Absolute Magazine issue 122 Xmas / New Years 2015 by Absolute Magazine Group

ABSOLUTE ISSUE 122 CHRISTMAS 2015

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Index 10 - NEWS 16 - XMAS STYLE 24 - CLIVE ARROWSMITH 30 - LARISSA EDDIE 34 - HEALTH & BEAUTY 40 - LIPSTICK & GUNPOWDER 42 - DENTAL HEALTH SPA 44 - SIMON WEBSTER HAIR 48 - FIZZ & FOOD 52 - COFFEE & CAKE 56 - ALMAS RESTAURANT 58 - ORSINO RESTAURANT 62 - SIX RESTAURANT 66 - COAL SHED RESTAURANT 70 - STREET STYLE 74 - THE BRIGHTON LAINES 88 - XMAS GIFT GUIDE 96 - XMAS PARTY OUTFITS 100 - LONDON TRAVEL 108 - KENDRICKS COFFEE 110 - SMALL BATCH COFFEE 112 - F9 AUDIO / FREEMASONS Managing Editor - Lizanne Harris - lizanne@absolutemagazine.co.uk Features Editor - Victoria Marie Emerson - info@absolutemagazine.co.uk Account Manager - David Hall - david@absolutemagazine.co.uk Account Manager - Online - Dan Chapman dan@absolutemagazine.co.uk Designer - Pete Hayward (South Beach Media) - info@absolutemagazine.co.uk Guest Editor - Stuart Pritchard / Mathew Parr / Charlie Carter Contributors - Pete Hayward / Kasia (The Styling Agency) Owners - Publishers Simon Darcy Abbott - simon@absolutemagazine.co.uk David Camici - dcamici@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Cover Shot Clothing - (her) Pretty Eccentric (him) Badger Clothing Hair / Styling - Javier Encina-Jones for Simon Webster Hair Styling & Art Direction - Kasia at The Styling Agency Make Up - Justyna Wojdak & Angelique Henderson van Gils for Beyond Foundation Photography - Alexander Voodoo of Voodoo Creations Photography Models - Will Glover and Layla Harris Location - Papillion, Brighton. Perfume - Atkinsons Oud Save the Queen

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Editor’s Letter Hello all, Well, Christmas is finally upon us!

There are gift ideas for you to peruse

Every year I dig out the decorations and

through (for him, her and even your four-

decide that I want to change the colour

legged friend), and plenty of bar and

scheme of my ball balls and glitter. I think it

restaurant reviews to give you an idea of

is a habit I gained from my Mother, that and

where to go over your Xmas holiday break.

walking past all the stores that have stuck

I still haven’t decided where I am spending

to a one or two colour theme. All looking

my actual Christmas day. This and New Year’s

very festively chic indeed. However, for

Eve is always a conundrum for me. Like many

some unknown reason Christmas always

of us that live in this splendid city… I chose

catches me by surprise and I am never quite

to move here many years ago and my family

organized enough to get it just right and a riot

don’t actually live here. They do say though,

of shades seem to descend on my home.

that as we get older our friends become our

I wish I could tell you that my Christmas

family and living in Brighton has given me

shopping is already done and I know exactly

the opportunity to meet so many wonderful

what I am wearing to which party. This would

people and make some incredible friends!

be a lie though. I shall be frantically shopping

What’s a girl to do? Decisions, decisions!

on Christmas Eve for sure.

What I do know is this …… I want to thank

In order that your lead up to the big day is

all you fabulous people for, over the last

somewhat more structured, we have given

few months, taking a look at the new and

you a great selection of partywear to look

improved ABSOLUTE magazine and sending

through, with tips and tricks on how to jazz up

in your story ideas and news to us. We love

what you may already have in your wardrobe,

reading them all.

(let’s face it, we are all watching our pennies

We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy

at this time of year!)

New Year! Lots of Love

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News NATIONAL HIV TESTING WEEK LAUNCHED IN BRIGHTON AND HOVE

STUDENT DIGS

Waugh Thistleton architects have won planning permission on behalf of McLaren Property for their student housing scheme at 106 Lewes Road, Brighton. The double height ground floor will have communal facilities, a communal south facing external terrace at third floor level with views towards the coast, with 44 studio apartments on the four floors above. From the drawings, the building looks solid and monolithic, with windows carved away to reveal the depth of the facade. Clad in light coloured bricks, the scheme pays reference to the regency style of architecture predominant in the Brighton area. The island site is roughly triangular in shape, with studio apartments that circle a generous, naturally lit staircase. Each studio has two windows, an en-suite bathroom pod, storage space, a desk and a kitchenette cleverly integrated to make the rooms as spacious as possible. The scheme is set for completion in Autumn 2017.

TAKE A BREAK Planning a worldwide holiday has just got a new lease of life, with Kuoni Travel Shop, which has opened on Dukes Lane, Brighton. The new shop is modern and luxurious with

Although this date has been and gone, with everything going on in the news regarding Charlie Sheen, I thought it prudent to just commend this event and keep it fresh in all our minds. Terrence Higgins Trust, the UK’s largest HIV and sexual health charity, launched its fourth annual National HIV Testing Week in Brighton and Hove on the 25th – 27th November. It was great to see so many locals wearing the distinctive orange and blue testing week t-shirts. HIV diagnosis has increased in Sussex an everywhere, so events like this are super important and to continue checking and being safe onwards. National HIV Testing Week Ambassador Dr Christian Jessen said: “The fact that diagnoses have increased is encouraging in one sense. If you get tested and receive a positive diagnosis, you can now immediately go onto treatment, and if you are on medication you are classed as ‘undetectable’ and the virus cannot be passed on. Most concerning to me is the fact that nearly one in six people with HIV do not realise they have it, so they are putting their own health at risk and HIV could unknowingly be passed on.” www.aoh.org.uk/home

a champagne fridge and coffee area. It has a calm and inviting atmosphere, with travel artefacts from around the world, a lounge area, travel library, video screen and large desks where the customers and travel experts can plan holidays together. You are certainly in good hands here, as the new store is staffed by a team of four personal travel experts, who’ve been handpicked by Kuoni because of their outstanding customer service skills and travel knowledge. Store Manager, Stephen Payne said: “Every Kuoni store is completely individual, so customers can expect something quite different. All of us here in Brighton have a passion for travel since a young age and we are looking forward to sharing our own experiences and knowledge with anyone in the area looking to make their next holiday extra special. We want to provide the very best service for our customers and create long-standing memories for anyone that walks through the door.” A wide range of holidays will be on offer from cruise, ski, weddings & honeymoons, shortbreaks, villas, fly-drives, safaris, beach holidays and tours which span over 88 countries in the Far East, Indian Ocean, Africa, the CHEEKY TUESDAYS Caribbean, Europe, USA and more, but if you want something extra special and out of Brighton’s most exciting new arts and music the ordinary, the experts can plan just about venue Patterns will host the brand spanking new ‘Dirty Bare’ night on the first Tuesday anything! of every month. The glamorous night, started by one of the venue’s very own Bar Managers and Brighton based burlesque star - Lady Marmaduke – is set to bring some cheeky TEL: 01273 796139 fun to our city. Kuoni Brighton Featuring artists such World Burlesque 21 Dukes Lane Brighton, BN1 1BG

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Games Winner Coco Deville, compère extraordinaire Dolly Rocket, everyone’s favourite boylesque sex symbol Dave Barnes the Bear, the sizzling siren Cherry Shakewell, exotic drag queen Xavier Xarah, Lou Safire, and of course Lady Marmaduke, these nights are sure to be kooky and highly spirited!

BLOOMING MARVELLOUS Although the Castle gates have now closed for the winter period, this is in fact the busiest time of year for Arundel Castle’s garden team. It has been all hands on trowels with the team planting a record number of spring bulbs – 72,000 in total throughout the 40 acres of stunning gardens and grounds! With such a big task at hand, the team enlisted the help of the West Sussex Girl Guides, who turned up in all-weather (and let’s face it, the weather has been vile), to help plant tulip bulbs in large Italianate terracotta pots. This year’s selection includes 50 different types of tulips such as ‘Lilac Time’ and ‘Purple Prince’ with 24 brand new varieties for 2016. The walled area of the gardens will showcase a staggering 30,000 tulips in vibrant colours and of every variety. Martin Duncan, Head Gardener commented: “The garden team has worked tirelessly to plant even more bulbs this year and it was great to

have the West Sussex Girl Guides on hand to help! I’m sure I speak for everybody when I say how much we’re looking forward to showing off the fruits of our labour with visitors come spring 2016!” To add to the tulip splendour, The Organic Kitchen is currently being prepped and planted with ‘Negrita’, ‘Francoise’ and the stunning ‘Curly Sue’, a glorious mixture of spring blooms. Arundel Castle is now closed to visitors for the winter period and will re-open on Good Friday 25 March 2016, when all these bulbs should have flowered and a riot of extures and colowur ill great you. For more information on the Castle or to arrange a private tour of the gardens, please visit: www.arundelcastle.org.

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DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY It’s that time of year when we want to go out and have a shimmy, but sometimes the amazing choice we get in our city is a little daunting and somewhat overwhelming….particularly when we get to a certain age and don’t want to be hanging out with a bunch of teenagers. So, here is a heads up for all you funky people. Check out Paul Meltdown Clarke’s Facebook pages for what’s going on over the festive period and beyond. Having started to DJ in 1977 at the Seven Stars in Brighton, he continued to play jazz-funk-soul for 11 years and as well as being known nationally, he became #1 DJ on the south coast. He was resident at the Inn Place, Papillon & Busbys on a Sunday, which was voted #10 in Blues & Soul’s top clubs. So he has quite the music CV. With gigs ranging from Carl Cox events, local places to dance the night away and everything in between both near and far (he sure knows a good Ibiza party too!), check out his upcoming itinerary….

News

HOMEGROWN TALENT Brighton based poet Neil Rollinson has been shortlisted for the 2015 costa book awards! The Costa Book Awards is the only major UK book prize that is open solely to authors resident in the UK and Ireland and also, uniquely, recognises the most enjoyable books across five categories – First Novel, Novel, Biography, Poetry and Children’s Book - published in the last year. Originally established in 1971 by Whitbread Plc, Costa announced its takeover of the sponsorship of one of the UK’s most prestigious book prizes in 2006. 2015 marks the 44th year of the Book Awards. This year’s Costa Book Awards attracted 638 entries. Judges on this year’s panels (three per category) included writers Matt Haig, Louise Doughty and Martyn Bedford, poet and children’s author Julia Copus and biographer and broadcaster Penny Junor….. so it is a big deal that our Brighton based boy, Neil Rollinson has been shortlisted for the award. Winners in the five categories, who each receive £5,000, will be announced on Monday 4th January 2016. The overall winner of the 2015 Costa Book of the Year will receive £30,000 and will be selected and announced at the Costa Book Awards ceremony in central London on Tuesday 26th January 2016. www.costabookawards.com

BURGER DELIGHT Forming an integral part of Kew Green Hotels’ £3.5 million development of Brighton’s seafront Holiday Inn, Stock Burger Co. opens on 11th December. It will offer guests and locals alike a unique standalone venue (with separate off-street 12

entrance) where they can eat, drink and socialise in stylish, lively and comfortable surroundings. As the name suggests, the house specialty is burgers but these are no ordinary burgers. They are aiming for the the crème de la crème of burgers here. Diners can select from a variety of specialty burgers, including Pulled Beef Brisket and what must be the ultimate all-day Breakfast, complete with fried egg, sweet cured streaky bacon, beef tomato, Portobello mushroom, HP sauce and baconnaise, or they can create their own. There will be a huge collection of craft beers spearheaded by a draft selection supplied by Naked Beer Co., the Brighton Bier Brewery and Marston’s.

X FACTOR I am a Saturday night TV junkie. Strictly, X Factor, I’m A Celebrity.. these are all my guilty pleasures. So, I am very excited about that the X Factor tour will be coming to The Brighton Centre on the 22nd and 23rd February and suggest that if this is your thing get booking tickets quickly. The top seven acts taking to the stage on this year’s live arena tour are: Anton Stephans, 4th Impact, Reggie ‘N’ Bollie, Louisa Johnson, Lauren Murray, Che Chesterman and Mason Noise. Can’t wait! Tickets from £19.50 (subject to booking fee) are on sale now. Tickets including limited availability Family Tickets (4 tickets maximum 2 adults) are available from The Brighton Centre box office and the official hotlines listed below. TEL: 01273 290131 Box Office: 0844 847 1515 Brighton Centre, Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2GR www.brightoncentre.co.uk www.gigsandtours.com www.ticketmaster.co.uk

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WINTER WALKS The National Trust has revealed some of the best places for wintry walks and some of these are right on our doorstep in East Sussex. From Boxing Day onwards these are the best that will be open…. The perfect way to enjoy our countryside in picturepostcard landscapes. Wrap up warm and burn off that Christmas excess of food and drink. Here are the best off:

Bateman’s With whirls of rolling mist and frost glistening on the neatly clipped hedges, Rudyard Kipling’s English country garden is transformed in winter. Pick up an estate walking leaflet to take in the spirit of this special place on three walks - Puck’s Walk follows famous characters from Kipling’s Puck of Pook’s Hill published in 1906, ironmaster’s walk takes in the local history of iron production in the area and the Dudwell Farm walk winds through Bateman’s estate and the local village of Burwash. Garden, tea room and shop open 11am4pm daily, house open 11.30am-3.30pm between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Boxing Day walk and breakfast 10am12pm, New Year’s Day walk and breakfast 11am-1pm. All tickets £17.50 per person, booking essential on 01435 882302

Birling Gap Stunning winter light dances over the sea at sunrise and sunset, whilst winter visiting birds, peregrines and fulmars can be spotted during a bracing daytime cliff top walk, over the Seven Sisters downland or along the beach. There are excellent photo opportunities of sea birds, wildlife and winter seascapes all along the Seven Sisters and in particular from the viewing platform next to the café. Countryside and coast open daily dawn

until dusk throughout winter. Cafe and shop open 10am-4pm, except Boxing Day and New Year’s Day when the opening times are 10am-3pm.

Bodiam Castle Wander the grounds and see the castle in all its winter beauty or try the audio adventure, A Knight’s Peril, in a frosty landscape. On weekdays, join a medieval character for hourly guided tours inside the castle walls, alternating between high status spaces like the Great Hall and low status spaces like the kitchen. At weekends explore the castle at your leisure with medieval characters on hand to bring the medieval world to life. On Boxing Day morning join a guided tour of the grounds to have the castle all to yourself before it opens to visitors, and end the stroll with breakfast snacks in the tea room. Throughout winter - castle grounds, tea room and shop 10am-5pm or dusk if earlier (castle open from 10.30am). Medieval character tours run on the hour weekdays only, 11am-3pm. Boxing Day walk with breakfast bap and hot drink, Saturday 26 December 9am-10.15am. All tickets £15 per person, booking essential on 01580 831324.

Sheffield Park and Garden With its reflective lakes and impressive tree collection from around the world, Sheffield Park is particularly beautiful in winter. After the leaves fall, the garden gives way to dramatic winter vistas and the lakes are transformed by mist, frost and ice. Adding to the sculptural forms of the trees in winter, a series of willow shapes and frames are dotted around the garden as part of A Winter’s Trail. Explore the lesser-known parts of the estate on a guided hike on New Year’s Day. One of the longest serving members of the team will add colour to the history of the garden,

its owners and their legacies – you won’t find any of these stories in any guide book. Parkland open daily from dawn until dusk. Garden, tea room and shop open 10am4pm daily between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day and throughout January. A Winter’s Trail runs until Sunday 31 January, £1 per trail. New Year’s Day holly hike, 11am-1pm, £6 per person with booking recommended on 01825 790231

January, every 30 minutes from 11am2.30pm. Places limited to ten people per tour. Please share photos of your own favourite atmospheric winter landscapes and walking adventures with the National Trust: On Twitter by tweeting @southeastnt On Facebook www.facebook.com/ NationalTrustLondonandSouthEast On Instagram by sending photos to southeastnt www.nationaltrust.org.uk/southeast

Standen House and Garden

HEALTHY STUFF

With the trees laid bare the formation of the Arts & Crafts inspired hillside garden is revealed each winter. Perched at the top of the garden, the new viewing platform on Rock Top Walk provides the perfect vantage point for views of the garden and dramatic wintery scenery over the High Weald, Ashdown Forest and East Grinstead. Additional woodland walking guides can be picked up from visitor reception. On Boxing Day, join the head gardener on a guided walk of some of the estate’s special areas, including Hollybush woodland. Part of the Forest Ridge of the High Weald and one of the most wooded areas in Britain, Hollybush is home to a large collection of ancient trees, one of which is said to be rarer than a Giant Panda. On New Year’s Eve a guided woodland walk will help to blow the festive cobwebs away and start the New Year refreshed. Throughout January, see areas of the house not normally open to the public – including the cellar and water tower - on a behind closed doors tour. Garden, shop and Barn Café open 10am4pm, house open 11am-3pm between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Boxing Day stroll, Saturday 26 December, 12pm-1pm. New Year’s Eve Woodland Walk, Thursday 31 December, 12pm-1pm. Both walks are free with no booking needed, meet on Goose Green. During January the garden, shop and Barn Café open 10am-4pm. The house is open weekends in January between 11am3pm (last entry at 2.30pm). Entry to the house mid-week as part of a behind closed door tours only. Behind closed doors tours run Monday-Friday from 4 January to 29

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Brighton is well known for being a bit of a Hippy city (among other things), where we have a fair few healthy eaters, vegetarians and vegans. Let’s hear a cheer for the new restaurant 1847 which has just arrived in the North Laines. With a huge selection of gluten free and vegan options which are truly delicious, hearty and filling and a variety of vegan wines…. I think even the meat eaters may be paying a visit. 1847 Vegetarian Restaurant, North Road, (corner of North Road and Cheltenham Place), North Laine, Brighton, BN1 1YW TEL: 01273 677776 Brighton@By1847.com

PRETTY ECCENTRIC

Vintage Watch Movement Cufflinks When these watches stopped who knew they would be reincarnated as really cool cufflinks. Crafted from 1920s - 1950s watch movements, set with their original ruby jewels, mounted as cufflinks and presented in a vintage inspired box. £49 - by Pretty Eccentric Visit: www.prettyeccentric.co.uk

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The Salt Room is a modern British seafood and grill restaurant. It’s focus centres on celebrating the fruits of the sea, delivering the finest seafood and grilled meat cooked over charcoal to the table. Our emphasis being on sustainability, championing local produce and continuing the ethos of sharing plates like it’s sister restaurant, The Coal Shed.

