ABSOLUTE Sussex Autumn edition 2020 by Absolute Magazine Group

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Index 10 16 30 38 46 56 64 78 80 84 90 94 100 104 96 110 114 120 128 142 152 165 172

CITY NEWS FASHION FEATURE PALOMA FAITH SAM TOTALEE PEOPLE4OCEANS AMY STOVOLD FASHION FEATURE FIZZ & FOOD BARS & BEATS WAHACA HOTEL du VIN YAMEE ATHENIAN BOK SHOP LONDON LIFE KINDLING BLUE VANILLA LONDON LIFE DAVID FREEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY SEYCHELLES ISLAND JEWELS THE H RESORT SEYCHELLES FISHERMANS COVE VIDEO TREE

Contributing Editors - Charlie McBrien 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 Photography - Alex Voodoo@alexanerfashionphotography Model - Amber May Smith @amberino_long_legs

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

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The Editor

elcome to the Autumn 2020 edition of Absolute Sussex Magazine.

In these strange times, we hope that we can provide a little light relief from the stresses that currently surround us and serve as that reminder of days past and a little dose of normality! 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 in 2020! 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, to interviews with local sports personalities and global music stars on their return to Brighton in2021. We are also thrilled to once again feature stunning images of ourregion from the super talented David Freeman. Finally, we talk travel,that word we all used to take so much for granted. We take a detailed look at the beautiful Seychelles as a safe destination for winter sun, exploring the island’s rich history and culture. We explore two of the best family hotels the main island of Mahe has to offer, which, despite both offering 5 star luxury, come with a more affordable luxury price tag. Enjoy, and be sure to stay safe and well. ABSOLUTE Magazine Team MAD Media Team Sussex Media Team

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Rock ‘n’ Roll with Me David Bowie Exhibition Head over to Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Royal Pavilion Gardens for an exhibition of unique photographs taken by David Bowie’s close friend and travelling companion Geoff MacCormack between 1973-76. From Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane and the ground-breaking Diamond Dogs’ tour across the USA, Japan and the UK via Russia (on the Trans Siberian Express) to Bowie’s first major film The Man Who Fell to Earth, and the recording of Station to Station, this exhibition of intimate photographs, gives a glimpse of a close friendship, and life on the road with one of the greatest rock stars of all time. The photographs will be complemented by a short film never seen before in the UK, shot by Bowie on their trip to Moscow in 1973, music videos of Bowie and MacCormack on stage together, film excerpts and music in the galleries.

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Ronan Keating Brighton Centre The Brighton Centre is preparing to welcome James Blunt’s Once Upon a Mind 2020 UK and European tour on 22nd February 2020. James Blunt released his first album, ‘Back To Bedlam’ in the autumn of 2004 and soon after the single ‘You’re Beautiful’ became a global smash hit. After flirting with electronica on his last album, James Blunt returns to what he does best on new album ‘Once Upon A Mind’, writing classic songs that touch both the heart and the head. Highlights are many and include the breezy first single ‘Cold’, the poignant ballad ‘Monsters’, the pop swagger of ‘5 Miles’ and the country tinged ‘Halfway.’ There’s a warmth that permeates the entire album, and a real sense of personality. He has sold over 23 million albums and has showcased his wit and charm more recently with his always engaging twitter account.

Gregory Porter Gregory Porter, international best-selling artist and two time Grammy Awardwinning jazz/soul singing sensation, is honoured to announce a thirteen date UK tour, arriving at The Brighton Centre on 7th March 2021. With his irresistible warm baritone vocals, Porter continues to perform to sell out audiences around the world and has achieved international recognition and acclaim, with both his Grammy winning albums ‘Liquid Spirit’ and ‘Take Me To The Alley’. They don’t come much cooler than Gregory Porter… a tour not to be missed!

Christmas at Globalls As the days grow darker and the temperature drops, one thing remains for certain. The return of our immensely popular Christmas mini golf experience at Brighton Marina is upon us! Whether you’ve visited before or have only just found out about Globalls, this Christmas the team want to offer you a magical experience to share with your family and friends. Wander around the winter wonderland alongside Santa and his helpers while playing our 12-hole, UV-lit course! Aimed to be enjoyed by all the family, the mixed-ability mini golf course is sure to bring laughter and memories for those who visit.

Burning the Clocks The people of Brighton & Hove gather together at Maderia Drive each year to make paper and willow lanterns to carry through their city and burn on the beach as a token for the end of the year. Every year on 21st December, the shortest day of the year, Same Sky – Brighton’s community art charity – produces a muchloved free event in Brighton called Burning the Clocks. The event combines a family lantern procession with a spectacular fire and fireworks show, bringing the whole city together to celebrate.

Earthworks Earthworks, based at Fabrica until 22nd November 2020, is an Immersive moving image Installation by Semiconductor, who are artists Joe Gerhardt and Ruth Jarman. A five-channel computer generated animation, the work creates an immersive experience of the phenomena of landscape formation through the scientific and technological devices that are used to study it. Masses of colourful layers are animated by the soundscapes of earthquake, volcanic, glacial and human activity, recorded as seismic waves, which form spectacular fluctuating marbled waveforms. The 20 metre screen zig-zags through the space taking over the entire gallery. Earthworks makes tangible the immense natural forces captured by seismic data and tackles the way in which geological and human processes are inextricably linked in the Anthropocene.

Burning the Clocks is a unique community event in which local people make their own paper and willow lanterns. After carrying them through the city in a lantern parade they pass them into the fire on Brighton beach, as a token of the year’s end. Then a dazzling fire show is set in motion, in which a massive fire sculpture is ignited, live music plays, and fireworks light up the sky! Burning the Clocks was created in 1994 as a way to celebrate the festive season regardless of faith or creed. It is free and the route is suitable for all ages and abilities. Over 2,000 people now take part in the parade and over 20,000 spectators turn out to watch.

Glow Wild Glow Wild winter lantern festival at Wakehurst is a magical night-time experience the whole family will enjoy. Journey through Wakehurst’s beautiful botanic gardens and woodlands. Trees, ponds, forest floors and 16th century mansion will be brought to life with thousands of lights and fire displays. Sussex’s spellbinding illuminated trail to celebrate hidden heroes of the natural world. The event runs on selected evenings from Thursday 26 November to Wednesday 30 December 2020, with entry time slots being every 20 minutes between 4:30pm and 8:10pm. This year’s trail is inspired by aspects of nature that often remain unseen - a grain of pollen, a seed on the wind, or the fungi that enriches the soil allowing plants to flourish. With this theme in mind, Wakehurst has commissioned artists and creative studios to produce an array of illuminated artworks that will celebrate the hidden heroes of the natural world. Wakehurst’s wild landscape will be transformed by glowing lanterns, illuminated sculptures, soundscapes and projections. Artworks include giant floating dandelion seed heads, a fairy-tale fungi field, illuminated nocturnal creatures and a 500-flame fire display. The trail also features the UK’s tallest living Christmas tree, decorated with 1,800 lights.

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A Prince’s Treasure A spectacular loan from the Royal Collection is currently on display at the Royal Pavilion. The culmination of a collaborative venture between Royal Collection Trust and the Royal Pavilion & Museums, over 120 remarkable decorative works of art that were originally commissioned by the Prince Regent, have been relocated from Buckingham Palace and re-united in their previous setting of the Royal Pavilion. This unique project lasting for approximately 2 years provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for visitors to see these magnificent items in their former home. Many of the works of decorative art have not been on public display for over 170 years and will be on loan to the Royal Pavilion whilst essential building works in the East Wing of Buckingham Palace take place. These magnificent items will illuminate the interpretation within the building, helping to further our understanding of the future George IV’s love for his exotic palace by the sea, and the spirit and times in which he collected these rare and fascinating pieces.

UB40 UB40, the notorious English reggae and pop band, was formed in Birmingham in 1978. The band consists of nine members; Robin Campbell, Brian Travers, Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer, Norman Hassan, Duncan Campbell, Martin Meredith, Laurence Parry, and Tony Mullings. Their debut album, Signing Off, was released in 1980 and is considered to be one of the greatest reggae albums ever released by a British band. Since then, they have had 40 UK hit singles and sold more than 100 million records worldwide. Their albums have resided in the UK’s Top 75 album chart for a combined period of 11 years, making them one of the most successful British groups of all-time.

Kellie Miller Virtual Gallery

On the 4th March 2021, they will be performing at The Brighton Centre as part of one of their biggest ever UK tours, playing tracks from their latest album ‘For The Many’, alongside classics such as ‘Red Red Wine’, ‘Food for Thought’ and many more.

The digital gallery features limited edition prints from Kellie Miller Arts’ much-loved artists, including: Sabina Pieper (and her hand-embellished prints), cityscapes by Marc Gooderham and Rik Ward, and nature-inspired prints by Kellie.

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With the physical gallery, located in the heart of Brighton’s iconic Lanes, temporarily closed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, award-winning international artist Kellie Miller wants to ensure that art-lovers can still enjoy work by talented artists, by opening a gallery on the Kellie Miller Arts’ website (www.kelliemillerarts.com) - giving art-enthusiasts the opportunity to peruse and purchase limited edition prints and ceramics, from the safety of their homes, until the end of the year.

Christmas at Drusillas

Q Square Supercity Aparthotels welcomes guests for a unique city getaway at its brand-new property in the heart of Brighton. Offering a one-of-a-kind experience on the shores of the South-Coast, Q Square combines hotel luxury with the facilities and privacy of home. With 61 suites to choose from, all fitted with modern kitchens and bright, stylish living areas, Q Square is the perfect choice for those looking to relax and recharge.

Experience the winter magic first-hand at Drusillas Park this year! The team have hung up their stockings by the chimney with care, in the knowledge that Saint Nick soon will be there! Bring your little monkeys to visit Santa Claus in his cosy Christmas Cottage, meet the lovable husky dogs in the husky ice cave, sample some festive food and drink and marvel at the giant Christmas tree.

Escape the Lost Pyramid VR Escape the Lost Pyramid at Phileas Fogg’s World of Adventures is one of the best escape games you can play in virtual reality, featuring breath-taking settings, stunning visuals and rewarding challenges. An expedition led by Sir Beldon Frye disappears somewhere in the Sinai Peninsula. A team of four and a dozen local porters were looking for the Lost Pyramid of Nebka… Or more precisely, “something” that should have been there. They were never seen again. Using the simulation reconstructed from their DNA memory, your team will put themselves in the shoes of the explorers. Find out what happened to the expedition. And more importantly, locate what they were looking for. You’ll have 60 minutes to escape the pyramid. Suitable for ages 12+

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KELLERWOOD Fine Jewellery since 1986

Introducing the Premier Cut diamond. 11

Dazzling moments that last forever 11

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FASHION Images by Alex Voodoo @alexanderfashionphotography Model Amber May Smith @amberino_long_legs Locations - Atzaro http://atzaro.com/ / Pikes hotel https://pikesibiza.com and thanks to Mustang adventures http://mustangadventures.com // Ibiza Boat Rental http://ibizaboatrental.co.uk/ Villas by Privadia http://privadia.com/ Clothing and accessories by Ladiostudios: @Ladiostudios La galería Elefante : @lagaleriaelefante Revolver: @revolveribiza Mira.Rose.Ibiza : @mira.rose.ibiza IsabelMoore: @isabelmoorecreations TrueRocks: @truerocksjewellery #NatashaDalhberg World Family Clothing @worldfamilyibiza Styling by Rachel Laura Parsons and Gabriella Velvet @gabribellavelvet Hair and make up by Mar Puig @marpuigstyle

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Brighton’s iconic Norfolk hotel by Mercure has had a stunning new look

Hotel

Bar

Restaurant | Weddings Special Events |

01273-351012 www.mercurebrighton.co.uk

PALOMA FAITH By Neill Barston

From gaining number one album success, through to battling her way to becoming a mother, Paloma Faith’s remarkable career continues in setting her sights on a return to the charts with her ambitious new album, reports Neill Barston

mid a global pandemic, this year has been one to forget for many, but as Paloma Faith reveals, she feels notably blessed by news of her second child’s imminent arrival. After a hugely testing trial of repeated rounds of IVF treatment, the Brit Award winning singer announced the

latest addition to her family happily coincides with her latest musical baby in the form of her fifth studio album. Since her last release, The Architect, achieved coveted number one status, Paloma has featured as a coach on ITV’s The Voice Kids, seen herself nominated for a clutch of industry accolades, as well as exploring new territory as an actor in the Batman prequel spin-off, Pennyworth. So, as the coronavirus crisis grimly took hold around the world, the enforced downtime offered her a rare chance to take stock after an intense period of work. As she admits, inhabiting her line of work can often make you ‘whimsical in going with the flow,’ yet reveals that having a toddler to take care of has, by necessity, required greater time management. “It’s ‘made me go for the jugular more,” she notes in having to be far more focused. Consequently, being ever creatively restless, material soon flowed while at home completing her latest album, led by its lyrically powerful lead single, Better Than This, a reflection on the fractured state of the world and hopes for the next generation.

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Since her last release, The Architect, achieved coveted number one status, Paloma has featured as a coach on ITV’s The Voice Kids, seen herself nominated for a clutch of industry accolades.

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PALOMA FAITH

It stands proudly paving the way for what is a bold, uncompromising record brimming full of confidence and selfassurance, taking on everything from her trademark soulful pop, through to sweeping orchestral ballads that stem from an artist who is at the top of her creative game. “We live in a very volatile world that now seems as if we only get one chance, so I have been lucky that I’ve been able to put releases out there and put myself on the map,” she says of her latest recording. However, it’s been a far from straightforward journey for the half-Spanish East-London born singer, who holds a degree in contemporary dance, and an MA in theatre directing that saw her initially consider other artistic directions. But after early stints in cabaret, bar tending and modelling, she gravitated to singing, and has been doing things her own way ever since. There have been pressures along the route, including offering a ‘showbiz age’ several years younger than her actual years for fear of not being given a recording contract, yet she remains very much true to herself. Despite such moments, her debut album provided plenty of vindication in reaching the top 10 in 2009, setting the tone for a career to date packed with notable milestones. There have been plenty of highlights beyond the icing on the cake of multi-platinum sales, including her friendship with the late Amy Winehouse, to whom she has been widely compared, who she penned a tribute to on her last album.

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To her credit, she has stood firm on other key issues, notably on one of her biggest hits to date, Only Love Can Hurt Like this, which featured a video with an interracial love scene. When US executives asked her to re-shoot it on grounds it ‘wouldn’t sell’, she refused, and never spoke to them again, even if it might cost her a stateside breakthrough. She says she’d rather have success very much on her own terms. As she concedes, her latest recordings, which were selfproduced in her basement, allowed her the chance to push herself artistically more than ever before. “Well, I think being at home meant I was completely uninhibited with wild abandon, in a way that I am not when sound engineers are looking at me. “Also, I wasn’t afraid to make mistakes, and sometimes those mistakes land in places that are wonderful, and I wouldn’t make them if someone else was there. So, I feel like there’s more intimacy in this record, and that there’s more truth in the way that I am singing,” she explains thoughtfully, noting that the album is very much focused on motherhood and the pressures, hopes and expectations that it brings. While the 39 year-old singer has been frank about the challenges she endured to bring her daughter into the world, a clearly understandable desire to shield her child from media intrusion has been misinterpreted in some quarters as being a conscious decision to raise her as ‘gender neutral’. While it’s led to an at times uncomfortable relationship with the media, her engaging and refreshingly honest manner remains greatly endearing to her fans.

Her latest recordings, which were selfproduced in her basement, allowed her the chance to push herself artistically more than ever before.

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PALOMA FAITH Somehow, beyond being a recording artist, mum and actress, she’s still found time to devote to other personal interests, including being an ambassador for Oxfam and Greenpeace, which of great significance to her.

