ABSOLUTE Sussex magazine Winter edition 2018

ABSOLUTE ISSUE 143 SUSSEX WINTER EDITION 2018

FASHION | STYLE | CULTURE | LIVING | TRAVEL

Brighton

BeachClub

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Index CITY NEWS FASHION feature one FASHION feature two CULTURE CLUB JUNO REACTOR DUB PISTOLS BOXFRESH ECO SPA FORGET ME NOT FIZZ & FOOD BARS & BEATS COFFEE & CAKE SALT ROOM PABELLON DADDY LONG LEGS PATTY & BUN GHYLL MANOR THE WALRUS AMBERLY CASTLE BRIGHTON BEACH CLUB BLANCH HOUSE LONDON LIFE KASIA FASHION TRAVEL SRI LANKA IMAGE SUPPLEMENT FEATURE - DAVID FREEMAN TRAVEL ITALY 132 140 BURNING MAN

8 14 26 36 42 48 54 60 64 68 70 72 76 78 82 84 88 94 98 104 106 112 118 122

Contributing Editors - Charlie McBrien | Victoria Marie Emerson Lindsay Katherine Hills | Kalee Hewlett Pete Hayward | Kasia (The Styling Agency) Tony Shattell (food reviewer) Fashion, Beauty & Interior Styling Editor - Kasia (The Styling Agency) Features Editor - Victoria Marie Emerson - info@absolutemagazine.co.uk Designer - Pete Hayward - petehayward.design Owners - Publishers Simon Darcy Abbott - simon@absolutemagazine.co.uk David Camici - dcamici@absolutemagazine.co.uk Cover Photography Jim Carey Model Kate McLain Clothes Gresham Blake Jewellery House Of Hoye Hair & Make Up Oliver Cunningham Hair Location Ghyll Manor

ABSOLUTE is owned and produced by Make a Difference Media Ltd Absolute offices 1 Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 4QU

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The Editor

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s 2018 draws to close, we’ve been taking a look back over the last 12 months and what a year it’s been for our city and county. Sussex has seen some incredible new development projects both launching and in their final stages, tonnes of innovative and cool new businesses have opened and the foodie scene is ever more vibrant and exciting. Plus Brighton & Hove Albion are continuing to hold their own in the Premier League!

Our final issue of 2018 carries you into the new year and is packed with special features for you and exciting interviews. Absolute has a date with Culture Club whilst paying Brighton a visit on their UK tour, we talk to local Brighton DJ and Producer Ben Watkins aka Juno Reactor and we catch up with the Dub Pistols after their sell out Brighton gig.

Speaking of exciting new developments in the city, Absolute had the pleasure of meeting Brighton resident and owner of Boxfresh and Boxpark, Peter Wade, to find out all about his proposals for transforming the beloved Madeira Arches. On the flip side, the team have also taken a trip round memory lane and paid a visit to two historic venues in Sussex; the original Brighton boutique hotel Blanch House and Ghyll Manor Country House Hotel in rural Rusper.

To satisfy the stomach, our foodie team have sized up Amberley Castle, taken a first look at the new restaurant from the team at Circo and paid a visit to Brighton icons The Walrus and The Salt Rooms.

As winters sets in and the sun takes off his hat, this issue looks back over an incredible past few weeks, with a whole feature dedicated to David Freeman’s stunning photography that captures a changing Sussex.

Stepping away from Sussex, our travel writers have jetted off to Italy on your behalf for a short haul break taking in all the top destinations to visit and the very best hotels and hidden gems the country has to offer. We’ve also traveled further afield to beautiful Sri Lanka for some winter sun inspiration.

This year has been another glorious year for the team at Absolute and we would like to wholeheartedly thank you the readers for your support, as well as our wonderful advertisers and supporters.

We hope you enjoy the issue and have a safe and fun Christmas and New Years, whatever your plans are.

Love Absolute

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New Year's Eve at BA i360 Glow Wild @ Wakehurst Make your way to Wakehurst every Thursday to Sunday from Thursday 22nd November until Sunday 16th December for a magical after–dark winter lantern trail.

As darkness falls, let the magic begin. Walk through Wakehurst's beautiful botanic gardens and majestic woodlands - brought to life with glowing, handcrafted lanterns.

This is a magical winter experience the whole family will adore. Absorb the architectural beauty of the 16th century mansion before marvelling at the UK's tallest living Christmas tree and enjoy toasting marshmallows or chestnuts over giant fire bowls with hot chocolate or mulled wine in hand. Festive crafts, foodie treats and latenight opening of the Visitor Centre shop will ensure you have Christmas all wrapped up.

Glitterball Christmas Party Celebrate the festive period in style with your colleagues at one of our Glitterball Christmas Parties at the British Airways i360! Enjoy a lively atmosphere dining with groups of other businesses in the unique beachside event space overlooking the iconic West Pier ruins. After dinner, continue your party by dancing the night away to the live DJ.Party package includes a three-course meal, half bottle of wine per person and a festive pod flight on arrival.

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Start 2019 on a high by seeing in the New Year in the British Airways i360 pod, 450ft above Brighton. Enjoy a glamorous evening of dinner and dancing, with a sixcourse meal, wine and entertainment.

The ticket includes a glass of sparkling wine upon arrival, a six-course meal in the beach building with half a bottle of wine per person and a midnight flight in the pod above the bright lights of Brighton.

DJ and entertainment throughout the evening.

Santa Dash The Brighton & Hove Santa Dash is on Saturday 8th December at 10.30am and is raising money for the charity, Rockinghorse, helping children across Sussex. Some people may be facing a pretty tough Christmas this year. The least we can all do is chuck on a Santa suit, run 5km, raise some money and in doing so put a few more smiles on faces this Christmas.

The Brighton Santa Dash race route is a nice flat one out and back run so this is a course to get that elusive PB on, just make sure your beard and Santa trousers are safely secured before take off. The Adult Santa run Start and Finish line is 500 metres up from the Peace statue opposite Adelaide Crescent. The course heads west up the Seafront Esplanade for 2.5k.Once you get to Hove Lagoon you turn around and head back to the Start / Finish line.

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Santa's Grotto @ Drusillas No festivities would be complete without the star attraction and visitors to Drusillas will not be disappointed as Father Christmas makes a welcome return to the zoo. Visit him in his cosy Christmas Cottage on weekends from Saturday 17th November, and then daily from Thursday 13th - Sunday 23rd December. There will be a small additional charge to visit Santa and the little ones of course receive a gift.

Jeff Wayne’s The War of the Worlds Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds – Alive on Stage returns to UK arenas 2018 to celebrate its 40th ANNIVERSARY, with two performances at the Brighton Centre on Sunday 16th and Monday 17th December 2018.

Conducted by Jeff Wayne, with the 9-piece Black Smoke Band and 36-piece ULLAdubULLA Strings, the most ambitious production yet will ‘break through the fourth wall’ to bring the action closer to the audience for a most captivating and immersive experience. The show, which is mixed live in Surround Sound, will also feature the incredible 3-tonne 35-foot tall Martian Fighting Machine firing real flames, the incineration of a cast member in full view of the audience, and a ground-breaking levitation effect! Full cast announced soon!

Jeff Wayne's double album has sold over 15 million records worldwide, with two International hit singles – 'Forever Autumn' and 'The Eve of The War', spending over 330 weeks in the UK album charts.

DON’T MISS your chance to experience this spectacular Arena production and join the 40 YEAR celebrations! beer garden, Thai food and produce stalls, Thai massage and children's play area.

Christmas at the Royal Pavilion

Experience a magical Christmas at the Royal Pavilion. The palace is transformed with festive decorations and glittering trees. A replica of Queen Victoria's sleigh awaits you and your family in the Music Room, where you can create your Christmas photos to remember the day! Tickets include drop-in activities on Saturday 8 & Sunday 9, Saturday 15 & Sunday 16, Friday 21, Saturday 22 & 23 December, 11am-5pm.

Madness

Jack & The Beanstalk Brighton's Biggest Panto With a little help from a few magic beans, this spectacular new production of 'Jack & The Beanstalk' is coming to The Hilton Brighton Metropole and promises a West End cast, lavish costumes, dazzling special effects and not to mention Daisy, the tapdancing cow! Join Jack in this hilarious tale as he tries to outwit the evil giant and win the hand of the princess he loves.

Back by popular demand, the Magical Christmas Fayre will be bigger than before!

The entrance to Christmas Fayre is free for all panto ticket holders and it will be open before and after the show. Experience a gigantic helping of festive joy, which includes delicious food, Christmas stalls and those all important panto souvenirs.

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“THE HILLS ARE ALIVE WITH THE SOUND OF MADNESS!!” Britain’s favourite pop band Madness will be embarking on a major UK arena tour this December and will be joined by special guests The Fratellis at The Brighton Centre on 22nd December 2018.

The Sound of Madness is a combination of people from North London that got together in the mid to late ‘70s and came up with a cacophony of music, noise, clothes, dressing up and having fun.

Madness are one of the top 20 selling UK groups of all time, with seven top ten albums, 22 top 20 hits and over six million album sales to their name. It’s been an incredible few years for the nutty boys from their gold selling ‘Can’t Touch us Now’ album, sell out shows to their recent compilation ‘Full House – The Very Best Of Madness’. This summer sees the MADHEADS gather at nice big houses in the country as part of their Stately Madness tour and will return to Minehead with the legendary House of Fun Weekender before embarking on a full UK tour in December.

Madness will be playing all the hits and fan favourites plus some brand new tracks.

The hills will well and truly be alive.

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Royal Pavilion Ice Rink & Restaurant A winter season of enchantment beckons at the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink in Brighton, which opens for its ninth year from November 3 2018 to January 13 2019.

The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is located within Brighton’s bustling North Laine district, perfect for Christmas shopping, and beautifully lit at night for a truly magical Christmas skate. The 880-square metre main rink offers plenty of space for more confident skaters and the separate 130-square metre beginners’ rink with penguin skate aids, provides a safe area for younger skaters to build their confidence.

For those looking to just sit back and soak up the festive atmosphere, there’s no charge for spectating from the cozy rink-side Bar & Kitchen or on its 40-metre terrace next to the ice. With plenty of space for larger gatherings, the 130 seater restaurant offers sumptuous snacks, hearty meals, including stone baked pizzas, a fantastic after school menu for kids and a great bar selection including local ale and a range of craft beers, 14 different gins, and mulled wine or cider.

Tickets cost from £10 for full price tickets (aged 12 and over), £7 for juniors (under 12) and the one-hour skate times run from 10am to 9.15pm daily.

Winter Wonder Shared Christmas Parties Enjoy a magical evening of Winter Wonder at Brighton Racecourse with stunning views from a private rooftop terrace overlooking the city at one of their Christmas Party nights.

Enjoy a Winter Wonder themed shared party night full of winter atmosphere with a late-night disco, Christmas carvery and entertainment in-between – taking place on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month of December.

Club Rinkidinks (daily, second session of the day, 11.15am to 12.15pm excluding Dec 15th 2018 – Jan 2nd 2019) offers children under five the chance to skate for free when accompanied on the ice by an adult paying full price.

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Christmas at Kew Take an enchanting journey into a glittering wonderland with Christmas at Kew at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew from 22nd November 2018 to 5th January 2019.

Get together with family and friends and follow the illuminated path around the gardens, enjoy live performances, and be treated to immersive installations and spectacular displays. The popular after-dark Christmas event returns with its mile-long trail through the famous botanic gardens, lit up with more than 1 million lights.

Natural History Museum Ice Rink Skate in the magical atmosphere of the Natural History Museum’s open-air ice rink this festive season, until 20th January 2019.

Nestled in front of the iconic South Kensington museum, the spectacular rink is surrounded by thousands of fairy lights and features a glittering 30ft (9m) Christmas tree. Visit the museum’s alpine-style Café Bar, run by Benugo, for winter warmers, and watch the skaters glide on the ice from the cafe’s balcony. The cafe is also playing host to a series of intimate and free acoustic performances from some of the UK's best emerging talent.

Christmas in Leicester Square The traditional Christmas market welcomes more than 25 stalls filled with handcrafted gifts, festive decorations and warming winter fare. See one of London's most famous squares transformed for the festive season during Christmas in Leicester Square.

You can also drop by Santa's grotto and meet the man himself, right up until Christmas Eve in the square's enchanting festive atmosphere. After exploring the market, step inside the velvet-draped 1920s spiegeltent to catch an array of festive entertainment.

Watch drag-meets-circus troupe Briefs’ new show Close Encounters or catch The Showstoppers’ Christmas Kids Show!.

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Manor Worn F A S H I O N

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LOCATION Ghyll Manor HAIR AND MAKE UP Oliver Cunningham Hair CLOTHING Gresham Blake JEWELLERY House Of Hoye PHOTOGRAPHY Jim Carey MODELS Rob Loydel and Kate McLain

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Innovative. Distinctive. Original.

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J'adore F A S H I O N

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TEAM The Styling Agency PHOTOGRAPHY Tomasz Wojdak MODEL Clarissa (@clarissa_mua) MAKEUP @just_one_tina (Justyna Wojdak) HAIR @hairby.michal (Hair by Michal) FASHION@walkinwardrobeboutique (Walk In Wardrobe) LOCATION Courtesy of Smoke Machine STYLING & ART DIRECTION Kasia @thestylingagency

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I N

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Club

Since their inception in 1981 Culture Club have sold more than 150 million records worldwide, recognised as a Grammy Award winning UK institution with a stream of classic hits including; ‘Do You Really Want to Hurt Me’, ‘Karma Chameleon’, ‘Church Of The Poison Mind’, ‘Victims’, ‘It’s A Miracle’ and ‘The War Song’ The group are fronted by singer/songwriter Boy George, universally loved as one of music's most iconic artists. Roy Hay, Mikey Craig and Jon Moss make up the remaining original line up for one of the most exciting tours of the decade!

Fresh after their brilliant 'The Life Tour' Absolute's Pete Hayward caught up with Culture Club's Mikey Craig.

Q. For those that were around at the start of the 80s, Culture Club were a fresh new iconic band. When the final line-up came together in '81, did you have expectations that you would finally reach the dizzy successful heights Mikey - ‘No, who was to know! We put a couple of tracks out and not much had happened. The third track was ‘Do You Really Want To Hurt Me’, and by that time we were thinking is this really going to happen?

Particularly in America where they sent the final song out without the picture on it, so no one really knew what we looked like. The songs took on a life of their own, outside of the way we looked, outside of George’s gender ambiguity. Nobody knew what was going to happen, maybe the record company did but we certainly didn’t. All we could do was put our best songs together and forget about trying to be one thing or another and trying to have success. All we could do was be honest with ourselves and write the best songs we could and see what the universe can offer us. At that time nobody really knew what was going to happen, we were just probing and trying, and it just caught fire.'

Q. Few bands last forever. Did you ever think that you would go full circle and re-group?

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“ George is always advocating for a younger style and approach to doing things."

Mikey - ‘When we were 22 or 23 touring, never did we think we’d be 57/58 years of age and still touring. When you’re that young you think when I’m 40 I’ll probably have a pipe and slippers. None of us thought we’d still be doing this but thank God we are.'

Q. Now that the band are working together again and looking great I may add, was the making of the new album 'Life', fun to do?

Where was it recorded?

Mikey - ‘It was recorded in Ladbroke Grove, with a couple of guys called Future Cuts, they’ve done lots of projects including Lily Allen’s big hit album. We wanted a younger, fresh vibe. George is always advocating for a younger style and approach to doing things.

Recording with them in Ladbroke Grove was a lot of fun. Recording now is so different to when we were kids. For example, now if there’s a specific guitar sound you want from a Pink Floyd album in the 70’s, you just pull it up on the computer and suddenly you’ve got

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that sound. Back in our day it would have taken you ages to recreate that sound. It’s exciting, that everything can be done so quickly, and that excitement makes you get creative.'

Q. What's the band formula for writing a new tune these days? You have your own studios so does the material move around? Or is it very much a band in the same room with producer?

Mikey - ‘On the album ‘Life’ there’s a number of ways we recorded. There was the more organic way where we would sit, sometimes in George’s house on his sofa, with a couple of acoustic guitars - back to basics. Then that idea gets transferred to a studio at a later date and you expand on it. Then there’s also the ideas that come from the studio, right from the off. We get a juicy sound up on the monitors and then you start adding to it and write the lyric around it. That's a much more instantaneous way of writing. On the album there are both types of writing.'

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Culture Club

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Recording ‘Life’ this past year has given me the taste to record some more stuff."

Q. The new material sounds smooth, soulful and very current. 'God & Love' is a great example. Do you think the extended break has brought you all back with life experience which you can channel back in from different viewpoints?

Mikey - ‘Certainly - Particularly in George’s case, which is maybe why he wrote the lyric ‘Life’. People ask would you like to go back and change things, but I wouldn’t because I’m comfortable in the skin I’m in. I’m the person I am because of the experience’s I’ve had. The experiences have been both good and bad, but I wouldn’t go back and change any of them because I’ve learnt from them. Everything you witness throughout your life has an effect on you, so all of that is contained in this new album in some way or another, lyrically or musically.'

Q. Were you excited going out on the road for the recent UK tour?

Mikey - ‘Absolutely, 110%! Three years ago, the UK tour was cancelled which I was so looking forward to. I really wanted to tour and it was amazing. We performed new songs from the album which we weren’t able to do on a recent tour of America. Being able to perform the new tracks in the UK makes it incredible.'

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Q. It may be too early to predict, but will there be plans to continue and plan more recordings?

Mikey - ‘I’d love to. Recording ‘Life’ this past year has given me the taste to record some more stuff. I’ve been speaking to Roy, he’s just moved into a new house with a selfcontained recording studio. We’re all set and ready to perhaps start recording early New Year and get writing and recording again. Not necessarily for a new album, but who knows.

We’ll just go in and see what comes out.'

Q. How do you all relax these days?

Mikey - ‘Well George never relaxes, he’s got to be doing something always. Roy plays golf, almost every day whenever he can, even on tour he finds a way on a day off to play golf. I just chill out really, on days off I might go visit an art gallery. Long gone are the days of running around with girls and getting drunk. Now we go to art galleries and have afternoon tea. It’s been a big shift but it’s nice and relaxing.'

Q. First record ever bought?

Mikey - ‘I’m A Believer’ by The Monkees, about 1968/1969 or something like that.'

Q. What were your earliest musical influences?

Mikey - ‘I grew up listening to all kinds of things. My parents are Jamaican, so I listened to a lot of Reggae and Rocksteady around the place. But of course, living in England pop music was everywhere and I loved both. I first went to Jamaica when I was 11 and I discovered bass and that was a big influence. When I got back I started to investigate getting myself a guitar and started to play along with songs. I’d put a record on and play along with it and that's how I learnt to play. I’d listen to Aston ‘Family Man’ Barrett from Bob Marley and The Wailers, so that was quite an influence on me. Also James Jamerson, who was part of the Motown house band. Those were the biggest influences on me mainly because of the bass which I fell in love with age 11.'

Pete Hayward

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People ask would you like to go back and change things, but I wouldn’t because I’m comfortable in the skin I’m in. I’m the person I am because of the experience’s I’ve had." Mikey Craig

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WELCOME TO THE PSYCHEDLELIC WORLD OF BEN WATKIN'S

Juno Reactor & The Mutant Theatre

The project known as Juno Reactor ranks among the all-time greats of electronic music.

A true innovator. With eight studio albums, “Transmissions” being the first Trance album.

Scoring many films to performing their stunning live shows around the world at major music festivals, Glastonbury, Roskilde, Fuji Rock, The Glade, Boom, Ozora, and many more.

Juno Reactor are known for their cinematic fusion of electronic, global influences, and a dynamic orchestral approach, working with composer Don Davis and The Wachowski Siblings for the score of The Matrix Trilogy. Central to the project is Ben Watkins and his collaborations with a constantly changing ensemble of musicians from across the world.

Pete Hayward met up with Ben in his studio hideout deep in North Laine.

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was first introduced to Ben Watkins some considerable time ago. We talked about electronic equipment and software, and it became apparent before even hearing his material that it would be something special. Ben invited me to his studio in Brighton's North Laine just before a world tour of the Mutant Theatre show.

Juno Reactor & The Mutant Theatre is an interactive live show, where theatre, dance, live music, wifi control L.E.D. costumes, gas guns, ray guns, confetti guns en-trance the audience into a fantasy world of adrenalin fuelled dreams, hard wired adventure, a Sci Fi invasion of the mind and body, Pans Labyrinth meets Barbarella.

His studio is a fantastic environment full of both modern and vintage analogue equipment, guitars and keyboards. You know before even the first note filters out through his monitors that it will probably blow you away. A man clearly in control of trade.

The very amiable Mr Watkins offered me tea, and we talked over some history.

Firstly, where did the name Juno Reactor originate?

Ben: "It came from an installation piece that was set up on the river Thames back around 1991. At the time I wasn't into

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“ I was in a hairdresser

shop in Brighton.

This guy said the Matrix producers were looking to use your music.Two years later my manager received a call and was asked if I was up for a meeting in L.A.”

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doing anything musically commercial, I was really responding to the underground scene that was happening in India. I was getting feedback from producers and DJs on their return. Mike Maguire from my distribution company told me that some of my tunes were close to what was being played and in fact, my tunes were getting played! He described the psychedelic parties that were happening which were very interesting.

I invited him to collaborate on a track which became 'High Energy Protons'. I had already been working in the EDM, industrial, electronic and psychedelic area and it felt so natural. So when I had about ten tracks ready, they were presented to Mute records. I was hoping to sell them a single, they offered to take the whole album.

That really kicked it all off. The response was quite amazing too. That entire cult thing that sourced out of the Goa scene of like-minded people spread around the world very quickly. Next, we were travelling to Japan and America and doing all sorts of underground parties. The music was quite spaced out, landscapes type of material which kind of lasted up to Bible Of Dreams.

I had got bored with the spaciness of everything, and this became a turning point.

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I still feel an album is a journey and should be a statement of the time, a story."

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I was working with the record company and travelled to the border of Botswana where the Bushmen lived. I recorded the 'Sand people' and met with a load of local musicians who were very earthy percussionists. I was also producing a Zulu band there and wanted to develop the tone of the album naturally and mix it all up with electronic and real sounds. It was gratifying and actually easy to make."

How would you define your sound? What genre is Juno Reactor?

Ben: "It's quite cinematic I suppose, a bit like a car crash where all the radios are on different stations or in a load of washing machines. When I'm writing, I can go a long way in many directions. I reign myself in as ultimately I'm trying to please the people who are actually buying it, not just to please myself. I still feel an album is a journey and should be a statement of the time, a story." He quotes Lou Reed's Berlin and Bowie's Aladdin Sane as prime examples.

On the topic of streaming and downloads Ben is still flattered when people tell him they've bought an album and want it signing. "It's a lovely feeling." On the subject of psychedelics. "Much of the art I see is crap. Highly digitalised stuff which supposedly represents this scene, loved by many, I wish I did!"