Set Lunch & Pre-Theatre Menu 2 courses £15 3 courses £17.50 available Monday – Friday 12-4pm and Monday – Thursday 6-7pm Festive & New Year’s Eve Menu 3 courses £45.00 per person 106 KING’S RD, BRIGHTON, BN1 2FU PHONE: 01273 929488 - EMAIL: INFO@SALTROOM-RESTAURANT.CO.UK OPENING TIMES LUNCH 12-4PM DINNER 6-10PM (10.30PM FRIDAY & SATURDAY) OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK www.saltroom-restaurant.co.uk twitter.com/TheSaltRoomUK facebook.com/saltroombrighton

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Future DECO

Opulent decor and debonair fashion infuse a sense of decadance. Decorative textures and rich hues create an enthralling atmosphere for this eclectic setting. Joie de vivre! MODELS Will Glover and Layla Harris

Next Hot Model 2015 winners First Model Management London uk

PHOTOGRAPHY Alexander Voodoo of Voodoo Creations Photography STYLING & ART DIRECTION Kasia at The Styling Agency HAIR Javier Encina-Jones for Simon Webster Hair MAKE-UP Justyna Wojdak & Angelique Henderson van Gils for Beyond Foundation CLOTHES AND ACCESSORIES (her) Pretty Eccentric, Bond St, Brighton CLOTHES AND SHOES (him) Badger Clothing, Bond St, Brighton LOCATION Papillion, 8 Union St, Brighton

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Clive Arrowsmith z Commisioned to shoot

Internationally acclaimed Photographer Clive Arrowsmith started his career by studying painting and graphic design. After leaving college he got a job in television as an art director for Ready Steady Go, the iconic 1960s music show that featured The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Marianne Faithful and Jimi Hendrix. This is where he developed his passion for photography by taking pictures behind the scenes, this then evolved into his full time career. His work includes commissions by leading fashion magazines; British and French Vogue, Harpers, the Sunday Times, Vanity Fair, Esquire, to name just a few and he is the only photographer in history to have shot the prestigious Pirelli Calendar for two consecutive years.

Firstly, to get to interview a photographer of your calibre is a privilege.

Arrowsmith continues to be successful in photography working with leading brands and designers and releasing his first ever book on ACC Publishing called Arrowsmith – Fashion, Beauty and Portraits. The book includes much of his work with legendary Vogue stylist Grace Coddington and an incredible array of celebrity portraits including Sir Paul McCartney, Prince Charles, George Harrison, The Dalai Lama and Kate Bush. We were fortunate to speak to Clive about his upcoming book and projects in the midst of a very hectic promotional schedule.

What currently have you been working on?

I would like to ask about your early work first. How did this begin?

After working at Ready, Steady, Go, I begged ‘Town’ magazine to let me shoot The Royal college fashion show. The photos soon got noticed and this led to my being offered work at Nova magazine and then by Harpers magazine. In 1971 Grace Coddington, editor for Vogue magazine had arranged to come and see myself after seeing my work, this then snowballed into a rollercoaster of magazine shoots which included working with the likes of Sir Michael Caine and Sir Paul McCartney.

Clive-

Most recently, I have just finished working with actors Jeremy Irons, Dominic West and fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. This particular project was a campaign for the organisation Farms Not Factories. The aim of the pledge is to expose the cruelty to pigs and the inefficiency and pollution caused by factory farming. People don’t seem to want to talk about how much agriculture negatively impacts the environment we live in today. The conversation

Clive-

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needs to start, I feel very passionately about this. I feel passionately about doing things well rather than taking short cuts. I am also working with the globally renowned fashion designer, Kansai Yamamoto (who designed all the costumes for David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust incarnation). I am also working on the launch of Ghost Home, and a new clothesline using incredible fabrics, which is a bit top secret at the moment. Have you any projects in the pipeline, which Absolute magazine could feature exclusively?

In the mayhem of my current busy schedule, the remaining time I have available I am working on the archive of all my pictures and planning new projects. The pictures I am developing at the moment will be featured in 2 of my upcoming books. Make sure you keep an eye on my website, to see release dates and to purchase my current book. All my artwork can be viewed via the gallery link on the site. As an exclusive I can say Kansai Yamamoto and myself are also creating a film based on the last 20 years of his stunning design work. This film is going to be incredible as Kansai is one of the most iconic designers Japan has ever produced and our careers have run in parallel and our friendship is life long.

Clive-

Donna Mitchell, Paris Collections, Vogue, 1970. Copyright Clive Arrowsmith.

Ann Schaufuss, cover, Vogue Beauty Book, Vogue, 1972. Copyright Clive Arrowsmith.

Kate Bush. Copyright Clive Arrowsmith

Ann Schaufuss, Vogue, 1972. Copyright Clive Arrowsmith.

Ingrid Boulting, Vogue Beauty. Copyright Clive Arrowsmith

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Hunter S. Thompson. Copyright Clive Arrowsmith

Ann Schaufuss, Vogue Beauty. Copyright Clive Arrowsmith

What are your thoughts on UK fashion? Clive- Honestly, UK fashion can be a bit safe

in my view but then again I have worked with the best and most innovative designers in the world so I am bound to be a bit exacting. I do think there are designers here that deserve more international recognition and we all need to promote British fashion. The Fashion & Textile Museum in London, where I recently launched my book are doing a great job in promoting British innovation around the world. Personally, I feel France is recognised for its couture pieces and French fashion is still very on trend. I love the quality of design in Italy the fabric including leather is cut to a great standard. There are four other major fashion hotspots in the world: New York City, Paris, Tokyo and Milan. Of these, Italy has a reputation for creating fashion that not only clothes the body, but expresses the true self. Mathew Parr Twitter: @mparr3101

Ravi Shankar and George Harrison. Copyright Clive Arrowsmith

Pirelli Calendar, 1992, Chinese Zodiac theme â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Year of The Pig & Year of The Dragon. Copyright Clive Arrowsmith

http://www.clivearrowsmith.com www.clivearrowsmith.com

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Hitting all the right notes Larissa Eddie is one of Brighton’s very finest exports; a singer and songwriter taking the music industry by storm, working with A-list artists and performing at venues as iconic as the O2 and The Royal Albert Hall. Unsigned but unfaltering, Larissa is a strong role model to any aspiring pop princesses and rock stars, teaching us that with hard work, determination and above all dedication to your craft, the sky is the limit. Absolute Magazine managed to find time in her busy schedule to catch up with this Brighton belle and discover just exactly what her secret to success is. How would you describe yourself as an artist? I am a pop artist. I live for making music which has energy and makes the audience feel something. I write from the heart and I love performing live with my band. As a little girl did you always dream of being a pop artist? Absolutely!! Being a pop artist is all I ever wanted to be. I was always the first to volunteer to get up and sing at school or a family gathering - I just loved it. Music was a massive part of my childhood and I was surrounded by all different types of it. We even went on a family holiday to Nashville when I was young and after seeing a live concert out there full of the biggest stars at the time, I knew that it was what I wanted to do when I grew up. You studied at the highly-acclaimed Brighton Institute of Modern Music (BIMM). What course did you take and why did you choose BIMM? I started BIMM straight after finishing school and it was the best decision I ever made. My Mum had initially heard about it after seeing Ronan Keating from Boyzone on TV talking on a chat show about a new rock school that was 30

open in Brighton. It was perfect timing as I was already in a band, loved my rock music and I knew that I wanted to sing professionally, but until BIMM came along I had struggled finding a course that would have really allowed me to develop as an artist. BIMM had only been open a couple of years when I first joined. With less than a few hundred students on the one premises (aptly named ‘Rock Place’), it made my time there even more special as there was a real buzz and excitement about it. I studied there for three years, taking courses in Vocals and Song-writing. I made friends for life and gained some great contacts. It really kick started my career in music! As a Brighton belle, you must have played your fair share of the city’s many live music haunts. Which venue is your favourite to play and why? The live music scene in Brighton has always been amazing – it’s a really special place for fresh talent and live music. It’s definitely where I learnt my craft as a performer. There probably aren’t many venues in Brighton that I haven’t played as when I first started out I used to gig weekly on the Brighton scene at all different venues around the city including open mic nights.

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One of my favourites has to be The Concorde2 and more recently on tour I got to come back and play to a packed out home crowd at the Brighton Centre which was a dream come true. Who is your biggest inspiration? I always looked up to Christina Aguilera as a singer and a performer in my teens. Her album ‘Stripped’ really shaped me as an artist and a songwriter. I loved how she was so open and honest in her songs and her voice was something that I aspired to. You have recently toured with the legendary Lionel Richie and Pete Tong and the charming Peter Andre, Matt Cardle and Tito Jackson. How did these tours come about and what were the highlights? It’s literally been the most incredible year. I’m still pinching myself to think that I’ve been lucky enough to tour and duet with these artists. It just goes to show that even though unsigned, if you work hard and persist you can still achieve your dreams. I was on a 24 date tour this time last year supporting Peter Andre. It was amazing and gave me my first real taste of life on the road. It came about just two weeks after meeting my manager

“

Meeting Mr Richie himself in person was such a special moment of the tour for me. He was so lovely and gave me some great words of wisdom for the future.” and from then on it’s been full steam ahead. A few months after finishing with Peter and after performing at The Royal Albert Hall and dueting with him on the final date of the tour, I decided to cover and upload one of my favourite songs from last year which was ‘Jealous’ by Labrinth. It’s a song I instantly connected to and I knew I had to record it. The response to it online was amazing and a few weeks after it being played to a few of the right people, it was noticed by Lionel’s team who got in touch and invited me to come and support him on his UK and Ireland ‘All the hits all night long’ Arena tour. Of course I jumped up and down screaming and said ‘yes’ and the rest is history. Highlights include playing the O2 twice, which was the biggest dream come true EVER!! Seeing up to 20,000 people all singing along to my own songs was incredible and meeting Mr Richie himself in person was such a special moment of the tour for me. He

was so lovely and gave me some great words of wisdom for the future. Another of the highlights of going on tour is that I’m joined on stage with my amazing band which consists of my brother Rawnsley Eddie on drums and our good friend Joe Colburn on guitar. It’s great to share such wonderful experiences with family and close friends and it makes all the hard work worth it. You have performed at some very prestigious and exciting events including The Olympics in 2012, T4 and The Hollyoaks Music Show. How did you originally get ‘discovered’ to be able to play these incredible gigs? I believe that you have to be in it to win it, and that’s exactly what I did.. Everything I’ve ever done has mainly been off of my own back. So I entered competitions and put forward my music to be considered for such gigs. Playing the Olympics was obviously a highlight for me as I felt like I was really doing

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my bit for the country in my own way. I performed on the most awesome stage in the middle of the Olympic Park to thousands of spectators and the buzz and atmosphere was electrifying. Also winning a Rockband competition and being flown to New York to do a gig as the prize was unbelievable and a trip I will never forget. All of this was only possible though because I believed in myself and my music and had the courage to push through and get it heard. Is the music business as glossy and glam as the media would have us muggles believe? Parts of the music and entertainment industry are definitely glamourous; getting dressed up to go to events, attending fabulous parties and Fashion Week are definitely the perks of the job. What girl doesn’t love to play dress up and go out on stage in a new dress to perform songs that you’ve written to

“

The public only ever really get the see the finished product and many budding musicians and singers often give up or fall by the way side once they actually realise just how much work is needed to succeed in this industry.”

thousands of people?! These are the parts of the industry that first attracted me to it and made me want to be a singer, so I never take those moments for granted and truly appreciate every second of the fun times. But there is a lot of hard work and hours and hours of rehearsals and perseverance behind the scenes that people don’t see. The public only ever really get the see the finished product and many budding musicians and singers often give up or fall by the way side once they actually realise just how much work is needed to succeed in this industry, especially if, like myself, you have done everything independently. It’s not all plain sailing and you need to be determined and have drive to keep pushing forward, even when you feel like the odds are against you. I believe if you want it badly enough and are good at what you do, you will succeed. It all seems to be about creative ‘collabs’ at the moment. Who has been your favourite artist or industry figure to work with and who is on your future wish list? Everyone I have worked with and 32

collaborated with has been awesome and I’ve had so much fun. I especially loved writing ‘In Love Alone’ with Matt Cardle. We penned the track together in less than a day and I’m so happy with it and how the song goes down live. I also got to duet with him earlier in the year on the track ‘Loving you’ which he usually performs alongside Mel C! I was a massive Spice Girls fan growing up so taking her part of the song was extremely exciting but nerve-racking at the same time. I’m definitely looking to collaborate more in the future. Artists I’d love to work with include Ed Sheeran and David Guetta Apart from being a truly gifted singer and performer, you also write your own music. Where does one even start when writing a song? Do the lyrics or the tune come first? I love song writing!! There’s nothing better than being in the studio creating music. The greatest feeling is actually watching a song take shape and finally, when you get to perform it to a live audience, to think you’ve created that and watch

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it come to life is the biggest buzz. I love to co-write and collaborate, so I normally start writing to a piano or guitar idea or sometimes I have a song title and base the song around that. I am currently in the studio writing songs for my new album titled ‘The Truth Behind My Eyes’ If you were to give one piece of advice to a young aspiring pop princess, what would it be? SELF BELIEF. You have to believe in yourself. Your determination is contagious and if you don’t believe then no one will. What is your new year’s resolution for 2016? To actually use my gym membership a little more and to eat more avocados…. yes avocados are good! Haha!

To check out more about Larissa Eddie, you can find her online: Twitter: larissaeddieuk Instagram: larissaeddie Facebook; larissaeddie

You know that moment when you spot someone you never wanted to see again walking down the street towards you, and you haven’t had your hair done in ages, and you would do literally anything, (and I do mean anything), to have made that appointment at Lipstick and Gunpowder? Ive got a big feeling that moment is going to happen today, amigo. And I rarely get these things wrong.

THE BEST HAIR STYLISTS, COLOURISTS AND MAKE UP, IN THE FUNNEST, FRIENDLIEST SALON IN BRIGHTON. 

01273 358478

 info@lipstickandgunpowder.com  32

lipstick and gunpowder

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The Best of Winter skin help and make-up to rock the festive season. Cold weather, central heating and partying all night. Here is what you need for a little extra help throughout it all… NIGHTTIME RELIEF Elemental Herbology have launched Vital Glow, an overnight resurfacing cream with Plant C-Stem, Natural AHAs and retinol. A wonder cream made to repair skin dramatically overnight to improve texture and early signs of ageing. Available from Space NK http://www.elementalherbology.com/

BEAUTIFUL BROWS Billion Dollar Brows hero products, once only available as a salon treatment, are launching nationwide at Boots across the UK.  There is a huge selection of single products but we are all over the Billion Dollar Brows, Best Sellers Kit, £49.50:  Transform your brows with this do-it-all kit, with Universal Brow Pencil, Brow Duo Pencil, Smudge Brush and Brow Gel.  Highlight and conceal around the brow bone, shape and blend the brows and gel into place. All this, plus a sharpener. This will leave you with gorgeous looking, defined brows in no time! www.boots.com

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ALL NATURAL Let me introduce you to Rossi Uvema. Formulated using 100% of the purest natural ingredients. As the cold weather drags on, Rossi’s Rice Bran & Borage Seed Face Cleansing Oil is the ideal cleanser to see us into spring. Containing high quality cold pressed oils, such as Jojoba, Avocado Seed and Grapeseed Oils, the moisturising oil is excellent for sensitive skin. Rice Bran & Borage Seed Face Cleansing Oil (100ml) from Rossi Uvema Hydrating Range – £14.75 www.rossiuvema.com / www.lovelula.com / www.ausujetdevert.com

SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND Uber-cool Glo & Ray are now available on BeautyMART and in Topshop concessions. Beauty fans can now get their hands on Glo & Ray’s Mirage Mousse eyeshadows (£11), Fumo Eyebrow pencils (£5.50), La Amo lipsticks (£12) and Wonderland lip gloss (£10). Inspired by the eclectic fashion industry, Glo & Ray is a quality, trendled cosmetic range, featuring all you could need in make-up. We love the Balloon Pop Lasting Silky Eyeliner Limited Edition Set, £28), with a variety of on trend finishes. Presented in a pop-art inspired box, this will see you through the festive season in the most glamorous of ways.

BRINGING SEXY BACK It’s the time of year when the backless top or dress makes an appearance at Xmas parties. However a few months of no sun and covering up can leave backs looking less sexy than we had hoped. Two easy-to-use products will wave goodbye to stubborn ‘bacne’ and dreaded ‘chicken skin.’ Get party-prepped with: The Clear Exfoliating Body Spray, 21.50. With 2% Salicylic Acid, it fights body acne and prevents breakouts from forming, eliminating any blemishes. This light formula dries super quickly, so there’s no need to wait before slipping into your party frock. www.Paulaschoice.co.uk

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The Heat is on Dynamic Hot Yoga... Here is where you feel the burn!

I have been going to DYNAMIC HOT YOGA for many years now, also partaking in the occasional different style of class elsewhere, such as ‘Vinyasa’ and ‘Bikram’ and then training as a teacher in ‘Absolute Hot Yoga’ in Thailand. So, it can be said I am a huge fan of yoga. DYNAMIC HOT YOGA is a class I always return to. Based in Hove, DHY, (DYNAMIC HOT YOGA), is held in a beautiful light filled studio on the top floor of the Dubarry building, right by Hove station. Classes are held early mornings and evenings, giving commuters a good chance to make it to one of these classes too, which for me was an added bonus when I would traipse to London daily.

Every class provides an impressive, effective workout that utilizes sports science to produce progress you can see in the mirrored walls of the studio. From simple weight loss to professional training for a world triathlon championship, (there are some serious sports people that attend the classes), it also gives great benefits to sports injuries, troubled backs and general aches and pains. The heat in the room, along with the breathing is a great benefit to enable the body to stretch just that little bit more. For myself and the many friends that have joined these classes, it has increased our strength, flexibility and stamina and seeing lean muscle appear and calories burned is a great incentive to keep going. It feels as if all the toxins of the day are sweated right out!

