Absolute Magazine Sussex Winter 2022

PHOTO FEATURE

FASHION FEATURE COUNTRY MATTERS

CLUB CECCONI'S BRIGHTON BEACH HOUSE IVY ASIA

PIER NINE

THE LIVING ROOM THE BEEF GUY OUEF BOLNEY WINE ESTATE SOUTH DOWN WALKS

PORT

CASCAIS PORTUGAL

Victoria Marie Emerson | Pete Hayward Tony Shattell (food reviewer) Kasia Kash

Features Editor - Victoria Marie Emerson info@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Design Pete Hayward petehayward.design

Owners | Publishers

Simon Darcy Abbott - simon@absolutemagazine.co.uk David Camici - dcamici@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Cover model Chlöe Ellman-Baker

Photographer Jim Carey

Absolute offices 1 Preston Road, Brighton, BN1 4QU

All advertising enq: info@absolutemagazine.co.uk connect with us www.absolutemagzine.co.uk facebook/absolutemagazine twitter/absolutesussex instagram/absolute_magazine

The Editor

Welcome to the Autumn/Winter 2022 edition of Absolute Sussex Magazine.

In these hard times, we hope that we can provide a little light relief from the stresses that currently surround us all, and serve as a reminder of better days. We look at where to eat out, where we enjoyed mid-summers nights drinks, had our winter sun overseas breaks and we start looking forward to Christmas, however that may look this year!

In this issue we have all our fabulous usual features, from the best of the region's food and drink, including many new reviews from up-and coming-businesses in Brighton & beyond. We are also thrilled to once again feature stunning images of our region from the super talented David Freeman. Finally, we talk travel taking a look at some gorgeous home grown destinations like Eastbourne and Bristol, plus beautiful resorts in Portugal and Gibraltar. We explore two of the best family hotels that the main island of Mahe has to offer, and feature cutting-edge new aditions to Brightons city scape; the IVY ASIA and SOHO HOUSE.

Enjoy, and be sure to stay warm and well. Absolute team

sUSSEX

IMAGES BYDAVID FREEMAN davidfreemanphotographic.co.uk

COUNTRY MATTERS

MODEL CHLÖE ELLMAN-BAKER PHOTOGRAPHER JIM CAREY

Cecconi’s

@ Brighton Beach House

For those unfamiliar with the brand Soho House is a group of private members' clubs originally aimed at those in the arts, politics, and media. The original location is at 40 Greek Street, Soho, London. Which Opened in 1995, accessible through a small door around the corner and leading to a space above Cafe Boheme. Café Boheme had become a favorite meeting place for a circle of London-based artists and creatives who could find a home in the private club. And it was a home that the club resembled, in the heart of Soho, with three floors interconnected through three different buildings. The company now operates clubs, hotels and venues around the world and has recently opened Brighton Beach House. Located on Madeira Drive with views out to sea, and is a space for creatives to eat, drink, and relax, and it is here you can find Club Cecconi’s, the acclaimed Italian restaurant synonymous with the Soho House brand throughout the world.

Cecconi’s became an overnight sensation when Enzo Cecconi, the youngest ever general manager of Hotel Cipriani in Venice, opened the first one in London’s Mayfair in 1978, bringing Italian delights with Venetian sophistication to the lucky Londoners at the time. Cecconi’s was an immediate hit with the who’s and who’s of society and has since opened restaurants as part of the Soho House exclusive members club family all over the world. So to say expectations were running high on our visit to Club Cecconi’s at Brighton Beach House, the latest addition to said family, which after much anticipation opened its doors earlier this year, would be the biggest understatement I have ever written. As I reflect on our experience I must say that it really was nothing short of spectacular, and not to be missed.

A modern-day classic Italian restaurant serving hand-made pasta, wood oven-fired pizza, seafood, and dishes from Northern Italy at The Brighton Beach House by Soho House.

As I reflect on our experience I must say that it really was nothing short of spectacular, and not to be missed.

Club Cecconi’s

It was my first visit to Brighton Beach House so my companion David and I were given the whole tour of the impressive newly renovated grade 2 listed building, which is set across two floors and takes inspiration from the seaside landscape and art deco architecture. After being suitably impressed by the versatile range of gorgeous Beach Loft event spaces available to suit any type of event, the laid-back yet buzzing atmosphere of the members club space, and the incredible panoramic views of the terrace and banana shaped infinity pool, we were ready to be seated at Club Cecconi’s for some Northern Italian delights.

The restaurant is masterfully designed with a spacious interior that features a prominent bar surrounded by marble topped tables, and elegant furnishings littered about the impressive black and white mosaic tiled floor space. Huge windows with views of the iconic Palace pier and Brighton beach-front grace the entire south wall, filling the room with natural light on a beautiful sunny autumnal day. The vibe is relaxed and we are greeted by every member of staff we passed as we are shown to the to our table. First impressions count, and it is immediately obvious the team are well-versed in the fine art of customer service, which is apparent with the warm welcome we receive. Our waitress Irene who has recently moved to Brighton after several years working for Soho House in London, strikes a perfect balance of attentiveness and friendliness, comfortable in making suggestions and keen to engage in conversation when we initiate. David selects a bottle of Picpaul de Pinet from the impressive wine list to accompany our meal and we leisurely enjoy a glass while we are left to peruse the menu.

We were ready to be seated at Club Cecconi’s for some Northern Italian delights.

We begin we dabble with selection of small plates and appetizers, all of which looked beautifully presented on arrival, though we were quick to dig and and ruin all that. The lamb meatballs were deliciously lean, succulent and super flavoursome, bathed in a lovely bravas style tomato sauce and creamy ricotta with scattered parmesan shavings, all of which heightened the flavour of the lamb. Zucchini Fritti were nothing short of a marvel, gloriously addictive wafer thin slices encased in a flawless tasty light than air batter with a zesty lemon aioli to dunk. An interesting dish of veal tonnato with caper berries packed a delightful salty punch that sticks with you. The star of the appetizer show however was the black truffle veal tartare. Delicate yet crunchy crisp-bread topped with velvety slithers of prime beef with the addition of potent truffle shavings that almost overwhelm, however served with a cracked raw quail egg which when drizzled and combined with the meat, soothes and adds to the sublime smooth texture of the dish.

Moving on to the larger plates we again share a selection of plates. Once again, all of which are a sight to behold on arrival yet promptly decimated. On the advice of Irene we have plumped for the special of the day; mussels in a white wine, nduja and garlic sauce and we are so blown away we both remark that they simply have to make it on to the main menu! The gorgeous plump mussels are full of flavour in themselves, but of course it is all about the sauce. Nduja is a surprisingly sweet yet piquant addition to such a classic that is sheer genius. We soaked it all up with the accompanying home made Focaccia which we also could not get enough of, light and fluffy generously soaked in olive oil and topped off withn fresh rosemary. Delightful. Our munificently topped black truffle four-cheese wood-fired pizzette is as rich and decadent as it sounds. Blue cheese and truffle dominate the proceedings and the base is light, slightly crisp, with a gorgeous flavour of its own. Our plant-based option, wood-fired hispi cabbage with peperonata is a wonderment. If I was blindfolded, I simply would not have been able to guess I was eating cabbage! This dish combined a plethora of exciting flavours, all working harmoniously whilst exciting every part of my palate, seared to perfection, with a wonderful meaty texture to boot.

It is well worth becoming a Soho House member if only to be able to regularly appreciate such a wonderful eatery.

Club Cecconi’s

Now barely able to move, we felt it may be a little greedy to have pudding too, though we could not resist the decadent sounding desserts when they were offered up. We were sent to dessert heaven with the finest passion fruit topped vanilla pannacotta, decadently creamy and so light it almost could have floated right off the plate, and a rich velvety dark chocolate mousse with scoops of refreshing raspberry sorbet piled high and chunks of honeycomb scattered about. There was so much going on with flavours, textures and temperatures. Every bite an adventure. A masterpiece.

We had such a lovely time we did not want to leave, so we decided to enjoy a couple of chilli margaritas on the terrace and reflect on out experience. Club Cecconi’s is quite simply perfection. Every plate of food consistently excellent, with a huge variety of flavours and textures with a great deal of thought going into the presentation and composition of the dishes. The service we received was impeccable and the décor and ambiance felt special, yet relaxed, making us not want to leave. It is well worth becoming a Soho House member if only to be able to regularly appreciate such a wonderful eatery.

Tony Shattell

Club Cecconi’s @ Brighton Beach House.

The Terraces, Madeira Drive, Brighton BN2 1AY, +44 (0)12 7394 9800

Club Cecconi’s is quite simply perfection. Every plate of food consistently excellent.

IVY

THE ASIA

This Summer saw the long-awaited opening of the Ivy Asia in the heart of Brighton’s historic quarter. The restaurant is the Ivy’s first Asian inspired concept to open in Sussex, and launched to a star-studded fanfare complete with dancers, drums, sushi, champagne and cocktails. We were lucky enough to attend the exclusive opening night and let me tell you now you are in for a treat!

The space has to be seen to be believed. Sophisticated, sleek and effortlessly cool with luminous green onyx flooring and spectacular artworks adorning the walls. Luxurious Asian fabrics and carefully collected antiques are scattered throughout, while dim lighting exudes an understated elegance. The restaurant is all beautifully lit, the floor glows bright pink and green as the onyx reflects the illumination. The bar has a pagoda-style roof, and the intimate glow of cute little table lamps all add to the sleek nightclub feel. Our eyes widened like children in a sweet shop everywhere we turn. it really is most definitely sensory overload, but in the best possible way and must truly be seen to be believed.

Set over two floors the Ivy Asia is open seven days a week, offering everything from lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and weekend brunch. It also promises theatrical drinks and cocktails alongside a menu of tantalising dishes that take inspiration from cuisines spanning the continent of Asia and given a unique twist. menu covers all bases, it runs from sushi and sashimito to bao, skewers, tempura, as well as substantial meat and fish dishes, some of which were showcased on the opening night, and they emerged from the kitchen in abundance, with steam, smoke and sizzles.

“An explosion for the senses from the minute you walk in the door to the moment you leave. The interior is stunning , the service is great, and most importantly the food is out of this world.”

