Absolute Magazine aug/sept 2016 issue 127

ABSOLUTE ISSUE 127 AUG/SEPT 2016

FASHION | STYLE | CULTURE | LIVING | TRAVEL

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Index 10 - CITY NEWS 16 - FASHION STYLE 26 - i360 IS GO 32 - SNOW DOGS 38 - SIMON WEBSTER HAIR 46 - BEN BONETTI TALKS LIFE 50 - DAMAGE & GOOSE 54 - FAMILY FUNKTUNES 56 - FIZZ & FOOD - ABSOLUTE HOMES SUPPLEMENT 60 - COFFEE & CAKE 66 - LUCKY BEACH 74 - THE JETTY 80 - KIDS CLUB 86 - STREET STYLE 88 - PRIVATE SCHOOLS 94 - LONDON LIFE 100 - VISIT SCOTLAND 104 - SOUTH AFRICA TRAVEL 112 - BRIGHTON PRIDE IN PICTURES 118 - DJs PROK & FITCH 120 - BRIGHTON EAGLE LABS Contributing Editors - Charlie Carter | Matt Parr | Shelley Louise Baker | Victoria Marie Emerson | Lindsay Katherine Hills Pete Hayward | Kasia (The Styling Agency) Tony Shattell (food reviewer) Fashion & Beauty Editor - Kasia (The Styling Agency) Features Editor - Victoria Marie Emerson - info@absolutemagazine.co.uk Managing Editor - Dan Tester Designer - Pete Hayward - Southbeachmedia.co.uk Owners - Publishers Simon Darcy Abbott - simon@absolutemagazine.co.uk David Camici - dcamici@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Cover Shot Photography – Alexander Voodoo of Voodoo Creations Photography Styling & Art direction – Kasia at The Styling Agency Hair – Sam Stockton Hair Makeup – Angelique Henderson van Gils & Sara Giselle Sanders for Beyond Foundation Model – Michaela Výbohová First Management, London

Location – Brighton Marina Special thank to Memories of India, Brighton Marina

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

Printed by the Magazine Printing Company London

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Editor’s Letter Despite the inclement weather, Brighton – as always – has delivered a wonderful summer so far; and there’s plenty more to come…

If there’s one topic of conversation guaranteed to start a healthy debate of late, it’s the addition

of the British Airways i360 to Brighton’s seafront. The tallest moving observation tower in the world – at 162 metres – opened on August 4th and it is fair to say the collective reaction from its

first lucky inhabitants was a simple one – wow! The views are spectacular and, at night, it could easily be mistaken for a UFO as it slowly rises, shining down on to the front. For more insight, we talk to CEO Eleanor Harris on page xxxx.

This year’s Pride was a huge success. It felt like the biggest ever as hundreds of thousands people

flocked here from all over the country, and further afield, to dance, mingle and get merry! We

were right at the heart of the action, welcoming guests to our VIP tent – resplendent in purple crushed velvet – in the Old Steine.

Both the i360 and Pride make a significant contribution to the area’s economy but it’s crucial – in the latter’s case – to remember its message and what it stands for, and why it is so important

to so many people. Hosting such an auspicious event should make every Brightonian proud as punch.

As usual, it’s tricky to keep up with all the good stuff happening within our boundaries. The Brighton Digital Festival starts on September 1st, Brighton Racecourse has some big gigs on the horizon, the football season is back and Shakespeare is coming to Arundel Castle!

There’s an in-depth look at kids club options in the city, plus a guide to the best independent

schools. Some local restaurants have enjoyed the Absolute treatment, and we head further afield for a trip to South Africa, Scotland and suggestions on the best places to go in London.

Something for everyone!

Enjoy.

Dan Tester

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News Danny Lancaster’s new crime thriller, Gargoyle Pixie Dog, is published on July 24th – available in paperback from all good bookshops, online, and as an Ebook.

The story is about a young homeless artist who goes missing when her friend sets private detective Danny Lancaster on her trail… until a dog walker finds a body on the beach.

The novel is the fifth in the crime thriller series by Bill Todd.

THE GAUNTLET GAMES

WORLD SHEN LONG DAY

Hyde Estate (between Crawley and Brighton) December to May 2017

University of Sussex, Brighton From August 3rd

On August 8th, The Gauntlet Games launches at the Hyde Estate, just outside Brighton.

The Games is the only interactive obstacle course in the world; no static obstacles and everyone will have to face passing gladiators at various stages during the race, in mud baths! Expect a giant waterslide and a paintball zone – so be prepared!

There is a choice of either the 5k or 10k challenge. thegauntletgames.co.uk

This summer, a four-day conference celebrates World Shen Long Day. For the first time in its 12-year history, the annual Tai Chi event, originating from the Far East, will be visiting Europe.

The event will be lead and taught under the supervision of Master Wu Kuo Chung, who is in his eighties and considered to be a living embodiment of what Tai Chi stands for: longevity and prosperity. www.origininspired.co.uk

GARGOYLE PIXIE DOG

BRIGHTON DIGITAL FESTIVAL Across Brighton and Hove 1st to 30th September The UK’s largest celebration of digital culture and now in its sixth year, the festival will build on the success of last year’s, which welcomed an audience of more than 160,000 at over 190 events throughout September. www.brightondigitalfestival.co.uk @DigitalBrighton

LOOKING GOOD

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FOR BRIGHTROCK AND DAMP GNAT Two Brighton video games companies have been awarded funding through the Government’s UK Games Fund initiative.

“We are excited to be included in this and cannot wait to show the world what UK developers are capable of,” said Scott Richmond of Brightrock Games.

Damp Gnat’s Reece Millidge was equally enthused; “I am thrilled Damp Gnat has been given its first opportunity to hire crew for games development and maximise its chances of securing further investment into full production.” @ukgamesfund @ukgamestalent

almost certainly mention another candidate – the unquestionable Brighton legend that is Disco Pete.

Since the early 1960s, this Octogenarian has been throwing shapes on dancefloors across Sussex, regularly arriving as soon as the venue opens, and owning the floor until the lights are switched off.

Always with a beaming smile on his face, the former school caretaker will dance to anything – hip hop, reggae, electronic, acoustic, swing, brass band, classical – as long as it has a good beat.

Now facing ill health and mobility issues, Disco Pete – normally resplendent in his trademark outfit of fiery shirt, baseball cap, sunglasses and white gloves – is hoping to be fighting fit for a very special event in his honour on Saturday 17th September at Brighton Music Hall.

Disco Pete

An inter-generational music event on the seafront – a programmed series of outdoor live music and pop-up dance acts throughout the day from different iconic music genres – has a mission to tackle isolation in the community through a shared passion for music.

TIME TO TAKE YOUR NAN DANCING! Timeless Saturday 17th September 2016 Brighton Music Hall The Pavilion, Palace Pier, seagulls, tolerance, the bird-whistle-man, Pride… just a few of the things that pop into your consciousness when asked for something quintessentially Brighton.

But, any music-loving resident will

Brighton’s elderly and youth communities are invited to come along to enjoy the daytime entertainment together. Local charity www.timetotalkbefriending. org.uk is helping people who are usually isolated because of their limiting health conditions to get involved.

People of Brighton, let’s bridge the age gap and dance together, let’s honour Disco Pete’s legacy: “I get a lot of respect from the young. I very rarely see older people dancing, I suppose they feel embarrassed – I don’t know why. Music is not concerned with age, I’d like to see a lot more people dancing,” Disco Pete, 2016.

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News

Bryan Adams

BRIGHTON CENTRE ROLLS OUT THE BIG HITTERS…

THE WORLD’S PARTY CAPITAL COMES TO BRIGHTON Brighton Racecourse Saturday 1st October 2016 Party At The Races, with over 25 DJs and live acts, comes to Brighton Racecourse, bringing superclub, Space Ibiza, to town as part of the club’s farewell tour.

Joining main stage headliners, Basement Jaxx, are multi-instrumentalist Youngr, electronic trio Felon, houseduo Camelphat, and many more.

Tickets: www.partyattheraces.com

BRIGHTON, HOVE AND DISTRICT SAMARITANS WOULD LIKE A WORD… Brighton, Hove and District Samaritans wants to help people to become better listeners.

Talk to Us, Samaritans annual monthlong awareness raising campaign, is on a mission to improve the UK’s listening skills to help us all stay connected. Every six seconds, someone in the UK and Ireland contacts Samaritans, and every 90 minutes in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, someone takes their own life.

Samaritans believes that listening is crucial to helping people find their way through their problems, and the charity would like to encourage people to seek help early, rather than when they reach a crisis.

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HELP THE CHILDREN Latest Music Bar, Manchester Street, Brighton Friday 2nd September A Children of Sumatra benefit takes place upstairs at the Latest Music Bar on Friday 2nd September, 8pm till late. It’ll be a mashed up mix of music with two live bands plus Boombastic DJs playing soul, Latin, Afro and jazz. The charity helps sufferers from cleft lip and palate.

Samaritans Listening Tips or S-H- U-S- H!

• Show you care: focus just on the other person, make eye contact, put away your phone • Have patience: it may take time and several attempts before a person is ready to open up • Use open questions: that need more than a yes/no answer, follow up e.g. ‘Tell me more’ • Say it back: to check you’ve understood, but don’t interrupt or offer a solution • Have courage: don’t be put off by a negative response and, most importantly, don’t be afraid to leave silence www.samaritans.org @samaritans www.facebook.com/samaritanscharity.

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Two of the biggest names in music and comedy are to perform by the sea in the next few months.

Bryan Adams: Sunday 14th August 2016 Tickets from £45 Billy Connolly: Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd November 2016 Tickets from £35

Tickets for both events: http://brightoncentre.co.uk/booking-tickets

Billy Connolly

TURNING A HEARING AID INTO A FASHION STATEMENT

ACTIVITY DAY FOR DOGS AND ALL THE FAMILY Saturday 13th August 2016 Waterhall Playing Fields, Brighton Registration from 11.30am... Fun start at midday, until 4.30pm The Retired Greyhound Trust has found over 75,000 loving homes for greyhounds since 1975. Each year, they find a home for approximately 4,000 retired racing greyhounds and help hundreds more, but there are many more that still need help.

Despite the plethora of spectacle and sight adverts in print media and on television, there still appears to be a social stigma surrounding hearing aids, especially among young women under 25. A Brunel University London design student’s final year project aims to give users the chance to make a fashion statement.

“I have friends who won’t wear their aid on an evening out,” said Saskia Schular, 23, of Liphook, Hampshire. “And the current trend of miniaturisation also projects a message that hearing loss is something to be hidden away and be ashamed of. My project challenges this by creating hearing aid covers that are visible but beautiful, a range users would want to be seen wearing – from subtle pieces to be worn every day to statement pieces to complete an outfit.”

Activities includes an agility course, fastest sausage eater, dog races, dog teasers, plus waggiest tail (for the dogs), cutest puppy (for the dogs), golden oldie, my dog’s got talent, and much more…

Free admission. Come down and support a very worthy cause.

Kate Toomer, Dogs Club, 07966 576705

SHAKESPEARE COMES TO ARUNDEL 26th and 27th August 2016 Arundel Castle, West Sussex This beautiful location will once again host the GB Theatre Company with two alfresco Shakespeare productions this August.

As You Like It and Romeo and Juliet will be performed in the Collector Earl’s Garden as the finale to the Arundel Festival. The Castle’s outdoor Shakespeare performances, now in their seventh year, are a highlight of the Arundel Festival – and one of the UK’s most unique ways to enjoy the Bard’s work.

Tickets: www.arundelcastle.org

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kirkandkirk.com #kirkandkirk

Riviera MODEL Michaela Výbohová First Model Management London, UK PHOTOGRAPHY Alexander Voodoo of Voodoo Creations Photography STYLING & ART DIRECTION Kasia at The Styling Agency HAIR Sam Stockton MAKE-UP Angelique Henderson van Gils & Sara Giselle Sanders for Beyond Foundation FASHION American Apparel | Gucci | Zara | EIDOS LOCATION Brighton Marina Boats courtesy of Ancasta International Boat Sales and Mark Cruz

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Brighton is the Pavilion, the Pier and the Duke of York’s. It’s the Prince Regent, Laurence Olivier and Max Miller. It’s Phoebe Hessel, Mrs Fitzherbert and Martha Gunn. It’s Brighton & Hove (actually), Mods & Rockers and the Seagulls. It’s the Veteran Car Run, the London to Brighton and Brighton Races.

It’s the Downs, the sea and Brighton Rock. It’s Pride, naughty weekends, illicit pleasures and now, it’s Brighton Gin.

now available at

www.fromvineyardsdirect.com www.brightongin.com

i360 One of the most important – and forward-looking – developments in Brighton for many a year, the British Airways i360 is now open to the public. CEO Eleanor Harris talks to Absolute Brighton.

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The views are spectacular and, at night, it could easily be mistaken for a UFO as it slowly rises, shining down on to the front.”

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i360

What’s in store for the grand opening month? And what’s happened so far?

“British Airways i360 opened to the public on 4th August. We were featured on the One Show, had a live broadcast of the Heart Breakfast radio show from the pod on the opening morning, and welcomed community heroes from across Sussex on our first public flight. On August 13th there’s a spectacular free firework, sound and light show. In the first week we switched on the tower and pod lights for the first time.

During Pride, we lit up the tower in rainbow colours and proudly flew Pride flags.”

How do you see the i360 benefitting the people of Brighton and Hove, and local companies?

“We have launched a local membership scheme offering residents of Brighton and Hove half price entry (it is £1 to become a member). Children attending a state school in the city will also be able to enjoy a free trip.

The i360 has an important role to play in the future of Brighton & Hove and we have been committed from the start to working using companies from the region, employing local residents (all paid at least the Living Wage) and bringing as much economic benefit as we can to the local community. The attraction is the cornerstone of the city’s seafront regeneration plans, bringing at least £1million income into the local authority, in addition to all the extra visitors we will bring to this part of the city. W ‎ e will be paying 1% of our ticket revenues back to the city in perpetuity.”

Do you see the tower attracting BA travellers flying into the south of England?

“Absolutely! Passengers arriving at Gatwick

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can see British Airways i360 when they come in to land. Our sponsor, British Airways, is already promoting the attraction to its customers around the globe.”

How do you see the restaurant fitting into to the foodie market in the city?

“We believe there is a gap in the market for a destination beachside restaurant‎. Our vision for the Belle Vue Brighton restaurant is to serve the best of Sussex so customers can enjoy food and drink grown, reared, caught, brewed or produced in Sussex. The menu developed by our caterer Heritage Portfolio and our creative director, MasterChef: The Nyetimber Sky Bar on board British Airways i360 is also showcasing Sussex drinks such as Wobblegate apple juice, Harveys beer, South Downs water, Brighton Gin and, of course, Nyetimber sparkling wine.

There is a real foodie scene developing in this part of Brighton with incredible restaurants such as The Salt Room, the Set at Artists Residence, Riddle and Fins and GB1 and, of course, all the wellestablished restaurants in Preston Street.”

“We are offering a fantastic venue, with stunning, flexible event rooms for all kinds of celebrations and business events, with private beach decks and state-of-the-art facilities, supported by great service and catering. With our exciting pod ride and Nyetimber Skybar, we also offer something extra special to support the major hotels and venues in Brighton, for all those extra fringe events and entertainment that conferences and business meetings need.

What kind of visitor numbers are you expecting? What have you allowed for?

Our goal is to attract around 700,000 visitors per year.

What are the booking options?

“Tickets cost from £13.50 per adult and from £6.75 per child, when booked online at BritishAirwaysi360.com at least three days in advance. Walk-up prices are £15.00 per adult and £7.50 per child.

Discounts are available for students and pensioners, and children under 4 go free.”

Tell us about the West Pier influence.

“One of the loveliest aspects of our development has been producing facsimile reproduction West Pier toll booths that greet our customers – one is used as our ticket office, and the other as a tea rooms. British Airways i360 i‎ s seen as a modern-day vertical pier so guests can walk on air to get a fresh perspective on their city.”

What do you feel the tower offers to local businesses for corporate hire and events?

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A Residents’ Membership scheme will give Brighton and Hove residents living in BN1, BN2, BN3 and BN41 postcodes up to half-price tickets for just £1 per year.

To apply, residents should take a piece of photo ID and proof of their address to the British Airways i360 ticket office.

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Snowdogs Public art trail, Snowdogs by the Sea, will hit the streets of Brighton & Hove for nine weeks in September.

The sculpture trail will feature around 43 giant Snowdogs, inspired by popular animated short film, The Snowman and The Snowdog, based on the book by Raymond Briggs. Each Snowdog will be individually decorated by different artists and sponsored by local businesses.

The giant Snowdogs will be joined by a pack of Snowdog puppy sculptures designed by local school children.