Recently the studio has upped its game with a new owner, (Aftab), and some more teachers getting on board the DHY train. With an entrepreneur’s brain and sportsman physique, Aftab became a professional MMA athlete in 2013 and turned pro in Muay Thai in 2015. He makes the perfect advert for the benefits that DYNAMIC HOT YOGA offers, finding the practice has improved his nerve flow and given him faster reflexes. The breathing practice involved in DHY has enabled him to feel more relaxed and much quicker. Can’t be bad!

All the teachers are trained in working with complete beginners to the more advanced. Egos are left at the door and everyone is encouraged to work to their own ability. There is no ‘show-off ‘culture here and you will leave exhausted, glowing, sweaty and sleep like a baby.

So, let’s go back to the ‘breathing practice’ I mentioned. As humans we very rarely use our breathing properly. The stresses and strains of life, make us naturally take short, sharp breaths. From the very first class you take, Dynamic Hot Yoga teaches the vital importance of being conscious of every breath, and works with your breathing technique to powerfully develop the body in a safe and effective way.

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TEL: 01273 707777 Top Floor, Unit 9 Hove Business Centre off Fonthill Rd, Hove East Sussex BN3 6HA http://www.dynamichotyoga.com

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The Skin Saviour For youthful, glowing skin and a subtle ‘has she or hasn’t she’…..you need to read on! etite, brunette and pretty, Abigail Morra qualified in 2005, from the University of Brighton, as a nurse. Now, with years of experience working in Harley Street as an aesthetic nurse, gaining unlimited experience in medical aesthetics, she started doing house calls to the ‘women-in-the-know’ of East Sussex. “I started with just a few women mainly wanting Botox and fillers, then word seemed to spread and soon I was running to and fro to women’s homes. I had a large waiting list!” Ladies…….The good news is that Abi has recently just opened up her own practice in Worthing ‘BELLA DERMA AESTHETICS’ The grey and glass fronted shop (the glass is frosted so clients can’t be seen and your secrets will be safe), minimal, with some vintage styling. Crystal chandeliers hang in a comforting warm grey and white interior. There are two rooms, one where Abi works her youth-giving magic, another, where Hayley and Rowena undertake teeth whitening and semi-permanent makeup. The rooms are elegant but have the no-fuss clinical touch to them. This is not a place to come to for your average facial. Abi administers line relaxing injections (known as Botox to most), which temporarily reduces lines and wrinkles and softens harsh facial expressions. Dermal fillers, including Juvederm and Teoysal, uto restore volume to the face, and to iron out lines and folds. Abi is also a fan of Dermarollers, which are used to stimulate collagen and elastin production for the treatment of shallow scars, lines and to rejuvenate sun damaged skin. There is also a wide range of prescription care products that really work on skin problems. “These are my bread and butter procedures. The things that most women have heard of and if used frequently can keep skin looking great and youthful” Abi also undertakes PDO thread lifting at the clinic. This is a type of facelift people often refer to as the ‘lunch hour lift’, because of how quick and simple it is. When Abi described thread lifting to me I must admit I winced. Two tiny insertion points are made, one on either side of the face just near the ear, five threads inserted through these tiny entry points and pushed under the skin. As well as the immediate lift you get, your body will then create new collagen around each thread which will help to lift further and tighten the skin, giving you a natural and rejuvenated look. Hmm….sounds to good to be true! However while there, I agreed to try this procedure….yes, spontaneous and a little mad. Most people think a while before having this procedure! However, after Abi confidently described this to me and told me that celebrities such as Madonna, Angelina Jolie and many more have undergone this, I thought, ‘well, why the hell not!’

With everything sterilised, I felt I was going in to hospital for an operation. Dental anaesthetic numbs the area where the insertions were made and then off we went. I expected pain and was amazed when I did not feel any! I could hear slight popping as the cannula went through and that was it. The procedure was done within an hour and half (the same time an expensive facial can take), and I drove home with no pain, three days of antibiotics to stop any infection and a small plaster at each temple (which can be removed the next day). Simples! For the first two or three weeks it is advised not to open your mouth wide and not to undertake keep-fit classes. Other than that you can carry on as normal. I had some slight bruising on my cheeks, which only I noticed. There was an immediate lift and tightness. Other people have commented on how well I look but haven’t been able to nail down why. This is the beauty of Abi’s work….. There is something different about you but even your friends can’t quite work out what it is. The newest procedure on offer at BELLA DERMA AESTHETICS is FRACTORA. Here comes the technical bit …. Fractora is the most advanced fractional radio frequency treatment, providing anti-aging improvements on skin tone and texture, through ablation and skin resurfacing. It works by delivering RF energy through tiny pins. The heat delivered through the Fractora pins, into the sub-dermal tissue promotes the restructuring of the collagen for an improved appearance and skin rejuvenation. This treatment is for wrinkles, skin tone, tightening and lifting. It can be used on the full face and neck. Some results can be seen straight away but usually are seen two to three weeks after treatment and can continue for up to three months. I must admit this is something that I am now interested in! Oh oh….am I hooked? Abi herself has tried all the procedures she offers, although you would never guess for one minute that she has touched her youthful face with anything other than mountain dew water! “I don’t think I can explain fully or describe something properly if I haven’t tried it myself” What I think Abi has above so many I her trade, is the personal touch. She likes to look at her patients face, understand their concerns and work out what is the best for the patient’s overall look while keeping it natural ….. so that all those women (and men by the way) in East and West Sussex can still keep it a secret…or have I just let the cat out of the bag?! Tel: 07979226145 24 North st, Worthing, West Sussex, BN11 1DU www.belladerma.co.uk Facebook: Bella Derma Aesthetics

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lipstick & Gunpowder Lipstick & Gunpowder is a boutique salon, with a difference. Located in the South Laines, this quirky salon is being talked about, for all the right reasons. L&G makes you smile as you walk in with its timeless look and slight retro designs. This simply is a salon unlike any other.

Recognised for its team bringing hairdressing to the next level, whilst boasting winning the regional finalist in the L’oreal Colour trophy award for consecutive years. L&G promotes and supports creativity. Owner Matthew Dimmick takes time to have a chat with me about his chic and retro salon in the heart of Brighton. Firstly, I love the name – LIPSTICK & GUNPODWER. How did you come up with this name? We came up with the name about 3 years ago. Our thought process was to combine glamour with power. The name is strong and represents our boutique salon perfectly. What is the vision behind your Boutique salon? We want to create a brand that is synonymous with quality, but has a lighthearted element to it. All of our stylists are very experienced, many having spent years working for high quality international chains and working for fashion weeks around the world. We also have a couple of internationally renowned colourists. They have left these places because they want the freedom to be more creative. Lipstick and Gunpowder offer a top of the line make up and nails service as well. One of the things we are really passionate about is educating our clients about their hair, how to look after it, and how to create styles and looks by themselves. We also work as a kind of cooperative, with many of the stylists owning part of the company.

What makes your salon different to others? We are fiercely independent, and non-judgmental. Major, high quality salons, often have a kind of superiority complex, we don’t feel they offer the most relaxing of environments, are perhaps a little too formal, and when you are spending that sort of money you should be laid back and relaxed. What we aim to offer is a service that parallels or exceeds the quality of a major high-end salon, but with a more friendly, happy, fun and welcoming environment. What experience will your client receive when booking in with L&G? The salon itself plays host to revolving art exhibitions on a permanent basis. We’ve got a big competition coming up where you can win free haircuts for a year; check our Facebook page for info! We launch our Christmas look book at the start of December and early next year we are launching our T’s and Tiaras competition for amateur drag queens! Most importantly for us, December sees the launch of our Home Salon service. We bring a full salon and a top end stylist to your home or office. They bring all the amenities you would expect: even down to a glass of wine and a cupcake! They can also come to your home to get you and your friends ready for a night out, from hair to nails and make up. Its also surprisingly affordable! Is there any exclusive information, you can share with absolute

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magazine? Is there any upcoming shows, awards in the pipeline? Anyone who comes to Lipstick and Gunpowder is guaranteed to leave being ecstatic with their hair, nails or make-up. People who come into the salon say they feel like they have just spent an hour with a group of friends, laughing chatting, having a coffee or a glass of wine and leave feeling relaxed and re-energised. We also ensure that customers leave feeling confident that they can recreate the style we have created for them at home. What styles/colours are you promoting for the AW2015 season? Plaits and Glitter partings are all in right now. Hair Colours we are promoting for the winter are Vintage China Pink and Mermaid Blue. Christmas is not far away. What is a must have product for a Christmas gift? For Men I would recommend Label M mens grooming crème, which will manipulate and sculpt your hair giving you the option of many diverse looks. For the Women, I advise Label M Sleek Blowout - fights against humidity, leaving your hair feeling silky soft and free from frizz! Lipstick & Gunpowder 7 Kings Road, Brighton BN1 1NE http://www.lipstickandgunpowder.com www.lipstickandgunpowder.com

Twitter: @mparr3101 Mathew Parr

100% Kissable If you are planning on puckering up under the mistletoe this festive season, you’ll need a dazzling smile and a sparkling set of gnashers! Before you start to fret, don’t panic - it’s not too late! Dental Health Spa is the alternative dental clinic in Brighton that specialises in providing faultless oral hygiene. From tooth whitening to full mouth cleansing they have everything that you need to ensure that you are 100% kissable. Intrigued by what the difference is between a standard dental practise and this new concept, Absolute caught up with dental revolutionary and spa owner Christina Chatfield….

Q. How would you describe The Dental Health Spa in five words? Independent, Quirky, Professional, Innovative and Brighton! Q. Endorsed by Dr Nigel Carter OBE, the Chief Executive of the British Dental Health Foundation, Brightonians have been tipped that they ‘are fortunate to have Christina Chatfield’s knowledge and expertise in the community’. What made you move and start your practice in Brighton? My links with Brighton go back to my Grandmother and Father, who were both born and brought up here. I have happy childhood memories of Brighton, and was inspired by the successful women who started small and independent in Brighton (Barbara Hulanicki with Biba, and Anita Roddick with Bodyshop for instance). Who wouldn’t want to live and work here? I particularly love the seafront, Summer and Winter. I run most mornings, and just being near the sea sets me up for the day. You won’ Hygienist of the Year’ in 2012. What is your personal mission as a key figure in the dental industry? Actually within the industry, I think it’s important to use the respect that I have from my colleagues to work and encourage dental professionals to think outside the box and raise and look to find ways to deliver care, and to embrace the opportunities that new technologies bring to allow us to do that. I’m also very driven to make colleagues and patients alike aware of issues around mouth cancer, and the link with Human Pappiloma Virus (HPV). In practical terms I have been lobbying parliament for the extension of HPV vaccination for boys as well as girls. To raise awareness of mouth cancer, both inside and outside of the industry, I organised a 500 mile walk from Scotland to Brighton last year , and, in the words of The Proclaimers, I’m currently planning to do “500 more” next year. Camino de Santigao here I come- sponsorship and support always welcome

Q. You have been described as a mover and shaker of the dental world, leading the way in patient-focused dentistry. Why is this so important to you? What I understand is meant by patient focused Dentistry, is a move away from the old days when Dental Professionals “treated teeth” or “treated gums”. It was all about the hardware (a bit like a boiler repair man), rather than the needs, aspiration and concerns of the patient. In reality two patients may come to the practice with exactly the same “hardware” problem, but each may end up choosing completely different treatments. I am passionate about my Profession; I fought to become a hygienist in the first instance, almost stalking my local dentist to get taken on as a YTS Dental Nurse. It used to be true that only Dentists could treat and prescribe treatments for patients, but following legislation, which I was very involved in pushing forward, this is no longer true. Hygienists can now offer these services without the need for Dentists to prescribe. This is called Direct Access, and it has always been my vision for people to have the same access to dental hygiene as they have for eye care. As a result of the campaign the General Dental Council removed the barriers to direct access to hygiene services in 2013. This now means that people can walk in off the High street and get their teeth cleaned by me without seeing a Dentist first. My vision has been realised. Q. Your practice is more ‘open plan’ then your average dental practise. Why has it been designed that way and what are the benefits? When we came up with the idea of Dental Health Spa we wanted to show that we were not a traditional dental practice and that we’re offering something new and exciting which is open and inviting. We didn’t want people feeling trapped behind closed doors. I suppose it is a bit like some restaurants with open kitchens, they want to show that they have nothing to hide. We do have a sliding

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door for privacy and offer patients a private area to wait if they need it. It is set up more like an up market hair salon- it’s Spa like. The feedback that we have from our patients is that they love the open, airy environment. Q. What is your most popular treatment? Of course a lot of our treatments are particularly about maintaining good oral health, so scale and polishes and prevention advice are a very large part of what we are providing, but our patients are increasingly interested in the cosmetic side of Dentistry, and as well as having cleaner, fresher, healthier mouths, they want stains to be removed, and teeth whitened. Our most popular treatment in this category is Air flow, a sort of gentle air blasting which gives the brighter whiter teeth people are looking for. Q. What qualities do you look for when recruiting members of your team? Loyalty, enthusiasm plus a willingness to learn and evolve with the business. Dental Health Spa prides itself on providing professional, customer focused care. This can only be achieved with excellent staff. We must be doing things right as we won the Brighton & Hove Business Awards Best Customer Service accolade in 2013 and have received excellent feedback from our patients. Q. One in ten people are now estimated to suffer from some form of dental anxiety, which is undoubtedly one of the major barriers in preventing people from visiting the dentist on a regular basis. How can you help people to overcome their fears when visiting Health Dental Spa? One of Dental Health Spa’s primary objectives is to encourage nervous and anxious patients back into oral healthcare. We do this by ensuring that we have an open and welcoming Spa staffed by an empathetic and caring team. We treat all our patients as people not numbers, we listen to our patients and empower them with knowledge so that they can

make informed decisions about their oral health care with our guidance. If a patient just wants to talk about their issues and possible resolutions we are happy to listen. We do not pressurise patients into having treatment and we let them proceed at their own pace. Q. In 2009 you launched your children’s clinic ‘Spa Kids’. What makes it different to the adults clinic? Spa kids is all about getting kids engaged and excited about their oral health care without scaring them. Most anxious adults have suffered some form of trauma as a child so it is paramount to ensure that children are not scared away at a young age. We have specialist Dental Therapists who build up a rapport with the kids when demonstrating teeth cleaning techniques and who are qualified to treat small fillings so that the child is more at ease with the procedure. We have our own Bug Busters comic which shows the techniques kids need to learn in a fun and exciting format. We have been out and about at the Kids food festival exposing children’s teeth and demonstrating teeth cleaning techniques and giving guidance on diet and nutrition to empower them, so that they know why they clean their teeth and when and how they should do it. We have the unique opportunity, working with Children and their parents, to ensure that they never need to have a filling. Ever. Q. You offer pioneering Cosmetic Tooth Alignment, which could be described as a fast, discrete and affordable alternative to traditional orthodontic procedures. How

is it possible fast track tooth straightening and to who would you recommend the treatment to? We offer the Cfast treatment which is minimally invasive invisible braces that straighten the upper and lower front six teeth-the ‘social six’ that make up your visible smile. Cfast uses nickel-titanium wires to straighten the front teeth in a predictable, more comfortable and quicker way than traditional metal braces. We recommend the treatment to patients that want a cosmetic fix to the front teeth (within about 6 months) that are out of alignment or just a bit wonky. Cfast is not suitable for making changes to the bite, which would still require traditional orthodontics. Q. There are so many over-the-counter tooth whitening treatments on the market, some of which are questionable in terms of safety and effectiveness. What treatments do you offer and what advice would you give to avoid having one of the tooth whitening horror stories we’ve heard of? Illegal tooth whitening is one of my biggest bugbears be it by way of unqualified people carrying it out in Beauty salons or indeed their own homes or products being sold over the counter or on the internet. Tooth whitening is an act of Dentistry that should only be performed by a qualified Dental professional authorised to use an effective level of Hydrogen Peroxide. In general over-the-counter treatments (which can only contain a maximum of 0.1% Hydrogen Peroxide) are totally ineffectual, but will lighten your pocket!

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Dental Health Spa offer the most effective in house Zoom tooth whitening treatment which will lighten most teeth by about 6 shades in 2 hours, this is then followed up with a few days of home whitening using 6% Hydrogen Peroxide which is prescribed as part of the treatment. Patients can also opt for a totally at home whitening procedure using the 6% gel which will usually take 2 weeks of daily application. Beware of buying anything over the internet ,as concentrations can be too high or intrinsically dangerous to your health and can cause blistering, burning or irreversible destruction of the tooth enamel! Only ever get your teeth whitened by a dental professional. Q. What is your top tip for keeping a healthy set of gnashers? It’s not a new idea or rocket science, brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day with a Fluoride tooth paste and clean between your teeth. Ideally you should visit a Dental Hygienist at least once a year so that you get a deep clean below the gum line where your tooth brush does not reach. Your hygienist will let you know if you need to visit more regularly and give you guidance if your cleaning techniques are not quite hitting the right spots. Spit don’t rinse.

14 - 15 Queens Road Brighton BN1 3WA Tel: 01273 710831 Fax: 01273 710820 Email: admin@dentalhealthspa.co.uk

Afro Beatz the best With over 3o years experience in the Hair industry, session stylist and salon owner Simon Webster is internationally recognised for his creativity and vision with hair styling. Having worked backstage on many catwalk shows and photo-shoots. Training the team in his Brighton Salon, he is passionate about educating them to reach the next level in the hair industry whilst confidently breaking barriers and educating them and their clients.

> Congratulations on winning the Mizani

different depending on the hair structure,

There will be the salon international- stage

Afro Award. What was your vision behind

porosity etc., Hence why educating yourself

club and then there’s the biggest hair show

the winning style?

and your client is crucial.

held in London- The L’Oreal colour trophy.

Patrick: Black female R&B/HIP-HOP

Traditional Afro hair salons continue to use

I’m currently seeking creative ideas for the

artists from the 90’s have always inspired

harsh chemical based products and older

next one. Since winning the Mizani Afro

me visually.