Moving on to the subject of which many people will be familiar with is The Matrix. How did you get involved with this?

Ben: "I was in a hairdresser shop in Brighton. This guy said the Matrix producers were looking to use your music. I got really excited! Two years later my manager received a call from their office and was asked if I was up for a meeting in L.A. I travelled out, and upon entering the office, I saw a poster on the wall for the movie 'Chinese Ghost Story' which was one of my favourite films at the time. It was looking promising. I met the guys, and they told me they'd like me to produce the music for The freeway chase, mixing the orchestral and electronic together. In the conversation that followed names like Hitchcock and Truffaut came up and I realised we were thinking on the same page."

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The Wachowski’s invited Ben to LA , to initially write one piece, 'The Freeway chase', realizing sparks were flying in the collaboration with Don Davis, they chained the dynamic duo together for 6 months, Don with his orchestral team, Ben with his bunch of underground Musicians from LA and Brighton.

I played them one of my pieces, and the Wachowski’s invited Ben to LA , to initially write one piece, 'The Freeway chase', realizing sparks were flying in the collaboration with Don Davis, they chained the dynamic duo together for 6 months, Don with his orchestral team, Ben with his bunch of underground Musicians from LA and Brighton. "It all started off with me delivering 2 minutes of the soundtrack, and eventually, they said: "Do the whole lot!" Upon reflection, Ben remembers it being the most natural and easiest piece of music he's worked on. It sounds very complex, but it was really straightforward. I'm a real film buff, so the whole experience was quite surreal. There were a lot of Hollywood politics going on but I ignored it all. On the producers: Out of all the people I've worked with I have to say the Wachowskis were the best of musical producers. They would point me in directions, they had great ears. I had their trust, and they believed in it. An amazing collaboration.

Musically, it probably saved my creative life. In fact, it was my ultimate experience.

Do you have a religion?

Ben: "Music is my religion. I go crazy if I don't work."

Onto his Mutant Theatre project. Described by DJ magazine as One of the most interesting, diverse, eclectic and eye-popping live shows happening right now in electronic music…” (Sept 2017).

Said Soundscape Magazine: The Mutant Theater is undoubtedly stunning. As each track has the constitution of mighty heavy metal and with the conductive properties of one too. There are endless opportunities to go from passive listener to active dancer infused by the power of all that is lovely and dark. The Mutant Theater is an exciting journey resplendent in artificial but massively undiscovered colours; Inspired, the scope of this album is visionary and beyond pop art.

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The Mutant Theater is an exciting journey resplendent in artificial but massively undiscovered colours; Inspired, the scope of this album is visionary and beyond pop art.

The live show is indeed quite incredible. "I love the live aspect of this all. There are so many possibilities with this show. I'm getting calls to take it to Broadway and Vegas. Whether that actually happens remains to be seen. The Mutant Theatre can go pretty much anywhere, the only limit being financial. It's not a creative issue. I met my first 'mutants' in India. Then onto Russia where I made more additions. The whole thing grew from there. I see the Mutant Theatre as the world we live in. It's mutant and destructive, evil."

Are films a big inspiration for you?

Ben: Yes. I always watch a particular film when I'm working on a project. I can watch the same movie for months! Barbarella is a specific favourite. It was very much the viweing film for my track 'Let's Turn On'.

The costumes are really amazing, Jane Fonda's at her best... I love it! Barbarella was part of my concept and inspiration for The Mutant Theatre - that and Pan's Laberynth.

What kind of equipment do you work with?

Ben: "I'm pretty well stuck in the old world of analogue synthesisers. Making up recordings, manipulating and slowing down all sorts of sounds. Guitars. I've recently bought a DAFM by Moog, and SEA2 by Roland. I spend most of my life when not touring living in the studio."

What kind of producers or DJs are working well for you?

Ben: "Bliss, GMS - they really produce in a 'cut down to the bone' style which I find really hard to do. I love my 'shadow' sounds - the sounds that sit behind the main focus. I really hear it when I DJ and then realise I put too much in!"

"Back to the Mutant theatre production, I really want to take this to America, it's a big team and a big project to tour. I am hoping something will come together as it's made for that country. It's a massive show to organise generally.

Are you working on any side projects?

Ben: "I'm working on a video game that's about to release. It's fun, I've had total freedom, a real space, it's an industrial monstrosity!

Tune into the world of Ben Watkins. There's plenty to investigate and enjoy.

Start here: Bible Of Dreams | Juno Reactor Pistolero | Juno Reactor Navras | Juno Reactor Juno Reactor - Let’s Turn On - YouTube The Mutant Theatre | Juno Reactor

Juno Reactor & The Mutant Theatre is an interactive live show, where theatre, dance, live music, wifi control L.E.D. costumes, gas guns, ray guns, confetti guns en-trance the audience into a fantasy world of adrenalin fuelled dreams, hard wired adventure, a Sci Fi invasion of the mind and body, Pans Labyrinth meets Barbarella. www.junoreactor.com junoreactor-mutanttheatre.com www.facebook.com/junoreactorofficial

Juno Reactor’s new album “The Mutant Theatre”

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www.editbrighton.co.uk 46

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info@thegintub.co.uk | www.thegintub.co.uk The Gin Tub | 16 Church Road | Hove | BN3 2FL

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Dub Pistols After a heaving, sellout gig at Brighton's Concorde 2, Absolute's Kasia catches up with the ultra-charismatic frontman of Dub Pistols, Barry Ashworth.

This dub and electronica alternative band is known for exhilarating gigs and festivals with a reggae and bassline swagger sound. Emerging from the late 90s big beat scene, altogether they carry a punk attitude, a dub demeanor over a boundless contemporary sound. Limitless.

Dub Pistols have been going since 1996.

Tell us about your humble beginnings and what the music scene was like back in the 90s?

I started running clubs in '87 - I had run many major clubs in London - Naked Lunch, Eat The Worm, Voice of the people, and they were really successful clubs. Darren Emerson from Underworld was our resident. We had everyone from Carl Cox to Paul Oakenfold, you know, everyone played for us. These were also the early days of the Ibiza scene. I got to a stage where I got really bored with where House music had gone as an underground form to becoming very commercial. The sound had become really formulated apart from acts like Leftfield and Underworld, there wasn't really anything blowing my mind. Then the Chemical Brothers came along and with that the way I wanted to make music. The clubs that I wanted to play in. It took me in a totally different direction. From that came Wall Of Sound, The Big Beat Boutique, Skint. It was very much a scene and sound that I was very much into. It had moved away from that commercial house sound. A fact not missed by Brighton's own Norman Cook who had similar thoughts after a visit to the Heavenly Social with mutual friend Lindy Layton.

What was your breakthrough moment?

I started making music with Keith Tenniswood who was also working with Andy Weatherall.

Then I began to work with Jason O'Bryan who had worked with Wall Of Sound. We did a track called Cyclone together which got playlisted to Radio 1, but what made it even bigger was getting it licensed to the PlayStation 'Tony Hawkes pro-Skater 2

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soundtrack'. People just discovering the Dub Pistols are amazed when they hear Cyclone, as they probably already know it without the knowledge of where it actually came from!

We know you're a massive Liverpool supporter, when did you discover your other love - music?

I was always into my music. I was into my ska, my Clash, my Reggae, my Jazz Funk. As you get older, you get into different scenes.

Then in 1987, I went to Ibiza, and there was that Balearic sound which wasn't really house then. Lots of different sounds which led up to the 'Summer of Love.' Then I started to visit Danny Rampling's Shoom, which was still quite alternative and Balearic. That got me into thinking about organising my own clubs.

What were some of your most memorable events?

Weirdly, the hardest to remember are the best ones. You tend to remember the bad ones!

You wish you could forget but can't! :) Some of my favourites are festivals like Splore in New Zealand - very special, a nature reserve near the beach. Some of the early Bestivals were just incredible. I love the Electric Castle festival in Banffy Castle, Romania. Playing on top of a mountain at Snowbombing Festival in Austria, being on top of the world! They're all moments. I still have to pinch myself that I'm lucky enough to be still doing this as my career.

Do you have any regrets on your career path? Would you instead rather have gone down the football route?

Oh sure, I would have loved to have scored a goal down the cop end against United, but no, I don't have any regrets. Having had the

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life I've had, it's been a rollercoaster ride as anyone who's been in a band or a DJ will tell you, you have some incredible highs.

Unfortunately in this country that comes with incredible lows. The worst thing you can have is some success because the minute you go up, they'll knock you back down. But no, I'm happy to think that I have the most successful, unsuccessful band. There have been a few bad moments like Geffen records putting our album out the week that 9/11 happened, so the Dub Pistols ended up broke and label-less instead of US superstars. But the fact that we've never hit the big success has given us longevity. I live in a rock n roll way - no rules, I take responsibility for all the ups and downs.

At the recent Brighton sellout gig, I noticed that the audience ranged from young hipsters to seniors. A really wide demographic. That was so fantastic and rare to see. You managed to pull an ageless crowd - why do you think that is?

I really don't know! You know, some kids have to drag their parents to our gigs in a 'you've got to come and see this band.' It's like people think they're discovering us. It's probably because we haven't had that mainstream radio success, we're very much a cult band.

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It's been a rollercoaster ride as anyone who's been in a band or a DJ will tell you, you have some incredible highs."

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Dub Pistols

Music production has changed a lot with less analog, more software- where do you stand on this?

We're into everything, you can't hold progression, it used to cost me £1500 a day to sit in a studio. Now you make music at home and pretty much anyone can make music to a degree. Anyone can produce their own records now. There's a space for everything and anyone. Our studio is a mix of everything. I never got rid of anything.

What are you musically obsessed with right now?

It gets harder you know. I can't listen to Radio1 for more than 5 minutes. I used to have a couple of favourite record shops to go shopping and browsing. I knew all the imports and the bands. Now I get sent digital tracks, and they just get lost! But you know, a few things are going on that are good. I love the new bassline stuff and The Gentlemen's Dub Club. New British reggae artists, King Youth, Kingston Express. I've just made three new tracks with Cheshire Cat whose featured with Leftfield, and it sounds incredible!

What’s your vice now? And by that, I mean outside of music that you love doing?

I'm a certain age now, I got married last September. I've given up my old social life, I've lost social contact, so I suppose family life is my new vice.

What was your first love and what happened?

It probably only lasted 2 weeks. Time seemed a lot longer back then!

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What was the first record you ever bought?

I can't remember the first, but the records I bought in abundance were like the Specials, Punk, and the Clash, which led me into Reggae because of their dubby bassline stuff which took me down the Reggae route. Then Jazz Funk / Ibiza, acid house and all the other genres.

Who was your favorite artist collaboration?

Terry Hall of the Specials, they were my favourite artists of all time. The Specials hadn't played for twenty years and to have Terry Hall come round, and sing was pretty incredible. We spent some time gigging and touring. He's one of the nicest guys you could ever meet, a real dry sense of humour. He's quite reserved, but he can be hysterically funny! The only downside is he's a Man United supporter. He always carries 2 carrier bags! He's always looking out for obscure records or CDs at service stations!

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You often visit Brighton - what makes it unique for you?

It has to be one of the liveliest towns in the country. Any night of the week something is going on. A party central place in a cool kind of way. No pretense. It's just a cool town.

What are your plans for the Dub Pistols in 2019?

We have just finished our 8th album Addict. A new documentary about us is now completed.

So that's done, and I'm starting my own festival next year called Mucky weekender, in a so far secret location.

Kasia @thestylingagency http://dubpistolsmusic.co.uk @dubpistol Photography by www.tonyjupp.com @tony_jupp_photography

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I love the new bassline stuff and The Gentlemen's Dub Club. New British reggae artists, King Youth, Kingston Express. I've just made three new tracks with Cheshire Cat whose featured with Leftfield, and it sounds incredible!"

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Kuramathi Maldives is 1.8 km in length and tapers to a pristine stretch of whitesandbank, lending a dramatic quality to the idyllic surroundings of turquoise lagoons, tropical jungle and flora. Catering to all budgets, the choice of villas,dining experiences and recreational activities are plentiful with 12 villa types, 12 restaurants, 7 bars, and numerous fun adventures on offer where there is simply something for everyone.

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Boxpark Brighton The future for our iconic Madeira Terrace?

This summer Brighton residents, press and business owners were invited by Boxpark to discover their breathtaking plans to revive Brighton’s iconic Madeira Terrace into an internationally renowned beachfront retail leisure and hotel destination.

B ROGER WADE

Roger Wade aims to revive the crumbling Victorian arches, and create a world class retail, leisure and start up office development, incorporating a new premium hotel operator.

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oxpark is an innovative Brighton based retail and leisure development company specialising in creating unique entertainment spaces. Currently located in Shoreditch and Croydon, their trend-setting shipping container-based retail and leisure spaces have been turning heads and receiving international acclaim. Boxpark is set to open its latest site in Wembley Park in late 2018 and now has Brighton very much in its sights.

Having submitted the plans to Brighton & Hove City Council, Brighton resident and Boxpark founder Roger Wade aims to revive the crumbling Victorian arches, and create a world class retail, leisure and start up office development, incorporating a new premium hotel operator. The development would include restoring 800m of arches and promenade, augmented with a new building and urban green spaces that would aim to substantially increase commercial performance in the area by creating hundreds of jobs and encouraging millions of tourists to Brighton and Hove.

Attending the big reveal was Paul Williams, Development Investment Advisor, Morgan Williams, who said: “Boxpark’s innovative and refreshing approach to the retail and leisure sectors will be a perfect match for this potentially iconic development. The development team

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assembled combines local sensitivity with international expertise. I have absolute confidence that we will secure strong investor interest from a wide range of UK institutions, property companies and international investors including sovereign wealth funds, many of whom may normally be constrained to investing in London.”

Roger Wade has developed the plans alongside Project Creator Paul Nicholson from Brighton founded Chalk Architecture and BDP who are one of the largest architectural practices in the world.

They have worked extensively on public works buildings and Heritage schemes including Royal Opera House, Royal Albert Hall, National Maritime Museum and are currently working on the House of Parliament project.

Paul Nicholson, Director, Chalk Architects said: “Further to developing a concept to save the Madeira Arches in 2015, we have had an ongoing constructive engagement with the local community about our ideas via our social media. In response to significant public interest the scheme has evolved over time into a dynamic proposal of new & enhanced public space wrapping around leisure, hospitality and commercial office use. Working with the Boxpark team has transformed the scheme into an exceptionally exciting prospect.”

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Paul Nicholson, Director, Chalk Architects said: “Further to developing a concept to save the Madeira Arches in 2015, we have had an ongoing constructive engagement with the local community about our ideas via our social media. In response to significant public interest the scheme has evolved over time into a dynamic proposal of new & enhanced public space wrapping around leisure, hospitality and commercial office use. Working with the Boxpark team has transformed the scheme into an exceptionally exciting prospect.”

Having attended the launch of these impressive proposals and been wowed by the sheer creative vision and honest intent to better Brighton’s beachfront whist maintaining communications and understanding with the stakeholders, Absolute Magazine were thrilled to be invited to speak with Brightonian Roger Wade and ask all those burning questions….

How did the Boxpark story all begin?

Boxpark built the world’s first pop-up mall out of shipping containers in Shoreditch in 2011, just in time for the 2012 London Olympics. Since then we’ve gone on to build our first food and drink development in Croydon in 2016 and we are now just about to launch our first fully indoor fan zone site at Wembley, opening on 8th December 2018 How would you describe the concept of ‘Boxpark’?

The Boxpark concept is built around the philosophy of Eat. Drink. Play - we want to create an unrivalled atmosphere for people to eat, drink and experience fantastic events and entertainment.

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You revealed your vision for Boxpark Brighton to the city’s press and residents recently. How have you gone about consulting the public on what they would like to see for the future of The Madeira Drive arches?

We are currently in the public consultation stage and it’s important to engage with all major stakeholders of Madeira Terrace, including Brighton council, English Heritage, the Save the Madeira Terrace campaign, Victorian Society, and most importantly, the local resident. This summer we launched our plans for Madeira Terrace and the idea was to encourage public debate about what should happen to the future of Madeira Terraces. We’ve met with the council on several occasions and expressed our desire to redevelop Madeira Terraces but, as yet, the council are not looking for major development partners.

How did you feel the Boxpark Brighton concept was received?

The public’s response has been fantastic, it’s been overwhelmingly positive. I think the Absolute Magazine survey you posted on your Facebook page suggested there was a 90% public backing for the Boxpark Madeira Terrace proposal. We understand that some local organisations may have some concerns but we are taking those concerns on board and our aim is to galvanise all major stakeholders to support the scheme to regenerate Madeira Terraces.

If accepted, what are the likely timescales?

We are so excited to see your vision become a reality!

At the moment, the council is exploring its own plans to develop Madeira Terraces. Our concern

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We understand that some local organisations may have some concerns but we are taking those concerns on board and our aim is to galvanise all major stakeholders to support the scheme to regenerate Madeira Terraces.

is the council estimates that the cost to renovate the arches alone will be nearly £30 million. At present, only £500,000 of crowd funding has been raised to meet this target. The council’s own Madeira Terrace plans say that they need a major development partner to get on board to raise the additional funds - we hope to be that major development partner.

The only major difference between the Boxpark plans and the council’s are that the council plans to put the volume of their building underneath the arches and we plan to put the volume of the building behind the arches. More importantly we plan to restore the arches back to their former glory.

The total development size will be nearly 500,000 square foot, with over 300,000 square foot of new public spaces, including a new public park above our scheme on Marine Parade. I think we are in danger, unless we get a coordinated approach amongst major stakeholders and get a major development partner on board, of having another West Pier situation on our hands. We had lots of empty promises about future renovation projects but nothing was ever done to renovate the West Pier.

In terms of time scales, unfortunately I’m unable to tell you when we can complete the project because at the moment the project is stalled and is waiting for the council to confirm their own plans. If Boxpark was given the go ahead, we, subject to consultation with major stakeholders, believe we could be up and running and start the project within the next couple of years.

We’ve already had major interest from property funds and pension funds to back the scheme, and hotel, office space and retailers to join the scheme.

We understand you are a Brighton & Hove resident. Are you Brighton born and bred or what was it about the city that lured you here?

I first lived in Brighton when I was a student back in the late eighties. I then moved my family to Brighton nearly twenty years ago and I’m currently a resident of Hove. What drew me to the city was that I’ve always loved the creativity and culture of Brighton.

It’s a fantastic place and attracts great people from all over the country. I feel frustrated that when we look at the development of Brighton and Hove over the past couple of years, apart from the i360, the Amex and the redevelopment of the Marina, we haven’t seen major redevelopment of Brighton and Hove. I believe that we’ve got an opportunity to create a world class international beach front destination, bringing Brighton and Hove back to its former glory.

You are working on the project with Brightonfounded Chalk Architects. How was this partnership formed and was it by design that they originated in Brighton or was it coincidence?

We’ve worked with Chalk for the past three or four years. Paul approached me about his original residential plans for Madeira Terraces and asked me to get onboard. I agreed but only on the basis that we

changed the scheme to a retail, leisure and office development.

The Madeira Terraces Project will certainly be pivotal in reviving the Brighton seafront. Aside from this, what would you like to see in the future, in terms of development for the city’s historic prom?

In the Victorian era, Brighton and Hove was renowned for its beach front development and I think we’ve got to get back to the ambition that the Victorians showed and really put Brighton and Hove back on the map. The reality is we’ve seen other major water front developments in towns like Liverpool, Barcelona, Copenhagen and Sydney, and Brighton and Hove has not had any major beachfront regeneration projects. My hope is to build a bigger, brighter, bolder Brighton, creating a major international tourist destination and encouraging more people to come and live and work in Brighton and Hove.

Boxpark have also been linked with Fatboy Slim and a beach front community cafe in Shoreham. What is the latest on the project?

We are working with Danny and Norman from Big Beach Café on a potential new project on Shoreham beach. I’ve known Danny for the last few years and used to sit next to Danny and Norman during football games at the Amex. Over football we discussed plans to build a potential new development for Big Beach Café – the Big Beach Box in Shoreham would be the realisation of these plans.

Brighton would be your first Boxpark outside of London. Is this the sign of things to come? Is Boxpark going to be cropping up in any other major UK cities in the near future and do you see yourself taking the concept abroad at all?

Boxpark is a niche retail development company specialising in leisure, food and drink developments. Our plan for Boxpark is to roll out 12 Boxparks throughout the UK in the next 5 years. The Madeira Terrace development would be produced by Boxpark but will not be branded a Boxpark development like the sites in Shoreditch, Croydon and Wembley. The People’s Promenade will be our biggest development to date and will include office space as well as retail and leisure.

We will use all our expertise from our previous retail developments and apply this to the Madeira Terrace development. Our architects, BDP, have worked on major heritage projects including the Royal Opera House, the Royal Albert Hall and are currently working on the Houses of Parliament.

They have lots of experience working on heritage projects similar to Madeira Terrace and we hope to enliven the Kemp Town beach front, connecting the beach front from the Brighton Marina to the Brighton Pier. We want to work with current occupiers like Concorde 2 and Yellow Wave to bring this area back to its former glory.

We will use all our expertise from our previous retail developments and apply this to the Madeira Terrace development. Our architects, BDP, have worked on many major heritage projects.

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Rina Tairo

13 & 14 Prince Albert street Brighton, East Sussex bn1 1he t: 01273 774288 e: info@rinatairo.com www.rinatairo.com

Un i q u e l y

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armonising the mind, body and soul can be challenging in today’s chaotic world. With never ending to-do lists, stresses and worries it is no wonder so many people suffer from sleepless nights, mental and physical ailments. However acknowledging the connection between the three is key to improved health on all levels.

Great strides have been made by society with regard to embracing total well-being as an integral part of health and happiness and what better way to stop and focus on your emotional and mental health than taking time out for you! A short visit to a spa can help you feel refreshed, rejuvenated and recharged ready to face the world and find that balance that we all desire.

In Brighton & Hove and only a stones throw from the glorious ocean is an award-winning holistic haven. Here lies a perfect escape for city dwellers to step inside a 'peace of utopia'. Uniquely Organic Eco Spa was recently awarded Best Spa in the South East at the TMP awards - a huge achievement for this divine business that was launched eight years ago by the truly inspirational Kirsty Kianifard. The team are now competing in the national finals.

With their individually tailored treatments, certified-organic products and commitment to both holistic well-being and a minimal impact on the environment, this Sussex gem is set to shine bright against the competition.

Located in the heart of Hove, this heavenly haven is a sanctuary for healing and harmonising the body and mind and the perfect escape for me. I contacted Kirsty and explained that I was feeling out of balance, a little stressed and I was looking to experience a treatment designed to not only relax my physical body, but also calm my mind and connect with my soul. I have always been open to alternative therapies and over the past year meditation has become a part of my daily routine.