The trail is being organised by local charity, Martlets Hospice, in conjunction with Wild in Art. Artists will be commissioned to design each of the Snowdogs, ensuring a unique identity for each one. The idea follows in the footsteps of similar projects run by Wild in Art in other cities such as The Big Hoot in Birmingham and Gromit Unleashed in Bristol. At the end of the event each Snowdog will be auctioned to raise funds for the hospice.

Snowdogs by the Sea is expected to raise significant funds for the hospice and attract tens of thousands of visitors to Brighton and Hove in the autumn.

Imelda Glackin, Martlets Hospice CEO

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said: “We are delighted to announce the dates for this much anticipated public art event. We have been overwhelmed by the support of local businesses, artists, community groups and schools who have all come together to enable us to create this unique trail. We know the people of Brighton and Hove will get behind it, and we expect it to attract thousands of tourists to the city too. What is wonderful about this project is that as well as being a brilliant, free event, which everyone can enjoy, it will also raise vital funds for Martlets so that we can support and care for more people who need hospice care.”

Artists from the city, as well as further afield, have been selected by sponsors to create a unique identity and design for each Snowdog. The giant snowdogs arrived in July so the artists could begin the creative process. Designs are strictly embargoed until the Snowdogs hit the streets in September but some artists and sponsors are offering glimpses of their Snowdog’s style via social media. Many of the artists have drawn inspiration

from Brighton’s unique history, seafront location and iconic architecture.

Norman Cook has commissioned street artist, Ryca to create his Snowdog, whilst crime author, Peter James, is likely to have a police themed Snowdog in a nod to his best-selling, Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, series. Other artists include; Louise Dear, Mike Edwards and Pure Evil.

Schools taking part have already received their snow puppies and children across the city are busy coming up with their own unique designs. The snow puppies will join the trail and will be on show at Brighton Museum, Hove Museum and Jubilee library throughout the event.

Organisers are also hoping to run a Farewell Event on the first weekend in December, bringing all the Snowdogs together for a final extravaganza. www.snowdogsbythesea.co.uk @SnowdogsBTS #Brightonsnowdogs

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By Trevor Crowley Vidal Sassoon

Welcome to FOXIE BELLE Brighton with TREVOR CROWLEY of Vidal Sassoon’s fame, The Brighton salon is the latest opening following huge successes in London Mayfair and Dublin Ireland. FOXIE BELLE Brighton hair architecture at it’s very best.

Foxie Belle Brighton 16 Brighton Place BN1 1HJ

Tel 01273 725006 www.trevorcrowley.com #HairdresseronFire #FoxieBelle #TrevorCrowley

SAM STOCKTON HAIR EsTablished 25 years

freelAnce hairdressing - professional colourist

tel: 01903-231557 mob : 07765311931 www.samstocktonhair.com

Photography by Michelle Scott

Choose red for bombshell style Timeless dress £199 / Black satin Mavis Shoes £79 / Black Fascinator £149

If you’re stuck between a frock and a hard place, head to Brighton and discover Pretty Eccentric the home of old fashion glamour...

Pretty Eccentric, 10 Bond Street, Brighton, BN1 1RD

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Simon Webster #SWH

After recently winning twice at the L’Oréal Colour Trophy Awards, Simon Webster is hoping to take hairdressing to another level.

Owner and session styler of his 5* boutique in Brighton, Simon and his team offer a variety of services, utilising over 30 years’ experience in the hair industry.

Simon and his team also provide session styling for leading fashion magazines, editorial shoots and music videos.

With a busy year ahead, Simon talks to us about his experience, creativity and what’s planned for his salon.

How and where did you gain your hairdressing experience?

“I started hairdressing at the age of 15, working for the great David Foulser in Brighton for 12 years, before opening my first salon, and then a second. During this time, I became one of the first L’Oreal ID Artists, representing the brand internationally as part of their art team, which led into working backstage for catwalk shows at the London, Milan and Paris fashion weeks with some of my hair icons like Eugene Soulieman, Duffy and James Pecis.

We set up Simon Webster Hair in 2012 to combine the intimacy of a local, familyrun salon with the fashion-orientated and creative outlook of larger chains. I work in the salon alongside the regular work I do within the fashion and music industries. This is where the real enjoyment comes from; your clients and working alongside a fantastic team, which is exactly what we have at SWH.”

Where do you get your hairdressing/ hairstyling inspiration from?

“Music and the visual arts are the main inspirations for my work. I spend a lot of time in art galleries around the world, like the Tate, Pompidou Centre and MOMA,

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filling my time between the runway shows looking for new ideas for shapes and texture.

For me, hairdressing is a creative art as much as any other form of expression and so I draw my influences from as varied a selection of sources as any other artist.”

Tell us about some projects you have completed? (Music shoots, fashion shoots, catwalks etc.)

“The SWH Team are always busy with projects, both for the salon and for ourselves.

Last week I collaborated with DSquared2, styling models for the preview of their S/ S17 collection at the London flagship store.

I met Dean and Dan last year when I styled them for an ‘At Home With…’ feature for InStyle Russia. I had just finished styling the hair for the new Dexy’s album cover and promo material the same month. Yesterday we shot a new personal collection that I produced and we’re now shooting the new salon collection. One of our stylists just got back from the couture shows for Fendi, Dior and Chanel, another was shooting a music video last week for a breakthrough band and then, of course, there was our L’Oreal Colour Trophy win for the Southern Region and second place overall in the UK in June – an incredible achievement for the team.”

Why is Brighton special to you?

“I was born in Brighton and have spent most of my life here. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else, despite my travels. It has a real energy, optimism and sense of fun to it. As kids, we used to hang out on Gardner Street; a friend’s dad had a grocer’s there, so it’s full of happy memories for me and I have a real fondness for the North Laine area. It is right at the heart of all that buzz and history.

Simon Webster Hair could only be in Brighton – it was conceived, inspired and shaped by the town. The salon and our brand reflect the very nature of Brighton; elegant, eclectic and a little eccentric. We are a culturally diverse, passionate and creative collective of professionals and our SWH family demonstrate that aspect of the city’s population. The town has a proud reputation for being forwardthinking and breaking the mould, so it’s an exciting place to live and work.”

What hair services does Simon Webster Hair offer

“Simon Webster Hair doesn’t have a ‘house style’; we’re individuals creating bespoke styling and colouring for individuals. SWH Team has their own passions, styles and

“We’re a small, independent salon with big ambitions and the passion and determination to match, so there’s plenty ahead.” specialisms and that is demonstrated by the variety of work we produce and our insistence on quality and professionalism.

We are a Bumble&Bumble Icon salon, one of only a few in the country, and use L’Oréal for our colouring. Both are fashionforward brands at the forefront of product development and value the importance of client-care and education, which matches our brand values at SWH. And, our clientele celebrates the full spectrum of age, race and gender because of that. We offer bespoke contemporary and vintage styling, colouring that embraces the latest techniques and trends, Mizani straightening and deepconditioning treatments like Olaplex.”

What’s next?

“We’re a small, independent salon with big ambitions and the passion and determination to match, so there’s plenty ahead. When we opened SWH, we were a team of six. Now we are over 20-strong and the whole team is taking the industry by storm in their own different ways – working with some of the world’s leading fashion designers, alongside established musicians and artists, winning national competitions and delivering seminars and workshops internationally – so the future is very exciting indeed. If you put

your heart into something and are willing to work hard for it, anything is possible.”

Is there any exclusive information you can share with Absolute?

“We’re just had a salon refit to freshen things up a little and to add to that, we were thrilled to win the PRS For Music Competition for our salon’s work with established and breakthrough musicians and festivals. The prize is a music-system makeover for the salon and a lavish launch party to celebrate, so we’re thrilled. We’ll be asking our clients for any suggestions and PRS will consult with and help us to achieve our dream set-up. The launch will be spectacular – watch this space!”

simonwebsterhair.com

Mathew Parr www.instagram.com/mparr3101 www.twitter.com/mparr3101 www.youtube.com/c/LGOODTV

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Benjamin BONETTI Benjamin Bonetti is a self-help guru and one of the world’s bestselling hypnotherapists and self-help authors.

Based around the three pillars of success, Benjamin helps others achieve a better version of themselves through fitness, improving the mind and wellbeing, and nutrition. He helps his clients on their paths to change.

In demand as a mentor, coach and hypnotist, Ben is often spotted behind the scenes at national events supporting well known celebrities and artists…

“Firstly I’m not so keen on the title ‘life’ coach as it seems so loose and generalised, especially when there are many ‘life’ coaches who haven’t yet got their own life in order.

I fell into the coaching world, having left the forces I decided to venture into the world of property sales here in Brighton. From here I built my own business, which I sold in 2008.

It was during the building phase of my own business that I met a lot of scepticism; but the more I was willing to share my journey the more I seemed to attract those with a growth mindset and it really went from there.

I actually authored two bestselling books off the back of it: How To Change Your Life and How To Stress Less (Wiley’s Publishers).”

How and why do you feel your approach to inspiring others has been successful?

“The ‘no BS’ approach to coaching is what I believe the industry and people needed.

There are many coaches in this arena prepared to tell the clients what they want and how everything will be fine, rather than the reality check that they really need.

Being honest and direct seems to have worked and has attracted a different type of person, who perhaps wasn’t open to coaching in the traditional sense.”

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Explain the types of services you offer within life coaching?

“Online one-to-one seems to be the most topical coaching service at the moment, as my clients aren’t geographically centralised. Current clients are based in the USA, Canada, UAE and Brazil, and this way of coaching incorporates modern technology and the demands of the market.

I have a successful online sports’ coaching series, several books, audiobooks and apps which all have the ability to reach the masses, and where the one-toone coaching isn’t a viable option.”

You’re respected as a leader in behavioural change.

“I think this comes down to carefully vetting clients rather than just accepting anyone. The more I’m able to align their needs with my skills the more success we have – it really is as simple as that.

The high results are based on keeping the numbers manageable and immersing myself into all aspects of their life rather than attempting to dilly-dally around feelings.”

You’ve worked with a lot of celebrities. What have you gained from working with them (and from your clients in general)?

“The divide is becoming less. Being in the media spotlight offers additional pressure based on their very real need to ‘act’ all of the time – but that is it.

They have the same issues as us all.

The truth is that with the visibility of social

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media, the divide is becoming less. There is always someone watching and prepared to cast judgement based on our own weaknesses, it’s just on a greater magnitude.

I have learnt to spend less time looking at others and focusing on ‘being’ more.”

Can you name some of your media clients?

“I pride my service on privacy but I’ve worked with everyone from royalty to stayat-home parents. As I said before, they are all treated the same despite their titles and the mental limitations are more or less the same.”

Do you have any advice for someone who is contemplating working with a life coach but is unsure of the benefits they’ll get?

“Firstly, don’t bother wasting your time or money unless you are willing to act on what comes from your session. Honesty is the biggest aspect in one-to-one coaching.

If you just want someone to listen to your complaints then coaching/mentoring may not be the right choice for you.

If you want to make positive changes based on your own restrictions then jump on it. We all have issues and stuff we need to get out and a coach/mentor is a brilliant way to keep accountable on your journey to betterment, while receiving progressive recommendations.”

Tell us about your YouTube channel 100NMAN?

“The 100NMAN project was more of a hobby than anything else, but has

evolved into a brand in itself and I’m quickly trying to find my feet.

Based off the back of Vlogging a 100day journey to a 140.3 mile Ironman Endurance event, it has developed into a successful sports coaching business.

I guess you could say it was a transition on my own growth mind-set journey.

I’m already working with several clubs, international Olympians and keen amateur sports personalities and it’s brilliant.”

Living in Sussex, what makes the county and Brighton so special to you?

“The people make Brighton – it is as simple as that. I’ve been to some amazing places in the world and there is something about the people this place attracts. The diversity and willingness for people to ‘be’ whom they want makes this city great.”

What is next for you?

“I’d like to document and Vlog a solo distance motorbike ride, possibly next year, but for now it’s training for another Ironman event this September, spending quality time with my family and sharing my expertise with those willing to listen.

Not forgetting the Olympics coming up.”

100NMAN Mental Performance Coach http://100nman.com http://www.benjaminbonetti.com Mathew Parr www.instagram.com/mparr3101 www.twitter.com/mparr3101 www.youtube.com/c/LGOODTV

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thetanningshop.co.uk

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Real Beauty Allie Mann Interview

“In a city filled with all different kinds of people, there is certainly a rise in the demand for beauty salons. Fake tanning, manicures and even fillers, are increasingly popular, but I was yet to discover a salon where I felt at home.

Real Beauty’s Allie Mann has been working in the industry for over a decade, and has a well-established salon with glowing reviews, situated in First Avenue, Hove. If you have an appointment with Allie you can expect to be her only client in the salon at the time as 100% of her attention will be on you, giving the impression of a high-end hotel spa! She has been described as an ‘Amazing therapist who knows her stuff’, and someone who ‘gives the best facials by a country mile’.

Has your background always been in the beauty industry?

“When I left school I went on to do A levels but soon realised this wasn’t for me. I had a part-time job in a Brighton hotel and took on another position in retail. Both kept me busy until it was time to study my Beauty Therapy NVQ level 2 and 3 at Brighton and Hove City College. I have been in the beauty industry for 11 years now and I’m still learning and loving it every day.”

How did you start out with Real Beauty?

“The opportunity found me really. A friend of mine was running the personal training studio in the same building I am in now and she told me about the space available and how the owners wanted to turn it into a beauty salon. After being employed for eight years the thought of becoming selfemployed became a constant niggle that I just couldn’t ignore any more!”

What are the most popular treatments you can offer right now?

Why are they so popular? i.e celebs/trends/ word of mouth “The treatments I offer are effective and enjoyable. I always deliver results and I think this is what’s important. Many fads come and go in this industry but the worthwhile ones always stay. Maintaining a high standard is what makes your treatments popular! Every day is a mixture of various massages, waxing, tinting, manicures and pedicures (gel and none gel treatments), makeup, spray tanning, micro-dermabrasion and dermalogica facials and peels.

Dermalogica is the skin care brand I use for my facials and I would use nothing less. It is an incredible range that offers fantastic results for all skin types. I

first heard of it back in college and every salon I have worked in has used it.

Their training is second to none for therapists which has enabled me to achieve Expert status with the brand, the highest level of training you can have. I am one of only five in the local area.”

Do you work Solo or do you work with other therapists?

“I work solo. Looking after a client from the minute they walk in the door to the minute they leave is the best part for me! I know they have been given 100% attention and care the whole time and you build a fantastic relationship with everyone.”

What does ‘real beauty’ mean?

“Real beauty means you come in to the salon as yourself and you leave as yourself, a shinier, more relaxed, pampered version of you. No frills, nothing fake or stuck on – just genuine beauty that is all yours!”

On your website it says you’ve worked abroad?

“When I was about to qualify in Level 3 beauty therapy, we were approached at the college to go and work abroad as a beauty therapist, for a whole summer, in a stunning hotel/spa environment in Greece.

“I jumped at the chance! It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I did it for two summers and will never forget it.”

Why is personal grooming important? Do you think beauty treatments are important? Why? “I think they are very important! Not for vanity, although a little is fine! But, for your self-esteem. It is really important to take care of yourself, take five minutes from your busy life to chill out and relax and get away from any stresses and worries you may have. A chat and a giggle with someone who is fairly detached from your life can do wonders for your soul so why not do it with beautiful nails?”

Kingsway Court, Queens Gardens, First Ave, Hove BN3 3LP 07912 176997

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DAMAGE & Goose Jim Morrison once said “Some of my worst mistakes in life were haircuts.”

The Doors’ frontman wouldn’t have said it had he gone to Goose or Damage in North Laine, where a good chat about music - and an excellent haircut - are guaranteed.

Brighton’s love of music is well documented.

North Laine used to be full of independent record shops but these social hubs gradually disappeared over the years as vinyl sales declined, to be replaced with hairdressers and barbers.

As with most things, Brighton bucked the trend and one particular establishment at the bottom of Trafalgar Street managed to combine the two!

Damage – opposite Rarekind Records – is a unique hairdressing establishment, with an online record store in its basement!

“I’ve been cutting hair over 30 years,” recalls Damage owner Dave Henley. “I served my apprenticeship in south London and opened my own shop in Kensington market in 1984.

I’ve been an avid record collector since I was a kid, buying imports and collectibles at every opportunity.”

Dave started his DJ career at friends’ parties and pub gigs in the East End, before moving on to warehouse parties. “I used play everything back then,” continues Dave.

“Northern Soul, rockabilly, early hip hop, house, reggae (always a staple), funk and jungle too.”

Back in the late 1980s, early 1990s, the government had clamped down on any

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unlicensed gathering of more than two people. In between cutting hair and DJing, Dave set up a record label after meeting Justin Langland – introduced by DJ Paul Guntrip – while playing at his residency at The Wag, in Soho.