Hairstyles and colours

methods when working with Afro hair.

Award.

modelled by Missy Elliott, Alliyah, DA BRAT,

There are safer and more effective ways of

TLC etc. Their look then is still current

working with the natural state of Afro hair,

today, elegant, chic, but with some slight

which is not straight.

is a must have stocking filler personally

Focusing on Afro Hair, What styles are you

Patrick: For the ladies, I recommend

promoting for this A/W2015 look?

without doubt the L’Oreal Pro Fiber. This

Patrick: Definitely the natural look, a natural

is an intensive 3-step hair treatment. This

style, which requires low maintenance. This

intensive renewing treatment grips to the

winter the hair colours I am promoting are

hair like a magnet and renews the look of

the warmer tones I really like the Caramel,

damaged hair. - Suitable for all hair types.

auburns and copper, shades.

For the Gents, I would recommend Layrite

For an evening look I would recommend

cement- it’s a strong hold wax, which is

Winning the Mizani Afro Award, you have

finishing the desired style with a volumised

water-soluble allowing easy wash out

broken barriers in regards to high street

blow-dry to give the look an added extra.

when shampooing. This wax is great for

hair salons promoting equality & diversity.

Natural looks working with natural curls

both short and longer hairstyles. A little

How do feel you have done this?

and making the hair’s condition a priority.

goes a long way with this product.

attitude. My vision at the 60th anniversary L’Oreal awards was to showcase a hairstyle specifically on Afro hair, focusing on a strong, and striking look, although keeping this natural. I felt like adding slightly warmer colours to captivate the overall look.

recommended from Patrick Matthew’s?

Both of these products can be purchased

Patrick: Education. Great hair specialists

Finally, Christmas is not far away. What

will regularly educate themselves, not

Have you got any projects in the pipeline

from myself in the salon.

necessarily on products but with the

representing Simon Webster Hair?

The team and myself are more than happy

science of hair.

Patrick: I have just completed presenting

to give advice on any of our products and

Knowing your client hair type and their

the Afro fellowship stage at this years salon

methods on styling.

expectations through consultation enables

international 2015, and still have another

time to know the hair you are working with.

year of working with the Loreal ID Artists

Specialists in Afro hair will know normal

team show, casting trends live on stage

methods and treatments used can be

across the UK and Ireland.

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Twitter- @Lilpa93 Simon Webster Hair 16 Gardner St, Brighton, BN1 1UP

“Knowing

your client hair type and their expectations through consultation enables time to know the hair you are working with.” ABSOLUTE

AFTER WINNING BRIGHTONS BEST COCKTAIL BAR AND BEST NEW BAR AWARDS WE HAVE PUT TOGETHER AN ALL DAY SUNDAY LIST OF 2 OF THE SAME COCKTAILS FOR £10 AS OUR WAY OF SAYING THANK YOU FOR ALL THE SUPPORT FROM OUR LOYAL COSTOMERS The Plotting Parlour is the latest addition to Brighton’s cocktail scene. Opposite the Palace Pier, quality drinks, beautiful décor and friendly vibe.

“

great atmosphere and superb staff, espresso martini, hemingway daiquiri, best cocktails in brighton, coffee, wine, amazing cocktails and beer ”

S t e i n S t r e e t , K e m p To w n , B r i g h t o n , B N 2 1 T E facebook.com/theplottingparlour t w i t t e r . c oABSOLUTE m/PlottingParlour

SPECIALISTS IN GRILLED MEAT & FISH

Set Lunch & Pre-Theatre Menu 2 courses £15 3 courses £17.50 available Monday – Friday 12-4pm and Monday – Thursday 6-7pm Festive & New Year’s Eve Menu 3 courses £45.00 per person

8 BOYCES ST BRIGHTON BN1 1AN 01273 322 998 Lunch: 12-4pm Dinner: 6-10pm (10.30pm Friday & Saturday) Open 7 days a week www.coalshed-restaurant.co.uk twitter.com/TheCoalShed1 facebook.com/TheCoalShedBrighton/

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FIZZ & FOOD The Chilli Pickle

at £16 per head with main course options including Christmas Turkey, Roast Duck, Fillet of Salmon and Wild Mushroom Polenta.

24 St Georges

Set right in the heart of Brighton city centre lies the colourful Chilli Pickle, an award-winning and family-run restaurant attached to the contemporary and trendy ‘My Hotel’. Bright and bold not only in its décor but in its flavours, this Indian bistro serves regional street food, in their own signature style together with fine-dining presentation. The owners were originally inspired by the London institution ‘The Cinnamon Club’ and the restaurant has been voted in the ‘Top 100 Restaurants in the UK’ at The National Restaurant Awards for four years running, gained a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand and two AA rosettes. Christmas menus offer you the option of a combination of nibbles, starters, mains courses and desserts, with two courses and nibbles for £24.50 and three courses £27.95.

For relaxed dining in the heart of kooky Kemptown, look no further than 24 St Georges. They are committed to using local and seasonal produces and their modern European menus change regularly to reflect this. The menus are creative, the wine list is diverse and extensive and the décor is simple, fresh and contemporary. Festive feasting menus are available at both lunch and evening sittings and start at £37 per person for three courses or £59 for the Tasting Menu which has to be pre-booked for your entire table.

Gars Chinese

Six

or the vegetarian ‘Monks Feast’ at £27. Add a private karaoke room to the booking and you have the recipe for a swinging party night out!

Hotel Du Vin

Hotel du Vin Brighton is haven of luxury, located just a five minutes’ walk from Brighton Pier. This award-winning hotel offers local produce, served on a modern European menu in the stunningly decorated Bistro du Vin. With an array of festive menus on offer, you can try dishes from traditional classics to bistro specials. Christmas lunch is available from £29.95 per person and dinner from £39.50. For drinks parties, Hotel du Vin boasts a very well-equipped stylish bar with a wooden beamed ceiling and relaxed sofa seating as well as the Laroche Tasting Room which can be hired for intimate parties where rare cigars are available to purchase and guests can sample wines from around the world.

Al Duomo

Located in the Hove hotspot Western Road, Six Restaurant is the new kid on the block, residing in the premises previously known as Hove Kitchen. Taking influence from abundant country fields in Europe, SIX combines the freshest ingredients with a passion for bringing out inherent flavours in a contemporary approach to cuisine. SIX offers a variety of dining experiences, from their intimate and ambient Dining Room, with luxurious design and every romantic detail taken care of, to the more relaxed and informal Brasserie style dining area. SIX is the perfect new eatery for your Christmas party with set menus stating

From the moment Gars Chinese Restaurant opened in 1983, it set the bar extremely high for Chinese cuisine in Brighton. Gars is a contemporary Chinese restaurant with a menu that is constantly evolving to reflect changing tastes and new ideas. Whilst serving mainly modern Chinese cuisine, the menu also includes other popular Asian dishes such as Thai Green Curry and Japanese favourites such as Salmon Teriyaki. The décor reflects this modern take on dining, aimed at catching the excitement and sophistication of a modern, Londonstyle restaurant in the heart of Brighton. For Festive flavours with a difference, The Gars Christmas menus include ‘The Emperors Choice’ at £35 per head, the ‘Chefs Feast’ at £27

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At Al Duomo you can experience true Italian cooking at purse-friendly prices, served by passionate and friendly staff. At Christmas time, the restaurant is at its very best with a fantastic party atmosphere and honest super tasty set menus, offering something for everyone. Whether it is lunch with the girls, the office Christmas party on a school night or a big night out at their ’Boogie Nights Disco’, Al Duomo have Christmas all wrapped up.

Busby and Wilds

Busby and Wilds is a neighbourhood gastro pub serving great food and booze in a cosy, friendly atmosphere, tucked away in the quiet back streets of Kemptown, Brighton. Their food is home cooked from fine, fresh and locally sourced ingredients with beers from all over the world, local real ales and an extensive, hand-picked wine list. You will be sure to get their signature warm welcome this Christmas and a happy and full belly with their festive set menus which start at £23 for two courses and feature gourmet dishes such as Slow Braised Beef Cheeks, Sussex ‘Smokie’ Fishcake and of course Stuffed Ballotine of Sussex Turkey.

No 32

Christmas arrives in style at Brighton’s premier bar, lounge & restaurant this year! Located in Duke Street and with an aim to make their customers ‘Drink.Eat.Dance’, No. 32 is open seven days a week and is the ultimate decadent party venue to make merry. Featuring several different spaces in which to revel, they can cater for any party size from an intimate soiree with pals to a festive feast with the masses. You can even hire out the entire venue for an extra special Christmas ‘do’. Be sure to book early though – this is one very popular party hot spot!

Seattle Hotel & Restaurant

The Restaurant at the Brighton Marina based Hotel Seattle combines contemporary British menus and stunning surroundings to create somewhere brimming with life. They invite you to enjoy good food, good music and good accommodation this Christmas either by booking a table with friends and enjoying one of their festive set menus or joining one of their infamous party nights that fuse seasonal dining with the best dance floor classic from across the decades, compliments of the DJ.

a magnificent Christmas tree!) Whether you choose to celebrate at their party nights with friends or colleagues or in a smaller group , GB1 is a fantastic setting offering light bites, festive cocktails and live entertainment.

Hove Place

Jamie’s Italian

Culinary hero Janie Oliver presents ‘Jamie’s Italian’, located on Black Lion Street, nestled within Brighton’s famous Lanes. Jamie and his team have put their heads together this year and created stunning Christmas menus that are guaranteed to delight! Packed to the rafters with festive flavours, dishes include Italian-style Roast Turkey, Gennaro’s Porchetta and a delectable Venetian Stew. Add to that their ever-popular Antipasti Planks, devilishly tasty dessert menus and a glass of Prosecco and you have the ultimate festive banquet! The Festive Menus start at £29.95 for three courses and a glass of bubby.

Standing proud in the centre of Hove is the very hub of the area; Hove Place, the extremely popular bistro and perfect eatery at Christmas time. The bar offers an extensive product range of local ales, quality wines and speciality beers supplemented by a back bar of some 100 well known spirits. Festive menus range from 2 courses at £22 per head, 3 courses at £26 per head, 4 courses at £30 per head and feature mains such as 45 Day Aged Rump of South Downs Beef, Free-Range Turkey Ballotine and Pan-Fried Stack of Lemon Sole. Hove Place is guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning of foodie revellers.

Limes Restaurant

GB1 Restaurant

Brighton’s most glamorous culinary hotspots, GB1 Seafood Restaurant & Bar is situated within the iconic Grand Hotel Brighton and is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. This is a mecca for the south coast’s finest and freshest fish and seafood, caught daily and delivered fresh to your plate. This Christmas revel within the warmth of the Victorian grandeur and top notch hospitality, the lively atmosphere of the buzzing restaurant and the sparkle of the stunning yuletide décor throughout (including

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How about escaping the hustle and bustle of the city and taking a jaunt to Lindfield and visit Limes Restaurant where you can be assured of great food, great service and a great time within a picturesque Sussex setting. Just a 35 minute drive from Brighton, their Christmas festive menu offers a tempting three course selection plus an amuse bouche and coffee with mini mince pie for just £27.50 (two courses for £22.50). The flexible restaurant space can comfortably accommodate parties varying from 2 to 40 guests.can truly soak up the alfresco festive atmosphere. On Saturday night’s there is also a DJ playing tunes to take you and your dancing feet into the early hours.

Smokeys The Breakfast Club

Grow 40 Have a blast from the past this Christmas at The Breakfast Club – the 80s themed diner that boasts the naughtiest menu we’ve seen for a long time! Whether you are rounding up your work mates, having a shindig with your best pals or want to take the family out for a treat, you can be sure of bucket loads of fun and indulgent dishes! These new kids on the block are offering a three course feast and festive welcome cocktail for £27 and features devilish treats such as Mini Savoury Pancakes with a variety of toppings such as bacon, brie and cranberry, plus Baked Mac ‘n’ Cheese, Maple Chili Braised Short Rib an d Fried Red Velvet Cake. Naughty but so very nice!

Oki Nami

Smokeys is a slice of American heaven right by the British seaside. They’ve taken the very best of classic roadside cuisine from the heart of the States, added a pinch of spice from South of the border, and brought it on home to Brighton. Serving California Brunch and Texas BBQ, freshly prepared with love and care from the finest local ingredients for your dining delight, day and night.

Grow 40 is a relaxed, intimate and cosy bistro and wine bar located in the very heart of the North Laines. Boasting over 200 wines, delicious home-grown or locally-sourced dishes and a simply incredible selection of Gins, you are guaranteed to leave with a smile on your face and a warm fuzzy feeling. What better place to get in the festive mood?! Christmas menus start from £22.50 for two courses or £26.50 for three courses and include all the yuletide favourites such as Turkey, Sea Bream and White Wine Risotto.

Christmas time brings two set menu options this year including two courses for £19.95 and three for £25.95 and feature mains such as ‘Smokeys Christmas Mountain Blow Out Platter’ and delicious desserts such as Dark Chocolate and Nutella Tiramisu and Lemon Mousse served with homemade Limoncello Cream.

Blanch House

Kooks Restaurant

Co-owned by leading Japanese Chef Mike Dodd and DJ Norman Cook, Oki Nami offers an authentic Japanese culinary experience based around two fundamental principles; the quality and freshness of ingredients. This Christmas, take the road less travelled and enjoy everything from Japanese ‘tapas’, sushi, sashimi & maki rolls, grills, noodles, soups & salads. For those who find it hard to make up their mind with such an extensive choice on offer, set menus are available at £28.95 for 3 courses and £24.95 for 2 courses.

Celebrating their very first Christmas, Brighton’s ‘home-from-home’ restaurant is offering a set menu for £30 a head, created by Head Chef James Flavell. With a passion for fresh, well-sourced ingredients and big flavours at prices that won’t break the bank, James has been creating waves on Brighton’s foodie scene. The menus are complimented by a well-stocked bar, extensive wine list, craft beer and a soundtrack curated by Owner and DJ Tim Healey.

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Looking for somewhere just a little bit special to book for a Christmas Dinner or Lunch in Brighton? Blanch House welcomes parties of 15-40 guests for a truly gourmet Christmas dining experience this year. Whether it’s for an office Christmas lunch or dinner, an intimate family gathering or to celebrate with a group of friends, Blanch House is a unique Christmas Dinner venue that will provide just the kind of warm and festive atmosphere befitting the event. You’ll see some traditional favourites as well as a choice of other carefully selected options on the menu. And these gourmet festive delights are accompanied by warm and friendly service.

The Jolly Poacher

The New Club

The Jolly Poacher is located on Ditchling Road between Fiveways and The Level in Brighton and is run by Head Chef Anthony Burns and Manager Kirsten Wass. Their aim is to produce great food using the finest fresh, seasonal and local ingredients, in an informal and laid back atmosphere. Escape the cold this Christmas and get toasty by the roaring log fire as you enjoy their festive set party menus at £32 for three courses and a glass of cockle-warming Mulled Wine.

The Old Bank

The New Club is a super trendy Brighton seafront American diner restaurant, café & bar that aims to serve high quality, inventive food and drink in a relaxing environment, to provide excellent hospitality and a great LAstyle experience for their customers. Christmas this year brings set menus with two courses for £28 and three courses for £32. Top that with great cocktails, imported American beers and bourbons and get the party started!

Moonstone Silo At the Old Bank steaks are the stars of the show. Using only British Beef, which has been hung for at least 28 days, the Grill Chefs cook the steaks to perfection on an open flame grill. They also hold a fine reputation for ribs, their towering handmade burgers and value for money, making it an ideal place to visit for a festive meaty banquet that won’t break the bank! A mere £25 will get you a three course feast featuring options such as 200g Rump Steak for main and White Chocolate & Raspberry Cheesecake for dessert.

Moonstone, the award-winning restaurant in Brighton is the one and only Sri Lankan restaurant in the whole of the south coast of England, offering an amazing variety of vegetarian options as well as interesting fish and meat dishes. Specialising in Southern Sri Lankan cuisine, the chefs prepare food that is fresh, healthy and can be spiced according to personal taste. Christmas menus are priced £15.99 for two courses and £17.99 for three and include Devilled Salmon Fillet, South Coast Special Lamb and Traditional Chicken Curry, plus Baked Coconut and Malibu Cheese Cake and Christmas Pudding with Brandy Sauce for dessert.

Silo is a unique dining experience. It is the UK’s first zero waste restaurant and has become a haven for discerning Brighton foodies. The menu is seasonal, the fish is sustainably sourced and they create everything from its whole form, cutting out food miles and over-processing whilst preserving nutrients and the integrity of the ingredients in the process. Even the beer is brewed on site! So if you want to watch your carbon footprint this Christmas, why not take a walk over to Silo - a great option for small Christmas dinners as well as private hire.

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COFFEE & CAKE Brighton has become a vibrant café hub. The city’s booming coffee culture has resulted in a mix of quirky, independent outlets. So where do you find the ultimate coffee fix? Are the days of burntmilk lattes over? We continue to explore the caffeine fuelled scene of the numerous Sussex coffee shops, cafés and artisan roasters.

The Cappuccino Kid

ust off North Road, is the

Milk texturing takes a lot of patience! It is a

entrance to Bond Street, heart

very simple process but requires a lot of trial

of the eclectic quarter with ever

and error. I have found working closely with

flourishing trades and colourful

someone who is good with milk really pushes

business. Searching for that

you to be better. I was making coffee for years

perfectly balanced coffee has been satisfied

before my milk texture was at any standard, but

with the arrival of the aptly named Bond St.

I have know Baristas to crack it in a few hours

Coffee.

with the right guidance. Good equipment helps in steaming good milk but it is by no means

I catch up with director Chris, for a few pointers

essential.

on how they serve the magic. However the milk quality is vital! After all, it Q. What’s the ethos of the Bond Street Coffee

makes up a large percentage of most coffees!

shop

After spending so much time focused on the Q. Can you tell me about the importance

origin of the coffee, water quality, grind quality,

As a speciality coffee roaster we take great

of the coffee grind and brew ratio, is it as

yield and even latte art... why would you use

pride, care and attention to provide you

important as the quality of the bean?

poor quality milk?

