Stylist November 3, 2021

“The future of the planet is in  our hands” Following last week’s budget, which failed to make any serious investment in the UK’s green future, all eyes are now on Cop26. As the hosts of the summit, the world will be looking at the UK, as well as those of the 14 other country leaders in attendance, to gauge our financial and infrastructural commitment to the climate crisis. Before it had even started, Boris Johnson had upset environmentalists by downplaying the importance of recycling in averting the climate crisis and by cutting taxes on domestic flights in the budget, presumably to encourage more people into the air. All this while still underfunding investment in public transport and rail services – proven to be far less polluting than flying – which…

A ONE-DAY DIARY FROM FLAT WHITE TO LIGHTS OUT Jessica Hawkins, racing and stunt driver Jessica, 26, is a W Series racing driver and stunt driver. She lives in Milton Keynes with her girlfriend My alarm goes off… At 7.30am. When I’m working on film sets as a stunt driver, my call times can be as early as 4am, but when I’m racing in the W Series (a free-to-enter championship for women), sleep is an important part of preparation. I’m not a breakfast person, but I’ll always try to eat something – yoghurt and granola is my favourite combination. I can’t start work without a shower – it’s where I set out my plans and prepare for the day ahead. I’m responsible for… Giving my best performance. Whether I’m…

rural retreat Contentment In The Cotswolds: Your Next Foodie Bolthole Stylist’s style director Polly Knight heads to The Double Red Duke in Oxfordshire for a lazy weekend  After a summer spent tripping around various self-catering spots across the UK, I was yearning for some genuine R&R. Hiking and learning to surf in Cornwall had been great fun, but my body was well and truly over being blasted by waves. I wanted some indulgent pampering – and someone else to do the cooking. Step forward the newly refurbished Double Red Duke, a Cotswolds bolthole that dates back to the 17th century. Nestled in the tiny village of Clanfield, this picturesque coaching inn with its low ceilings and various nooks and crannies has 19 rooms (some of which are dog-friendly), a large restaurant…

“Diwali is more than just food and fireworks” words: billie bhatia I love Christmas. I don’t understand people who don’t. How can you not? Parties, presents, people – the triumvirate of excellent times. My mum doesn’t like Christmas. We are kindred spirits in most things, sharing a love of sauvignon blanc, George Michael and 11pm cheese on toast, but an obsession with the festive period is where our paths part. My mum’s annoyance at our giddied spirits as soon as December rolls around is well known in the Bhatia household. She doesn’t partake in the annual watching of Christmas films, or the putting up of the tree, and her presents are always of the practical variety. For years I thought her a Scrooge, but the older (and sometimes wiser) I…

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alex scott Gold Standard From an international football career to presenting the biggest sporting moments of 2021, Alex Scott is on a long-term winning streak. Here she talks to Stylist about a remarkable year words: helen bownassPHOTOGRAPHY: CHANTEL KING To call Alex Scott a grafter is an understatement. While many of us tentatively took our first steps back into the office, pubs or gyms, the broadcaster and former football player has been pitchside and ensconced in studios for the majority of 2021. And made history in the process. Scott helmed the BBC’s nightly Olympic coverage alongside Clare Balding, presented the Euro 2020 coverage (remember those heady days?), became the first female Fifa video game commentator, and took over as the host of weekly analysis show Football Focus – the first…