with the island. It is now being converted, with the 13 rooms being reduced to 10 en-suite bedrooms and will eventually be open to the public. Until then, the hotels' grand ballroom opens every year to just 50 people as part of the D'Oyly Carte Music with "intimate performances" by top artists, yet to be revealed. In the mean time, here are some private islands you can buy off the coast of the UK. And a man who has been to more than 100 Scottish islands reveals his favourites. 4
Buzz Feed
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
31 Rare Photos Of Classic Hollywood Stars
Lucille Ball looking glamorous as all hell in 1942. And here's Ginger Rogers, age 65, wiping sweat off her face after rehearsing for her nightclub show and showing off her strong dancer's legs. The Marx Brothers serving cocktails at the Savoy Hotel in London. In case you also don't recognize them out of costume, from left to right, that's Zeppo, Harpo, Groucho, and Chico. Doris Day at her Los Angeles home in 1951 with her dogs Beanie and Smudge. Lana Turner testifies at the trial of her teenage daughter, Cheryl Crane. Crane killed Turner's abusive gangster boyfriend, Johnny Stompanato, in what the jury deemed a "justifiable homicide." Sidney Poitier and his wife Joanna Shimkus pushing their child in a stroller through London Heathrow Airport. Here's Rita Hayworth posing for a pic after donating her car's bumper in a World War II scrap drive. Putting this pic of Greta Garbo flexing in 1926 on my vision board for how I want my summer to be. Jerry Lewis getting his butt kicked by Pierre the chimpanzee. The OG Pink Panther Peter Sellers with his wife Anne Hayes and their son Michael. Here's Kim Novak playing cards with the crew behind the scenes of a movie in the mid-'50s. And Hedy Lamarr measuring a lampshade before embarking on a home-decorating project. This star had a second career as a scientist and inventor; her work laid the foundation for a few of my favorite things: Bluetooth, wifi, and GPS. Ida Lupino went from starring in movies to directing them. Here she is behind the camera working on her film Mother of a Champion. James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor lounging on a break from shooting Giant in 1955. Grace Kelley in Cannes in 1955. She would meet her future husband, Prince Rainier of Monaco, on this trip. Audrey Hepburn meeting Santa in 1953. Rock Hudson and his "roommate," Bob Preble, in the car, headed toward the Hollywood home they shared. At the time, the press described the pair as "two hunks living together to save a buck." More recently, the documentary Rock Hudson: All That Heaven Allowed explores how Hudson hid his sexuality while working in old Hollywood. Jimmy Stewart playing ping pong at Henry Fonda's house. Ingrid Bergman visits the spot where Joan of Arc was burned at the stake. Bergman played Joan three times in her career, once on the stage and twice on film. Bette Davis at home with her wood-burning stove. Clark Gable driving onto the MGM lot. Is it just me, or does he kind of look like George Clooney here? Rita Moreno seen here after being barred from testifying in defense of her boyfriend, jazz pianist George Hormel, on the grounds that she wasn't a "marijuana expert." Hormel was arrested for possession after inspectors found 13 marijuana cigarettes under the visor in his car, but he was acquitted at trial. Dorothy Dandridge poses before a swim in the French Riviera. Actors Randolph Scott and Cary Grant working out together. The two were rumored to have been romantically involved. Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall with one of their dogs. Both stars were big dog lovers, and they eventually owned three boxers together. Their first boxer, Harvey, died six months after Bogart in 1957. Jayne Mansfield getting her iconic blonde hair done. Mansfield's daughter is Law and Order star Mariska Hargitay. Marilyn Monroe hanging out with a couple of penguins in her Norma Jean era. Gregory Peck relaxing on a deep sea fishing trip. Charlie Chaplin soaks up some good press the morning after winning his second Academy Award in 1972. Child star Judy Garland blowing a party favor. And finally, Katherine Hepburn in the '80s with a very relatable sign in her driveway. Who are your favorite stars from back in the day? Tell me who you love and why in the comments!
