Absolute Magazine issue 131 Feb/Mar 2017 by Absolute Magazine Group

ISSUE 131 FEB/MAR 2017

Photo credit: Torsten Dickmann

Index 0816 26 30 36 39 44 48 52 56 -

CITY NEWS FASHION STYLE PETE HAYWARD-DESIGN FOR MUSIC LEZ BRIGHTON GIN BEAUTY SOL GILBERT UNDERGROUND GYM FIZZ & FOOD BARS & BEATS COFFEE & CAKE - ABSOLUTE HOMES SUPPLEMENT 60 - CURRY LEAF CAFÉ 64 - THE STONEHAM 68 - No. 32 DUKE ST. 74- SIX 78 - NEW YEAR FITNESS 92 - BEATING NEW YEAR BLUES 96 - STREET STYLE FASHION 98 - LONDON LIFE 104 - SEYCHELLES TRAVEL FEATURE 110 - LONDON LIFE 116 - JIM CAREY PHOTOGRAPHY 120 - EAGLE LABS-UNRAMBLE

Contributing Editors - Charlie McBrien | Matt Parr | Shelley Louise Baker | Victoria Marie Emerson | Lindsay Katherine Hills Pete Hayward | Kasia (The Styling Agency) Tony Shattell (food reviewer) Brighton Girl Problems Blogger Fashion, Beauty & Interior Styling Editor - Kasia (The Styling Agency) Features Editor - Victoria Marie Emerson - info@absolutemagazine.co.uk Account Managers - Victoria Lucy Boxall | Emily Bunclark Designer - Pete Hayward - Southbeachmedia.co.uk Owners - Publishers Simon Darcy Abbott - simon@absolutemagazine.co.uk David Camici - dcamici@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Cover Shot Photography – Daren Black Photography Model – Daisy Boote Fashion – Mottoo, Brighton. Walk in Wardrobe Location – Seychelles Hair / Makeup – Fatosh Kalan

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

Printed by the Magazine Printing Company London

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

The Editor A

s 2016 becomes a distant memory, it's a bright new start for our city, with every street, shop, bar and restaurant as bustling as ever.

In this special Well-Being Edition, the Absolute Team kick start the year with a positive and

uplifting look at all the mind, body and soul enhancing experiences our fair city has to offer, plus top Brighton Life Coach and Fitnes Guru Sol Gilbert of Underground Gym shares his secrets to

fitness. Brighton and Hove is packed to the rafters with movers-and-shakers and in this issue we catch up with the Brighton drinks brand taking the industry by storm; Brighton Gin as well as getting up close and personal with design and music legend Peter Hayward.

We are super excited to welcome to the team top Brighton-based blogger 'Brighton Girl

Problems', who will be bestowing upon us a regular column of in-the-know local tips and tricks.

In other good news, thanks to the generosity of our readers, 'Off the Fence' charity in partnership with Absolute Magazine have raised an amazing ÂŁ8,640 following our (Warm Brighton) Winter

Appeal for the cities homeless and most in need. Music to anyone's post-festive season ears; this issue our lux travel guide takes you on a surprisingly affordable trip to The Seychelles to

experience paradise on a budget, all ahead of the april global launch of Absolute Seychelles 'The insiders guide to the Islands' 2017. Enjoy!

From Absolute

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News

Photo-punk: Featuring 40 images from the birth of punk by Ian Dickson and Kevin Cummins, this new display at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery will explore the birth of UK punk as the music, fashion and cultural movement celebrates its 40th anniversary. Photography highlights will include dynamic live photos of the acts that inspired UK punk, from Iggy Pop and The Ramones to Dr Feelgood. Also on show will be early images of UK punk pioneers The Sex Pistols, The Damned and The Clash, plus a never-before-exhibited Sounds cover image by Ian Dickson. Captioned ‘The face of punk’, it features Clash fan Shane McGowan before he found fame as lead singer of The Pogues. Expect a survey of those inspired to join the punk movement, from Buzzcocks and Siouxsie & The Banshees to poet John Cooper Clarke as well as iconic photography of Joy Division in Hulme, Manchester, by Kevin Cummins and candid images of punk fans around the UK. Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1EEA

The Snail and The Whale Join SEA LIFE for Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler's The Snail and The Whale at SEA LIFE. Experience this beloved children's book like never before as you follow the story around the centre through an amazing underwater world. Pop on your snail hat and follow the snail trail. Sea Life Brighton, Marine Parade, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 1TB

VegfestUK Brighton 2017 VegfestUK Brighton is a huge vegan event with massive amounts of vegan food, goodies, shopping, cosmetics, clothing, from 230 stalls and 20 caterers, plus dozens of talks, cookery demos, films, comedians, music, chillout zones, kids activities and many more!Advance tickets are £7 day ticket and £10 weekend ticket (plus booking and transaction fees). Tickets on the day are £10 or £5 for concessions (ID required) Kids under 16yrs go free but must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets can be purchased from brighton. vegfest.co.uk/admission

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The Brighton Tap Takeover Taking place in various Pubs around Brighton, breweries will ‘takeover’ the taps of their partnered pub for the whole weekend, creating the world’s best craft beer pub crawl. Expect special menus, live art, tutored tastings, and bands and DJs. Fourteen of the UK’s most exciting breweries are partnering with 14 of Brighton’s finest pubs for the second year of the south coast’s biggest ever craft beer festival, the Brighton Tap Takeover.