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“It is so great being a mum and I feel very lucky, as the lockdown meant that we’ve spent a lot of time together as a family, which has been a positive. Usually, it had just been one or the other of us looking after our daughter, who has now started really learning about family,” says Paloma of her now three-year old. As she adds, the record’s title track, Infinite Things, is about her youngster, and was inspired from previously reading Argentine writer and poet Jorge Luis Borge’s short story, The Aleph, in which its central character experiences the full spectrum of human emotion, from pain to joy, within a single moment. “With the title track, it’s about seeing things through my daughter’s eyes and is about becoming a parent, and how that it is all about continuing humanity. You experience the worst heartache with it. “The album is also a commentary on society as well in respect of issues raised by living in the pandemic, and also knowing people who have lost loved ones. “It’s also about enduring love, as we’re most used to hearing about the initial parts of a relationship on that first spark, so it’s an area that that’s under-represented. I think there’s a big cultural hole there that I’m aiming to address,” notes Paloma, who isn’t afraid to tackle some difficult subject areas that many would shun. This is most notable on one of the early tracks on the album, Monster, which is a reflection on the darker side of the music business. There’s certainly a bittersweet edge to one of the album’s standout tracks, the spinetingling ballad If Loving You Were Easy, which would not seem out of place on a James Bond soundtrack – “I was born to do Bond” she asserts, yet is also acutely aware that the more she mentions it, the less likely it will happen. But in spite of whatever occurs, it seems there’s a strong level of support out there for her. As she explains, she and her other half Leyman Lahcine, a French artist, have endured a lot in recent years, including handling a total of six rounds of fertility treatment.While they may have challenges ahead, including Paloma revealing she’s prone to postnatal depression, they’ve demonstrated a strong degree of resilience.

“

It is so great being a mum and I feel very lucky, as the lockdown meant that we’ve spent a lot of time together as a family, which has been a positive. Usually, it had just been one or the other of us looking after our daughter, who has now started really learning about family,”

“I’d pretty much resigned myself to giving up with this latest treatment, and I thought that this just wasn’t going to happen. It felt like it was the last chance saloon and I was thinking to myself, where am I am going with this? “With IVF, I think it’s sad that men don’t really talk about it in public, and it’s one of those things where society always assumes that it is a female issue. It’s something that can be hard on relationships,” she admits, keen to put across the fact that they’ve split their childcare as evenly as possible. As if that wasn’t enough to contend with, she’s greatly enjoyed the opportunity to explore acting roles – notably in the Batman series, Pennyworth, which she describes as an ‘amazing experience’ that she would love the chance to repeat. Clearly, planning for the future is a little hard contending with a pandemic, but the much-travelled singer is anticipating heading out on the road again for another UK tour next autumn. It’s a prospect she is eagerly awaiting, with performing remaining her grand passion, especially with the added bonus of designing her own sets. Somehow, beyond being a recording artist, mum and actress, she’s still found time to devote to other personal interests, including being an ambassador for Oxfam and Greenpeace, which of great significance to her. “Being an ambassador is fantastic, as I feel like when you’re in my industry, it’s easy to lose sight of the reality about the world. The truth is, there are a lot more pressing things going on out there than singing a pop song, so if I can use my platform for the greater good then I absolutely should and intend to. “I also find it something I get a lot of enjoyment out of and not for superficial reasons that I’ve pursued this career,” she remarks, looking forward amid an uncertain world with a true sense of optimism. Fifth studio album Infinite Things OUT 13TH NOVEMBER Connect with Paloma Faith Instagram | Twitter | FaceBook | YouTube

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SMARTCHARTERIBIZA.COM

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B OATS ET TE R .CO M

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SAM TOTOLEE aka Samir Ibiza

Sam Totolee is one of the most sought after private events DJ, having forged his talent on the decks at the cutting edge of the Ibiza scene, where he plays at some of the islands coolest clubs and private parties. His client list is a who’s who of the world’s top venues and brands and celebrities including Prince Albert of Monaco, James Corden, Rod Stewart & Penny Lancaster, P Diddy and Uma Thurman.

hen it comes to choosing the perfect playlist for any event and working a crowd, Sam is simply without rival. He’s a genuine allrounder, equally at home playing pop, motown and disco, as well as house and techno, with a playlist numbering the tens of thousands. In awe of his DJ skills, fascinated by the celeb anecdotes he must have under his belt and slightly fazed by the incredible reputation that precedes him, Absolute Ibiza met with Sam Totolee to hear, in his own words, the story behind his success. “I started out playing US house and UK garage at underground warehouse clubs in the early 90s, and had a lucky break one night after someone heard me play a set and asked if I could play at a film premiere after party which she was organizing, of which I jumped at the chance! The company she worked for took me on board thereafter and made me their resident DJ, introducing me to a new world of super high end luxury parties. The rest is history and 21 years later and over 1000 private parties for high end clients in over 27 countries, I’m still here (and top of my game). It’s allowed me to travel the world and see some beautiful locations and venues (Castles, private islands, stately homes, yachts, clubs, chateaus , villas, you name it) and every year it just gets better and better. Highlights have included: Monaco Grand prix after parties, weddings of UK royalty, Hollywood actress Uma Thurman, James Corden and Elon Musk. I’ve even DJed at the world premiere after parties of James Bond, Harry Potter, private parties for Quentin Tarantino, plus weddings and parties at super exclusive retreats like Cuixmala in Mexico, Sandy Lane in Barbados and Skibo castle in Scotland. In 2004 me and a group of friends (Steven Dobson, Gary Diamond, John Moser and Christofa) decided to create a crazy party like they used to have at Pikes in the early hazy daze of the island, dancing under the sun and the moon totally immersed in the energy of Ibiza. We totally produced the party to be a one off spectacular themed event for 500 personally invited guests (mainly creative and colourful characters who lived on the island) to a beautiful villa on the top of Can Furnet with stunning views of the island. The party went on for 2 days and 2 nights and set the standard for every villa party that has graced the island since!

We decided to create a crazy party like they used to have at Pikes in the early hazy daze of the island, dancing under the sun and the moon totally immersed in the energy of Ibiza.

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With 3000 guests the party was a celebration of the very best of Ibiza!

Over the next few years we put on the party at different stunning locations around the island and It soon became the highlight of the summer with people flying in especially for the party as it just kept growing, every time filling up with the coolest people from the international world of film fashion and music all partying with alongside the islanders who came to every party. The production just got bigger and better with the finest prototype Funktion One sound system at the helm and the best lighting and artistic visuals transforming an already super villa into something out of a film set we decided to finish with a spectacular swan song in 2006 (alongside new partner Aldrick Wout). With 3000 guests the party was a celebration of the very best of Ibiza! Naked body painted fashion models walking around with trays of artificial diamonds which you redeemed for drinks cocktails at the bar, hippies hanging out with the rich kids, famous rock musicians on the dance floor (with their hands in the air totally absorbed in the house music provided by 4 resident DJs from the island (Dj Samir, Angelique Gianluca and Bruno from Cafe del Mar) on rotation throughout the entire event playing the very best music you’ve ever heard back then. The party was called Dirty Diamonds and Pacha magazine described it as the best parties the island has ever seen! I have been coming to Ibiza for 25 years and decided to live here around 15 years ago and now live between my house in Sa Carocca on the top of the mountain and my apartment on the beach in Playa den Bossa. This allows me to fly to any destination quite easily, including London which is where I grew up, and is my 2nd home. Living in Ibiza allows me to be inspired by the music that is constantly around me 24/7 all year round and also have the constant mediterranean sunshine. Ibiza also has its incredible spiritual side as well as the party side, and this allows me to develop my self awareness and yogic practice. I feel blessed. As my mother said to me when she visited for the first time “Son, this is the closest you will get to home” (my family are from Gujarat, India and I was born in Kenya, Africa).

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SAM TOTOLEE

There are very few places that I feel a tingling in my body when I land (India is the only other place). Ibiza is a magical playground for everyone; it small enough to get around in one day and large enough to get lost in (as I’ve done many times!). It’s gone from a budget tourist haven to an international playground, mainly due to its attraction to its huge club and electronic scene and also as it’s evolving in all other aspects. I live in Ibiza mainly in the winter these days as I am touring quite a bit in the summer. I love this time of the year as it’s when the real Ibiza comes to life and the freak comes out! Very few tourists, gorgeous weather, a time to hit the markets for fresh fish and vegetables come and live like a local. The old town is buzzing 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and when the weekends arrive it’s time to shut down your laptops and hit the small beach bar restaurants in Talamanca Marina Botafoc. Saturday nights are no different to the summer; great parties, interesting people, and amazing music.

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I’m now working on (or have created Kaleidisico) my immersive DJ show synchronising light and HD motion graphics and video to the sound of my music all being manipulated live through the DJ mixer.

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SAM TOTOLEE

Sunday’s time to chill and feast on incredible Bullit De Peix and Rioja wine with friends and head up north for some inspiration and spiritual connection and watch the sunset in San Juan or Es Cubells. It’s a time to appreciate the majestically positioned Es Vedra (one of the most magnetic points on earth) before an early night to start another week of work, exercise, music and mindfulness. As often as I can I will hike with friends around Santa Agnes watching the incredible nature blend into the magnificent Mediterranean ocean, go swimming at the unspoilt Punta Galera or just walk and talk along Salinas beach and appreciate the Islands Unesco World Heritage zone. I’m now working on (or have created Kaleidisico) my immersive DJ show synchronising light and HD motion graphics and video to the sound of my music all being manipulated live through the DJ mixer. Letting light, visuals and video bring the music to life as opposed to the other way around as we are used to when we go to a cinema or watch a film! www.samtotolee.com / FB samiribiza@gmail.com

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People4Ocean SunCare

People4Ocean (P4O) is an Australian-based company working at fighting the global coral crisis through innovative strategies and is now branching into both the UK and Europe. P4O offers sustainable consultancy services in coral reef management and expertise in coral reef rehabilitation. Their founders are a franco-australian couple – Louise Laing and Austin Laing-Herbert - who lived at Amitié (Praslin) for over two years, leading the coral restoration program for the NGO Nature Seychelles. Fighting for Seychelles’ coral reefs was their way-of-life. They believe Seychelles has a privileged chance to be a leader in the preservation of coral reefs, by focusing on mitigating impacts from climate change, and now, sunscreen pollution. With products now available in stores and hotel across the Seychelles, we talk with them about their range and their incredible global work.

Since its origins, People4Ocean has committed to its fundamental core – Protect More Than Your Skin™ Why did you decide to launch People4Ocean and can you give some insight into the work you do? I co-founded People4Ocean Sun Care with my husband Austin Laing-Herbert a couple years ago. Austin and I met in 2012 on the Great Barrier Reef while studying coral reefs and tropical ecosystems at James Cook University in Townsville. In 2015 with our Master Degree in hand, we travelled to the Indian Ocean to coordinate a USAID funded, large-scale reef rehabilitation project in Seychelles with a local non-for-profit organisation. In 2016, we witnessed the devastating impacts of climate change, as our restored reef (about 24,000 corals transplanted over a football field size area) was nearly wiped out by mass coral bleaching. We dedicated the following year to “growing our reef” back to life, by propagating corals that had survived the heat wave. Already back then, we were determined to do all we could to protect these ecosystems most at risk, and raise awareness on the coral reef crisis. We made the protection of coral reefs our “way-of-life”. The idea for People4Ocean Sun Care followed scientific findings on the impacts of sunscreen ingredients on marine ecosystems and coral reefs. As sunscreen leaches off your skin – in the shower or swimming in the ocean – and washes off into rivers, lakes and oceans, the chemicals interact in insidious ways on aquatic life. Experiments performed by the University of Hawaii found that common UV-filters have lethal impacts on coral reefs, from DNA damage to increased sensitivity to bleaching. These findings revealed the toxic nature of 97% of sunscreens on the market, but they also shown the light on yet another source of stress inflicted on reef

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ecosystems already threatened globally by climate change, land use, predator invasions and overfishing. We were not sunscreen lovers to start with. All the sunscreens we could find were filled with toxic ingredients, unpleasant to use and harsh on the skin. In 2018, we returned to Australia, determined to raise awareness on this issue and set out on a journey to create sun care solutions genuinely good for us and harmless to ocean life. We created People4Ocean Sun Care with a simple intention: to end sunscreen pollution in our oceans and within our bodies. Most of all, we wanted to bring pleasure back in applying sunscreen! In Australia, a country where rates of skin cancer and coral bleaching are at record high, we took the challenge of addressing skin and oceanic wellness hand-in-hand. We joined forces with skincare brand LaGaia Unedited to create a one-of-a-kind sun system eco-consciously formulated to protect the most sensitive skin and while preserving natural ecosystems. The P4O range offers a true skin & ocean-conscious experience, by combining the best ingredients from the spa industry and excluding all toxins found in mainstream sunscreens. We also don’t dilute our sunscreens with water or synthetic fillers, resulting in a concentrated and long-lasting protection. Since its origins, People4Ocean has committed to its fundamental core – Protect More Than Your Skin™ - by donating a percentage of all sales towards reef conservation initiatives. We believe our sun care products - and the people that use them - can be a driving force to help preserve reefs worldwide. With P4O, applying sunscreen goes beyond personal care, it is a promise to your long-term health and to the future of our oceans.

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People4Ocean SunCare

Why did you decide to launch People4Ocean and can you give some insight into the work you do? I co-founded People4Ocean Sun Care with my husband Austin Laing-Herbert a couple years ago. Austin and I met in 2012 on the Great Barrier Reef while studying coral reefs and tropical ecosystems at James Cook University in Townsville. In 2015 with our Master Degree in hand, we travelled to the Indian Ocean to coordinate a USAID funded, large-scale reef rehabilitation project in Seychelles with a local non-for-profit organisation. In 2016, we witnessed the devastating impacts of climate change, as our restored reef (about 24,000 corals transplanted over a football field size area) was nearly wiped out by mass coral bleaching. We dedicated the following year to “growing our reef” back to life, by propagating corals that had survived the heat wave. Already back then, we were determined to do all we could to protect these ecosystems most at risk, and raise awareness on the coral reef crisis. We made the protection of coral reefs our “way-of-life”. The idea for People4Ocean Sun Care followed scientific findings on the impacts of sunscreen ingredients on marine ecosystems and coral reefs. As sunscreen leaches off your skin – in the shower or swimming in the ocean – and washes off into rivers, lakes and oceans, the chemicals interact in insidious ways on aquatic life. Experiments performed by the University of Hawaii found that common UV-filters have lethal impacts on coral reefs, from DNA damage to increased sensitivity to bleaching.

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The P4O range offers a true skin & ocean-conscious experience, by combining the best ingredients from the spa industry and excluding all toxins found in mainstream sunscreens.

These findings revealed the toxic nature of 97% of sunscreens on the market, but they also shown the light on yet another source of stress inflicted on reef ecosystems already threatened globally by climate change, land use, predator invasions and overfishing. We were not sunscreen lovers to start with. All the sunscreens we could find were filled with toxic ingredients, unpleasant to use and harsh on the skin. In 2018, we returned to Australia, determined to raise awareness on this issue and set out on a journey to create sun care solutions genuinely good for us and harmless to ocean life. We created People4Ocean Sun Care with a simple intention: to end sunscreen pollution in our oceans and within our bodies. Most of all, we wanted to bring pleasure back in applying sunscreen! In Australia, a country where rates of skin cancer and coral bleaching are at record high, we took the challenge of addressing skin and oceanic wellness hand-in-hand. We joined forces with skincare brand LaGaia Unedited to create a one-of-a-kind sun system eco-consciously formulated to protect the most sensitive skin and while preserving natural ecosystems. The P4O range offers a true skin & ocean-conscious experience, by combining the best ingredients from the spa industry and excluding all toxins found in mainstream sunscreens. We also don’t dilute our sunscreens with water or synthetic fillers, resulting in a concentrated and long-lasting protection. Since its origins, People4Ocean has committed to its fundamental core – Protect More Than Your Skin™ - by donating a percentage of all sales towards reef conservation initiatives. We believe our sun care products - and the people that use them - can be a driving force to help preserve reefs worldwide. With P4O, applying sunscreen goes beyond personal care, it is a promise to your long-term health and to the future of our oceans.