Kirsty suggested the Full Moon Ritual, a

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unique treatment that can only take place four days prior or after a full moon. This is 'a super special ritual treatment that encourages what the moon intends, which is ridding and releasing ourselves of what no longer serves us' through an intuitive body massage, crystal healing and energy work.

I booked my treatment late on a Friday afternoon and the first thing that I noticed was the immediate feeling of Zen as you walk through the door. Soothing music and scented oils fill the tranquil space and unlike your usual clinical feel, this eco spa feels warm and welcoming with homely touches such as shelves filled with wholesome books on well being, crystals, candles and delightful organic products.

Uniquely Organic offers an array of treatments to pamper you from top to toe including manicures, waxing, reflexology and body wraps to a glowing organic tan and, the pièce de résistance, their signature Chakrosanct treatments designed by founder and Reiki master Kirsty.

In the centre of this space is the superb Eco-Snug; a pocket of relaxation that fits 'snuggly' into those busy days. A log burner creates the feeling of a dreamy cabin in the Swiss alps and the sheer white drape can be pulled across allowing you to fully immerse in your flight of fantasy and warm magical secluded chalet. The bed is pure luxury with a thick white fluffy blanket to wrap around yourself. This unique concept is perfect for city slickers as they can pop in for as little as fifteen minutes to enjoy a mini treatment or just hit the pause button on the outside world in a calming space. Pure rest and relaxation.

I was looking for something more indepth and after intently looking at the treatments on offer, I was incredibly excited to experience both body and energy work through the full moon ritual.

Natasha, a senior therapist, introduced

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herself and with a warm smile and soothing voice she led me away from the hustle and bustle outside and into the calm and serene world below the reception.

The first stage was very unusual as I was first taken to one of the three Pods where small hollows were filled with cushions and blue lighting. These relaxation pods are used as areas to reflect, meditate or rest after a treatment. This is where my treatment commenced, with my fifteen minute time to think about my intention and the things that I wanted to let go of and those I wanted to harness and bring into my life.

At first I felt a little awkward and still knotted from the world outside, yet as the meditation continued to play I found myself scribbling down a list of things that had been on my mind and causing tension. It was cathartic to reflect on my daily stress and allow myself to acknowledge these niggles.

Natasha let me know that it was time for my massage and placed my note in a sealed envelope for no one to read, but me, myself and I. At this point I was ready to let go of my tension and fully immerse myself in this treatment.

The room was inviting with low lighting, delightful scents, candles and a floor to ceiling painting of one of the Chakra symbols. The decor radiated cosy minimalism and made it incredibly easy to let go of all that was in my mind. We started with a grounding foot ritual. Soaking and exfoliating my feet before I was invited to climb into the heavenly warmed bed.

Natasha explained how the seven energetic centres of the chakra play an integral part of this spa with each room representing one of the elements of the seven major chakras of the body. We spoke of energy work and techniques for daily rebalancing and it was not long before I briefly drifted off into possibly the deepest sleep I have had in years.

“ Uniquely Organic offers an

array of treatments to pamper you from top to toe including manicures, waxing, reflexology and body wraps to a glowing organic tan and, the pièce de résistance, their signature Chakrosanct treatments”

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An intuitive massage is designed to release energy blockages and uses techniques to restore and rebalance your energy flow using deep, circular strokes that relax your muscles and in my case sent me into a trance like state.

A singing bowl was used to restore normal vibrational frequencies and my treatment ended with placing stones on points of my body that correspond to the chakras, or energy centres. The intention of this is to transform the negative energies into positive energies which lead to good health and emotional release.

When my treatment was finished I was aware of my deep breathing and floaty feeling unlike any massage I have had in the past. I was given a cup of green tea and little gift of my personal oil and chakra stones. Natasha also informed me I should burn my intentions, thus sending my thoughts into the universe.

Uniquely Organic Eco Spa also offers a new concept developed by Kirsty which combines seven chakra treatments with seven individually developed oils to create the ultimate in holistic healing. The treatment is designed to nourish and balance the chakras of the body tapping into physical, energetically, mindful and spiritual aspects. This is total health and well-being, but if you would rather something a little more mainstream, this spa caters for all and you can unwind with a hot stone massage or a firming facial. The one thing you can guarantee is that all products will be organic and environmentally friendly as this is the heart of Uniquely Organic Eco Spa. Kirsty Kianifard demonstrates passion through and through for a holistic lifestyle and clearly loves sharing her gift with others.

Kirsty, a women’s empowerment coach, has been public speaking and working with women for years and most recently she launched Uniquely Organic’s sister business The Bodymind School, a holistic training centre where you are taught everything from reiki to purpose focused manifestation. This is a way of transitioning into a more aligned way of living either for personal growth or to build your own well being empire.

I highly recommend you take some time out and pay Uniquely Organic a visit. The treatments are incredible and the ambience unrivalled. It’s over a week since my full moon ritual treatment and I can honestly say I am still floating on air.

Before I stepped out into the world I decided to take the opportunity to ask the woman herself Kirsty Kianifard a few questions to inspire us all.

What inspired you to launch Uniquely Organic Eco Spa? I initially trained as a beauty and holistic therapist. Following this I developed my skills working for a High Street beauty salon.

However I always knew in the back of my mind that I wanted to have my own business, yet at this point my vision was not clear as to exactly what I wanted to offer.

I discovered that the London College of fashion offered a degree in cosmetic science.

On successful application this is where I formulated my business mindset.

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I would like to inspire women to step into the world of purpose driven business which is connected to their soul and heart."

My initial focus was on the environment, however as a part of our course we had to take well-known products within the UK market and dissect them in order to gain a greater understanding of the ingredients. I was horrified to discover the amount of chemicals that were not only bad for the planet but also for our bodies.

As I had already set up a small sideline business offering beauty treatments, I was keen to see how my clients would react to the use of organic products. My clients loved the idea and so this was the start of the eco-spa. A space with a collective mission to offer a high standard treatments that replicate or improve upon the synthetic Products and treatments that on the market.

Any advice for today’s modern women?

Prioritise yourself! My advice would be to get to know yourself again. It is important to be able to listen to yourself and what your body needs to support your emotions and your mind. We really need to connect with ourselves. We all have an internal guidance system, but we must learn to listen and connect. Self-care is more than just eating healthily, exercising or having a massage. It is really knowing yourself.

Many of my clients have simply forgotten how they can bring joy into their lives. We must be clear in what we want to achieve, prioritising self-care. Not what we are told that we need, but getting to know yourself and understanding exactly what is right for you.

Do you have any plans for business expansion?

I have just recently launched The Bodymind School, a holistic training centre to run alongside Uniquely organic Eco Spa .In the next five years my aim is to replicate the spa and the school.

I would also like to travel and continue to speak with women, encouraging them to step into their greatness, to push boundaries and achieve whatever it is that they would like to offer the world.

I would like to inspire women to step into the world of purpose driven business which is connected to their soul and heart. Teaching that it is possible to create a flexible working world and that you do not have to sacrifice anything if you are focused.

How do you maintain work life balance?

This is a question that I am asked a lot. In the eight years since I launched my first business I have worked incredibly hard and I have achieved a lot, but no more than I am doing

now that I am running three businesses and have three young children. This is because I have learnt to focus. Focus is key you must not get distracted by other people, competition and social media. It is important that I am the best version of me, and that means keeping on track, knowing my mission, having goals.

I always knew that I wanted to set up a training & development school to run alongside my spa. I am passionate about healing work the beauty and holistic world and of course using organic products. Given my many years of experience, I know that I have some amazing skills to pass on to future practitioners.

In the past I used to get stuck in the ‘how is it going to happen’. Then I decided to start taking small steps towards what I wanted. I was very clear with my vision and I knew exactly how I wanted to be different. I think procrastination stops people achieving their dreams. As for work life balance, I now delegate more. I have learnt to be more focused on what I need to achieve and balance my time with the spa, school and my coaching. I also believe that you achieve the best results when you feel good inside and being a mum is so incredibly beautiful and naturally comes first and fills me with more drive and ambition.

Any advice for future entrepreneurs and business owners?

I am a female empowerment coach and I work with many entrepreneurs. The key concept that I coach is that we all have unique gift to share with the world. My advice to future business owners is to not be afraid of being different.

Uniquely Organic was the first eco-spa in Sussex and possibly the south. It may be scary but it is important that you have a passion for what you are doing and show the real you. Be your brand and show your customer exactly what you are trying to achieve. Communication is key.

At Uniquely Organic we keep up-to-date with what is going on in the synthetic beauty world and we ask ourselves if we can do this organically and in a more natural way. Whilst maintaining the highest of standards and providing our clients with treatments that not only rival, but potentially are superior to others on the market.

Uniquely Organic is exactly that - unique.

The passion, experience and commitment to offering sustainable, earth friendly organic products and treatments is awe inspiring. The team are forging forward and leading the way for other spas and beauty salons across the nation. I truly adore this business and all that it stands for and I look forward to working my way through all of the treatments on offer.

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Forget Me Not Handmade, high-quality Argentinian dresses and urban wear arrived in Brighton for the first time this November with the opening of new clothes retailer, Forget Me Not.

Forget Me Not is the first store to specialise in Argentinian dresses and urban wear in Brighton & Hove.

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pread over two floors in Prince Albert Street, in the Lanes, the store is the first and only European stockist of leading Argentinian designers Natalia Antolin and Jazmin Chebar, and bags and accessories firm Juanita Jo. Forget Me Not is a must-visit for women of all shapes and sizes, with each hand-picked piece chosen to feel incredible to wear and cut exquisitely to highlight the beauty of women.

Forget Me Not is the creation of four friends and Btighton & Hove residents Narela Ortolani, Gisela Paulucci, Sebastian Puga and Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ezequiel Schelotto. The store’s motto is “More than clothes” with an emphasis on unhurried, luxurious shopping with friendly and expert advice. The Natalia Antolin collection features one-off, elegant dresses, many with intricate embroidery, by a designer who has created outfits for Daniella Semaan, Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas’s wife, and Antonella Roccuzzo, the wife of international football icon Lionel Messi. Jazmin Chebar’s urban wear features bright beautiful flowers and colours.

Bowled over by the exquisite designs and thoroughly intrigued by the diverse team behind the concept, Absolute Magazine met with co-owner Sebastian Puga to delve a little deeper into how the Forget Me Not story began…

How would you describe Forget Me Not to someone who has never visited? What sets the store apart from others?

Forget Me Not is an innovative shop, with different styles for every occasion and somewhere you will always find something unique and perfect. That's also what makes FMN stand out from other stores, together with the fact that we really care; each customer is treated as the most important.

Who are your target market?

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Our target market is all those people interested in fashion, beautiful clothes and great quality.

Tell us about the team behind this exciting new store. How did you come together and what are your roles?

The team behind this lovely store is more than a team; it's a family whose goal is to make their customers happy in order to gain their loyalty, to build trust and guarantee a sincere and positive atmosphere around them and the shop.

We met each other in Brighton around a year ago. We became very good friends and we worked on the idea of opening the shop and make our dream come true. We all have different and complementary roles that help our business run successfully.

Forget Me Not is the first store to specialise in Argentinian dresses and urban wear in Brighton & Hove. What prompted you to open in Brighton and specifically The Lanes?

We decided to open this shop in The Lanes as this part of Brighton is very creative and inspiring.

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It's also beautiful and full of character and that's why there are a lot of tourists around.

Brighton cares about fashion, local business and discovering new things and that's why we believe it's a great choice!

How did you decide which designers you will feature?

We chose these specific designers because we really believe in them. They were so right for us; the quality is great and the designs are very detailed. Totally unique!

Brighton has a thriving indie fashion store scene. What advice would you give to anyone hoping to follow your footsteps in the retail and fashion world?

We would give the advice to believe in your dreams, believe in your product, share the passion and go for it! It's hard but it’s worth it.

Forget Me Not is already renowned for not only the beautiful clothes but also the little extras that add to the customer experience.

Can you tell us about these?

Yes, we absolutely offer an experience to the customer - it's not just about come in and buy beautiful clothes. We want them to feel at home, somewhere they can relax in a nice

space, have a chat with us, with a nice cup of coffee or a glass of prosecco.

We are ready to provide great customer service because that's what we love, making the customer feel comfortable, satisfied and wanting to return!

After such a successful launch, what does the future hold for Forget Me Not? Do you see the brand expanding to other cities?

Yes, the launch was very successful indeed!

So much work went into the shop and you can see it in the attention to all the little details.

We can easily see how the brand could expand to other cities. It’s the first time these brands have been sold in the UK and Europe so we know that there is a lot of potential for expansion. Good clothes, accessories and great fashion will always be in vogue and this store has all of those.

We hope Forget Me Not will become the shop everybody hopes to have in their city.

We are so proud of the project and we know it’s really going to blossom in so many ways!

An emphasis on unhurried, luxurious shopping with friendly and expert advice.

www.fmnclothes.com

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FOR BEARDS THAT WORK HARD & PLAY HARD shop online at

www.eastwinggroomingco.co.uk ABSOLUTE @Eastwingroomingco

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FIZZ F& FOOD East Beach Café

The Bali Brasserie

Limetree Kitchen

1| Littlehampton: Sea Road, BN17 5GB East Beach Cafe was completed in June 2007 and has since won more than twenty national and international awards for design, architecture, steelwork, craftsmanship and engineering. Not dissimilar to the hull of a ship, it is a self-supporting structure and an extremely complicated piece of engineering.

The whole process from commissioning the architect, Thomas Heatherwick, to completion took 18 months. Thomas heads one of the world’s leading design practices and was described recently by The Times as “the most creative mind in Britain”, the East Beach Cafe was his first UK building.

The emphasis is on fresh fish and locally sourced produce, cooked in a style that lets the quality shine through. The Ritz trained kitchen team produce a standard of food that is fit for such an amazing setting.

5| The Bali Brasserie is proud to present vegan, vegetarian and dairy free dining as well as gluten free. The restaurant inside, ‘Rijsttafe’, (the rice table) is Indonesian themed food on a set menu, but they are able to adapt a meal to almost any dietary requirements. Meaning there is no reason to not go and enjoy yourself. There is something for everyone at The Bali Brasserie.

2| Douglas McMaster, owner and head chef has spent many years working in some of the UK’s and Europe’s top restaurants. You can expect to see a fair sized menu created with seasonal foraged ingredients that come together to give you a unique dinning experience. Some of the dishes so far have been Sea Buckthorn and Elderberry fool for dessert and potato steak, elephant garlic, alliums and herbs.

Memories of India

10| Lewes: 14 Station Road, BN7 2DA The Limetree Kitchen isn’t all about food, they have a unique “Gin Kitchen” which makes them stand out from the crowd. You can choose from their fantastic range of gins on offer and let them mix up a perfect blend of gin & tonic. If you fancy staying the night in Lewes, you can book a night in their elegant accommodation – “The Room”. If you are visiting Lewes for site seeing, or a special occasion getaway, The Room would be the perfect place to stay for a luxurious night after a delicious meal in the Limetree Kitchen restaurant. The menu consists of tapas style small plates which give diners the opportunity to try more on the menu. This is an informal way of eating out and you can either share a few dishes with friends or enjoy them on your own. Their simple menu is split into sections which include Vegetarian, Fish, Meat, Nibbles and Desserts.

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Curry Leaf Cafe

3| The original Curry Leaf Cafe is located in the heart of Brighton's bustling Lanes, just a couple of minutes' walk from the beach.

This colourful, laid-back 75-seat dining space – decked out with exposed brick walls, wooden tables and vintage Indian design touches – operates as a cafe-cum-lunch spot during the day, offering a range of coffees, teas, snacks and traditional South Indian street food, as well as more substantial meals such as thali platters, dosas and Masala-battered fish 'n chips. In the evenings diners can experience the cafe’s small but diverse dinner menu of tandoor-grilled meats, street food dishes and expertly spiced curries, accompanied by Brighton's best range of craft beers and spiced cocktails.

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4| Eatalio is a recently new addition to Brighton’s food scene, and is located on Queens Road, abouta 5 min walk from the station near Brighton’s clock tower. Inspired by the simple, yet healthy food served from the street carts in Italy, Eatalio provides affordable, grab and go food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A great venue to pop into and dogs are most welcome. No servicesfor dogs, they just allow them in the venue.

Riddle & Finns

6| Another favourite in the restaurant scene, Riddle & Finns offer wonderful seafood platter as well as shellfish too, they do also cater for gluten free. Reservations are not Necessary unexpectedly, however it is recommended on the weekends as it can be very busy. Riddle & Finns also own a second venue on the seafront, both perfect for a special occasion.

7| Offering traditional Indian food in a variety of flavours from all over the continent. If you’re gluten intolerant then you will be pleased to know that gluten is very rare in all Indian food due to the lack of wheat flour.

On Tuesdays, you can enjoy a five-course buffet menu for £12.95

Wolfies of Hove

8| Family run business that pride themselves in serving the finest, sustainable fish alongside locally sourced potatoes. Having served the Brighton & Hove area for over 25 years we know that quality is of the utmost importance, with carefully selected suppliers so that they can provide you good quality, fresh ingredients. Boosting The best fish in Brighton & Hove. The fish is the freshest sustainable fish available in Brighton & Hove, and our handmade pies using all local ingredients. They challenge anyone to serve up tastier, fresher & more wholesome fish.

The Urchin Pub in Hove

11| One of Brighton’s newest offerings, the Urchin craft beer and shellfish pub is a wholly unique concept. Entirely dedicated to shellfish, matched with a range of over 100 craft beers The Urchin is something Brighton and Hove has never seen before. Seats 30 covers in the restaurant, the menu predominantly features prawns, lobster, crab and scallops.

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Terre a terre

9| Terre a Terre is an iconic, award winning restaurant where being vegetarian is about more than just not eating meat. You can expect a variety of flavours and foods to try when you arrive. Much more interesting than the standard stuffed mushroom.

Pelham House

12| Lewes: St Andrews Lane, BN7 1UW Pelham House Lewes is a beautiful 16th century town house hotel in the heart of Lewes and one of East Sussex’s hidden gems, just 10 minutes from Brighton. Right off the High Street you will find the historic building, set in an extensive secret garden, Pelham House is perfect for dining alfresco or an afternoon tea. The house & garden has been exquisitely restored to create a stylish venue, combining elegance and history. The head chef has developed a varied set of menus for their gallery, panelled room, garden room and dining outside on the terrace. The restaurant at Pelham House focuses on simple and delicious food, using good quality seasonal and locally sourced produce from Lewes and the county of Sussex.

They regularly offer private dining to guests for special occasions and events.

Senor Buddha

13| Senor Buddha is a contemporary restaurant located in the up and coming area of London Road in the quirky coastal town of Brighton. Since its opening in 2015 it quickly became a popular destination for food-loving locals as well as tourists. The restaurant has won several awards and was featured in the dining out section of the Financial Times.

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Chambers Bistro 14| Shoreham-by-Sea: Old Town Hall, High Street, BN43 5DD Chambers Bistro Shoreham is an independent family-run British bistro, serving all the popular classics with an emphasis on locally sourced produce in an elegant and centrally positioned venue. Located just 15 minutes West of Brighton & Hove along the seafront, or 5 minutes off the A27, this well-known restaurant boasts the splendour of a Grade II listed neo classical building with super stylish interiors. Features include stripped wooden floors and cream leather chairs, set among two softly lit dining areas. Think boutique and chic, romantic and intimate. Chambers Bistro is as sophisticated with its appearance as the food they serve.

Sylvan Oak

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15| Findon: BN14 0TE The Sussex restaurant is situated 10 minutes north of the town of Worthing in the sleepy village of Findon. The Sylvan Oak prides itself on an evolving food culture, where their head chef and proprietor Sinan Kalan presents flavoured food with amazing visual presentation. The Sylvan Oak could be perfect for that intimate occasion on the sun terrace, or can be privately hire for a party or celebration. Open most days apart from Mondays, and open for lunch and dinners.

The Cuisine described by the owner as “British Fusion” which I suppose is close to fine dining and modern European. Essentially the food is professionally prepared and influences stem far and wide giving you quite a varied menu.

The Fountain Inn, Ashurst

16| Beautiful olde worlde inn in the sleepy village of Ashurst. A free house and ‘Cask Marque’ accredited, the Fountain has plenty of local ales on offer as well as the more recognised international beers and lagers.

Complete with wonky floorboards, inglenook fireplaces and the heart warming smell of homemade cooking wafting in from the kitchen, you will not want to go home.

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Block.

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17| Block. is a bar with a great wine list, bringing you lots of new young wineries / vineyards, the people who, in wine that are pushing the envelope a bit. The wine is supported with great craft on draft and Brighton's first and currently only charcoal and wood burning oven. Working with only the best produce from local farms, fisherman and suppliers they offer you a local meat and fish menu with a basque influence.

The garden at block has also recently been improved even after being voted Brighton's best garden for the last two years. So if you want gourmet restaurant quality food, but enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a bar. BLOCK is the place for you.

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BARS & B BEATS The Crown and Anchor

Legends

Fortune of War

1|Shoreham-by-Sea: 33 High Street, West Sussex BN43 5DD Named after the town’s past with its port famed for smuggling, and centrally located on Shoreham’s high street, the Crown and Anchor is a must visit and very popular with locals and visitors alike. From the high street it looks like a regular run of the mill pub, but it hides a gorgeous restaurant with big glass windows and a patio area with outside seating which backs onto the river Adur. Perfect for alfresco dining and drinking on warm evenings, with spectacular views of the South Downs and the river itself.

5| Legends is a gay bar and hotel located on Marine Parade just a minute away from Palace Pier. It has a fantastic selection of rooms with stunning sea views. The venue itself is very spacious and has a large bar upstairs with outside terrace and huge dance floor downstairs. There is always plenty going on with drag acts during the week and great music played by a diverse r ange of DJs at the weekends.

9| This lovely pub has been open since 1882, making it the oldest pub on the seafront. It is a good meeting place if you are going clubbing on the seafront. There are DJs playing at the weekends and it always has a friendly atmosphere and is never too crowded. The décor has a maritime theme and the pub provides beautiful views over the seafront.

It has an outside seating area and a buzzy atmosphere during the summer months.

6| If you are looking for a good, old fashioned, comfy pub with a great atmosphere then this is the place for you. The Lion and Lobster is very popular with the locals and has become a bit of a Brighton institution. It is a good venue to start your night before going out on the town. The pub is spread over three floors with a main bar downstairs complete with cosy real fires in winter. The second floor has a small bar within a beautiful dining room and the third floor is the outside smoker’s area complete with mini bar and outside heaters. The Sunday roasts are very popular but make sure you get there early.

10| Hastings: 71 George Street, Old Town, East Sussex TN34 3EE Owned by the same people as the famous Dragon Bar in Shoreditch and centrally located in the Old Town in Hastings, just a stone’s throw away from the beach.

This is a fantastic bar and eatery where during the day you can sample a diverse and delicious sounding menu made up of fresh local produce, and relax and watch the hustle and bustle of the old town.