27th Sussex Beer & Cider Festival Taste over 150 beers from across the UK, plus a large selection of ciders and perries at the new bigger venue; Brighton Racecourse.

A variety of food will also be on sale, including vegetarian, vegan options and soft drinks. Advance tickets will be available from Monday 23 January to Friday 17 March from the following outlets: Evening Star, Brighton; Gardener's Arms, Brewers Arms Lewes; Duke of Wellington, Shoreham-by-Sea; Selden Arms, Worthing; and Beer Essentials, Horsham. For postal sales, please state which session(s) you require and enclose a 9x4 SAE with your cheque, made payable to "Sussex CAMRA Beer & Cider Festival" and send to SBB&CF Ticket Sales, 16 Connell Drive, Woodingdean, Brighton, BN2 6RT. No refunds will be processed after the 14 March 2017. The number 2 and 22 buses pass the venue and there will be a shuttle bus to and from Brighton train station. Times and prices vary please see website for more details. Over 18's only.

Foodies Festival 2017 Join the fun over the Bank Holiday Weekend at Brighton's favourite Food Festival: Three day adult ticket £20.00/£16.00 concession VIP day ticket £38.00/£35.00 Friday - includes a welcome glass of bubbly, use of the VIP area with private bar and refreshment, priority entry to food and drink masterclasses, showguide, and goody bag to take home. Children aged 12 and under go free to all Foodies Festivals when accompanied by an adult.

Brighton Music Conference 2017 The UK’s leading electronic music industry event, Brighton Music Conference (BMC) will take over the Brighton Dome for the two-day conference. BMC Professional and BMC Academy tickets are now on sale via: http://brightonmusicconference. skiddletickets.com/event.php?id=12473308 Run by the industry for the industry, BMC focuses on innovation, education and the key issues facing the electronic and dance music sector. Attended by thousands of experienced music industry professionals and the next generation of DJs/producers, BMC enables attendees to form new business partnerships, showcase products and expand existing networks. It is the UK’s annual opportunity for the industry to meet face to face, share knowledge, and build new opportunities. BMC17 will bring together Industryleading delegates and speakers at over 50 talks, seminars and workshops, alongside networking events throughout the conference duration. BMC Professional connects music with business, bringing together industry thought leaders through a series of panels to discuss the future sustainable growth of the Electronic Music Industry, targeted networking events and access to an evening schedule of events and parties across Brighton. BMC Academy is about plugging in the next generation and fostering new talent via a series of master classes, panels and talks. The Dome, Church Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1UE

Krater Comedy Club Valentine's Special Love is in the air so why not share a few Valentine’s Day laughs with the people you love at the award-winning comedy club? Featuring Dana Alexander, Luke Benson, Andrew Bird and MC Stephen Grant. 18yrs+£24 meal deal (Show + Main Course)/£15 show only. Save £10 with the special ticket offer of 2 Meal Deal Plus tickets plus a bottle of Prosecco for £7 Komedia, 44-47 Gardner Street, Brighton, BN1 1UN

London Gin Festival This boozy affair returns to London for three days dedicated to championing the juniper berry drink. Gin bars will be serving all manner of cocktails, and distillers and brands will be on hand to chat about their ware. Sign up for masterclasses and feast on street food once you've worked your way through every gin and tonic combo you can. Advance booking essential. https://www.ginfestival.com

Tobacco Dock , Wapping Friday February 17 2017 - Sunday February 19th 2017

Hove Lawns, Brighton, East Sussex

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News

Magical Lantern Festival London The Magical Lantern Festival - an annual event to mark the end of Chinese New Year - floats back to Chiswick House and Garden for a second year. The theme for 2017 is the Silk Road, and visitors can follow a mini-trail mirroring part of the Road, featuring over 50 dazzling illuminations. These include the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, plus colourful scenes from India, Asia, the Middle East and the tale of Aladdin featuring a giant lantern genie. As well as beautiful light installations, there'll also be a virtual reality area, an ice rink, a pop-up ice bar made entirely of ice and plenty of street food stalls, including steak sandwiches from CattleAxe, Japanese street food form Notso and smoked meat galore from SmokoLoko.

Love is in the air: Valentine’s at British Airways i360

And remember to look out for the giant fire rooster, celebrating the new zodiac animal for a new Chinese New Year. http://www.magicallantern.uk/

NEW! British Airways i360 Valentine’s Flight With sweeping views of the Sussex coast by day, dramatic sunsets at dusk and, after dark, dimmed lights to enjoy the sparkling cityscapes below, many visitors are finding a flight on the British Airways i360 pod with the person they love is a moving experience.