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People4Ocean SunCare

What motivated you to develop the P4O reef safe sunscreen range? How exactly do normal sunscreens adversely affect coral and marine life? We just couldn’t understand how an everyday product that is supposed to protect people could have so many health and environmental drawbacks. Ingredients in sunscreens should not be irritating or cause skin allergies, nor should they enter the bloodstream or harm coral reefs. For example, Oxybenzone and Octinoxate are common UVfilters characterized as ‘Hazardous to the aquatic environment, with long-term hazard by the United Nations Global Harmonized System (GHS). And yet, 97% of sunscreens and cosmetics on the market contain these ingredients. What if something as simple as making the switch to healthy sun protection could solve the problem? In 2018, the state of Hawaii was first in history to ban the sale of sunscreens containing Oxybenzone and Octinoxate to protect its coral reefs. This statewide bill was voted following a study by Downs et al. (2015) quantifying sunscreen impacts on coral fragments and coral polyps, showing death at certain concentrations. Their testing showed that exposure to Oxybenzone can inhibit and alter the growth of baby corals, is toxic to seven coral species and is likely to induce coral bleaching in the wild, further increasing our reefs sensitivity to threats like climate change. Oxybenzone and Octinoxate may also bioaccumulate and be biomagnified in organisms. Biomagnification means they may increase in concentration in the tissues of organisms as it travels up the food chain. A number of aquatic and marine species have been discovered to be contaminated, from carp, catfish, eel, white fish, trout, barb, chub, perch and mussels to coral, mahi-mahi, dolphins, sea turtle eggs, and migratory bird eggs. Finally, additional testings have revealed Oxybenzone also acts as an endocrine disruptor on marine invertebrates such as shrimps and bivalves. Other ingredients commonly found in cosmetics – such as butylparaben, octocrylene and a chemical called 4MBC – have proven highly toxic to marine life. You can find the full list at www.haereticus-lab.org. These findings show that sunscreen pollution should be addressed as an environmental hazard. Humans are not exempt from these impacts. In recent FDA testings, all non-mineral sunscreen chemicals [oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and avobenzone] absorbed into the body and could be measured in blood after just a single use. Previous studied detected several sunscreen ingredients in breast milk and urine samples. By penetrating the skin and entering our bloodstream, these chemicals trigger a cascade of reactions from increased free-radicals in the skin, endocrine disruptive properties in the body and, ironically, enhanced risk of melanoma in cases of sunscreen abuse for intentional sun exposure.

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Natural sunscreens offer excellent broad-spectrum protection without the side effects of chemical sunscreens. According to dermatologists, applying mineral SPF30 sunscreen daily can significantly reduce your chances of developing skin cancer

What are the differences between reef safe formulations and normal sunscreens? Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that wash off our skins (or down the drain) to harm coral reefs. Using a ‘reef safe sunscreen’ means that no ingredients in that product will cause detrimental effects to marine life. There are no government-regulated certifications for reef-safe sunscreens yet (the research is quite new) so certain brands falsely claim to be “Reef-Safe” despite containing harmful chemicals. It is up to the consumer to read sunscreen labels for toxic ingredients. A reefsafe sunscreen should not include ingredients such as Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Parabens, etc. An easier way to identify reef-safe sunscreens is to choose ones that exclusively use mineral UV-blockers as their active ingredients, such as zinc oxide. People4Ocean sunscreens exclusively use zinc oxide as the active ingredient for several reasons: Zinc oxide provides excellent broad-spectrum protection and has several advantages over synthetic actives. Zinc particles are photo-stable (they don’t degrade in sunlight) and sit on top of your skin to act as a reflective barrier (exactly like a mirror), blocking both UVAs & UVBs from penetrating your skin and causing damage and ageing. It is the only FDA (Food & Drug Administration) and TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) approved broad-spectrum sun protection ingredient, and unlike any other active ingredient, its concentration in a product has no limitation. It is also the EWG (Environmental Working Group) nº1 ingredient for sun protection. Dermatologists recommend zinc oxide sunscreens on children (6 months and over), pregnant women and people with sensitive skin. It is the only reef-safe UV filter available.

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People4Ocean S u n C a re

What are the immediate benefits and the long-term benefits of using reef safe formulations like P4O? There are many benefits in making the switch to reefsafe/ mineral sunscreens. Firstly, they are better for the skin. That is because reef-safe sunscreens generally exclude harsh chemicals such as benzophenones, parabens, and other skin irritants that are also environmental pollutants. It is no coincidence that baby sunscreens are mineralbased, as they are safer for sensitive skin, have cleaner formulations and offer excellent sun protection. Secondly, they are a good long-term investment in your health. Natural sunscreens offer excellent broadspectrum protection without the side effects of chemical sunscreens. According to dermatologists, applying mineral SPF30 sunscreen daily can significantly reduce your chances of developing skin cancer (particularly if you live in Australia) and is the #1 routine you should adopt to effectively prevent premature ageing. Your skin is your largest organ, so it is important to invest on a good sunscreen to protect it.

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According to dermatologists, applying mineral SPF30 sunscreen daily can significantly reduce your chances of developing skin cancer (particularly if you live in Australia) and is the #1 routine you should adopt to effectively prevent premature ageing.

In addition to reef safe sunscreen, what can people do to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of our oceans and marine life? Making the switch to reef-safe sunscreen is a good first step towards helping our oceans and raising awareness for their protection. However, sunscreen pollution is only a very small part of the problem. Climate change is undeniably the biggest threat to our Oceans. Not many people know this, but our oceans are the true lungs of the Earth as they generate most of the oxygen we breath. They are also are great carbon sink, as they absorb CO2 through photosynthetic processes (by marine plants, such as phytoplankton, kelp and algal planktons). Since the start of the industrial age, our oceans have absorbed over a third of the anthropogenic CO2 released into the atmosphere. But there is a limit to the amount of CO2 and heat our oceans can absorb. From polar regions to kelp forests and coral reefs, the rise in atmospheric CO2 is increasing sea surface temperatures, affecting the dynamic of ocean currents and disrupting ocean chemistry (ocean acidification is one example) with consequences on food chains and more. Governments and industries are often given full responsibility to mitigate climate change, but there are many things individuals can do to make a difference in reducing their own carbon footprint in the way they consume, travel and eat. Simple lifestyle changes such as buying locally made goods, eating locally grown foods, reducing plane travels and cutting your intake of meat and dairy can contribute to reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. Plastic Pollution comes second on the list of threats compromising the future of marine life. According to a report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, plastic in the oceans will outweigh fish by 2050. We can all help by refusing single-use plastics such as straws, cutlery, and food containers (Styrofoam trays, coffee cups, etc.). These are in our lives for seconds, but can then spend centuries circulating in our oceans, causing significant damage to marine life. Promoting recycling and circular economies can also keep plastic from entering our oceans. Overfishing and poor fisheries management is also high on the list of threats. Almost a third of global fish stocks are overfished. Fish that were once extremely abundant, such as bluefin tuna, are now approaching extinction. Restaurants and seafood markets routinely serve endangered seafood species that are the underwater equivalent of a rhino or a panda. New apps, including Seafood Watch (US) and Goodfish (AUS), can help us steer clear of these endangered species, and select sustainable and healthy seafood choices instead. Cutting down on our consumption of seafood is an even better way to take pressure off fish stocks.

Louise-Laing-P4O-founder

Making the switch to reef-safe sunscreen is a good first step towards helping our oceans and raising awareness for their protection.

Can you explain how the coral restoration projects you are supporting work? Over the years working for different non-for-profit organizations, we noticed most projects were starving for funding. This in turn affected their long-term feasibility. With People4Ocean Sun Care, we contribute up to a dollar of all sales towards supporting projects we know have a positive impact in preserving coral reefs. Since our launch, we have been able to support great community-based projects in Fiji and the Seychelles. These projects practice coral gardening by propagating corals that show tolerance to temperature-induced bleaching. This strategy aims to assist coral reefs in their adaptation to climate change. In addition to sale-based donations, Austin and I continue to provide consultancy services to NGOs and resorts who are undertaking reef conservation and restoration actions. In 2019, we travelled to Fiji and later French Polynesia to donate our time and expertise in designing a communitybased restoration strategies with local non-for-profits. As People4Ocean Sun Care grows internationally, we hope to support a growing number of initiatives in Australia and around the world. www.people4ocean.com

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AMY

Stovold International Dressage Rider

t’s a beautiful Autumnal morning as I drive to meet International Dressage Rider Amy Stovold at her yard in Horsham. Being a rider myself, I have a basic understanding of the art of dressage, but it is something I have never mastered and therefore am intrigued to learn more.

So, the basic history is this: Dressage dates back to classical Greek horsemanship and the military who trained their horses to perform movements intended to evade or attack the enemy whilst in battle. The earliest work on training horses was written by Xenophon, a Greek Military Commander born around 430 BC but the principles remain the same today. Everyone has probably seen the amazing Charlotte Dujardin at the Olympics and her dancing horse but how do people make their horses move in this way? What are the buttons they need to press and how do they manage it athletically as a rider? Amy’s yard manager Claire greets me and I am walked through an immaculate yard into Amy’s tack room – the smell of clean leather is the polar opposite of my childhood of ill fitting, unwashed tack and Thelwell ponies and I quickly make a rash assumption that this is a woman born into a world of horses and/or wealth. The first thing I learn however is that Amy’s history contradicts nearly everything that people assume in the world of horses. She wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth and given her first pony before she could walk - in fact quite the opposite, which makes her story all the more interesting. Amy’s passion for horses began as a child when she worked at Dorte Semler’s yard as a groom. As time progressed, it became the training ground of worldrenowned dressage rider Kyra Kyrkland and between the enthusiasm of Dorte and Kyra they cemented a firm passion in Amy for dressage. It became her life from there on in, but it was her initial experiences with these two incredible mentors that encouraged determination and set her on a path to a competitive career. She wanted to be the best and to win – all she needed was the right horse.

The first thing I learn however is that Amy’s history contradicts nearly everything that people assume in the world of horses. She wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth and given her first pony before she could walk.

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AMY

Stovold

So, the interview begins with me having a core belief in the motives that drive this lady. She is not only ambitious, and family orientated but determined within her sport. A role model for the modern woman some might say. Amy I will start with a little background if I may? Not all Absolutereaders will have an understanding of dressage so it would be a good if we can begin with your career to date? I am an international dressage rider and I have competed up to Grand Prix for Great Britain, on a horse called MacBrian, who I also competed at Olympia in 2010 and was 5th. At this point I was selected as part of the World Class Programme, where I benefitted from enormous help from them from training to sports psychology, nutrition and physiotherapy. From this, I was then selected as part of a group who got to go to the Olympics as an athlete, seeing it backstage. Taking a select few from their team, it was a chance to prepare for quite a daunting experience. It was pretty amazing and something that will never, ever leave my memory. I am forever grateful for everything this incredible organisation helped me with. So, you are an athlete, but I believe also a Mummy. How have you found this transition? I think if I am honest, I have found it tough – clearly not nearly as bad as some but I am so used to using my body daily for my work and sport that the pregnancy really threw me out of kilter! I am a slightly older mother as well so the idea of bouncing back and managing of sleepless nights was a little bit trickier. I didn’t really take a maternity leave as the horses and yard needed me back but bizarrely enough, I found that Covid almost forced me to do this – and I loved it! I found myself not stressing about all that wasn’t being done – quite simply because I couldn’t do it – and so there I was creating beaches in the garden with Florence and spending hours discussing different butterflies on the downs. I felt I really needed this space and so (whilst money was tough) I am grateful for this time. My husband is an equine vet so this helps not only with my horses on a day to day basis – it does however mean that our conversation round the dinner table can be a little horse heavy!

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I am an international dressage rider and I have competed up to Grand Prix for Great Britain, on a horse called MacBrian.

I always say that a happy horse is one that will embrace competition with swagger and confidence.” Tell us more about Covid – how did it affect your business as a whole? Ah! Covid!! I (like many I am sure) had high hopes for this year. Florence was two at the start of the year and I had various high profile shows that I was booked into. These types of shows are important because they get you in front of international judges at places such as Addington, Keysoe, Bury Farm and Hickstead - all of which cancelled their schedule within a few weeks. But this impact wasn’t just on me – I run a yard of liveries that I also teach and manage their horses and of course Covid meant liveries weren’t able to come and have lessons and clinics and most importantly their horses. From a teaching perspective, I have a lot of clients overseas (especially South Africa) and of course I was unable to travel there as well so everything ground to a halt. Tell me Amy about your approach to training horses and how it differs from most? I use a Positive Reinforcement Method with all my horses, especially the young ones. I’ve been clicker training for about 7 years now which includes food. With each click the horse learns the movements from the ground initially – this can be anything from hock flexions to actually dressage moves but it is easier on the horse without the riders load initially and this also builds confidence between horse and rider. We start using this technique on the ground with clients and it begins with mounting. So, with all our horses, and I encourage all my clients, to ensure their horse stands by the mounting block, we get on the horse and wait there until they receive a click and then a treat. Then we get on, click reward, and they take a treat from our hand. It’s not until we ask them to go, that they are allowed to move off. This is a very basic initial example but quite quickly horses learn and usually clients get on without a contact. This then builds up to more strategic dressage moves in hand. When I ride, I also use a voice command like the click (a ‘t-s-k’ sound) and then reward. So, when (for example) I get a clean movement of both hind and front moving at the same time I reward. I find this method works from the very basic movements to the very technical, such as piaffe and passage. It definitely reinforces positive behaviours in horses, instead of negative and it also gives horses a way to relax. I always say that a happy horse is one that will embrace competition with swagger and confidence. Do you then blend your incentive-based training into your teaching? From the ground to riding, what I love to see is people training their horses in a compassionate way. People tend to think horses think like humans (i.e. - “he’s in a bad mood today”) but more often than not this is probably because he’s’ in pain, or some other reason. Riders need help to read the signs and the positive reinforcement groundwork allows us to do this. From a riding perspective, I concentrate on classical dressage training and encourage people to be body aware whilst riding - you have to be able to use different parts of the body independently. Many non-riders assume that riding just includes sitting on a horse – it is very, very different! Having said that I will often go back to the basics with riders and start from the beginning with the main end goal to allow riders to be more independent.

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AMY

Stovold

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I have a new horse that I have just bought that I am very excited about. He is young but incredibly powerful and forward thinking. His stable name is Kenzo, although you will see him in competitions as Kenjiro. Reactive.” Much of your socials and website mentions TEAM STOVOLD. How important are the people and sponsors around you? They are crucial and this is why our brand is Team Stovold as opposed to just me. For example, my yard manager has been with me for 15 years and knows me and my hoses inside out. She is a friend and is the person I want to be by my side in the next chapter and as I rise again in the sport. Similarly, the equipment I use is massively important – for my saddles I use Bates which are an Australian based company that I feel is the most flexible and understanding in their approach. Again, many people assume you just choose a saddle but in actual fact each horse is different, and you need a different saddle for each horse which has to be fitted. The difference between a badly fitted saddle is night and day. For example, if your saddle isn’t level - making you tip forward or back - you will never be in the centre of the horse – which is crucial. In terms of feed, I have been using balanced horse feeds for 20 years and I love how simple and easy their feeding system is. They are a small company, but they make all the feeds on site and believe passionately that the grass roots of efficient nutrition mean no extra additives and no compromise with the composition. From my perspective I like to look smart at work. Sure, we get mucky day to day but riding I like to look good and also am in breeches all day so need to have something comfortable. EqueTech ticks all these boxes. Finally tell us about the future Amy. Well I hope it is going to be extremely bright post-covid! I have a new horse that I have just bought that I am very excited about. He is young but incredibly powerful and forward thinking. His stable name is Kenzo, although you will see him in competitions as Kenjiro. Reactive. This is the first time in a long time that I have been this excited about a horse, and I have been looking for over three years – it can be a long game this horse world! People tend to go for breeding, but for me it’s the eyes, a kind eye says it all to me. Also of course his confirmation and ride ability/willingness to work. As mentioned earlier, I tend to work young horses slowly so I won’t compete with him this year, but we will do lots of groundwork, building up from here and take him to different venues to experience somewhere else. Next season I will begin to take him out in Spring and build up – my ultimate goal is Grand Prix but it’s important to take it slow as sometimes you can scare a horse if you too much pressure with a high-level test too quickly. Of course, all of this comes at a cost. Over the years I have been lucky enough to have some amazing owners and investors that have come to support me and watch at every level. Like racing, the owners and investors can enjoy the luxury of attending the shows in the comfort of boxes and seeing their horses perform – I am always open to support from people interested in investing in a horse with me, or even those that would like to see their horse do well. For more information on supporting Amy in her next steps or simply finding out more about her sport you can follow her socials insta: @teamstovold Facebook: @teamstovolddressage Or call 07970739695

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FINE QUALITY BARBERING TEDDY EDWARDS HOVE STATION 76 GOLDSTONE VILLAS HOVE BN3 3RU

TEDDY EDWARDS SEVEN DIALS 83 DYKE ROAD BRIGHTON BN1 3JE BOOK AN APPOINTMENT ON OUR APP OR VISIT TEDED.CO.UK

FIND US ON

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IN OR OUT OF THE GYM

MODEL Sigita Nedzvecka First Model Management London uk PHOTOGRAPHY Robin Bradshaw at Bullit Photography STYLING & ART DIRECTION Kasia at The Styling Agency HAIR Sam Stockton MAKE-UP Justyna Wojdak & Angelique Henderson van Gils for Beyond Foundation CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES Stylist’s own (New Look, Misguided, ASOS, New Balance, Champion) LOCATION Underground Gym, Hove BN41 1AW

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Book now To claim your Free Dessert Enter code ‘I am the walrus’

The Walrus 10 Ship Street Brighton BN1 1AD www.thewalrusbrighton.com Info@thewalrusbrighton.com

01273 025 749

Gard en

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Pub

Res ta ura nt

Pub, Restaurant & Garden

stone’s throw from the beach on historic Ship Street in Brighton’s Lanes, you’ll find The Walrus with its labyrinth of nooks and crannies. This extensively refurbished 200 year old pub & restaurant has now re-opened.