Our eyes widened like children in a sweet shop everywhere we turn. it really is most definitely sensory overload

ASIA

Everything we tried was simply outstanding. We sampled dishes such as spinach and mushroom gyoza’s with ginger and black truffle which were an absolute delight. They slowly melted in the mouth to reveal the rich earthy flavour of the fillings whilst the luxuriously pungent truffle cut through the ginger. All the flavours and textures combined were poetically good.

Another stand out dish we tried was the clay pot prawn and tamarind curry, which was bursting with all the flavours of the dish all coming into their own and perfectly complimenting each other.

My personal favourite of the evening however, seared beef tataki with three kinds of onion which was abundant in layers of flavour and really showed off the skills and passion of executive chef Simon Gregory and his team, leaving us hankering for more.

Accompanying the menu are a delicious selection of cocktails, sakes, wines, Champagnes and speciality Asian teas. The Cocktails we tried on the launch night transported us with a series of exciting flavours and colourful garnishes, lifting out spirits as we danced the night away to some great tunes provided by the Asia’s fantastic resident DJ.

The Ivy Asia really is an really was an explosion for the senses from the minute you walk in the door to the moment you leave. The interior is stunning , the service is great, and most importantly the food is out of this world amazing. . We cannot wait to go back to try out the rest of the menu.

Tony Shattell

The Ivy Asia Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AF theivyasia.com/restaurants/the-ivy-asia-brighton

The Ivy Asia really is an really was an explosion for the senses from the minute you walk in the door to the moment you leave.

pier nine

Today, Grosvenor Casinos has renovated the building into it newest guise; Pier Nine Brighton, a vibrant 24 hour leisure, entertainment and gaming destination. Construction got underway the end of 2019 at the £5.5 million venue last year, with all three floors of Pier Nine has being designed for modern work, rest and play, including space to work and meet with friends and colleagues, stylish bars, two classic casinos, a variety of fun and competitive socialising games, as well as a karaoke space to hire. Bringing a sense of style and sociability without the membership fees, this new kind of third place is entirely inclusive and proud to be rooted in Brighton’s community.

Overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of entertainment and facilities on offer, Absolute Magazine decided to get the full lowdown from Ethan Dewitt-Bukater, Director of Experience for Pier Nine Brighton, as well as sending our ’Man on the Ground’ Tony Shattell to sample and report back to you on the full Pier Nine experience...

Pier Nine Brighton is in a very good location in the town and as it’s only 5 minutes from the centre...We have a fantastic location, as you say, 5 minutes from the lanes and we’re right on the seafront between the Palace Pier and the West Pier.

What would you say are some of the most exciting new aspects of Pier Nine Brighton? Pier Nine is a 24/7 entertainment hub which includes several bars and food offers, a wide range of entertainment, competitive socialising, karaoke and of course all your favourite casino and electronic games.

Would it be fair to say in addition to this being a major refurbishment, that it’s also seen the venue undertake a major rebranding that includes the name along with the likes of a stylish Live Sports Bar?

Our vision was to develop a venue which would give our existing customers more reasons to visit us and encourage trial for a variety of new audiences. With the changing leisure landscape and the change in consumer requirements for their leisure time over the past five years or so, we knew this had to be more than a refurbishment.

With that in mind, we undertook a thorough programme of customer insights to look at the product mix, venue design and of course branding. The challenge as always, is how do we create a better venue for our existing customers at the same time as attracting new audiences and that’s always a fine balance. However, listening to the customer feedback we hope we’ve done just that.

“Once an Art Deco cinema, the iconic building that is 9 Grand Junction Road has, throughout history, provided a mecca of entertainment for the people of Brighton, welcoming guests throughout the decades all looking to spend a few hours in pursuit of pleasure.”

Pier Nine Brighton is in a very good location in the town and as it’s only 5 minutes from the centre

We didn’t call the venue Grosvenor Casino Brighton for many reasons. Firstly, research told us that for new audiences, the word casino can be a barrier to trial. Secondly, its Brighton and there is a preference for independent venues over big brands in the locale, and lastly, we have a repositioning job to do so that our customers see this as so much more than a casino. We’re proud of the Grosvenor brand and wanted to use this to emphasise the expertise around the gaming elements but the venue has many more reasons to visit than gaming alone.

Restaurants are a proven winner with attracting patrons. What has been the approach with Pier Nine Brighton with regards to the investment in its new restaurant? We’ve been reviewing our F&B strategy nationally and have found that some customers want to sit down to eat for an occasion, many of our casino customers just want ‘fuel for play’ and others want a far more casual dining experience. Therefore, we’re created several options. You can enjoy a casual dining experience in the club house, sit down to a 3 course meal in The View, whilst enjoying the sea view and a glass of your favourite wine or order food to your table straight from our app anywhere in the venue. This venue is really about how the customer wants to interact with each of the individual elements.

Infrastructure with these new refurbishments is extensive. What was your organisation’s choice of company to install all the display lighting and sound systems and its interactivity with the venues management operating system? It absolutely is and we’ve worked hard to ensure we have the right systems in place to ensure we create the right atmosphere in each zone relevant to the customer needs andduring the day. This includes lighting and music. We have a wide range of suppliers who work with us on these projects to ensure the customer experience is what it should be.

The design and the layout of the table gaming area is impressive. What has been the feedback from patrons? Our gaming team seek feedback from customers every day on the set up of our product mix and layout on a national basis. These learnings are fed into all our venues, including the Grosvenor Casino at Pier Nine. The refurbishment has just been completed so it’s too early to get formal feedback, but we’ve been sure to take our customers on this journey with us and anecdotally the feedback has been positive so far.

Is there a seasonal impact on the Casinos revenue or is it steady throughout the year? Before the refurbishment we didn’t see huge seasonal trends in the business, but we had a very core customer group who mainly lived in and around Brighton. However, the vision for this investment is to continue to look after the customers we know and love but also attract a range of new audiences which will include holiday makers and day-trippers - so we would anticipate some seasonality moving forwards.

How have guests treated the venue - as a party, entertainment and dining venue or as a casino? It’s very early days but this venue has many different experiences to offer different audiences. The premises itself is a bit of a Tardis - as we’ve taken over an adjacent building. The benefit of this means there are lots of different areas or zones which offer a different experience and atmosphere to meet the needs of each individual customer group.

Our gaming team seek feedback from customers every day on the set up of our product mix and layout on a national basis.

LIVING ROOM HEALTH

With the number of people waiting for hospital treatment with the NHS in England topping 7 million, for the first time, Living Room Health, a new chain of accessible, self-pay walk-in clinics opens in Brighton at 66 East Street with future plans to roll out its suite of services nationwide.

According to new research by Opinium and the Laboratory and Testing Industry Organisation (LTIO), an estimated 5.4 million people have a heightened concern for their health after the pandemic. According to poll results, people said they have been taking positive steps over the past 6 months to improve their health by walking more (35%) and eating healthier (34%). Only 26% stated they have not taken any positive steps to improve their health since Covid-19.

Timeously stepping into this vacuum, Living Room Health, the next generation of accessible healthcare breathing life into Britain’s High Streets, has launched its first clinic in Brighton, Sussex.

The next generation of accessible healthcare breathing life into Britain’s High Streets

Living Room Health is an organisation dedicated to bringing affordable and accessible self-pay healthcare to Britain’s High Streets and the first to offer on-site walk-in MRI scanning as well as other services including allergy, blood and genetic testing; orthopaedic diagnostic and treatment services; non-surgical pain injections; nutritional and menopausal expertise; immediate appointments with GPs; health supplements; plus, immediate access to world-renowned clinicians.

With MRI scans available daily on demand from £250, Living Room Health launches two clinics in London and Brighton with Battersea, Richmond and Kingston to follow with plans to expand to UK-wide High Streets over the next four years.

Living Room Health is backed by the UK’s leading centre for regenerative medicine, The Regenerative Clinic, and a team of leading Orthopaedic Surgeons led by Knee Consultant Specialist Professor Adrian Wilson and Orthopaedic Consultant Surgeon Mr Raghbhir Khaka.

Simon Checkley, CEO, Living Room Health said; “We have worked extensively with patients, clinicians and medical practitioners to create a highly accessible offering that will give people immediate access to the services that they need. Our presence will complement the life-saving work of the NHS, who we love, respect and admire, but will empower people to seek immediate treatments for a broad range of conditions that they may be struggling with. We are accessible, affordable and we are coming to a High Street near you.”

Living Room Health is backed by the UK’s leading centre for regenerativemedicine, The Regenerative Clinic, and a team of leadingOrthopaedic Surgeons

LIVING ROOM HEALTH

Living Room Health is an organisation dedicated to bringing affordable and accessible selfpay healthcare to Britain’s High Streets and the first to offer on-site walkin MRI scanning

LIVING ROOM HEALTH

Ultimately, we want to help people to get better, quicker. We’re offering a wide range of treatments and diagnostics, and this will be especially helpful for people living with pain

Simon continues, “At Living Room Health we are not offering privatisation of healthcare by the back door, we’re actually giving the general public the option to walk-in and have their problem assessed and treated instantly. We’ve spent a lot of time pricing our services to make them extremely accessible, and much more affordable than the traditional routes into private healthcare.

“We’ve been inspired to create a service so that anyone who is in pain, or worried about their health, can walk-in and speak to a specialist, have the scan that they need there and then, and find peace of mind or create a treatment plan.

“An MRI scan with us, for instance, starts from £250 and with two consultations included (before and after) with a senior Consultant it is £345. This is around the same price that a person might pay for just one consultation with a private Consultant by going through traditional private routes; and this is without any scans or follow up treatment plans so the true cost is much more.”

Professor Adrian Wilson, Medical Director, Living Room Health said; “It is with tremendous excitement that we bring this new concept to people, breaking down barriers to treatment and increasing the efficiency of how we can access and treat people. Ultimately, we want to help people to get better, quicker. We’re offering a wide range of treatments and diagnostics, and this will be especially helpful for people living with pain and experiencing orthopaedic trauma and ongoing problems.”

Living Room Health actively supports charity partners, Rockinghorse Charity, the fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s hospital, Off The Fence, Brighton’s Charity helping homeless people and Albion in the Community, the charity arm of Brighton and Hove Albion.