Chiswick House and Gardens , Chiswick Thursday February 2nd 2017 - Sunday February 26th 2017

Valentine's Day at the London Eye

A glass of award-winning English sparkling wine at the Nyetimber Sky Bar on board the pod heightens the sense of romance. Flight + sparkling wine + rose gift Celebrate Valentine’s with your loved one onboard the British Airways i360 pod, looking out at the twinkling lights of Brighton and the South Coast. As you glide up to 450ft in the fully enclosed glass observation pod, enjoy a glass of sparkling rosé wine at the Nyetimber Sky Bar. Includes one rose gift per couple. Valentine’s Flights are available on Saturday 11th February, Tuesday 14th February and Saturday 18th February, 2017. Price £32pp. Book at the British Airways i360 ticket office, at BritishAirwaysi360. com or by calling 03337 720360

A good view of the London skyline has always made us feel a bit soppy, so choosing one of the London Eye's Valentine's Day Champagne Experiences should work some romantic magic, especially as it comes complete with a glass of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne. If you want to pull out all the stops for your better half, book a private 'cupid's capsule' with a bottle of bubbly and a box of chocolates from Hotel Chocolat (£380). https://www.londoneye.com/valentines/ London Eye , South Bank Tuesday February 14th 2017

www.britishairwaysi360.com

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For those not satisfied with bronze, silver or gold. The new Cayenne Platinum Edition. Go beyond the podium. With specification including 20-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), BOSE® Surround Sound System, online navigation, Connect Plus, sports seats with centres in Alcantara® and much more besides. A car designed to win hearts – and engineered to conquer the road. The Cayenne Platinum Edition from £55,134 (RRP incl. VAT).

Discover more at porsche.co.uk/platinum

Porsche Centre Mid-Sussex Innovation Drive, York Road , Burgess Hill West Sussex RH15 9TW 01444 242911 info@porschemidsussex.co.uk www.porschemidsussex.co.uk

Official fuel economy figures for the Cayenne Diesel Platinum Edition in mpg (l/100km): urban 36.2 - 37.2 (7.8 – 7.6), extra urban 45.5 – 47.1 (6.2 – 6.0), combined 41.5 – 42.8 (6.8 – 6.6). CO2 emissions: 179 – 173 g/km. The mpg and CO2 figures quoted are sourced from official EU-regulated tests, are provided for comparability purposes and may not reflect your actual driving experience.

News

The Salt Room celebrate their anniversary with a brand new menu In February 2017, the award-wining Salt Room will be celebrating their second anniversary. Located directly on the seafront opposite the new i360 Tower, The Salt Room focuses on delivering the finest seafood to the table.

To celebrate this milestone and the success they’ve had over the last couple of years, The Salt Room is launching a brand new menu that boasts fresh and locally sourced seafood and some of the finest cuts of meat paired with delicate ingredients resulting in irresistible flavour combinations. THE SALT ROOM 106 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2FU Telephone 01273 929488 www.saltroom-restaurant.co.uk

Brighton Restaurant Awards

MYE MYE comes to HOVE

Brand new restaurant awards celebrates Brighton’s thriving food scene. Being at the forefront of the Brighton Restaurant scene, Restaurants Brighton are set to launch a new and innovative restaurant awards program for Brighton and the surrounding area called BRAVO, which stands for Brighton Restaurant Awards – Vote Online. With social media playing a huge role in the influence and support of the restaurant industry, BRAVO wanted to put the power back into consumer’s hands, by driving a vote only award campaign. The scheme, headline sponsored by Deliveroo and ResDiary will be a first for the region as it is based entirely on a public vote, with votes cast online via a dedicated hub at brightonrestaurantawards.co.uk

At MYE MYE they are passionate foodies which reflects in the quality of our food and excellent customer service! From Gyoza and Katsu to Pad Thai and Laksa our menu is diverse – contemporary classics with a twist and their chef’s own special recipes – we know you will enjoy their food! Also we can announce their is a new Executive chef joining the team to complement the new opening in HOVE, this great restaurant is 100% one to watch on the cities growing food scene.

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MYE MYE – BRIGHTON – 14 Matlock Road, Brighton, BN1 5BF MYE MYE – HOVE – 130 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5QL www.myemye.com

PARADISE FOUND SEYCHELLES

MODELS Will Glover - Layla Harris - Rob Loydell - Daisy Boote IMAGES Darren Black Photography HAIR / MAKE-UP Fatosh Kalan CLOTHES AND SHOES Mottoo brighton and Walk in wardrobe Brighton LOCATIONS Hilton Labriz Seychelles, Bird Island Seychelles, Indian Ocean Lodge Seychelles,

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kirkandkirk.com #kirkandkirk

Designed for music Absolute magazine talked to our very own design star Pete Hayward. We discover a little more about his background, his memories of the heady 80s, his legendary DJ days and music production work. His experiences working as a design consultant for Simon Cowell, Wham! and many, many more.

ABSOLUTE: Pete, how did your design career begin? What kind of design influences did you have?:“I studied graphic and visual communication at the Medway College of Design. I originally wanted to be a painter but was talked out of it by Ian Dury. He was a guest lecturer." My influences were Pushpin's studio's work in New York - notably Milton Glazer. The psychedelic designers in San Francisco - Victor Moscoso and Wes Wilson. Barney Bubbles here in the UK."

“Whilst on holiday in Chicago, I saw an ad for a design assistant at a large LP print company. I organised an interview with the owner. Afterviewing my portfolio (which i cunningly took on holiday) he liked my work. A voice with an English accent boomed from next door - “But can he make good tea?” My reply was “Try me”. I was put to the test. When the two English designers had finished their brew they pleaded: “Please take him on Jim!”. “They hadn't had a decent brew in months! I got the job by virtue of my tea making ability.” “I spent 3 months learning the studio ropes. My duties were making PMT transfer prints / paste up / airbrush re-touching, artwork assistant. I saw iconic LP's of the era on the drawing board including Eagles 'Hotel California' and Fleetwood Mac 'Rumours'. The best bit about the job is I saw the whole design-to-print process. I spent time talking to the printers while the LP covers were on press and learned so much. I remember 'Rumours' was on the print press for weeks, non-stop! My knowledge I picked up there was vital for the next stage – London record companies.