There are so many different variables when

Q. Your interior and objects are quite interesting,

it comes to making coffee and they’re are all

where did these ideas come from - unique retro

Q. What kind of beans blend are you using? Ive

as important as each other. There are a lot of

album covers on wall / bikes / bus seats etc ?

noticed you sometimes offer 2 different types

things you can do from the point of a view of

for in-house coffee

a Barista which can improve a poor quality

The interior is thanks to my business partner,

of bean. But if you start with bad coffee there

Amelia Steenkamp. We spent the day at Ardingly

will only be one final product...

antiques fair with a budget and managed to

with an outstanding and memorable coffee experience.

We have a constantly changing single-origin menu that highlights the incredible flavour

pick up most of it there, She has a great eye for

profiles of the different coffees we serve from

Q. Milk texturing, it looks simple - how much

vintage furniture! Then there are a lot of DIY

around the world. We always have 4 different

of an art is involved here? How important

things we did with the tables made from pallets

options, 2 for the espresso machine and 2 for

is the equipment in the process? Is the milk

our coffee was delivered on and the gold record

the brew bar.

quality important?

lamp shades in the windows.

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“ After spending so much time focused on the origin of the coffee, water quality, grind quality, yield and even latte art... why would you use poor quality milk?”

Q. How long has Bond Street C been on the

Q. Future plans?

street and have the glut of other coffee shops affected you much?

There is a lot on the horizon for Bond St. We have just opened a coffee bar in a new

We’ve been open for just over a year now and

restaurant called Six on Western Road. But the

have been getting busier and busier. I think the

rest you will have to wait and see...

more people drinking independent coffee the better! There are a lot of places to buy coffee in Brighton, but still only a handful of shops with a coffee focus. But the more people drink better coffee, the less people in the chains!

Social: @bondstcoffee Instagram.com/bondstcoffee facebook.com/bondstcoffee

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3 course Set menu options from only ÂŁ11 per person (we offer a wide selection of vegetarian dishes also)

Use our call ahead service to plan your parties food and ideal service times.

To book your party with us call

01273-380380 www.piccolobrighton.com

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Lebanese Restaurant & Bar 79-80 Western Road, Hove East Sussex, BN3 2JQ

01273 772 777

www.almasrestaurant.co.uk #almasb #almasbrighton @almasbrighton ABSOLUTE

Almas Right between Brighton and Hove sits a jewel of a Restaurant I have never been to a Lebanese restaurant,

fat. Nothing that tastes this good could be

We complimented our scrumptious meal

so was happy to get the opportunity to try

low fat!

with a bottle of Lebanese wine, which was

out ALMAS on Western Road.

Along

with

these

came

a first for both of us dinners. The wine was

Yes, I have tried Hummus in Greece,

miniature Lebanese sausages that are

excellent and totally unexpected. Although

Falafel wraps from sandwich shops in

spicy and flambéed in butter and lemon,

a little more expensive than some of the

my lunch time breaks and I have BBQ’D

Tabbouleh, a refreshing dish of parsley,

other wines on the menu, it is definitely

Halloumi on the beach in the summer. All

chopped up with tomatoes, mint, onions,

worth checking out.

very lovely, but these had nothing on the

lemon juice, olive oil and a tiny amount

Essam explained that he and the chef

food I tried at ALMAS.

of cracked wheat. Essam explained that,

try to keep everything as fresh as possible

On a wet and windy night, Almas is a

unlike other restaurants, they keep the

and, of course, made on the premises.

very welcoming place. Deep red walls,

cracked wheat in this dish to a minimum, as

The little spicy sausages we started with

exposed bricks, huge bronze tiles, a large

this expands in the stomach and too much

are handmade there and Essam’s mother

wooden clad bar with subtle neon pink

of it can be overwhelming to tummies.

makes the meatballs every day from her

strip lighting and dark brown leather seats

We also tried Moutaba, (we often refer to

own home as, “nobody makes the meatballs

make it feel comfortable and cosy, (even

this as Baba Ganoush), which is aubergine

better than my own mother”. The Tahini

though the restaurant actually seats quite

puree mixed with sesame paste and lemon

used in many of the dishes is bought from

a large number of people).

juice and Moussaka (aubergine baked with

a secret source in London as apparently

My dining partner has also never tried

tomatoes, onions, chick peas and sweet

much of the Tahini we buy is made with

Lebanese cuisine and we found it quite

peppers). This is very different to the

peanut base rather than sesame (which is

difficult to know where to start, as the

Moussaka we are used to having at Italian

a bit of a cheat). The Tahini at ALMAS is

menu is extensive. Thankfully every item

restaurants….there is no cheese in the dish.

made with only sesame seeds, as it should

on the menu is accompanied by a full

The last of our Mezze surprise was Warak

be.

description. The problem with arriving at a

Inab B’zeit; vine leaves filled with rice,

I looked up the word ALMAS and it is

restaurant hungry (which we both were), is

tomatoes and mint, which tasted incredibly

described as ‘places in Iran, a town in

that you sort of want everything!

fresh. With all these dishes laid out on the

Afghanistan, several rivers in Romania, a

The owner, Essam, is charming and can

table together, accompanied by the warm

village in India’, but the best description of

only be described as a proper gentleman.

bread they make right there, the mezze

Almas is ‘an uncut diamond’.

He advised us to go for a starter of a mixed

starter is colourful, interesting, varied and

mezze where we could try a little bit of a

delicious.

few different dishes. Perfect idea!

So yes, I would describe ALMAS as a jewel of a restaurant that I am glad to have

Our mains of stuffed chicken, kept moist

finally discovered. After a mint tea to aid

We started with some of the dishes I have

by the marinade of garlic, lemon and spices

our digestion, we left the warm, friendly

tried before; Halloumi (tasting so much

was really good. I tend to avoid chicken as

comfort of the restaurant and both my

better than my own attempts at cooking

I often think it will be dry. We also tried

friend and I agreed we will both return -

this), Falafel which are handmade in the

Kafta Meshwi; a generous portion of

there is so much more to try!

kitchen and both tastier and chunkier than

skewered minced lamb, mixed with onions

Tel: 01273-772777

those I have tried before and Hummus

and parsley. Both dishes came with rice

79-80 Western Road, Hove,

which is thick and creamy and what

and salad and we were completely stuffed

East Sussex, BN3 2JQ

my partner described as ‘a man’s style

by the time we had finished!

http://www.almasrestaurant.co.uk info@almasrestaurant.co.uk

hummus’. This was most definitely not low

Maqaneq,

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“

I would describe ALMAS as a jewel of a restaurant that I am glad to have finally discovered.”

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IT’S A Classic A Traditional Italian Restaurant which has become the local’s favorite.

rsino has become quite a landmark having been on the Hove scene for Twenty-four years. The simple yet stylish Italian restaurant has become a favorite with many of the ‘Hove actually’ locals. The waiters, of whom many have been there for years, know and never fail to remember their regular’s names. Sort of the equivalent of an Italian restaurant version of the bar in sitcom ‘Cheers’. The owner Rahim has pretty much been a restaurant owner most of his life (his career at least). In 1990 he opened the still very popular Otello restaurant (just across the road), and in 1992 he opened Orsino, which is a little higher end than its predecessor Otello. “I have since then opened a few more restaurants, which has given me a lot of experience in setting up, running and managing my own businesses. My customer relations during this period has been my main achievement and I still have customers that have been with me since day one” We were served by Portuguese waiter Acacacio Silva who has worked at Orsino for seven years. It says quite a bit about a place when the staff are so loyal. We could not have been looked after better. Acacacio was attentive, easily making us laugh with his kooky humor and diligently helping us through the extensive menu. Again it is easy to see Rahim’s influence here …

“Orsino is a family run restaurant which provides great food and a very relaxed atmosphere to all our guests.

We are very proud of the top end food quality that we provide and the amazing personalized service that the staff offer to create a wonderful dining experience” We were really spoiled for choice and it was hard to know where to start, with so many different varieties of dishes to choose from. “My Chefs come from different Mediterranean countries and bring a great influence to our menu. Some of them been with me for almost 20 years”. The pizzas are well known to be some of the best in town and both my guest and I have sampled these many times and as much as we love them wanted to try something different. After an appetizer of garlic pizza bread and olives mixed with feta and tomatoes, soaked in olive oil and tasting fantastic, (this is standard and free to every customer). We chose to share a starter of sardines. These were grilled to perfection with no sauce added, just a large wedge of lemon, (which I accidentally shot my partner in the eye with!) Thankfully the splendid taste of the sardines seemed to take away the pain of an acidic squeeze to the eye! We were thankful we shared a starter as the entrees we chose were incredibly filling. I opted for the chicken liver salad. I know that liver of any description can be an acquired taste but this was scrumptious. Soft and mousse like on the inside and cooked with just the right firmness on the outside. The sauce was dark and rich. The

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salad and livers came in separate bowls, which for me is great, as I like to choose the amount of each thing I eat, rather than it all being mixed up together. My friend chose the Tournados Rossini. A fillet steak grilled with pate and served in a rich red wine and mushroom sauce, and boy oh boy was it rich!! The steak was cooked to medium rare perfection, a wellproportioned size, served with roasted vegetables. I couldn’t quite believe they managed to eat the whole thing! Everything we ate was very good indeed and after speaking to Rahim I could see why “Our meat, fish and vegetable suppliers are all local and my Chefs and I personally handpick our daily supplies” The restaurant, in deep greens, dark wood and burgundy reds is chic, classic Italian. One wall of black and white pictures of glamorous movie stars, back-in-the-day, look on over the restaurant’s dinners. Venetian mirrors hang on a statement wall and it reminds me of the places I would eat at when I used to visit Milan and Tuscany quite a bit, yet this timeless little place sits right bang in the middle of Hove. A little bit of Italy (and a mix of the Mediterranean), on Church Road.

TEL: 01273-770999 Orsino Italian Restaurant, 141 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2AE www.orsinohove.com

Orsino is a family run “restaurant which provides

great food and a very relaxed atmosphere to all our guests” ABSOLUTE

2AA Rosettes

Come and sample our hot dishes, sushi and cocktails

We look forward to serving you

38 East Street, Horsham, West Sussex. www.wabi.co.uk ABSOLUTE T: 01403 788140 E: info@wabi.co.uk

CHINA GARDEN Chinese and Cantonese Restaurant in Brighton Serving award winning food for 30 years

To Book - 01273 325 124

Email:info@chinagarden.name Web: www.chinagarden.name China Garden Restaurant 88-91 Preston Street Brighton BN1 2HG

Order a takeaway www.dinner2go.co.uk ABSOLUTE

SIX Standing proudly on Hove’s Western Road, land of the fashionable and often faddy eatery, SIX Bar and Restaurant is the new kid on the block, hoping to make its mark.

Occupying the site that was previously Hove Kitchen and more recently The Good Food Club, the completely new SIX opened at the beginning of November, following a dramatic makeover and with an important mission; “to combine the freshest ingredients with a passion for bringing out inherent flavours in a contemporary approach to cuisine.” And how did they plan to do that? The answer was quite simply “by solely using locally sourced, organic seasonal ingredients to create (their) perfectly balanced menus.” Owner Fabio invited the ‘who’s who’ of Brighton to the glitzy launch party and treated them to the warm and generous hospitality that was promised at his new venue. With such high aspirations and such fierce local competition, I was delighted to be invited to review SIX and discover for myself if it could really deliver on all these fronts as well as having the staying power to outlive the relatively short reigns of the sites predecessors. I visited on a bright but bitter cold Friday afternoon, together with my Mother-in-Law (a very talented cook herself and a genuine and discerning ‘foodie’) and my six week old baby; all in all a potentially rather demanding gaggle of females. SIX is not hard to find – it has a domineering and clearly branded frontage, with smart al fresco seating placed along the full length of it. Due to the chill in the air we opted for a table inside and so entered what is a warm and inviting venue. Split into three separate and unique areas, there is a sophisticated bar to the right, a bright and airy brasserie in the centre and a refined fine dining room (or ‘stylish dining’ as Fabio later explained that they liked to call it) to the far left.

We were met by a huge smile from our waiter and led to our table whilst being advised of the baby changing facilities should we require them. This simple gesture immediately put me at ease as although my little cherub is usually as good as gold when out for lunch (so far!), there is always that worry at the back of any parents mind that a restaurant may not be very inviting or equipped for potentially disruptive babies! We sat in the brasserie area which is both roomy and fresh looking, but equally cosy on a blustery day. With its wooden floors, exposed brickwork, deco style wallpaper, wooden farmhouse-style chairs and tables and fresh produce and foliage adorning the space, it was a fusion of honest countryside interior and contemporary twist; the perfect prelude to the meal we were about to be served. The menu is clear, concise and full of dishes that sound delicious and appear healthy (bonus) in equal measures. For starters I opted for the Chilli Salt Pepper Squid, whilst my guest went for the Tuna Nicoise. I’m a huge fan of seafood but have experienced some real highs and lows on the battered squid front, so my fingers were crossed. I needn’t have worried as the portion was generous, the squid was thickly cut, it was cooked to perfection and the batter was light and not oily (as it so often can be!) The squid came with a refreshing sweet chili homemade mayo, all served like a piece of art on a slab of slate. Equally as aesthetically pleasing was the tuna, served on a wooden block (there has clearly been a lot of time allocated to choosing the perfect serving ware for each dish!) This min course included all

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the classic nicoise ingredients but served in a deconstructed fashion; fresh tuna, quails egg, confit pepper, purple potato and wholegrain mustard drizzle. Priced at an average of £7 for each starter, this is excellent value for money. With every mouthful you can taste the freshness of the ingredients – each item is full of flavour and cooked to its optimum point. Upon meeting SIX owner Fabio after the dinner, he explained why the ingredients are so important to him. “For me, it is really important that we use only organic ingredients and that we use suppliers that we know well, we trust and that are as local as possible. For example, our poultry and beef are from family run businesses in Lancashire and Surrey and our lamb comes from a farm in the Welsh mountains. All our fresh fruit and vegetables are organically grown in Kent and delivered each morning direct to our kitchen.” Being a bit of a cheese burger connoisseur, for the main course I opted for the aptly named ‘The Burger’ and I certainly wasn’t disappointed. For me, the ultimate burger can be judged on three aspects; the bun, the meatiness of the burger and strength of the cheese. SIX certainly delivered on all fronts with the bun being a fresh herb-flavoured homemade focaccia, the burger itself had that organic straight-from-the-farm flavour and the cheese was plentiful, melted to a perfect gooey texture and strong enough to pack a decent punch. At the price of £12, including fries and a salad garnish, you naturally have a high expectation and ‘The Burger’ certain met mine. The mother-in-law opted for the lighter ‘Cous Cous Mackerel’, a gently seared fresh

For me, it is really important that we “ use only organic ingredients and that

we use suppliers that we know well, we trust and that are as local as possible.

mackerel fillet, homemade Moroccan style cous cous salad, confit lemon and finished with organic raw pesto. Once again this was served beautifully presented on a carefully selected piece of slate, and the mackerel was as fresh as the restaurant’s mission promises. The chef obviously knows how to blend flavours in a perfect harmony. The lemon confit was the perfect accompaniment to the mackerel and the pesto added a fresh and earthy kick to the light and airy cous cous. We washed our mains down with a glass each of the house white wine (it was a little early in the day for a whole bottle!) which is sometimes a risky choice to go with. I often think that a house wine really sets the tone of a restaurant and am often surprised at the lack of thought or quality you so often find. That was certainly not the case at SIX. They have opted for a refreshing and light Pinot Grigio that has soft fruit flavours and can quite easily

paired with any of the delicious main dishes available on the menu. By the time our dynamic waiter offered us the dessert menu, we were totally full, so had to politely decline – not an easy thing to do with a very aesthetically pleasing dessert counter making eyes at you from across the room! Instead, we opted for a quick catch up with owner Fabio to get the lowdown on his new project. Fabio is charming and charismatic; looking out for his customers, ensuring everyone was having a top notch time. It was obvious from the offset that Fabio is a great inspiration to his staff, with each of his team delivering the same welcoming and warm level of hospitality he prides himself on. Having evidently done such a good job at it, I asked exactly what qualities he looks for when recruiting his team. “I look for passion in all of my staff. It is not enough for them to just turn up and

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serve customers; they have to see their job as a career in the hospitality sector and want to develop their skills in this area. My staff know that they will be well looked after, enjoying many benefits beyond a wage, but in return I expect very high standards.” High standards are an expectation Fabio clearly has for the entire restaurant and he really does deliver the goods. SIX is the perfect blend of honest and flavoursome organic food, beautiful and timeless décor that is inviting all year round, and staff that make the entire dining experience sincere, inspiring and one you’ll want again and again. SIX has the staying power the site has needed for a long time – the proof is in the pudding as I’ve already booked my next visit! http://www.sixbrighton.com +44 1273 725495 info@sixbrighton.com

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The Coal Shed Ever since its opening, The Coal Shed has been become the darling of the Brighton foodie scene, with outstanding reviews by not only local press, but most of the nationals; The Telegraph and The Guardian, amongst others. Named as one of the best restaurants in the UK by the prestigious Observer Food Monthly awards, The Coal Shed has been on my bucket list for some time now and so I was only too happy to accept the opportunity of reviewing it.