A full list of treatments can be found at https://livingroom.health/ To book an appointment please visit https://livingroom.health/ or call 0330 5801153

thebeef guy the proof is in the eating

“As we tuck in to our perfectly stacked burgers it is immediately apparent that The Beef Guy burgers are designed to allow the grass fed prime British beef to shine. You really do get a concentrated beefy hit with each mouthful. Seasoned to perfection and seared so the flavour and juices are sealed in, only to be released with each heavenly bite”

My love for burgers is well documented! In fact I would class myself as a burger connoisseur! I am lucky enough to live in a town that is full to the brim of outstanding burger joints, all trying to outdo each other. I have made it my mission to try out all the top-rated burger restaurants in Brighton and Hove and have a top-ten list of all my favourites. Some of which I know people travel for miles to come and visit. I have not tasted a burger outside of Brighton that has grabbed me and made me want or need it enough to travel outside of my stomping ground. That was until I got introduced to The Beef Guy – coming in Nov to Worthings Montague Centre Shopping quarter.

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting Glenn, fellow burger connoisseur and the Beef Guy himself as well as one of his business partners Kristian last week when they invited me to their gorgeous pristine airstream caravan which is now serving delicious burgers at Worthings Montague Shopping Centre, to try out some of the creations.

Glenn, who in a passed life was a butcher, has made it his life mission to design the worlds greatest burgers, after working in various restaurants in Brighton, and appreciating how good the burgers are in our wonderful town, has spent years trying to better them, experimenting with different cuts of beef and a variety of mincers to make the ultimate patty. Of course it’s not all about the meat, he knows what differentiates burgers are the sauces, so he has spent many a sleepless night trying different combinations of flavours to design condiments that will stand out from the crowd.

The Beef Guy burgers are designed to allow the grass fed prime British beef to shine.

BEEF GUY

Of course the proof is in the eating. Glen has proudly prepared two of his signature burgers for our pleasure;

“The Beef Guy Double Cheese Burger” (£10.99) - two 100% Fresh British grass-fed beef patties American Style Burger Cheese Topped with freshly made House Sauce Sitting on a Crunchy organic Lettuce leaf, and “Beef Guy X-TUDO XL Burger” - 2x 100% Fresh British grass-fed beef patties American style burger cheese Thick slice of organic Buffalo Tomato Topped with a home-made Brazilian Chimichurri Mayonnaise. Both served in locally baked, buttered, toasted, multi-seed brioche buns. As we tuck in to our perfectly stacked burgers it is immediately apparent that The Beef Guy burgers are designed to allow the grass fed prime British beef to shine. You really do get a concentrated beefy hit with each mouthful. Seasoned to perfection and seared so the flavour and juices are sealed in, only to be released with each heavenly bite. The various bits and bobs that are packed in to each burger only enhance the flavour of the meat. Both burgers were absolutely delicious. I loved the indulgently oozing cheesiness of the double cheese burger, topped off with The Beef Guy’s signature house sauce which has a lovely gentle kick and tastes divine. I liked the Chimichurri Mayo in the X-TUDO burger so much I requested a pot to take home with me and was excited to learn will be available in dip form. Which brings me on to the sides.. Of which equal attention goes into. The chips are out-of-this world crispy, made from specially selected organic spuds seasoned with their signature house seasoning, I can only describe these chips have been described as the crack-cocaine of the chip world, especially when dunked! Glenn will also be serving sweet potato fries which I am told are just as crispy and addictive, and halloumi honey fries which are so good they have to be tasted to be believed.

THE

Seasoned to perfection and seared so the flavour and juices are sealed in, only to be released with each heavenly bite.

The comeburgerswrapped in biodegradable foil and packed in a spacious box so the burgers stay in tact are allowed to breathe. The box itself folds out and can be used as a plate.

BEEF GUY

With a plan to branch out into private hires, weddings and corporate events

A special mention goes to the incredibly well thought out eco-packaging. The burgers come wrapped in biodegradable foil and packed in a spacious box so the burgers stay in tact are allowed to breathe. The box itself folds out and can be used as a plate. Ideal for taking the burgers down to the beach. The Beef Guy really has thought of everything!

The Beef Guy launched in mid November 2022 at the Montague Centre in Worthing and I for one cannot wait! The Beef Guy serves up some of the tastiest burgers I have ever tasted. All their ingredients are fresh and locally sauced, and everything is made on-site from scratch. I will certainly be making a weekly pilgramige to get my burger fix from the very best Sussex has to offer.

With a plan to branch out into private hires, weddings and corporate events plus hoping to secure spots at leading music events and sports gatherings next summer the Beef Guy or Guys certainly have big plans to take the South by storm and with food as good as this and their combined attention to detail plus buzz for the business I see this as being a great success and a story that no doubt we will be coming back too to report on their burger take over of Sussex.

Tony Shattell

The Beef Guy Montague Centre Worthing The Silver Airstream Info@thebeefguy.co.uk www.thebeefguyworthing.com

Oeuf is never en-Oeuf”

Owner and director of Absolute Magazine, David Camici has been raving about Oeuf for months, he regularly takes his family for a leisurely brunch and every time he calls me and says I must go in and try them out. So last week my wife and I took his advice, skipped breakfast, and booked ourselves in for a late morning treat. Oh my what a treat it was!

Before we even get to the food I am simply blown away from the moment we step in the building. Greeted on arrival at the beautiful mint green door with a stunning pop up flower stand by our hostess Phoebe with the warmest of smiles. Once inside you are surrounded by lovely soothing pastel colours, soft furnishings, lots of fauna scattered about and a really welcoming ambience. Grandiose marble pillars, high ceilings, and huge bay windows give a the place a rather stately feel, striking the perfect balance between opulence and a friendly ‘home away from home’ atmosphere. This unique space oozes opulence No expense nor attention detail has been spared in creating this wonderful setting that has to be experienced to be believed.

Our friendly waiter Toma is quick to attend our table once we have settled into our seats. Giving us ample time to peruse the menu before returning to take our order. The menu is filled with a mix of unique and classic brunch dishes, including stacks of “Frumpets” and pancakes with a variety of toppings, with eggs (or Oeufs) taking centre stage of course. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options and the staff are totally on the ball when it comes to asking about allergies when we order.

The drinks menu is made up of a tantalising selection of bespoke and classic cocktails, hot and cold softies, and a fine selection of gins and wines. As tempting as the cocktails sounded it was a little early for us to get on the booze, though our mocktails, beautifully presented as a work of art decorated with vibrantly coloured flowers, were so refreshing and exhilarating to taste it made us forget entirely about the lack of alcohol content.

“One

A rather stately feel, striking the perfect balance between opulence and a friendly ‘home away from home’ atmosphere.

We plump to share cheesy onion Frumpets, a seasonal special hot honey chicken waffles, and some Oeuf nugs, it was all absolutely delicious and incredibly filling to boot. We honestly did not feel the need to eat anything else for the rest of the day! The Frumpets, stacked high and generously topped with oozing cheese dripping down the tower, caramelised onion, chilli jam and crispy bacon, were a delight! The crumpets themselves were obviously cooked fresh on site. Light and fluffy and fun to eat. With a mix bold flavours and textures making each mouthful and adventure in itself. The chicken waffles were equally as good. The thigh fillets so juicy and flavoursome with a crisp tasty buttermilk coating topped home-made waffles and were drizzled with a sublimely sweet and hot honey sriracha, with a runny egg on the side, all creating an incomparable dose of pure satisfaction in every bite. For me what really stole the show however, was the Oeuf nugs, croquettes fillled with sausage, blue cheese and potato, perfectly crisp on the outside, whilst the inside is melting and bursting with flavour. They are just superb, further enhanced by dunking in the accompanying homemade perfectly piquant brown sauce.

I have been well and truly won over by Oeuf. Everything here from the food, to the colours and design of the décor is done with such love and attention to detail. They have a secret garden that I have not yet mentioned that boasts a lovely serene space. They cater for every dietary requirement and the vegan and gluten free offerings on the menu looked out of this world delicious. I was seriously eyeing up “The Mighty Cauli” battered breakfast cauliflower patty with vegan garlic mayo and a brioche bun, but decided to save it for my next visit. Oeuf is a heavenly calming oasis that I could waste hours in. With an incredibly well thought out innovative and varied brunch menu, and a wonderful team who provide a warm, welcoming, personal service that really makes Oeuf stand out from the crowd.

Tony Shattell

Oeuf

8 Third Avenue, Hove, BN3 2PX

Opening Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9am – 4pm 01273 945 885 bookings@oeuf.cafe

I have been well and truly won over by Oeuf. Everything here from the food, to the colours and design of the décor is done with such love and attention to detail.

Bolney Wine Estate CHEESE AND WINE TASTING TOUR

English Wine and cheese tasting in a beautiful picturesque vineyard on the edge of the South Downs… Don’t mind if we do! This is what happens on Bolney Wine Estates cheese and wine tasting tour that we somehow managed to force ourselves to attend….

On a lovely and particularly mild Autumnal morning David and I drove down many country lanes with the trees creating a canopy over our car as they entwined above us. We were definitely in the countryside, and it was simply beautiful. We passed many gorgeous views of the Downs until we reached our destination. Located in the heart of rural Sussex near Haywards Heath, Bolney Wine Estate is one of the oldest and most beautiful vineyards in rural England. Founded in 1972 by Janet and Rodney Pratt and still in the family to this day, now run by Janet’s daughter Sam.

“This was an amazing experience. We learnt so much about how wine and food interact.

A REVIEW

As we make our way up the winding country road the first thing we notice is the impressively grandiose visitor centre, complete with cafe and viewing balcony that overlooks one of the many vine fields. Opposite the centre is an open plan car-park where we parked with ease and made our way up to the cafe where we were greeted and led to the tasting room to meet our tour guide Sue, along with the rest of the group.

Sue begins a short talk about the fascinating history of the estate where we learnt all about its humble beginnings when Rodney and Janet planted their very first vines, through to the expansion of the estate and various experiments with different vines and grape varieties in the following years, all culminating in some incredible achievements such as winning wine producer of the year in 2012 and 2017 and their Pinot Gris becoming the first ever English wine to be served at Wimbledon. We then took a walk out onto the breath-taking vineyard, where lots of vines were in their lines in a field that is just a mere segment of the vast 150 acres of estate. The last of the grapes delicately hung as the season drew to a close. I was very interested to learn that the vines live for 30 or 40 years in England, but in the hotter countries such as Greece can live until 80! Our tour peers asked a lot of insightful questions which Sue was all to happy to answer as we made our way to see where all the magic happens: The winery!