The trio decided to embark on a weekly shindig at the venue, called Heavy Duty, which highlighted their diverse taste in music. Early Acid House was played alongside James Brown, Go-Go alongside Marshall Jefferson and film soundtracks collided with rap – a proper eclectic mix.

They also had live sets with the Stereo MCs, Jungle Brothers and London Posse, amongst others.

After establishing themselves as serious DJs, they branched out to play at the legendary Artists Against Apartheid sessions with ex-Special Jerry Dammers and continued to rock the underground scene at various illegal shenanigans. In 1990, Dave and Justin decided to produce music themselves and made their mark with the 12” Back2Back. Featuring the words of Eldridge Cleaver, the Minister of Information for the Black Panthers, the resulting tune sounded radical. It still does.

“Two albums followed, the being 1992’s Upset, which featured in Gilles Peterson’s

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top 100 albums of all time.”

Dave set up Damage in 2006 to utilise his hairdressing skills, and to allow him to listen to music all day.

“It’s great. Loads of my clients are in to music and I like to think our playlists attract a certain clientele.”

After years of DJing and producing, Dave can count many renowned musicians and DJs among his friends. One such luminary is DJ Billy Nasty – revered by Techno heads across the world – who runs The Vinyl Curtain online record store from Damage’s basement. He still regularly plays out and has shows with Radioactive Man and Suplex on the horizon in Hackney, plus a Herbal Tea Party reunion in Manchester. He plays abroad too…

“I’ve been going to Naples and Amsterdam (Dance Valley, Awakenings) for over 20 years now and have made some great friends in the process,” says Billy.

“Like Dave, I was in to raregroove and funk and when things went electrical I wasn’t sure about it at first. I got into indie dance and then started working at Zoom in Camden and had access to loads of different music.”

Billy’s been DJing for 26 years and used to grace the decks at legendary Brighton venues,

The Zap, Escape and Shark Bar. “I had my first decks at 16,” recalls Billy.

“I’ve only got through three sets of 1210s [turntables] in that time! They’re built like tanks and last forever.”

Dave and Billy – who also runs two record labels, Tortured and Electrix Recordings – have been friends for over 20 years and met when they were both on Leftfield’s label, Hard Hands. The record shop seemed like the perfect use for the space in Damage’s basement and the shop’s been going strong for two years now.

“We get collections in all the time but, despite the resurgence in vinyl, people are still selling their vinyl. So we get new stuff all the time,” explains Billy.

The Vinyl Curtain sells predominantly online but private viewings can be arranged via their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ thevinylcurtain/. Or, you can catch Billy at the regular weekly stall – Thursdays – at the outdoor record market in the Open Market.

Not too far from Damage is another hairdresser with a passion for music. Toby Houlton explains his love for music and profession.

Who or what made you want to become a hairdresser?

“I just loved going to the barber shop: the blokes chatting, the banter, the atmosphere.

I used to frequent Freddie’s in Spring Street, Brighton. I got my first flat-top there when I was 12 – in 1984!”

Where did you cut your teeth, so to speak? And is there anything that particularly inspired you to become a hairdresser?

“I did an apprenticeship in Tunbridge Wells and have been cutting hair for 20 years now.

I enjoy working with my hands, and creating.”

Goose has an impressive sound system, what music helps you work?

“Hip hop, soul and jazz, plus a bit of electronica, plus a smattering of drum and bass – and beats – is what I’m in to. Some of my favourite labels are Cold Chillin’, Ninja Tunes, Stone’s Throw, Tuff City, Stax, Street Sounds and Blue Note. Living in Uckfield and pop music wasn’t really doing it for me in the late 1980s. I got in to hip hop in around 1985 and I looked into it more. From hip hop, I explored all the samples used and discovered the huge world of jazz, soul, funk and disco.

The Escape From New York soundtrack was my first record purchase. My dad wrote a cheque and sent it to That’s Entertainment

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in the US and it took two months. But it was definitely worth it!

Would you say your music has helped you garner a client-base of like-minded souls?

“I started working in Brighton 17 years ago and got my first shop in 2004, near The Level.

I always secretly wanted a record shop but grew up in a small town so it wasn’t ever likely to happen really. The next best thing was opening a hairdresser’s so I could listen to music I love all day. And, by listening to this music, I’ve attracted a certain type of clientele too, some of whom have become close friends. I still love buying vinyl when I can. I’ve never stopped and it’s one of my favourite things in life. I was so fed up listening to mundane music in salons and barbers. You know the type; commercial radio – generic playlist – punctuated by inane chat and annoying adverts. It’s a little bit like the oceans; we’ve only explored a tiny percentage, and there’s so much more to see and hear!”

Dan Tester

www.discogs.com/seller/ thevinylcurtainprofile www.facebook.com/pages/GooseHairdressing/1319328284749274 www.facebook.com/pages/DamageHairdressers-Brighton/439784056065094

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Hello there!

Opening the salon 3 years ago was such a fantastic decision, I’ve been in the industry for 10 years now and truly feel that the environment I work in enables me to give the best beauty treatments I possibly can.

Being a Dermalogica Expert therapist has allowed me to have in depth knowledge and training for giving great facials and aftercare for all types of skin. All aspects of beauty are enjoyable as it keeps everyday different!

Building and keeping a rapport with my clients is hugely important to me, to be on a level with someone who comes in and trusts all that you do and walks away with a smile on their face is what it’s all about for me in this industry.

Allie

Contact Allie on:

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07912 176997

 Kingsway Court, Queens Gardens, First Avenue (for entrance), Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2LP  realbeautywithallie@hotmail.co.uk  www.dermalogicaconnect.co.uk/realbeauty RealbeautywithAllie

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www.cocoonhealthcare.co.uk ABSOLUTE 53 P L A C E , B R I G H T O N B N 1 4 A A

Family Funktunes Brighton club institution Family Funktunes is 15 years young in September, and to celebrate they’re having a big knees-up to raise funds for the city’s best independent radio station - 1BrightonFM.

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veryone in Brighton is a DJ. It’s a cliché -but with good reason. This wonderful place attracts people who really love music.

Utilising this enthusiasm, and a bit of gumption, you can play your favourite records/CDs/MP3s to – occasionally – appreciative audiences at an array of venues across Brighton and Hove. All you need is a break…

This is exactly what happened to Dan Tester (Dante) and Simon Collins (Delv) in 2001.

Having met at the University of Brighton six years earlier, the firm friends – and regulars at The Zap, Escape, Concorde, Catfish and The Volks – were starting to believe they could put on their own night. One of their mates had just taken over The Cocoanut (correct spelling) pub in Kingston-upon-Thames and knowing of their plans, invited the boys to play before and after England’s World Cup qualifier against Germany, in Munich.

A historical evening in more ways than one, Dan and Si DJed together for the first time – oh, and England thrashed their hosts 5-1.

“I clanged loads of mixes,” recalls Dan. “And, some bloke punched a hole in the window at 4am because we were playing jungle and doing cartwheels.”

“We found an old war-chest full of gay porn in one of the spare rooms above the pub too,” remembers Si.

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After their first gig, Dan made a note of its details in the back of an old A4 ledger, and, like a true anorak, has documented each DJ performance since.

A couple of years after residencies at The Roundhill, Coopers Cask and London Unity in Brighton and jaunts to Essex, Clapham, Cambridge, Skegness and various house parties across the south, a name was required. Preparing for a show in Hove, Dan and Si were devouring pre-gig fish and chips in front of Saturday night television when Les Dennis’ Family Fortunes snuck into their consciousness. Family Funktunes was born.

“Despite the obvious play on words, the idea is that we play music from the family of funk; Philly, New Orleans, and Northern Soul, hip hop, Motown, raw funk, raregroove, disco, and occasionally house and drum and bass when more lively stuff is required,” says Dan. “It felt right.”

Family Funktunes’ first foray into hosting a club night was on Friday 25th June, 2004 at the Sussex Arts Club (SAC) in Ship Street, Brighton. “That gig will live with me forever,” said Si. “All our mates were there (250 people in total). The venue was beautiful; deep red walls, a proper stage, amazing artwork, and atmospheric redbead lighting across the dancefloor.”

“Our friend SiSupahoop said he was going to play I Feel Love by Donna Summer,”

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laughs Dan. “I wasn’t sure at first and then the dry ice machine got stuck. We could barely see, the tune kicked in, and all that was visible was a sea of hands through the lazers – what a moment.”

“We had a classical pianist playing in the window, who was once interrupted by a punter trying to clamber in. We hosted a band whose lead singer wore swimming trunks, supported a charity night which included two lads dressed as superheroes using rowing machines on the stage, and shared the decks with Brighton legends including Paul Clark, Andy Mac, Scratchy Muffin, Ollie Brown and many more.”

“When we first met, I had very different music taste to Dan,” explains Si. “But we’ve merged much closer as we’ve got older. He was in to soul and jungle more but as we’ve progressed we’ve both really got into disco re-edits and searching out those tracks that are guaranteed to fill the floor. I just hope people enjoy what we do as much as we do! It’s a huge part of our lives. Dan always nags me to sort out all the technical stuff. We’ll turn up and something isn’t working or plugged in so he’ll start to panic. But, in fairness, he has organised virtually all our gigs so it’s a great partnership and it works very well.”

Two years at SAC came to an end when it was sold to Hotel du Vin in 2006. Regular slots at The Hope, Gloucester, The Globe

and a couple of festivals followed, and then a chance meeting with club-night favourites Stick It On. The boys secured a residency at their legendary King & Queen Bank Holiday all-dayers and played alongside Norman Jay, the Cuban Brothers, and DJ Derek (RIP), amongst others.

“In 2008 we did Beachdown,” chuckles Dan. “It absolutely chucked it down and me and Si managed about 20 minutes’ sleep before our midday set. Seeing Si’s future wife owning the dancefloor dressed as Scooby Doo was a bit special.”

“We’ve had such a good time over the years,” recalls Dan. “We’ve played gigs alongside local big-hitters the Gyratory All-Stars, Super Mister Juice and Mauve People, plus Brighton favourites Bem Bom Brothers, Vinyl Veterans and Soul Casserole – and made so many amazing friends. I feel truly blessed to have met so many outstanding people.”

“We’ve drunk Champagne with 80s pop stars at 8am, done the Can-Can with the Inspiral Carpets, been covered in profiteroles in the West End, dressed up as vicars to do a mates’ wedding in a church, ended up the subject of an improv comedy performance just before going live on air, been attacked with dozens of thongs at Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar and flashed at in a marquee outside the Jubilee library, while playing rave classics, as a friend attempted to break a world record at 2am! It’s been a blast!”

With the boys now firmly established in Brighton’s soul/funk community a firm friendship has developed with The Impellers crew, leading to Family Funktunes’ biggest gig to date when the band warmed-up for Portishead crate digger, DJ Andy Smith, at the Synergy Centre last November.

“That was an amazing night, they totally rocked it.” said Dan. “I’ve got so many vivid Funktunes’ memories but if I had to pick one it would be playing in the North Stand concourse at Albion’s stadium when my friend Al and l DJed there at the end of the 2012/13 season.

Seeing a few thousand people in Albion shirts dancing was such a great buzz.”

Last year, Dan and Si joined 1BrightonFM, Brighton’s newest independent radio station, and recent recipients of a FM licence.

“We started doing a Saturday morning slot and that gave us the chance to play more down-tempo stuff we wouldn’t normally play out,” said Si. “But now we are on Friday night (third of the month, from 10pm), anything goes! Big bangers all the way!”

Dan and Beatwell recently returned from three sets at NozStock in Herefordshire where their undoubted highlight was DJing with Jurassic 5, and Akil freestyling over their tunes. “Off the scale,” beams Dan!

eclectic cast will descend on the Rialto Theatre for a proper shindig to raise funds for 1BrightonFM, and reminisce about 15 years of Family Funktunes.

“We’re spoilt with the line-up,” says Si. “The magnificent Along Came Shifty (hip hop) are providing the live music alongside The Impellers (performing Ultimate Breaks & Beats), and we have two floors of DJs, featuring the cream of 1BrightonFM’s stable, plus old mates of ours from over the years, including Mellortron, SiSupahoop and Beatwell.”

“If we’re still doing this in another 15 years, we’ll be very happy indeed.”

Family Funktunes’ 15th birthday party is at Rialto Theatre, Dyke Road, Brighton, Friday 9th September: 9pm to 5am.

The event is ticket only, with earlybird tickets available online from Resident Advisor for £8. https://www.residentadvisor. net/event.aspx?857402 Some tickets will be available on the night for £10.

On Friday 9th September, Dan, Si and an

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FIZZ & FOOD SkyFall

Not the James Bond film, the restaurant.

Situated on Church Road, they specialise in locally sourced food, in a modern and elegant setting. Although SkyFall don’t actually have any specific gluten free options on the menu , the chef is more than willing to tweak dishes to accommodate his clientele. How’s that for dedication? All the staff inside are fully trained on allergens too.

Indian Summer

Indian Summer is a highly rated Indian fine dining experience amongst the Brighton community, the long-standing restaurant is positioned perfectly in the South Lanes near Brighton town centre.

Indian Summer has been the go to place for exotic food that can cater to anyone with celiac decease, for over 10 years now.

Coggings and Co

The Connaught, Hove

A warm and friendly ‘all round’ pub close to Hove seafront. The Connaught is a favourite among locals and welcomes all kinds of customers including families and pets. There are toys and a special menu for the kids, water bowls for dogs and plenty of quality food and drink for the adults!

With a south facing beer garden for warmer days, and a wood burning stove for those chillier days, everyone’s a winner.

Chaula’s

Chaula’s restaurant serves family secret recipes traditional of Gujarati, North West India. The secret recipes have been passed down through the family, from grandmother, to mother to Chaula, giving the restaurant it’s reputation for having the best homemade Indian food in the city.

Most of Chaula’s menu is gluten free.

Brighton Rocks, Kemptown

The Bali Brasserie

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.

Moonstone

If you’ve ever thought about trying Sri Lankan food, then Moonstone should be your first choice. It is the only Sri Lankan restaurant on the south coast, but why travel anywhere else when you have something so wonderful on your doorstep? All the chefs are Sri Lankan natives; you won’t find food healthier than this. Most Sri Lankan food is already gluten free anyway, but they also come with other amazing health benefits from the allnatural ingredients in almost every meal.

Memories of India

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Coggins and Co is famous across the city for serving some of Brighton’s best burgers, what a lot of people don’t know about them is that almost all the burgers on the menu are gluten free. Expect a no fuss, welcoming environment when you arrive and enjoy dining at one of Brighton’s most famous spots.

‘Kemptown’s best kept secret’, this trendy cocktail bar is a great place to relax, unwind and eat good food with friends. Serving a simple but quality menu for light bites or more substantial mains, it’s got something for everyone including ‘Small plates’, sharing platters and an awesome Rib Eye. Renowned for their fabulous contemporary cocktails give the Sussex Martini a try.

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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

Terre a terre

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.

Eatalio

of character. The gardens are glorious in the summer months but when the weather isn’t so balmy, there is a gorgeous, big log burning fire in the bar area to get cozy and snuggle up. Dogs are welcome (on a lead) so the perfect place to stop for lunch and a local ale after a walk in the country.welcome including the furry, wagged tail kind. Superb sophisticated pub menu and an open fire.

Curry Leaf Cafe

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.

Fish and Liquor,

Brighton Seafront

Eatalio is a recently new addition to Brighton’s food scene, and is located on Queens Road, about a 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 wecome.

No services for dogs, they just allow them in the venue.

Coach House Brighton

Although in general the food of India is a fairly healthy diet, the food of the south is renowned for being much lighter and lower in fat than the food of the North. Many of the Curry Leaf dishes are made using chickpea flour instead of wheat, in the afternoon and unexpected treats are served during their afternoon tea, which are also gluten and dairy free.

The Victory

A wonderful venue on Brighton’s Madeira Drive and a dog walkers paradise. Opposite the dog friendly area of Brighton beach and a venue which offers a free gravy bone dispenser on their outside wall, plus a plentyful supply of water for your four legged friends. Did we also mention they do some of the best fish and chips in Brighton along with many other British classics and a great selection of draught and craft beers.

The Fountain Inn, Ashurst

Beautiful olde worlde inn in the sleepy village of Ashurst. A free house and ‘Cask Marque’ accredited, the Fountain has plenty

A lively and unique Brighton venue, the Coach House is known for its informal and friendly atmosphere as well as it’s outstanding food.

Situated in the heart of the lanes, but still only a stone’s throw from the seafront, it’s an ideal place for a quality relaxed lunch. The menu features classic dishes with a twist and all made with local and seasonal produce where possible. Inviting roaring fire for the colder months. Dogs welcome.