ABSOLUTE: Tell us about this period. Was it in the 70s? “Indeed it was. 1977. I blagged my way in to CBS, Phonogram, A&M, Polydor, Arista, EMI which all had art departments and art directors who gave out design jobs. I had teamed up with another designer and we were ready to take on the world. A company called 'Shoot That Tiger!' was formed.

Much work followed and we were given contracts to do artwork for United Artists, and EMI. So basically any ads and LP arts were finalized in our studio. It was in this time that I would occasionally be asked to look after a project because the artist would be 'too much work'. One such was WHAM! I was dispatched to Radlet and met up with a very young George Michael. He showed me some Style Council covers and asked for similar typographic styling. We worked up their campaign together leading to the award winning 'Club Tropicana' design. George was a serious guy to work with and we had 'exchanges'. I put their album 'Fantastic' artwork together and retouched a photo of the boys which was to print as silver and black. He was overjoyed with the final result. Whilst on the video shoot of Tropicana, the record label decided they wanted the photo in original colour. They went forward and used the original unretouched dirty, negative version. George duly sacked me afterwards. He thought I had some sway at the label. The MD seemed to have other ideas. The original 'Fantastic' artwork was never seen as it was originally intended. I've included the cover here for the first time.

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It was around this period I was called in to work for the Stones, on singles sleeves from the 'Some Girls' album. I met Mick Jagger for the first time. I then moved onto a company by the name of Mainartery. We were the official art studio for RCA records in the 80s. This included all Motown product too. Classic club records went trough my hands including the Gap Band and Pointer Sisters. Then we were employed by PWL, then at the height of their 'Hit Factory' best. I spent much time at their Borough studios, meeting most of the pop stars of that era. Covers for Rick Astley, Kylie and Sybil went from my drawing board to print. I had a call one day from someone called Simon Cowell. He was in the studio with a new artist – Sinitta, and they needed artwork. Following on from the many pop hits we had covered, I was briefed to do a series of covers. Simon was actually great fun to work with. He really believed in his projects and worked tirelessly. We did many projects together before Pop Idol.

I was then dispatched to ireland to work with Anton Corbijn on a campaign for the group - Clannad. We were in the cold winds of Donegal and it was all quite mysterious. The coastal landscape was amazing! Bono from U2 was there as he had just sung with the band on 'In A Lifetime'. He drove up there from Dublin, in his new car - a black hearse! After the photo session there was a bit of a music knees-up in the family pub. Everybody played – including me, I'm a bass player.

PORTFOLIO

BRIGHTON PLEASURE

PRIDE @ THE FRINGE FESTIVAL, MAY 2013 Sunday evenings at Sabai Pavilion, Victoria Gardens, Grand Parade, Brighton. BN1 1UG Doors open 7.30 for all shows.

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ABSOLUTE: Tell us about your involvment

with music. When did you start DJing? “I began playing bass at a young age. When I lived in Kent I was gigging with a cool, boogie, RnB band. One gig was a regular Sunday night deep in the Weald. The maestro guitarist Jeff Beck, used to come and hang out there. If in the mood, he would play a few tunes with us. He invited us to play a birthday party in the early 80s. The idea was to warm up the stage in his garden before the real stars would step up to the plate. One by one, our band members were replaced and I was last man standing. In my wildest dreams I never imagined standing opposite Jimmy Page and Jeff beck with a bass guitar in my hand! I must have played 2 or 3 tunes with them.” “After moving to Brighton, in 1985, I was invited to the 'Beverly Hills' nightclub (now Bohemia). It was a full on gay club. The late Andy Crock was Djing, and I suddenly heard a new sound – electronic dance music – Moroder/ Italian electro / electronic drums. I was smitten. I purchased a pair of Technics 1200s and went about buying new dance music. The bass guitar was duly hung up. In 1988 Brighton went Acid House and I joined the fun. Soon enough I was playing at the new Zap Club. I played all over the Brighton club scene in the late 80s and early 90s. The promoter Paul Kemp (now MD of Brighton Pride), asked me if I fancied doing a warm up slot at his new night – Wild Fruit. It was to be held at the Paradox on West St. He believed it would be a great one-off. That first 'one-off' turned into 16 years of amazing monthly nights. It was duly voted best club night in the land by DJ Magazine. I was resident for 15 years and it was utterly amazing. I also designed most of the flyers.”

“In the early 90s I was invited by a promoter to play in Warsaw, Poland. I was the first British House DJ to ever play in Poland! Many nights followed there and the scene exploded. The energy was utterly unique and some nights didn't finish until the beer ran dry the following day. Some great memories of warming up for Faithless and Roger Sanchez stick in my mind. Warsaw remains one of my favourite cities.” “In tandem to DJing, I began producing a project with Kasia and Goloka. Described as “Woozy and crafted like a Melancholic film.” Goloka have appeared on over 50 albums worldwide. From London to Tokyo, from China to Europe. Highlights on Hotel Costes (10), He'd Sandi, Fierce Angel and Café Mambo. The project is ongoing with a new album in the making. I have many profiles in electronic music production – ambient, deep house, down tempo, electronic.”