AWARD WINNING FOOD

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“Brighton’s Best Roast”

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FIZZ F& FOOD East Beach Café

The Bali Brasserie

Limetree Kitchen

1| Littlehampton: Sea Road, BN17 5GB East Beach Cafe was completed in June 2007 and has since won more than twenty national and international awards for design, architecture, steelwork, craftsmanship and engineering. Not dissimilar to the hull of a ship, it is a self-supporting structure and an extremely complicated piece of engineering. The whole process from commissioning the architect, Thomas Heatherwick, to completion took 18 months. Thomas heads one of the world’s leading design practices and was described recently by The Times as “the most creative mind in Britain”, the East Beach Cafe was his first UK building. The emphasis is on fresh fish and locally sourced produce, cooked in a style that lets the quality shine through. The Ritz trained kitchen team produce a standard of food that is fit for such an amazing setting.

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

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

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

Curry Leaf Cafe

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

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

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

Memories of India 7| Offering traditional Indian food in a variety of flavours from all over the continent. If you’re gluten intolerant then you will be pleased to know that gluten is very rare in all Indian food due to the lack of wheat flour. On Tuesdays, you can enjoy a five-course buffet menu for £12.95

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

Market 9| If tapas style eating is your thing then MARKET, situated in the Brunswick district of Hove, is sure to deliver. With a multitude of Jamons on display and boasting a host of Spanish & Sussex food ingredients, wines, beers & spirits their Spanish inspired cuisine offers an authentic experience in a fast paced & buzzy environment. With countertop dining & chefs cooking in front of you a real draw for patrons the menu of modern tapas, including great vegan options through to meatiest of meat dishes, MARKET offers something for everyone.

Terre a terre 11| Terre a Terre is an iconic, award winning restaurant where being vegetarian is about more than just not eating meat. You can expect a variety of flavours and foods to try when you arrive. Much more interesting than the standard stuffed mushroom.

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

The Urchin Pub in Hove 13| One of Brighton’s newest offerings, the Urchin craft beer and shellfish pub is a wholly unique concept. Entirely dedicated to shellfish, matched with a range of over 100 craft beers The Urchin is something Brighton and Hove has never seen before. Seats 30 covers in the restaurant, the menu predominantly features prawns, lobster, crab and scallops.

Chambers Bistro

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

Sylvan Oak 4

15| Findon: BN14 0TE The Sussex restaurant is situated 10 minutes north of the town of Worthing in the sleepy village of Findon. The Sylvan Oak prides itself on an evolving food culture, where their head chef and proprietor Sinan Kalan presents flavoured food with amazing visual presentation. The Sylvan Oak could be perfect for that intimate occasion on the sun terrace, or can be privately hire for a party or celebration. Open most days apart from Mondays, and open for lunch and dinners. The Cuisine described by the owner as “British Fusion” which I suppose is close to dine dining and modern European. Essentially the food is professionally prepared and influences stem far and wide giving you quite a varied menu.

The Fountain Inn, Ashurst 16| Beautiful olde worlde inn in the sleepy village of Ashurst. A free house and ‘Cask Marque’ accredited, the Fountain has plenty of local ales on offer as well as the more recognised international beers and lagers. Complete with wonky floorboards, inglenook fireplaces and the heart warming smell of homemade cooking wafting in from the kitchen, you will not want to go home.

Block. 8

17| Block. is a bar with a great wine list, bringing you lots of new young wineries / vineyards, the people who, in wine that are pushing the envelope a bit. The wine is supported with great craft on draft and Brighton's first and currently only charcoal and wood burning oven, working with only the best produce from local farms, fisherman and suppliers they offer you a local meat and fish menu with a basque influence coming through, the garden at block has also recently been improved even after being voted Brighton's best garden for the last two years. So if you want gourmet restaurant quality food, but enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a bar. BLOCK is the place for you. Fridays feature the best in Brighton DJ talent.

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BARS & B BEATS The Crown and Anchor

Legends

Fortune of War

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

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

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

Idlewild 2| Haywards Heath: 65 The Broadway, West Sussex, West Sussex, RH16 3AS Centrally located in Haywards heath, this little Gem of a bar boasts cool funky décor, friendly expert mixologists with a great selection of cocktails and a wonderfully diverse and well thought food menu which caters for everyone. Pictures of sexy celebs adorn the walls of this cool atmospheric venue, which also boasts a great outdoor seated terrace area. Playing an excellent selection of music all day everyday with regular and guest DJ’s Friday and Saturday nights. A lot of thought has gone into this place and it shows.

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

My Hotel 4| If you’re after a Sex and the City venue then look no further. My Hotel is a beautifully crafted bar with curved walls, gilding pewter surfaces and low lighting, reflecting a warm and spacious cocoon. As part of the My Hotel franchise, the bar is open to non-guests to enjoy some beautifully made cocktails, a sophisticated atmosphere and an altogether glamorous night out. The bar staff are knowledgeable and helpful. This is a good place for special occasions. Everyone gets super dressed up so if you are looking to get your glad rags on and feel special this could be the place for you.

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

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

Hotel du Vin 8| A lovely start to your evening in a classy venue. The bar is part of the Hotel du Vin chain and is open to non-guests to come in and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere. It is a little on the pricey side but if it is sophistication you are after then look no further. The bar has an extensive list of wines and a wide selection of whiskies, rums and countless spirits. As well as relaxing in the main bar you can also enjoy a game of billiards located on the balcony above.

The Dragon Bar 10| Hastings: 71 George Street, Old Town, East Sussex TN34 3EE Owned by the same people as the famous Dragon Bar in Shoreditch and centrally located in the Old Town in Hastings, just a stone’s throw away from the beach. This is a fantastic bar and eatery where during the day you can sample a diverse and delicious sounding menu made up of fresh local produce, and relax and watch the hustle and bustle of the old town. Beautifully decorated with local artwork with a lively and welcoming ambience. A vast selection of drinks with premium spirits, and live DJ’s at the weekend. Attracts an eclectic crowd of varying ages.

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

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

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

The Loft Lounge and Bar 3

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

Gin Tub 5

15| The exciting tastes of international gins in a superb interior of our newly opened Gin Tub Cocktail bar. Finally somewhere to drink after all the great Hove restaurants. With well over 80 gins – bespoke cocktails – craft beers and ales. We have also created flight boards to try new spirits. Bespoke Cocktails, craft beers, IPA’s and all the normal beers and spirits too. Under The Tub Welcome to the Rum Cage, where the spirits and specifically the rum never dry out. With a bar selection of some of the best rums, oh and of course some of our favourite gins.

Cocktail Shack 7

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

The Rocking Horse 8

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

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Brighton

BeachClub Relax & Unwind In The Cities Latest Venue Brighton BeachClub The Milkmaid Pavilion 26 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 2LN 01273 206523 info@brightonbeachclub.com

www.brightonbeachclub.com @btnbeachclub

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Relax & Unwind In The Cities Latest Venue Brighton BeachClub The Milkmaid Pavilion 26 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 2LN 01273 206523 info@brightonbeachclub.com www.brightonbeachclub.com @btnbeachclub

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Wahaca Seasonal, sustainable, and all set for the end of summer. Wahaca launches their new menu!

ven if you have not had the pleasure of eating in Wahaca, you would surely have heard of the Mexican Street food behemoth that has taken the country by storm since celebrity chef Thomasina Miers opened her first restaurant back in 2006, just a year after she shot to stardom winning BBC’s Masterchef program. The substantial chain has been one of the biggest successes of the show’s winners and you cannot miss Brighton’s very own Wahaca restaurant, which has been towering over North Street since 2016. I have probably visited six or seven times since it opened and just love their award-winning street food. From delicious tacos to burritos, salads to nachos plus many more Mexican market treats along with a cocktail bar shaking up fresh blends with a modern twist! Having recently reopened after lockdown, and as we have gotten wind of the launch of their brand new Summer menu featuring vibrant seasonal street food dishes created by Thomasina and her team of chefs, we could not resist popping in to our go to Mexican eatery to see what exciting new delights they have come up with. Arriving for lunch, we found it comforting to find all the recommended precautions are being adhered to. A pristinely clean waiting area with sanitisers and hand washing facilities has been constructed at the entrance which is big enough to be able to keep your distance from the staff and other customers. The welcoming staff make the extra steps we need to take for our safety no hassle at all. We follow the well-designed one-way system round the restaurant to our table by the huge window looking out on to the bustling North Street, on the way admiring the wall-art designed by local Mexican artist Mazat, loving that such a well-known chain will invest in local creatives. We immediately warm to Heather, our incredibly friendly and knowledgeable waitress as we get comfortable in our seats and she takes us through the ever-expanding menu, which she proudly announces is now fifty percent vegetarian and, as always, has a huge focus on sustainability, boasting high quality cruelty-free British farmed meat, organic seasonal veg, and strict standards when it comes to fish selection, never endangered or in breeding season.

I have probably visited six or seven times since it opened and just love their award-winning street food.

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We order a “trio of salsas” alongside three of the new street food dishes to share, as well as two of the bigger plates and a side of sweet potato “bravas,” and it is not long before the plates start to appear. Everything is cooked to order so courses in the traditional sense does not exist here, everything just turns up as it is ready. The trio of mild tomatillo, medium spiced chipotle, and hot and spicy macha salsas are first to arrive though and heather runs through which is which, so we do not get any unwelcome surprises. I’ll start with the street food small plates, which were all delightful additions to the menu. The Devon crab and avocado tostadas made the perfect light appetiser. Crunchy tortillas layered with slices of creamy avocado and topped with zesty crab and a punchy chipotle sauce drizzled over the top, which somehow heightened the delicate flavour of the crab without overpowering. A great palette cleansing dish. The crispy three-cheese and serrano chilli croquettes served with an invigorating tomato salsa were lots of fun and bursting with flavour. A crisp shell reveals a decadent gooey cheese centre. great for dunking in the chipotle salsa. My personal favourite of the three was the vegan roast garden vegetable tacos. Combining Lovely bold fresh earthy flavours to create a dish that is very tasty indeed, soft tortillas topped with Riverford organic carrot, caramelised onion, crunchy herb mole and in-house made beetroot crisps. A plate of food that is satisfyingly filling as well as delicious, with the flavours further exaggerated by the spicy macha salsa from the trio that I drizzled all over.

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Wahaca

The Ancho chilli rub really brought the flavour of the mushrooms to the forefront making this a spectacularly flavoursome plate of food.

On to the bigger plates. For the first time ever, I pimped up my slow-cooked pork pibil burrito to “ultimate” so it was topped with a rich tomato sauce, melted cheese and fresh guacamole, and it is a decision I will certainly not live to regret. I love Wahaca Burritos, they are stuffed so full of meat, black beans, green rice salsas, and slaw to the point it is a mystery how they are still able to still roll them. They are so unbelievably tasty as they come. The sauce, melty cheese and guacamole really added a whole other level though. Very naughty indeed! My companion plumped for grilled mushroom enchilada, with ancho rubbed mushrooms, melted cheese, green rice and beans. The Ancho chilli rub really brought the flavour of the mushrooms to the forefront making this a spectacularly flavoursome plate of food. Our side of sweet potato bravas were lovely and crisp on the outside and fluffy in the middle, the accompanying serrano aioli and smoky hibiscus dip worked well together in this innovative take on the classic tapa. After all that I was adamant that there would be absolutely no way we would be able to find room for dessert, however when Heather returned and recommended Wahaca signature churros washed down with a pot of mint tea, we somehow ended up ordering them. I am glad we did as they were a great fun way to finish ourselves off. These were light and crisp. With dark chocolate and sweet caramel sauce for dunking, I can’t see who couldn’t enjoy these. Well worth squeezing them in no matter how full you think you are. Always impressed by the service and quality of food, as well as their laudable commitment to sustainability, which is why we go back time and time again to Wahaca. The inspired new additions to the menu are a must try, and we will certainly be back for more. Tony Shattell Wahaca www.wahaca.co.uk 160-161 North Street, Brighton, BN1 1EZ 01273 934763

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6 Pool Valley, Brighton. BN1 1NJ

31 Ship Street, Brighton. BN1 1AD

Handmade daily using local produce and top quality ingredients. -Vegan options-non gluten containing options-cups-cones-takehome tubswww.bohogelato.co.uk

INDIAN SUMMER FABULOUS NEW MENU

EAT IN OR TAKEAWAY VIA DELIVEROO

70 EAST STREET • BRIGHTON • EAST SUSSEX • BN1 1HQ 01273 711001 @IndianSummerBrighton www.indiansummerbrighton.co.uk

HOTEL du Vin Hotel du Vins Parisian style bistro and as Victor Hugo once said, "Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.” My invitation to Hotel du Vin’s Parisian style bistro did exactly that. This steadfast French cuisine is capable of driving away any winter blues with their freshly baked baguettes, Moules Marinieres and classic cassoulet.

righton's sophisticated and vibrant culinary scene is ever-evolving with fresh and relevant dishes that rival any major city and it takes a winning recipe to secure a loyal following, which Hotel du Vin has succeeded to do year after year.

The distinctive du Vin brand is all about inspired French home style cooking in an elegant and unpretentious setting. Located only 100 yards from the city's famous promenade and painted in a cross between sage and Russian green, this eye catching building is a tranquil oasis amidst Brighton's hedonistic merriment. The medieval style chateau, complete with gothic style gargoyles, a cosy courtyard and divine Tudor entrance dates back to 1695. Over the years the collection of buildings has slotted together like an extraordinary jigsaw puzzle and this has created charm and character like no other. This is a unique gem in The Lanes famous conservation area of gobbled stones and history. There are 49 charming rooms with an immense bar, exposed brick work and a life sized mural of known faces over looking the main hall, as though you have been invited to an exclusive soirée.

This is a unique gem in The Lanes famous conservation area of gobbled stones and history.

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As you arrive in the main reception the heavily carved opulent staircase is striking without being ostentatious, beautifully and balanced with the Du Vin’s signature chic styling. There is an eye catching Alice in Wonderland style wall of clocks in all shapes and sizes and the vibe is modern meets gothic, eccentric meets elegant - a timeless and balanced style. Arriving on a chilly Thursday evening our welcome was as warm and inviting as the surrounding décor. We were invited through to the extensive split-level lounge bar for an aperitif. Dark brown leather Chesterfield seating lined the exposed brick work walls, whilst luxurious, dusty rose, velvet chairs created a subtle grace amongst the masculine décor. At 7:30pm the bar area was vibrant with a mix of individuals and small groups. As I enjoy chatting to the mixologists, we decided to perch at the bar. The du Vin Bar boasts over 100 whiskeys as well as an extensive cocktail menu, wines and beers. Continuing with the French theme, I decided to try the French 75, one of my favourite light and refreshing cocktails. My dining companion opted for a crisp glass of Bernard Defaix Chablis. Our maître d' for the evening, Luigi, introduced himself and asked if we were ready to continue to the bistro. The restaurant is at the heart of this enchanting building and has wall to ceiling bi-folding doors. The spacious room has a central dining area in tiffany blue, enhanced by marble tables and candle light. A stunningly restored fireplace gives a warm inviting feel and the artwork has a subtle aquatic theme, in keeping with the seaside city.

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HOTELdu Vin

“

It was clear that this was by far the best meal we have had in Brighton this year. A salute to the best of French cuisine in an environment both warm and welcoming, yet sophisticated and delicate."