Rainbow Inn, Cooksbridge, nr Lewes

The Rainbow Inn in Cooksbridge near Lewes is a beautiful, historic pub with bags

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Established in 1766 making it one of Brighton’s oldest pubs, The Victory on Duke Street has kept most of it’s original features giving it a really authentic and traditional feel. Think beer kegs for high tops and book cases embedded into brick walls. The food is simple but quality featuring simple bar snacks such as Scotch eggs, casual baguettes, burgers and salads and more substantial dishes such as the Jack and Coke Pork Ribs.

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Great food, great prices, great location!

Open 24 hours a day!

Find us on Facebook Buddies 24 hour restaurant, Brighton 46-48 KINGS RD, BRIGHTON SEAFRONT

TEL: (01273) 323 600 58

ABSOLUTEHOMES ISSUE THREE - COVER BRIGHTON & HOVE B&O

HOMES | INTERIORS | PROPERTY | INVESTMENT | DEVELOPMENT

Let us take your property to London.

On 8th October 2016 showcase your home to Londoners looking to move out of town.

There are thousands of reasons why Londoners are looking to move out of town – excellent schools, quality of life, more space and value for money.

Your property and location may be just what they are looking for. Some of those moving away from London will be looking to buy immediately while many others prefer to ‘try before you buy’ and rent first before they settle for good.

We are making the most of our extensive network of 33 London branches by offering to take your property right to the doorsteps of active buyers and tenants in the Capital as part of The Roadshow on Saturday 8th October.

To ensure your property is showcased at this exclusive event, contact us today.

The deadline for inclusion is 1st October 2016

Hamptons Haywards Heath 28 The Broadway, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3AL Sales. 01444 316 791 haywardsheath@hamptons-int.com Lettings. 01444 316 793 haywardsheathlettings@hamptons-int.com hamptons.co.uk Please dial in full. If you have already appointed another agent, you may be subject to a restrictive contract.

In recognition of our continuous search for ways to improve the service we deliver, and for the fourth year in a row, we have received the Gold Award for Best Large Agency.

So, if you would like to work with an award-winning agent that provides you with realistic advice, the highest standards of personal and professional service, creative marketing and a leading network of 87 UK offices and over 7,000 international partner offices. Contact us today.

Hamptons Haywards Heath Sales. 01444 316 791 haywardsheath@hamptons-int.com Lettings. 01444 316 793 haywardsheathlettings@hamptons-int.com

hamptons.co.uk

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INTRODUCTION Darren Shot, Hamptons International

The summer property market has certainly been an interesting place to be so far this year. We saw much uncertainty leading up to the referendum, compounded by what I can only describe as propaganda from both sides. The result was not the expected one, certainly by the stock market, and this itself caused a pause in the market whilst everyone wanted to let the dust settle – and see what the fall-out might be.

At the time of writing, it certainly feels as though the dust is settling and we are seeing a good level of confidence amongst buyers, resulting in increasing viewing levels and offers coming forward. There are still some areas which are in the process of regaining momentum and we are fully focused on making this happen.

I have seen some buyers trying to utilise the situation to their advantage at the point of making an offer, but this is only to be expected. Among these buyers are many still making the lifestyle/family move out of London to the commutable areas within Sussex and the areas close to some of the wonderful schools in the area are, in fact, seeing even more interest.

With interest rates having just been cut to 0.25% after nine years to another historic low, it will be very interesting to see how this is received by the property market and wider financial world. There is also talk within the Monetary Policy

Committee that they would support cutting interest rates again before the end of the year to their lowest possible level of ‘close to, but a little above, zero’.

The robust market here by the coast has once again proved to weather storms, perhaps far better than other parts of the country. This is driven by the diverse range of properties on offer in differing areas, whether you are looking for a beachfront retreat, a period family home in the centre of the city, or want a more rural feel with some of Sussex’s most beautiful villages in and around the Haywards Heath area, there is really is something for everyone.

We are still seeing a good level of investment in these areas with the likes of the iconic British Airways i360 on Brighton seafront, through to the station redevelopment at Haywards Heath, which will incorporate a brand new 30,000 sq. ft. Waitrose supermarket.

This, alongside events such as Brighton Pride, raise the area’s profile even further, with an estimated 300,000 gathered in the city, bringing an £18m boost to the economy of Brighton and Hove.

The traditional summer market slowdown has not been seen for some time in the property market locally, with serious buyers continuing their search whatever the weather and despite children now

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being fully immersed in the summer holidays. The continuation of demand for quality homes outstripping supply keeps the market buoyant throughout this period.

Whilst you will often hear about the number of buyers moving out of London to get away from the hustle and bustle, which is certainly true with many young families making a lifestyle move centred around quality of life and schooling, we are now also seeing a good number of buyers making a very similar move from the central parts of Brighton and Hove to the other side of the South Downs into mid Sussex. This move is proving increasing popular as the commuter links from this area can still have you in London in around 45 minutes, or back to the coast within a matter of minutes. Here at Hamptons International we can assist whatever the reason or location for the move, with offices in Brighton & Hove, mid Sussex and, of course, in London.

We realise that it is not simply a case of choosing the right home, but also choosing the right location, whether it be for commuting, schooling, or a mixture of these. We are always here to provide as much help and advice as is required to make the process as smooth as possible.

Darren Shot, Hamptons International

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Burgess Hill ÂŁ899,950 The Gables is a fine detached Edwardian residence of character set well back from the road approached by an in and out block paved driveway offering parking for numerous vehicles. The beautifully presented bright and well proportioned interior incorporates a splendid double aspect sitting room with fine period style fireplace and wide bay window to the front, a study, a superb double glazed living room/conservatory with vaulted ceiling and doors to the rear garden, a separate dining room, an excellent comprehensively fitted kitchen with breakfast room complete with appliances plus a useful utility area. On the first floor there are 4 good size bedrooms with a luxury refitted en suite shower room to the master bedroom and a family bathroom. There is an attached garage (24'6 in length) and a delightful fully enclosed rear garden extending to about 60 feet in length arranged with a paved sun terrace and well tended lawn enclosed by established herbaceous borders stocked with an abundance of colourful flowers, plants and shrubs.

42 High Street Lindfield 01444 484564 10

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www.markrevill.com

Haywards Heath ÂŁ1,100,000 A delightful, well presented detached family house set in a good size plot with an abundance of established trees, shrubs and enclosed by hedging providing exceptional privacy and seclusion. The house features a well fitted kitchen/breakfast room, utility room, a fine sitting room with feature fireplace and an opening with bespoke glass folding doors leading to a conservatory. There is also a separate dining room, useful family room and a downstairs cloakroom. On the first floor are 4 double bedrooms with the main bedroom benefitting from an en-suite bathroom. Outside there is an attached double garage approached via along driveway with additional parking and secluded front and rear gardens.

42 High Street Lindfield 01444 484564

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www.markrevill.com 11

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Smaller households ‘to become the norm’ The number of people living in a typical household is set to fall, as one-person homes and smaller families become the norm.

The number of people living in a typical household is set to fall, as one-person homes and smaller families become the norm.

New statistics from the Department for Communities and Local Government show there is set to be a decline in the average household size from 2.35 to 2.21 people by 2039.

While the number of people making up each home is predicted to fall, the total number of households is forecast to rise significantly from the current 22.7 million to 28 million.

Andrew Hovey, area sales manager for Sussex at Leaders, says: “This research highlights the need for more new housing to be built across the UK, as the total number of households rises by more than five million.

“With many households made up of just one or two people, much of the population is likely to be living in apartments and small houses by 2039, making these types of homes increasingly important.

“Indeed, one-person homes are projected to increase by 68,000 each year up to 2039, at which point they will make up 33% of all households in the UK.” Another key trend over the coming years is set to be the increasing number of households headed by older people. An extra 155,000 homes are predicted to be led by somebody aged 65 or over each year to 2039, while the number headed by a person aged between 25 and 34 will fall by 9,000 each year.

The findings should also be of tremendous interest to landlords and prospective buy-to-let investors, who can tailor their investment strategy to ensure their portfolio is made up of properties that will meet the demands of the market over the next two decades.

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Landlords have reason to feel confident in the property market both now and in the future, with rents heading upwards, demand remaining incredibly high and experts suggesting political issues such as Brexit are unlikely to have a notable impact on the sector.

Andrew explains: “While the market has been affected by an element of uncertainty following the EU referendum in June and house prices are rising slightly slower than before, the outlook remains incredibly positive.

“With supply continuing to lag some way behind demand, all the evidence points towards the market remaining strong for many years to come. There are simply not enough properties in the UK and with the number of households set to grow, demand for quality homes is likely to be higher than ever.

“Brexit and other political developments should have little to no effect whatsoever on the market.”

With this in mind, landlords are advised it remains a great time to consider adding to their portfolios, with typical yields far exceeding the returns available via other investment types, such as the stock market.

Andrew adds: “Whether investors are looking for a good rental return, high capital growth or a combination of the two, the current buy-to-let market is the place to be. And if the government’s forecast is accurate, investing in apartments and small houses to satisfy the growing number of smaller households could be the wisest move of all.”

For more information on selling, letting, buying, renting or investing in property, please contact any of Leaders’ five branches in Brighton and Hove, or visit leaders.co.uk.

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“With supply continuing to lag some way behind demand, all the evidence points towards the market remaining strong for many years to come.

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UNI

UE

Estate Agents

It’s reassuring to have an experienced, knowledgeable estate agent on your side. From the moment we list your property until the day you pick up the keys to your new home, we’ll make sure you have our full support. www.qsalesandlettings.co.uk

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“Head and shoulders above other high street agents.”

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Videotree Waterproof, sleek and technically brilliant, Videotree TVs allow users to keep up-to-date and entertained in any environment.

Videotree are the pioneers in waterproof television technology. Since our foundation over 15 years ago, we have developed a range of quality, luxurious waterproof, mirror and outdoor televisions.

Designed and built in the UK, 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 our team of highly-skilled technicians to integrate the latest television technology into a sleek, slimline television module.

Lifestyle Waterproof Televisions Our range of waterproof televisions provide the ultimate entertainment in a multitude of environments. Videotree waterproof televisions can be mounted on-wall or inwall for a fully flush finish and are the perfect solution for any bathroom, spa or pool area. Add that extra luxurious feeling to your bathroom or en-suite with a Videotree waterproof television, providing you with the ultimate means to relax and unwind whilst enjoying your favourite television programmes.

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Our newest range of Mirror televisions boast boosted performance, stunning visual imagery and a sleek design to provide our clients with the most sophisticated mirror televisions.

Videotree Mirror televisions are the only borderless mirror televisions on the market.

Each television screen meets the very edge of the glass leaving no surrounding dark border – creating the perfect mirror illusion. Our use of dielectric glass bonded directly to the screen leaves no gap for stunning clarity when the television is on, and a crisp reflection when the television is off. Videotree’s use of high contrast industrial panels enables operation in a wide range of environments.

Mirror screens can be made to any size, whether you are looking for a small vanity bathroom mirror, a framed mirror for your dining room, or larger commercial LED panels. Our high-brightness, high-contrast screens display perfect picture quality whatever the size, whatever the condition.

Videotree offer a range of bespoke finishes to ensure your mirror television meets even the highest of standards when it comes to interior design. We also offer behind-glass options for televisions hidden beneath glass walls and glass kitchen splashbacks.

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Award Winning Titan Outdoor Televisions Videotree’s elegantly designed, slimline outdoor televisions are ideal for any garden or seating area, boasting an extensive range 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. Videotree’s use of super high bright industrial panels allows operation in a wide range of environments, with our patented cooling system that eliminates the need for noisy fans and bulky designs. With a range of bespoke framing and mounting options including metal floor stands, Videotree’s outdoor televisions can be custom designed to complement your outdoor space. Now you can enjoy your favourite programmes outdoors in any climate. Perfect for any outdoor setting, whatever the weather.

Designed and built in England Ian Rees

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op

po Fan rt ta u n st iti ic es in w ves ith tm 5% en yi t el ds

A selection of stunning new homes from Leaders

Prices start from ÂŁ230,000 so call 01273 720714 for more details Leaders are delighted to offer an exceptional

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3 Bedroom House - semi-detached Mill Drive, Hove BN3 6WB

ÂŁ475.00

A spacious three bedroom semi detached house with off road parking situated in the highly desirable Hove Park Area. On entering the property you are greeted by a lovely entrance hall with access to the living room, kitchen and stairs rising up to the first floor.

The living room offers great space and much natural light making it a very bright room, the dining room is separated from the living room by double doors but could easily be owned up to make one large space. The kitchen is fully tiled and has a double bowl stainless steel sink with drainer, five ring gas hob and cooker and space for fridge freezer. From the kitchen you can access to private rear garden and driveway.

Onto the first floor there is three bedroom all of which are good sized double bedrooms and a bathroom which is fully tiled and complete with a paneled bath with electric shower, pedestal sink and WC. The property also has a long private rear garden which is mainly laid to lawn and a separate garage. This house is being sold with gas fired central heating and no on going chain.

Crosby & Woods | SOLICITORS 75 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2BB www.crosbywoods.co.uk

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Our design team are on hand to help and guide you through the right system and make it work for you and your family.

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Unlike any other multiroom system, Bang & Olufsen brings the TV into the experience.

Contact us at: Bang & Olufsen of Brighton & Hove 56 Church Road Hove BN3 2FP Tel - 01273 205448 Email – brighton@bang-olufsen.co.uk Web – www.bang-olufsen.com/brighton Or call into our award-winning Brighton & Hove showroom for a demonstration.

Mention you saw us in Absolute Brighton and we will arrange to send you a very special Bang & Olufsen gift, free of charge.

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GT Contractors provide high quality building services to Brighton & Hove and surrounding Sussex areas We have a full team of Architects, Chartered Surveyors and Project Managers dedicated to your project and teams of friendly workers on site, all working to consistently deliver a highly professional service to our clients.

For a free, no-obligation estimate, please get in touch to arrange an appointment:

Contact GT contractors Mob 07881904467 Tel 01273 541544

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info@gtcontractors.co.uk gary@gtcontractors.co.uk

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38 East Street, Horsham, West Sussex. www.wabi.co.uk T: 01403 788140 E: info@wabi.co.uk 59 ISSUU-ABSOLUTEMAGAZINE-FEB-2015.indd 54

05/02/2015 21:55

COFFEE

&

CAKE

In this issue I focus a little more on the cake side of Coffee & Cake.

Real Patisserie, based at the end of the recently pedestrianised East Street in Shoreham-by-Sea serves up a wonderful range of patisserie. The coffee is rather good too.

The Cappuccino Kid

Q. How long has Real Patisserie been in Shoreham-by-Sea?

London, the St David’s and Spa in Cardiff, and the Phoenicia Intercontinental in Beirut.

Real Patisserie, Shoreham, opened just over four years ago.

Q. There are five Real Patisserie shops in the Brighton area. Do you all share the same character, or is there a little independence at play?

Q. We will come to the mouthwatering patisserie you have on display, but first the coffee. What kind of beans are you using? Do you rotate blends at all or just stick with a consistent flavour?

We use Excelsior Plus, from Novell. It’s a 100% Arabia blend from four different continents. It has a sweet and balanced cup with considerable body and a strong personality. In the taste, we can find light connotations of cereals, citrus fruits, honey and toasted bread, and a similar aroma with additional fruity hints. We, in Shoreham, stick to this consistent flavour as since we’ve had it, the sales have considerably increased.

Q. The fresh cakes and tarts on offer are delicious. Can your chef talk a little about the baking? Is it local, French, or a mixture of recipes?

Our recipes are definitely French, but our experience abroad (France, England, Wales, Lebanon) has certainly had an impact on our creativity. We also make sure we recruit passionate chefs, up to date with the ‘fashion’ of the moment. Having three years training is a minimum to join our team.

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Q. Does your chef have extensive training for the kind of products you make on the premises?

In France, the training for a pastry chef usually starts really young, at around 15 or 16–years-old, with an apprenticeship of a minimum of two years, which leads to the CAP Patissier degree. David also received an extra two years’ training called the Brevet de Maitrise. Everything else, he learnt ‘on the field’ by working with the best chefs in some revered places such as the Berkeley Hotel and Four Seasons in

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We are actually four shops, plus one permanent stall in the covered market in London Street. Although we all share the same concept based on a quality homemade food (quiches, sandwiches, cakes, pastries...), I wouldn’t say we have the same character.

Our different locations, and sizes of the shops themselves, provide a rather different vibe, and certainly independence. The shop based in Trafalgar Street, by Brighton Station, is rather small but it’s really busy with takeaway for all the businesses in the area. The shop based on Western Road benefits from passing trade and is constantly busy. The shop based in Kemp Town, in addition to all the products you’ll find in the other shops, makes all the bread on the premises and gives bread courses as well. In Shoreham, we like to think we are really lucky as our location, by the beach, allows us to have more seating inside (and outside when it doesn’t rain). We do have lots of regular customers but also lots of tourists too.