Beautifully decorated with local artwork with a lively and welcoming ambience.

A vast selection of drinks with premium spirits, and live DJ’s at the weekend.

Attracts an eclectic crowd of varying ages.

Idlewild

2| Haywards Heath: 65 The Broadway, West Sussex, West Sussex, RH16 3AS Centrally located in Haywards heath, this little Gem of a bar boasts cool funky décor, friendly expert mixologists with a great selection of cocktails and a wonderfully diverse and well thought food menu which caters for everyone.

Pictures of sexy celebs adorn the walls of this cool atmospheric venue, which also boasts a great outdoor seated terrace area. Playing an excellent selection of music all day everyday with regular and guest DJ’s Friday and Saturday nights. A lot of thought has gone into this place and it shows.

32 Duke Street

3| Those with a party penchant wont be hard pushed to get your late night fix at this naughty, Brighton number. While a cracking destination for eating out in the day, get stuck into the confines of the quirky Brighton bar as the lights go down and the sound-system goes up for a fun loving, seaside crowd.

My Hotel

4| If you’re after a Sex and the City venue then look no further. My Hotel is a beautifully crafted bar with curved walls, gilding pewter surfaces and low lighting, reflecting a warm and spacious cocoon. As part of the My Hotel franchise, the bar is open to non-guests to enjoy some beautifully made cocktails, a sophisticated atmosphere and an altogether glamorous night out.

The bar staff are knowledgeable and helpful.

This is a good place for special occasions.

Everyone gets super dressed up so if you are looking to get your glad rags on and feel special this could be the place for you.

Lion & Lobster

The Dead Parrot

7| Horsham: 21 Piries Place, RH12 1EH, West Sussex A cocktail bar with a difference! Opened by a group of bartenders in 2014 who are obviously passionate about their craft. The Dead Parrot boasts a fantastic menu of unique and eccentric cocktail as well as some classics, well as a fine selection of beers and delicious wines. Split over two floors with cool and quirky décor featuring some interesting taxidermy and a giant chessboard on the ceiling! An unashamedly hipster joint serving cocktails in all manner of vessels from beer cans with sombrero hats, to metal tankards and even the odd dainty glass. Lots of fun!

Hotel Du Vin

8| A lovely start to your evening in a classy venue. The bar is part of the Hotel Du Vin chain and is open to non-guests to come in and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere.

It is a little on the pricey side but if it is sophistication you are after then look no further. The bar has an extensive list of wines and a wide selection of whiskies, rums and countless spirits. As well as relaxing in the main bar you can also enjoy a game of billiards located on the balcony above.

The Dragon Bar

The Tempest Inn

11| With scenic views from the beer garden at this washed up bar along the beach front, enjoy the fresh sea air and the beautiful rolling waves from your dainty picnic bench. If you can drag yourself away from this alfresco seating, you’ll be just as impressed by the coastal coves set into the walls. Enjoy a frothy pint and a tempting tipple in your very own seafront cave at this quirky little cavern.

MEAT liquor

12| Hailing from the success of their London counterpart, Brighton’s MEATLiquour is a wonderment of carnivore feasts and locally inspired artwork. Based around the carnival days of Brighton gone by, doused in neons and brimming with urban regalia, MEATLiquour is a unique restaurant bar in Brighton where the burgers come hearty and the cocktails come laced in awesome.

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La Havana 13| Chichester: 3 Little London, PO19 1PH A deep subterranean live music venue which is famed for its Jazz nights, though Whatever your particular taste in music, you will always find there to be a night to suit you here at La Havana. A fun and lively venue which is well thought out in design, you can easily find a spot to sit and chat away from the music whilst still enjoying it, or be right in the action. All in a vaulted basement for real atmosphere. Reasonably priced drinks to boot with beer at £3.00 a bottle.

The Loft Lounge and Bar

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14| Eastbourne: 14 Station Street, East Sussex, BN21 4RG An elegant chic and sophisticated late night lounge and bar, spread over two floors, and carefully designed to create a unique and sumptuous atmosphere. The downstairs bar boasts an impressive circular bar backed onto a dazzling glass wall, and a skylight which floods the venue with natural light. Upstairs is a bit cosier and intimate, with various sized booths and a premium drinks bar. A fine selection of food and drinks on offer here, with delicious sounding cocktails and expert mixologists more than happy to make off-menu drinks. With live music every Friday and drinks offers throughout the week it’s easy to see why this is one of Eastbourne’s top rated nightspots.

Gin Tub

15| The exciting tastes of international gins in a superb interior of our newly opened Gin Tub Cocktail bar. Finally somewhere to drink after all the great Hove restaurants. With well over 80 gins – bespoke cocktails – craft beers and ales. We have also created flight boards to try new spirits. Bespoke Cocktails, craft beers, IPA’s and all the normal beers and spirits too.

Under The Tub Welcome to the Rum Cage, where the spirits and specifically the rum never dry out. With a bar selection of some of the best rums, oh and of course some of our favourite gins.

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16| A unique and innovative bar hidden within the tall walls of Regency Square. They pride themselves on drinks as creative and bespoke as the Artist Residence itself, offering playful service and a passion for the product. We would urge everyone to check them out at The Shack for a taste of something new.

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17| Worthing: 3 The Broadway, Brighton Road, BN11 3EG Quirky pub serving cocktails and a limited beer and wine selection. Comfortable place for a chat with a rocking horse theme to the décor and a relaxed vibe. The best place in Worthing where you can go and experience trained mixologists who understand cocktails and flavours make your drinks! Reasonable prices for the quality of drinks too! A clean, light and airy venue with friendly staff to boot. They also offer a cocktail masterclass (daily) where for just £19.50 you can learn to make (and drink) three classic cocktails with a glass of prosecco included.

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Coffee, Cocktails, Cake and Crazy stuff in the heart of Brighton's Lanes

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The Marwood

MARWOOD BAR & COFFEEHOUSE

Take a step into another world, the very Eastern Europe styled bohemian café Marwood.

Our very own caffeine addict took a visit and unlike the reviews on their website, instantly fell in love with the place.

Q. Tell us a little on the Ethos of The Marwood?

Marwood was first set up by Richard Grills.

Following some time in Australia and on return to Brighton, Rich felt that the coffee scene was very much either generic chains or speciality. Marwood aimed to offer great coffee, without the fuss and as he would put it “silver service in jeans”

To people who haven’t been before, if we had to sum it up, Marwood aims be a place for nice strangers to get a decent coffee (or something stronger!) and meet fellow nice strangers. You can have a chat with the regulars or work upstairs in our laptop room alone. The only rules we follow here are plainly stated on the entrance as you walk in.

Q. The decor is very flamboyant. Who's behind this concept?

That would be the allusive and extremely talented mind of Aunty Steve, he likes to remain a little anonymous, but he has over the years created something that by all accounts is as beautiful as it is completely unique. Without doubt the true unsung hero

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We feel lucky to live and work in a city that accept and embraces creativity and difference. That’s a big part of why Marwood started in Brighton.”

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of both Marwood and Presuming Ed and we would be lost without him.

Q. Where do you source your coffee beans? We use the super talented guys as Cast Iron Coffee. Check out their website to order some tasty beans or give them a call for some expert advice on what to buy.

Q. What's the most common coffee order?

It changes, but last month is was a Latte.

Q. Are your cakes homemade?

How dare you suggest otherwise :) Our cakes are the loving creations of Lois, who is Head of all things delicious and sweet at Marwood.

Over the years we have always tried to listen to feedback from our customers, so now we make sure that we offer a selection of vegan and gluten free options. Check on the day to see what we have as cakes change weekly.

Q. When does coffee turn into cocktails? Is there a different daytime/evening vibe?

Good question, it’s hard to say. We try to make the atmosphere work to who is here and what is going on. Some nights you might find a relaxed, chilled environment with couples drinking cocktails and some nights you’ll find a full on dance party. We have DJ’s every Friday from 7pm -11pm and on Saturday’s the bar team have been known to throw on some 80’s bangers. We are licenced from 11am - 11pm and have a great selection of craft beers on tap and in the fridge, as well as our (award winning) cocktails of course.

Q. Who's behind the cocktail chemistry?

That would be the Dragon, a man of few words and beautiful aprons. Previously bar manager at the award winning Merkaba, myhotel, the man knows a thing or two about how to mix a drink. You will find him behind the bar almost every evening and always willing to guide you through the drinks list. All our cocktails are served from 3pm every day and the Espresso Martini is a solid favourite. Our list changes almost every week with at 6 drinks at £6.50. For example right now we have a collaboration cocktail with Boho Gelato, which is a Lillet Blanc and black forest fruit sorbet, which we then top with prosecco. This follows up on a previous colab we did with them last year turning an Aperol Spritz into a gelato. Like our coffee we want our drinks to taste great and not be overly complicated.

Q. Can we book a private party in The Marwood? Why yes you can! We offer the upstairs of Marwood for groups between 2045 people and full venue private hires at our sister site Presuming Ed’s. What people enjoy about our booking terms is that there is no room hire fee or minimum spend. If you are interested in finding out more email harry@ themarwood.com

Q. Can you see The Marwood working anywhere else other than Brighton?

Having been publicly voted Brighton’s Most Brighton venue 2 years running I have to be a little careful what I say here...We feel lucky to live and work in a city that accept and embraces creativity and difference. That’s a big part of why Marwood started in Brighton and continues to feel like a perfect fit for the city. We would love to see others taking the core concept of Marwood and reimagine it in another city.

Marwood Bar & Coffeehouse www.m.facebook.com/marwoodsbrighton/ 52 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AF

Presuming Ed Coffeehouse 114-115 London Road Brighton BN1 4JG www.m.facebook.com/presumingedbrighton/

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THE

Salt Room Whenever I tell anyone I write restaurant reviews in Brighton for Absolute Sussex Magazine, I am asked if I have been to the Salt Room. It’s then that I’m met with utter disbelief when I admit I have not yet visited.

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I can now say I have been to the Salt Room when people ask, and I now realise why it seems to be THE restaurant that tops everyone’s list."

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uch is the reputation that this ambitious and prestigious establishment has built over the last three years that I have made it my mission to give the place and food a thorough shakedown. So despite Absolute Magazine publishing a glowing review by one of my colleagues only recently, I managed to convince the editors to let me give it a go, if only to prove the old saying that “you can’t have too much of a good thing” wrong. Having now seen what all the fuss is about, I am certainly glad to have finally visited this outand-out gem of a restaurant.

As if you do not already know, The Salt Room by Coal Shed restaurateur Razak Heletat, is located at the ground floor outcrop of the Hilton Metropole, and on many occasions my wife Sally and I have wandered past the busy and vast outdoor terrace which boasts amazing views of the Skeleton of the West Pier and i360. Each time we comment that we must book ourselves in, however we have not quite got round to it. Finally arriving on a particularly beautiful, sunny, albeit chilly October Monday lunchtime, we opted to sit inside. We were shown to our table by the huge window, which meant we were still able to enjoy the stunning views and sunshine, and also get to appreciate the quite striking rusticmeets-industrial interior décor, in which no expense has been spared. Bare brick walls are sparsely adorned with a grandiose wine rack and the odd west-pier design blueprint, rustic iron downlights and stylish comfy teal leather backed chairs. The restaurant was surprisingly busy for a Monday lunchtime and the relaxed friendly waiting staff busily attending to the tables immediately gave us a

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sense our dining experience and service will be outstanding.

We were not wrong. Our waitress Stacey was a perfect mix of friendly, attentive, and empathic to our needs. She was an absolute delight and confidently able to aid us in our decision making, expertly describing the daily specials, and steering us towards some quite exquisite dishes from the ambitious, cleverly designed and easy to navigate menu.

It depicts a whole host of tantalising seafood small plates, ceviche’s and mains, as well as singed meaty offerings from the Josper Grill and vegetarian dishes which could tempt even the most ardent carnivore.

Sally was in her element when Stacey handed her a separate drinks menu depicting a host of gin-based cocktails and selected a “Botanist Cup,” which is a long and sweet Bombay Sapphire gin, mixed with cucumber, elderflower vanilla, lemon and prosecco.

Beautifully presented and expertly crafted, there are hints of all the flavours dancing on the tongue with each sip. Being the designated driver, I opted for a driver’s choice “Tropical Soda,” a drink so refreshing and exhilarating to taste it made me forget entirely about the lack of alcohol content.

However, later on I could not resist a cheeky vino from the extensive yet obviously judiciously selected wine list, to wash my meal down, opting for a fruity refreshing Entre Deux Mers at the recommendation from Stacey.

We began with some incredibly detailed and clever starters. Myself plumping for Monkfish tail from the specials board, cooked bang on, crisp on the surface, soft inside on a bed of kelp and red peppers with a

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charcoal squid ink aioli for lubrication and added intensity. Most pleasing is the Feta mousse which Sally opted for. This was unquestionably the prettiest dish we have ever seen; exceptionally well presented with a vibrant pallet of colours. Incredibly tasty to boot, the light dreamy fresh feta mousse boasted contrasting textures and tangs from Beetroot and Horseradish, with some orange and cumin thrown in to the mix to create an inspired and dazzling array of flavours.

It was now Sally’s turn to discover the specials board for her main course. A smooth and buttery fillet of Brill worked brilliantly with shavings of lightly pickled crab shavings and a cornucopia of shitake mushrooms. Is was an extremely assured dish which I would have been quite jealous of had it not been for my robustly flavoursome main; Chalk Stream Trout fillet, cleverly paired with down to earth chunky and lightly crisped artichokes. It was topped with a single Tempura Oyster which I could happily devour a plateful of, and a horseradish spiced hispi broth adding complexity and intensity.

We shared sides of Hispi Cabbage and Salt Room Chips. The lightly pickled, slightly charred Hispi, smothered in creamy aioli and peppered with crunchy bacon bits was an absolute delight and deserves accolade in itself. The slightly sea-salted chips were light, fluffy and crisp and ideal for mopping up the leftovers.

As we dined we could not help but notice the Salt Room signature showstopper “Taste of the Pier” dessert being delivered to other tables. It was a colourful sharing platter of

seaside-themed treats which we simply could not resist to finish us off. Simply described on the menu, in actuality it is a masterful and thoroughly entertaining dessert showing off the chef’s technique and vision. Two sticks of cloud-like candy floss, icing sugar coated pebbles of black chocolate truffle, Mr whippy style ice-cream with hints of salted caramel in a wafer thin cornet, sinful iced doughnut’s filled to the brim with intensely fruity jam and chunks of honeycomb encased in white chocolate. I’m not entirely sure how we managed to eat it all, but we did, despite Stacey offering to put whatever we could not manage into a doggy bag as she served us.

Well there you have it. I can now say I have been to the Salt Room when people ask, and I now realise why it seems to be THE restaurant that tops everyone’s list.

Head Chef Dave Mothersill and his team turn out truly outstanding dishes made from fresh well-sourced ingredients. I fulfilled my ambition to give The Salt Room menu a serious and costly going over, though it is accessible to all, with a lunch and early evening menu set menu where you can enjoy three courses for just £20.00. The size and ideal location also make it the perfect place for functions and group bookings with a private dining room available year round.

Having had a sneak peek at the festive menu, I am sure this will be booked up quickly for the Christmas period.

Tony Shattell

106 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 2FU 01273 929 488

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Pabellon Circo (formerly Senor Buddha) has long been a favourite eatery of mine. I have often made the trek across town from where I live in Hove to this modern, cosy but lively neighbourhood tapas bar for owner Lee Shipley’s unique take on Spanish small plates with East Asian flavours. So I was truly excited to hear about its brand new glamorous sister restaurant Pabellon, opening up in a gorgeous listed building right next to the Pavilion in the heart of Brighton. After being dragged round the shops by my wife Sally, we took full advantage of the convenient location and paid them a visit.

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t was one of those lightbulb moments when we actually realised that Pabellon is Spanish for Pavilion (and Circo – circus…

As in Preston Circus… Clever!) The restaurant is situated at the bottom of North Street in what used to be the old Pavilion servants quarters. Upon entering, we were immediately impressed with the attention to detail that has gone into the refurbishment of this striking period building, with arches and original wooden floor features still intact.

The dining room is painted head to toe in a rather regal Haig-blue. Diners sit at a huge bar surrounding the kitchen area, with an aged wooden countertop decorated with gorgeous authentic Spanish tiles, and you can admire the chefs busily going about their craft. If you prefer, there are tables scattered around the outskirts of the dining room where you can admire art from Naked Eye, which is rotated every couple of weeks.

When the infectiously charismatic and charming manager Hugo welcomed us, we opted to sit at the bar and straight away ordered a couple of gin and tonics from the first-class gin menu .Relaxing into our stools, Hugo took us through the menu and suggested some Padron Peppers to provoke appetite, but jokingly warning us that one in ten of the peppers usually turn out to be somewhat hotter than the rest so beware.

They were delicious, none too hot, and perfectly seasoned with sea salt. Our appetite had certainly been roused.

The menu consists of three sections; Planta, Pescado, and Carne (veggie, fish and meat), with six to eight dishes in each which are updated every two to three weeks.

With a selection of “Tortillias Del Dia”

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(Spanish omelettes of the day) and some very innovative sounding Postres (desserts).

Hugo explained three to four dishes are usually enough between two. We gave in to temptation however and somehow got through six (eight including desserts).

We went a bit potato crazy with our selections from the Planta section, opting for both Papas Arrugadas con Mojo Rojo and Patatas Bravas Bomba. The earthy Canarian papas, drizzled in a lightly spiced Mojo red sauce were an absolute delight, but it was the Patatas Bravas that stole the show. Perfectly crisp, light and fluffy and “kiev” style with aioli bursting out with each mouthful. This is an exciting and innovative take on a classic tapas.

From the Pescado menu we chose Soy Blackened Cod which was, light, sweet and salacious, cooked to perfection with the juicy meat flaking with the slightest touch of the fork and served on a bed of edible Wakame seaweed laced with kimchi giving it a light tang. Taking a recommendation from Hugo, we also plumped for Pulpo Pabellon, a truly wonderful dish and a work of art. The plump tentacle was so tender it was like it had just been plucked from the ocean, on crisp artichoke heart and laced with Sobrassada peppers for a nice gentle kick. Everything on the plate was working in harmony to emphasise the taste of the octopus, complimenting and not overpowering the main attraction. Sensing our delight, head chef Rahul proudly explained that he lightly shaves the outer layer of the fresh octopus which makes the meat even softer. Genius.

Taking another recommendation from Hugo, we opted for the Albondigas from

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the meat offerings. A staple addition you will find on most tapas menus, we were somewhat hesitant in ordering this as we wanted to try something new. I am glad we listened however as these were unlike any meatballs we have tasted. The incredibly flavoursome 28 day aged beef disintegrated in the mouth revealing the full intensity of the meat. Crispy thin slices of chorizo added an extra dimension to the texture and nicely spiced the dish, without overpowering the meat and the whole thing was rounded off with a divine peppery sauce adding lubrication and complexity. For our last dish we got stuck in to the flatiron steak, served with more Canarian Papas and drizzled with delicate and subtle sauces, artichoke ajo blanco and a coriander aioli which succeeded in highlighting the taste of the steak. A great hearty dish to finish.

Throughout the relaxed meal we enjoyed watching the chefs dance around each other like a carefully choreographed and well-practiced routine. You certainly would never know they had only been working together for less than two weeks.

Head Chef Rahul, possibly the most enthusiastic excitable passionate individual I have met in the industry, was a pleasure to talk to and made our night even more memorable. His passion for the dishes he designs and creates himself is contagious, making us want to try everything on the menu. By this point however we were completely stuffed and finishing off the fruity and vibrant Rioja we had picked from the select list of wines from all over Spain.

It was this passion and vigour, combined

“

Throughout the relaxed meal we enjoyed watching the chefs dance around each other like a carefully choreographed and well-practiced routine." with the incredibly tempting and inventive sounding list of postres that convinced us to find room for dessert.

Proudly presenting incredibly light and puffy Catalan doughnuts “Bunyols De Vent” Rahul explained they are very popular in the area where he grew up and he wanted to add his take on them to the menu. Coated in palm sugar and caramel and with chilli ginger chocolate drizzled on the plate, these were fun to eat, and not too filling after a big meal, and the caramelised miso tart was invigoratingly light and refreshing. It is obvious just as much thought and energy has gone into creating these fantastic deserts as the rest of the menu. Make sure you save some room when you visit.

Pabellon is a restaurant we will visit again and again. I would happily sit for hours, drinking cocktails and sampling small plates from their ever changing menu, or settle in again for a long meal with some fantastic Spanish wine. Pabellon are also open from 10am at the weekend for Spanish style brunches with a Pabellon twist, and being right in the centre of town I will most certainly be popping in to try them out with an Ibizan coffee (or Bloody Mary, depending on how much I have over-indulged the night before). If what we experienced tonight is anything to go by, I am sure they will be phenomenal.

Tony Shattell

www.pabellon-brighton.co.uk

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KALOS IRTHATE WELCOME

Authentic Greek cooking made with Greek and locally sourced ingredients.

Come and try a true Greek experience.

13-14 Preston Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 2HN For Bookings Phone: 01273 933620 or Email: adelfiabrighton@gmail.com at adelfiabrighton f T 80 80

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9b the Boardwalk Brighton Marina

01273600088 www.memoriesofindiabrighton.com @moibrighton

SAVE 40% OFF YOUR FOOD BILL ABSOLUTE Sun-Fri cannot be used with any other offers - table booking required

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THE

Daddy Long Legs E

ighteenth century Brighton saw a rise in fashion and tourism. The continued urban and industrial revolution resulted in enhanced railway services making it easy to visit this seaside gem. As desire increased to live and visit Brighton, this prompted the proliferation of many industries.

Brighton's popularity grew and so did the demand for everything from dress makers to Inn keepers.

In 1850 The Bush Inn was the only property on Arundel Road, Kemptown. It would, however, be another forty years before the rest of the street was developed.

Fast forward nearly seventy years, numerous owners, a name change and in 2018 this historic tavern was given a new lease of life and reopened as The Daddy Long Legs.

The owners of The Plotting Parlour, a hugely successful, eclectic and chic cocktail bar in Kemptown have recently and, after a mighty refurbishment, opened an 'escape from city life' as an informal and beautifully restored pub with a fully-grassed garden which allows you to escape from reality and enjoy a slice of nature.

The pub’s name honours the legacy of the unique Brighton to Rottingdean Seashore Electric 'Volks Railway,' also fondly referred to as The Daddy Long Legs due to the four twenty-three foot high stilts that held the fort-five ton carriage as it cruised along the seashore.

The laid-back Daddy Long Legs team are wonderfully welcoming and help to create a perfectly chilled atmosphere in a calm and vibrant space. Premium spirits, local sparkling wine and a distinctive wine list make this establishment stand out from the crowd and of course there are a few cheeky cocktails for those Plotting Parlour enthusiasts.