“As well as designing for music and making music I also consult. For example, I put concept ideas and packaging together for compilation projects – some notable projects have been the Comfort Zone series, Still Life, House Warming, Coffee Shop Beats and The Future Sound Of...”

ABSOLUTE: Apart from the design of

Absolute, what kind of work are you involved with now: “I get up to all sorts! Although with the LP cover format come-back, I am now in demand for artwork restoration. A lot of original artwork and 'parts' as they are known have been long lost. I get the job of taking an old sleeve, and literally reproducing it to original glory. This often includes tracing old fonts

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used and reproducing the artwork. I love this kind of work. Lately I have had to restore 60's material, Blonde albums and a lot of New Wave material. Many albums that came out as CD format only now are being re-released in a vinyl format.” "My main area of interest is retro design work. I have clients who buy up music catalogue / film performance / TV broadcast / Radio Broadcast and need concept design to fit the period." ABSOLUTE: Do you ever get to meet the

artists you have worked with? Absolutely. I have met many of my music heroes. I can count Jagger, McCartney, Bill Wyman, Angus Young, The Stranglers, The Pretty Things... the list goes on. I have been privileged to work with artists, journalists and writers that had major influence on me in my formative years. So, you are a graphic designer, a musician, a producer, a DJ. Anything else we should know about? "I'm painting again – time allowing. I am designing a series of prints based on old NME covers which will be silk-screened, I am very excited about these." I am hoping to put an exhibition of my work on in the future. Watch this space..."

ABSOLUTE:

"I'm still brilliant at making Tea."

Absolute, Simon Darcy

Wham!'s no.1 album shown here as it was originally designed

Classic 60s Zombies LP's restored and reproduced in original packaging

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The artist known as

Lez

Lez Ingham is a Hove based artist with an international footprint. Born in Zambia but raised travelling back and forth across the US, Lez studied in London before settling in Cape Town and establishing herself a successful career in advertising, graphic design and film making. Lez eventually moved back to London and then on to Brighton and Hove, where she now lives. With a catalogue of work drawing upon influences from Andy Warhol to Roy Lichtenstein, Lez’s work is clearly political but with its tongue planted firmly in the cheek of its creator.

hree dimensional in nature, Lez recently said in an interview for Brighton’s GScene magazine “I want you to touch it, feel the texture, the paint, put your hands on it, go on! I’m not precious about my work”. In keeping with this philosophy and interaction between the artist and her audience, Lez has created an original piece of work for this auction inspired by current world events, her own trump card. Her work has been sold all over the world and selections from her SuperHeroes and Icons of the 20th Century are in high demand. This latest piece is certain to follow in their footsteps. Let's cut to formative years. Where did you grow up? I don’t think I have grown up. I was the youngest of 3 daughters. I was born in Zambia, and spent most of my childhood in a fake leopard skin bikini bottom, swimming, climbing trees and following my father around. I adored him. I was a tomboy and refused to wear dresses. My father taught me how to draw, swim, dive, fish, ride horses, ride motorbikes, drive a car, weld, shoot and sail. He recognised my love for drawing and encouraged me to concentrate on my art at school. I won lots of art competitions. When I was 12 we immigrated to the USA, flying first to London, which I fell head over heels in love with. We then flew into New York and I was totally in awe of the magnificent skyscrapers, the Statue of Liberty and the amazing neon everywhere. We settled in Los Angeles and travelled throughout the states, taking in a lot of the cities on the West coast, as well as dipping into Canada. I loved San Francisco and Palm Springs. My uncle was a movie star, so I got to visit Hollywood and meet a few stars. I also got to

visit The Beverly Hills Hotel and some houses in Bel-Air. After 2 years, we returned to Africa.

Where did study take place, and where did it lead you to? At 17 I began a 2 year foundation course at Eastbourne College of Art and went on to study Graphic Design at Kingston-uponThames, where I gained a BA Honours degree. I freelanced in London for a year before travelling to Switzerland, Israel and Cape Town. By ringing a wrong telephone number, I was introduced to the editor of a fashion magazine, and subsequently the MD of an Advertising agency. I was offered the job of setting up and running an in-house Audio Visual Department. After London, moving to Cape Town was like moving back 2 decades. I walked into the agency in my Joseph jodhpurs, Frye cowboy boots and openly gay attitude, immediately intimidating the men. I hadn’t experienced misogyny or chauvinism before, and found it quite disturbing. However, I worked very hard establishing the department, working through the night and weekends. Meetings were held in the board room, I was the only woman and everyone smoked. I decided to learn how to smoke Cuban cigars, and introduced myself to two gentlemen who owned a traditional tobacconist on Loop Street. It took a while and I acquired the taste and ritual of enjoying a fine cigar. By doing so, I managed to blow most of the men that irritated me out of the boardroom. I eventually left the agency and went freelance producing and directing documentaries for Rio Tinto Zinc, Sun International, the South African Department of Health and Stellenbosch Farmer’s Winery. You ended up in London, what eventually made you want to come to 80s Brighton? Do you have good memories of those heady days?