Q. I understand there could be a Real

“

Our recipes are definitely French, but ourexperience abroad (France, England, Wales, Lebanon) has certainly had an impact on our creativity.”

Patisserie recipe book in the making. Will this be available to us budding home bakers?

This is something Real Patisserie would really like to do. At the moment the company is really busy re-branding but it is a project some of us are really keen on making happen. It’s unlikely to be available before Christmas though. At the moment we are content with sometimes sharing recipes on the website.

Q. Do you have any future plans you would like to share with us?

Real Patisserie has grown very organically and, in fact, quite slowly over the years, often by forging partnerships. During this time the company has always been very aware that to grow a business like this too fast, with its highly skilled workforce, could risk compromising quality and stability. There are no plans to change this. While Real Patisserie products will slowly become more available (this may include a new shop sometime next year) there are no plans for rapid growth. The company prefers to continue investing in its people and its products through training and improved equipment.

Real Patisserie 4-6 East Street, Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5ZE 01273 452 889 Pete Hayward

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Bohemia

Grand Cafe â?– Late Lounge Love food? Love coffee?

Love music? Love Bohemia‌

Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Traditional Afternoon Tea is also served daily from 3pm till 6pm

(booking is advisable for afternoon tea.)

Open hours 9am-1am (Sunday-Thursday) Till 3am Friday and Saturday Food is served everyday from 9am-9pm (except Saturday's 8pm)

www.bohemiabrighton.co.uk 54-55 Meeting House Lane, Brighton Telephone: 01273 777770 Free wifi and newspapers. Follow us on Twitter & Facebook 64

‘Newcomer of the Year’ 2015 Celebration of Sussex Life Awards ‘Local Gem’ Waitrose Good Food Guide 2016

INdIAN STREET FOOd ANd CRAFT BEER

‘Best Newcomer, South Coast’ 2015 Asian Curry Awards

CAFE, 60 Ship Street

TEMPLE BAR, 121 Western Rd

BRIGHTON STATION KIOSK

SUN-THURS: 12-3pm & 6-10pm FRIDAY & SAT: 12-3pm & 6-10:30pm

MON-FRIDAY: 12-3pm & 5:30-9:30pm SATURDAY: 12-10pm SUNDAY: 12-6pm

MONDAY-FRIDAY: 6am-9:30pm SATURDAY: 8am-10:30pm SUNDAY: 9am-8pm

curryleafcafe.com

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LUCKY Beach It’s a perfect summer’s Saturday in mid-August, with the summery sea as an unbeatable backdrop. Lucky Beach is a great place for people watching!

We had our six-month in tow so a spot, near the entrance, in the shade under one of two huge umbrellas, was most welcome.

As usual, Brighton was buzzing with activity and the seafront was full of life. The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive and one can even boast of having worked in a circus as he skillfully navigated his drinksfilled tray through the passing crowds.

My partner was intent on having a burger so Flora and the kitchen staff accommodated her culinary request, even though it was 20 minutes until they officially began to serve their lunch menu. She wasn’t disappointed with her choice: ‘the big Mike’. I wondered if this was a play on words with ‘the big Mac’ and once delivered it became clear; for those who love the secret thousand island sauce of the Big Mac, this burger has it! It’s almost identical, with the added bonus of proper beef patties and Monterey Jack cheese to complement. It was a delicious and sizeable burger!

As a side dish, instead of chips, we ordered what we now refer to as our favorite of all dishes, the Masala Squid. Fresh squid

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is delicately wrapped in a batter infused with masala spices. The taste is not at all overpowering and gives the squid an exquisite gently spiced, well-rounded taste to it. It is served with a zesty lime and coriander garnish and is just delicious! Highly recommended!

For my main I opted for a breakfast dish – breakfast tacos. I have never had tacos for breakfast before so was curious how they would fair compared to my regular choice of a Full English breakfast. It was an interesting choice, a combination of scrambled eggs served in a taco with spiced sweet potato, chili and avocados. Quite spicy for my first meal of the day, but as a breakfast dish it certainly stood out; refreshing and a light dish to be had in the sun.

Now, apart from the nicely presented and amicably delivered dishes, there was something that really made my eyes open wide with surprise, joy and full approval.

The drinks! I had an elderflower fizz and the addition of fresh dill, lime and cucumber really made for a refreshing taste. The beetroot lemonade, which the couple on the next table ordered also looked very interesting.

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But, the drink to have here is simpler than any of these. Flora and her team advised me to try the double espresso and coke!

Yep, that’s right, a sugar and caffeine loaded glass mug with just ice and a straw, simple as that! It was a delicious.

Their cuisine has a lot of Asian influences, introduced by one of the Malaysian owners.

The team recently made a trip across to the US to research other influences; this is where the ideas of breakfast tacos and the double espresso and Coke came from.

Lucky Beach has earned a 3-star sustainable restaurant award, a high accolade and something they are very proud of. The same team will be opening another exciting and different style restaurant in Kemp Town soon, so keep your eyes and ears open for a Melbourne Brunch scene and fine dining venue.

For those that can’t quite make it down to the beach, you can order any dish from their menu from the comfort of your own home by using Deliveroo.

David Camici

Their cuisine has a lot of Asian influences, introduced by one of the Malaysian owners.

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Brighton Visitor is Brighton & Sussex’s ONLY tourism-specific magazine.

Packed with great ideas of things to see and do in Brighton & Hove and within Sussex, this free glossy magazine covers everything from shopping, food & drink, kids, attractions, What’s On & more.

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Brightonvisitor 68

Brighton-Visitor

FRESH on Brighton’s restaurant scene

64 King’s Rd, Brighton, BN1 1NA www.thejetty-brighton.co.uk @JettyBrighton TheJettyBrighton 69

Pump House The Pump House in Brighton is old – very old.

Overlooking the square formed where Market Street and Brighton Place merge in The Lanes, this has to be the best peoplewatching spot in the whole of Brighton and Hove!

Its huge windows probably haven’t changed much since Miss Elliot – not to be confused with the American rapper of a similar name – carved her initials in the fireplace after purchasing this beautiful building in 1766.

The traditional pub stocks a large range of real ales, including some exclusive to the Nicholson chain.

Manager Santha – Indian for ‘joy’ (her parents are ‘hippies’, apparently) – had invited us along to sample some gin as part of their gin festival.

My companion immediately tucked in to the Aviation, from Portland, US. The accompanying tonic was a pink Fevertree Premium, garnished with lime. The gin itself was ‘floral’, with ‘peppermint, pine and anise’ tones.

Sacred, from London, followed – in particularly nice glasses – served with a slice of orange. Another British one was next, a Whitely Neill (Midlands), again with an orange slice – a sweeter number.

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The smooth and zingy Spanish Gin Marie was next up but the best was saved for last. “If Um Bongo and beer combined it would be like Freestone,” said Santha. A fantastic description for Easy Jack IPA, and significantly better tasting than the sea water from the hand-operated pump used to bring the briny to the Pump House and other nearby hostelries as people, a couple of centuries ago, believed it had health giving properties.

All this gin tasting is hungry work so Santha brought us out a sharing platter that suited our requirements perfectly; mac and cheese, onion rings, nachos, and delicious, spicy chicken strips were just an appetiser to the main event – bubble and squeak! After explaining my dislike for the dish, Santha persuaded me to give it a go. A spicy, round patty of cabbage and potato was joined by asparagus, bacon and egg. It was absolutely tremendous and I’m pleased to say my aversion to bubble and squeak has been cured. The dessert of salted caramel profiteroles kept my dining partner quiet for a good 15 minutes – they were seriously tasty.

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A proper pub doing everything a proper pub should do – well: well-kept beer, delicious grub, warm and friendly staff, and creative ways of engaging with their valuable punters.

Dan Tester

The Pump House 46 Market Street, Brighton BN1 1HH 01273 827421 Reservations: bookatable.co.uk

A proper pub doing everything a proper pub should do – well

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Seaside Chic Brighton and Hove, with its ionic and incomparable waterfront setting, vibrant cultural scene and ever flourishing local food interest, has been in a steady upswing over the past few years. This place is without a doubt one of the UK’s prime locations for opening seaside restaurants with big-city sophistication.

The multi award-winning Jetty Restaurant recently arrived on our shores, the fourth such restaurant to open across the country, with two more opening soon. This fine dining experience specialises in a sumptuous array of locally sourced dishes with seafood at its heart. The menu is, however, allencompassing and caters for all palettes.

Chef de Patron Alex Aitken has certainly found the winning recipe for this extraordinary concept.

Alex has over 30 years’ experience in the business. Self-taught, he went on to open his first restaurant, Le Poussin, in 1983. Alex’s knowledge, experience, understanding of local, seasonal dishes has resulted in elegant and creative combinations that can inspire us all to become foodies.

Upon my arrival on a busy Saturday night, the first thing I noticed was the amount of natural light flooding into the restaurant through the floor-to-ceiling windows. This is a truly beautiful beachside experience.

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The banquette seating, booths and corner cosies provide both a sociable and intimate dining experience and each seat is cleverly placed to face Brighton’s iconic seafront.

Following major renovations the open kitchen allows diners to watch the catch of the day being cooked, as well as capture the buzz and excitement of a busy kitchen.

Every member of the team exudes passion for being a part of this new and exciting restaurant and the ambiance was electric as beautiful candles sent tempting aromas wafting through the room.

Looking after us was Craig, warm and welcoming, who from the moment we sat down was keen to make this an exceptional experience. Having just landed from a longhaul flight, I mentioned I needed something to ‘pep’ me up. Craig immediately went off to discuss this with the mixologist and returned with a specially designed cocktail.

A Caipirinha, with a tequila twist – a perfect post-flight pick me up.

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The Jetty’s contemporary menu included crispy slow-cooked duck and chilli squid, plump grilled prawns with lime and ginger sauce, plus the sharing platters, which I love.

We opted for the Jetty Bites, seafood nibbles.

They were almost too beautiful to eat, such was the detail!

I couldn’t resist trying the Hay-smoked steak tartare with free range egg.

Craig was fantastic at assisting us with making our main selection. As we were in an award-winning seafood restaurant we decided to order the catch of the day; the skate wing with greens and butter sauce.

In total contrast, my husband ordered the 8oz fillet, lean, tender and served with fries, watercress salad, grilled tomatoes and peppercorn sauce.

The sommelier assisted with our wine selection and we sat in silence as we savoured every mouthful of our delightful meal, a rare occasion for those that know me!

“The Jetty is most refreshing and convivial and, in my opinion, the crown jewel of the promenade.”

I can understand why this restaurant has been recognised for excellence in the cooking and serving of fish. However, after I finally persuaded my husband to share, I must confess the fillet steak was superb and beat my all-time South African winner – a feat I never thought would happen in the UK! After such a beautifully plated selection from the A La Carte menu I didn’t think I would have room for dessert. That was until I discovered the Espresso Martini Sabayon.

The Italian Stracciatella ice cream with flakes of chocolate and almond biscotti was sensational and surprisingly light after such an ample two courses.

early evening set menu at a competitive £15 for three courses!

So, for an after-work bite with colleagues, or following a busy afternoon of shopping. This is the perfect stop to enjoy a fabulous and fairly priced meal. A great introduction to The Jetty, sure to appeal to the city sophisticates!

Brighton is where the sea meets the city and the perfect place for relaxed culinary delights such as this. The Jetty is most refreshing and convivial and, in my opinion, the crown jewel of the promenade.

Lindsay Katherine Hills

The Jetty is a celebrated restaurant that is as inspirational as it is irresistible. It is a new paradigm of today’s creative, stylish social fine dining, with ocean views that can be enjoyed all year around.

While fine dining is at the essence of this restaurant there is also a mouth-watering

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Señor Buddha We decided to give the freshest take on tapas in Brighton a go and took a trip to Sênor Buddha’s. And, if you want an authentic relaxed Spanish Tapas experience, we thoroughly recommend you do too!

Located on Preston Road, at the top of the newly revamped London Road, this intimate venue has a bar area which overlooks an open kitchen where you can view the chefs hard at work creating the dishes from their menu.

The aromas of cooking coming from the kitchen immediately transported my mind back to the traditional Spanish tapas bars I frequented when working and living in Spain.

We were greeted by Christina and opted to sit at the bar to get the most out of the experience. Paul, the owner/chef, was hard at work, but chatted away with us whilst we relaxed with a beer and took in our surroundings. His energy and enthusiasm for Spanish wine and cooking soon became apparent and he was happy to recommend his favourite dishes, and wine to complement.

He explained most Spanish restaurants in the UK tend to cater to English tastes, and his mission was to create a more authentic social tapas experience.

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Christina took us through the comprehensive list of hand-picked wines from various regions of Spain, and sensing our inability to make our mind up was happy to pick one out for us while Paul served up some Padron peppers, joking that whoever gets the hot one has to buy the meal… They were delicious and wakened our taste buds, ready for what was to come.

The menu, displayed on a chalkboard, consists of a range of exciting and original meat, fish and vegetable dishes, which is updated seasonally, whilst keeping some signature dishes such as the Padron peppers and the scollops a mocilla de burgos. Paul sometimes adds dishes if he feels creative so the menu is constantly changing to keep it exciting for their loyal and regular customers.

We were tempted to try everything but opted for six dishes (which turned into eight by the time we left). We started with the charred

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cauliflower with pineapple and yellow curry sauce – an interesting combination of flavours which worked incredibly well together – and the grilled asparagus with watercress, macadamia and miso sauce, which contained a delicious mix of subtle essences and textures.

Moving on to the fish we plumped for the scallops; seared to perfection and served on black pudding with a delicate coconut and cauliflower puree – they were divine! Then the flaming whiskey prawns, which were huge, beautifully cooked and fresh with a flavoursome potent sauce which contained powerful essences of garlic, chilli and ginger that was so delightful we had to order more bread to soak it all up!

We could see the chef preparing and serving the potatas bravas (described as muy bravas due to their signature spicy sauce) and hearty tortillas. We had to try them – they were quite simply the best we have ever tasted.

We finished with the meat dishes which were an absolute treat! The deliciously marinated lamb cutlets were grilled in front of us and served with apple, radish and rocket salad, and the seared beef was simply amazing!

Strips of the tender beef lovingly prepared and served with a calibacin salad. A taste sensation not to be missed!

All in all, a fantastic dining experience. It is great to see the chefs hard at work in the kitchen, preparing their dishes with care and attention whilst taking time out to converse with the customers. Their knowledge of Spanish wine, culture, and cuisine is astounding, the ingredients were fresh and each dish lovingly prepared and a treat to behold. We thoroughly recommend you book in advance for this increasingly popular and outstanding establishment.

The aromas of cooking coming from the kitchen immediately transported my mind back to the traditional Spanish tapas bars

Tony Shattell

Address: 9 Preston Rd, Brighton BN1 4QE Phone: 01273 567832 Reservations: opentable.co.uk

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P I H S W E N P O H S T E STRE !

W O N OPEN @bohogelato

/bohogelato

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01273 326892 ABSOLUTE www.aberdeensteakhousebrighton.com

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The Cool Kids Club Brighton and Hove is well known for being a hive of cultural and creative activity and so growing up in our great city, our kiddies are fortunate enough to have the artistic world - and his wife - waiting to teach them their trades and impart their knowledge. Without doubt, Brighton has the coolest kids clubs around and come the new autumn term, they will all be kicking off again. To ensure you and your little adventurers beat the waiting lists, Absolute have done the groundwork for you by creating a definitive guide to the groups, events and clubs mini Brightonians have right on their doorstep.

Kindlings Outdoor Play and Education When and where: Wednesdays 11am1pm, Stanmer Park, Brighton Ages: Accompanied children aged 2-7 years

Why it’s cool: It gets kids out of their houses and starting to explore the great outdoors!

Kindling’s provides weekly forest school inspired play sessions, based in a woodland garden setting within Stanmer Park. The nature play sessions offer a place for children and their parents/carers to enjoy nature and share found treasures, songs, stories and food in a beautiful outdoor classroom.

The sessions create play opportunities for children that involve them directly, engaging in their environment and using the resources nature, the woodland garden and the passing seasons have to offer. The previous term saw the kids create art using sticks, clay, string and leaves, make Elderflower fritters and wild garlic pancakes by the fire and tending to their Kindling allotment!

How to book: Email kindlingsinfo@gmail. com. £7 drop-in + £3.50 additional siblings or £6 pre-booked for a minimum block of four

Mini Art Cart Pre School Art Club

When and where: Tuesdays, 11am, The Hive Hove, Stoneham Park, Stoneham Road, Hove Ages: 2-5 years

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Why it’s cool: Mini Art Cart is a design inspired pre-school art group. Workshops focus on exploring texture, colour, form and shape through creating everything from back-packs and badges to crowns and capes. Children are encouraged to enjoy the process, investigate and experiment using scissors, tape, glue, glitter and stickers. Be sure to join the adventure!