The bar is currently open and serving top quality meat and cheese platters to

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accompany your refreshments. Jake Goldstein the General Manager said that the kitchen will follow offering a variety of delights. This is a true neighbourhood pub in a suburb of the city that has craved a local watering hole. The focus is on quality and creating the perfect informal local, it’s dog-friendly and in a space this size the team have managed to maintain a cosy element with the private areas as well as the main open plan bar space.

The décor is chic with wooden floors, a modern bar area and reupholstered bar stools giving an old meets new feel. It’s the kind of place that you can pop into after a long Sunday walk in your wellies or spruce up for a Saturday night out. The Daddy Long Legs is casual and friendly and I am over the moon that this charming pub is at the end of my road. In fact I can already highly recommend the Brighton Spritz!

The Daddy Long Legs launched this week and I took the opportunity to ask the team a few questions.

From The Plotting Parlour to The Daddy Long Legs. How did this come about? How did you come up with the name?

We saw an amazing opportunity with a site in a side of Brighton where there has never really been anything like it before.

There was a gap in the market to put in a more premium venue for people that have always had to travel into the centre of Brighton. The pub was big and beautiful and we fell in love

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with it straight away. It was perhaps a risky move to open a venue like this so far out of town but one that we truly believe it will pay off for us and all those in the surrounding areas.

The name is based on the old daddy longlegs railway that went over the sea at the turn of the twentieth century. This is an awesome piece of history that we wanted to celebrate and we have original posters and even a bolt used to hold the original structure together!!

What makes this pub different from others?

We are going to focus on challenging the level of service you can receive in a pub.

Whilst it will still be a relaxed environment we will have bar and floor staff to make each guest feel properly looked after. The staff are also thoroughly trained in our rotating blackboard wine list that offers 18 wines by the glass. As well as this, we have a huge range of Sussex fizz and an ever-expanding offering of batched cocktails.

How and why did you pick this location.

How long did it take to find. Did you have to invest in much restorative work? I heard the garden is sensational.

We spent seven months doing the refit meticulously making sure that everything is perfect. We probably could have done it quicker but we didn’t want to. We wanted to do it right. With our loyal team of workman, we full refurbed the garden and venue to create something homely but still fresh and modern to contrast with our other venue. We have to be one of very few pub gardens in Brighton with grass which we are very proud of. There is also space to start growing some fruit and herbs for our cocktail menu at the Plotting Parlour.

The Plotting Parlour is known for incredible cocktails...Will you be serving cocktails?

We will be focusing on batched cocktails from bottles, aged in barrels and several other interesting ways of serving cocktails efficiently with high levels of consistency and quality. We are also making flavoured gins ourselves and currently we have a raspberry and a rhubarb on the back bar.

Do you offer food? What type of cuisine?

We have a big kitchen which is currently still in the process of being refurbished but we also have a meat slicer and fridges on the countertop by the bar so we will be offering boards to share and nibble on to go with our extensive wine list Why should our readers pop along?

For a friendly relaxed atmosphere, great drinks and a beautiful venue. http://www.daddylonglegs.co.uk/

“ It’s the kind of place that you can

pop into after a long Sunday walk in your wellies or spruce up for a Saturday night out."

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Patty Bun

“ I’m going to make a bold

statement of my own now.

Patty and Bun is a serious contender for Brighton’s best burger!"

and

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felt like I was missing out on something special when I came across Patty and Bun on a boozy day out in London this time last year with some friends. Hankering for a dirty burger to soak it all up, one of my friends suggested heading to a local branch, boldly claiming they served “the best burgers in London.” However, when we arrived there word had obviously got around and there were queues out the door and stretching down the road. Not wanting to waste valuable drinking time we crossed the road to McDonalds. I could see so many content happy smiley faces in the opposite window though, and I made a mental note to pay a visit next time I was “up town.”

I have not been back to our capital since, and I had all but forgotten my mental note as Brighton has its fair share of amazing burger joints, which I try very hard not to frequent too often for the sake of my waistline. That was until I noticed “the best burgers in London” had landed slap bang in the middle of Brighton, taking up residency on Ship Street in the old Piccolos site. I have finally gotten round to sampling the goods and I can confirm that if you have not been yet, you truly are missing out on some exceptional burgers.

Having starved myself all day I arrived with my wife Sally at around 6PM, and although busy and buzzing, we were greeted immediately by a very friendly and enthusiastic waitress and got ushered to a table straight away by the huge window, giving us great views of the hustle and bustle going on outside in the laines. Inside consists of what some might say is the typical décor of a new age burger joint, complete with dark lighting and an open plan kitchen where you can see the chefs busily going about their craft. The Neon “Pink and Juicy” sign dominating the back wall really got my attention though, along with the tantalising smells emanating from the kitchen provoking memories of some of the most noteworthy contenders for best burgers I have tasted, and causing my mouth to salivate.

Our waitress and the branch manager Savannah was a delight from the start. Keen to take us through the menu, she made recommendations and make sure we had the best possible time. Sally asked Savannah to choose a cocktail for her as she could not decide herself from the ambitious and exciting menu. I could not resist the triple chocolate milkshake with a shot of dark rum to “make it hard.”

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Choosing from the sensibly priced no-nonsense menu listing burgers with innovative names like ‘Smokey Robinson’ and ‘Lambshank Redemption’ was made a lot easier with Savannah’s help.

I initially opted for this month’s special the ‘Fromage Simpson’ made in collaboration with La Fromagerie: 2x Double aged beef patties, roast onion mayo, Morbier and Le Skieur cheeses in a brioche bun. However Savannah mentioned that the patties are thinner than normal and cooked well done. As I was already hankering for some ‘juicy pink’ meat I changed my mind and opted for the ‘Jose Jose Chilli Burger’ instead.

I had already decided I was going to order an extra patty in my burger before I had even looked at the menu, but something caught my eye which I could not ignore. You can make any burger vegetarian by replacing the patty with a fried cheese fritter. Or have it as an extra for £4.00 if you are that kind of legend. Challenge accepted! “One beef ‘Jose Jose’ Chilli Burger with an extra fried cheese fritter and a side of boneless fried chicken thighs with chilli butter and pickled red chilli’s coming up” exclaimed Savannah with a knowing smile on her face. I could tell I was going to be in for a treat! Sally, attempting to be a ‘flexitarian’ at the moment and only eat meat occasionally, plumped for a Portabello ‘Dig It’ mushroom burger with a side of chicken skin salt fries with chicken mayo.

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The drinks arrived within minutes and I could see my thick creamy and oh so chocolatey milkshake had already made Sally envious so I handed it her to try. As she slurped down several mouthfuls I could not help but laugh when she grimaced at the extra shot. “That really packs a punch” she exclaimed. The pink mojito Savannah chose for Sally went down a treat with the addition of cranberry adding a sweetness that offsets the tang of the lime beautifully. It is worth mentioning that both drinks are served with paper straws.

There are no single use plastics used here!

The food was quick to follow. Our burgers arrived in neat little packages designed to keep in the heat and moisture should you decide to dig into the sides first. As Sally had first dibs on my drink, I took the first bite out of her mushroom burger. I was taken aback at just how good it was.

As I bit in the juices from the mushroom along with the cheese sauce, garlic and parsley filled my mouth. I handed it back to her knowing that she would love it, and quickly unwrapped mine.

My stacked burger was piled high with the extra cheese fritter, beef patty, cheese, tomato, lettuce, chilli sobrassada relish, pickled onions, ketchup and smoky mayo in a brioche bun. It was absolute perfection. Incredibly messy and fun to eat, there were bits falling out all over the place and spicy chilli and cheese oozing down my chin. The flavour of the lightly spiced pink and juicy patty took

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centre stage, pushing through the other perfectly balanced flavours. The extra cheese fritter was a delight, salty like halloumi, stringy, and in a crispy shell. The whole combination was heaven in a light and fluffy brioche bun. Incredible!

The sides were equally as impressive. The ‘PFC’ chicken thighs were piping hot, juicy and tender, coated with an exceptional flavoursome batter and drizzled with chilli butter and chillies.

I also decided to chuck a load of P&B XXX hot sauce on them which was unnecessary, but gave them an extra kick which I thoroughly enjoyed. The fries were perfectly crisp and fluffy, and combining the flavour of the chicken skin salt and the chicken mayo created a flavour not unlike that of a chicken roast dinner!

I’m going to make a bold statement of my own now. Patty and Bun is a serious contender for Brighton’s best burger! Due to the fact they make a fuss over lamb, chicken and tasty vegetarian and vegan option, it means you can go back time and time again and not have the same burger twice. I plan to test this statement time and time again in the near future, and I wholeheartedly suggest you do too.

Tony Shattell www.pattyandbun.co.uk

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ROUTEMASTER BRINGS FINE DINING ON WHEELS TO BRIGHTON AND HOVE Travel in style on board an iconic Routemaster RML 2333 which has been lovingly restored and refitted to carry up to 42 guests seated at tables for 2 or 4.

Opt for a traditional afternoon tea or if you fancy a tipple why not treat yourself and your friends to a gin, prosecco or champagne.

Also available for private hire www.brightonregencyroutemaster.co.uk/ Insta - @brightonregencyroutemaster Twitter - @btnroutemaster

Ghyll Manor

A Very Big House In The Country Take a journey into Sussex’s breathtaking countryside and make your way to the quaint little village of Rusper where you’ll find a chocolate-box hotel and restaurant singing with character and old-world charm.

G

hyll Manor Hotel and Restaurant is an elegant 17th-century country-house hotel that marries tradition and style.

Rich with history, the oak-beamed building gazes out over acres of gorgeous private gardens, including a lake and picturesque summerhouse.

Recently taken over by a new management company, Ghyll Manor invited Absolute Magazine for a trip down memory lane to discover their beautiful rooms, sophisticated restaurant and learn the stories behind this vintage treasure.

It all started way back in the 1500s when the land on which Ghyll Manor stands was part of the Nunnery Estate owned by the Heybourne family. The Stone family came to own the Nunnery Estate and they actually lived in the Nunnery house until 1717, when it was known as ‘Hose & Butts’.

In 1681, 'Hose & Butts' was a typical 4 bay timber framed building with a dropped-tie attic storey and if you stand outside the main entrance to Ghyll Manor facing the main building you will see the outline of the original 4 bays by looking at the roof line. The word 'Butts' could indicate that the house was built on the site of some old archery butts or that part of the estate was used for this purpose.

Although Rusper must have been little more than a hamlet, it is possible to imagine that its men were just as much in fashion with those in nearby Horsham and that the 'Butts' were shot up and down on Sundays all those years ago in the field below Ghyll Manor.

The word 'Gill' is a common name used in Sussex for a stream in a wood. As it so happens there is a stream called 'Rusper House Gill' on the Ghyll Manor Estate.

Ghyll Manor has been called home by an impressive list of residents throughout the years, with the first person of note being Thomas Sanctuary Esq. He was appointed High Sheriff of Sussex in February 1830 and he owned "Hile & Butts" from the

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1830s to 1843. Perhaps the second person of note was Major George Aylwen, who owned Ghyll Manor between 1935 and 1941 and later went on to become Lord Mayor of London .

The third person was probably Lt Colonel Geoffrey Kitchen who bought the estate in 1959 when he was Chairman of Pearl Assurance and he and Lady Kitchen lived in Ghyll Manor until the house and the estate was sold in 1978. In 1981, Ghyll Manor was converted into a Hotel and in 1986 some of the old farm buildings to the north of the main building were converted into the Hunsdon Hall complex to provide a function room and extra bedrooms.

The cattle stalls and the nearby Bothy and Oak cottages were once part of the old Rusper House Farm Estate. Cottages of this type were normally used to accommodate farm labourers and servants with separate quarters being assigned for male and female servants. In recent years Bothy cottage has been extended and, like Oak Cottage, has been converted into suites each with a suitable blend of furniture to help retain some of the old charm.

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“ It’s clear that no matter where you stay,

every variation of accommodation has been resorted as much as it has been renovated, ensuring the expectations of the modern guest are met."

We were lucky enough to be staying in the main original building in a room charmingly named ‘Rose’. It’s clear that no matter where you stay, every variation of accommodation has been resorted as much as it has been renovated, ensuring the expectations of the modern guest are met but the building’s heritage is maintained and respected.

The eight top-of-the-range Feature rooms exude character, elegance and charm. Located within the main 17th century house or in the beautiful hotel annexes, all these double rooms boast stunning original features, and some have the added luxury of a four-poster bed. Feature rooms also offer luxury towelling bathrobes, upgraded toiletries, enhanced hospitality tray and mineral water.

Our particular room was a ‘family room’ which not only incredibly spacious, but also had a separate little room coming off it, ideal for the children (or the ‘secret den’ as my daughter nicknamed it). The bathroom was very clean and well-equipped with all the necessities, however it was the double bed itself that was the showstopper. It’s called a Half Tester.

Made of oak, the bed has been identified as a 'double bedstead with a 16th century panelled rectangular headboard'. This date, of course, means that it is more than 400 years old, ie older than Ghyll Manor!

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“ It’s clear that Ghyll Manor is a

perfect rural wedding venue. The stunning location would make for incredible photos, the food is made for special occasions, the accommodation is ready for you and your guests and the staff are welcoming."

For that extra-special touch, it’s well worth booking one of the Superior Cottages, some of which have stunning views over the grounds or courtyard, or one of the Superior rooms which are located in the stable mews; some with a four-poster bed and/or separate lounge area.

The Standard Rooms are the most reasonably priced of the collection but don’t let that fool you into thinking they are any less impressive. All are furnished to a high standard and offer that comforting home-from-home feeling.

All the room types feature en-suite bathrooms, flat-screen TVs with selected Freeview channels, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee making facilities and extensive complimentary car parking.

If you’re looking for a rural retreat that gives you all the amenities you’d have at home, including self catering facilities, then Ghyll Manor’s best kept secret is the pick of the bunch. Drive down your own private driveway and you will be lead to the entrance of the enchanting Ghyll Cottage.

Downstairs you’ll find the galley-style kitchen, leading through to a cosy lounge and dining area, and then the small twin children's bedroom. Heading upstairs, there’s one double bedroom, also with original exposed beams, and a family bathroom.

With family holidays comes a lot of baggage but fear not, there’s plenty of storage throughout the cottage, so it's perfect for any length of stay. You also have use of a secluded private garden with garden furniture.

All bedding and towels are provided (saves valuable space in your luggage or car!) and the cottage is fully equipped with crockery, cutlery and glassware, plus microwave, hob, oven and fridge.

Whether you are lucky enough to be staying at the Manor or not, everyone is welcome at the elegant and truly sophisticated restaurant situated in the main building. Ghyll Manor offers a truly charming restaurant experience, with relaxed, quality dining in this idyllic setting. Take breakfast lunch or dinner in this stunning Sussex country house and enjoy old-school gallant waiting service and artistically presented dishes. The talented Chef team produces a menu that changes on a daily basis and use locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.

The restaurant is cosy and welcoming and yet also holds an air of occasion, making it somewhere that you feel like you an dress up to visit. The wine list is extensive and changes seasonally to suit the current menu.

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Boasting a relaxing lounge area, bar and conservatory as well as the main restaurant, the manor is also the perfect place to enjoy morning coffee, Sunday lunch or an afternoon cream tea. I’d recommend relaxing with a drink before dinner in the bar, which has a more modern feel than the rest of the building or, if the sun is shining, on the terrace or conservatory overlooking the hotel's beautiful gardens.

The hotel lounge is inviting, warm and lavished with cosy armchairs and sofas. It’s the ideal place to kick back and relax on those cold winter days whilst perhaps sampling a dish from the lounge menu which is available from 12pm to 9pm, with selected options available 24 hours a day.

Walking through the hotel itself and across the grounds, it’s clear that Ghyll Manor is a perfect rural wedding venue. The stunning location would make for incredible photos, the food is made for special occasions, the accommodation is ready for you and your guests and the staff are welcoming, put you at ease and exceptionally friendly (just what you need on your slightly nerve-racking big day!)

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“ For something truly special, there is

a beautiful outdoor Summer House set within a peaceful location in the picturesque gardens.

Ghyll Manor cater for civil marriages, partnerships and wedding receptions , with prices from £5999 for 65 guests For something truly special, there is a beautiful outdoor Summer House set within a peaceful location in the picturesque gardens. Romantically decorated with blossoms and greenery, it truly is the perfect setting to make your wedding vows in front of up to 120 guests.

Your ceremony can also take place in the modern, light and airy conservatory, which can hold up to 100 guests and features a dramatic black and white colour scheme or the Terrace Room (85 guests), both of which are positioned in the main house at Ghyll Manor with direct access to the bar and gardens.

Both the Terrace Room and Conservatory can also be transformed to then host the wedding breakfast for up to 50 guests, or if your guests list is on the larger side, Hundson Hall is ready to welcome you all.

High vaulted old-oak ceilings, twinkling fairy lights and gilded chandeliers suspended high in the air make Hunsdon Hall the idyllic wedding venue. Up to 120 guests can be seated for the ceremony, wedding breakfast an evening reception.

Ghyll Manor is situated just 20 minutes from Gatwick Airport and less than a quarter of an hour from Horsham railway station with its frequent trains into London.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.ghyllmanor.co.uk

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101 ST JAMES STREET, BN21TP BLOCKBAR.CO.UK

/blockbrighton

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01273 673 891

OFFICE@BLOCKBAR.CO.UK

/block_bar

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BOOK your FREE PARTY at BLOCK! fully covered and heated terrace 2 floors and garden areas available

email office@blockbar.o.uk call 07801 490897

december nights THURSDAY december 13th franklin brewery "beers and cheese ' tap takeover ' local beers, local cheese for local people'

THURSDAY december 20th english wine tasting night with sussex charcuterie £24 / 6 glasses plus platter

saturday december 22nd soulshyne xmas party with dj mick fuller

new years eve dinner and dance dine with us 8-10 and stay for the after party 3 courses £25 reservations REQUIRED 01273 673 891

THE NEW YEARS EVE PARTY OF 2018 DJ ANDY MAC

full decor and traction sounD

open xmas eve this year.....afternoon xmas drinkies

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C R I S T M A S AT THE

Walrus A stone’s throw from the beach on historical Ship Street in Brighton’s Lanes, you’ll find the extensively refurbished 200-year-old pub and restaurant The Walrus, with its labyrinth of nooks and crannies.

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t is no secret that we at Absolute Magazine love the Walrus. It has been our go to destination for meet-ups and drinkies for the last couple of years.

Last year they hosted our Christmas knees up and it was so good we are heading back there again this year for more incredible food, festive fun and drunken shenanigans. It is a fantastic multi-purpose venue that literally caters for everyone, and does this exceptionally well. Whether you are a foodie, a dater, a weekday drinker, or party animal at the weekend, it’s the place for you.. The team behind the Walrus will look after you whatever your needs and wants. They have a simply enormous selection of drinks, with guest cask ales, a select wine list, and a whole variety of different spirits to please the most fastidious of drinkers. There is excellent food here for everyone regardless of dietary choices, allergies and levels of fussiness. They even serve roast dinners on a Monday, which on this occasion suited my wife Sally and I, as we were far too hungover to venture out on the Sunday prior. So, craving our weekly roast fix we decided to take a trip into town to the Walrus on Monday to give their fast becoming renowned roast dinners a go. It seems working for Absolute has its perks, as upon discovering we were from the magazine, they offered to give us a sneaky taster of some of the dishes from the festive menu too! How could we refuse?

The Walrus never ceases to amaze me whenever I go as it feels like you are walking into the TARDIS. Its quaint unassuming entrance on Ship Street opens up into a luxurious pub with a vast welcoming bar, dominated by deep blue and green hues and old photography, with cosy ambient lighting and relaxed drinkers and diners dotted about the area.

As it was Sally’s first visit to the Walrus I took her upstairs, past the immense two floor heated roof terrace, to the magnificent 100 seater dining area.

She was immediately impressed by the grandness of the room, commenting on the beautiful chandeliers, immaculately laid tables, and the attention to detail that has gone into the traditional elegant Christmas decorations, where they have succeeded in creating a warm and inviting traditional old fashioned stately home feel to the room. No mean feat considering the vastness of the area.

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We settled into our seats in the corner of the room, giving us the best views of the dining area, including the wonderful fireplace draped with holly and traditional decorations.

It was then that we got chatting to our super friendly waitress, who suggested we try a couple of items from the festive menu.

After selecting our wine (a lively French Merlot for me and a crisp and fresh Sauvignon Blanc for Sally), we had a chat about starters. Knowing I was going full carnivore for the roast, I plumped for the vegan Courgette Galette with salsa verde, mizuna, and sundried romesco sauce. Sally, not being a big eater herself decided to forgo the starter, but they brought out the Smoked Salmon Tart with black ink crème fraiche, pickled seaweed and salmon caviar from the festive menu anyway which I was more than happy to share with her.

"They have succeeded in creating a warm and inviting traditional old fashioned stately home feel to the room.

No mean feat considering the vastness of the area."

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C R I S T M A S AT THE

Walrus

Both starters were out of this world! I could not recommend the Courgette Galette more to vegans and non-vegans alike. The sharpness of the courgette perfectly neutralised by the earthy sundried romesco sauce and set off by the light mustardy taste of the mizuna, all encased in the puffiest of puff pastry and lubricated with chilled salsa verde. It was the Smoked Salmon tart that stole the show however. Everything about this incredibly moreish dish worked. The creamy black ink crème fraiche delicately neutralised the incredible richness of the top quality smoked Salmon, whilst the caviar and pickled seaweed added extra dimensions to the tart in terms of sharpness and wildly varying textures. I realise now why they wanted us to try it!

On to the main event. Unable to decide between the Lamb and the turkey Christmas roast I decided to have both, whilst Sally plumped for the mushroom, spinach and vegan cheese wellington.

I usually end up finishing half of Sally’s roast as well as mine anyway so I figured I would be able to manage two to myself. How wrong I was.

These plates were enormous! These are incredibly generous portions of what I can only describe as the very best quality roast dinners in all of Brighton.

The meat on both the plates I had amazed me!

The huge chunk of perfectly cooked and seasoned lamb was pink and juicy with a lovely crisp skin.

The Turkey was equally salacious, and rolled in bacon to seal in the flavour and juices. I tucked in to a bit of Sally’s wellington too, even though I am not usually a fan of veggie or vegan options when it comes to roasts. I was impressed however, and if every pub could cook a wellington as tasty as this one I would happily go vegan every time! It turns out the chefs at The Walrus are pastry experts, and the filling was incredibly tasty, with the vegan cheese adding a lovely tangy aftertaste which I have never experienced in a veggie wellington before.

All plates contained expertly cooked veggies that had an overwhelming sense of seasonality and freshness, including crispy kale, baby parsnips and carrots, and beetroot. The roast potatoes were cooked to perfection, sweet and fluffy on the inside and a golden-brown satisfying carapace of crunch.