Giant wine tans and presses filled the room and we learn all about the wine-making process from harvest through to blending and filtration and eventual bottling. We were lucky enough to witness the winemakers experimenting with grape varieties in a new miniature hydro-press which was really interesting to see.

The staff were very friendly and the restaurant with balcony is the perfect place just to have lunch and a glass of wine.”

Bolney Wine Estate

Finally Sue invited us all back to the tasting room for the best bit…

Lots of wines lined the room awaiting our judgement along with plates of cheese and charcuterie ready on the tables to pair. We had a brilliant time learning how to taste the wine in a way that allows you to appreciate all the aromas and flavours and how certain nibbles can alter your perception of the taste of the wines, what flavours pair well with certain types of wine and what not so well. a spittoon is provided on each table should you wish to use them. Thankfully David was the designated driver so I was able to fully appreciate the wine without worrying about being over the limit to drive. We tasted five or six different wines, which were a really good cross section of the varieties and styles of wine produced at Bolney, along with some lovely gin and vermouth. All absolutely delicious, though my personal favourites were the classic Cuvee, which paired excellently with smoked fish, and their dry sparkling Cuvee Noir, a Bolney speciality which is exceptionally well balanced nd easy drinking with brioche, strawberry and cherry notes that paired very well indeed with goats cheese. I also really liked their luxurious Lychgate Red which was soft, light and fruity with an

Bolney Wine Estate

autumnal hedgerow aroma that went down a treat! Best of all we could buy everything we tried and more of their wines at a discount at the end of the tour. We left with a case under each arm as well as a bag of sublime local cheeses.

All in all we found our tour to be a really educational adventure that we would wholeheartedly recommend anyone to try, whether you are a wine aficionado or complete novice. It was a wonderful experience that has heightened my awareness of the importance of selecting wines depending on the food being served. We learnt so much about how wine and food interact. The staff were very friendly and the restaurant with balcony is the perfect place just to have lunch and a glass of wine afterwards. Which unfortunately we did not have time for but is on our to do list for our next visit.

Tony Shattell

Bolney Wine Estate, Foxhole Lane, Bolney, Haywards Heath, RH17 5NB

www.bolneywineestate.com 01444 881 575 tours@bolneywineestate.com

SOUTH DOWNS

Snow-capped peaks, crisp fresh air, crunchy leaves underfoot, and stunning vistas to soothe your soul.

For many of us, an invigorating Christmas walk is a family tradition that cannot be missed, as part and parcel of the festive celebration as turkey and tinsel.

And the South Downs National Park, with mile upon mile of sumptuous scenery, is the perfect place to enjoy a festive amble, dusting off those Christmas cobwebs after one too many mince pies! So wrap up warm, pack a flask of tea, perhaps a few leftover sandwiches, and enjoy some of the most inspiring landscapes in England.

As we count down to the big day, Allison Thorpe, who leads access and recreation for the National Park, shares a few of her favourite festive walks across Hampshire, West Sussex and East Sussex.

Allison says: “Whether you’re looking for a blustery walk with all the family, a quiet romantic stroll, or a walk with the dog, the South Downs National Park is an amazing winter wonderland where you can gaze in awe at the sheer beauty of the landscape, often blanketed in frost or snow.

“While nature is in its winter slumber, there’s still some great wildlife watching to be had and the sight of a robin, deer, or starling murmuration is particularly joyful.

“Whether you’re searching for a pre-Christmas walk to de-stress in the lead-up to the big day or looking to burn off a few calories between Christmas and New Year, the National Park is blessed with plenty of walking routes to give you much-needed time in nature, exploring the best the season can offer.

“Why not round off your walk with a trip to one of the many fantastic inns and eateries in the National Park, enjoying some delicious local fare, raising a Christmas toast with spicy mulled wine or an ice-cold glass of South Downs fizz?”

And Allison added: “The sunrises and sunsets are especially impressive this time of year, so it’s a great opportunity to take landscape photographs of the National Park. And, if you’re not adverse to the cold, a clear night offers the chance to gaze at the stars at one of our Dark Sky Discovery Sites and we also have an astrophotography competition you can enter.

“As always, we encourage people to plan ahead and give all farmers a festive thank you by sticking to the Countryside Code and keeping dogs on leads.

“Wherever you go, we hope all visitors are able to recharge their batteries this Christmas and feel rejuvenated by the great outdoors.” Here are some of Allison’s favourite Christmassy walks:

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Best wintry walks in the South Downs National Park

East Sussex

Seven Sisters Country Park

A trip to Seven Sisters Country Park is always a magical experience.

Named after the famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs that form part of the Sussex Heritage Coast, it’s one of the finest sections of unspoilt coastline in England.

The Country Park also has one of our Miles Without Stiles routes, which are suitable for push chairs and people with limited mobility or those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

The route is just over a mile long and passes along the Cuckmere Rivver before taking in views of the Seven Sisters from the beach.

For lovers of woodland, Friston Forest is a great place to explore and feel the crunch of fallen leaves beneath your feet.

For those who prefer rivers and valleys on their walks, just follow the Cuckmere River northbound to picturesque Alfriston.

If looking for a pub along the way, The Plough and Harrow in Litlington village offers a selection of cask ales from the local Longman Brewery, as does the 14th century George Inn, in the heart of Alfriston, which was first licensed in 1397! For those travelling by two wheels, there is the Cadence Hub, which is a lovely cycle café sited next to the Longman Brewery.

Stanmer Park

Records of Stanmer Church go back to 1232. In 1838, the third Earl of Chichester, Henry Thomas Pelham, decided to demolish the old church and build a new one on the same site.

Covering approximately 5,000 acres, Stanmer Park has a wealth of history to be discovered. The church, the village and the manor house stand on sites of much earlier versions of themselves, with some of the building materials being reused in the current buildings. The recently restored walled garden – One Garden – is a collaboration between Plumpton College, Brighton and Hove City Council and the South Downs National Park Authority. The onsite One Kitchen serves fresh food made from produce grown on site and the wider Plumpton Estate, while the shop sells fresh produce, deli items and Plumpton Estate wine, cheese and meat.

Our walks leaflet suggests a 5.5 mile circular route through the semi-ancient Stanmer Woods, home to old and gnarled beech trees. Come the spring, the woodland floor turns into a carpet of purple and violet as bluebells emerge – a unique spectacle.

the National Park is blessed with plenty of walking routes to give you much-needed time in nature

Charleston, Ditchling and Monk’s House

Writers, artists, poets and musicians have long drawn inspiration from the landscapes of the South Downs. Earlier this year, three heritage venues in East Sussex – Charleston Farmhouse, Monk’s House and Ditchling Museum of Art+Craft – launched a new immersive walking experience telling the unique story of each. The ‘In Their Footsteps’ app is a self-guided audio tour through the East Sussex countryside.

The walks are a great opportunity to get back to some of the National Park’s amazing cultural venues, explore the beautiful surrounding countryside and villages and learn about the artists who fell in love with the South Downs. You can download the App from your phone’s app store: Google Play store: http://bit.ly/InTheirFootstepsGoogle Apple store: http://bit.ly/InTheirFootstepsApp

Glynde

Home to the world famous Glyndebourne Opera House, Glynde is a quintessential East Sussex downland village. Walking the Glynde route, you can see Mount Caburn hill fort and National Nature Reserve, Glynde Place (an Elizabethan mansion), plus panoramic views of the Ouse Valley and Lewes.

A little further down the A27 is the chocolate-box village of Firle, situated at the foot of Firle Beacon, one of the highest points in the South Downs National Park. In the heart of Firle is the Ram Inn, a friendly country pub serving hearty British fare and with a warm fire on the go during the winter months.

West Sussex

Stansted Park

Stansted Park stands in 1,800 acres of some of the most scenic parkland and ancient forest you’re likely to see in the south of England.

In the medieval period the Earls of Arundel had a hunting lodge on the site, surrounded by a vast forested area used for hunting and timber production.

Changes in ownership over the years resulted in a new house being built in the 17th century when the formal gardens were laid out. In 1804 the estate was sold and it’s said the new owner replanted the whole site, including the forest. 1900 saw the destruction, by fire, of the Elizabethan house and all its historical records.

The new house was built in 1901 on the same footprint and since 1983 the House and Estate have been owned by Stansted Park Foundation, an independent charitable trust set up by the 10th Earl of Bessborough. Visitors can tour the house or walk the walled gardens

enjoying the various attractions the park has to offer, including the maze, miniature railway, arboretum and pottery studio. Pick up local produce at the Farm Shop, visit the Garden Centre or stop for tea and hearty cake at the Pavilion Tearoom.

Amberley

Amberley is a chocolate box village with many old buildings, thatched cottages, a castle (now a hotel and restaurant), a church, two pubs and quaint shop. It also benefits from having a mainline railway station just yards from the South Downs Way.

A walk up Amberley Mount presents fantastic views of the Arun Valley, where you can clearly see how the flowing River Arun carved out its channel through the chalk. You can check out our Amberley walking leaflet offering two circular walks.

There’s a 10-mile walk taking in the hidden village of Burpham, home to the gorgeous George pub, perfect as a midway rest point where you can recover in front of the fire. If 10 miles is a bit much for you, there’s a shorter 2.5 mile loop around Amberley village, providing you with views over Amberley Brooks before bringing you back to the railway station.

If looking for a cosy place for a drink and something to eat, both The Bridge Inn and Black Horse offer a warm welcome and roaring fir, or why not try the Riverside Tearooms?

Arundel

Arundel has it all.

A fairytale castle. A tranquil lake, A beautiful market town with more than a dozen cafes, pubs and restaurants. A mainline train station. A heated lido (which reopens for festive swims over Christmas). The list goes on!

Christmas is a magical time in Arundel as Christmas trees illuminate the high street every December. With festive farmers markets, carol concerts in the Cathedral and plenty of independent shops to buy seasonal gifts, it’s the perfect place to get into the festive spirit.

Visit Arundel has lots of information about all of the upcoming festive events and activities taking place this Christmas.

Our walking leaflet offers a couple of different options. You could opt for the shorter four-mile walk around Swanbourne Lake and the River Arun or go for a longer seven-mile walk through Arundel Park and South Stoke, taking in the Monarch’s Way – the supposed route taken by Charles II on his escape from England to France after the defeat by Oliver Cromwell at Worcester in 1651.

The riverside Black Rabbit pub is a favourite of many or opt for the town centre-based Norfolk Tap which serves a range of beers from local, nearby breweries.