How to book: Pre book your place as spaces are limited.

Email dawn@theamazingartcart.com

The Ryan Fenwick Golf Academy

When and where: At West Hove Golf Club.

Drop in sessions every Saturday morning at 9am, 10am and 11am.

Ages: 5 to 16 years old.

Why it’s cool: Especially for our little ladies and gentlemen! Golf is a fun, healthy sport where children learn to interact with each other in a safe and secure environment. The team of fully qualified PGA golf professionals is led by Ryan who has developed a reputation of being one of the best coaches in the UK and the academy has become the hub of many golfers wanting to learn the game or develop their existing games. The kids love the fact that the Sussex teams and England regional team train at the academy so it must be good!

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How to book: £6.00 per hour which includes coaching and equipment.

Call: 01273 413494 or visit www.ryanfenwickgolf.com

Baby Sensory

When and where: Weekly in various venues across Brighton and Hove (please check the website for details of locations and times).

Ages: From birth to 13 months

Why it’s cool: This has to be the most magical of groups to experience with your tiny babies. No two sessions are ever the same and you and your baby will be totally immersed in a three-dimensional sensory experience every time. It’s a world filled with light shows, music, glowing bouncy balls, bubbles, instruments, rainbows, puppet shows, textures and scents. The sessions are carefully structured to follow your baby’s natural rhythm and provide a beautiful environment in which babies thrive and parents have lots of fun too. Strong friendships are easily formed in classes and many ‘firsts’ and precious memories made.

What makes the programme unique is that every activity is carefully designed with your baby’s development in mind, based on years of educational and scientific research. The teachers love sharing the information with you, explaining what they’re doing and why.

How to book: A full term (11 weeks) costs £88, half a term (five weeks) costs £50 and a three-week trial costs £20 (for new customers only). Autumn term starts 5th September. Online booking necessary: www.babysensory.com

Brighton Open Market Playgroup

Banana’s Kitchen

When and where: Every Monday and Tuesday at 9.30-12.00 and 1.003.30 in the Brighton Open Market, Marshalls Row, Brighton.

Ages: 0-5 years

When and where: Wednesday mornings 10:30-12:30 at the Phoenix Community Centre, Brighton, and a Thursday afternoon Nourishing Cooking Fun and Kitchen Magic for school children Ages: Wednesdays – mother and baby from 0-4 years Thursdays – 4 years upwards

How to book: Drop in – £1 or £1.50 tea/coffee

Why it’s cool: It’s all about inspiring big and small to get their hands dirty and to make every day cooking more nutritious and delicious! Ana, the group leader, is a mum as well as a creative chef mama. Trained as a nutritional therapist and natural chef, she loves everything to do with food and strongly believes balanced nutrition and a healthy relationship with what you eat is the key to feeling great and living the life one strives for.

Ana loves using food as medicine, swapping ordinary ingredients for more nutritious ones and being creative with leftovers in the kitchen (got to be as a parent!).

How to book: Email bananaskitchen@gmail.com.

Why it’s cool: Firstly you can’t go wrong with a bit of soft play and secondly it’s super cheap! The Brighton Open Market Parent and Toddler group provides a space for your children to play and burn off some energy as you have a chat and a tea at Streets Café, whatever the weather.

Jittabugs Brighton and Hove When and where: From 7th September at the Shoreham Centre, 2 Pond Road Shoreham-by-Sea 10:15-10:45am: Ballet and Boogie (18 months to 5 years) 11-11:45am: Pre-school Move and Groove (2-5 years)

Ballet and Boogie: This is a dance class for those who babes who want to learn basic techniques whilst having heaps of fun and no pressure of exams! At Jittabugs they love to move and groove, jump and slide,

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pretend and play, sing and glide, jiggle and wiggle, tip tap a toe and boogie woogie. The children learn rhythm, develop motor skills, learn basic ballet steps, build confidence, encourage creativity, improve muscle development, improve physical fitness, co-ordination, balance, listening skills, and become spatially aware in a fun environment.

Pre-school Move and Groove: Not only are these classes fun but they are educational too. They work on themes each week, enhancing child development, personal, social and emotional skills, communication, physical development and hand/eye coordination. The themes include everything from the seasons, Bonfire night, Chinese New Year, Christmas, Dinosaurs, Easter, Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Fairies and Goblins, Emotions and many, many more.

Every class starts with a Jittabugs warm up followed by work on spatial awareness, up and down, side to side, moving and stopping, team work, partner work and solo work, co-ordination and balance. Add in mime, acting, singing, dance, drama games, let’s pretend and much more and then it all finishes with a (vital!) calm down at the end.

How to book: First week only just £2.50 a session, following sessions £5 each or six sessions for £27. Visit Jittabugs.com to book.

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What: Truly Madly Messy When and where: Thursdays 9.30am and 11am from Thursday 1st September 2016, at The Ladies Mile Function Hall, Mackie Avenue, Patcham, Brighton Ages: 6 months-7 years

Why it’s cool: Let’s face it, for some of us grownups, just the thought of messy play is enough to bring us out in a cold sweat.

It can be a lot of work and feel stressful.

Some weeks it’s hard enough to stay on top of the housework without adding to it.

However, there are so many benefits to messy play. The physical experience gained during messy play helps little ones experience a variety of textures which stimulate the senses. From the moment your child can sit up they are developing hand/ eye co-ordination and fine motor skills.

What looks like a mess on the surface is truly a learning experience for your child.

We all process information through our five senses, but babies and toddlers rely on their sense of touch – and often taste – to gain insight into the world around them.

Messy play encourages them to manipulate and mould materials on their own and is process-driven, not product-oriented.

By joining one of the messy play sessions, children experience all these new sensations through independent play.

You will be able to observe, or participate

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with them, without having the fuss of cleaning up after, they do that for you!

How to book: £6 per child, £3 for siblings. Call 07486 921742.

BIMM Academy

When and where: Ten weeks per term on a Saturday from September 17th at Brighton Electric, Tramway House, 43-45 Coombe Road, Brighton.

Ages: 7-12years (10am-12pm) 7-12years (12:30-2:30pm) 13-16years (3pm-5pm) Why it’s cool: Brought to you by BIMM – the renowned British & Irish Modern Music Institute – it’s a fun and productive way for your child to spend their Saturday; learning guitar, bass, drums or vocals, practicing new skills and meeting cool people.

Every week, students learn modern songs taught by experienced tutors using the very latest gear. Class sizes are small, and emphasis is placed on working at a tailored pace for each individual student.

At the end of each term, students perform the songs they’ve learnt in front of an audience of tutors, students, family and friends at the end-of-term showcase.

How to book: Visit www.bimmacademy.co.uk.

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Sing and Sign When and where: Monday mornings at Phoenix Community Centre, Brighton Ages: Babes-under 7 months Stage 1: 7-13 months Stage 2: 14 months plus

Why it’s cool: It’s possible to develop communication with your baby before they can even speak! Babies use all kinds of signs and gestures as a natural part of learning to talk. Encouraging your baby with extra signs like milk, more, change nappy or tired, will help your baby communicate!

Baby signing with Sing and Sign is easy because they make it fun to learn.

Your baby will recognise important words sooner and can use the signs to ‘talk’ to you before speech.

Developed with the help of Speech and Language professionals and recommended by experts, Sing and Sign is Britain’s longest running and best loved baby signing programme.

How to book: Email brighton@ singandsign.co.uk, or call 01273 540266.

Little Miss Fashion When and where: Weekly Mondays 6.15 to 7.15pm and Thursdays 5.30-6.30pm at The Atelier, Flat 1, 9 Lewes Crescent, Brighton Ages: 6-9 year olds

Why it’s cool: Your child could be a future top fashion designer! The class caters for complete beginners who love fashion and want to design and sew their own ideas into clothes. They will also have an opportunity to draw like a real fashion designer. The hour-long class is tailored to give them extra support to learn how to use sewing machines, thread needles and hold scissors safely.

Importantly, they also encourage a healthy attitude towards fashion, and encourage the children’s natural individual talents and taste.

How to book: Email thefashionschooluk@gmail.com.

Buggied Out! When and where: Monthly Sundays from October 2nd 2016. 1pm-5pm at Patterns, 10 Marine Parade, Brighton Ages: All ages

Why it’s cool: OK, this one is maybe a little bit more for the grown-ups…

MUMANDDADLIFE and legendary club night Bugged Out have joined forces with Selfish Mother to bring you the monthly

Sunday family event that dreams are made of… and it’s by the sea! Join the team at Buggied Out Brighton for brunch and carry on chilling with them all afternoon.

Somewhere the kids can run wild, with ace music, great food (and a tipple or two for the parents) a view of Brighton’s most iconic attractions, the pier and Brighton Wheel, all within a short ten-minute walk from Brighton station. ‘Proper DJs. Proper music. Proper fun’. What’s not to love?

How to book: Visit www.patternsbrighton. com to book. Adults free, £5 per child.

The Small Talk Cafe

When and where: 220 Portland Road, Hove Ages: Adults with their babies and toddlers

Why it’s cool: This is the ultimate place to relax with a cuppa, whilst having a secure, safe and above all fun and engaging environment for your little lovelies to play!

The Small Talk Cafe has been specifically designed with younger children and families in mind. There are baby changing facilities, a book basket, baby chairs, high chairs and a fantastic soft play area which is free to use. In addition, they hold regular classes for babies and toddlers during the week, including a disco, music classes and magic show from local established entertainment companies.

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In bright, airy surroundings they serve yummy food and drinks; excellent coffee, tea, smoothies, sandwiches, stews, soups, cakes and pastries all made in their own kitchen or supplied by local bakers.

How to book: All events are free and there’s no need to book – just turn up!

The Super Mamas Club

When and where: Weekly Mondays 11am12:45pm at Unitarian Church, Brighton Ages: For mummies and their newborn babies Why it’s cool: Any mum will tell you, childbirth is an incredibly daunting experience and those first few weeks are a total whirlwind. The Super Mamas Club is a post-natal drop-in session where new mums can meet other ladies in the same boat and their new-borns. Share the joys and struggles of those first weeks and get the help and support you need. Pop in and get advice and talk through anything from breastfeeding to colic, pelvic floor, sex after birth, sleeping issues, birth trauma, postnatal depression or any other concern you might have during those first weeks.

How to book: Drop in sessions at £4 each Victoria Gibbins

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E X C L U S I V E £ 2 5 T I C K E T O F F E R * F O R A B S O L U T E R E A D E R S. QUOTE ‘ABSOLUTE25’ AT THE CHECKOUT

D I S C O V E R T H E N E X T B I G T H I N G

Fr o m f r e s h f a c e s t o n e w m u s i c, f r o m c o o l l a b e l s t o s t y l i s h t r e n d s , h e r e ’s w h e r e y o u ’ l l f i n d t h e future of fashion.

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Street Style Brighton fashionistas and street stylers showcase daily trends and looks.

Spotted by our guest stylist Kasia at The Styling Agency

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Aysha, Consultant

Coastal Belle This midsummer flirty number transfixes the admirers, flaunting a Bardot-like offshoulder vibe to get you noticed. Pair with chic accessories to spruce up the seaside style.

Outfit: Dress: H&M dress. Glasses:Juicy couture Shoes: Asos. Watch: Rolex Submariner.

Bracelet: Benedictine Lassartesse Jones.

#TRENDING

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accessorise no.

Radek, Street Musician

Just Busk With a deep surf rock sound and deep red strides, this street musician rocks the town. A classic Fred Perry polo adds a modish twist. Stray Cats into Four Hats.

Outfit: T-Shirt: Fred Perry. Trousers: Superdry.

Trainers: Converse.

Jason, Fund Raiser

Urban Drifter Fusing this utilitarian shirt by Londonbased designer Raimund Berthold with functional US-made Drifter sack caught my eye. Instapumps with flashes of fluro pull out all the stops.

Outfit: Shirt: Berthold. Jeans: All Saints. Bag: Drifter.

Trainers: Reebock Instapump.

#LOVE Follow Kasia on: Facebook@thestylingagency Pinterest@makeupstylepro Instagram@thestylingagency

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Get set for take-off and be the envy of the departure lounge.

SUITCASES

TED BAKER £179

RIMOWA £785

TRAVEL in

STYLE GET IT AT Bluebelle & Co. 80 Trafalgar St, Brighton

Long-haul or last-minute, boy isn’t tricky to pack for a long-awaited pleasure trip?

Anticipating your well-deserved jaunt, you may as well enjoy some shopping inspiration.

Whether you’re heading to New York City, or to a sandy beach, keep your attire and documents stylishly safe and organised.

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FENDI glasses £366

Kasia X

WEEKEND BAGS ASPINAL Travel Collection £215

1916 Bag £68.99

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SKINNY DIP Toucan washbag £12 BRICS Firenze small clipper holdall £355

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Words and fashion by Kasia at stylingagency.co.uk / promakeupstyle.com

ILLESTEVA Glasses £175

MICHAEL KORS £285

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Going Independent: The Absolute Guide To Brighton’s Private Schools

Are you thinking about sending your child to a private school? You’re not alone. It’s reported that more and more parents – and their children – are seeing the benefits of independent schooling.

Admissions are at their highest level since records began, according to the Independent Schools Council, which represents the majority of independent schools throughout the UK. We’re fortunate that here in Brighton and Hove, there are many private schools to give our children the best possible start in life. Here’s our round-up of the most popular.

Hopscotch Nurseries Hopscotch have three nurseries located in Brighton and Hove; Portland Road, Nizells Avenue and Preston Park. There are also two further nurseries in nearby Peacehaven and Seaford. Regularly inspected, each location has been named as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Hopscotch uses the Early Years Foundation Stage – part of the government’s childcare strategy which aims for young children to achieve the Every Child Matters goals.

These include: staying safe, being healthy, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and achieving economic well-being. Parents can watch their child blossom and progress (at their own pace) via online records of photos, comments and observations. Hopscotch pride themselves on caring for a child’s varied needs and will cuddle them through the tears and tantrums and give them continual encouragement and praise, allowing them to thrive.

Hopscotch Nurseries, 209 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5JA | 9 Nizells Avenue, Hove BN3 1PL | 14 Bavant Road, Brighton BN1 6RD The Montessori Place Montessori schools have gained further popularity in recent years – especially with Prince George now attending a Montessori nursery. The schools are based on the findings of Dr Maria Montessori, which discovered that children flourished when

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they were able to direct their own learning, within an adapted and ready environment.

Over the last 100 years, this radical approach has been tried and tested, with Montessori schools (like The Montessori Place in Hove which offers a bespoke education for children aged 18 months to 11 years) focusing on mixed-age learning groups, hands-on learning and individualised learning – all to aid personal development.

The Montessori Place, 45 Cromwell Road, Hove, BN3 3ER Windlesham School Windlesham School is an independent school for pupils aged 3-11. The school and nursery was founded over 70 years ago and Windlesham has been helping children to develop as happy individuals ever since! Small class sizes enable the school to provide a tailored education, personalised to each individual child’s needs.

Windlesham School, 190 Dyke Road, Brighton, BN1 5AA Deepdene School Independently owned, Deepdene nursery and prep school has had almost 70 years of providing a successful and nurturing environment where children prosper.

The co-educational school offers care for children aged six months to 11 years, and currently has 200 students – with

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an equal split of boys and girls.

Deepdene prides themselves on their educational successes, but also place a high priority on celebrating and praising achievements of all of their students, contributing to a happy learning experience.

This sees the school consistently achieving high academic results and many of their Year 6 pupils gaining top scholarships and awards at their chosen senior schools. Deepdene is a non-denominational school and welcomes children from all faiths and cultures.

195 New Church Road, Hove, BN3 4ED St Christopher’s School Established in 1927, St Christopher’s School was first located on Sackville Road and then moved to New Church Road in 1944.

By the 1950s, the school’s reputation for academic and sporting excellence had begun.

Now, St Christopher’s is part of the Brighton College family of schools and continues to hold its prestigious position for academia, sports and the arts. The co-educational prep school (for children aged 4-13) is traditional with a modern outlook. This is evident with its use of contemporary IT learning systems combined with each child having the chance to learn Mandarin.

Students also have the opportunity to play sports together (regardless of gender) and they are encouraged to develop new talents through an exciting and varied programme of activities, covering all interests; from drama to fencing.