Each roast had just the right amount of gravy made from the jus of the meat being served with, or an incredibly flavoursome vegan option. The staff are more than happy to provide more if requested, and you can soak it all up with a ginormous light and fluffy home cooked Yorkshire pudding which comes with all options. We nearly managed all three between us but decided to take some home in a doggy-bag and save a tiny bit of room for dessert.

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I have to admit, going for dessert might have been pushing it a bit after the amount we had already eaten, but we managed to finish them eventually as they were too good to leave. The incredible sticky toffee pudding from the main menu was incredible!

It was rich and gooey with the perfect marriage of sweetness and stodge. The classic baked cheesecake from the festive menu was velvety dense and creamy and impeccably partnered with a generous drizzle of blackberry compote.

As we waddled out with our doggy bag in tow, incredibly full and in awe of our experience on this unassuming Monday in November, we reflected that there really is no better roast served in Brighton and Hove. The truly inspired idea to serve them on a Monday for the people who happen to miss their Sunday roast fix the day before is just brilliant. The bits we tried from the festive menu were incredible and I am now even more excited for our Christmas do. We wholeheartedly encourage you to book yours there too. At three courses for £27.50 you will not find better value, and where else can you go and continue the party downstairs for the rest of the evening?

The Walrus is most definitely the place to be this festive season.

Tony Shattell

thewalrusbrighton.com 01273 025749

"The Walrus is most definitely the place to be this festive season."

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"All plates contained expertly cooked veggies that had an overwhelming sense of seasonality and freshness, including crispy kale, baby parsnips and carrots, and beetroot. The roast potatoes were cooked to perfection."

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Absolute Food & Drink

Amberley Castle Restaurant winner of three AA rosettes.

Amberley Castle is the beautiful historic hotel and restaurant retreat nestled in the Sussex countryside. It’s full of medieval heritage, character and charm, steeped in 900 years of history within 12 acres of picturesque landscaped lakes and gardens.

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he Amberley Castle restaurant was triumphant at this year’s AA Hospitality Awards, winning three AA rosettes at the prestigious annual ceremony, presented

by Claudia Winkleman at Grosvenor House in London. The competition for this title is tough with only 10% of all AA rated hotels across the UK achieving this accolade.

On the evening, the restaurant was commended on being an ‘outstanding restaurant that achieves standards that demand national recognition well beyond its local area’. Criteria to be awarded three AA rosettes also listed that cooking “must be underpinned by the selection and sympathetic treatment of the highest quality ingredients and that timing, seasoning and the judgement of flavour combinations are consistently excellent”.

“We are all delighted to have once again been awarded three AA rosettes for our restaurant and warmly congratulate our executive head chef Paul Peters and his team. Paul’s dedicated approach to his menus, grounded in classical influences and serving the freshest of ingredients, cooked in innovative and exciting ways, has long drawn praise from our guests, and we’re thrilled the AA has recognised the team’s achievements too”.

Piers Vowles, General Manager.

“The team and I are very happy to have been awarded three AA rosettes, and I’m so pleased their skill and dedication to consistently create great dishes has been recognised. We’ll keep pushing to create new flavours and menus and look forward to exciting times ahead”.

Paul Peters, Executive Head Chef.

"We’re thrilled the AA has recognised the team’s achievements”.

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An ‘outstanding restaurant that achieves standards that demand national recognition well beyond its local area’.

Absolute Magazine was thrilled to hear of Amberley Castles wonderful success and went to visit the restaurant to taste their award-winning menu.

We arrived at Amberley Castle on a fresh crisp autumnal day. The glorious sun was shining on the South Downs which gave everything a wonderful golden glow. The hotel was an impressive sight as we approached up the long gravel driveway, then after a short stroll through the perfectly manicured gardens, medieval-stonework and rose-covered archways we came to the restaurant.

We were warmly greeted by the General Manager and the Restaurant Manager who led us to the main lounge to enjoy pre-lunch drinks and canapes. Each lounge is comfortable and relaxing, filled with beautiful fabrics, open fireplaces, polished wooden floors, antiques and original stone doorways. All the dining rooms are elegant spaces flooded with natural sunlight, adorned with beautiful tapestries, suits of armour, and each with captivating views of the scenic grounds and rolling landscape beyond.

Lunch was served in the magnificent Queens Room on the first floor, beneath the barrelvaulted ceiling dating back to the 12th century.

We dined by a huge bay window with perfect views over the gardens and ponds, by the warmth of the roaring open fireplace. Rich red curtains contrasted against the immaculate white linen that dressed the tables, with perfectly polished silver cutlery paired with sparkling glassware.

We chose from the 3-course lunch menu, which at £34.50 per person is brilliant value for this award-winning fine-dining experience. The extensive wine list offers a host of wines from around the world available by the glass or bottle, and there was so much choice, but our waiter and experienced sommelier was the perfect person to advise on wine pairing for our meal.

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Amberley Castle restaurant, "We couldn’t fault anything, and we are planning to return soon to sample more delights from the delicious menu, and to hopefully meet the infamous white peacock."

After our leisurely lunch, we took a stroll around the beautiful landscaped gardens which encapsulated the very essence of autumn, with golden leaves and berries hanging from the trees and the glorious autumnal sun sitting low in the sky. During our walk we kept a look-out for the residential white peacock that roams around the hotel grounds, but unfortunately on our visit he was no-where to be seen.

Our lunch at this award-winning restaurant was an elegant dining experience where exceptional ingredients were cooked to the highest standards, and all the hotel and restaurant staff we met on our visit were so very friendly and welcoming. We couldn’t fault anything, and we are planning to return soon to sample more delights from the delicious menu, and to hopefully meet the infamous white peacock.

As well as the fantastic 3-course lunch menu, the award-winning restaurant also serves Sunday lunch for £34.50, a seven-course tasting menu available from £85, and afternoon tea packages from £34, with champagne from £49.50. The dress code for dining in the restaurant is smart casual, with no jeans or trainers, and children aged 8 years and over are welcome to join.

The Amberley Castle hotel and restaurant would be a beautiful venue for a wedding.

Ceremony packages are available up to 12 guests, wedding day packages up to 40 guests, with exclusive use up to 54 guests or a bespoke wedding marquee in the gardens could cater for up to 170 guests, and the Amberley Castle wedding planner is included to help you organise your perfect day.

Amberley Castle has 19 luxurious guest rooms, offering comfort and style with double rooms from £195.00 per night for bed and breakfast.

Amberley Castle Church Street, Amberley, West Sussex, BN18 9LT. 01798 831 992 www.amberleycastle.co.uk Charlie McBrien

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‘Britain’s 12 Best Indian Restaurants’ BBC Good Food Magazine, Oct 2018 ‘Best 19 Indian Restaurants in the UK’ Olive Magazine

INDIAN STREET FOOD & CRAFT BEER

‘Local Gem’ Waitrose Good Food Guide 2016 –2018

FIND US AT:

BRIGHTON LANES

KEMPTOWN KITCHEN

BRIGHTON STATION

60 Ship Street Brighton Bn1 1Ae

40 Upper St JAmeS’S Street Brighton Bn2 1Jn

Brighton StAtion, QUeenS rd Brighton Bn1 3Xp

curryleafcafe.com 102

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CRAFT BEER / BOOTHS / WINE / GIN + INCREDIBLE FOOD FROM RUFIO’S (LOST BOYS CHICKEN) COMING IN JANUARY CLOAKROOMBRIGHTON.COM

81-82 ST JAMES’S STREET

THECLOAKROOMBRIGHTON

KEMPTOWN 01273 679 220

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B R I G H T O N

Beach Club The iconic Brighton seafront venue that boasts some of the finest sea views and was once home to the award-winning Alfresco Restaurant will reopen this December after extensive refurbishment. Introducing the Brighton Beach Club…

Catering for all ages and dietary requirements is an important part of the Brighton Beach Club’s offer.

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righton Beach Club has been an eye-catching building in Brighton since the 1950’s. The building started life as a Milk Parlour selling Ice creams and milk shakes, and then over the years had the art deco second floor added and became the well known family run restaurant. As from December 2018 the new owners have lovingly created a beautiful space to help be part of the Brighton food and drink scene.

Set over 2 floors the team have been very mindful of the unique position and have kept the tones of the space very natural. The bar is made from reclaimed scaffolding, whilst beautiful blue and white tiles, brick tiles, reclaimed steel and warm wood all make up an area where you can come to relax, eat, drink, hold an event or get married. There is a relaxed downstairs area where you can visit with friends and sample some seasonal dishes, craft beers, beautiful cocktails and of course have a truly amazing vegan milkshake!

It was important to the team to pay homage to this building’s roots and so you will find an incredible shakes menu which is great for kids and the big kid in us all.

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The style of food will be Modern British and you can eat the menus throughout the venue. So if on your own working over lunch, wanting a great view or a special meal with family and friends you can chose the area to dine in. Handmade Pizza and pasta are set to feature, as well as local cheese boards for snacks, but for those seeking dinner or lunch there will be a delicious menu which will change monthly and will include sumptuous dishes like Pan fried lamb tournedos, apricot & spinach filling, pumpkin, sage & pearl barley “risotto” or Chargrilled King oyster mushrooms, vegan halloumi, Puy lentils, roasted sweet potato & sherry vinegar dressing.

Not only will the food menu be changing monthly, the excellent seasonal craft drink range will also change with the seasons. Catering for all ages and dietary requirements is an important part of the Brighton Beach Club’s offer.

It came as music to our ears that the team will be holding monthly tasting events, so you can turn up, be social and try the new drinks and food too.

Being on the seafront and having small

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children themselves, the new owners want to ensure they create a grown up beautiful space, but also have a place where you can bring the children and have a super yet relaxing, stress-free experience. They have therefore created the special Crafty Nippers menu. Whilst all of the main menu will be available in half portion, half price, there will also be a smaller portion Nippers menu for the little tots. To ensure everyone has fun, the team have a craft pot which everyone will be able to take part in! Each month they will change the craft for the little ones to design, create and colour.

Once they have finished they can pop their creation on the ‘craft tree’ and every month a winner is picked and the winning design will win a family meal for 4. The Brighton Beach club have also joined forces with the wonderful Phileas Foggs World of Adventure and will be picking a lucky family every month to win a family ticket to go and be immersed in this magical place.

The Brighton Beach Club open their doors to the public on Saturday December 7th 2018.

You can book a table now at www.brightonbeachclub.com

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Blanch House

Through the doors of Brighton’s original boutique hotel.

Celebrating over seven glorious years under the ownership of couple Kerry and Jeremy, the multi-award winning Blanch House is a Georgian boutique hotel that is as unique as the city it sits proudly within.

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ake a wander through Brighton’s vibrant, bohemian and historic district of Kemptown and there, set within a quiet Georgian terrace in Atlingworth Street, is the iconic Blanch House. Just a stones throw away from Brighton’s iconic seafront and a short meander away from the buzzy atmosphere of Kemptown’s quirky cafes, indie shops, antique treasure troves and bars, this friendly and elegant hotel is comprised of 12 uniquely designed guest bedrooms, a decadent function suite and a relaxed, elegant Champagne & Cocktail Bar and lounge.

Brighton is a quirky city full of a uniquely creative charm and this has inspired the hotel’s décor throughout. Kerry and Jeremy clearly have impeccable taste. As you enter the hotel, you immediately feel a sense of occasion, married with a welcoming and homely vibe. The owners have managed to fuse contemporary clean lines with sporadic bursts of grandeur, keeping a modern feel but with a firm nod the building’s historic past.

Upon booking the hotel, guests are given a choice of which room they would like to stay within, each with its own unique theme, décor and colour scheme. There is a room to suit every taste from Legacia’s art deco backdrop, Pommery’s Champagne theme to Alice’s fantasy mirror look.

If you like quirky and contemporary, then uplifting ‘Alice’ room with its mirrorpatterned wallpapered room is your Wonderland! This delightful superior double room was inspired by Lewis Carroll's legendary character Alice and her adventures – an iconic take that happened to be written right there in Kemptown!

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On opening the door to the Alice Room, you'll find yourself being welcomed by an enchanting and bright room with a fun take on the looking glass theme. Even the en-suite shower room has a magical feel.

Lovers of Art Deco style and a touch of luxury will be enchanted by the Legacia feature room, with its chandelier, super king-sized bed and glorious sidesea view from the superb Regency bay window. The stylish bathroom, with free standing roll top bath and separate shower, completes the experience immerse yourself in a bygone era.

The jewel in the Blanch House crown has to be the Pommery feature room.

Founded in 1836, Pommery is among the

The jewel in the Blanch House crown has to be the Pommery feature room. Founded in 1836, Pommery is among the most prestigious Champagne houses.

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most prestigious Champagne houses. The Blanch House Pommery Room marks the hotel’s partnership with the brand and pays homage to the incredible Madame Pommery.

Drawing on inspiration from this Grand Dame, the Pommery Room is decorated in rich gold tones with sumptuous furnishings, with modern twists from accents of the Pommery branding. The bright room fills you with a sense of escapism with light streaming through the side sea view room. Watch the world go by or relax in the bath with a glass of Pommery.

The rooms all range in terms of sizes and room rates available, starting with a cosy double going up to a rather grand feature double - some can also be made a twin. Each of the 12 individually styled rooms are equipped to meet both your needs, whether you are there on a jolly or you mean business. Complimentary fibre optic Wifi comes as standard, together with HD flat screen televisions, teas and coffee, complimentary bottled Blanch House water and the now infamous mouth-watering home-made biscuits.

Aromatherapy Associates luxury toiletries and robes reside in all the bathrooms and each room has an up-to-date Brighton dining guide which makes for great informative reading and a well-powered hairdryer.

There is a room to suit every taste from Legacia’s art deco backdrop, Pommery’s Champagne theme to Alice’s fantasy mirror look.

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Blanch House

All room rates are inclusive of a freshlycooked full English and continental awardwinning breakfast. Breakfast is served in the sophisticated ‘Belle Epoque’ dining room, situated at the rear of the building. As well as your classic full English, hot breakfast also come in the form of an incredibly naughty American pancakes with maple syrup, bacon and fruit and Eggs Benedict, amongst others.

If a cold breakfast is your choice for starting the day, then you will be well catered for at the buffet which boasts pastries, granola, cereals and a whole host of fresh fruit.

Although there isn’t a restaurant at the hotel, there is an all-important champagne and cocktail bar located by the reception area that serves light bites such as including gourmet sandwiches and sharing platters until late. For a sophisticated traditional afternoon snack, afternoon tea with home-baked scones and a pot of tea can be taken within this charming setting.

Before making your way out into Brighton, we’d highly recommend you start your evening with a glass of Champagne or cocktail in the Champagne & Cocktail Bar. In fact, you don’t have to be sleeping at Blanch House to enjoy a tipple there; in-the-know locals can often be found sipping upon a sparkling cocktail in the plush and discreet surroundings. The bar also serves a whole range of international drinks options, as well as local Brightonian brands such as Longman beer, Albourne Estate wines, Blackdown and Brighton Gin. With Brighton offering an endless amount of wining and dining destinations, visitors can often feel completely dazed as to where to try first! Luckily the Blanch House concierge are well renowned in Brighton, helping you clinch that exclusive reservation, make wellinformed recommendations and even arrange fresh flowers, Champagne, chocolates and activities, should you wish. How about a spot

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of pampering during your stay? Blanch House is a proud to partner with Brighton’s awardwinning beauty salon, The Treatment Rooms who offer upgraded treatments to residents.

As well as offering boutique accommodation, Blanch House offers private dining and is the ideal venue for celebrating a birthday, anniversary or promotion. Whatever the occasion, there is a range of options to make your lunch or dinner event extra special.

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You don’t have to be sleeping at Blanch House to enjoy a tipple there; inthe-know locals can often be found sipping upon a sparkling cocktail in the plush and discreet surroundings.

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If understated elegance and a classic, stylish space is what you're looking for, the private dining room, the Belle Epoque Suite, is the perfect backdrop for hosting a more intimate dinner with family, friends or colleagues.

Blanch house offer fine dining for up to 40 people and will work with you on each and every detail, from suggesting a variety of table plans to best suit your party, to special dietary requirements and finishing touches such as fresh flowers and themed decorations.

The private dining menus are designed using the best seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. In addition, should you have any special requirements such as gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian food then the chef would be delighted to include this in your menu.

The architectural style, uniquely themed décor and outstanding customer service also provide the ideal setting for an intimate wedding, civil partnership or ceremony-only celebration.

If you're looking for somewhere unique but do not require a full wedding celebration package, the team are happy to tailor your ceremony for 4 to 40 guests and part day hire of the Belle Epoque suite, with options including a Pommery Champagne reception, canapés and use of the Champagne & Cocktail Bar. There is a selection of wedding packages to suits all tastes and budgets: from Simply Boutique, Chic Boutique and to Luxury Boutique with chilled Pommery Champagne.

For all events, private dining, weddings and celebrations Blanch House offer exclusive use of the hotel as an additional option where you and your guests can have use of the entire hotel. This includes the use of the Champagne & Cocktail Bar Lounge, our 12 individually designed guest bedrooms and our awarding winning cooked-to-order breakfast the following morning for you and your guests.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.blanchhouse.co.uk

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London Lifestyle London Food & Drink Eating and drinking are an essential part of any day out in London, and sustenance is key when discovering new places in our wonderful capital this season. London has some great venues to refuel with brunch, lunch and dinner or simply re-charge with a sumptuous G&T during your escapades around our beautiful city.

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well."

Virginia Woolf

The Zetter Townhouse, Marylebone.

The Zetter Townhouse is a uniquely wonderful establishment nestled in a picturesque corner of Marylebone. This beautiful boutique hotel opened its doors in 2015 and is the second in the range from the Zetter group. You could be forgiven for walking straight past the entrance but look hard enough and you will discover the pretty Georgian townhouse tucked away between Oxford Street and Marble Arch, hidden behind an elegant traditional doorway. Hotels, bars and their entrances are so often garish, gaudy and outlandish, with imposing receptions and foyers constructed from masses of glass and marble and devoid of all character, but this charming hotel is quite the opposite.

Leave the busy street and step through the doorway of the Marylebone townhouse to be met with a warm welcome from the Zetter staff. There’s a slightly Alice in Wonderland feel to the decadent space awaiting you. It is filled with grandfather

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clocks and antique bookcases, with berry and crimson wall paper covering the wall spaces to tastefully show off the array of vintage prints encased in ornate antique frames. Plush fabrics in jewel tones and burnt hues sit merrily alongside dark teal wood and conker brown vintage furniture, all reminiscent of a beautiful era gone by. The décor is an eclectic and eccentric mix of colourful vintage-style furnishings with contrasting dark panelled wood rooms, which is just the perfect space for sipping sophisticated cocktails and devouring decadent canapes.

One of my favourite parts of this inspiring venue is their amazing champagne afternoon teas, served daily in Seymour’s Parlour. The Aunt Wilhelmina and Uncle Seymour are an exquisite range of exciting afternoon tea delights. Afternoon tea in recent years has become a bit overdone and a somewhat flat and average affair, with every hotel and restaurant serving up their

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own sometimes rather tepid variation of scones alongside a glass of cheap fizz and then charging an exuberant amount of money for the privilege. The Zetter Townhouse however has surpassed all the other afternoon teas I have tried in recent years (and I have tasted a lot).

The Zetter has done an impeccable job of radicalising the humble afternoon tea and adding an exciting twist to the classic past-time, therefore making it fun and glamourous again. The Aunt Wilhelmina dainty tea offers plate after plate (if you have the room) of delicate finger sandwiches, or alternatively pick the heartier Uncle Seymour option which offers platefuls of savoury bites and pasties including their own handmade truffled sausage rolls and miniature Croque Monsieur’s, each served with a selection of sumptuous sweet cakes, patisseries and choux buns.

Afternoon teas start from just £35.50.

The townhouse boasts 24 beautiful guest rooms, filled with glamourous 4-poster beds, and plump velvet armchairs, and the elegant and luxurious décor creates a wonderfully relaxing space. Polished wooden tables sit next to large ornate mirrors and rich heavy draped curtains, all mixed together to create a cosy, sumptuous environment where you can unwind.

Having a party? Well, why not hire the whole townhouse. This would make the most perfectly delightful party destination. If you are having a bigger party or searching for a perfect private dining space, then head over to the Zetter Townhouse in Clerkenwell. It’s the older bigger sibling of the townhouse in Marylebone, and just perfect for larger group dinner parties or special social occasions with an amazing seasonal menu and an exciting wine list.

The Zetter Townhouse in Marylebone is whimsical and romantic, and very much the place to visit this season in London, and if you join the Zetter Townhouse mailing list you can receive 10% off your first stay.

The Zetter Townhouse. www.thezettertownhouse.com/marylebone 28-30 Seymour Street, London, W1H 7JB.

London Bridge.

The infamous and historical area of London Bridge is one of the Capitals best places to explore, eat and drink.

London Bridge has fantastic access via the main line stations and tube lines of jubilee and the northern line, and it’s packed with a plethora of divine food and drink venues to suit all palettes and budgets, many of which can be found along the ever-popular areas of Bermondsey Street, More London Riverside, Tower Bridge and Borough Market.

Borough Market is home to many amazing restaurants, pubs and bars.

Fish! the seafood restaurant found in the centre of Borough Market, is huge with plenty of outside seating, an extensive menu, and all the produce is fresh. The menu has everything from oysters and scallops to traditional dishes of fish and chips and fish finger sandwiches. There are also meat and chicken dishes on the menu so there really is something for every appetite and craving. On my last visit I ordered the fish pie which was amazing, and the wine list is great too.

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Hawksmoore for years has been one of the UKs leading steak restaurants. On my visits to Hawksmoore in Borough Market, the service has always been impeccable, being attentive without being rushed and intrusive (the waiter has a knack of always appearing at your table just when you need another drink), the steak is always perfectly cooked and all the side dishes, especially the creamed spinach, are delicious.

Bermondsey Street is where you will find one of my favourite pubs, The Woolpack. It has a great little garden area at the back and upstairs seating. It’s in a great location, and the go-to place to meet friends for the perfect G&T. Pizarro and Jose are two wonderful restaurants by Jose Pizarro serving authentic Spanish tapas and traditional Spanish cuisine.

Jose is the small and cosy tapas and sherry bar, with an ever-changing traditional Spanish tapas menu. They don’t take bookings, so be prepared to wait for a table on a busy evening. The food and atmosphere are great, and it’s worth the wait for a table. Pizarro is the critically acclaimed second restaurant on Bermondsey Street. Tapas are also available here, along with a lunch and dinner menu of more substantial delicious dishes to try.

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The area of One Tower Bridge is home to The Coal Shed, the sibling of the popular Brighton branch and The Salt Room, where you can expect the same great service and exciting menu. The restaurant is sleek, and modern with great menu options of meat and fish, perfect for lunch, dinner or a Sunday roast.

Shad Thames by Tower Bridge is where you find The Butlers Wharf Chop House sitting happily on the riverside. This is a wonderful fine dining restaurant serving amazing steak and fish, matched with wonderful wines from around the world. All the desserts are scrumptious, and booking is essential.