Writers, artists, poets and musicians have long drawn inspiration from the landscapes of the South Downs.

Petworth Park

The Capability Brown-designed Petworth Park, managed by the National Trust, is a favourite for dog walkers. With 700 acres of serpentine lakes, lawn hills and belts of trees, it’s quite a sight on a cold, frosty morning. Home to the largest herd of fallow deer in England, the National Park is the perfect escape into a promising winter wonderland.

Once finished with your walk, why not head to the nearby Star pub or Stonemason’s Inn for a liquid refreshment?

Steyning and Bramber

The historic village of Bramber with its medieval castle is quintessentially West Sussex in nature.

Neighbouring Steyning, Bramber is also the start and end point of a Miles without Stiles route – which are suitable for push chairs and people with limited mobility or those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters.

The linear ‘there and back’ route is 2.2 miles in length and follows the Downs Link path along the River Arun. On a winter’s day you can see flocks of Canada geese flying in formation up and down the river.

Steyning is a town rich in history. Once a port on the River Arun, it was prized by the Normans for its inland location and ease for accessing the Channel.

From Steyning, you can easily access the South Downs Way, where you can follow our 7 mile self-guided walk. By following the trail westwards, you will soon come upon Chanctonbury Ring, one of the highest points in the National Park.

Upon returning to Steyning, finish up at Steyning Tea Rooms for a sweet or savoury afternoon tea or grab a refresher in the White Horse Inn.

Hampshire East Meon

The picturesque village of East Meon, once owned by the Bishops of Winchester, is home to many historic buildings including the Old Court House.

The Ye Olde George Inn and the Izaak Walton Public House offer delicious local food and real ales, along with a roaring fire to warm you up after a lovely stroll through the beautiful Meon valley.

Our walking guide suggests two circular walks, both starting at the imposing Norman church of All Saints with its magnificent spire.

One walk of 4 miles should take approximately two hours and the second, a longer walk of 8 miles, which can be completed in around four hours.

Download the East Meon walking leaflet.

Cheriton

This pretty Hampshire village has a church which sits upon an ancient barrow and the crystal-clear River Itchen, which rises nearby, running alongside picturesque thatched cottages.

It’s also steeped in history as it was the site of a decisive battle in the English Civil War.

The Battle of Cheriton took place on 29 March, 1644, in the fields to the east of Cheriton. The Battle was between the Royalists, led by the Earl of Forth, and the Parliamentarians under Sir William Waller.

The Parliamentarians won, halting the Royalist’s advance to Winchester and forcing King Charles I’s troops on the defensive, leading to their eventual defeat in 1645.

For those looking for a longer winter walk, we would recommend the 10 mile Cheriton loop, starting and finishing at Cheriton village hall.

Post-walk, why not pop into The Flower Pots Inn or The Hinton Arms to rest and recover with a traditional pub lunch?

From Steyning, you can easily access the South Downs Way, where you can follow our 7 mile self-guided walk.

Queen Elizabeth Country Park

Just three miles south of Petersfield, Queen Elizabeth Country Park offers over 2,000 acres of open woodland and downland.

Open every day other than Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Queen Elizabeth Country Park is your starting off point for exploring Butser Hill, the highest point, at 271m, on the South Downs chalk escarpment.

With 360 degree views, Butser Hill is one of the best places to admire the Dark Night Skies of the South Downs. The on-site Beechwood Kitchen serves up hot drinks and food using locally-sourced ingredients.

Alice Holt Forest

The Forestry England-managed Alice Holt Forest is a must-see for lovers of woodland. Come the winter, the trees have completed their transition with the forest floor turning into a patchwork of orange, ochre and gold.

With five trails of differing lengths and distances, there’s plenty for families along with those looking for something a little more challenging to while away those wintry days. If looking to head to a pub to warm up after, The Jolly Farmer and The Bluebell are right on the edge of Alice Holt. Both pubs are dog-friendly and serve-up tasty, seasonal food.

Hampshire Hangers

Lose yourself in steep valley sides cloaked in hanger woodlands.

The Hangers Way is a 21-mile long-distance trail between Alton railway station and Queen Elizabeth Country Park, where it eventually connects with the South Downs Way. The Way is divided into 8 different sections, ideal if you don’t fancy completing it all in one day.

However, if you do want to do it all in one day, Petersfield makes for an ideal rest point and has numerous pubs, cafés and delis to allow you to fuel up before continuing the rest of your journey.

For more ideas on walks in the National Park please visit www.southdowns.gov.uk/get-active/on-foot/

The Forestry England- managed Alice Holt Forest is a must-see for lovers of woodland.

A town that in recent years has reinvented itself from being known as a retirement village, to somewhere that has a real buzz about it

Port Hotel EASTBOURNE

andRestaurant

Like many Brightonians I speak to, I seem to find it inexplicably difficult to leave our Brighton bubble to appreciate all of the wonderful towns, villages and countryside in the surrounding area. Yet there is so much to offer. With that in mind my wife and I decided to take a little midweek mini break to our neighbouring town of Eastbourne, a town that in recent years has reinvented itself from being known as a retirement village, to somewhere that has a real buzz about it, with cool independent cafes and bars springing up all over town and a youthful creative scene lead by the Towner art gallery. Although I have visited some of the surrounding picturesque villages and hiked across the nearby seven sisters I have not set foot in Eastbourne town for over twenty years! So we booked ourselves into the Port Hotel, a new contemporary boutique hotel on Eastbourne’s seafront that opened its doors to the public earlier this year. We had such a lovely experience I feel compelled to tell you all about it!

Arriving late afternoon feeling tired after a long hike and spot of lunch at nearby Alfriston village, we found the hotel easily due to its striking jet black façade which stands out from the traditional all white Victorian seafront hotels in the vicinity. We were able to park right outside with parking permits supplied by reception which is located on the ground floor space that also encompasses the restaurant, bar and lounge area. The interior of the hotel has a pale wood and pink pastel accents giving the place a tranquil and airy ambience which we immediately relaxed into. A mere glance at the exciting small plates menu designed by esteemed Head Chef Alex Burtenshaw, who has a pedigree of East Sussex boutique hotels to his name including Brighton’s Drakes hotel, convinced us to book a table for dinner before we were shown to our sea-view apartment.

Port Hotel EASTBOURNE and Restaurant

The Port Hotel boasts nineteen rooms, six of which look out over the sea and I am glad we nabbed one of those. The apartment is the largest of the rooms and it had a stunning view over the beach and Eastbourne pier, I loved that they had a pair of binoculars on the table which was a really nice touch. The room itself is gorgeous, a super comfy king-size bed takes centre stage in a beautifully designed setting that carries the same serene feeling we had when we entered the hotel. At first glance it seems minimalist in design but the attention to detail is arresting, with beautiful glassware, Scandinavian furniture and even a record player with a varied selection of vinyl in one of the cabinets. The bathroom is huge with a giant standalone bathtub, his and her sinks and a walk-in power-shower. We soon settle in and unwind after our long day, plonking on some ambient music and soak in the tub to ease our aching muscles with the luxurious bath-salts and luxury soap products provided before heading down to dinner. Stopping first at the bar to enjoy a couple of Port signature cocktails, the “Onyx” –Sussex Gin, Port Infused Pear Gin, Bitters, Egg Whites, Sugar Syrup which are a must try!

It seems word has got round about the Port restaurant as it is buzzing, and full of happy content diners conversing over some quite delicious looking plates of food. We finished our cocktails and chose something to drink with dinner from the inspired wine list which boasts a fine selection of locally produced wines as well as some from further afield. Port restaurant has a passion for local produce and a commitment to supporting food artisans in the region, the food menu consists of little delicacies, and fish, meat and veg Port plates with four or five dishes under each heading. Everything on the menu looks so delicious it was difficult not order everything we saw. We were absolutely famished so it was a relief when the little delicacies, Popcorn Mussels and savoury doughnuts we ordered arrived. The doughnuts are a delight, they are delicate, light and fluffy but but contain powerful rich and punchy flavours from Sussex Charmer cheese and Marmite custard which shock the taste-buds into overdrive, with the subtle sweetness from the dough only coming through at the end. The mussels are ridiculously moreish and taste great dipped in the accompanying punchy chipotle mayo.

The small plates are casually served as they are cooked and arrive staggered throughout the course of the evening, which is what I love about small plate dining. First up; Tiger Prawn Sando with Satay and Nori Mayo from the fish section and roasted hispi cabbage from the veg. The Prawn Sando is brimming with punchy Japanese flavours, with gorgeous plump tiger prawns in a crisp katsu coating. This hispi cabbage, charred to perfection with a potent smoked black garlic mayo really bringing out the earthiness of the cabbage, topped with a generous helping of pangragattato to give each mouthful a pleasing crunchy texture.

The room itself is gorgeous, a super king-sizecomfybed takes centre stage in a beautifully designed setting

Port Hotel EASTBOURNE and Restaurant

The next dish to arrive was a beautifully presented and gloriously succulent piece of duck breast, expertly paired with a dollop of slightly citrus quince purée which brings the meaty flavour of the duck to the forefront, purple bitter leaves add to the aesthetics and a lovely rich ju compliments and does well not to overpower the wonderful contrasting flavours present in on the plate. Whilst this is devoured another plate from the veg section appears, charred Romonesco topped with a sweet a carrot and harissa sauce and a tangy zesty and slightly smoky salsa verde, which was delightful in itself and the perfect accompaniment to the duck.

We finish by sharing Clapham Farm goat kebab on a light and fluffy flatbread and various condiments to compliment the flavourful and surprisingly tender meat. My favourite dish of the night as It surpassed all expectations even after the awe inspiring plates of food that came before. The meat was gorgeous and full of flavour, and the various sauces liberally scattered including a coriander dressing, and a zesty yoghurt, made each mouthful an adventure.

True to form, my wife was unable to resist the dessert menu, which consisted of some luxurious and decadent sounding exciting concoctions that to be fair, most would struggle to ignore. After much deliberation she plumped for a stunning blackberry parfait topped with a crisp chocolate slice, ground Sorral, and smoked Cobnut shavings. I was begrudgingly allowed a mouthful and I was astounded. There was so much going on with flavours, textures and temperatures that I would call this dish a masterpiece in dessert making.