33 New Church Road, Hove, BN3 4AD

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Going Independent: The Absolute Guide To Brighton’s Private Schools

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The Brighton Steiner School

Brighton College

Lancing College

Founded in 1984, Brighton Steiner School is an independent school for boys and girls aged 3-16. Based on the insights from Austrian scientist and philosopher Dr Rudolf Steiner, the school offers an established alternative to mainstream education, focusing on educating the whole child – not just intellectually, but also artistically and emotionally too.

Through these methods, the school aims to help a child grow into a self-motivated adult. Brighton Steiner School also offers GCSEs to their Upper School students.

Roedean Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 5RA

Named UK Independent School of the Year 2013/14, and with its headmaster (Richard Cairns) awarded England’s Headmaster of the Year by Tatler Magazine in 2012, it’s easy to see why Brighton College is one of the most talked about independent schools in Brighton – and beyond. Drawing students from Sussex, London, the rest of the UK and even overseas, the school offers a caring learning environment for boys and girls aged 3-18 (with its prep and pre-prep schools too). Brighton College’s superb reputation is further enhanced by its academic results, consistently ranking it amongst the top ten schools for mixed-sex education throughout the UK and with many students securing places at the UK’s most prestigious universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.

Brighton College, Eastern Road, Brighton, BN2 0AL

Lancing College has been inspiring students, with its impressive educational facilities and stunning stature since 1848. Located above Shoreham-by-Sea and high on the South Downs, the iconic college can be seen for miles. The college aims to instil a lifelong love of learning in their boys and girls (aged 3-18) and for them to reach their potential and think independently, all enhanced by Lancing College’s many arts and physical activities. With Christian values at its core, the college promotes and preserves traditional beliefs and equips its students to grow with integrity and to help others.

Lancing College, Lancing, BN15 0RW

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Brighton & Hove High School Brighton & Hove High School (who also have a junior school and sixth form) actively encourage girls aged 11-18 to reach their full potential through inspirational teaching and developing their self-confidence and personal aspirations. A member of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), the school (located in central Brighton) has a varied academic and extra-curricular programme and supportive pastoral system in-place.

This combined approach sees outstanding exam results year upon year and happy students leave ready to take on the world!

Brighton & Hove High School, Montpelier Road, Brighton, BN1 3AT Shelley Welti

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London Lifestyle Kids special

This issue of London Lifestyle is for the kids! As the summer is well and truly in swing, Absolute treats you to our favourite London destinations to keep the little people in your life entertained.

London is home to some of the best galleries, museums and entertainment in the world. Not just for children, but well loved by adults too. Brush up on your culture and enjoy the sights of London’s best-loved places this summer.

Culture Many of London’s museums and galleries are free to the public, so it’s a great day out – without the huge expense.

Natural History Museum Established in 1881, this is one of the three major museums on Exhibition Road in Kensington. Spend a lazy Saturday afternoon wandering through the huge expanse of galleries and halls among the exhibitions of fossils, mummies, and dinosaurs. Entry is free, except for a small charge for the seasonal exhibitions. www.nhm.ac.uk Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD 0207 942 5000 Admission: free Tube: South Kensington (District & Circle Line)

The Victoria and Albert Museum The V&A is the winner of the Museum of the Year 2016. Walk through galleries of textiles, fashion, photographs, paintings, jewellery, ceramics and glass. The Japanese collection is a particular favourite.

The National Gallery Next to Nelson’s Column and the fountains in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is home huge collections of paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. Tours and trails available to book through the gallery.

Admission: free, but some exhibitions charge Tube: South Kensington (District & Circle Line)

Admission: free Train and Tube: Charing Cross (Northern and Bakerloo line)

www.vam.ac.uk Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL 020 7942 2000

The Science Museum Explore space, technology and science in this wonderful museum. Plenty of interactive and interesting exhibits for all ages. www.sciencemuseum.org.uk Exhibition Road, South Kensington SW7 2DD 020 7942 4000 Admission: free Tube: South Kensington (District & Circle Line)

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www.nationalgallery.org.uk Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN 020 7747 2885

The great London outdoors The British Museum Founded in 1753, The British Museum was the first national public museum in the world. Six million visitors each year see its ten curatorial and research departments ranging from Ancient Egypt, Africa, Asia, coins and medals, conservation and science, the Middle East, antiquities and treasures, and drawings and prints. www.britishmuseum.org Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3DG 020 7323 8299 Admission: free Tube: Between Tottenham Court Road and Holborn (Central, Northern and Piccadilly line) London Dungeons A gruesome and gory historical tour with rides, live entertainment with special effects, 20 actors and over 18 shows.

Stay outside and enjoy the warmer weather with visits to some of the loveliest green areas and open spaces as well as perfect spots for animal lovers in the city.

Surrey Docks Farm Right on the Thames river bank, this wonderful farm in south-east London has plenty to keep your family amused. Buy bags of animal feed for the friendly goats, and walk around the duck pond, woodland area and relax in the pretty garden café. www.surreydocksfarm.org.uk Rotherhithe Street, London SE16 5ET 020 7231 1010 Open seven days a week: 10am to 5pm Admission: free Tube: Canada Water (Jubilee Line and East London Line) Train: Surrey Quays (East London Line)

Hackney City Farm A lovely East End city farm with a range of farmyard animals from donkeys, goats, chickens and sheep, as well as some adorable rabbits and guinea pigs. The café serves freshly cooked food with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Children can join the pottery and mosaic classes. www.hackneycityfarm.co.uk 1a Goldsmiths Row, London E2 8QA 020 7729 6381

Open Tuesday to Sunday. 10.30am to 4pm Admission: free Tube: Bethnal Green (Central Line) or Hoxton (East London Line) Train: Cambridge Heath Station and Liverpool Street Station.

www.thedungeons.com Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB 0871 423 2240

Admission: tickets from £19.95.

Tube: London Bridge (Northern Line) Train: London Bridge

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London Lifestyle Kids special

Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Kew Gardens in the summer months is fabulous. Educate your offspring on everything flora and fauna while strolling around the gorgeous landscaped gardens and tropical glass houses.

The rose gardens and the tree-top walkway are popular attractions. www.kew.org Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey TW9 3AB

Open seven days week: 10am to 5pm Admission: adults from £24.50, children from £17.60, and family tickets from £75.

Tube: Regents Park (Bakerloo Line) Train: Camden Road

Food & Drink

Admission: adults from £15 and children from £2.50 Tube: Kew Gardens (District Line)

Traipsing around museums and glorious gardens is thirsty work, so make a well deserved pit stop at some of Absolute’s favourite London watering holes.

London Zoo Opened in 1828, it’s the world’s oldest scientific zoo with 756 species of animals.

Plan your whole day here and make sure you try and visit every section.

Harrods Tea Room Harrods is a whopping seven floors of shopping and dining. Refuel at the Tea Room which is open for breakfast, lunch and supper. It’s a quintessential English menu of snacks and heartier meals, with an exotic tea selection. Take the kids to visit the enormous toy department on the third floor, or to children’s wear on the fourth, which stocks a huge array of designers. Treat yourself with a visit to the Harrods Shoe Heaven, after which we suggest you sneak off for a glass of bubbles at the Lounge Bar… just don’t forget to find your children afterwards.

Book ahead for great packages and activities for the kids including: Keeper for the day, junior zoo academy and photography workshops for your little budding David Baileys and Attenboroughs.

There are plenty of places to eat and drink. Scoff pizzas and salads at The Terrace restaurant or treat yourselves to afternoon tea where children eat free! This includes Champagne and Prosecco for the grown-ups.

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www.zsl.org/zsl-london-zoo ZSL London Zoo. Regent’s Park, London NW1 4RY 0207 722 3333

www.harrods.com 87-135 Brompton Road,

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Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7XL 0207 730 1234 Open: Monday to Saturday 10am to 9pm, and Sundays 11.30am to 6pm Tube: Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line) The Rainforest Café Go wild in this family favourite in the heart of Piccadilly and the West End. Perfect for groups and birthday parties for your little monkeys, enjoy an American style menu of steaks, salad and pasta in an exotic jungle setting.

www.therainforestcafe.co.uk 20 Shaftsbury Avenue, London W1D 7EU 0207 434 3111 Open: seven days Tube: Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly Line and Bakerloo Line)

Shopping Hamleys - Regent Street Regent Street has been home Hamleys since 1881, and is one of the best and oldest toys shops in the world. The flagship store covers seven levels stuffed full of wonderful toys for all ages.

Book your child the ultimate Hamleys birthday party here. Themes include; Pirate & Princess, Superhero, Safari, and Tea Party. Go to the website to

find out the very latest in-store events taking place over the summer.

www.hamleys.com/explorewhatson-london.irs 118-196 Regent Street, London W1B 5BT Open: daily Tube: Oxford Circus (Victoria Line), Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly Line and Bakerloo Line), Tottenham Court Road (Northern Line) Train: London Victoria M&Ms World Essentially a huge rainbow coloured chocolate shop in the heart of Leicester Square. Who knew that merchandise of the little chocolates could fill four floors?

This place is always packed and with branches in Las Vegas, Orlando, New York and Shanghai, the London store is certainly worth a visit. Your kids (and anyone with a secret M&M addiction) will love it! M&Ms beach towel anyone? www.mmsworld.com Leicester Square, 1 Swiss Court, London, W1D 6AP

Open: daily Tube: Leicester Square (Piccadilly Line and Northern Line) Train: Charing Cross

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A studio instead of a seat.

That’s flying reimagined.

Discover the difference of a Business Studio on our A380.

Eat when you want with menu guidance from our Food & Beverage Manager. Sleep on a large flat bed, relax with noise-cancelling headsets or work using in-seat connection ports and mobile or Wi-Fi connectivity.

The ideal space for work, rest and play.

#Reimagined | etihad.com | The Etihad A380 flies daily from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi and onwards to

98 Sydney, Melbourne and Mumbai.

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SCOTLAND

Wild

ROMANCE Escaping the forever turning wheels of city life, if only for a moment, is a dream that we are all familiar with. The temptation of switching off our mobiles, cutting all communication and just travelling to the most remote location one can find to simply exist amongst nature’s majesty and romance is a common and alluring fantasy, but not unachievable.

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n a remote Scottish place of quiet tranquillity, and almost surreal natural

beauty, where the slopes of Ben Cruachan fall into the clear and enchanted waters of Loch Awe, sits a small, luxurious and wildly romantic old country house hotel. Widely regarded as Scotland’s most romantic hotel, Ardanaiseig is a grand

Georgian Scottish house hotel, surrounded by forests, roe deer and 19th-century

gardens. This Grade II listed landmark

house near Kilchrenan, steeped in history and timeless charm, is a dream place to

unwind from the strains and stresses of

everyday living. The fairy tale setting amid 240 acres of private landscaped grounds on the banks of one of Scotland’s most

dramatically beautiful lochs has led to it

being named Scottish Romantic Hotel of the Year for five years in the Good Hotel Guide.

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The fairy tale setting amid 240 acres of private landscaped grounds on the banks of one of Scotland’s most dramatically beautiful lochs has led to it being named Scottish Romantic Hotel of the Year for five years in the Good Hotel Guide.

It is not only the remote and beautiful location that sets this magical retreat apart from the others; it is the unique style of the hotel itself. The country house boasts 18 individually styled rooms that are the product of the eclectic imagination of the hotel owner Bennie Gray, a London antique dealer. Together with the fine dining room, the drawing room and the library bar with open fires, the baronial rooms are infused with rock n roll and showcase eccentric ornaments and antique furniture. A focal point of the dining room is a painting featuring pop icons Mick Jagger, Ringo Starr, Rod Stewart and Brian Ferry and the late financier and tycoon Sir James Goldsmith. It was designed by William Burn, the architect responsible for two of Edinburgh’s most famous private schools – George Watson’s College and the Edinburgh Academy.

The Ardanaiseig restaurant itself, aside from its eye-catching décor, is also noted for its imaginative use of fresh produce, including the salmon sourced from Inverawe – for which the west of Scotland is famous. The mouth-watering dishes are created by Colin Cairns, a young award-winning chef, and are complemented by a distinguished and international selection of wines (and more than 50 single malt whiskies) from Ardanaiseig’s extensive cellars.

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Ardanaiseig is the perfect base for getting back in touch with nature and enjoying some classic outdoor pursuits.

The long dining room with its fine paintings and windows overlooking the loch, is an idyllic place to eat. Generously spaced tables and soft acoustics invite intimate conversation. The linen is crisp, the silver glints, the crystal sparkles in the candlelight and the service is next to none. After dinner, there is usually a log fire and the evocative smell of wood smoke in the bar library.

It is little surprise that Ardanaiseig is renowned as a premier wedding and events venue, with a fairy tale day guaranteed and a truly unique ‘Boat Shed’ honeymoon suite, a two-minute walk from the hotel on the edge of Scotland’s third largest freshwater loch.

Ardanaiseig is the perfect base for getting back in touch with nature and enjoying some classic outdoor pursuits.

Guests are invited to fish on Loch Awe with the help of an expert ‘Ghillie’ ( a Gaelic word meaning lad or servant) and it is his job to help you catch the resident brown trout – or even the Ferox trout – as well as looking after the fish in his locality. The adventurous can take shot at archery in the walled garden, clay pigeon shooting or perhaps rent a boat or kayak to cut across the loch and visit the ruins of Kilchurn Castle, the ancient burial ground on Inishail Island or one of many other smaller nearby islands.

For those who enjoy the finer things in life and the odd tipple, you can’t get more traditional than whisky tasting with the trained and knowledgeable bar staff who run you through the main whisky regions, with samples from each area.

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With so much to keep you active and away from the lure of modern technology, there is little reason to need to head out of the grounds of this utopia. However, for those who get itchy feet, you are spoilt for choice for historic and awe-inspiring landmarks to visit locally.

Overlooking Ardanaiseig is Ben Cruachan; a 1,126m mountain, the highest point in Argyll and Bute. One of the Highlands’ finest Munros, it is the highest of a grand range of sharp peaks between Loch Awe and Loch Etive and is fantastic for hiking enthusiasts. At the base of the mountain sits Taynuilt Golf Club, a challenging 9-hole parkland course with stunning views of Loch Etive.

A 40-minute drive from Ardanaiseig is the resort town of Oban, perfect for a day out by the sea, where visitors can enjoy boat trips, sea life watching or even (more!) whisky tasting at the Oban Distillery.

Ardanaiseig is 90 miles from Glasgow airport and 115 miles from Edinburgh. Trains from Glasgow stop regularly at Taynuilt and Crianlarich.

A short scenic drive from Oban, it is also the perfect base for exploring the Hebrides.

Victoria Gibbins Ardanaiseig Hotel Kilchrenan by Taynuilt, Argyll PA35 1HE Scotland T: +44(0) 1866 833333 F: +44(0) 1866 833222 E: info@ ardanaiseig.com www.ardanaiseig.com

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SOUTH AFRICA

Sodwana Bay

The ‘little one on its own’ South Africa conjures up so many famous images in the mind; the majestic Table Mountain in Cape Town, the mighty 7,523 square mile Kruger National Park game reserve and the magnificent Drakensberg mountain range that snakes its way through the country.

All these are without doubt must-visits on your bucket list. However, Absolute has taken a trip off the beaten tourist track to share a beautiful little secret with you….

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outh Africa contains so many hidden treasures it would take a lifetime to explore and discover them.

A place known and loved by South Africans, but not really known at all outside the international world of the diving and fishing communities, is located in the north-eastern sub-tropical province of KwaZulu-Natal, the fabled home of the noble Zulu warrior tribe.

This hidden gem is called Sodwana Bay. Sodwana in Zulu means ‘the little one on its own’; a perfect description of this solitary paradise, located within the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, which spans 175 miles of coastline from the Mozambican border in the north, to Mapelane in the south. It is South Africa’s first World Heritage site.

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Easily reached from the UK by air to either Johannesburg or then internally to Durban, a 6.5 hour drive from Johannesburg, or a 3.5 hour drive from Durban (a quick run out in the car to most South Africans), and paradise awaits you, making every moment in the car worth it.

After endless fields of sugarcane and pineapples, turn off the N2 at Hluhluwe (Shloo-Shloowe), the last town of any real size before your destination deep in the bush. Sodwana Bay is then just an hour away.

Be careful, this isn’t the A23. Cattle, goats and dung beetles have right of way here and one small ten-mile section of the road is an open reserve, so watch out as a giraffe or a rhino may cross your path.

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If you want the true African experience, this is where you will find it.

All approaches to settled villages and homesteads en route are made safer for the pedestrian – but alas, not for your car – by quite fierce speed bumps, so don’t drive anything resembling a sports car. Hiring an off-road 4x4 is advisable, but not essential. They make sure you slow right down as there are very few pavements, and definitely no traffic lights.

You will see girls and boys as young as five herding cattle and very proud uniformwearing children walking along the roadside to attend school, sometimes five miles away.

This is an area where the infrastructure is fast progressing and ever changing. New houses are constantly being erected, dirt roads are now tarmacked, another school built and a few more shops appear, but paradise is not lost.