More London Riverside is a modern developed area located just off Tooley Street. There’s great access to the South Bank, amazing views of the River Thames and Tower Bridge, and its home to several popular chain restaurants and eateries including Jamies, Eds Diner and Gaucho.

While on Tooley Street pay a visit to Brigade, a modern bar and kitchen offering a British seasonal menu and international wine list. There’s also space here for private dining from 6 to 16 guests. But best of all this wonderful venue is an award-winning community interest company and charity.

London gems around the Capital to pop into this season.

There’s great access to the South Bank, amazing views of the River Thames and Tower Bridge.

The Ivy City Garden is truly a quintessentially English secret garden oasis in the middle of the city.

This stunning restaurant and bar are found in an excellent location being only a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street Station. Everything about the Ivy City Garden is opulent, beautiful and luxurious. The service is brilliant, the food is everything we have come to expect from the Ivy brand, and the decor and exotic garden surroundings are so relaxing.

The Ivy City Garden. www.theivycitygarden.com 69 Old Broad Street, London, EC2M 1QS

Reunion Bar is a dazzling bar situated inside the Grosvenor Hotel, started its early life as Victoria Stations First Class Lounge. Now it’s a sleek, contemporary and luxurious mezzanine bar adorned with ever-so comfortable opulent furniture, glamorous décor, great lighting and beautiful large art décor windows. It’s the perfect place to indulge in a G&T while waiting for your train and has impressive elevated views over the Victoria station concourse perfect for people watching. The only danger is you will be having such a perfectly lovely time you miss your train home, which happened to me the other evening…but there we are. If this happens you, may I suggest you order another drink and then a taxi.

Reunion Bar at The Grosvenor Hotel. grosvenorarms@guoman.co.uk The Grosvenor Hotel, 101 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W OSJ.

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Kimchi serves a whole host of delious mouthwatering contemporary Korean delicacies, all of which you need to try. There are lots of little bowls and plates of deliciousness which can be shared as starters tapas style. Then the bigger dishes, dishes from the grill and side dishes follow on as the main course. The food is all made fresh in open kitchens which adds to the fun street food type atmosphere.

The restaurant is huge, with wonderful dark wood, lanterns, and stylish décor, offering a sleek and chic space to enjoy dinner.

The service here was brilliant. We visited on a busy Friday night, the restaurant was packed, and we arrived with a baby, buggy and no table reservation, and the staff were still more than happy to find us a table and high-chair straightaway. The food was fresh and tasty, and the service prompt.

Kimchee – St Pancras Square. www.kimchee.uk.com 2 St Pancras Square, King’s Cross, London, NC14AG

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The London Lifestyle Directory of this season’s favourite Bottomless Brunches.

Gaucho – Piccadilly. The Electro Brunch

Feast on unlimited wine, cocktails and brunch dishes from the Electro brunch menu for a 2-hour table sitting. Bookings are taken between 11am to 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Booking online and deposit of £10 per person is essential.

Cost: From £49.95 per person.

Address: 25 Swallow Street, Piccadilly, London, W1B 4QR. Nearest train/tube: Piccadilly, Charing Cross. www.gauchorestaurants.com/events/event/ electro-brunch/ South Place Hotel. The South Place Chop House Bottomless Saturday Brunch.

Enjoy unlimited Prosecco or Bloody Mary’s £15, when you order 2 or 3 courses from the brunch menu £22.50 or £27.50, for a 2-hour table sitting.

Cost: Bottomless drinks - £15. Brunch menu dishes from £22.50 Address: 3 South Place, London, EC2M 2AF. Nearest train/tube: Liverpool Street www.southplacehotel.com/eat-and-drink/ south-place-chop-house/ M, Victoria. Saturday Brunch.

The award-winning M restaurant at Victoria is modern and sleek. The restaurant boasts an alfresco terrace, a wine tasting room, cocktail bar, private dining and private members lounge. But best of all they offer a wonderful brunch menu including all the usual delights you would expect such as waffles and eggs, along with gluten free and raw options. The menu is great value with two courses for £19.50, every Saturday between 11am to 4pm.

Cost: 2-courses £19.50. Add Bottomless Bellini’s (Bloody Mary, Peach Bellini’s, or Breakfast Martinis) £32.50 per person.

Address: 74 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6SQ. Nearest train/tube: Victoria. www.mrestaurants.co.uk/victoria/m-brunch/

Quaglinos. Q Brunch.

The Q Brunch is available every Saturday in the glamorous surroundings of Quaglinos in Mayfair from 11.30am until 2.30pm. Make sure you add the unlimited Prosecco for £25 per person.

Cost: 2 courses - £35. 3 courses - £40. Bottomless Prosecco £25 per person.

Address: 16 Bury Street, London, SW1Y 6AJ. Nearest train/tube: Piccadilly, Charing Cross. www.quaglinos-restaurant.co.uk/menus/ restaurant/q-brunch-menu/ Bunga Bunga Battersea. The Famiglia Brunch.

This great venue now hosts its ever-popular brunches every Sunday from 12-noon. Feast on warm Brioche with a selection of jams and Nutella, alongside Parma ham and melon to start, followed by heaps of tasty sour-dough homemade pizzas with an array of toppings (veggie and gluten free options too) for £19.50 per person. Add 2-hours of unlimited prosecco Bellini’s for another £19.50, all with live entertainment thrown in. Booking is essential.

Cost: Brunch £19.50 per person plus £19.50 for 2-hours of unlimited prosecco Bellini’s.

Address: Bunga Bunga Battersea. 37 Battersea Bridge Road, London, SW11 3BA. Nearest train/tube: Clapham Junction, South Kensington, Sloane Square. www.battersea.bungabunga-london.com/event/ la-famiglia-brunch/

"Wine is bottled poetry" – Robert Louis Stevenson Charlie McBrien

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ABSOLUTE FASHION

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Tom Ford, Net-a-Porter, £4150

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Nevernot ring, £2600, Farfetch

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ABSOLUTE SRI LANKA

A FAMILY HOLIDAY IN SRI LANKA PHOEBE OLIVER

Sri Lanka is having its phoenix moment. Battered by the 2004 tsunami and years of civil war (it holds its ten year anniversary of peace next year), this teardrop island in the Indian Ocean has just been voted as the top destination to visit in 2019

by Lonely Planet – and its not difficult to see why.

For an island only just larger than Wales, it offers savvy travellers an incredible variety of experiences. From unspoilt tropical beaches to lush tea plantations, colonial history, exotic wildlife, and utterly delicious food – there literally is something for everyone – which is lucky really considering my travelling companions.

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t the beginning of 2018 the Oliver family decided that a trip to Sri Lanka October half term would be a pretty fine idea.

There are five of us in total and each of us were looking for something a little different out of the experience so the itinerary master (that's me that is) decided on trip that would take us around as much of the island as possible and our 11 days would have something to please everyone. An easy task you might think – the reality was a tad more painful.

To get a proper idea on the challenge ahead you need to be introduced to the family: Poppy – 21 - likes a touch of luxury smothered in perhaps a few spa treatments, gentle ambles along deserted beaches and cocktails at sunset.

Nancy – 15 – likes surf (or rather surf accessories) chilling out by an infinity pool reading her book and taking as many instagam selfies as humanly possible.

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Esme – 10 – fascinated by creatures and insects and general lover of animals. Wants to adopt every stray dog and spend her pocket money on food for underfed cats - wherever we go.

James – something over 40 – loves to surf and explore. Insists on taking his body board on every trip (“just incase I miss that wave”) and stands firm in the belief that it is JUST as cool as a surfboard.

And me – a smidgen over 21 with a desire to experience everything a destination has to offer.

From jumping off cliff tops into unknown lakes to being chased by lions in African on horseback I am not one for relaxing by a pol for too long.

Having worked in travel for 15 years I have built up a particular passion for sustainable travel and like to know about hotels that are really making a difference.

So there we have it – the challenge is set and what follows is a guide to Sri Lanka – for all ages!

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As a family we decided to choose a family run group of hotels in which to stay - called Jetwing Hotels www.jetwinghotels.com the company was started over 40 years ago by the visionary Herbert Cooray and is today run by his son Hiran and his Grandsons Hashan and Dimitri. This gave our stay a home from home feel – which I always find comforting when travelling far. They were also able to organize one driver that collected us from the airport and stayed with us throughout our trip and became a great friend. Abdul.

"As a family we decided to choose a family run group of hotels in which to stay called Jetwing Hotels."

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Day one: We landed in Columbo, which is the capital of the island, and for years has been something of a Sri Lankan conundrum. The city is a dynamic, historic, ocean-side capital on the island’s popular west coast it has plenty to lure the traveller, however, many visitors still arrive on the island with the impression that it is merely a quick stop off before discovering the ‘real’ Sri Lanka.

But time to think again. Dive below the bustling surface and you find a irrepressible city with an extraordinary wealth of things to explore and enjoy.

From high end shopping at the former racecourse to getting a real taste of the city with Columbo City Walks https://www.colombowalks.com to sunset drink at Galle Face Hotel there is something for everyone in this bustling city. We stayed at the Jetwing Columbo Seven http://www.jetwinghotels. com/jetwingcolomboseven/, which is part of the uptown area Cinnamon Gardens and close to everything and was an ideal location.

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Day two: Our lovely driver Abdul (whose patience would be pushed to the absolute limits in the next ten days) meets us at the hotel and transports us to our next destination – Jetwing Lighthouse http://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwinglighthouse/ As soon as we arrive and scale the palatial wrought iron staircase I was aware that this magnificent hotel was going to tick quite a few of the Oliver boxes. Situated right on the Southern Coast (waves crashing beneath us as we eat) this luxury escape could possibly be as close to heaven as I am ever likely to get. The hotel itself is an in an architectural masterpiece designed by the late Geoffrey Bawa and is around 10 minutes walk from Galle Fort (well worth exploring but not enough words here!)

The area was ravaged by the Tsunami almost 15 years ago and nearly every person has a story to tell regarding that fateful day. With this in mind it was refreshing to hear that this hotel have since paid for a community swimming pool (many of the local children don't know how to swim) and continue to pay for schools to send children to attend weekly swimming lessons.

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"Along the eco theme I am also delighted to see no plastic bottles used in rooms or showers and all straws are biodegradable."

Along the eco theme I am also delighted to see no plastic bottles used in rooms or showers and all straws are biodegradable. Poppy and Nancy make use of the amazing sun loungers and on day two I wake to find Esme has befriended the on site naturalist and has joined him in one of his organised rock pooling walks with some other children first thing– which apparently (I am informed at lunch) was “better than Rottingdean Mum”. Multiple boxes ticked we head off to our next meeting and a promise of elephants along the way – and Abdul did not disappoint.

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Rustic on the outside yet contemporary on the inside, each bedroom is an evolving testament to Jetwing’s architectural stamp.

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Day Four: We head north to the lush hill lands and the little undiscovered area of Wellawaya. Here (nestled in the midst of lush paddy fields and rolling hills) Jetwing Kaduruketha has been designed to resemble a traditional village surrounded by rural Sri Lankan landscapes and I am in eco heaven. An icon of agro-tourism, the hotel employs 31 local farming families to work and cultivate 50 acres of paddy. Jetwing awards a grant of LKR 25,000 per acre for farming per season, and then shares the harvest fifty-fifty with the growers. Rather than importing ingredients for its kitchens, Jetwing invests considerably in the local farming economy, creating a real sense of security and this was really visible on our 6am bike ride round the village and the locals we encounter. Rural and not as tourist aware as their fellow southern Sri Lankan’s the smile was warm and inviting. What’s really lovely about this property is the guest inclusion – from learning how to make natural insecticide with a local gardener to helping out in the paddy fields guests are invited to join in the agro tourism adventure and learn new skills along the way. http://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingkaduruketha/ http://www.wellawaya.com

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From learning how to make natural insecticide with a local gardener to helping out in the paddy fields guests are invited to join in the agro tourism adventure and learn new skills along the way.

Day five: We spend our travelling to the next destination trying to perfect cool surf sayings – from Point Break “were all going to die – the question is how” to Surfs Up “she digs you dude” this is a two hour journey across to eastern point of the island and an area I am really intrigued to see.

This stretch of coast was badly affected by the civil war but interestingly none of the amazing Hindu Temples were touched and the journey is full of colour, elephants and around 2000 stray dogs that Esme wants to adopt. Our destination is Jetwing Surf and it does not disappoint. Welcomed by the Sri Lankan warmth we are becoming all too used to this coastal hotel is comprised of 20 cabanas which are sustainable beachfront spaces that welcome you to indulge in coastal comforts. Rustic on the outside yet contemporary on the inside, each bedroom is an evolving testament to Jetwing’s architectural stamp. The sea is too inviting for the “dude” of our party and first thing James is off chasing the waves – not content with one beach we head further up the coast to world famous Aragon Bay where he catches the type of waves that are painful to watch and us girls relax in the rustic beachside bar with a cold coffee and three newly adopted kittens. The waves are huge and at times we all look away - especially when the barman asks us if he is aware of the reef………….

The pool was amazing and this new hotel was very quiet so we decided to extend our stay at Surf by another day – if I were given the choice it would have been another week/maybe forever. http://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingsurf/ https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Zm8C6l804wU&t=188s

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"Vil Uyana is the one of the most amazing and unique place I have ever stayed – it throws you full pelt out of your comfort zone."

Day eight: Abdul picks us up early as he is excited by our next destination and I am secretly quite pleased by his enthusiasm as peeling the gang away from the deserted beach, incredible surf, infinity pool and our newly adopted hounds is proving harder than I had anticipated. On up further north we stop en route to help wash and feed an elephant in the river – as you do - and after our longest journey so far (five hours) we arrive at Jetwing Vil Uyana.

It’s not often you get to see how money spent at a hotel can directly benefit the animals we share the planet with, but Jetwing Vil Uyana is a shining example of conservation success. A stone’s throw from the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and the Dambulla Cave Temples – UNESCO world heritage sites – it is a jewel in Sri Lanka’s environmental crown and an unbeatably located base in the heart of Sri Lanka’s famous Cultural Triangle.

Blending luxury and sustainability in a 28-acre private nature reserve, the thatched villas have all been designed around preserving and enjoying the wildlife. From water policy to the design of the dwellings, everything is about harnessing natural resources and minimising waste and carbon usage. Villas are spread out across a bio-diverse, wildlife-rich spectrum of habitats that includes wetland, organic rice paddy, garden, lake and forest.

There’s an outdoor pool overlooking one of the lakes – and even a friendly resident crocodile that is occasionally to be found sunbathing next door the restaurant at breakfast time. On our first day we are lucky enough to see (cue intake of breath from a very excited Esme) – a heron, a crocodile, a monitor lizard (we had to almost step over it on our way out of the villa), an eagle, some type of otter and around 300 fruit bats (which are HUGE for those that don't know).

At night we take our torches and join Chaminda, the hotels resident naturalist, to see Jetwing Vil Uyana’s special guest: the slender loris. About the size of a chipmunk with long, pencil-thin arms and legs, this shy, furry and impossibly cute nocturnal primate has suffered habitat loss, human persecution for decades. At Vil Uyana it has found a safe haven and breeding ground and we are lucky enough to glimpse one briefly.

Poppy and Nancy take advantage of the on site spa before we leave and come out incredibly relaxed and smelling delicious.

Vil Uyana is the one of the most amazing and unique place I have ever stayed – it throws you full pelt out of your comfort zone in terms of living at one with the wildlife but once you have accepted the idea of (it takes around half a day) it is incredibly hard to leave.

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"What an amazing trip!

And a large tip of the hat to Jetwing Hotels for creating hotels with a conscience that feel home from home and don't cost the earth."

Day 10: Our final stop takes us to Jetwing Lagoon.

The most wonderful thing by far about this trip has been the different character of each of the hotels – and this last destination did not disappoint. We arrive on a Sunday and the place is busy and bustling with wedding parties and guests – an eclectic mix of colourful travellers, luncheon guests and airport stopovers and all mingling together, furnished with smiles and making use of the beach and pool. Trading waves for ripples and sunshine for sunset the views of the lagoon are a tranquil distinction of this beach hotel and a fine end to our whirlwind trip. We wander the streets, bargain our way to some well-earned souvenirs and end with a cocktail in hand as the sun goes down. http://www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwinglagoon/ What an amazing trip! And a large tip of the hat to Jetwing Hotels for creating hotels with a conscience that feel home from home and don't cost the earth.

What we loved about Sri Lanka could fill an entire book, but let’s just say the white beaches, atmospheric ruins, incredible wildlife; family loving people, mouth-watering array of curries and the verdant rainforests are a good place to start.

Phoebe Oliver travelled with Jetwing Hotels www.jetwinghotels.com

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THE CHANGING SEASONS OF SUSSEX - BY DAVID FREEMAN

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Thirdave.co.uk 70 - 72 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2FP

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THE GRILL ROOM MORNING NOON NIGHT

TH E PE R F EC T VENU E TO SAY “I DO ”!

Nestled in the heart of the stunning Sussex countryside, Ghyll Manor Hotel is a picturesque spot to marry.

An elegant 17th-century country house hotel brimming with character and style, the traditional oak-beamed building gazes out over 40 acres of gorgeous private gardens, including a lake and a pretty summer house.

We cater for both ceremonies and receptions - enabling you to spend all of your big day in the same delightful setting, or you can choose to just enjoy your wedding reception with us.

TAILOR-MADE WEDDING PACKAGES suiting individual tastes and requirements OUTDOOR WEDDINGS AVAILABLE* in our picturesque Summer House *(May to September – weather permitting)

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EVERY WEDDING IS AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE! For more information call 01293 871571 (8am – 11pm daily) enquiries: weddings@ghyllmanor.co.uk

PO RTFOLIO

Images by David Freeman, shot in Sussex throughout

Autumn and Winter 2018

davidfreemanphotographic.co.uk

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ABSOLUTE TRAVEL

ITALY Italy is one of the most astonishingly beautiful countries in the world. The food and wine are amazing, the people and culture enchanting and the weather and scenery is simply perfect. Three of the most popular travel destinations to visit in beautiful Italy are Tuscany, Naples and Rome. Make plans in 2019 and beyond to have your own Italian adventure and enjoy la dolce vita. Bon Voyage!

“Italy, and the spring and first love all together should suffice to make even the gloomiest person happy” – Bertrand Russell (Philosopher)

ROME This beautiful city is home to the infamous Vatican City, the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and an aweinspiring array of historical and enchanting basilicas and museums.

Rome, famed for its architecture and colourful history, is quite possibly one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the world. If you are organised, a three-night/four-day stay is enough to visit the main attractions. If you visit in the early spring months of March and April and autumnal months of September to November, making sure to avoid the school holidays, this can often guarantee slightly less crowds and tourists than there would be in the high season summer months.

Pre-book tickets online to the main tourist sights to avoid excess queuing. Once in Rome, pick reputable tour guides that work directly for the museums which require paid entry. Also, where you can, purchase tickets from ticket boxes, and be mindful of handing money to tours guides that approach you on the street as they may not be legitimate.

Take time away from the larger attractions and walk around the city keeping a look out for churches, museums and galleries off the beaten track, down smaller side streets or set back from the well-known historical sites. These traditional historical hidden city gems are quieter, often free to visit and give a wonderful insight to the Roman history. Also, travel around the city by Rome’s brilliant metro system for a quick and cost-effective way of getting around the city.

Where to stay

The Hotel Napoleon Rome is a traditional and elegant 4-star family hotel in central Rome, less than 1 km walk from the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Santa Maria Maggiore and the Basilica of San Giovanni. The metro station, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele is just a few meters

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walk from the hotel entrance making travel to other parts of the city on the metro easy. Despite its central city location, we found the hotel extremely quiet and peaceful.

The hotel is traditional and homely with all the amenities and service you would expect from a city 4-star hotel. Free wi-fi is available and the comfortable hotel lounge, perfect for pre-dinner cocktails, is traditional and elegant. The lovely bar hosts cocktail and wine tasting throughout the week for all the guests to join if they wish.

The 75 guest rooms are large, bright and spacious with high ceilings and elegantly decorated with antique-style furniture and rich soft furnishings.

Each room has a modern bathroom, and all rooms are equipped with a hair-dryer, mini-bar and safe. Children under 12 stay free in a double or triple room with two adults, and cot beds will be provided. Make sure you fill up on the lovely buffet breakfast each morning to fuel your day of sightseeing around the city. Airport transfers are also available as well as a driver for city trips via the concierge. The concierge will also arrange reputable city tour guides.

The service was brilliant throughout our stay and the concierge and reception staff were always more than happy to advise on directions and make recommendations for wonderful places to visit to help us experience as much of the city as possible during our four-day city break. There are so many amazing parts of Rome that are worth visiting that it would be impossible to mention them all, but here are a few that you really must see during your trip.

Hotel Napoleon Rome Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II 00185 Rome, Italy +39 06 446 7264 www.napoleon.it/

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Where to Visit: Vatican City, museums, gardens and the Sistine Chapel.

The Vatican City is an independent state in the city of Rome. Tickets to enter the Vatican City are approximately 17 Euros and 8 Euros for concessions.

Take a tour through the Vatican museums and gardens to see the wonderful architecture, sculptures, paintings and historical artefacts that have been collected over the years by the Popes. We booked our tickets prior to our trip that gave us access to the Vatican museums, Vatican gardens and Sistine Chapel which saved us joining lengthy ticket queues. This is a breath-taking place to visit with so much to see that if we had had the time we would have returned at the end of our trip for another visit. If travelling over the weekend, keep in mind that entry to the museum is free on the last Sunday of each month.

The Sistine Chapel is a masterpiece of Roman architecture. Take time to look at the stunning 15th century mosaic floor. More works of art and paintings of biblical stories will be found decorating the walls, frescos, ceilings, and detailed mosaic floors of the chapel by designers including Botticelli, Raphael, and Michelangelo.

Saint Peter’s Basilica and Saint Peters Square.

Saint Peters Basilica is said to be one of the most visited Basilicas in the world. You can walk up to the top of the Dome of St Peters for amazing views but be aware that some of the staircases leading up to the dome are rather narrow and cramped. The ground floor of the Basilica is huge with breath-taking historical paintings, art work and intricate mosaics across the walls, floor and ceilings.

A good tour guide will take you through the magnificent building, however, you can wander around by yourself absorbing the history and exploring the different areas at your leisure. Like the Vatican City, there is so much to see that you may want to return during your trip.

The Spanish Steps.

This pretty staircase is a famous Roman sight, a great place to sit and people watch and to get a feel for the Italian lifestyle while resting your feet.

The Trevi Fountain.

When visiting the elaborate Trevi Fountain, tradition states you should throw a coin in backwards over your shoulder and make a wish, which is said to ensure a return visit to Rome. This area is always filled with tourists waiting to take their turn.

Colosseum.