After a couple more drinks at the well-stocked bar we retired to our magnificent apartment where we enjoyed a cracking nights sleep and a well deserved lie-in before heading down to a phenomenal breakfast that really topped our stay off nicely.

The restaurant already packed with locals enjoying brunch. The maple glazed bacon deserves a special mention and simply must be tried to be believed.

Our entire experience of Port Hotel was nothing short of fantastic. The memorable and affordable modern hotel is a great addition to Eastbourne seafront. It’s original style with focus on the minutest details provides a fresh appeal to a newer audience, and the restaurant rivals the very best that is offered in Eastbourne’s well-known foodie destination neighbour Brighton. I would make the trip again if just to eat here! Though I suspect we will be staying here again very soon.

Tony Shattell

Port Hotel

www.porthotel.co.uk

11-12 Royal Parade, Eastbourne BN22 7AR

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A Weekend in Bristol Staying At the Bristol hotel

Over the past few years, I’ve explored my fair share of UK cities, from Brighton all the way up to Glasgow – I do love taking an easy to get to city break. However, there are plenty of places on this fair isle that I’m still itching to visit – and until recently, Bristol was one of them.

When Jaime and I decided to look for a place to go for a weekend visit after we had to postpone our Maldives holiday, again, due to covid, a weekend in Bristol was a perfect choice. Just two hours from London on the train or about the same by car from our home near Horsham, with a round-up of some cool things to do provided by my son who is studying at Bristol university, we packed up our overnight bags, dropped our puppy to my parents and made our way to Bristol in our little red mini cooper. After an early-ish start (leaving the house at 10am on a Saturday is definitely early…ish. I stand by this.) and two

hours thereabouts by car, we were pretty hungry. Coming into the city was super simple and finding the hotel was too. Added to this, being able to park at the hotel in the ajoining NCP was just so easy. Before checking in, we went along to a cool and welcoming bar on the dockside to grab some brunch and much-needed coffee, the choice of eating venues along the dockside is amazing and there is definitely something to suit any taste or hankering.

After eating we took a wander through nearby Queens Square, which made for a lovely walk in the Autumn sun. The buildings in Bristol are so delightful and well cared for, with plenty of cute cobbled streets and green spaces to while away time in. Our hotel for the weekend was the amazingly located Bristol Hotel by The Doyle Collection group of UK Hotels. Ideally located between Bristol’s historic cobbled Narrow Quay and elegant Queen Square,

right in the heart of the city’s Harbourside district and within walking distance of its main attractions, such as The Bristol Old Vic, Arnolfini, Watershed, SS Great Britain and M Shed, as well as the fabulous shopping area of Cabot Circus.

Check in was quickly sorted by their helpful staff despite all the covid issues of the time and we actually ended up finding out we had been kindly upgraded to a superior room that had a stunning view over the docks and the city rooftops. This provided us with a spectacular sunset as we got ready for our first night in this fabulous city.

Our hotel for the weekend was the amazingly located Bristol Hotel by The Doyle Collection group of UK Hotels.

Our room was one of the hotel’s deluxe rooms, which is an upgraded version of their standard double, including tea and coffee making facilities, a Nespresso coffee machine and a comfortable work space. It also featured an attractive spacious bathroom with free Temple Spa toiletries and lovely comfy bathrobes and the essential free high speed WiFi. The room, in fact, was so nice the temptation was to not head out at all and call on the extensive room service ! But we didn’t, and ventured out to enjoy the life of the dockside for our first evening.

The next morning we woke early to enjoy an extensive breakfast buffet at the hotel and then a walk before the city had fully woken up. Heading along the river ways towards the main shopping areas was so peaceful and you really got a sense for how special and unique this city really is. Broadmead Shopping Centre, The Galleries and Cabot Circus have pretty much every mainstream shop you need, from Primark to phone shops. If you’re more into independent shops, Bristol’s shopping quarter is definitely the place for you.

One of the things that Ethan, my son, had said we must do was to have some drinks on a floating pub, on a boat docked at the quayside. It was super cool, something you can’t experience with most UK city breaks.

With loads of seating outside the boat by the canalside, I could imagine it getting really busy in the peak of summertime. On the deck of the boat itself, there’s a lovely covered area with comfy seating and blankets. We happily sipped our cocktails and enjoyed the cosy atmosphere of boat and quayside. It’s such a unique space, and definitely a wonderful place to pick up a drink or spend an evening.

“We happily sipped our cocktails and enjoyed the cosy atmosphere of boat and quayside.”

After our day of shopping, city sightseeing and drinks we definitely worked up an appetite for dinner at the hotel in their famous The River Grille restaurant. This stunning dockside all-glass restaurant is the perfect place to dine, great service gorgeous dishes and all whilst you watch the life the city walking past, it really is a great spot to feed your inner foodie whilst people watching as the sun goes down and the city moves from day to night.

Our waiters Segio, Victor and Avnona were all lovely, so helpful but also great fun, we were well looked after, that’s for sure, and the food was just devine, all topped off with a beautiful background grand piano soundtrack. For those not wishing to venture out this hotel restaurant certainly doesn’t disappoint.

After a final awesome night’s sleep, breakfast was served in the hotel restaurant to start our last day in Bristol. Again the buffet style didn’t disappoint, and we loaded up on a full English and fruit for a busy day of more exploring and then our drive back to Sussex later in the evening.

I’d always wanted to see the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge close up and my son’s final must do tip was to take the time to walk across it, which I was pretty excited about as I have a strange love hate of heights. The views over the river and city were amazing, with natural carved cliffs reaching all the way down to the river, and the bridge design itself is awesome. I didn’t know whether to look up or down!

On the other side of the bridge, there’s actually a free visitor centre which was fun to have a nose around in. It offers interactive displays, loads of info on the bridge and Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the engineer behind it. After our bridge exploring we headed back into the city and took a walk into the centre of Bristol again, finding more cool independent shops leading up Queens Road to the famous Bristol museum and art gallery.

The views over the river and city were amazing, with natural carved cliffs reaching all the way down to the river

In the dinosaur section we saw the Thecodontosaurus, known as ‘Bristol’s dinosaur’; and the scelidosaur, the best-preserved dinosaur in Britain, and loads of other interesting dino-related bits and pieces. We also loved the Egyptian exhibition – I’ve always had a bit of a fascination with ancient Egyptian stories and ways of life as has Jaime, and to see genuine artefacts from the period was pretty awesome. The ‘Curiousity’ exhibit was also really interesting, looking at objects from the past and inspiring visitors to think about their uses and meanings to the people who owned them.

We didn’t actually venture upstairs to the gallery as we were pretty short on time, but for such an inexpensive exhibit there’s loads to see in Bristol Museum, so definitely worth a nose around if you’re into history and nature.

As we got towards the end of the day we headed back towards our hotel to pick up our luggage and pack our little mini again for the drive home. We took one last wander around the harbourside area of the city by the hotel, probably my favourite part of the city with stunning buildings, boats and bridges – plus loads of attractions and amenities all with an Amsterdam feel what more could you ask for.

Bristol is such a lovely city to visit, and we found so much to do in a weekend there – we could definitely have stayed longer. It’s easy to get to if you’re in the South of England, plus, our hotel was brilliant and probably the best located hotel in Bristol for exploring all aspects of the city.

If you like interesting architecture, culture, shopping and awesome eats and drinks, definitely pay the city a visit!

www.doylecollection.com/bristol

Bristol is such a lovely city to visit, and we found so much to do in a weekend there

Full steam ahead for a nautical adventure in

Portsmouth!

The city of Portsmouth in the county of Hampshire, lies mainly on the island of Portsea, the only island city throughout the United Kingdom. Considered to be the home of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth has been a crucial port for centuries and includes the world’s oldest dry dock, which is featured on Historic England’s Heritage List.

Tourism numbers continue to grow at a remarkable pace; visitors are aptly rewarded with a fascinating glimpse into the colourful kaleidoscope of Britain’s maritime history, and there is much to see and do.

In the summer of 1545, during the Battle of the Solent, Henry VIII’s majestic warship, the Mary Rose, which was built in Portsmouth, was sunk a short distance from the harbour by the French armada, led by King Francis I. Today, Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard remains the city’s most popular attraction and the wreck of the Mary Rose, which was discovered in 1971 and raised from the deep in 1982, is on display in all her glory. The vessel, now in the last stages of conservation, is housed in the Mary Rose Museum, along with thousands of artefacts recovered from the site of the wreck. We examined a tankard made of oak, poplar and pine and lined with pitch, and imagined the crew members collecting their day’s ration of a gallon of light beer and how much of that would be immediately consumed to quench a raging thirst after a hard day’s toil. The most commonly found personal objects recovered were 82 nit combs, all made of wood, except one, which was made of ivory, clearly, it was to deal with a higher class of nit! The exhibit features moving holograms of the ship’s crew projected onto the vessel and accompanied by sound it provides the viewer with an intriguing insight of life aboard.

Another vessel, which attracts the crowds, is HMS Victory, launched in 1765 and the flagship of Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson’s fleet. From 1794, the Royal Navy, led by Nelson, continually defeated Napoleon, and HMS Victory was triumphant at the heart of the Battle of Trafalgar against the combined forces of the Spanish and French fleets in October 1805. Stroll along the decks; view the cannons, and note Nelson’s surprisingly cramped sleeping quarters, which lack any real home comforts, apart from a portrait of Lady Hamilton.

We stepped on board HMS Warrior; constructed in London and launched in 1860, she was the UK’s first iron-hulled, armoured battleship and measures 418 feet in length with a width of 58 feet. Built to deter the French battleship, she was powered by steam and sail and was the largest and fastest vessel of her day. Now a museum ship, visitors are encouraged to experience a ‘hands on’ approach and to explore the four decks, touching exhibits and trying things out in order to have some understanding of the harsh life at sea for Queen Victoria’s navy. Another popular attraction, and for those with a head for heights, is the Emirates Spinnaker Tower. Take the high speed lift to the view deck and at 100 metres you can admire the spectacular panoramic view across the South Coast. And if that experience has made you a little light headed make your way to The Clouds and indulge in a traditional ‘high tea’ experience, which includes an array of delicate sandwiches and an assortment of delicious sweet treats and scones served with fruity jams and clotted cream.

And as you sip on your piping hot tea you’re sure to spot the National Museum of the Royal Navy, below, which is the ideal place to wander around and work off those calories.