If you want the true African experience, this is where you will find it.

Fifty miles later, when you reach the town of Mbazwana, you are almost there. It is a bustling little town with a supermarket, a petrol station, a few other outlets, a daily street market and, of course, a bottle store (an off licence to you and me) – most important for ‘sundowners’, but more of that later.

Only 17 years ago, after leaving Hluhluwe, the only way to get to Sodwana Bay was on an undulating dirt/ sand road through the bush. Between Mbazwana and Sodwana Bay, parts of the old road are still visible, but it is now used mainly for quad-biking through the pine and eucalyptus plantations. Looking at the track you might well ask the question: “How did anyone get to Sodwana Bay before the tarmac road was laid?” The answer: ‘Very, very carefully and with great difficulty’. The end result is worth it. You have finally arrived in ‘the little one on its own’.

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The Sodwana Bay Lodge resort itself was originally created for the scuba diving and the deep sea fishing community. It is a gated complex and sits between the only road into town and the shores of Lake Shazibe, which is flanked on the far side by the most ancient vegetated sand dunes in the world, hiding the shoreline. The wooden lodge complex contains a hotel, comprising two-person chalets and family-sized time-share lodges. Within the lodge grounds is a restaurant and bar complex, a swimming pool, a helipad, a fivestar PADI dive school, boat lockers and a hair and beauty salon.

If you really want to treat yourself, there are the privately owned lodges to rent. These lodges are ideal for both families and larger groups of friends. They are staffed, but give you the independence and freedom to do what you want, when you want.

Nyala antelope roam through the grounds and sightings of mongooses, bush-babies and monkeys are a daily occurrence.

Fish eagles soar over the lake and hornbills call in the trees.

Outside the resort are a number of colourful local shops for essentials, local bars and restaurants plus other smaller resorts with backpacker accommodation for the more adventurous.

The beach is a 2.5 mile drive through the bush from the lodge and is gated as the area is a protected reserve. Passing the colourfully dressed local ladies tending their wares, the beach market is full of woven mats and baskets, Zulu jewellery, wooden carvings and pineapples on a stick are peeled for you while you wait. When buying, a bit of bartering and a lot of laughing is the norm and part of the sale and generally, all are satisfied with the final figure.

If part of a dive school or fishing company, you will be taken straight onto the beach in a tractor-pulled trailer, which for firsttimers, is breath-taking – the view that is, not the tractor!

For others, there is a car park and a three-minute walk to the beach. On reaching the crown of the access road, the warm surf of the sub-tropical Indian Ocean lies before you. A small area of the bay can be accessed by vehicles and boats for the diving and fishing concessions. The rest is off limits to vehicles and is only for the visitor to roam, as far as the eye can see. There are secure rock pools for youngsters to play in safely. Further round the headland, heading south, is one of the most glorious and beautiful beaches in the world, with maybe a couple of shore fishermen, the odd crab and sandpipers being your sole companions.

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Sodwana Bay is classified as one of the top dive sites in the world with a magnificent thirty-mile coral reef complex with over 1,200 species of tropical fish. It is also here in the deep off Sodwana Bay that the fabled living fossil, the coelacanth, is found. Whale sharks, a variety of sharks, bottlenose and spinner dolphins, giant manta rays and rare leatherback turtles are all regular visitors.

Humpback whales migrate through here during the winter and spring season and orcas are also occasionally sighted.

A little wooden beach café sited on stilts above the sand offers a delicious selection of toasted sandwiches, burgers, milkshakes and refreshments to satisfy the appetite after a great dive or a long beach walk.

So that’s the morning taken care of.

Sodwana Bay is classified as one of the top dive sites in the world with a magnificent thirtymile coral reef complex with over 1,200 species of tropical fish.

Sodwana Bay is one of the few places where you can swim with whale sharks in the morning and see the Big Five the same afternoon – the Big Five being lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and rhino.

Within a maximum of a 75-minute drive, you can be in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Reserve, which is the only state-run park in KZN and the oldest game reserve in the world. It covers 600 square miles and owing to it’s conservation programme, is home not only to the Big Five, but the world’s largest white rhino population. A very popular destination for day drives.

For total luxury and overnight stays there are the local game resorts of Phinda and Thanda, the latter being the furthest at around a 75 minute drive. An evening game drive is made all the more unique, when, as the heat is going off the day and the sun is lowering in the sky, the safari vehicle stops in the bush and the back panel is flipped open and out comes ice-cold champagne and canapés and the traditional local delicacy, biltong or dried meat.

Tembe Elephant Park is just a 45-minute drive north of Sodwana.

The 200-square-mile reserve’s northern edge is capped by the Mozambique border. Naturally, the name says it all, but it is also home to the Big Five, along with over 350 species of bird life.

Crocodile and snake parks are also in the region, as are big and small cat conservation parks.

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Kite-surfing, micro-lighting and quad-biking are some of the other activities available, but there is nothing quite like returning to your lodge just before sunset, sitting on your deck overlooking Lake Shazibe, watching the cormorants flying in formation to their roost, listening to the night animals awakening as the sky changes through a multitude of pastels and just as the first star of the millions in the Milky Way appears – and taking a sip of something very chilled…

That’s a Sundowner – a revered South African tradition, usually followed by a braai, or BBQ.

There are a lot of flight deals to South Africa, especially if you are happy to take a little longer and travel via a European or Middle Eastern hub.

Otherwise, Virgin Atlantic and BA fly daily direct, a pleasant 11-hour overnight flight arriving early morning. There is no jetlag as the SA summer is just one hour ahead, and in our winter, two.

The exchange rate at the time of writing is excellent, at around 19 ZAR (Rand) to the pound.

A good bottle of wine would be in the region of £2.00 and accommodation for eight in the private lodges starts at around £150 a night.

Sodwana Bay is hugely popular with locals during holiday season, so whilst the major holiday times coincide with the UK’s, it is always best to check when they have their public and school holidays.

Summer runs from October through to March. The sub-tropical summer temperatures can be high and humid and the winters in Sodwana can often reach 25-30 degrees with cool nights. The sea temperature doesn’t drop below 18 degrees, perfect for winter diving. Winter is also ideal for game drives as the grass is low and game is easier to spot.

Sodwana Bay captures the hearts of all who are lucky enough to visit. Whilst its fame is growing and it is getting busier and ever more popular, it hasn’t lost its inimitable magic and offers some of the best holiday experiences you will ever enjoy.

Victoria Gibbins

For further information regarding our accommodation availability in Three Lodges at Sodwana Bay Lodge, please contact the manager, Jen Smart of Odysea, on +27 832555717 or email odysea@iafrica.com flights available with http://www.etihad.com http://www.threelodges.com/

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Sodwana Bay captures the hearts of all who are lucky enough to visit.

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Brighton Pride in all its colourful glory.

We’ll let Jim Carey’s photos tell the story.

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Pride 2016

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Pride 2016

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Absolute would like to to thank the following for our VIP tent at Pleasure Gardens - The Arbian Tent Company, DJs Mr haywood, Seamus Haji, Mike Gorgeous, Luke Brakenridge, Georgeos, Mikee Hollywood and Showtec Shoreham.

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Martial Arts, Discipline, Fitness & Fun for everyone!

Beginners & all ages welcome!

CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR CLASSES NEAR YOU!

Childrens Themed Parties at the Sama Fun Factory, Sama Training Centre or a venue of your own choosing.

Princess Parties Karate Parties Nerf Parties Kickboxing Parties Film Parties Jedi Parties

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RESISTING POVERTY. EMPOWERING PEOPLE. RESTORING HOPE. About Off The Fence

By far the quickest way to give!

Off The Fence provides short and long-term solutions by delivering a range of support networks to empower people and prevent poverty in all its forms.

The charity offers people hope, a way forward and the opportunity to live a transformed life. Off The Fence’s vision is to see an end to social and spiritual poverty in Brighton & Hove.

To find out more visit:

www.offthefence.org.uk

Text OTFF12£*amount* to 70070. £10 buys a life saving sleeping bag. /OTFbrighton

/OTFbrighton

Registered Charity No. 1108777 Charitable Company No. 5300691

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Dj style Prok & Fitch Brighton DJs and producers Ben Prok and James Fitch share a few words on their stellar rise in the world of dance music Absolute’s Pete Hayward catches up with the boys...

Q. You’ve been making quality productions as Prok & Fitch for about eight years now. How did you come together as a production team?

“Almost a decade – it been a while!

Although it feels like it wasn’t that long ago. We were both already DJing and James producing long before we met. James was based in Valencia and playing some great venues throughout Spain, Ben was a resident at the infamous Honey Club and playing predominantly across the UK.

Ben: “I used to work in the BPM record shop in Brighton, James used to be in there a lot buying records. I knew he was producing music as his track Pass The Funk was selling well in the shop. Production was something I’d always wanted to get into, so had a chat with James about re-doing Outro Lugar. He was also a big fan of the track, so the next step was the studio.”

Q. Looking back to 2007 when you started to make news, was there a defining mix that opened up the doors? Or did this happen later?

“We got lucky with our first record, the chant that later became Outro Lugar.

Squeezing in as much studio time as possible at James’s flat in between both of our DJ jobs and gigs, it took three months to finish. Two days after finishing the track,

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Ben was DJing with Roger Sanchez and quickly passed him a CD with the track and his number scribbled on it. Thinking nothing off it, two days later Roger phoned saying he loves the track and was intent on signing it and putting it out on his label Stealth Records. Roger was a huge inspiration to both of us and a true house legend, so having such a strong backing massively propelled us into the scene.

We quickly struck a great relationship with him, personally, and the Stealth crew, and soon enough we were DJing around the world representing the label at parties like WMC in Miami, Ministry of Sound in London and Amnesia in Ibiza.

I think it’s safe to say we owe Roger a beer. We’re so grateful for the opportunity he and his team gave us, and still see him regularly to this day.”

Q. How do you prepare for massive gigs in different parts of the world such as Miami and Ibiza?

“Every gig is always different, you can play at one venue and then back there three months later and it’s a different vibe. We never like to play the same sets so the key to our set preparation is the same as it’s always been: ‘Record shopping’ in the digital age, it’s pretty tough to have music that others don’t so there’s two ways we

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get around this; scour the internet and find as much new talent as possible, and secondly put some serious studio hours in, making as much original material as possible and lots of edits that only we have.

This often involves taking elements from one or two records and tailoring them to fit in our DJ sets, basically giving our own spin to others people’s productions.”

Q. How do you approach making a new track? Do you start with drum parts then go with the flow? Or do you form ideas before you start a project?

“It’s not always the way but 90% of the time we start with a hook. For us, it’s the toughest part of production. It can be anything from a bass line on an old soul record, a vocal hook from a speech we’ve found on YouTube, or a melody we’ve played. It just needs to be something we’re both massively into and inspires us for the basis of the track. This process can be very laborious. We’ve spent days going through acapella CDs to find the right hook. As painful as it, for us it’s 100% worth putting in the time to find inspiration.”

Q. DJing on a laptop versus the USB. Where do you stand?

“We don’t think it matters whatsoever, you can be a great/poor DJ on either so whatever floats your boat. We’ve both

“

Our biggest tip to a DJ/producer would be to make the music you really love, be inspired by current sounds and techniques, but develop your own sound, something that gives you a slight edge over the rest.”

been doing it for a long time now, and come from the vinyl days, so we like to be as hands-on as possible so USB and CDJs, using Pioneer Rekord box, is our preference.

Our main reason for not currently using a laptop is the reliability. We’ve played on numerous occasions before or after a DJ playing on Traktor/Serato and their Mac has packed up mid set. This can completely throw you and seriously kill the vibe.”

Q. You have started track collaborations with other artists, will you be doing more of these?

“We’ve been lucky enough to work with some massively talented artists.

It’s something we’ve always enjoyed doing. It can be pretty intense stuck in a studio with someone for days on end, so we tend to only work with artists that we get on well with personally.

One of the main benefits of working with different producers is that you’re taken out of your musical comfort zone with the end result being a balance between the two sounds, which can sometimes be a bit car crash but generally we’ve had great experiences collaborating. Seeing how other people work and picking up production tips is also quite handy.”

Q. Being a DJ in 2016 seems a

pretty tough deal. What skills are important to stand out?

“Originality and identity. It’s tougher now than it ever has been to do well on the DJ circuit. In fact, it’s pretty much impossible for an up and coming DJ to do that and not produce. So, that’s something that has to be done and nowadays goes hand in hand with DJing. It’s pretty much the same across all musical genres. Your music gains you fans and press which in turn leads to live shows, which is where the majority of DJs make their money. Our biggest tip to a DJ/producer would be to make the music you really love, be inspired by current sounds and techniques, but develop your own sound, something that gives you a slight edge over the rest.”

Q. What club would you like to bring back from the dead for one night?

James: “The Cross in London. I spent some of my fondest clubbing days under those sweaty archways. The first time I played there set the bar incredibly high, but every time I played there it just seemed to get better, I have yet to see that vibe again in London” Ben: “Would have to be Sterns/Mansion House. It’s the place that really got me into house music and I went religiously pretty much every Friday from the age

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of 15 till I went to university. Some really special times but unfortunately I can’t remember too many!”

Q. What track reminds you of your childhood? And what was the first record you ever bought?

Ben: “Music was always on in our house growing up as a kid, despite no-one having a musical bone in their body. There were always people at home, whether friends or family or both, there was always something happening and the hi-fi was inevitably on. Fleetwood Mac were pretty popular with my parents and it definitely reminds of growing up.”

James: “The first house record I ever bought was Direkt – 2 Fatt guitars. I was 15 and used to go into this place called the Record Basement in Reading in my school lunch break, dressed in my blazer and tie surrounded by all these DJs who used to tell me I should be in the playground!

The girl behind the counter slapped it on the deck and as soon as it started that was it, my vinyl addiction was born.” www.facebook.com/prokfitch www.twitter.com/prokfitch

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Eagle Labs Barclays have opened up under-utilised spaces in its branches and offices – Eagle Labs – to help boost the UK’s digital and ‘maker’ skills. One such location is at Preston Circus in Brighton.

Barclays launches Eagle Labs – Inspiring the UK to get making Barclays has announced its opening up under-utilised spaces in its branches and offices to help boost the UK’s digital and ‘maker’ skills. Through the launch of Barclays Eagle Labs, the bank will give customers and non-customers in local businesses and communities the opportunity to learn about new technologies and techniques that will be critical to helping the UK to thrive in the digital age.

New research* from Barclays has found that almost half (47%) of UK respondents have never taken steps to boost their digital skills, and of those who have, only one in six (16%) have done so in the last year.

The Labs will be supported by Barclays’ Digital Eagles, with a Lab Manager and Lab technician on hand to provide support and guidance. There are two types of Lab:

Barclays Eagle Lab – MakerSpaces - offering access to 3D printers and laser cutters, providing businesses with access to the tools they need to rapidly produce and test prototypes without having to import from overseas. The MakerSpaces will also be available for community events, corporate team days, training sessions around topics such as cyber fraud and coding as well as more basic digital skills training (Tea & Teach).

Barclays Eagle Lab – Incubators - specifically targeting high-growth firms and entrepreneurs projecting 20 per cent growth or more, and will benefit from collaborating with other like-minded business, and mentoring from Barclays industry experts.

Barclays’ Brian Sharkey talks to Absolute.

1. Explain what an Eagle Lab is?

“Eagle Labs is a place to create and innovate, it’s a business hub, a place to network, build contacts and drive your business forward. We are re-opening old branches and partnering with universities and libraries to deliver Eagle Labs to communities all around the UK.” 2. The type of businesses you support?

“We have a wide range of businesses located here from UX designers and developers to business support and digital recruiters. Everyone is welcome, no matter how big or small their company is.”

3. What technology is available?

“We have 3D printers, 3D scanners, laser cutters, a photo-studio and a full workshop of pillar drills and saws, so you can come to us with an idea and rapidly produce a prototype to get investment.”

4. Please explain the services you offer?

“We offer introductions to industry specialists, business contacts and business support, plus advice on opening accounts if required.”

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5. What sets you apart from other media centres?

“There isn’t anywhere that offers what we provide under one roof. You can run your business from here, hold your events, produce prototypes and get support!”

6. Why did Barclays start Eagle Labs and what does the future hold?

“We noticed a gap in the market for entrepreneurs and business to have space to connect, share ideas and become more creative, all with the support of Eagle Labs.”

7. Your team seem friendly helpful, and always introduce people to each other.

“We make it our business to understand each and every business, what they need to succeed, who they need to meet. And then we make it happen!”

https://labs.uk.barclays/

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“There isn’t anywhere that offers what we provide under one roof. You can run your business from here, hold your events, produce prototypes and get support!”

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