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French cuisine is renowned for bread, sauces, wines and decadent desserts which could be pegged as rather excessive on the waistline, but thanks to cunning portion size, control and a respect for the finest, freshest flavours the French are certainly not depriving or over-indulging. I suppose my love of French cuisine was launched in my early twenties when I read Mirelle Guiliano’s 'French women don't get Fat - The Secret to eating for pleasure’. Ever since, I have had an affinity with the French paradox laid out in this book. Gazing over the new seasonal menu, I decided to go all out and order with pure 'gastronomic pleasure' at the forefront of my mind instead of calorie counting. The menu caters for all with vegetarian and vegan options, salads and steaks and a whole host of traditional home style French dishes. As we named the theme of the evening as ‘Dining for Pleasure,' we decided to opt for dishes that we could share and discuss. Our charming and professional Miatre'd Luigi suggested that he would assist with appropriate wines to complement each of our courses. Luigi was unobtrusive, but completely aware of our needs. To start, we ordered the Pan seared Scallops with Cobble lane saucisson, samphire, confit garlic and seaweed butter and the soft boiled Goosnargh duck egg with asparagus and brown crab mayonnaise. This was an artful combination almost too pretty to eat and a divine culinary synthesis combining a French recipes with the Lancashire duck egg. The flavours were rich, but not complex and the type of light bite you can easily enjoy on a sunny afternoon with a glass of wine. Luigi demonstrated a passion for his role and knowledge of the food and wine that I have not witnessed in a long time. It was a joy having him look after us and before we had even ordered our main course, we both agreed that he had left an impression that would ensure our swift return to this bistro.

Moving on to the main course and fully immersing ourselves in French dining, it was clear that the best dish to share and to experience the crème de la crème of Hotel du Vin’s Bistro was the Chateaubriand. This French classic named after French aristocrat Francois-rene de Chateaubriand, whose chef invented this method of cooking a large boneless cut of beef. This pure, decadent tenderloin filet is a large portion made for sharing. The dish was completed with pomme frites, sautéed spinach, haricot verts or greens and classic béarnaise and peppercorn sauces on the side. With a cut so tender and cooked to perfection, we found ourselves avoiding the added sauces in order to fully appreciate this divine dish. Dessert was a challenge. Despite my attempt to not over indulge, the food was exceptional and this continued through to the crème brulee and tarte au citron. As the wine flowed and we continued to chat to the waiter and mairt'd it was clear to both of us that this was by far the best meal we have had in Brighton this year. A salute to the best of French cuisine in an environment both warm and welcoming, yet sophisticated and delicate. It’s good to finally find a place to escape the perpetually frenetic streets of Brighton and indulge in a laid-back French dining where the cooking is simply about layering flavours and mastering basic techniques whilst savouring every tasty morsel. Lindsay Katherine Hills www.hotelduvin.com/locations/brighton

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Yamee

@ the Coopers Cask

Well-seasoned jerk chicken so tender it fell off the bone with the slightest touch. Obviously marinated for hours in incredibly flavoursome Jerk spices. Maximum succulence, with the perfect balance of heat, sweet and savoury.

righton has long been established as a foodie destination, attracting talented chefs to the restaurants showcasing cuisine from around the globe. The pubs in Brighton and Hove must think outside the box in order to compete, not only with the restaurants, but with each other, and that is one of the things I

love about this town. Pop into any pub in the city and you will likely find an exotic menu of taste sensations, be it Bau Buns at the pond, American style buffalo wings at the Joker, or Indian street food at the Hampton. There is one type of cuisine that the city of Brighton and Hove has been sorely lacking over the years however, one that I have been yearning for, and that is Caribbean. Yes, there is the odd takeaway, and a side of the road food van that does particularly well, but nowhere I can think of where I have been able to sit down and enjoy some wonderful home-cooked West Indian flavours. Enter Marcus Smith-Taylor, an incredibly talented chef with an impressive history of holding some very high profile positions including personal chef for the Qatar royal family, and Anthony Ayton, a local entrepreneur and stand-up comedian who grew up on his mother’s traditional Jamaican recipes, two friends, who whilst chatting over one of their regular poker games, also noticed the gap in the marked and came up with Yamee, the answer all my prayers, setting up home at one of

The Coopers Cask is a lovely little pub in the Brunswick area of Hove that I have been somewhat of a regular visitor to for years. The food served here is consistently excellent.

Hove’s best boozers, the Coopers Cask. I can finally sit and enjoy one of my all-time favourite cuisines alongside a lovely refreshing beer, as well as in the comfort of my home through their click and collect option, Uber-Eats and Deliveroo. The Coopers Cask is a lovely little pub in the Brunswick area of Hove that I have been somewhat of a regular visitor to for years. The food served here is consistently excellent, and until now the menu has consisted of mainly gastropub style cuisine. I wondered how the regulars would react to such a bold menu change. Very well it turns out, as we arrived almost every table was taken up by diners eagerly chowing down on some lovely looking plates of food. They manage to squeeze us in, and after ordering mains and a selection of sides from the barman it is not long before Anthony and Markus bring us our dinner.

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Yamee

@ the Coopers Cask

Two Turmeric infused flatbreads topped with a delightful garlicky chickpea curry, companied with a hot tamarind sauce and a cucumber salsa. This epitome of Trinidad’s street food culture was spicy, messy and sensational, one for carnivores and vegans alike.

What makes Yamee work great as a concept is that Anthony brings his vast knowledge of how to cook traditional dishes, and Markus, who has no preconceived ideas about this style of cooking, is eager to put his own spin on the proceedings.

I’ll begin with my Jerk Chicken main which was simply phenomenal. Well-seasoned grilled chicken that was so tender it fell off the bone with the slightest touch. Obviously marinated for hours in incredibly flavoursome Jerk spices. Maximum succulence, with the perfect balance of heat, sweet and savoury. Served with some delicious nicely spiced rice and peas, and a lovely crisp sweet coleslaw to cool things down. My companion was equally impressed with her vegan doubles, in fact she has been raving about it ever since. Two Turmeric infused flatbreads topped with a delightful garlicky chickpea curry, companied with a hot tamarind sauce and a cucumber salsa. This epitome of Trinidad’s street food culture was spicy, messy and sensational, one for carnivores and vegans alike. We went a bit crazy on the starters/sides as they all looked so tantalising, as well as all priced at under a fiver so we simply could not resist! Saltfish fritters, fried dumplings, vegan patties potato rosti, and polenta chips surrounded our main plates and each dish was shear perfection. The fritters were very tasty indeed, crispy, chewy and delicately seasoned so great for dipping in the various sauces that come with the mains, as were the plantain and potato rostis that had a gentle sweet aftertaste. The handmade vegan patties were insanely good, a light crisp pastry generously stuffed full of a lavish filling of Ackee, spices, vegan cheese and chilli’s that tasted divine. My personal favourite that I will be ordering every visit, is the spicy polenta chips, though I am not sure how Caribbean they are. Vegan friendly lightly salted crisp and chewy cheesy morsels that left me hankering for more. Oh, and do not forget to order the delicious traditional fried dumplings to mop up all the gravy. Anyone who regularly cooks Caribbean food will tell you that there are very fixed ideas about the “right” way to do things, as recipes get handed down through the generations. What makes Yamee work great as a concept is that Anthony brings his vast knowledge of how to cook traditional dishes, and Markus, who has no pre-conceived ideas about this style of cooking, is eager to put his own spin on the proceedings. This combined produces some inspired and exceptionally tasty dishes that will have you coming back to the Coopers Cask pub time and time again. Or if that seems like too much effort then their delicious dishes are only a mouse click or phone tap away. Tony Shattell Yamee at the Coopers Cask 3 Farm Rd, Hove BN3 1FB, 01273 736945 www.yamee.co.uk. www.ubereats.com. www.deliveroo.co.uk

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BPPier_advert.pdf

01/07/2020

13:07

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The

Athenian

Authentic street food specialities inspired by the traditional flavours of Greece, executed with contemporary tastes in mind.

aving been furloughed from my day job at the end of March this year due to the government lockdown, I have had a lot more free time on my hands to be able to cook decent meals at home, and yet the amount I have been spending on takeaways over the last few months seems to have skyrocketed…Go figure? With so many local restaurants now offering takeaway services the sheer amount of choices available to us now means that rather than slaving away in the kitchen, I have probably spent hours perusing the various takeaway websites trying to decide what I fancy eating. Recently, whilst browsing on Deliveroo, The Athenian caught my eye. A new kid on the block offering authentic Greek street food such as Souvlaki and Gyros, mouth-watering sides that showcase traditional flavours of Greece but with contemporary tastes in mind, and a huge array of vegetarian and vegan options to boot. I had an instant “OMG I have to try this” moment and got stuck into ordering what was likely to be far too much food for my wife and I to handle (as is always the case with me when it comes to ordering takeaway). I do love a leftover breakfast though!

Whilst waiting for my order to arrive curiosity got the better of me and I had a little delve into this wonderful concept. As it turns out the Athenian has no less than six successful London restaurants already as well as one in Bristol. Launched in 2014 by two brothers Efthymios and Neofytos with a desire to transform perceptions of Greek cuisine from outdated tourist tropes and offer a real taste of modern Greece here in the UK, using only the finest quality ingredients from independent Greek farmers and producers as well as local businesses here in the UK. The Athenian has only recently set up shop in Brighton and is currently operating on a delivery only basis on Deliveroo, which is rather ideal for these strange times. The more I read about The Athenian the more impressed I become, and my anticipation builds for what is surely going to be a delectable Hellenic treat to remember.

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A new kid on the block offering authentic Greek street food such as Souvlaki and Gyros, mouth-watering sides that showcase traditional flavours of Greece but with contemporary tastes in mind

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Our dinner arrives within the allotted time and it is great to see that it all comes in bio-degradable packaging. I was lucky enough to have several Greek-Cypriot friends growing up and the smells emanating from said packaging instantly transported me back to my youth, going around to their houses for dinner and experiencing home-cooked recipes handed down through the generations. My Pork and red onion gyros is just delicious. A generous portion of crispy pork shavings cooked to perfection oozing with delicious bitter caramelized chilli onion relish that adds a lovely sharpness to the proceedings and somehow enhance the flavour of the meat, crunchy oregano specked fries and crisp refreshing salad all wrapped up in a warm and fluffy pita. The freshness of the quality ingredients is certainly apparent, and the incredible range of flavours and textures make up a truly simple yet wonderful delicacy that is executed brilliantly by The Athenian. My wife, who is a recently converted vegetarian, thought the seitan-based vegan chicken in her gyros was even more tasty than the real deal and loved every mouthful of it. The sides are every bit as impressive as the main event, and even though the gyros are very filling indeed we manage to get through all three of the sides we have ordered with zero leftovers for breakfast as we could not leave them alone! I have never experienced sweet potato fries as crispy as these. You can add a whole host of toppings and sauces such as extra gyros and traditional sauces. We plumped for Feta cheese and it did not disappoint, salty, creamy, and the perfect accompaniment to the sweet chips. The halloumi fries were chunky and plentiful and came topped with smoky paprika and fresh oregano to enhance the salty cheese, also complimented by a lovely creamy homemade Athenian sauce for dunking them in. It was the courgette fritters that really stole the show however, light, aromatic and oh so moreish. They had an intense flavour that just blew me away. We absolutely loved The Athenian and I have no doubt we will be back for more. Everything on the menu looks delicious and I really hope they open a dine-in restaurant in Brighton once things start to get back to normal. In the meantime however I am content that I no longer have to spend hours searching through food delivery sites as I have a new go-to which I can see myself ordering on a weekly basis! Tony Shattell The Athenian. www.theathenian.co.uk www.deliveroo.co.uk

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Bok Shop The humble chicken burger… Often an afterthought on a burger restaurant menu, the second class citizen to its meaty counterpart, is well and truly brought to the forefront of Brighton’s now well established independent fried-chicken focussed eatery. Having only heard good things, and being a well-documented gourmet burger enthusiast, I was more than excited to be invited to try them out.

n a prime location just off the seafront on Brighton’s bustling East Street, The Bok Shop exudes a relaxed and welcoming vibe. This is a cool, light and airy establishment, decorated minimisticly with black and white brick walls, naked LED bulbs hanging from the ceiling, and littered with picnic benches, as well as some outdoor seating. We chose our spot next to the huge bay windows, perfect for people watching and took in our surroundings. We were salivating over the quite wonderful smells emanating from the kitchen window, while the chef, in full view of the diners, was busily going about his craft. Taking a quick detour downstairs to use the bathroom, I came across the downstairs dining area, which in contrast to the main room had more of a rustic feel. There are bare wood walls and ceiling, decorated with fairy lights and funky artwork, with an impressive, yet slightly out of place library of classic VHS horror films on display. I made a mental note to ask about that, but then forgot! Upon taking our seat again, Hannah, our incredibly friendly and helpful waitress was more than happy to go through the menu, bringing our attention to the lunchtime deal (£9.50 for any burger, side and soft drink), and offering to answer any questions we may have. The menu is fairly straightforward however it features a selection of classic and bespoke imaginative chicken burgers, which could all be made vegetarian or vegan with spice coated faux chicken. Chicken pieces and wings with various sauces, including vegan nuggets, and a comprehensive list of classic tempting sides and homemade dips all combine to make this one delicious menu.. The comprehensive drinks menu displayed a great selection of craft beers, Bok Shop own red/white/rose wine, fizz, spirits and soft drinks, as well as crooked alcoholic soda. In the interest of journalism I massively over-ordered so I could sample as much of the menu as possible. I was immediately drawn to “The Bossman” burger, described as a “beast” on the menu, with Bok barbecue sauce, lettuce cucumber, thigh fillet, cheese, hash brown and topped with even more barbeque sauce. I coupled it with some fried pickles, and rounded off my order with six spicy “Bokadoosh Wings.” My wife and dining companion Sally shook her head and sighed at my obvious greed, and prudently ordered two chicken pieces, with homemade mash and chicken gravy.

We were salivating over the quite wonderful smells emanating from the kitchen window, while the chef, in full view of the diners, was busily going about his craft.

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Bok Shop The Bok shop certainly lived up to the hype and I will be dragging my poor wife back soon to witness me massively over-order and devour more delicious succulent chicken very soon.” Despite it being a particularly busy lunchtime, it did not take long for our food to arrive. Assuming the wings were to share, they were placed in the middle of the table. When I explained they were all for me Hannah wished me luck, and then brought out the rest. My burger was simply huge and I was relieved I had not opted to “double up” on the thigh fillet, as I struggled to take the first bite with sauce and bits of hash brown dripping down my chin! I am happy to say the Bossman Burger is as delicious as it is big. The thigh fillet is so juicy, moist and flavoursome, with the twangy homemade barbecue sauce really standing out and the crunchy hash brown and oozing cheese adding an incomparable dose of pure satisfaction in every bite. The Bokodoosh wings were equally as juicy and coated in a spicy rich crunchy batter which had a lovely kick. They come drizzled in hot Korean Gochujang sauce to give them an extra punch, though by no means overpowering the delicious taste of the chicken. The fried pickles were some of the best I have had; juicy fat twangy sticks with a signature crispy, buttery batter – perfect for dipping in any one of the Bok Shop homemade dips. I refrained from adding the sauce however, concluding none was needed to enjoy these magnificent creations, though occasionally mopping up some leftover from the wings. My wife reluctantly allowed me to sample some of her food too! I was straight in there. Tearing off some of her perfectly cooked tender chicken breast and dunking it in the gloriously creamy mash and delightful gravy. Oh wow, this is what fried-chicken dreams are made of. Tasting the Bok Shop batter in all its glory, without the salads buns and sauces was just heavenly and I could not resist going in again to suck the bones dry the moment Sally had finished eating. As we washed it all down with a couple of crooked alco-sodas I stared at the mound of bones hoping to find one last morsel to enjoy, even though my hunger was more than satisfied. In fact I have to admit I felt ever so slightly uncomfortably full, and loving it! The Bok shop certainly lived up to the hype and I will be dragging my poor wife back soon to witness me massively over-order and devour more delicious succulent chicken very soon. www.thebokshop.com

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BBC Good Food Magazine ‘Britain’s 12 Best Indian Restaurants’ SIBA Awards 2019 ‘UK’s Best Craft Beer Restaurant’ Waitrose Good Food Guide 2020 ‘Local Gem’

SOUTH INDIAN STREET FOOD & CRAFT BEER

BRIGHTON LANES CAFE

60 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AE

KEMPTOWN KITCHEN

40 Upper St James St, Brighton BN2 1JN

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Kindling “Nature writes our menu as the seasons inspire the food we cook.”

umerous scientific studies have highlighted the impact our diets have on the environment, touting the benefits of sourcing food ethically and locally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and savvy marketeers are attaching the term sustainability to almost everything. It was only a matter of time until the restaurant industry took notice. In a bid to appeal to the growing amount of eco-conscious among us, often do we hear the words “seasonal” and “locally sourced produce” from restaurants in their mission statements. Thankfully, for a growing number of them these are more than just buzzwords to be thrown around none more so than the team behind Kindling. Having successfully run Brighton’s premier vegetarian restaurant “Food for Friends” Jane and Ramin Mostowfi teamed up with chefs Holly Taylor, Toby Geneen and Jake Ayliffe launched Kindling towards the end of last year and made it their mission to go above and beyond to minimise their carbon footprint, and most importantly, do this without compromising on creativity or flavour. Passionate about preventing waste, Not only does every dish showcase the very best fresh locally sourced, and often foraged seasonal fruit and vegetables, but they also make use of every last scrap of them. Their meat is sourced ethically and raised by farmers who believe in cruelty free care, whole animals are purchased by the restaurant to make incredible tasty and innovative dishes from every part, and they take care to source fish from ethical local fisherman who respect their habitats.