HMS Warrior; constructed in London and launched in 1860, she was the UK’s first iron-hulled, armoured battleship

The National Museum of the Royal Navy invites visitors to examine three centuries of naval history under one roof. Exhibitions include HMS – Hear My Story, which tells the tales of ordinary men, women and ships forming naval history over the last one hundred years. Make your way to the Victory Gallery and experience the multi-media show ‘Trafalgar!, which introduces the audience to Nelson and Napoleon and places the viewer on the gun deck amidst battle and then in the confined space of the cockpit where the ship’s surgeon treats the wounded.

If that incident hasn’t affected your appetite for some first class ‘scran’ and a generous serving of ‘grog’, Loch Fyne, located in the Vulcan building in Gunwharf Quays, is the perfect spot. I savoured the succulent pan- fried, line-caught, cod fillet, served with roasted chilli oil and sautéed potatoes and accompanied by the smoky and fruity flavours of the Pouilly-Fumé Cuvée D’eve, it is an exceptional dish.

Or, should you prefer French cuisine, Brasserie Blanc, located on The Plaza of Gunwharf Quays, serves a first rate Chateaubriand for two. The Chargrilled and 30 day dry-aged beef, which is sourced from prime, pasture reared, Cornish cattle, is served with a choice of sauces, and I opted for the Béarnaise and the delicate flavours of a glass of Margaux Château Durfort-Vivens enhanced the dish perfectly.

Make your way to the Victory Gallery and experience the multimedia show ‘Trafalgar!, which introduces the audience to Nelson and Napoleon

For weary explorers seeking a spacious abode, the ultimate place to stay and right in the heart of the action, is the Esa luxury serviced apartments located at Admiralty Quarter. We stayed in an enormous property featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a comfortable lounge and modern kitchen with a dining area and all stylishly furnished. Taking advantage of the freedom that a real home-fromhome experience affords, we relished a lie-in without those time restrictions imposed by hotels.

I prepared a ‘hearty’ breakfast using all the appliances provided, including a dishwasher, and those all -important gadgets that you rely on in your own home make all the difference, and of course there is ample opportunity to enjoy your meal at leisure. Amenities include an allocated parking space, complimentary Wi-Fi and a ‘welcome pack’ of essential groceries. The property is within walking distance to Portsmouth Harbour railway station, Portsmouth Dockside and the Gunwharf Quays shopping centre, which is crammed with designer outlet shops, bars and restaurants.

For a hearty Italian ‘al fresco’ dining experience we headed to Carluccio’s, where we selected a table next to the waterfront and admired the view of the Emirates Spinnaker Tower. I sampled the delicious festoni pasta with smoked salmon and vodka and it was served with panache. We ordered a bottle of Vermentino Belguardo Mazzei; Italy’s most popular white wine; and held our glasses aloft whilst reflecting on our stay in Portsmouth and the words of one of the city’s most famous residents, the writer and Nobel Laureate Joseph Rudyard Kipling, who once said ‘This is a brief life, but in its brevity it offers us some splendid moments, some meaningful adventures’.

For more information on the featured apartment and other Esa properties throughout the UK visit esa-servicedapartments.co.uk email: enquiries@esa-ltd.co.uk or call 01635 904019

Tip: Avoid traffic and parking problems and travel by rail. Use Trainline's 'best fare finder' and/or sign up for a 'ticket alert' email. Make Portsmouth reservations in advance and take advantage of discounted fares. For more information visit Trainline.com

Martinhal Cascais

Portugal

Can the words family-friendly, relaxing, active and luxurious ever be used together when giving an honest review of a holiday resort? If I’m honest I doubted it - it seems like one of those things that is simply too good to be true. Having experienced our fair share of family holidays in the past where we have really struggled to find a balance between family and adult friendly, the idea of fusing luxury with a family resort seemed like a mere fantasy. But on this occasion, I am forced to admit I am wrong. Martinhal Resorts, by some miracle, manage to offer exactly that. In fact the concept of Martinhal was entirely conceived with families and luxury in mind. Martinhal promises luxury holiday experiences with high class family-friendly facilities, in some of the most prestigious areas in Portugal – from beach and sophisticated golf areas to Lisbon city centre. Having built their first hotel in Sagres in the Algarve, they must be doing something right as they have now expanded their empire into Cascais, Lisbon city centre and Sagres. Lured by the resort setting and locality, we chose a 7 night stay in Cascais, the fabulous seaside town just down the road from Lisbon. The journey from Sussex to Portugal with three children in tow has the potential to be a little stressful. Kids come with kit and lots of it. Fortunately Martinhal is one step ahead and offers an ingenious ‘Baby Concierge,’ making hassle-free travelling with babies and small children their specialty. This progressive company offers you the opportunity to pre-book baby equipment – from small items like door protectors, potties, bottle sterilisers & warmers, to bigger items like safety gates, baby cots and baby baths. Not only that, they also offer a wide variety of lotions, nappies, and other items for purchase from the reception.

We chose to fly over from London Gatwick with EasyJet, but due to the early flight times, we thought we would aim for ultimate comfort and stay over at the Bloc Hotel airport itself the night before. I cannot express enough what a good idea this is. The family and I checked in casually at around 4pm, stayed the night in a family room with views right over the runway and made our way leisurely to the airport the next morning.

We arrived at FARO airport and were swiftly transferred over to Martinhal Cascais by a polite and efficient Martinhal driver in a spacious and air conditioned Mercedes people carrier, all geared up with three age-appropriate car seat The hotel resort is just a 30 minute’s drive from Lisbon, a 20 minute scenic coastal walk away from the centre of Cascais, right next door to the world-class 18-hole Quinta da Marinha golf course and just a short rive away from the enchanting Unesco World Heritage Site Sintra.

Martinhal Cascais offers boutique-style hotel rooms and 4 hotel suites beautifully adapted for families. Each room benefits from spacious private balconies or terraces accessed via French doors and some have Italian designer Lollypop bunk beds to accommodate children or (as we had) cots set up for the tinies. Space-wise, the rooms range from 440 to 660 sq ft for a suite, with 880 sq ft family-friendly interconnecting rooms available too.

Martinhal Cascais

Our accommodation came in the form of a standard ground floor double room, complete with kingsize bed, a bunk bed, a cot and incredibly spacious bathroom. There was certainly enough room to swing a cat too. The décor is light, bright and airy, with plenty of room for the little ones to run around. Every piece of furniture has been selected carefully, ensuring there are no glaring areas where accidents can occur to excitable kids! The furnishing are contemporary and Scandi-styled and most impressive of all is the glass wall that exists between the bathroom and the bedroom itself. Not only does this transparent partition allow you to keep a watchful eye on the kids on the other room, it is aesthetically stunning and come the time you want a little privacy, has the ability to mist over.

Villas are available for those families travelling en mass, each featuring two bedrooms on the first floor and an open space living room and dining area with sliding doors towards a little terrace on the ground floor. These family villas fuse contemporary architecture and modern conveniences. Each has a kitchen complete with a stove, dishwasher, fridge and basic crockery, cutlery and pots and pans, making it the perfect home from home.

The beautifully kept Martinhal Cascais resort itself is breathtaking, with clean and spacious ultra-modern interiors, complete with floor to ceiling windows on nearly all external walls, successful bringing the calm outside landscapes in. The staff are all trained to offer a fun and friendly service to the youngsters and a professional and attentive service to the parents.

The beautifully kept Martinhal Cascais resort itself is breathtaking, with clean and spacious ultra-modern interiors

Martinhal Cascais

The three restaurants vary in their offering, suiting all occasions. They all offer luxurious surroundings, cuisine and faultless customer service, but manage to somehow keep a relaxed setting where amilies can calmly eat together without the worry of their children disturbing other tables. I honestly can’t remember the last time I felt so relaxed in a sophisticated dining setting. So how does Martinhal successfully ensure a stress-free setting? It’s actually quite simple. Firstly, they make sure there are enough high chairs to go round. Each menu not only offers healthy and delicious dishes for children, they also offer home-made baby foods for a variety of age ranges. Then there is the children’s play area that features in every dining area – an ingenious corner of supervised craft, toys and reading that successfully limits the capacity for impatient little diners to get fidgety waiting for their dishes to be served or the adults to stop nattering.

O Terraco restaurant offers buffet breakfast and dinner featuring some typical Portuguese dishes, with a twist. Os Gambozinos, an Italian

Trattoria, does the traditional family favourites of pizza, pasta and other typical Italian dishes for lunch and dinner. M-Bar is located at the Kids Clubhouse and serves coffees, snacks and pastries throughout the day.

What truly sets Martinhal apart from the competition is the kids play areas and the pool facilities. There are 3 pool areas dotted around the resort to ensure that guests can enjoy pool time with their kids in the heated and unheated pools: the Pool Hangout, the indoor/ outdoor heated pool next to the on-site Spa and the heated and covered Kids Clubhouse pool.

With kids being central to the resort ‘s philosophy, Martinhal Cascais have created a superb kids clubhouse with over 700 square metres of play space (over 7,700 square feet) covering the ages of 6 months to early teens. This is a facility where kids can be looked after by the fully-trained, caring and responsible staff in a safe and secure space while parents can enjoy some time out.

The various areas in the Kids Club have been created to interest and stimulate different age groups, ensuring the needs of babies up to teens have a full range of toys, playthings, creative areas and entertainment – from playmats to Playstations! We enrolled our two daughters for two hour sessions over our stay, which gave us a short time to be able to play in the sun with our baby boy and take turns in enjoying a book on the oversized bean bags that are scattered over the attractive grassed area just outside the kids club.

To add to the mix, there are additional unsupervised playgrounds all around the resort where parents can play with their kids, or in our case, the kids can play with the parents! Trampolines, table football, ping pong, climbing frames, slides, table football by the Pool Hang Out Bar…..you name it and they have it.

For an additional fee, baby-sitting can be organised for any age from a few months old upon request. This wasn’t a service we took the hotel up on, but with such an eclectic mix off fabulous restaurants available in Cascais, it’s probably a great idea - even just for the one night, so you can enjoy a romantic dinner outside the hotel walls.

To add to the mix, there are additional unsupervised playgrounds all around the resort where parents can play with their kids

Martinhal Cascais

This is every family’s dream holiday. Martinhal have truly studied what parents and kids want out of their holidays and created the perfect blend.