The Coal Shed is described as a gourmet steak and seafood restaurant and is set in the heart of Brighton, on a quiet road leading off bustling West Street (but far enough away from its mayhem as to avoid the hordes of hen and stag dos). My husband and I decided to make our visit to the Coal Shed our first ‘date night’ since the birth of our first baby girl and so the stakes were high (excuse the pun!). I was hoping for a memorable and romantic evening of good food, wine, service and of course adult company. With the motherin-law kindly offering to babysit, we dolled ourselves up and made our way through the crisp Friday night air and were greeted with a warm welcome by the maître d’ who took our coats and showed us to our table for two. The restaurant is simply but very tastefully decorated with wooden floors and bar, painted brickwork and panelling and traditional looking blackboards throughout, detailing the specials of the night and featuring artistic drawings depicting the different cuts of steak. What really sets the mood in this venue is the beautiful industrial style lighting throughout, giving off a warm glow – perfect for romance on a cold night. Although a relatively small restaurant, the tables are well positioned so as to maximise the space but not have you feeling like you are sitting on your neighbour lap. I noticed that the restaurant had those curtains that

are hung by the entrance door, keeping the cold out - so important in winter, helping ensure there are no tables that have to deal with a blizzard each time guests enter or exit (one of my biggest bugbears!). The atmosphere was full of excitement, with table sizes ranging from romantic duos to a family party of 14 and a gaggle of 8 ladies on a sophisticated girlie night out. The Coal Shed somehow manages to be perfect for any such occasion, but what they all have in common is the occasion is a special one. This is a restaurant for celebrating, indulging, relaxing and pure luxury. Our waiter for the night was a gentleman named Flo; a charming and very knowledgeable chap with a real passion for hospitality and food. As a die-hard organiser, when I discover a new restaurant or venue I like, I always tend to get overexcited, dreaming up the future possibilities for parties and events and quizzing the waiter for details. Flo was only too happy to indulge me, telling me all about the beautiful private dining room available for hire, the delicious sharing roasts they offer on a Sunday (possible family get together on the cards?) and the ‘bring your own bottle’ Mondays (new year school friends reunion?) I digress - now to the food. We kick started our hedonistic night with Flo’s recommendation of a beautifully chilled glass of Prosecco each and some ‘Lobster

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Fritters’ for the table. Your standard olives have nothing on these little balls of seafood heaven. Perfect for sharing, these were finely bread-crumbed and melt in the mouth with a perfect ratio of potato vs lobster. Incredibly more-ish, I had to be careful not to over-indulge at the first furlong and leave room for what I then knew was going to be a meal to remember. When it came to starters, I immediately went for a couple of Rock Lobsters – if they are on the menu, I will always have them and these were just perfect. Served perched upon crushed ice, each was a nostalgic taste of the sea. My husband went for the Soup of the Day, which on this occasion was Parsnip. Ideal for a winter’s night, the soup arrived in a jug, only to be theatrically poured into a walnut scattered bowl upon arriving at the table. Before the hubby mopped the lot, I managed to get a taster. Rich and creamy, this was packed full of favour, with the walnuts giving the dish a good texture and a bit of a bite In light of The Coal Shed being renowned for both gourmet steaks and seafood, we strategically chose our main courses so that I went down the seafood root with Grilled Lobster and hubby went with a manly fillet steak. These two classic dishes were served uncomplicated but with the emphasis on the ingredients being the very finest and freshest that you could ask for. Cooked to perfection

“ and tasting like it had travelled straight from the sea that day, direct to my plate, the half lobster was presented with a jug of incredibly garlicy melted butter, plus thick-cut chips and a horseradish garnish. The success of the fillet steak dish could be read in the contented silence that ensued upon its arrival. This was one of the finest cuts of steak my husband has tasted in a long time; from the very finest Scottish cattle and reared in the north highlands. We were told that the steaks are dry-aged for a minimum of 35 days and cooked on a real charcoal grill. All steaks are served with a roasted plum tomato and fresh horseradish garnish. As per request, it was served medium rare, incredibly tender and with a slightly smoky charcoaled edge. To marry with our dishes, Flo recommended that I should try the house white wine Cortese Amonte Volpi, a dry and crisp wine with refreshing light citrus flavours and ideal

The Coal Shed somehow manages to be perfect for any such occasion, but what they all have in common is the occasion is a special one. This is a restaurant for celebrating, indulging, relaxing and pure luxury.” for drinking with seafood. Argentinian Malbec was Flo’s recommendation to my husband – a classic partner to steak and one that went down a treat. The waiting staff clearly take pride in their work, are well briefed on the food they are serving and have knowledge enough to be confident in making recommendations to their guests. When it came to dessert, our initial plan was to politely decline as we were so full from the previous courses. That was, however, until we saw what was on offer. Every option on the dessert menu was a winner! I would have been rude not to choose something, so we shared the Greek Yoghurt and Honey Panna Cotta, Thyme Sponge and Blackberry. A potentially unusual combination, I was intrigued as to how well the thyme sponge would work with the panna cotta. The answer was just divinely. Priced at £7.50 this was not only a light and delicious fusion of

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flavours, it was quite simply a work of art. The presentation was as beautiful as the taste. The desserts come at a fairy high price but you really do pay for what you get in this case, and indeed with all the courses. You are paying for the sophisticated surroundings, the knowledge and accommodating waiting staff, the luxurious fresh ingredients, attention to detail and presentation of the dishes. Thanks to the Coal Shed, date night was exactly what I had hoped it would be; full of good food, good wine, romantic surroundings and wonderful company. I highly recommend it!

www.coalshed-restaurant.co.uk twitter.com/TheCoalShed1facebook.com/ TheCoalShedBrighton/

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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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Peggy, Mother

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Outfit: Cap: Barbour. Scarf: Profuomo. Jacket: Minimum.Jeans: Flying Horse. Shoes: Sanders & Sanders Aintree Boot.

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For more fashion, makeup & styling consultations contact Kasia: www.stylingagency.co.uk or www.promakeupstyle.com Also connect on Facebook, Pinterest & Instagram

Words and fashion by Kasia at stylingagency.co.uk / promakeupstyle.com Temperley London, £3,250

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LUNCH - SUPPER - SANDWICH - KIDS MENUS KITCHEN OPEN ALL DAY EVERYDAY 12noon - 9.30pm

FOUNTAIN AT ASHURST

The Village / Ashurst / Steyning / BN44 3AP

Call us on 01403 710219

www.fountainashurst.pub

#fountainashurst

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@thefountainashurst 73

The North Laine An Absolute Guide We all know that Brighton has a lot to boast about; a beautiful and buzzing seafront, an action-packed pier, an endless array of indie cafes and restaurants and an incredible and varied nightlife scene. Brighton has, however, one very well kept secret that captures the very essence of our Bohemian town; The North Laine. A shopping mecca for in-the-know Brightonians, this maze of over 400 colourful, wonderful and often weird independent shops keeps its visitors busy for hours as they wander through treasure troves stocking goodies that you just simply don’t find in the large chain stores. The name of this riot of retail dates back to Saxon times when ‘laine’ was a word used to describe the large arable fields that lay in Brighton. In this case, the laine in question consisted of five separate farming plots which themselves were split into smaller sections of land. It is the access tracks between each section that actually make up what is now the North Laine. Bet you didn’t know that eh?! The North Laine is so easy to find when you know where to look! As you arrive at Brighton station, instead of heading straight forward down the road well-trodden, swing a left and you are smack bang in alternative shopping heaven. With hundreds of shops to investigate this festive season, we thought we would do some of the leg work for you and give you our guide to our North Laine must-visits! 74

Gresham Blake

Jump the Gun Hop on your Vespa and take a trip to this one-stop-shop for mod-inspired clothing! Jump the Gun have been selling mod clothing from the same location here for the past 20 years; from a button badge to a mohair suit (all of it new, and mainly their own brand) they have something for anybody who, like the owners and staff, are into the Mod way of life. They pride themselves on not ‘doing’ fashion; they are guided by what looks and feels right and for them that’s early to mid-sixties garb!

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Gresham Blake is an infamous design-led tailoring business with over fifteen years’ experience, combining traditional skills with modern techniques. Their team is made up of highly creative and skilled individuals who are passionate about not only the brand but in ensuring every customer leaves suited and booted to their own individual taste and complete satisfaction. They only use the best cloths from British mills and even weave their own in house fabrics which are not available anywhere else. They stock an impressive range of city tweeds and Mohair’s and have made suits from everything imaginable!

Infinity Foods Infinity Foods Shop and Bakery has what is probably the largest selection of organic and natural vegetarian and vegan foods in the South East. Their on-site bakery produces delicious hand-made breads daily, they sell a seasonally changing range of organic fruit and vegetables and they stock an impressive array of natural body care products. It is the Infinity Food mission to provide food that is as far as possible, natural and unadulterated, free from GM and hydrogenated fat, organic and ‘Fairtrade’ accredited and sourced from companies with high ethical standards. As well as trading and building relations with producers and suppliers in developing countries, they are equally as committed to sourcing as much as possible locally in Brighton. Whatever you choose to purchase, you can be sure it has been sourced responsibly and you are buying from a company that prides itself in being fair not just in business but their dealing with both suppliers and customers.

Jaba Yard Jaba Yard is a family-run shop selling clothes, accessories, gifts and home wear at competitive prices. After 15 years of listening to their customers’ needs they felt it was becoming increasingly difficult to source clothes in flattering shapes, natural fabrics at affordable prices. They therefore set out to fill that gap in the market by selling clothes made from natural fabrics that look good on real woman rather than just what’s in fashion.

independent labels than you are likely to find anywhere else. They are constantly scouting for exciting new designers creating on-trend clothing and accessories with that special twist for fashion conscious guys and girls.

Noa Noa

Ju-Ju You may recognise this shop from Mary Portas’s ‘Mary Queen of Shops’ series! Ju-Ju is one of the longeststanding clothes retailers in the North Laine, so they are certainly doing a lot right! If you want to go off-piste on the labels front, JuJu is a must-visit selling more small

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Noa Noa is an independent ladies fashion boutique and designers that offer semi-annual collections that are created to inspire a bohemian way of life. The label was started in 1981 when the aim was to create a softer, romantic and more feminine collection than the harsh lines that were in vogue at the time. Now in the current day, they offer romantic, one-off pieces as well as more urban everyday wear, as well as a beautiful homeware collection. Noa Noa aims to provide ethically sourced and beautifully crafted garments for women of all ages and styles. 75

COOKSBRIDGE LUNCH - SUPPER - SANDWICH - KIDS MENUS KITCHEN OPEN ALL DAY EVERYDAY 12noon - 9.30pm

RAINBOW at COOKSBRIDGE Resting Oak Hill - Cooksbridge / Lewes - BN8 4SS

Call us on 01273 400 334

www.rainbowcooksbridge.pub

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@therainbowcooksbridge

The North Laine An Absolute Guide

Little Jasmine When all that shopping has taken it out of you, Little Jasmine is the place to head to for a relaxing massage, beauty therapy or spa treatment. Treating both men and women, they use essential oil blends, gels and creams to purify, soothe, revitalize & restore balance to both mind and body. The atmospheric treatment room is styled in a simplistic fashion, providing a calm retreat in which to escape city life. Whether you want massage therapy, skin therapy or nail therapy, Little Jasmine offers it all. They have developed their very own unique brand of massage that fuses various techniques from the eastern and western world and leaves you n a perfect equilibrium of relaxed and energised.

Silverado Silverado is an independent jewellery shop that plays host to the best contemporary designers from around the world. Nearly all their collections are handcrafted and made in a variety of styles to sit all tastes; from sterling silver to gold vermeil and costume jewellery ranges. This is the perfect place for some selfindulgence, shopping for a gift for a friend or even choosing that allimportant engagement ring. They even stock collections from local jewellery designers Orelia, Scarlett and Alexis Dove and items are priced to suit all budgets.

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Vegetarian Shoes The clue is in the title for this shop; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s simply a shoe shop for vegetarians and vegans! Stocking both men and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shoes and boots, the footwear is non-leather and made-toorder from both the UK and Europe. Whether you order smart shoes, walking boots, work boots, trainers, or sandals, you can be sure they are created from high-tech breathable and water resistant Micro-fibres that look and feel like supple leather and suede, as well as glues and accessories that contain no animal by-products.

The North Laine An Absolute Guide

Abode The home of home accessories, Abode brings you beautifully designed linen and soft furnishings, glass, ceramics, lighting and gifts. As an independent boutique, the owners are always on the look-out for exciting new designers and you will often find items you won’t easily find anywhere else. Littala, Marimekko, Jonathan Adler, Jars Ceramiste, Rouge du Rhin, By Nord, Donna Wilson, SCP and Geneviève Levy are just some of the designers whose creations can be found adorning the shelves, as well many others.

artrepublic artrepublic is your go-to place for cutting-edge collectable art, limited edition prints and a high-quality framing service. Not only do they offer a choice of over 5000 high quality art prints, but they are also a fascinating resource for all that’s happening in the art world. Making art accessible for everyone is their mission, so whether you’re a longterm collector or want a one-off piece to decorate your home, there will be something for you and you budget. Discover the latest works by legendary British artists such as Sir Peter Blake, Damien Hirst, Banksy and Marc Quinn, plus highly sought-after imported works from Mr Brainwash, Shepard Fairey and RETNA. We also showcase artists making an increasing impact on today’s art scene including Dave White, Pure Evil and Magnus Gjoen.

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Emma Plus Trading since 1990, Emma Plus is one of the leading fashion boutiques stocking stunning designer clothing for women sized 18 plus. They stock most of the major designers and even have an alteration service to ensure their customers get the very perfect fit every time – often free of charge! The staff are experts in their field so can answer all your questions in a relaxed and friendly setting.

Winter Weddings

Stanmer House B r i g h t o n

Beautiful country manor house set in 5000 acres of countryside just a moment away from Brighton. Offers ÂŁ1000 off venue hire for all remaining Fridays and Saturdays until the 31st March 2016 ~ No venue hire on Mon - Thurs until November 2016

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01273 680400 events@stanmerhouse.co.uk stanmer house | stanmer park | brighton

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10 Union Street, Brighton, BN1 1HA T: 01273 777198 E: shop@exclusivejewellery.com W: www.exclusivejewellery.com 80

The North Laine An Absolute Guide

Edited Edited opened in 2011 and has created a unique retail experience, offering design-led products for the home, including, artwork, home furnishings, lighting, cookware and soft furnishings. The owners created Edited as they had a passion for good design and a urge for great customer service and ow the store is a staple visit for any design lover. Their aim is to decorate the homes of the good folk of Brighton with affordable, contemporary and well-designed products, made to stand the test of time.

Appendage A haven for all things made in Britain, Appendage sells unique and homemade accessories for the individual and the home.Â Focusing on colour, print and texture, they offer a wide range of products including ceramics, cards, cushions, jewellery, lampshades, prints, mirrors and textiles are available exclusively at Appendage. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking Glass River Glass River is home to Architectural for items that are brimming with Glass Artistry. They design and individuality, style and personality make architectural glass panels to then look no further than Appendage commission, with the design often including text, often hidden or secret, which forms a pattern. Intrigued?! Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got to see it to believe it. The glass panels are printed with ceramic enamels and then fired in the kiln, with the lettering then fused into the glass. A fascinating process, with the end result being stunning one of-akind pieces of art.

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IO Gallery

Kerrieberrie

Leoframes

iO Gallery offers a superb election of arts and crafts to its customers and is run by artists for artists. Having been exhibiting for over 15 years, they display and promote both local and national artists, offering many emerging talents a springboard for their creations. You can find art from across a wide spectrum of practices and exhibits, including mixed media, ceramics, limited edition prints, paintings, mirrors and lighting, glassworks and silver jewellery. Ensuring that the art on offer is affordable, the artists are treated fairly and they are as ecological as possible, their work ethic is to be applauded and is just one of the reasons that this gallery continues to go from strength to strength as a hub for Brighton artists and art-lovers alike.

Kerrieberrie is a haven for all bead and jewellery lovers! The shop is packed full of everything you need to create beautiful jewellery, including beads, tools, findings, guide books and all other jewellery-making musthaves. They love to source unusual and inspiring beads and for those who need a hand in putting it all together, they hold workshops in jewellery making techniques. Many customer have a good idea of what they are looking for when they enter the shop, however if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a little inspiration you need you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but be inspired by the sheer diversity of the products non offer and the expertise of the staff. As well as their DIY offering, Kerriberrie also stock their very own range of jewellery unique to the store.

Leoframes has graced the North Laine for over 25 years, selling limited edition and open artworks and contemporary screen prints from a huge variety of artists and publishers. From the undeniable talent that is Damian Hirst to the cutesy Belle and Boo and local artist Richard Marsh, Leoframes has something for every taste and budget. This family-run business also specialise in made-tomeasure frames, so whether it is a precious photograph, newspaper clipping, important map, first pair of shoes, certificate or even piece of needlework, they will craft the prefect preservation piece. Choose from over four hundred mouldings, deep box frames and scores of mount boards, including conservationquality mounts, plus anti-glare and UV protection glass.

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The North Laine An Absolute Guide

Pen to Paper

Zoingimage

Whirligig

Pen to Paper is a stationer with a big difference, offering stylish and traditional stationery and pens that you seldom find in your average chain store. If you are looking for a luxury pen, you’ll find the Lamy range covers the entire spectrum from ballpoint to fountain. If you are a keep letter writer, note cards by Pomegranate and writing paper and tissue-lined envelopes by Lalo will set you soaring above the rest! Moleskin notebooks and diaries are best sellers and the designer wrapping paper and artistic greeting cards are sure to grab attention at any party!

Zoingimage is a thriving and colourful shop in Brighton specialising in Photography. They produce their very own range of gifts using their own in-house photographs printed on a large selection of products including both large and mini canvases, fridge magnets, coasters, and clocks. As well as their own creations, they stock a variety of Lomography products, fun and educational DIY cameras, instant cameras, instant film, 35mm, 120mm, photography books and plenty more photographyrelated gifts. Once you have got to grips with your new and snazzy camera, Zoingimage also offer a printing service on a wide range of products such as phone cases, coasters, fridge magnets and more.

If you love a spot of make and do with your little ones, then this creative cavern will get your juices flowing! Whirligig is an independent and highly creative toy shop, specialising in all things to make and do - fun and memorable toys that will make children of all ages and abilities become inspired, think and really enjoy the experience. They have sourced a whole variety of unusual and unique suppliers, always trying to find new and different toys that are sure to win over their customers. You’ll discover sewing kits, origami sets, construction toys, model making and beautiful colouring in and activity books. If cutting and sticking doesn’t get you excited then they also stock a unique range of wooden toys, created by master craftsmen especially for your little loved ones.