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A new kid on the block offering authentic Greek street food such as Souvlaki and Gyros, mouth-watering sides that showcase traditional flavours of Greece but with contemporary tastes in mind

The restaurant itself is a thing of beauty. Marble-topped tables whitewashed tiled walls and high ceilings adorned with spotlights and hanging plants create a lovely serene atmosphere and a good sense of space. the tables are nicely separated so customers aren’t on top of each other. The kitchen is on full view behind a bar area, giving Toby and Holly a commanding presence over the room and it is lovely to see them already hard at work preparing food and cooking on the open fire the restaurant takes its name from. The menu changes regularly and is totally dependent on what their local supplier has at the time or what they can forage. It is simple to navigate, consisting of snacks, starters, mains, sides and deserts, with vegetarian and vegan options throughout. Flip it over to reveal a rousing and extensive wine list displaying specially selected wines from around the globe. We are seated at the bar overlooking the kitchen and Toby is happy to recommend wines to complement our food selection. A specials board hangs over the dining area, currently displaying innovative dishes made from various parts of a whole Saddlescombe mutton they had delivered that morning and some exciting wine recommendations. We begin the proceedings with a delightful fondant of carrot top infused with garlic and almonds amuse bouche. A lovely way to begin our adventure, already showcasing the chef’s talents as well as their commitment to strive for zero waste. This is swiftly followed up by a favourite snack of mine, plump juicy spicy red Padron peppers from Chefs farm with homemade garlic mayonnaise that packed quite a punch! My light and delicate starter, Beetroot cooked in beef fat with smoked plaice roe, walnut and leaves was just divine with beautifully presented deep purple, pink and yellow beetroots scattered on the plate and they tasted incredible, the beef fat giving the flavour a whole new dimension. My companion plumped for grilled leeks with Petworth fried egg, hazelnuts and lord of the hundreds cheese. An interesting choice of main ingredient which I would never have considered. Holly and Toby were not afraid to show off however, with the salty cheese and walnuts only enhancing the leeks distinct bold earthy flavour. A simple yet very effective plate of food.

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The beef tastes incredible! With a distinct buttery flavour that is further highlighted with minimal seasoning and the complimenting mild and nutty chimichurri. Delicious! My main course consisted of grilled retired dairy beef with swede puree, gem, and chimichurri, and it was very interesting indeed. Apparently, most farmers are still not aware they can sell on retired dairy cows so many are slaughtered and go to waste. The beef however tastes incredible! With a distinct buttery flavour that is further highlighted with minimal seasoning and the complimenting mild and nutty chimichurri. Delicious! My companion plumped for the fish optio; grilled red mullet with courgette and sea aster in a bisque. This incredibly tasty dish was on another level in terms of fishy flavour. The red mullet’s inherent oiliness, perky flakes and its particular depth in flavour really stood out despite the bisque having a wonderful intensity that I expected to overpower the flavour of the fish, but it was so smooth it complimented and even exaggerated the essence of the main attraction. Sublime! When you visit Kindling, please do make sure you save some room for dessert. The incredibly well thought out dessert menu was just too tantalising to ignore. I could not resist Holly’s homemade carrot cake Tiramisu which was just incredible. Moist, spiced carrot cake, AND sweet, irresistible creamy coffee topping, with the added excitement of crunchy caramelised walnuts to boot! My companion opted for the refreshing blackberry sorbet with fresh foraged blackberries, meringue, and a large shot of premium vodka which she poured all over it. A wonderful light, refreshing and zesty dessert and a great fun way to end an evening. Kindling is quite simply perfection. Holly and Toby worked energetically and harmoniously throughout the evening ensuring every plate of food was 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. Their unwavering commitment sustainability through sourcing the very best local ingredients and minimising waste through innovative uses of every part of the ingredient whether it be fish, animal or plant is commendable. With the menu constantly changing, I cannot wait to see what they come up with next! Tony Shattell Kindling Restaurant. 69 East Street. Brighton BN1 1HQ www.kindlingrestaurant.com 01273 732534 bookings@kindlingrestaurant.com

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Blue

Vanilla Bakes

Birthday? Wedding? Or just plain hungry? These are the show-stopping cakes to satisfy your sweet tooth!

f you are looking for a cake for a major celebration or just a little token to show you care, Blue Vanilla Bakes will have you covered with a tantalising range of cakes, cupcakes, cookies & brownies made to order for any occasion. Local entrepreneur Abbie Wooltorton has had a passion for baking for as long as she can remember. Like many of us, Abbie has had plenty of time on her hands for the last few months whilst being on furlough from her day job, but rather than waste this new found freedom she has taken the time to reflect and reassess what is important to her, and has turned what she loves into a small business. I came across Blue Vanilla Bakes recently at a small gathering of friends, when the host brought out a tray of beautifully presented and ever so tasty biscuit brownies which went down a storm with all her guests. None more so than I. When I bit into the crispy shell to reveal the gooey centre it was like an explosion of heavenly chocolate fudgy decadence. By far the best brownies I have ever tasted. The rest of the guests all seemed to agree, but what amazed me the most was that they were gluten free too! I immediately logged on to the Blue Vanilla Bakes Instagram page and ordered a cake for my wife’s birthday.

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When I bit into the crispy shell to reveal the gooey centre it was like an explosion of heavenly chocolate fudgy decadence.

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Lighter than air sponge with a lovely strawberry jam filling, smothered in a layer of crisp chocolate and a velvety, decadently sweet buttercream icing, adorned with gooey meringue, and fresh chocolate coated strawberries and blueberries to finish. It was simply incredible.”

Ordering was easy. I simply sent Abbie a message from her page with my requirements. She got back to me in no time with some options, from which I decided on a rather innovative sounding Eaton Mess cake. What arrived surpassed all my already high expectations! Lighter than air sponge with a lovely strawberry jam filling, smothered in a layer of crisp chocolate and a velvety, decadently sweet buttercream icing, adorned with gooey meringue, and fresh chocolate coated strawberries and blueberries to finish. It was simply incredible, and it wowed our birthday dinner guests! I am certain Abbie gained a few more customers that evening! If you need a cake for any occasion, or just fancy a sweet treat, look no further than Blue Vanilla Bakes. Choose from any of her array of expertly crafted brownies, delightful cookies or tantalising cupcakes, or just let Abbie know what your heart desires and she will create something truly wonderful that will be certain to impress. Menu and price list can be accessed via the Blue Vanilla Bakes Instagram account under highlights. GF & vegan options are available. To place an order or an enquiry simply send Abbie a message via either the Blue Vanilla Bakes Facebook or Instagram pages. Tony Shattell Facebook: www.facebook.com/bluevanillabakes/ Instagram: @bluevanillabakes www.instagram.com/bluevanillabakes/

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Absolute London Life A Festive Season in London.

Here are the latest festive Absolute London discoveries to satisfy all your eating, drinking, cultural and retail therapy needs, found all over the beautiful city of London this wonderfully wintery season.

The Ivy, Tower Bridge. This beautiful restaurant is right on the river by Tower Bridge in a truly super location with great views, and just a short walk down the river from London Bridge station. There are a range of Ivy grills, brasseries and cafes in the Ivy Collection, and every Ivy I have visited feels wonderfully unique and each is adorned with beautiful botanical décor giving the feel of a small oasis in the heart of a bustling town or city. On my recent visit we skipped the starters as tempting as they were and went straight for the superb main dishes. There is always a wonderful mix of seasonal dishes along with popular classics created with clever twists. So, if you fancy a burger or a steak and fries, then that’s exactly what you can choose. On this occasion I opted for the classic fish and chips with mushy peas and tartar sauce (£16.50). Then for pudding I ordered the amazing chocolate bombe (£9.50), which was a divine melting chocolate dome filled with vanilla ice-cream and honeycomb covered with hot salted caramel sauce. The Ivy also serves a great choice of delicious non-alcoholic cocktails. My favourites are the Elderflower Garden (£5.95). This is a delicious mix of Seedlip Garden non-alcoholic aperitif, with elderflower cordial mixed with Fever Tree Elderflower tonic, and garnished with cucumber ribbons and edible flowers. But if that’s a little too much elderflower for your tastes, then my other favourite is the equally delicious Farmhouse Fruit Bowl (£5.95), which is quite simply a mix of pear, morello cherry, lemon and apple fruit flavours mixed with London Essence Co Rhubarb and Cardamom Soda. The service at the Ivy is always impeccable, with delicious menus and each dish arrives beautifully presented. It’s everything you would expect from the infamous Ivy brand. The Ivy Tower Bridge also offers a glorious space perfect for private dining, events and parties. There are also superb vegetarian menus, set group menus and brunch menus as well as afternoon tea. The Ivy, Tower Bridge. One Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2AA. www.theivytowerbridge.com

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A.O.K kitchen. I have been for lunch here several times and the dishes are delicious, and the service is always brilliant. The decor is a fantastic feast for the eyes, and it feels as though you are entering a beautiful blossom filled oasis tucked away in the heart of pretty Marylebone. My favourite dishes on the menu are the indulgent starter of Scottish Scallops Carpaccio (£16), and the delicious main course of smoked aubergine with roasted buckwheat and feta cheese (£20) with a side of wilted spinach (£5), all washed down with a couple of gloriously crisp glasses of Whispering Angel rose wine. A truly sublime meal, and a great restaurant that’s certainly worth a visit. A.O.K kitchen. 52-55 Dorset Street, London, W1U 7NH. www.aokkitchen.co.uk

100 Wardour Street.

The Brasserie of Light.

100 Wardour Street is a super location for drinks, dinner and good music all in one venue. I have been here lots over the years for birthday dinners, brunches and to visit the huge club downstairs that hosts live music and DJs at the weekend to help you dance the night away.

The Brasseries of Light restaurant is a stunning art deco restaurant found in Selfridges on the first floor. This light and airy space offers fresh and seasonal dishes for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and supper. The delightful bar area is perfect for cocktails and the chic dining room is the ideal space for private dining events or parties.

On a birthday dinner night out last month, we ordered from the 3-course set dinner menu which is fantastic value at just £20 and you can add free-flowing wine for just an extra £10 per person. The starter was a delicious and warming bowl of seasonal pumpkin and chestnut soup garnished with pumpkin seeds and croutons, followed by a hearty main course of pan-fried seabass with broccoli in a citrus butter sauce. Finally, pudding was a tasty warm vanilla crème brûlée with a peanut butter cookie. The meal was great and then of course we had just had to spend the rest of the night at the club to dance it all off. 100 Wardour Street. 100 Wardour Street, London, W1F 0TN. www.100wardourst.com

Recently I indulged myself with one of their amazing passion fruit Cosmopolitans (£9.75), while taking my time to ponder over the delectable dinner menu. Eventually I settled on the light and tasty starter of popcorn shrimp with a spicy sauce (£9.50), which was followed by a huge portion of butternut and saffron risotto with goat cheese, king oyster mushrooms and rocket (£13.95). I ate every crumb obviously. It was amazing! The Brasserie of Light. 400 Oxford Street, Duke Street, London W1A 1AB. www.brasserie-of-light.co.uk

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The O2 London. The O2 is renowned for hosting some of the best concerts in that world. The 2020 line-up is currently showcasing Santana 27 March, Country to Country 13-15 March, Cirque du Soleil 24 June to 5 July, Diane Ross 8-9 July, and Celine Dion 17-18 September. The O2 is also where you can find The Icon, the designer shopping outlet destination home to over 60 fashion and lifestyle brands with up to 70% off including Gant, Tommy Hilfiger, Fat Face, Dune, G-Star Raw, Guess, Jack Wills, Karen Millen, Nike, Kurt Geiger, Levis and Miss Sixty, and plenty of other stores that are all full to the brim of discounted designer items just waiting to be snapped up. As well as shopping, it has a huge array of well-known eateries, restaurants and bars, including Byron, Frankie & Benny’s, Five Guys, Gaucho, Garfunkel’s, TGI Fridays, All Bar One and Snowflake Luxury Gelato. The O2 is easy to get to by bus and by tube on the Jubilee line. I normally always suggest public transport for anywhere in London but we often drive to the O2 as there is so much parking and when you have kids it’s sometimes quicker, easier and less hectic to just bundle the whole family, plus the kitchen sink into the back of the car for a day out. One of my family’s favourite parts of the O2 is the Oxygen Jump Park. This trampoline park is huge, safe, well organised and reasonably priced. They have a toddler session on a Sunday morning 10am11am which is perfect to take your kids if they are three years and under, and its good exercise for parents as well! The O2 London. Peninsula Square, North Greenwich, London, SE10 ODX. www.theo2.co.uk

Syon Park. The Enchanted Woodland returns at Syon Park this Christmas. Take your whole family through a magical festive stroll in infamous Syon Park on a Christmas family adventure. Follow the illuminated trail around the lake and through the twinkling festive grounds of Syon House. Tickets are on sale now, with adult tickets between £10-£12, children’s tickets £5 and family tickets from £18. Syon Park. Enchanted Woodland. Syon Park. London Road, Brentford, Middlesex, TW8 8JF. www.enchantedwoodland.com

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The Wallace Collection is a beautiful collection of fine art displayed in the former townhouse of the Seymour family in the heart of Marylebone.

The Wallace Collection. The Wallace Collection is a beautiful collection of fine art displayed in the former townhouse of the Seymour family in the heart of Marylebone. It’s free entry, with several limited exhibitions holding a small entry fee. December 2019 and the start of 2020 promise a host of exiting exhibitions, one of which is the Forgotten Masters: Indian Painting for the East India Company, curated by renowned writer and historian William Dalrymple, from 4 December 2019 to 19 April 2020. Tickets are on sale now, adults £12, concessions £9 and under 18 years are free. On my last visit I was lucky enough to view the Manolo Blahnik exhibition, which sadly finished at the end of October, but do keep an eye on the website for all the latest exhibitions appearing in the new year. The Wallace Collection. Manchester Square, Marylebone, London, W1U 3bn. www.wallacecollection.org/

Petersham Nurseries. Visit Petersham Nurseries and enjoy a beautiful meal or afternoon tea in the heart of Covent Garden within this beautiful floral oasis. All the dishes are fresh and seasonal, and the menu is Italian inspired using the finest British produce and packed with wholesome, clean and colourful dishes. The Petersham Restaurant has a great value seasonal set lunch menu with two courses for just £29.50 or three courses for £34. Favourite dishes on this menu include the starter of risotto with wild mushrooms and Parmigiano Reggiano, followed by an exquisite main dish of fillets of Hake in puttanesca sauce with Mayan gold potatoes. Finally, if you have room, treat yourself to a moreish plateful of raspberry and almond tart with pistachio ice cream. Petersham Nurseries. Covent Garden, Floral Court, London, WC2E 9FB. www.petershamnurseries.com/covent-garden/

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Everyone has heard of The Ned. It’s the glamourous hotel in the heart of the city with 5-star service, restaurants and bars. If you haven’t been yet, then you really must visit.

The Ned. The Ned is infamous. Everyone has heard of The Ned. It’s the glamourous hotel in the heart of the city with 5-star service, restaurants and bars. If you haven’t been yet, then you really must visit. The space is vast, with huge windows and high towering ceilings. This stunning cavernous venue is filled with chic bars, popular restaurants and luxurious comfortable velvet booths and lounge areas perfect for sipping cocktails with friends or also an impressive place for a date, while watching the excellent jazz singers and bands perform on the central stage. The Ned proudly boasts 250 elegant guest rooms and ten irresistible restaurants which sit in 3000 square meters of a former banking hall. There’s also luxurious spa and gym, six private events spaces, and a private members club. The Ned. 27 Poultry, London, EC2R 8AJ. www.thened.com

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Afternoon tea at The Library at Marriott County Hall. This season, treat yourself to a decadent afternoon tea at The Library at Marriott County Hall. This elegant afternoon tea venue offers great service, stunning views overlooking the river, and a beautiful array of delicious and perfectly crafted afternoon tea delights all to be enjoyed as you relax in the library’s plush furnishings and chic 1920s glamorous décor, surrounded by huge oak bookcases lined with classic literature. This afternoon tea is reasonably priced with the classic afternoon tea just £41, then add a glass of champagne for £49, or free-flowing champagne for £65, and the afternoon tea for two with a bottle of champagne is £95. The Library at Marriott County Hall. London County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB. www.thelibraryatcountyhall.com/afternoon-tea

This pretty floral sanctuary is found at Trafalgar Square just a stone throw from Charing Cross and is one of London’s newest cocktail bars.