Back at Martinhal Cascais, if you are able to grab some adult-time, guests are also spoilt with a beautiful spa known as ‘Finisterra’ meaning “end of the earth”. With its special menu of treatments inspired by Voya and its origins, the spa adds an extra dimension of health and vitality to the guest experience. There is also a sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room to help guests relax before and after treatments, so if you get the opportunity (think kids club), then be sure to take a visit and escape to the ends of the earth for a spell or two.

In addition to in-resort activities, the surrounding area to the hotel offers a wide range of options, from beach and sports activities to culture. With Cascais and Guincho beach only 5 minutes away and Estoril, Caracavelos and others further along the coast you can enjoy surf, bodyboard, windsurfing, diving and boat trips. Furthermore, Cascais offers excellent cycling routes along the coast as well as within the city, with bikes being available for hire from reception.

The centre of Cascais is just a short drive or taxi away and Martinhal offer a free and reliable shuttle service (complete with car seats) back and forth, ensuring guests are able to make the most of their visit to the area. The hotel concierge were also particularly helpful in arranging taxis and making recommendations for local restaurants.

This is every family’s dream holiday. Martinhal have truly studied what parents and kids want out of their holidays and created the perfect blend, that allows kids to be kids and adults to be adults, as well as parents. Bravo Team Martinhal.

www.martinhal.com

EXPERIENCE GIBRALTAR

It’s a little piece of England on the Mediterranean.

At the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, where Africa meets Europe, lies the captivating peninsular of Gibraltar. Magnificent scenery, rich architecture and enchanting wildlife capture the essence of the Mediterranean, but at the same time retaining that warm and comforting homecoming feel. Temperatures can creep above 30 centigrade in summer and with an average of 300 days sunshine a year Gibraltar’s subtropical North African sun and fascinating history ensures that the number of visitors continues to increase each year. Gibraltar remains a strategically important military and naval base and has been ruled by many since early Arab occupation. Spanish forces governed from the beginning of the fourteenth century until 1333 when the Moors retained control. In 1462 the peninsula was recaptured by Spain until Admiral George Rooke took control in 1704. Gibraltar has continued to play a prominent role in times of conflict. Spanish and French forces besieged the peninsular during the American War of Independence and it is also recorded that Admiral Nelson’s fleet was based in Gibraltar. Following the victory of Trafalgar in 1805, his body, preserved in a barrel of rum, was brought to Gibraltar. And of course it is widely known that Gibraltar played a pivotal role during the Second World War.

GIBRALTAR

For those of us who love to shop, Gibraltar is a VAT free zone

Today, Gibraltar offers visitors a tantalising glimpse into this intriguing history and there is the opportunity to witness the splendour of ceremonial events including the Changing of the Guard and the Ceremony of the Keys, which are still performed with precision as they were in past centuries.

Keen to know more of the struggles for power, I visited the imposing Moorish Castle, admired the beautiful Spanish architecture at the Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned and wandered around the tranquil gardens

surrounding the Trafalgar Cemetery. Although Gibraltar is a small peninsular there is plenty to see and do. For those of us who love to shop, Gibraltar is a VAT free zone and Main Street, which runs the length of the town centre, is crammed with shops enticing the most reluctant! Many of the quaint little shops located in the lanes and narrow alleys are simply charming and display vast selections of jewellery with both precious and semiprecious stones, pieces of exquisite porcelain and fine glassware, leather goods, perfumes, silks and cashmere.

The crystal factory is well worth a visit and I was mesmerised by the master glass blowers crafting molten glass into beautiful products, which make unique gifts. For those seeking a special dining experience, Gibraltar’s inhabitants and visitors can be seen dining Mediterranean style. Al fresco restaurants include French, Indian, Italian, English, Moroccan, Spanish, Peking and Szechwan. There are also some lively pubs offering excellent menus and great entertainment. A quick-paced walk around Casemates Square (once the location for public executions) will work off those calories! These days the square is also crammed with al fresco bars and cafes providing the perfect spot to watch the locals and visitors strolling sedately by.

And for those who also love a long leisurely afternoon stroll after a generous lunch, discover the wealth of plant life exhibited in the Botanical Gardens. I was entranced bythe palms and jacaranda, clematis, bougainvillaea, honeysuckle and geraniums and I couldn’t fail tonotice the scent of lavender and jasmine hanging on the breeze.

For those drawn tosomething more strenuous, local activities include sailing, diving and fishing. Bird watching is another popular pastime and of course a trip to visit the Barbary Apes, at the top of ‘the rock’ cannot be missed. The Barbary Apes are the only wild primates in Europe and legend has it that if the apes leave then Gibraltar will cease to be British. This does not cause concern, as it is quite clear that they are very well looked after!

Of course a trip to visit the Barbary Apes, at the top of ‘the rock’ cannot be missed.

Gibraltar holds many surprises forvisitors; there are four spacious sandy beaches to choose from. Eastern Beach, Sandy Beach, Western Beach and the charming picturesque and sedate Catalan Bay (which was settled by Genoese fishermen in the 18th century) are highly recommended. For those of us who love to sail, Gibraltar’s marine life is very impressive. You may well encounter turtles, dolphins and even the Blue Whale, which is known to migrate to the area. For bird watchers, a visit to the Upper Rock Nature Reserve isa real treat. The Rock is a staging post for an extensive array of species including eagles, vultures and buzzards and residents include the Blue Rock Thrush, Peregrine Falcon and the Barbary Partridge.

Choosing a place to stay is always a dilemma but I was most fortunate to secure a gorgeous suite at the Rock Hotel. The hotel, (recipient of four of the highly regarded AA stars), was built by the Marquis of Bute in 1932and well-known guests include Winston Churchill.

The hotel presents a rich colonial style décor and provides anexcellent level of comfort and service, which makes for a perfect retreat. The views across the Bay of Gibraltar, the Spanish mainland and the Rif Mountains of Morocco are quite simply breathtaking. The hotel also holds two RAC dining awards as well as the RAC White Ribbon. The restaurant is of course very popular with locals and visitors alike and offers an extensive menu with British, Iberian and Moorish dishes served in relaxed surroundings. After indulging in one too many courses, I took a dip in the open-air seawater pool, which is in a secluded spot within a lush tranquil garden. This activity was followed by a few cocktails and then a long leisurely snooze! Visit Gibraltar, and experience a little piece of England on the Mediterranean.

Images supplied with the kind permission of the Gibraltar Tourist Board.

For more information visit www.visitgibraltar.gi

I was most fortunate to secure a gorgeous suite at the Rock Hotel.

Russart77

We had the opportunity to talk with Russ Hawkwood aka Russart77 . Russ is a former Fashion graduate and Royal Marine Cmmando who has worked internationally as both a body guard and covert intelligence operative. But we where not meeting to discuss the global security situation or what it’s like to provide security services to the global elite. We where meeting to discuss British folklore, mythology and magick and how that influences the amazing art work he creates.

We started off by asking Russ about how he got interested with this unique genre.

I’ve had a life long interest in folklore which was probably nurtured by my parents. My farther, an antique dealer, would always bring items home for my brother and I to look at, this really installed a passion for history and a real sense of connection to the past. We would often visit places rich in legend and folklore, most notably Devils Dyke in Brighton and Chanctonbury ring. The ring, really made an impression on me from a young age, it always felt like a special place, my father would take the time to point out our history hidden within the landscape, the burial mounds and earthworks that make up our South Downs. I still have oyster shells I found in the ring that would of been made as offerings at one of the two Roman temples that where situated there. Folklore isn’t just a good yarn to be shared over a pint or at a child’s bedtime, it represents a cultural collective memory, it’s part of who we are.

Folklore isn’t just a good yarn to be shared over a pint or at a child’s bedtime, it represents a cultural collective memory

Is folklore relevant today?

Absolutely! It’s part of our cultural heritage and our nations story. Folklore is for everyone and it’s part of our future.

Interestingly it’s still relatively new for archeologists and historians to pay attention to folklore when they’re investigating places, so a lot of finds that relate to folk traditions (witch bottles, mummified cats buried in walls etc) were largely ignored until the 70’s & 80’s. Thankfully these artefacts and stories are now being preserved and carefully catalogued and studied.

It’s a really exciting time for people interested in this genre as we are experiencing somewhat of a renaissance, with Folk horror in films and literature, amazing Artists such a Ben Edge and Dan hiller, as well as folk singers such as Elspeth Anne blazing a trail. And I have to mention Boss Morris and blackthorn ritualistic folk who are doing incredible work in the field of Folk dance. There’s a real buzz at the moment. People are reconnecting with the land and their culture bringing our customs and traditions firmly into the 21st century. One of the most important aspects of all this is that the actual stories are not just being preserved but retold. Scotlands Eileen budd is doing remarkable work and is an absolute pleasure to listen to. She has worked tirelessly preserving and sharing these stories with adults and children alike. It’s really valuable work. As for me, I’m thoroughly enjoying playing my small part in it.

People are reconnecting with the land and their culture bringing our customs and traditions firmly into the 21st century.

Where do you find your influences for your work. And what do you plan for the future.

Obviously folklore and the afore mentioned people have had an impact on my work but I also draw inspiration from the work of Joseph cambell and Karl Jung.

Myths and legends, in particular Wolfram VonEschenbach’s ‘Parzival’ a copy of which I’ve had my whole life and works such as the Mabinogion and Beowulf. Having moved to North Devon from Brighton a year ago I find inspiration everywhere, I can often be found in an old church or a stone circle and living in such a rural location I feel far more in tune with the natural world. As for the future, as a keen biker I would love to build a folklore themed custom bike not sure exactly what that would look like but I think it would be a great project.

I’m looking forward to getting a collection together for a show in the new year. But other than that I’m just enjoying myself.

Russ has worked most recently on a project Folktober2 which seen him create and post a new creation every day for 31 days during the month of October. You can find his intricately creative works on instagram Russart77 and coming to an art gallery near you soon.

We are experiencing somewhat of a renaissance, with Folk horror in films and literature

F ashion

TURN TO THE LEFT

All clothing @bowendryden www.bowendryden.com 'Poem Noir' Collection

Photographer @jacqulynhamilton www.jacqulynhamilton.co.uk

Make-Up Artist @annabellemillermakeup Hair & Wig Artist @nettgray Wardrobe Stylist @Zoevanspyk

Location: Snooze, Brighton, @snoozebrighton www.snoozebrighton.com