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Blacklace Burlesque

6 week Brighton Burlesque course 10% discount on all courses when you quote â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;ABSOLUTEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Beginners, intermediate and advance courses availaBle every monday and tuesday evenings meet new people, Build self confidence, release your inner show girl fun, relaxed environment perform your routine in a show alongside the professionals over 18s only

for more information or to book a course please contact us at: 07867 725 071 info@labordelloboheme.com www.facebook.com/labordellobohemeshow 84

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The North Laine An Absolute Guide

Amsterdammers This is the home of the super sleek and super stylish Dutch bicycle. These genuine design classics allow you to enjoy cycling in timeless elegance and comfort – perfect for those leisurely seafront cycle rides! Not just for playtime, the quality built into the Dutch roadster makes it a serious alternative to other forms of urban transport, making it easy to ditch the bus trip to work and get your bike, swish down the streets, past people and cars in full glory. Amsterdammers stock a full range of new bicycles or second hand women’s and men’s models, together with parts and accessories.

Nanadobbie

Snoopers Paradise This is quite simply a cave of bargainous wonders for anyone who loves collectables, bric-a-brac, vintage and retro clothing and home accessories and furniture…. and that is just the first floor! Take a trip up the stairs and you will find an independent maker’s vintage boutique, art space and workshop featuring over twenty designers, makers and hoarders. With everything from vintage clothing to hand-crafted jewellery, the ‘Attic’ as it is known, is home to the most curious array of homewares and accessories you could imagine, with a strong eco aesthetic and even stronger character.

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Nandobbie is a small boutique specialising in mid-century and retro furniture, glass, ceramics, lighting and other artefacts. The owners aim to bring you the quirky, the unusual and the most stunning vintage, midcentury and antique furniture from antique Victorian gentlemans desks to mid-century 1960’s sideboards, art deco bars, chests of drawers and cupboards and storage units. Nanadobbie’s lighting department is incredibly popular – perhaps due to it featuring items as beautiful as an art deco glass table lamp, a Maison Jansen style exotic palm tree or an urban and industrial standard lamp. They sell an array of different Hollywood Regency style lighting, high end Italian brass pieces as well as vintage desk lamps. All the lamps have been fully rewired and ready to go, meeting all safety regulations.

Bohemia

Grand Cafe â?&#x2013; Late Lounge Love food? Love coffee? Love music? Love Bohemiaâ&#x20AC;Ś

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 86

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G I F T I D E A S F R O M C H U R C H I L L S Q U A R E Xmas 2015

BHS Gnome Boot Scraper GBP 16.00

Accessorize Faux Fur Trim Leather Glove GBP 27.00

Grandparents

Debenhams RJR.John Rocha flatcap GBP 30.00

Burton Burgundy and Grey formal scarf GBP 16.00

BHS Afternoon Tea Mini Tray GBP 7.00

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BHS Guiness Red Stout Duo GBP 18.00

To p m a n Socks GBP 3.00

Debenhams Jeff Banks shoulder bag GBP 60.00

For Him

Next Patterned Roll Neck Sweater GBP 28.00

BHS Fair Isle Crew Neck Jumper GBP 28.00

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G I F T I D E A S F R O M C H U R C H I L L S Q U A R E Xmas 2015

Accessorize Long Faux Fur Tippet GBP 29.00

Monsoon Beatrix Metallic Box Clutch GBP 35.00

For Her

BHS Nip + Fab Body Blend Set - Destress GBP 12.00

Debenhams Betty Jackson.black earrings GBP 12.00

Debenahms RJR John Rocha watch GBP 39.00

Boux Avenue Nordic Fair Isle Bootie, Grey Mix GBP 20.00

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G I F T I D E A S F R O M C H U R C H I L L S Q U A R E Xmas 2015

Accessorize Metallic Robot X Body GBP 35.00

Accessorize Stripe & Diamond Fairisle Cut Off Gloves GBP 20.00

BHS Cat Spiral Notebook GBP 5.00

Teenagers BHS Spiderman Slippers GBP 12.00

To p m a n Wash and Spray Set GBP 8.00

BHS Marvel Socks GBP 12.00

Burton Green Party Stag Jumper GBP 25.00

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Dorothy Perkins Interlocked Heart Short Necklace GBP 5.00

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G I F T I D E A S F R O M C H U R C H I L L S Q U A R E Xmas 2015

BHS Minions Money Bank GBP 12.00

Accessorize Angels Polar Bear Scarf GBP 12.00

BHS Marvel Book GBP 9.99

Children Accessorize Angels Penguin Purse GBP 5.00

Accessorize Foxtail Coin Purse GBP 8.00

Tiger Rubber Ducks Game GBP 5.00 Debenhams RJR.John Rocha Trapper Hat GBP 16.00

Tiger Solar Powered Robot GBP 5.00

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G I F T I D E A S F R O M C H U R C H I L L S Q U A R E Xmas 2015

BHS Red ID Over the Ear Headphones GBP 19.00

BHS Small Jar Watermelon Mallow GBP 5.00

Last minute generic gifts To p m a n Mug Warmer GBP 10.00

Tiger Mug with automatic stirring GBP 5.00

Debenhams Radio biscuits tin GBP 10.00

Next Set Of 5 Coffee Syrups GBP 10.00

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HIS AND HERS Partywear The festive season a.k.a. party season is THE time of year when guys and girls alike can get dressed up to the nines. But what do you wear and how do you wear it? Churchill Square’s Style Ambassador & Personal Shopper, Bethanie Lunn tells us…

he festive season a.k.a. party season is THE time of year when guys and girls alike can get dressed up to the nines. But what do you wear and how do you wear it? Churchill Square’s Style Ambassador & Personal Shopper, Bethanie Lunn tells us…

Women’s Partywear There is so much choice this season when it comes to dazzling partywear, that you can’t fail to find something you love. From bodycon to hippy chic maxi dresses and stunning sequin-embellished floor length numbers. If party dresses aren’t your thing, jumpsuits or skinny jeans with sequined camis and a tux jacket give you a more androgynous look. Follow my tips for more know-how.

Start Right As with any beautiful painting, the canvas must first be smooth so start with the right underwear. If you’re wearing a figurehugging dress, opt for an all-in-one body or waist clincher to cinch you in and give you a smooth silhouette. I wear mine under most things when I’m out to impress! For strappy tops and dresses, visit Boux Avenue for a bra converter. This clever accessory turns any bra into a multi-functional one, pinning the straps where you need them.

The Outfit If you think bodycon dresses are only for the svelte, think again – they often include magic

support and hold you in, in all the right places. Choose an off the shoulder midi for the most current fit. For 70s style inspiration, opt for a figureflattering jumpsuit. Take your look up a notch in a wide leg fit with lace detailing. If you’re going straight from office to party, simply wear the jumpsuit beneath a tailored shirt, knotted at the waist with boyish brogues then lose the shirt and swap your shoes for skyscraper heels and you’re good to go. A winter coat is a must both practically and in the style stakes. Choose faux fur in pastel shades for a playful and dramatic appeal or for a more formal edge, opt for a peplum jacket that gives the ultimate feminine yet tailored silhouette.

Accessories & Footwear High heels complete a party look but can be challenging to last the night in. This winters block heels and chunky soles are street style staples and they’re more comfortable to walk in! Glittery ankle socks worn with sandals is a quirky combination to try or team with opaque tights if you’re less fashion daring. I also carry a pair of foldable flats in my bag to change into when my feet have had enough. Choose heels with a holographic, glitter or metallic finish with a matching clutch bag for a cool co-ord look or let the shoes do the

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talking with velvet, suede, tassel and even pom pom detail. Finally, the right finishing touches pull together your outfit. For jewellery, mix styles such as studded cuffs with pretty diamanté bands and choose from stacked bracelets, punky ear cuffs and pendant necklaces, layered up to give a sense of pretty-withattitude. For a ladylike vintage appeal, faux fur tippets adorned with brooches and chandelier earrings are the order of the day.

Men’s Partywear Men can have more fun with fashion than ever this season as colour and prints get bolder and new textures are introduced. For accessories, wear a hat for look-at-me appeal or add a formal edge with this seasons skinny silk scarves, worn open over a formal blazer. Alternatively, knitted or leather ties and bow ties add a playful sense of style and look great with a shirt and jeans. The Oxford shirt is a formal cut that will take you from office to party, especially in a geo print or bold stripes, while checks and short sleeved worn with brightly coloured chinos are more casual. Simply slip on a heavy-duty wool pea coat or tuxedo jacket for a more classic polished appeal. All that’s left to do now is enjoy! Bethanie x

Shop the Look – Him Geo Print Shirt, Bershka, £24.99 Tuxedo Jacket, Topman, £110.00 Leather Look Bow Tie, Bershka, £9.99 Double Breasted Coat, Zara, £99.99

Shop the Look – Her Nude Seamfree Waist Cincher Shaping Brief, BHS, £10.00 Glitter Clutch, Miss Selfridge, £29.00 Velvet Dress, Zara, £39.99 Lace Jumpsuit, Pull & Bear, £39.99 Pastel Faux Fur Coat, Dorothy Perkins, £49.00 Coral Platforms, Pull & Bear, £35.99 Black Velvet Heels, Pull & Bear, £29.99 Ear Cuffs, Zara, £9.99 Colour Block Faux Fur Stole, Pull & Bear, £19.99 Pastel Faux Fur Tippet, Accessorize, £25.00

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London breaks for the festive season. As the season gets colder, head up to the big smoke to graze at elegant eateries, sample show stopping cocktails, shop in abundance and relax in elegant surroundings. With London less than an hour away by train, this is the perfect time to plan a short city break over the festive season. Here’s a guide to what you should see and where you should stay when heading up to the bright lights of the big city.

Ready...Get Set…Shop!

Great Marlbrough Street, London, W1B 5AH

London has some of the best retail therapy in the UK. Whether you love high street, designers or boutiques, you will find something for everyone on your shopping trip If you’re on the hunt for super Christmas gifts, the perfect outfit for your Christmas party or bargains in the January sales, you will find everything you need. Here are a selection of places that are essential for any London shopping visit. So credit cards at the ready…. Oxford Street is home to Selfridges. It’s easy to spend all day here with a selection of bars and restaurants to refuel or grab a glass of bubbles. Don’t forget to see the amazing Christmas seasonal window displays which this year feature the 12 signs of the zodiac. If you are stuck for Christmas gift ideas book an appointment with one of the ‘Elfridges’ personal shoppers until 24th December (don’t worry no Elf costumes, promise). As well as shopping they offer gift wrapping and a personalisation service. www.selfridges.com/GB/en/ Selfridges. 400 Oxford Street, London, W1A 1AB.

Carnaby Street is perfect for a mix of high street, vintage and boutique shops. There are also plenty of pubs around that are perfect retreats for weary other-halves, laden with bags. www.carnaby.co.uk/

Liberty is a wonderful treasure trove of distinctive prints and a super array of fragrances. On the lead up to Christmas find festive tree decorations and Liberty print stockings to adorn your home. www.liberty.co.uk/

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Make a dash for Hamleys on Regent Street and pop into see Father Christmas with the kids in the Hamleys Party Room until 24th December but make sure you book in advance. Outside Hamleys the Christmas lights are amazing so don’t forget to look up! www.hamleys.com/ Hamleys. 3 The Piazza, London, WC2E 8RA

Chelsea, Kings Road, Sloane Square and Brompton Road. The shops, the lights, the bars! It’s all wonderfully festive at this time of the year. Be prepared to bump into someone from Made In Chelsea! Drop in to Colberts for a decadent lunch or The Botanist for sumptuous cocktails, both of which are on Sloane Square. Harrods on Brompton Road is must see for anyone in the festive spirit and with cash to splash, and don’t forget their famous sale starts on Boxing Day. www.harrods.com/ 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, SW1 7XL. www.colbertchelsea.com/ 50-52 Sloane Square, Chelsea, SW1W 8AX www.sloanesquare.thebotanistlondon.com/ No 7 Sloane Square, London, SW1W 8EE. Looking for unusual gifts and Christmas cards? Try the V&A

Shop, located inside the V&A Museum. It’s an Aladdin’s cave of marvels full of interesting books, custom prints, extraordinary fabrics and exceptional jewellery, so you will find something to add to even the pickiest wish list. www.vandashop.com/ The Victoria & Albert Museum, London, SW7 2RL. 0207 942 2696

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Winter Wonderland – Hyde Park.

Tower Bridge.

The wonderful Winter Wonderland is now open until the 3rd January. This is the ultimate festive destination to get you in the Christmas spirit with everything from ice-skating and circus shows to traditional Christmas markets. Wrap up and grab yourself a spot in the Bavarian beer gardens or Bar Ice. Entry to Winter Wonderland is free but tickets are needed for the ice-skating (from £8.50), Giant Wheel and the Magical Ice Kingdom (from £5), Zippos Christmas Circus (from £6) and Bar Ice (from £14) which includes a drink. hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/ Nearest tube is Hyde Park Corner on the Piccadilly line.

Kew at Christmas

Ice-skating in central London. Get your skates on….. there are an abundance of pop up ice rinks around London this season but here are 3 of the best:

Open until the 3rd January. This is in an iconic location with tickets available from £10 to £14. www.toweroflondonicerink.com/ HM Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB. The nearest tube is Tower Hill on the District & Circle line. Kew at Christmas

Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew for an array of festive treats. Arrive after dark to witness the abundance of magical and seasonal illuminations until the end of January between 5pm and 10pm. Tickets are from £10 to £16. www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/ whats-on/christmas-at-kew-2015 Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB

Christmas Afternoon Tea at The Ritz. After a day of site seeing, make an essential pit-stop and indulge yourself in a decadent afternoon tea. Relax in the plush surroundings with a glass of champagne and an abundance of gourmet treats at the infamous Ritz Hotel. www.theritzlondon.com/christmas-afternoontea The Ritz London, 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR

Somerset House Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason until 10th January. Book tickets from £8.85 to £16.10. www.somersethouse.org.uk/ice-rink The Strand, London, WC2R 1LA. Nearest train station Charing Cross.

Thames river boat rides down the Thames.

Natural History Museum. The Swarovski Ice rink is open until 3rd January. Book tickets from £8.80 to £39.60 for a family ticket. www.nhm.ac.uk/visit/exhibitions/ice-rink.html Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD. The nearest tube Gloucester Road on the District & Circle and Piccadilly lines.

Join an evening trip and see all of London’s best bridges light up. Travel anywhere between Richmond to the Thames Barrier with fast and frequent journeys. Until the 24th December you can book trips with Santa and children go free with a family ticket. For the grown-ups they also offer after dark champagne cruises through the heart of London. www.citycruises.com/

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London breaks Theatre and West Ends Shows.

Check in…Sit back…and Relax…

Elf – The Musical at the Dominion Theatre. Brace yourself, this movie favourite has now hit the stage. Grab seats from £30 to £267.50. Running from 21st December through to the 2nd January. www.dominiontheatre.com/theatre/elf/

After all the site seeing and shopping, check in to an amazing hotel to recharge your batteries. Here is a selection of favourites for rest and relaxation (and the odd cocktail of course!) during your stay in London.

Cirque du Soleil at the Royal Albert Hall. Watch Amaluna from 16 January to 16 March 2016. Seats from £51 to £212. www.cirquedusoleil.com/amaluna The Woman in Black at the Fortune Theatre. Watch this classic brought to life on stage. Seats range from £21.50 to £60 www.thewomaninblack.com

The London International Horse Show at Olympia See performances from Jean-Francois Pignon and The Household Calvery Mounted Regiment. Grab tickets for 15th to 21st December with day prices from £20. www.olympiahorseshow.com Olympia Exhibition Centre, Hammersmith, West London. Nearest tube Kensington Olympia on the London Overground line.

Shangri La Hotel, At The Shard, London. Based within the Shard, this breath taking hotel occupies levels 34 to 52! Situated in the area of London Bridge and Borough Market you will feel like you are in the centre of everything. Although being at the top of most budgets the Shangri-La London does offer a selection of seasonal offers and packages for their rooms, suites and dining and if you book in advance you can save up to 15%. A Saturday night for a standard room in January will set you back approximately £383. While a city view room for 2 guests is around £425 per night. Visit Gong on level 52 for cocktails at sun down, then enjoy a superb breakfast at Lang and remember to sample the afternoon tea at Ling. If you decide to venture out of the Shangri-La there are 2 other restaurants which you must visit; Oblix (Level 32) and Aqua Shard (Level 31). So basically you wouldn’t need to leave The Shard for the rest of your stay! ££££££ Best points: Amazing central location, gym, bar and infinity pool on level 52 with unrivalled views of the city. www.shangri-la.com/london/shangrila 31 St Thomas Street, London, SE1 9QU 0207 234 8000 Location: London Bridge, Borough Market. Nearest train station is London Bridge and Waterloo East. On the Northern and Jubilee tube lines.

London breaks Crowne Plaza London – Battersea. This great recently refurbished hotel, which is part of IHG, is a little further out in South West London, a stone’s throw from Clapham and Wimbledon. Right on the River Thames, if you leave the hotel and cross over Battersea Bridge you will find yourself in the middle of Chelsea and a short walk from Harrods, the Royal Albert Hall and many of the famous museums. This hotel is sleek and slightly more corporate, with the great service that you would expect from the Crowne Plaza chain. During your stay you must try the onsite gym and the Verta Spa. Great guest packages include the Spa Package from £195 and the Advanced Dinner, Bed & Breakfast package from £156. Basic room rates for January are from £91 to £214 depending on availability. £££ Best points: With lots of good rates and packages available for advance bookings it’s lighter on the wallet and good value. www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/gb/en/london/lonbw/ hoteldetail Bridges Wharf Battersea, London, SW11 3BE 0871 222 0025 Location: South West London, Battersea. Nearest train station Clapham Junction.

Citizen M, London, Bankside. This 4 star hotel with its 192 minimalist rooms is a stylish and affordable way to stay in the centre of London. Average room rates for January range from £141 to £162 per night. The Netherlands hotel chain is designed to be sleek and modern while being comfortable and affordable. The open plan café/ bar is a warm, cosy and homely focal point of this hotel. It’s a short walk from London Bridge and the hustle and bustle of Borough Market. It’s very easy to get around by public transport and very close to some amazing pubs, restaurants and bars in the SE area. ££ Best points: Wallet friendly. Central location. Modern rooms with the latest technology with XL beds and wall-to-wall windows for great views over the city. Free Wi-Fi and movies. Location: London Bridge, South Bank, Waterloo. Nearest train station - London Bridge and Waterloo East. On the Northern and Jubilee tube lines. www.citizenm.com/destinations/london/london-bankside-hotel 20 Lavington Street, London, SE1 0NZ 0203 519 1680

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London breaks Sunborn Hotel London.