The Rockwell Cocktail Bar. This season make sure you visit the beautiful botanical themed bar in The Trafalgar St James hotel for wonderful cocktails. This pretty floral sanctuary is found at Trafalgar Square just a stone throw from Charing Cross and is one of London’s newest cocktail bars. There is an extensive list of tasty floral themed and imaginative cocktails to choose from. My favourites are the Hummingbird Hyssop (£13), a glorious delicious mix of Wry vodka, lemon juice, citrus jam, combined cleverly with a British white wine cordial, and mixed with refreshing soda water. Then there’s not forgetting the British Boxwood (£13), a thoroughly scrumptious cocktail combining Plymouth Dry Gin and raspberry wine with flavoured syrups. It’s never a good idea to devour cocktails on an empty stomach, and as such The Rockwell serves a mouthwatering array of tasty bar food. Feast on brioche sliders from £10, dishes of tasty tacos from £11, and filled flat breads just £10. There are also moreish sharing platters of chicken skewers (£10), salt and pepper squid (£12) and triple cooked chips (£5). Need something more substantial to line your stomach? Then the all-day dining menu offers hearty classic main course dishes, including London Ale battered cod and chips with tartar sauce (£16), a grilled sirloin steak and salad for (£28) and a grilled salmon, rocket and parmesan salad (£18). The Rockwell cocktail bar, at the Trafalgar St James. 2 Spring Gardens, London, SW1A 2TS. www.trafalgarstjames.com/pages/rockwell

Ice-skating at Somerset House. This festive season celebrate Christmas with a whizz round the ice at one of London’s most popular iceskating destinations, Somerset House. This charming historic venue is celebrating its 20th year as home to one of London’s most iconic ice rinks and its stunning 40ft Christmas tree. Sign up for skate sessions, ice-skating lessons, as well as Skate Late themed club nights. Tickets available now online with prices starting from just £11. Skate at Somerset House. Somerset House Trust. Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA. www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/skatesomerset-house Charlie McBrien.

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3 AVENUE RD

EAT

DRINK DANCE

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

SUSHI BAR LOUNGE

THE GRILL ROOM MORNING NOON NIGHT

PORTFOLIO IMAGES BY DAVID FREEMAN davidfreemanphotographic.co.uk

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f i n d y ou r paradis e # f ish erm an s coves ey chel l es

SUNSET BEAU VALLON SEYCHELLES making memories that will last a lifetime

Seychelles Island Jewels in an Azure Sea The 115 islands of the Seychelles Archipelago lie scattered across their secret corner of the western Indian Ocean like precious gemstones set in a universe of azure water – stepping stones to the east coast of Africa, some thousand miles away, and natural gateway to the many treasures of the continent.

hese islands were first discovered by the brave Arab mariners of the 9th century B.C. who first began to chart the unknown waters of an ocean they called the ‘bahr al zanj’’ or ‘sea of the blacks’, leaving traces of their presence in the names they gave to certain of the islands such as Aldabra which is sometimes appropriately translated from Arabic as ‘the rock.’ With nothing in the way of historical records to fall back on, we are left with little more than conjecture to fathom the precise history of these spectacularly beautiful islands which may also have received visits from the Phoenicians; from a people who once sailed from the other side of the planet to eventually settle the island of Madagascar and from the famous 1472 Chinese treasure fleet of Admiral Zheng. Whatever their past, the waves have long since washed away all trace of those early settlers and explorers. After having served as a hideout for the pirates of the 17th and 18th century, one of whom, Olivier Le Vasseur, also known as La Buse, is believed to have buried a massive and as yet undiscovered treasure hoard on the main island, Mahé, the islands were finally settled by the French in 1756. They remained a French colony until they passed to the English after the defeat of Napoleon in 1814 and it was they who administrated the islands until their independence as a sovereign republic within the Commonwealth in 1976. The islands’ legendary loveliness has long acted as a magnet to travellers in search of the Holy Grail of pristine tropical beauty and many famous travellers have beaten a path to its shores including the likes of Ian Fleming, author of James Bond, who visited the islands to receive inspiration for one of his Bond books.

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The islands finally emerged from their slumber of ages in 1972 when they became connected to the rest of the world via a new international airport which saw the birth of the islands’ tourism industry. Seychelles, straddling the western Indian Ocean between 6 and 10 degrees south of the equator, is divided into 6 island groups with the Inner Islands of Mahé, Praslin and La Digue together with their neighbouring isles forming the hub of the islands’ tourism industry, the economic life of the nation and its political and social infrastructure. Measuring 27km long and 8km wide, Mahé, the principal island is a mountainous, granitic island that boasts no less than 65 beaches. It is home to the capital, Victoria, and also to the international airport and to the vast majority of the 90,000, mainly Roman Catholic population. Commanding spectacular views of the surrounding ocean, Mahé contains the lion’s share of the archipelago’s hotels, tourism amenities and retail outlets. The charming capital, Victoria, has many fascinating nooks & crannies and points of historical interest including its bustling market that supplies much of the island’s fresh produce: fresh fish; vegetables; fruits; condiments and spices. Mahé also showcases a surprising variety of flora & fauna including many indigenous species, discoverable at the Botanical Gardens or on organised excursions along popular walks and trails. The fascinating underwater treasure houses of the Ste. Anne and Cap Ternay Marine National Parks, meanwhile, can be visited on snorkeling expeditions and a variety of excursions. Seychelles’ second largest island, Praslin, lies 45 kilometers (24 miles) north-east of Mahé and is accessible by Air Seychelles domestic flights in 15 minutes or by fast catamaran ferry in 45 minutes. It is home to the legendary Vallée de Mai in which grows the fabulous Coco-de-mer and possesses some of the most striking beaches of the archipelago such as Anse Lazio, widely acclaimed to be the most beautiful beach on earth.

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Praslin stands at the forefront of the country’s tourism industry with a rich assortment of hotels and guesthouses whose strong tradition of Seychelles’ hospitality over a period of many years has proved a favourite with visitors. The island is ideally situated for holidaymakers wishing to island hop to a handful of nearby exotic destinations such as Chauve Souris, Cousin, Curieuse, St. Pierre, La Digue and the Aride bird reserve. It is also a haven for nature lovers seeking rare endemic species such as the black parrot for which Praslin is the last habitat or wishing to explore the island’s network of footpaths. La Digue, known as ‘the island where Time stands still’, is situated forty kilometres (25 miles) from Mahé and 7 km (3.5 miles) from Praslin and is the fourth largest island in the Seychelles after Silhouette. This granite island, with its unique, languid pace of life, receives its visitors mainly by boat at the quaint jetty at La Passe and is a popular destination for holidaymakers wishing for a taste of the traditional.Here is a place where the bicycle and ox cart still hold sway on shady island pathways and where a distinct sense of antiquity pervades the island’s customs, architecture and general way of life. Anse la Source d’Argent is among the island’s most famous beaches, celebrated for its granite boulders that seem to have been sculpted by a divine hand to adorn a beach of breathtaking beauty while at the Union Estate, visitors will have the chance to view some of the traditional local industries of times past. Nature lovers will have the opportunity to seek out the rare Black Paradise Flycatcher, once thought to be extinct but now protected in the La Digue Vev Special Reserve which is also home to two extremely rare species of terrapin. The woodlands of La Digue are especially attractive and nurture several species of delicate orchids. The island is also an ideal stepping-stone for the nearby island attractions of Grande and Petit Soeur, Félicité, Coco and Marianne.

Mahé, the principal island is a mountainous, granitic island that boasts no less than 65 beaches.

The remaining five groups of Outer Islands represent the far frontier of the Seychelles holiday experience. Here, shimmering atolls and reef islands, thread like pearls on strings of surf and unaltered since the days of their origin, offer the summit of islandstyle living. Currently, only three such islands offer accommodation: the islands of Denis and Bird located 100 miles to the north of Mahé and Desroches Island in the Amirantes, 140 miles to the south-east. Here the fishing, diving and sailing are superb in places where the only sail on the ocean and the only tracks on any beach will be your own. Overall, all the islands have been blessed with many natural assets and attributes including possessing a nearperfect and disease-free climate; an endless list of world-beating beaches; a sanctuary for some of the world’s rarest species of flora & fauna and an enviable conservation record whereby almost half of the 455 sq.km landmass has been set aside as natural parks and reserves. There are also no less than two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the extraordinary Vallée de Mai where the legendary, double-lobed coconut, the Coco-de-Mer grows high on ancient palms in a setting so surreal it was once thought to be the original site of the Garden of Eden, and Aldabra atoll, the planet’s largest raised coral atoll.

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Nowhere else on earth will you find the mysterious Jellyfish Tree of which only 8 specimens remain; the Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher; the world’s smallest frog; heaviest land tortoise; largest population of giant land tortoises (150,000) living in the wild and the Indian Ocean’s only flightless bird. Between them, the islands also boast some of the most spectacular seabird colonies on earth as well as 13 species and 17 sub-species of birdlife that occur in Seychelles and nowhere else, making the islands a true birdwatcher’s paradise. The surrounding waters, meanwhile, are a natural aquarium boasting a dizzying array of coral reef fish, turtle, ray, shark, dolphin, marlin and sailfish as well as colourful coral growth and a host of other marine organisms. The world’s largest fish migrates to these waters: that gentle giant of the seas, the 40 ft. whale shark - one of Seychelles’ many protected species. Also on offer is an amazing degree of diversity which takes in the contrast between 41 towering granite isles and the 74 shimmering sand cays, reef islands and atolls of the Outer Islands while the multi-ethnic roots of its relatively young society lend themselves to a varied and vibrant culture with all its people and major religions living beside one another in perfect harmony. The diversity also extends to contrasting styles of architecture and beyond to the delicious, Seychellois Creole cuisine with its magical blend of European, Indian and Chinese culinary influences.

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World-class fishing, sailing and diving as well as spa & wellness holidays, honeymoons & romance, trekking, island-hopping & golf. And when it comes to things to do, there is a wide choice of world-class fishing, sailing and diving as well as spa & wellness holidays, honeymoons & romance, trekking, island-hopping & golf. All of these can be enjoyed from an equally diverse array of accommodation options that includes the ultimate in pampering at exclusive 5-star resorts and island hideaways, the Creole intimacy of the smaller hotel and guesthouse and the flexibility of any number of self-caterings. These are the stepping stones to your unique experience of Paradise, where the innate tranquility of the islands forms the ideal backdrop against which to recalibrate mind, body and soul and enjoy the vacation of a lifetime. No account of Seychelles’ riches can be considered complete without mention of its reputation as ‘The Islands of Love’ and it is little wonder that that lovers are inspired to take their vows and wed in this gentle and romantic atmosphere. Sensual Seychelles creates the idyllic ambience for an unforgettable wedding day, honeymoon or anniversary upon the silver-soft sands and beneath the swaying palms of discreet island hideaways.

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Further memorable experiences can be had via Seychelles’ suite of events that includes February’s increasingly popular Eco-friendly Marathon; August’s Feast of La Digue; September’s Tourism Ball and the perennial FetAfrik and Festival Kreol. The islands have been made accessible as never before thanks to the arrival on the aviation scene of major players such as Emirates Airlines, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Condor, Sri Lankan Airline, Turkish Airways, British Airways, Air France and Etihad which is now in a dynamic partnership with the national carrier, Air Seychelles, offering daily frequencies to make Seychelles virtually one stop away from anywhere on the planet with the added advantage of zero visa requirements for any nationality. Meditation techniques invite us to close our eyes and imagine Shangrila, a mythical place of ultimate harmony where tired spirits can be refreshed and worries washed away. Somewhere with the space to breathe the purest air and ample room to stroll the trackless, powder-soft sands of breathtaking beaches. A place for the senses to feast on the endless delight of fresh experiences. Creation has blessed Seychelles with all of this and more. Against the backdrop of its unique island beauty, it is a place where harmony, tranquility and Nature at its very best will conspire to leave you with the memories of a lifetime.

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Transportation, both in between and around the islands, makes the visitor’s dream of island-hopping a reality bring the principal islands and their satellites within easy reach.

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The H Resort Unparalleled Paradise

Tranquil, boutique and culturally connected, the resort offers guests a chance to create memories worth sharing.

ocated on Beau Vallon beach which lays northwest on the island of Mahé; a mere 30 minutes’ drive from the international airport - The H Resort is a contemporary & chic property featuring 100 rooms comprising of villas and suites, an award winning spa and 7 eclectic dining experiences. As your paradise home away from home, the resort offers you the opportunity to enjoy all the modern comforts in this beautiful tropical paradise entwined with chic décor, sumptuous food & beverages and spacious luxury to relax in. Whether it’s a fun holiday with the family, a romantic escape or the start of one, or to even look back and reminisce life with a loved one - The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach is known for its turquoise ocean views, crystal white beach and lush emerald greenery where you can expect nothing but undisturbed sights, charming creole hospitality and new heights of life & style indulgence. The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach offers an unparalleled collection of opulently appointed accommodations, relaxation and recreational spaces that showcase the true heritage of their Seychellois surroundings. The 100 villas and suites redefine paradise - they simply exude stylish opulence, stylish comfort and idyllic bliss. Designed to represent a blend between creole and colonial architecture - the resort is an epitome of tropical luxury. From plush furnishings and mesmerizing backdrops, to the spacious layout and beautiful finishing’s - all overlooking the topical tropical gardens leading to the beach. The beach facing private pool-villas offer an entirely new level of luxury. A unique product available only at this resort in the Beau Vallon beach area - each one occupies a private spot on the beach with direct access to the bay as well as a private pool, pool-deck, cabana, outdoor rain showers, luxury in-room amenities and personal pampering products. Similarly the suites include a comfortable double bed and lounge area with luxurious amenities of comparison. All suites have choice of private terrace balcony or a terrace that opens out onto the resort gardens, complete with sun loungers. Each villa or suite also features indoor and outdoor daybeds and dining areas; plush sofas, beds and seating areas; pristine bathrooms featuring oversized free-standing bathtubs and rain showers - as well as all the modern technologies such as a large screen LCD and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi.

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With seven eclectic dining experiences in the form of bars and restaurants to choose from – you’re spoilt for choice. The resort offers a wide selection of dining options. VASCO’s is the main restaurant featuring continental cuisine, that serves breakfast & themed dinner buffets is named in honor of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. The 1502 Lobby Bar is your haven for for eclectic cocktails that compliment your meals throughout the day. Seyshima is the Japanese teppanyaki restaurant on the lagoon that serves up an excellent show and delectable sushi and Eden is the specialty Creole inspired beach-front barbecue restaurant. Ripples Pool Bar is ideal for some amazing cocktails and light lunch and Trader Vic’s the French-Polynesian tiki bar concept restaurant features Latin-American live entertainment. Guests can also choose the resort’s ‘pièce de résistance,’ a bespoke, romantic under the moon & stars dining on the beach coupled with the ambience of the soothing ocean waves. Customised options also include privatised group reservations for beach and/or in-villa barbecues as well as a luxurious in-villa floating pool breakfast. Holidays are meant for indulgence so guests are encouraged to pamper themselves at the award winning Sesel Spa or try some customised workouts at the Beau Vallon Gym & Yoga Studio to flaunt that beach body. Sesel Spa is a true heaven within a haven - whether it’s a results orientated treatment, or just an experience of utter relaxation you’re looking for, it is a must, to make it a part of your Seychelles experience.

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Explore the healing elements in nature and discover the true essence of being at one with yourself. Named as a tribute to its destination (Sesel is the Creole name for Seychelles), this blissful space features a total of seven treatment rooms including five single rooms and two couples suites, in addition to a Vichy Hydrotherapy room. We also have a salon for nails, hair and other beauty therapies. ‘Sesel Spa’ offers a selection of signature treatments that infuse the best of Western and Eastern techniques – all implemented by expert therapists who take a holistic approach to wellness. The luxury relaxation areas offer a tranquil setting for both pre and post massage treatments, so make sure you spend some time there to truly rediscover wellness. Open 24/7 and overlooking the lagoon, the Beau Vallon Gym & Yoga Studio is equipped with state-of-the-art Life Fitness cardio machines and free weights. The Beau Vallon Studio is perfect for syncing your body and mind with yoga. Guests can take advantage of the complimentary recreational schedule – ‘Fit Happens @ H’ which is designed for the holidaying guest’s fitness goals. In addition to our fitness and yoga programmes, recreational facilities are dotted throughout the resort with the stunning infinity pool taking centre stage. With ample sun loungers and parasols bordering it, the 24 meter long sapphire blue water invitingly tempts you to submerge. The accompanying kids’ pool is a safe 0.4 meter in depth. Also on offer is tennis, volleyball, pétanque, table tennis, a giant chessboard, masks, snorkels, paddle boards and kayaks to satisfy all your holiday recreational needs.