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I returned to England in the 80’s. The Thatcher Years were Yuppies, Loadsamoney, The Conran Shop, The Groucho Club and buying your own property to style and lavish with objet d’art. I started a design company, designing corporate logos and adverts for small businesses. I also designed products for museums and tourist attractions across the country. The 80’s was hard work, massive stress driving to meetings along miles of motorways that were constantly being repaired. The 90’s was when I began to relax and enjoy my life more. It’s when I decided to paint and express my frustration and feelings about the absurdity of politics and it’s affect on all of our lives.

Absolute considers you to be a POP artist. A wide category. If you take a look at Warhol's work of the late 50's, we see him drawing beautiful illustrations. Do you consider rudimentary drawing important in qualifying your work? Drawing is essential for observing space, angles, perspective, texture, shade & light. I have illustrations and paintings that I did before painting large scale canvases. When studying at Kingston-upon-Thames, I’d return to Zambia 3 times a year. I was commissioned to paint water colour portraits of Italian children, big murals in cafes and record stores, and I freelanced for an architect, illustrating house styles for potential buyers. I also built a massive statue for the mining industry to be shown at trade show, and won an award. I had a motorbike and would ride out into the bush, with my paints, crayons, music, binoculars and camera, and take a dusty road searching for interesting vistas to photograph & paint. These places would mostly be by a river or lake, so that I could swim and cool down in the intense heat.

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RINA TAIRO

13&14 Prince Albert Street Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1HE T:01273 774288 E:info@rinatairo.com

www.rinatairo.com

All photography © jean-luc brouard

I acquired the taste and ritual of enjoying a fine cigar. By doing so, I managed to blow most of the men that irritated me out of the boardroom."

LEZ Do you sketch and draw? Do you have fat books of fabulous doodles and ideas? I have some old sketch books. I used to sketch a lot. When I was 12, travelling the USA, I sketched everywhere we went, as well as inventing a few cartoon characters which were reminiscent of the teenagers I observed. Sadly that sketch book was lost travelling across continents. I remember travelling to Paris and sitting in smoky cafes & bars, sketching people for money, because I’d spent my allowance on a haircut and a beautiful belt. Warhol once said "Business art is the step that comes after art. I started as a commercial artist, and I want to finish as a business artist." Can you relate to this? Andy Warhol is one of my favourite artists. I visited his massive exhibition at The Tate Modern in the 90’s. I was totally blown away and inspired by his canvases. His Brillo Boxes, were surprisingly tatty and dull. His illustrations of shoes were incredibly delicate and I thought his giant black & white silk screens of car crashes, suicide jumps and criminal mug shots really powerful. Yes, I consider Art to be Big Business. It’s cut throat too. I’m a very private person and painting is a solitary career. I could

never share a studio with other people. When I paint, I’m totally ‘in the zone’. I dislike disturbances of any kind. I switch my phone off and listen to music, Radio 4 or The World Service.

You once did a series of 'Superheroes'. These were large scale works painted in acrylics on boards made up to make 3D pieces. I painted the Super Heroes collection after 9/11. I was convinced that the destruction of the Twin Towers was a precursor to the beginning of a very dark time in history. The super heroes included Superman, Batman, Supergirl & Wonder Woman. Each hero expressed their reaction to the attack. I made them multi-layered as I’d been designing shop fronts with large scale, multi-layered components. The shop facades pushed the boundaries. The inspiration came from the massive road side advertising I’d seen in my youth travelling across America. I liked the shadows they cast and the impact they had. I have always used Dulux paints for my paintings, as they have a massive spectrum of colours.

Are there any painters rocking your boat currently?

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I respect Gerhard Richter, David Hockney, Andy Warhol, Bridget Riley, Rothko & Litchenstein’s work. I like bright vibrant colours. And I’m frankly tired of seeing canvases with dripping paint or subjects without eyes.

Your work seems to drop into a series of themes. My last 2 collections included a series of Pop Icons of the 20th Century and the following one was called ‘Real Eyes Realise Real Lies’. I’m enormously inspired by music as it serves as the soundtrack to my life. The Real Eyes collection was inspired by 1960’s movie posters and included various icons of that period wearing sunglasses. Their glasses could be removed to reveal the eyes of the subject. The collection was very much tongue in cheek humour. I like to make people smile when they view my work. Pete Hayward

lighteninglez@yahoo.co.uk artlight@icloud.com Lez ingham.com View samples of work at Taylor-West & Sloan, 80 Church Road, Hove BN3 2EB

The Spirit Of The City

BRIGHTON GIN Over recent years, gin has had a well-deserved resurgence with distillery numbers doubling in the UK since 2010 to cope with demand. Two gin-lovers who felt that Brighton, quite rightly, needed its very own gin are Kathy Caton (a former restaurateur and broadcaster) and Helen Chesshire (who had worked in the wine and spirit industry for twenty-two years) – the founders of Brighton Gin.

bsolute writer (and fellow gin drinker) Shelley Welti met with Helen to chat about their award-winning business, taking gin to Number 10 and going global.