Rayafel on the Left Bank.

Have you always dreamed of staying on a 5 star yacht? Well now you can. This exquisite floating 5 star hotel is a glamorous Super Yacht moored in the heart of the Victoria Docks. Rooms in January range from around £140 to £460 per night, depending on availability. There are various room and suite packages on offer, so staying here could be more reasonable than you think.

This glamorous hotel is situated on the left bank of the Thames. It has great river views and Standard room rates start from £119. This is a sleek and modern boutique-style hotel offering not only Standard, but Superior or Deluxe rooms. Current offers include the ‘Relax, Wine and Dine’ package from £299 to £479 for two guests. Each room has floor to ceiling windows and complimentary Wi-Fi. While here you must try the afternoon tea and a huge cocktail list at the award winning restaurant, The Banyan on the Thames. The Rafayel also offers a complimentary shuttle service which runs every 30 minutes to Clapham Junction making travelling into London from the South easy.

It has unrivalled views of the River Thames and the Docks and the location is perfect if you’re going to events at the Excel Centre or the O2. The on-board Elemis Spa will relax and rejuvenate you while the Lands End Restaurant and Sundown Bar are on hand for amazing gourmet meals and scrumptious cocktails. £££££

Best points: A lovely Spa with a great selection of packages ideal for groups or couples looking to treat themselves for the weekend.

Best points: It’s a 5 star Super Yacht!! Location: It’s in the Docklands, near the O2 Arena and the Excel Centre. On the DLR line, and the nearest station is Royal Victoria. You can also hop on the Emirates cable car which runs between The Emirates Greenwich Peninsula (based at North Greenwich) and the Emirates Royal Docks. www.sunbornhotels.com/london Royal Victoria Dock, London, E16 1XL 0203 714 8111

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£££

Location: Based on the river, adjacent to the London Heliport near Fulham and Battersea. The nearest train station is Clapham Junction. A shuttle service is offered to all of its guests every 30 minutes to and from Clapham Junction train station. www.hotelrafayel.com 34 Lombard Road, London SW11 3RF 0207 801 3600

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London breaks W Hotel. This glamorous, modern and luxurious hotel is part of the Starwood hotels chain and is situated in the heart of Leicester Square. W Hotel has the wow factor in every single way and staying there you will certainly feel like a celebrity. Unwind and relax in the Spa, then try out the abundant cocktail list in the W Lounge or Wyld Bar. For real party people splash out on a suite with a DJ booth if you plan to dance into the early hours. If you have a fashion faux pas during your stay the designer wardrobe room service will come to your rescue. Glamourous and luxurious, it epitomises the term ‘on trend’ with a party atmosphere as soon as you walk in. Suites are eyewateringly expensive and rooms in January start from around £285 to £790. Check out their website for the latest room rates and offers. £££££ Best points: Central. Perfect location for the theatres and West End shows. Location: West End, Leicester Square. A short stroll away from Soho and China Town. Nearest Tube is Leicester Square, on the Piccadilly and Northern tube line. www.wlondon.co.uk Leicester Square, 10 Wardour Street, London, W1D 6QF 0207 758 1000

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Pelican’s Grand Relaunch! After a fabulously successful first year of trading, the Pelican on Portland has had a revamp, a change of management and is now back and better than ever! n ever! We visited Portland Road’s best kept secret and asked the owners to tell us about what makes them so popular.

est Hove’s favourite childfriendly café is based in a Tardis of a building, providing space for everyone! Sit up at the front of the cafe for a quieter grown-up friendly space, perfect for work from home days, or catching up with a friend. Visit the larger child-friendly space at the back and you will find comfy sofas, a large play mat and lots of toys for kids of all ages. Most importantly, they offer a great menu, including children’s options, weekly specials and sandwiches, plus lots of home made cakes, Owner John Rose says “I’ve been involved with the Pelican on Portland since its launch in 2014 and am thrilled to be taking over the running of the café alongside new business partner John Buckland. We’ve worked hard to refresh the Pelican, whilst retaining the elements that make it so popular with our lovely loyal customers; our breakfasts, our great cakes and coffee, a warm welcome and the childfriendly space at the back”.

Recently repainted and spruced up, the interior of the café is light and warm, and the owners have invested in lots of new toys in the play area at the back. Their weekly food specials and delicious cakes, made on the premises by their very own baker, make for mouth-watering reading. The Pelican is allergy, vegetarian and vegan friendly and bake gluten-free and vegan cakes too. Their signature dishes include their much loved all-day breakfasts and ever popular coffee, provided by Roasted and served by their very own barista-trained staff ! Luke, from Roasted, is an award-winning barista trainer who continues regular and ongoing training to ensure the Pelican is serving coffee at its best. The Pelican is not your average café. Aside from the obvious childfriendly and accommodating nature of this inviting venue, it is also available for private hire. Recently the venue has been the home of some pop up restaurants with fantastic success. John Buckland adds “We are also now a Living Wage employer, as we felt it was important that our team were fairly rewarded for their hard work. We hope you’ll come and visit the new improved Pelican soon!”

Check out their website for news on upcoming events and weekly specials www.pelicanonportland.co.uk 107

A Family affair Family companies have a significant impact on the local economy. With a Sussex heritage going back 50 years - Kendricks Tea & Coffee shares the values of care & quality to the community. Absolute took a visit to their Roastery in Ferring, to get an insight.

ABSOLUTE : Kendricks is known as a family business. How did it all start? What is the history of the brand?

Thalben Kendrick Loydell started the company in 1964 after working in London for one of Europe’s largest coffee merchants. The company was started in Prospect Place in Worthing supplying local restaurants and hotels with coffee and tea blended to suit the hard Sussex water. Thalbens son Philip joined the company in the 1980’s and just over a year ago Philip’s son Robert joined the company as the third generation. In the 1970’s we purchased the ‘Hankow Batchelor Tea Company’ and supplied many of the worlds leading stores including Harrods and Macey’s. This company was then sold which enabled us to expand the coffee business to what it is today. Now in our 50th year, we are celebrating with a brand re-fresh, focusing on the heritage of our Kendricks brand and celebrating the experience we have within the industry. ABSOLUTE :What core services do you provide and how do you differ from your competitors?

Our core business is supplying cafes, bistros,

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restaurants, hotels, caterers, conference centres, football clubs, leisure centres, golf clubs and more throughout Sussex, Surrey & Hampshire with our freshly roasted coffee, tea and commercial coffee machinery. The people that we work with are our main priority, this is what we’re known for and separates us from our competitors. Our philosophy is to build strong relationships with our clients, our suppliers and our team. Our commitment to understanding individual needs is the key to both our clients success and in turn our success. Driven by these relationships, as we want them to grow and prosper, we offer approachable, professional and supportive advice. Whatever stage of the coffee operation our clients fall in to, we offer a truly personalised service, creating bespoke packages according to individual needs and budgets. We pride ourselves on providing an exceptional service, from Barista training, supplying espresso machines and bean to cup machines, technical support and advice to café support and advice. We can also help with

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choosing the right machinery and equipment, café layout, café menu’s, operations, best practices, seasonal promotions and future business development. ABSOLUTE:

Describe

your

coffee

roasting

process?

Kendricks use two different types of roaster and a rotational flexible batch roaster, the latter enabling us to small batch roast and more profile roasts, meaning that we can adapt the roasting conditions to bring out the best flavour type of coffee bean we select. Each coffee that we roast is set to an exact temperature, time and moisture setting, providing us with excellent control, accuracy and consistency ensuring that every roast comes out the same. ABSOLUTE : Tell us more about the barista training

facility.

Baristas are vital in the coffee making process, ensuring the quality of the coffee in every cup. An exceptional coffee is made with good knowledge of coffee, great training, uncompromising standards and passion. Our passion is to ensure that all of our coffee is served with the same great care and

3 generations. From left to right: Robert Loydell (Grandson) Philip Loydell (Son) Thalben Loydell (Grandfather and Founder of the business)

“ Coffee is a

commodity and as such the price goes up and down on a daily basis. Hundreds of pounds can be lost if bought at the wrong time.”

dedication that we put in to our roasting process. Helping baristas every step of the way, from coffee grinding, to coffee extraction, to milk foaming techniques through to service. The training we provide aims to develop beginner barista skills and progress them right through to head barista, all of which is done in our brand new training room. Training is always evolving. We believe ongoing training is essential, which is why we continuously share our knowledge with our clients to help develop emerging techniques and skills. ABSOLUTE : As well as the coffee, you are also

regarded as a high quality tea distributor. How does it differ from the coffee business?

Our Kendricks ‘Sussex Blend’ tea, which we blend to suit the hard local water has been used by our customers for over 40 years now. We are continually checking and adapting the blend to ensure it’s quality and flavour is at it’s best. So behind the scenes, there is not that much difference. The same care and attention is given in the tea blending process as we give in the coffee roasting process. As a business, the price of tea isn’t as

volatile as coffee and such the price only rises drastically if there are world shortages. For our customers, the main difference comes is in the knowledge that we need to give them. Ensuring that water quality is high, by maintaining water filter replacements and descales on hot water boilers, the tea’s that we blend will shine. With coffee however, the importance of knowing how the size of the coffee grind, extraction, temperature, water quality, milk, right down to coffee machine cleaning will alter each coffee is paramount. ABSOLUTE : How does the coffee commodity

market affect your business?

Coffee is a commodity and as such the price goes up and down on a daily basis. Hundreds of pounds can be lost if bought at the wrong time. We need to be aware of the influences that can cause the prices to rise such as droughts in Brazil or floods in Costa Rica and therefore it is essential to get it right mostly. ABSOLUTE : How does the brand fit into the local community?

Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire is home to some fabulous businesses, sports teams, projects, schools, and colleges.

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We are proud sponsors of Team Northbrook Racing, the Northbrook College motorsport team, who continue to grow and improve every year. We also sponsor Worthing Football Club, who has this year seen a huge redevelopment thanks to George Dowell and his vision and investment in the club. We are most excited about supporting local businesses that are as committed to our area as we are; Organisations such as St Barnabas House, a local independent charitable hospice in Worthing, which is built on values of care, quality and community. They rely on community support to help raise vital funds to carry out the great work that they do. By raising awareness locally, we hope to grow, expand and develop these organisations to make our community stronger, so that we can all watch our area grow and prosper together. www.kendricks.co.uk 12-14 Ocean Parade Ferringham Lane Ferring, Worthing West Sussex, BN12 5QG

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A Small Batch?

ant to make perfect coffee

distance of your favourite coffee

often feature on our Brew Bars at our

at home? Need a great gift

shop, or it’s just too damn cold to go

Jubilee and Norfolk coffee shops.

for the coffee lover in your

outside, then you need to be able to

Ideally you want to grind your beans

life?

make great coffee in the comfort of

yourself as this means your coffee

your own kitchen.

will stay fresher for longer. You can

Then

Small

Batch

Coffee Roasters are here to help with

pick up a very good hand grinder

their guide to home coffee brewing.

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We love espresso at Small Batch.

Our two favourite methods for

for around £30 but if you buy pre-

Without it, there would be no

brewing at home are the pourover

ground coffee make sure it’s the right

cappuccino,

and the Aeropress. Both of these

grind for your chosen method.

affogato, no espresso martinis. But

methods make an excellent cup of

when you’re not within walking

coffee, are cheap and portable and

flat

white,

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First up, the Aeropress. Brought

Next up is the pourover. We use

to you by the same people as the

Hario V60s which are very popular

Aerobee Frisbee (remember them?

and make a great, clean cup of coffee.

And the hours spent trying to retrieve

Pourovers are pretty old school and

them from the trees?). This little

done right really bring out the best,

contraption

most interesting nuances of lighter

combines

immersion

and paper filter brewing to make a

roasted speciality grade coffee

full bodied and well balanced cup every time.

V60 Brew recipe:

Aeropress Brew recipe: Rinse the filter. Paper filters need to be rinsed with hot water to remove any papery taste Weigh and grind the coffee, 16-18 grams for this method. You want to grind the coffee like coarse sand. Invert the Aeropress. Place the plunger inside the main chamber up to the number 4 mark then invert and stand the Aeropress on its head. Add the water. 135ml for this method Add the ground coffee and start a 90 second timer, then stir the coffee for 10 seconds so that it is all wetted Stir the coffee again for the final 10 seconds of the brew. After 90 seconds place the filter and filter cap on the aeropress then hold your cup on top and carefully revert the Aeropress. Now plunge slowly and without excessive force. Stop plunging when you hear a hissing noise.

Either of these make a great present for any coffee lover. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re simple to use, easy to clean and make the best cup of coffee outside of your local Small Batch!

Rinse your filter and pre heat your mug whilst you grind your coffee (20g medium grind). Place your empty mug on the scales and tip in your coffee. Zero your scales and start your timer. Using 40-50g water, wet the grounds and gently swirl. At 30 seconds start to pour the rest of your water, start in the middle and pour the water in an outward spiral. You only want to come up about half way in the cone so you will need to be very steady with the flow rate of the water. Pour the water in a spiral motion until you reach your full 300g water. Allow a full draw down of the brew.

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The Production Edge: F9 Audio After a 10 years of remixing the worlds biggest recording artists as one half of The Freemasons, James Wiltshire is now looking to pass on every ounce of knowledge he picked up along to the next generation of producers whilst arming them with the sonic tools and sounds to make the best out of every piece of new music.

9 Audio is the brand new online electronic music production portal created by James Wiltshire - The Studio half of Grammy nominated Brighton based production and remix team the Freemasons. James has worked professionally for over 20 years and across the world in music production and at the height of the Freemasons fame had remixes replace the R+B radio versions of Beyonce, Shakira and Kelly Rowland at Number 1 spots across Europe. These remixes are considered by top level US A+R to have been instrumental in the American Industry’s acceptance of Dance music over the last 7 years. ABSOLUTE : So why the sudden change in career

direction with F9 ?

F9 : I’ve always wanted to get involved with professional sound design and talking to young producers I was starting to see core skills get lost in the new post-studio world. With F9 I aim to pass on as much of the knowledge and tips that I’ve amassed over the last two decades. Alongside this I will create amazing world class packs of samples, loops and sounds for use royalty free in the production of music. F9 was the Freemasons logo for some time so a perfect tie in for us and hopefully a mark of the quality we are known for. ABSOLUTE : We know you stopped Dj-ing some time ago - is this connected

F9 : In Croatia after an afternoon beach party I came off stage with a light tone in my right ear and it scared the living daylights out of me. Luckily it wasn’t serious at all, but I had done damage. It’s never the monitors, its the headphones - No matter what you cannot

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James has worked professionally for over 20 years and across the world in music production and at the height of the Freemasons fame had remixes replace the R+B radio versions of Beyonce, Shakira and Kelly Rowland at Number 1 spots across Europe. help them creeping up throughout a set and I realised then that if I wanted to do my first love - studio work for ever I had to hang up the headphones. Russell has always been an outstanding DJ and wanted to carry on as it’s his first love. With declining record sales it made perfect sense for us to do what each of us does best. ABSOLUTE : Brighton has quite a few sample labels

already - What Makes F9 stand out ?

F9 : For a start absolutely everything on the label will be from professional producers and musicians. Every release will be of the highest sonic quality and wherever possible will be recorded on classic Equipment, Vintage Synthesisers and processors. The F9 Studio is incredibly well equipped, but that’s only half of it. We also want to bring the talents and musicianship of the industry’s very best musicians to the fingertips of the modern producer. Our 1st artist led pack ‘Minneapolis Funk’, features the amazing bass and guitar talents of Brighton local Guy Pratt - Famous for his work with David Gilmour, and also the bass player on Madonnas ‘Like A Prayer ’ and MJ’s ‘Earth song’. He has a frankly awesome grip on funk and disco.

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ABSOLUTE : So just to be clear - We could buy one of your packs and use the contents without any sample issues ?

F9 : Absolutely - there licence you have on purchase allows you to use the material for any type of musical composition wether it be Club, pop, tv, film or just plain experimental, there are never any additional royalties to pay to include the sounds in a track. It’s an industry that’s been around since the days of floppy discs but now really finds it’s feet with online delivery ABSOLUTE : What’s next in the pipeline for F9 ?

F9 : We are literally just putting the finishing touches to an incredible collection of Future Retro samples sourced from the Studio’s extensive array of Vintage Keyboards. The classic Jupiters, Moogs, Prophets and even the vintage samplers. This is the start of huge process to make the sounds of keyboards now reaching ridiculous prices available to everyone. Contemporary disco, Electro Soul, Cinematic beats and 21st century Trip hop are all slated for development already - It’s going to be quite a busy 12 months ! F9 Audio offers free tutorial content and world class soundware at: www.f9-audio.com. The Drumtrax range of products has received many 5 star and 10/10 reviews. Many Free downloads are available on the site including Trinity Kits - A brand new set of production ready drum sounds from original 808. 909 and LM1 Drum machines. www.f9-audio.com Info@f9-audio.con

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S O U T H

BEACH M E D I A PETE HAYWARD

CREATIVE BRANDING FOR PRINT & DIGITAL DESIGN BRANDING PACKAGING GRAPHIC DESIGN SOUNDSCAPING MUSIC CONSULTANCY

CLIENTS UNIVERSAL MUSIC GROUP REPERTOIRE RECORDS DEMON MUSIC GROUP LOADED RECORDS AEON EVENTS RSK PRIDE BBC

CREATED BY PETE HAYWARD CONTACT T: 07712043145 E: INFO@SOUTHBEACHMEDIA.CO.UK PINTEREST.COM/SOUTHBEACHMEDIA

Celebrate the festive season in style at Brightonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier bar, lounge & restaurant. Open 7 days cater to many for that extra be merry, all

a week, No 32 has multiple areas available which can party sizes, and you can even hire out the entire venue special event. At No 32, you can eat, drink, dance & in the luxurious surroundings of this decadent venue.

Book your party online at www.no32dukestreet.com or give us a call on 01273 773388

Find us on

32 Duke Street, Brighton, BN1 1AG

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