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The luxury relaxation areas offer a tranquil setting for both pre and post massage treatments, so make sure you spend some time there to truly rediscover wellness.

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This intimate, tropical island retreat is the perfect location for a destination wedding or honeymoon.

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The H Resort It’s not only the grown-ups that are spoilt - a world of exploration and fun awaits the little ones at Treetops Kids’ Club. Happy kids make for happy parents and this is the main priority. You can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your child is well cared for by a team of professional caretakers who arrange fun-filled activities. Suitable for children aged 3 to 12 years, the club is open daily from 9am – 6pm. The resort also offers baby-sitting services and can prepare babyfood upon prior requests. Guests can also indulge in our weekly activities that includes a range of paid & complimentary options like transfers to Victoria city, drop-off for the Anse Major Hike, cocktails & conversations with the resort management, a scenic sunset cruise in a glass bottom boat, bi-weekly live-entertainment, Cinema Paradiso, sundowners and many more seasonal events – there’s always something for everyone to enjoy at the resort. This intimate, tropical island retreat is the perfect location for a destination wedding or honeymoon. When one thinks of the term ‘tropical island’, it conjures up thoughts of pristine ivory shorelines, a turquoise ocean and a backdrop of luscious greenery. This is exactly what you can expect at The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach – the perfect destination to turn the dream wedding into a beautiful reality.

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The H Resort If you are looking for the ultimate honeymoon escape or just a time away with family, then look no further than The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach. Everything, from the moment you arrive, to the time you reluctantly depart, has been designed with the discerning traveler in mind.

Couples can choose to say ‘I do’ either along the beach, in the spectacular garden gazebo or in a number of secluded venues dotted around the resort. In addition to an idyllic backdrop, a customised wedding ceremony can be organized by the team of wedding specialists. From eclectic table designs, tiered wedding cakes and bespoke menus, to entertainment, bamboo ceremony archways and a civil ceremony officer, there’s no dream that can’t be made into a reality. The H Resort offers a number of packages that can be tailored to ensure that each and every wedding is both perfect and personal. If you are looking for the ultimate honeymoon escape or just a time away with family, then look no further than The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach. Everything, from the moment you arrive, to the time you reluctantly depart, has been designed with the discerning traveler in mind. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.hresortseychelles.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @thehresortseychelles.

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(part of the southern taxis group)

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F i s h e r m a n ’ s C o v e Situated in Bel Ombre on the island of Mahe, the origin of Seychelles hospitality, Fisherman’s Cove is nestled in a lush tropical paradise. Whether walking on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles, pampering yourself at the Zen Spa or savoring the extraordinary nuances of Creole cuisine, a stay at Fisherman’s Cove creates memories for a lifetime.

he resort overlooks Beau Vallon, the largest and most popular beach on Mahe and the aqua blue Indian Ocean. Uncover enriching discoveries bordering on 3 km of sparkling ivory sands at the western tip of Seychelles, in the bay of the famous and picturesque Beau-Vallon Beach. Lush gardens create an inspiring atmosphere for a romantic idyll or a serene getaway. Our two restaurants and bars allow you to explore innovative pairings of flavors and aromas, beyond the simple relaxation afforded by the sand and sea, an exhilarating choice of water sport activities and our spa anticipate your discovery. Fisherman’s Cove offers an extensive range of rooms with magnificent beachfront views of the Beau Vallon Beach with ivory sands and crystal clear Indian Ocean waters. Designed to embrace a typical Creole style, all rooms are open plan, light and airy with wooden accents and rattan furniture. Whether you choose a chalet style room or one situated within the main hotel block, you will enjoy the creature comforts of the modern shower and bathrooms. Separate deep soaking tubs, oversized rainforest showers, and ample toiletries create a haven of comfort. Airconditioning in every room may be adjusted to keep you cool and comfortable and tea and coffee making facilities, ipod docks and espresso machines all add to that feeling of luxury. Designed to create an open natural setting, each room enjoys its own private wood terrace with beautiful views of the resort’s lush tropical gardens or the dazzling blue Indian Ocean, which you can capture perfectly and boast about online by taking advantage of the WLAN Internet access. Fisherman’s Cove features an asymmetrically shaped infinity pool that creates an idyllic setting for you to spend a long languid day relaxing in the sun on one of the surrounding sun loungers. Those who prefer a more active holiday will enjoy their time in the gym or on the tennis courts and water sports enthusiast can have a go Designed to create an open natural setting, each room enjoys its own private wood terrace with beautiful views of the resort’s lush tropical gardens or the dazzling blue Indian Ocean, which you can capture perfectly and boast about online by taking advantage of the WLAN Internet access. Fisherman’s Cove features an asymmetrically shaped infinity pool that creates an idyllic setting for you to spend a long languid day relaxing in the sun on one of the surrounding sun loungers. Those who prefer a more active holiday will enjoy their time in the gym or on the tennis courts and water sports enthusiast can have a go at canoeing or pedal boating.

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The resort boasts two restaurants and two bars, all with ocean facing views, featuring a sensational selection of international and local dishes in an elegant, yet relaxed, atmosphere.

As you near the end of an active day, Fisherman’s Cove welcomes you to its very own corner of paradise. Undeniably luxurious yet comfortably relaxed, the soothing Zen Spa is surrounded by dazzling views of the Indian Ocean and invites you to indulge in the ultimate pampering. Reviving your body and spirit with a selection of beauty treatment and massages such as Aromatherapy; Balinese; Swedish; Indian Head Massage; Back, neck and Scalp will encompass your senses with delight and far exceed ones expectations by achieving unsurpassed results. The Spa is also accompanied by the Fitness Center accessible 24hrs a day with your room key. A steam room and plunge pool is available complimentary to guests. The resort boasts two restaurants and two bars, all with ocean facing views, featuring a sensational selection of international and local dishes in an elegant, yet relaxed, atmosphere.

Discover the local touch, aroma and taste of Creole cuisine; experience a-la-carte fine dining and unwind while sipping exotic cocktails accompanied by breathtaking views of the ocean. Embark on a culinary discovery and stimulate your taste buds at Paris Seychelles and Le Cardinal restaurant. For a relaxed gathering spot at sunset, the Cocoloba Bar and the Sunset Bar serve signature cocktails and light snacks by the water. Le Cardinal serves a lavish buffet of differently themed delicacies every night in its beautiful, open-air dining room. Enjoy local seafood, luscious fruits, organic produce and exquisite desserts against the dazzling backdrop of the Indian Ocean. Located on the resort’s picturesque pontoon, Paris Seychelles offer classic French gastronomy combined with Seychelles’ rich culinary history that draws from both Africa and Asia, a truly unique Beau Vallon Restaurant experience.

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The relaxed and welcoming Le Cocoloba Bar invites you to unwind to the sounds of “Nouvelle Vague” while soaking up the exceptional view of the Indian Ocean.

With its casual, contemporary design, the Sunset Bar sets a chic stage for enjoying signature cocktails made from local ingredients, whilst the relaxed and welcoming Le Cocoloba Bar invites you to unwind to the sounds of “Nouvelle Vague” while soaking up the exceptional view of the Indian Ocean. Additionally, the resort offers a delicious selection of In-room dining options at any hour of the day or night. A mere 20 minutes away from the smallest capital city in the world, Victoria, guests are urged to make the most of the resort’s unique location and explore the local seafood and crafts markets. Dive into the region’s fascinating history and experience firsthand the subtle French, Indian and Asian influences that permeate the cooking and explore the resort’s winding pathways, lush landscape and private enclaves which set an undeniably romantic stage for couples who want to escape from the bustle of modern life, language and culture. Home to a mesmerizing underwater world of coral reefs and tropical fish, Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove is the perfect destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiast. Explore pristine white sands lapped by topaz waters, coral sunsets and ignite your inspiration with an underwater encounter that leaves you with incredible memories of the island. Visit enchanting underwater sites and learn about the importance of marine conservation with marine experts from our partner, the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles, who have helped us develop the project and continue to support it. Proceeds from the donations collected go to sustain the marine conservation projects led by the Marine Conservation Society Seychelles. The usage of water sports equipment is complimentary during your stay however a deposit of 50 Euro is required when you wish to make use of this equipment. In a utopian setting overlooking the coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove offers an authentic venue for your wedding experience, which resonates of unique cultural and natural discovery. Get married on the beach or on the pontoon that offers a unique setting to exchange wedding vows with the ocean as a backdrop. The team at Fisherman’s Cove can even take care of all the legal documents that are required for the ceremony as well as take care of your function through tailor-made packages.

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Videotree Watch your favourite programmes no matter whether you are in or outside your house with Videotree’s world-first waterproof and weather proof Televisions.

elevision technology has never been so versatile, allowing you to be entertained in any environment on a screen so sleek that is as much a work of art as it is state-of-the-art. Whether you want to enjoy a blockbuster in the bath, ‘Game of Thrones’ in the garden or a soap in the spa, Videotree’s range of expertly designed televisions have the answer. Videotree are the leading pioneers in waterproof television technology and over the past 15 years have developed a breathtaking range of quality, luxurious waterproof, mirror and outdoor televisions that are guaranteed to give any crib the ultimate wow factor. The World’s First Lifestyle Waterproof Televisions Videotree’s leading range of waterproof televisions provides ultimate state-of-the-art entertainment in a multitude of environments. Add that VIP vibe to your bathroom, en-suite, pool area or even spa and unwind whilst enjoying your favourite television programmes on a high-end contemporary glass styled screen. Made with elegance in mind, each television is as beautiful to look at as it is ground breaking in design. Videotree waterproof televisions are available in a variety of opulent colours and can easily be mounted either on your wall or installed within the wall itself for a fully flush ‘frameless’ finish anywhere within your home. Each comes complete with an IP66 rating to provide complete protection against moisture and dust and is manufactured with the latest 3D technology software. Industrial 1080p, Full HD and 4K Ultra HD display options are available. Ensure you have no reason to leave the tub by switching channels mid soak using the sleek waterproof remote control. The standard waterproof in and on wall 27” in and on wall television can be supplied with built-in integrated waterproof speakers, plus separate wall/ceiling mount speakers are available with Digital Audio Quality. Enjoy versatility and multi connectivity with HDMI, composite, component and VGA inputs and add that extra cinema-style quality by choosing additional in wall speakers that fit fully flush to most surfaces to amplify your television audio. Add a spark of glamour to your house by installing one of Videotree’s newest range of Mirror Televisions. These beautiful centrepieces pose as an elegant mirror whilst moonlighting as a hi-tech television when switched on. Boasting stunning visual imagery and a sleek and subtle contemporary design, this range offers the most sophisticated mirror televisions on the market. Whether you are looking for an opulent dressing table mirror, a small vanity bathroom mirror, a focal point framed mirror in your dining room or a larger commercial LED panels the mirrored screens can be made to any size, without compromising on picture quality. Their high-brightness, high-contrast screens will display your favourite channels in all their technicolour glory. Unlike your average television, Videotree Mirror televisions are completely borderless, meaning you don’t have the give-away rim around the screen edge. This creates the ultimate mirror illusion, ensuring a crisp reflection when the screen is turned off and incomparable clarity when on. Meeting their customers high standards and expectations of interior design, Videotree offer a range of bespoke finishes, including behind-glass options for televisions hidden beneath glass walls and glass kitchen splashbacks.

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Add a spark of glamour to your house by installing one of Videotree’s newest range of Mirror Televisions.

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Standard-sized televisions are supplied with a splashproof remote control for easy and versatile channel hopping and larger televisions are provided with a fully waterproof remote control. Ideal for commercial digital signage, Videotree’s use of high contrast industrial panels makes them a low-cost option for a wide range of environments including marine, hospitality, leisure and health resorts. With optional IP connectivity, each mirror television can link to new or existing services. All models are available with additional external speakers and hidden glass exciters can be used on bespoke Mirror TVs where the glass is larger than the display. With a range of finishes, framing, mounting, IPTV connectivity and speaker options, Videotree mirror televisions are as unique as their owners.

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Award-Winning Titan Outdoor Televisions Take entertainment outside with Videotree’s elegantly designed, slim line outdoor televisions. Perfect for creating a cutting-edge garden or al fresco seating area, the outdoor television range boasts a multitude of features including a toughened glass, double-coated, anti-reflective, high brightness screen for clear viewing in any condition and an IP66 rating to provide the ultimate protection against dust, moisture and insects. Designed to appear fully integrated into its surroundings, each television measures as little as 42mm in depth, ensuring a sleek and flush finish. Regardless of the setting, Videotree’s outdoor televisions can be custom designed, with bespoke framing and installation options as well as optional metal frames for free standing.

Videotree

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Videotree Designed and manufactured in England by an expert team of technical and design specialists, Videotree’s roots go back to 1990, when concept Designer and Founder Ian Rees set out aiming of meet a growing rise in demand for access to television and internet services outside of the living room.

Come sunshine or rain, Videotree’s use of super high bright industrial panels means they will continue to impress, with a patented silent cooling system for those summer days and an optional internal heating system for when the frost sets in. Videotree Outdoor televisions are not only suitable for gardens and pool areas, they can also provide stylish digital signage for pubs, bars and restaurants whilst keeping guests entertained at a range of outdoor events including weddings, parties and concerts. Each television is supplied with a wide range of inputs including HDMI, PC, Component, RGB, RS232 and IR in and out - compatible with all leading home and professional integration systems. Designed and built in the UK, all Videotree televisions are manufactured to an IP66 rating – fully protected against moisture and dust for installation in any environment. Designed using the latest 3D technology, each Videotree television is carefully built to exacting standards by a team of highly-skilled technicians to integrate the latest television technology into a sleek, slim line television module. All products come complete with quick and easy installation, a DVB-T2, IPTV and global signal compatibility and two year manufacturers guarantee. Designed and manufactured in England by an expert team of technical and design specialists, Videotree’s roots go back to 1990, when concept Designer and Founder Ian Rees set out aiming of meet a growing rise in demand for access to television and internet services outside of the living room. Previously Ian had been working in Africa for Tiny Rowlands installing large 6m satellite dishes for hotels. At the time he was asked to install a speaker in the bathroom and it always stuck in his mind how products should be made that are bespoke to the wet room environment. A few years on, Ian created the first fully waterproof HD LED television, suiting for all environments in the home, healthcare, leisure and hospitality industries and embarked on an incredible journey of innovation and technological mastery. It was in 2005 when the ‘Videotree’ name itself was born. At

Videotree strive to provide the highest standards of customer service throughout each client’s journey - from the initial vision, right through to the design and installation - ensuring that each customer is completely satisfied with every part of the process.

that time the main business was installing TV systems and data networks for the stock exchange and financial institutes in London – years before multiple TV’s were common place on the desktop. Ian and his team created a Tree of TV’s on a stand, giving birth to the name ‘Videotree’. Technology doesn’t stand still and through dedication to an unrelenting process of research, review and innovation, Videotree ensure the technological ingenuity behind the brand stands at the leading edge of their industry. This thirst for innovation and staying ahead of the game led to the development of a range of revolutionary IP-enabled televisions for multi-room environments (the first of their kind), a range of robust yet elegant outdoor televisions and a range of bespoke mirror televisions with innovative design features and luxurious finishes - all whilst putting perfected performance first. Not only did Videotree revolutionise the impact of TVs on multi-room environments with IP-enabled televisions, they incorporated, and continue to integrate, inventive design features that put performance perfection first. The bench-marked standards they have set along the way continue to inspire those who strive to emulate their presence in this dynamic and fastpaced industry. Videotree strive to provide the highest standards of customer service throughout each client’s journey - from the initial vision, right through to the design and installation - ensuring that each customer is completely satisfied with every part of the process. This superior level of service has attracted an array of international clients, installing waterproof, mirror and outdoor televisions into homes and businesses across France, Dubai, Russia, Germany, Spain and the USA to name a few. Based in Surrey, Videotree are proud to be a member of the Made in Britain campaign and bear the marque on all of their products. www.videotree.com

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