Hi Helen! When did you decide to create Brighton Gin? Kathy and I met in January 2013 and both being residents of the city and naturally of drinking gin, we decided that Brighton deserved its own gin and a gin distillery to make it in. From that moment, we were going to achieve this come hell or high water. We embarked on a year of research and then when we got our licence from HMRC in June 2014, we distilled everything and anything in order to try and achieve the flavour profile we wanted. Kathy's brilliant sense of detail and my trained palate helped us to be in a position where we didn't have a George's Marvellous Medicine situation – where we created the perfect product only to never be able to replicate it again! Our aim was to produce an award-winning, high quality, drinkable and forgiving spirit. We also wanted to create a business that

could give back to the local and wider economy, to create jobs and a good community of gin lovers and to employ talented people here in Brighton and Hove. Despite being a very proud local product made using locally sourced ingredients, we also wanted to create something that could reach further than the city - we are definitely thinking global with Brighton Gin. How does it feel to have created a spirit that encompasses the spirit of the city? We are just so happy that everyone loves it and keep buying it so we can keep making it. We have customers from 18 to 95 years old! Our gin says ‘made in Brighton for good time girls and boys everywhere’ and it is wonderful to hear on social media of people enjoying it everywhere! You have done so much already - what are your career highlights so far? We are so proud of what we have achieved in the two years we have been trading. We haven't stopped to process the fact that we have not only been stocked by the Queen's greengrocer and Kathy and I have been

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to Number 10 to talk about gin exports in Europe, but that we have now employed a host of brilliantly talented women in our distillery. We work very hard and will continue to make the city proud of us. Winning at the Brighton and Hove Business Awards (Business Beyond the City and New Kids on the Block) has been immensely rewarding and surprising! We also were really proud to win Start Up of the Year at the Business Women Excellence Awards. It means so much to be two women running a company and setting an example to women everywhere thinking about getting into business. Having Caroline Lucas visit us in our ‘cave’ was also a highlight for us. She is just so lovely and such an excellent MP for our city. She couldn't believe what we had achieved from such a small space. Before you go, what does the year hopefully have in store for you? Any exciting plans? 2017 will mean export for us. There are 27 Brightons in the US, a Brighton

in Cape Town, Melbourne, Otago and Ontario and although we can't achieve all of those right away we'd certainly like to try! We will continue to make a lovely product and hope to support as many local businesses as we can.

Brighton Gin can be found in many independent shops, bars and pubs throughout Brighton, as well as Hennings, Majestic, Tanners, Harvey Nichols and Fortnum and Mason, further afield. Shelley Welti

www.brightongin.com

"Having Caroline Lucas visit us in our ‘cave’ was also a highlight for us. She is just so lovely and such an excellent MP for our city. She couldn't believe what we had achieved from such a small space."

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OLIVER CUNNINGHAM CUCKFIELD

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ABSOLUTE MEETS

Mr. Underground He’s a veteran mixed martial arts fighter turned no-nonsense personal trainer and one third of Brighton’s renowned Underground Gym (the city’s first large strength, functional and combat gym); Absolute writer Shelley Welti meets the man known as Mr Underground – Sol Gilbert – to talk fighting, 40+ fitness and find out his top tips for getting in shape in 2017.

Who is Sol Gilbert aka Mr Underground? I am a 40+ year old, father of three wonderful and very talented children, (5, 11 and 16 years old), and husband to my soulmate Donna.

I have been in the fitness industry since I was 14, (as an athlete), and have spent 18 years as a qualified trainer. Not a lot of people know that I am also a chef by trade.

My ethos is that we shouldn’t look at age as a way out of trying our best and achieving our goals; age should be a reason to try harder. I pride myself on training 5-6 days a week and having a healthy, well balanced diet, as well as being a hands on dad – so if I can do it, there shouldn’t be any excuse! Can you tell us about your background? I come from a combat background; I started off as an amateur boxer at the age of 14 then moved into Brazilian jiu-jitsu and on to mixed martial arts in 2000.

I brought mixed martial arts to Brighton, setting up the iconic brand which was ZT Fight Skool. Through this I personally won some British and European titles, created some champions and hosted twenty-five shows.

I retired from professional fighting in 2008 when I needed a new focus. Looking at what I had achieved I realised that the cornerstone to all of this was fitness and creating an elite level of fitness within my fighters - opening a gym that specialised in this seemed like the obvious route.

How did Underground Gym start? We started the Underground Gym three years ago. I realised that there was a big gap in the market for cross training over multiple disciplines. Strength training has always been a very important part of obtaining gorilla-like strength for the combat competition, so the logical step was to combine these elements.

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I sat down with my partners Alan McGuinness and Brandon Harris and we decided to create a “super” gym like no-one has ever seen - that’s how the city’s first 10,500 sq ft strength, functional and combat facility was born.

What does SGUT stand for? SGUT stands for Sol Gilbert Ultimate Training - it’s my way of people getting some Sol love! Although I am a director of the Underground Gym, I still love helping people achieve their goals with fitness and nutrition so I set up the SGUT system. This is a face-to-face and online training system (£9.99 per month) that I deliver at the Underground Gym and through my Youtube Channel, which is targeted at parents and the 40+ brigade.

"I sat down with my partners Alan McGuinness and Brandon Harris and we decided to create a “super” gym like no-one has ever seen."

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ABSOLUTE MEETS

Mr. Underground

What makes you different to other personal trainers? My training is very direct and I have nononsense approach. This stems from my days as a combat athlete. I have also competed within a wide range of disciplines and sports so this has given me a very varied knowledge bank to work from. My system of training guarantees results but there has to be a large amount of hard work included. I treat everyone as an individual – assessing their weaknesses and putting this together in a training and nutrition plan that will work towards bettering them.