The huge shell of the Colosseum is a true marvel of ancient architecture and easily one of Rome’s most iconic structures. This Roman amphitheatre in the centre of Rome, situated next to the Roman Forum, is said to be largest of its kind to ever be built. On our visit we booked on to an English-speaking tour with an audio guide which we arranged directly with the ticket office upon arrival. This was a great way to visit every part of the ruins.

Roman Forum.

The Roman Forum is situated next to the Colosseum and both sights are easily visited in one day. It was lovely to walk around this archaeological site and explore the sprawling ruins of Roman temples, basilicas and city buildings and see the lovely views of the surrounding city. Tickets for entry to both the Colosseum and Roman Forum are approximately 16 Euros and 4/11.50 Euros for concessions. Audio guides are extra, and we found them worth purchasing on arrival.

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San Clemente.

This captivating church has excavated layers hidden deep underground which are fascinating to explore.

There are beautiful frescos depicting the miracle of San Clemente, chapels, temples, a basilica, mosaics, a fountain and court yard, with the deepest levels said to date back to 1st century AD. We found this church quite by mistake on a walk around the city on our last morning. Visiting the hidden layers underground was so unexpected and this was one of our most interesting and insightful discoveries from our trip.

Santa Maria del Popolo.

This vast church displays wonderful examples of baroque and high renaissance art and architecture and is thoroughly worth a visit.

The Pantheon.

The Pantheon is a large circular domed catholic church in the centre of the city, which was previously a Roman temple. Pantheon is Latin meaning temple of god, and this wonderful relic is free to enter and worth a visit to see the stunning architecture.

Travel to Rome: There are currently seven flights per day departing from London Gatwick direct to Rome with British Airways, Easy Jet, Vueling and Iberia. From London Heathrow there are currently 11 direct flights daily with British Airways, Vueling and Alitalia. Flights times are approximately 2 hours, 3 minutes.

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TUSCANY Explore the beautiful Tuscan towns and cities of Florence, Montecatini, Pisa, Lucca, Siena and San Gimignano.

From Rome we move on to the rolling hills of the beautiful Tuscan countryside in central Italy, famed for its wine and Cyprus tree-lined country roads that meander through the glorious landscape. Tuscany is home to Florence, Montecatini, Pisa, Lucca and San Gimignano, all of which you must visit. During our trip we based ourselves in the pretty town of Montecatini and stayed at the Grand Hotel Plaza and Locanda Maggiore. From this perfectly located hotel we could explore Montecatini at our leisure and take day trips out to the neighbouring areas of Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Siena and San Gimignano.

Where to Stay: The Grand Hotel Plaza and Locanda Maggiore is a traditional Italian and elegant 4-star hotel found in the heart of Montecatini overlooking the picturesque town square and fountain. The hotel boasts over 100 beautiful guest rooms, a pretty swimming pool and traditional bar and restaurant. We stayed in a beautiful superior room which was a large, lofty double room with balcony over looking the square. It was lovely to sit on the balcony before supper with a glass of wine and watch the evening sunset with the hustle and bustle of

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ITALY

the town below. The service was wonderful, and all the staff were extremely attentive to make sure we had everything we needed during our stay.

Grand Hotel Plaza and Locanda Maggiore.

Piazza Del Popolo, 7, 51016 Montecatini Terme, PT, Italia www.hotelplaza.it

Where to Visit: Montecatini.

Montecatini is a beautiful spa town in the province of Pistoia in Tuscany, situated to the east of Lucca. The attractive square and fountain mark the centre of the town which is filled with bars, restaurants, designer boutiques, and ice cream parlours. Famed for its thermal water, Montecatini has its own spa and wellbeing centre located at the far end of the town set within tranquil gardens, which is the perfect place to relax and have a break from sight-seeing.

Florence.

Florence is one of the most romantic places in the world, filled to the brim of stunning palaces, churches, museums and infamous landmarks. When in Florence pay a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, which is home to many famous works of art.

The queue to enter can be long but it is thoroughly worth the wait to see the stunning collection of art work, roman sculptures, and paintings from Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci.

Take a stroll down to the Ponte Vecchio, the famous bridge stretching over the Arno River which is one of the most memorable and iconic sights of Florence. The main square in the centre of Florence is the Piazza della Signoria, ideally located between the Pizza del Duomo and the Arno River. There are plenty of bars and restaurants around this busy and central square perfect to sit with a crisp glass of prosecco and soak in the atmosphere and historical architecture. From here you can head off to the shops and designer boutiques which are on the streets leading off from the square in each direction.

Pisa.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is said to be one of the seven wonders of the medieval world. Pisa is full of tourists all year round, and you simply must see for yourself this remarkable piece of Italian architecture. Tickets to Pisa are approximately 18 Euros, and there are also guided walking tours and Segway tours available. The Square of Miracles, Il Duomo and the baptistry are the other popular attractions in Pisa, and Pisa cathedral is a wonderful place full of astounding Italian art work.

Lucca.

The City of Lucca is encased within its preserved ancient city walls which date back to the renaissance period. There is plenty to see in Lucca, and its full of medieval churches and beautiful piazzas. Join a city guided walk to get a good insight of the history of this magnificent city.

Siena.

Siena is a beautiful historical city of Tuscany with a central medieval square, the Piazza Del Campo. Visit Siena’s gothic cathedral in the city centre, rich in history and art. This is perfect place for a day trip and it is possible to visit the main sights in a day if you are organised and methodical with your itinerary.

Visit the Torre Del Manga and climb around 400 steps to the top of the tower for 360-degree views of Siena, after which walk down to the Piazza Del Duomo in the heart of Siena. This pretty town square is home to the beautiful black and white striped marble cathedral. The cathedral offers a 10-euro entry ticket which gives you three-day access to the opera museum, baptistry and crypt. After this, perhaps relax at a restaurant for lunch and glass of wine before heading off to see the Santa Maria Del Scala, once a hospital, now a famous museum displaying many interior and exterior frescos and religious artefacts.

San Gimignano.

San Gimignano is a wonderful wine region within gorgeous rolling countryside that stretches for miles in every direction, which makes a welcome contrast to days spent exploring the busy Tuscan cities. Join a wine tour in this beautiful area, discover the wonderful vineyards of the region and sample some of the best wines in the world.

Travel to Tuscany: There are currently two daily direct flights, late afternoon and evening, from Gatwick to Florence with British Airways and Vueling. The flight time is approximately 2 hours, 10 minutes.

Montecatini Terme is 25 miles, and around a 30-minute journey by car from Florence airport.

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Naples and the Campania region.

Fly to Naples and discover stunning Sorrento, Amalfi, Capri, Vesuvius and Pompeii.

Finally, we come to the Campania region of southern Italy, infamous for its warm climate, stunning scenery, wine, food, historical landscapes, and wonderful coastline, all beautifully decorated with citrus and olive trees and infused with the heady scent of orange blossoms.

Where to stay: The beautiful Hilton Sorrento Palace is the perfect hotel to stay during your visit to Sorrento. It’s elegant, spacious and grand with wonderful service and everything you would expect from a Hilton hotel, while at the same time being traditional and wonderfully Italian. Choose from 344 guest rooms, deluxe rooms, executive rooms, each with a balcony offering magical views over the Bay of Naples and the magnificent Mount Vesuvius. The hotel is wonderfully located, being only a 30-minute drive to Pompeii and a 10-minute walk down to the historical Sorrento town and pretty coastline.

The luxurious cocktail lounge is perfect for evening drinks before having supper on the glamourous terrace. This hotel is great for couples on a romantic break, business trips and for families. The hotel offers a kid’s club during the summer months, a children’s playground and children’s menus as well as spacious family rooms.

This hotel has a fantastic selection of amenities with a beautiful indoor spa pool adorned with tropical plants and decorative frescos, six outdoor pools, an infinity pool, a gym, and tennis courts. The tranquil manicured gardens around the hotel are abundant in exotic scented blooms and citrus trees, perfect for spending afternoons relaxing with a good book. There are also 24 meeting rooms, 3 auditoriums, and outdoor and indoor banqueting areas perfect for weddings. The hotel amenities, location, staff, service and food were all outstanding on our visit and we can’t wait to return to this beautiful hotel on our next trip to Sorrento.

Hilton Sorrento Palace.

Via Sant ‘Antonio 13, 80067, Sorrento, Italy. +39 081 878 4141. www.hiltonsorrentopalace.it/en/

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Where to Visit: Naples.

Naples (Napoli) is the capital region of Campania, the third largest city in Italy after Rome and Milan and home to Naples International airport. This is a busy city full of museums, palazzos, basilicas and Duomo’s to visit, and of course great shopping and restaurants.

Flights from Gatwick fly straight into Naples, so if your trip allows, spend a few days in this busy city exploring the sights before making your way down to the quieter coastal towns.

Sorrento.

Sorrento is a beautiful picturesque town high up in the hillside overlooking the stunning Bay of Naples (Golfo Di Napoli). This pretty town is full of cobbled streets, lined with olive trees that wind their way through the hillside down to the pretty Piazza Tasso, the main town square of Sorrento. Here you will find markets and boutiques to buy beautiful handmade Italian leather handbags and shoes. Drink glorious wine and try decedent anti-pasti in the lovely restaurants and sample limoncello in the shade of the lemon groves.

The delightful town of Sorrento is situated above a cliff coastline and harbour. Enjoy beautiful cliff-top walks and get lifts down to the harbour to the wooden board walks built out over the water into the sea. From Sorrento harbour catch the ferry to Capri for the day or get a boat round the coast to visit Amalfi and Positano.

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South of the Amalfi Coast is the glamourous island of Capri situated on the south in the Gulf of Naples.

This is easily reached by boat from the Sorrento harbour or along the Amalfi Coast and makes the perfect day trip destination when staying in Sorrento or Amalfi.

Amalfi and Capri.

Travel in a south-easterly direction up and over the mountainous Sorrentino peninsula and you will reach the Amalfi Coast. Amalfi is the small sea-side town of Salerno and the main town along the Amalfi Coast.

When in Amalfi visit the beautiful and historical Cathedral of Saint Andrew which overlooks the picturesque Piazza Duomo in the centre of the town.

Like Sorrento, Amalfi is famed for its Limoncello.

South of the Amalfi Coast is the glamourous island of Capri situated on the south in the Gulf of Naples. This is easily reached by boat from the Sorrento harbour or along the Amalfi Coast and makes the perfect day trip destination when staying in Sorrento or Amalfi.

While in Capri visit the Monte Selaro, which at 589 meters high at the summit offers amazing views across the island and surrounding coastal areas. Picturesque cobbled streets lead the way to designer boutiques, and a host of decadent bars and restaurants adorned with beautiful flowers.

Mount Vesuvius (Versuvio) and Pompeii.

The Gulf of Naples is where you will see the infamous volcano Mount Vesuvius which erupted in AD 79.

Pompeii and Herculaneum were the unfortunate ancient Roman towns demolished by the eruption.

Parts of the towns were preserved in lava and ash which today gives visitors a wonderful insight into Roman life and architecture. Guided tours walk you through some of the ruined streets of the towns and into the preserved buildings that still exist. You can take tours of both Roman sites in one day, however its ideal to spend a day at each site to really take your time soaking up the history that each site offers. In high summer months endeavour to start tours early in the morning as by the afternoon the weather can get extremely warm and there is limited shelter among the open villas of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Also, book a tour to visit the crater of Vesuvius where professional guides will walk you around the top of the crater and show you the breath-taking views over Pompeii and the surrounding area.

Travel to Naples: There are around five flights a day direct from London Gatwick to Naples with British Airways and Easy Jet. The flight time is around 2 hours, 50 minutes. Naples airport is 30.9 miles from Sorrento and the journey by car will take approximately 1 hour 30 minutes in good traffic.

“You may have the universe if I may have Italy” – Giuseppe Verdi (Italian Opera Composer) Charlie McBrien

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BURNING Man Burning Man is an annual gathering that takes place at Black Rock City, where a temporary community is built in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada.

T

he event is described as an experiment in community and art, influenced by ten main principles, including ‘radical’ inclusion, self-reliance and self-expression, as well as community cooperation, civic responsibility, gifting, de-commodification, participation, immediacy and ‘leaving no trace’. Burning Man was first held in 1986 on Baker Beach in San Francisco as a small function organised by Larry Harvey and a group of friends, and has since been held annually, spanning from the last Sunday in August to the first Monday in September (the U.S. Labor Day).

At Burning Man, the community explores various forms of artistic self-expression, created in celebration for the pleasure of everyone that attends. One of the things I find to be so special about Burning Man is the selfless giving of one’s unique talents for the enjoyment of all. Some of these generous out-pourings of creativity can include experimental and interactive sculpture, building, performance, and art cars, among many other mystical mediums, often inspired by the yearly theme, chosen by organisers. No two years are the same at Burning Man, but what remains symbolic is the ritual burning of a large wooden art structure ‘the Man’ that traditionally occurs every year on the Saturday evening.

Burning Man is organised by the Burning Man Project, a non-profit organisation that, in 2014, succeeded a for-profit limited liability company (Black Rock City, LLC) that was formed in 1997 to represent the event’s organisers, and is now considered a subsidiary of the non-profit organisation. The numbers of people attending this mystical event has risen over the years; in 2010, 51,515 people attended which later rose to 70,000 by 2015.

Whenever someone asks me about this spectacle I struggle to find the perfect words. What does ‘out of this world’ look like to you? Perhaps

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that’s the best question I could ask here, and leave you to ponder on that for a moment. Really visualise what that may look like to you. I asked myself the same question before I made my way to Black Rock City for the very first time six years ago, and it’s quite frank to say that when I actually made it there, I was quite literally blown away in all senses of the word.

I knew from my first ‘burn’, when my feet touched down on the ground, what is more commonly known amongst ‘burners’ as the ‘playa’, that was it, I was committed. On that first day I soon realised the coming week would be engrained with so much greatness across multiple realms, and I instantly thought there was no way I was going to give up this yearly opportunity to dance with life in all its glory.

One really cannot quite comprehend how much you take away from Burning Man, until you have experienced it for yourself. Weeks, months and even years after the event, are filled with more sudden realisations of the lessons learned there. There is so much I could share with you about my experiences over the last five years of attending, but what I wish to share most of all, is my most recent trip because it sums up beautifully what can be manifested at Black Rock City.

You see, this year for the first time in my life, at the beginning of the year, I created my ‘vision board’ for the year ahead which consisted of a montage of images representing my desires across all areas of my life. One of the most profound things to happen to me this year is the images on my vision board started to take life form. Quite literally, things were showing up in 3D and in ways that you could touch and feel, that’s when it really came to me that the Law of Attraction really works. What you put out to the universe will make its way back to you, simply ‘ask and you shall receive’.

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At Burning Man, the community explores various forms of artistic self-expression, created in celebration for the pleasure of everyone that attends.

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What I have come to learn, and what Burning Man has truly taught me, is to find that sweet spot in life called your ‘flow’."

One of my greatest lessons to take away from Burning Man this year is that even when you feel like you hit standstill in your life and nothing is happening, have faith that the universe always has your back, and there are things happening in the background, even if you cannot see or touch them, that are supporting you along your journey.

Another lesson I learnt from this year that can be applied to everyday life is to attend Burning Man, and better still, approach life with no expectation. I see people making this mistake in relationships all of the time. Too much expectation is put on an experience, or in the case of relationships, on the other person to fulfil one’s own happiness. What I have come to learn, and what Burning Man has truly taught me, is to find that sweet spot in life called your ‘flow’. This is the space in which all things become effortless, life becomes easy, things show up for you in all various forms and suddenly you become awakened and alive to all the messages being delivered to you from the universe.

This isn’t any easy task for most, for the learning comes with life experience and a ton of teachings. I guess my point is that Burning Man is one of the most enriched learning schools you will ever attend. For one, technology is hugely at bay and so, with your bare feet on mother earth and with no interference, manifestation really has the space in which to really show up for you.

What is also so prevalent are the people in which you share this space with. At Burning Man you will find a beautiful mix of likeminded people who share similar visions and viewpoints on life, and when arriving from the city of London, this is one of the most refreshing and heartwarming realisations to greet you. People you meet are creators in the greatest form, they are vibrating at the highest frequency and so you find yourself

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in the most enlightening and thought-provoking conversations. What I came to realise this year too, is that everything and everyone I had been subconsciously calling in in my life, showed up for me in the literal form. I met people that were connected to the greatest thought leaders pinned on my vision board, which for me was one of those truly ‘wow’ moments.

I met some incredible creators, living worldwide on a conscious plane that I have so long been seeking. Life changes happen at Burning Man, and this year has been the pinnacle point for me in which I have now decided to embrace a new chapter in my life and move to Los Angeles to further pursue my dreams. And that’s just it, Burning Man not only awakens you to your dreams, it makes you realise what is possible and you leave with a new burning desire to just go out there and make things happen. It serves up a great reminder that anything is possible.

As a creative, fashion stylist, TV host and motivational speaker, I came away from Burning Man more inspired than ever. It is my objective to continue to live my life in a way that integrates all of my core desires and skills. Integrating the two as a ‘way of life’ and having my ‘work’ be my passion and love is something that I always strive to live out.

One thing I always express to people asking or even thinking about attending Burning Man, are the challenges that you face throughout the experience. Arguably, Burning Man is not easy, and upon long reflection that is also what makes it so special and so self-rewarding, and that is precisely why I reference it as one of the very best learning schools.

You are tested across many avenues, your patience, your connection to others, how you show up in situations of conflict and how you embrace challenges. You will learn so much about yourself that will further enrich your life.

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You are confronted by the elements of mother nature which entails soaring temperatures during the day, sometimes Baltic temperatures at night, and when the wind sweeps across the desert with velocity you can suddenly find yourself amidst a ‘sand storm’. This comes with great pre-planning and an extensive pre-burn shopping list.

You’ll quickly discover when exploring the desert on your bicycle that you should never leave your tent, yurt or RV without goggles and a dust mask at the ready. Top of my shopping list yearly too is an array of the most dazzling festival wear, compulsory of course.

One observation I made this year was how much the fashion at Burning Man has evolved. I was mesmerised by the elaborate costumes everywhere. As a fashion stylist, Burning Man serves up so much inspiration for me yearly and this time was quite literally next level. I noticed photoshoots happening across the playa, poignant moments being sunrise and sunset. No matter how hard you try, moments will never fully be captured in a picture, but with a great eye and camera lens you can get pretty close to it. This year I managed to experience almost every sunrise and sunset which was quite a feat, each one different in its own way, shared with old friends and new.

One of my earliest sunrises this year was spent riding out on my own on my bicycle deep into the playa. I rode by three beautiful beings all sharing the moment with a bottle of champagne. I stopped and asked to join them and was greeted by the gift of a head massage whilst sipping champagne and overlooking the most beautiful intense sky, I mean what a way to greet the day ahead. Another passer-by stopped to share the moment and I’m presented with more gifts.

By the end of the week I’m laced with necklaces each telling their own unique story encompassing special moments that I shared with special beings along the way. A collection of trinkets I have gathered over the past five years symbolises long-lasting moments that will stay sketched in my memory for a lifetime. On reflection, each one reminds me of the collective of humanity and how we are all on our individual paths with a unique story to tell, yet reminds me that we are all here predominantly as one on this path called life, and we are here to revel and enjoy each other. Burning Man is the ultimate celebration of just that.

This article has to be limited with words, for I could share pages and pages of my experiences and I’m never short of words or stories to tell.

Or better still, teachings, which in my eyes is most important of all.

And so, I need to find the words to summarise this story and in all its essence. Burning Man for me symbolises in many ways what life should be about. Life is about living in the moment, feeling and loving all that comes in your way and fully appreciating every moment for what it is.

We are the creators of our own destiny and with a passion for

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self-development, I forever find ways in which to challenge myself and grow. In the words of Tony Robbins, if we are not growing we are dying and this is forever evident in my thoughts, I remind myself of this every day. Tony also says that proximity is power, which highlights the importance of being in the company of those that lift you up, help you to grow and expand and act as inspiration for you.

I am eternally grateful for all that Burning Man has taught me this year and those previous, and the intense joy it has bought to my life. I have evolved greatly as a being and my understanding of life and myself has propelled to whole new heights. I have connected with groups of people from across the world that will continue to nourish my life in the way that Burning Man has. We are here on this planet to live out our truth, to come from a place of love always for what we are and what we do and most off all we are here I believe to serve. So a lasting note… one thing that showed up for me one sunrise at Burning Man was a canvas TOMS bag that represented an almost picture perfect image of what is pinned to my board… another ‘wow’ moment.

I was so inspired by the founder of TOMS and his story. He went travelling years ago and found that in the developing world, children didn’t have shoes to put on their feet. In response to this finding, he developed a company called TOMS that sells canvas shoes and for every pair sold, a pair is delivered to the developed world to serve less fortunate children. The founder is now supporting other ‘one for one’ organisations and start-ups and his story has inspired me to build my own organisation with the same format and ultimate purpose to serve.

My mood board this year served as a reminder of this being one of my goals, Another sign from the universe that I am following my flow, I am on path and my heart is in alignment with my purpose, a confirmation that I am living what I have called in. Life really is MAGIC, which coincidentally or should I say, not so coincidentally, was one of the main art installations this year which I stumbled upon one sunrise dressed head to toe in a silver glitter catsuit, and of course the giant letters glistened in the sun in corresponding silver. Oh the synchronicity and serendipity that showed up is really quite mind blowing, and the manifestations that have shown since, really have and continue to, take my life to whole new heights.

Burning Man is quite literally one of the most ‘out of this world’ journeys that I have encountered in my current lifetime. For me, it is one of the most magical place on earth, and I have travelled this earth far and wide, yet still haven’t found a place that quite depicts the word ‘magic’ in the way that Burning Man does.

Kalee Hewlett www.kaleehewlett.com

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Burning Man is quite literally one of the most ‘out of this world’ journeys that I have encountered in my current lifetime."

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Registered Charity No. 1108777 Charitable Company No. 5300691

CELEBRATING 20 YEARS

OF SAVING LIVES AND SUPPORTING VULNERABLE INDIVIDUALS IN BRIGHTON & HOVE

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE JOURNEY What an incredible journey we have had these past 20 years! As a local charity our focus has always been on the City and helping those most in need living in Brighton & Hove; whether that be young people in schools, members of the homeless community living on the streets or women facing times of crisis.

We have had an ever increasing passion to impact this City, to see all members of our community thriving and living life to the full. We would like to thank everyone that has partnered with us, supported and worked alongside us over the years. Together we can transform the City even further- let’s make our City the best it can be!

Paul Young, Founder.

CAN YOU HELP US AS WE CONTINUE TO HELP HUNDREDS AROUND THE CITY? Make a donation www.offthefence.org.uk/get-involved/donate

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Raise £ for us Whether you want to run, jump, dance, host a sale or take part in a challenge to raise money for our ongoing work, we’d love to hear from you. a

Get in touch at fundraising@offthefence.org.uk.

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