NDTV
13-06-2025
- General
- NDTV
A Look At The Kitchen Brigade: Why Restaurant Kitchens Run Like Military Units
Ever wondered how kitchens of fine-dining restaurants manage to serve meals with exquisite precision? It is also about synchronisation and teamwork. Their rhythm and method are often poetically compared to that of an orchestra. Everyone has their roles to play, and when they do it skilfully, the final result is beautiful and pleasing. But a more fitting comparison for most professional kitchens may actually be the military. Wondering why exactly? It's all got to do with the "kitchen brigade" system. Find out more about it below. What Is The Kitchen Brigade? The traditional kitchen brigade, or "brigade de cuisine", is a structured system of roles and responsibilities in a professional kitchen. Different forms of culinary work are assigned to staff as per this hierarchy. The "brigade" hints at the military as inspiration for this system, as well as the seriousness of this formal delineation. Also Read: Why Chefs Wear Long White Hats In The Kitchen Who Invented The Kitchen Brigade? The "brigade de cuisine" was developed in the late 19th century by the renowned French chef Georges Auguste Escoffier. Having spent time with the French army during the Franco-Prussian War (as a chef), he sought to bring a similar, military-style sense of order and discipline to restaurant kitchens. He first put it into practice when he was working at London's legendary Savoy Hotel. After that, the system was eventually adopted in fine-dining and professional kitchens around the world. Significance And Purpose Of The Kitchen Brigade Photo Credit: Unsplash The Kitchen Brigade allows work to be divided based on specialisation. Each cook in the kitchen thus becomes responsible for specific types of dishes or tasks. This system helps large kitchens run efficiently, especially in settings where consistency, high quality and timing are crucial. As cooks move up the hierarchy, they gain a variety of skills and build a sense of mastery in their careers. Having a common system also helps chefs organise and navigate kitchen situations they may be unfamiliar with. Also Read: Chef Cooks For More Than 5 Days Straight To Set World Record Key Roles In The Traditional Kitchen Brigade: 1. Chef de Cuisine (Executive Chef or Head Chef) This role refers to the leader of the kitchen. In many cases, the executive chef and the head chef are the same person. However, some hierarchies may place the former above the latter to differentiate between two senior chefs. In this context, the executive chef is also more involved in the business side of the kitchen/restaurant/brand. They may not necessarily be directly involved in the day-to-day tasks, but they are nevertheless held responsible for the overall output. The head chef is the one who oversees everything from menu planning to team management and overall kitchen operations. 2. Sous Chef (Second-in-Command) The sous chef is the one who performs the role of a deputy. They manage the kitchen in the head chef's absence and supervise the line cooks and station chefs. 3. Chef de Partie (Station Chef) They are in charge of particular stations in the kitchen. For example, see below: Saucier: Prepares sauces, stews, and sauteed dishes. Poissonnier: Handles fish and seafood dishes. Rotisseur: Takes care of roasted and braised meats. A separate cook (Grillardin) may manage the grill section. Entremetier: Prepares vegetables, soups, starches, and egg dishes. A potager (soup cook) and/or a legumier (vegetable cook) may work under the Entremetier. Garde Manger: In charge of the cold kitchen items like salads, terrines, cold meats, etc. Patissier: Handles pastries, desserts, and baked goods. Separate aspects of the patissier's work may also be done by the Confiseur (confectioner), Glacier (glazier), Decorateur (decorator), Boulanger (baker), Chocolatier and/or the Fromager (cheese specialist) 4. Commis (Junior Cook) This is the role of a junior cook who generally works under a Chef de Partie to learn the ropes and assist in the daily prep of a kitchen. 5. Apprenti (Apprentice) This refers to a trainee or intern learning basic kitchen skills and helping with prep and cleaning. 6. Plongeur (Dishwasher) The traditional kitchen brigade, as developed by Escoffier, didn't just include cooks. It also included staff members who helped out with other duties. For instance, the plongeur keeps the kitchen clean, washes dishes and sometimes helps with basic prep. 7. Tournant (Swing Cook or Roundsman) This role refers to a flexible cook who can work any station as needed. Escoffier's system included several other roles lower in the hierarchy, such as Boucher (butcher), Aboyeur (literally "barker", announcer of orders from the tables), Communard (staff cook), Garcon de cuisine (literally means "kitchen boy"), etc. Also Read: Exciting Careers For Food Enthusiasts Who Do Not Want To Cook Adapting The Kitchen Brigade In Contemporary Kitchens Photo Credit: Pexels In the contemporary world, many kitchens use a streamlined version of this system. Roles often overlap nowadays, and hierarchy is more relaxed. The original kitchen brigade was developed with French cuisine in mind. Ultra-specific roles like Saucier, Poissonnier, Grillardin, etc., may or may not be relevant to settings that deal with other cuisines and other types of food. Many high-end kitchens still follow a version of this brigade, while more informal ones may choose a more horizontal structure. The requirements of restaurant service, the expectations of customers, the format of menus and other factors have all evolved significantly over the past two centuries. Kitchens have accordingly evolved - although it is noteworthy that this brigade system still exerts considerable influence. The kitchen brigade is ultimately about precision and teamwork. Having this system in place allows busy kitchens to manage food efficiently, especially when service is at full throttle. Advertisement For the latest food news, health tips and recipes, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and YouTube. Tags: Kitchen Brigade Sous Chef Chef Titles Food Facts Kitchen System Show full article Comments