How long have you been doing short and effective High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts? Why do you think they're so popular? I have been teaching HIIT style workouts for about 10 years. The popularity of them has really taken off over the past 2-3 years. I see this stemming from time being so precious – people have other commitments that need to come first, so smashing a HIIT session that keeps the fat burning long after it is finished is something that has been really well received. Which activities do you think will be popular for 2017? Mindset has really become a hot topic within the industry. We used to do a lot of visualisation before fights, imagining which way the fight would play out and the ifs and what- nots. I use a lot of these methods in coaching my clients.

I like to try and get them to resonate with something or someone that they are doing this for, because doing something for yourself sometimes isn’t a strong enough motivator. For example, someone who is trying to lose weight but cannot stick to a plan, I ask them how important is it to see their children’s children grow up? This could be the intrinsic factor they need to keep them out of the cookie jar.

What would you say to complete beginners (or those of us who haven't worked out for a while!) about getting fit and healthy? Any top tips you can share? Start slow, get your diet nailed first, look at making one change at a time. It could be as simple as increasing your hydration (water intake), increasing protein and removing a sugar from your tea.

Your 21 day challenge sounds interesting, can you tell us more about it? I have set up a 21 day challenge (£49.99) that is an elimination diet of the problematic foods - wheat, dairy, gluten and lectins. It gives clients a day-by-day guide for training and nutrition. This works very well as they also get unlimited access to all the classes and gym floor at the Underground Gym for the full 21 days. We have changed a lot of shapes and all mindsets through this challenge. What are your personal favourite workout options?

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I still love to punch things, just not in the cage anymore, so I settle for boxing with my two boys Ethan and Boston who are both looking to compete this year as amateur boxers. I also love working out with my business partner Alan, he has a strong work ethic as he used to play county level hockey for Ireland, so a typical workout for us would be a mixture of cardio (intervals), strength and bodyweight exercises. I like to train like this as it keeps my body guessing and my lungs firing. Underground Gym membership starts from just £34.99 per month for gym use and is £44.99 per month for gym and HIIT classes and £54.99 per month for unlimited gym, combat, HIIT, Parkour and callisthenics classes. The joining fee is £40, however Absolute readers receive a 50% discount when quoting ‘Absolute BTN’. Find out more at: www.underground-gym. com and www.solgilbert.com. Or check out Sol’s Facebook (www.facebook.com/ sgultimatetraining), Twitter (@solgilbert), Instagram (@sgut_system) and Youtube (SGUT-System- Sol Gilbert) for training inspiration and transformations! Underground Gym, 8 Camden St, Portslade, BN41 1AW

"My system of training guarantees results but there has to be a large amount of hard work included. I treat everyone as an individual â&#x20AC;&#x201C; assessing their weaknesses and putting this together in a training and nutrition plan that will work towards bettering them."

Sol and Box Jump Sequence images: James Leighton-Burns

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FIZZ & FOOD The Schooner, Southwick

A wonderful option if you are a dog walker as this venue is a good strong walk along the seafront and will take you past Hove Lagoon – then a bit further along. An independent gastropub offering locally sourced meats, fish & seafood. Situated in an 18th Century building with a warm welcome, real fires and stunning panoramic views overlooking lady bee marina & the harbour. Child friendly too and Bonios are waiting for your four legged friends.

The New Club, Brighton Serving some of the best burgers you’ve ever tasted with a delicious set of sides and puddings, Coggings and Co have thought about it all – and did you kow you could take along your dog too? A venue which packs a very warm welcome, with a spacious rear garden should you wish to sit outside on those warmer days. Coggings and Co sets the standard for sourcing everything locally and has won awards for it. Highly recommended.

Better Half Pub, Hove,

Independent Pub,

Busby and Wilds, Kemptown Village

New Club is a super option if you’re planning a seafront walk. They already have several regulars, and well behaved canines are allowed if kept on a lead (but not on the seats please!). Water bowls are provided free of charge for customers’ dogsplease ask if you need one when you get there. The New Club in Brighton is super-cool and brings us an LA style Indie Coffee House, mixed with the vibes of a New York Bar and Diner.

Brighton, Hanover Conveniently located just off Hove seafront, this is an ideal venue if you want to take the dog for a stroll along the seafront, then it is a venue you can nip into, just one road back from the main Hove seafront. The Better Half is situated slightly west of Hove lawns on Hove Place. Known as your friendly neighbourhood local, this great quality food pub offers a gastro style menu along with a great selection of wines and ales.

Skyfall, hove In a nutshell, the Independent is a beer, wine & food pub but you will also find artisan roasted coffee, loose leaf teas, breakfasts, jazz nights and vinyl spins regularly on a lovely Rega turntable. It’s perfect for a Sunday lunch after walking the dog around Queen’s Park, and they will happily provide water

Tucked away in the quiet back streets of Kemptown, Busby and Wilds is a family owned neighbourhood pub which serves great food in a friendly environment. They use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create a range of delicious, satisfying dishes. Family and dog friendly, it’s a great place to go for lunch with your clan. There’s a lovely courtyard outside for the warmer months. Booking recommended on weekends.

Coggings and Co, Seven Dials

bowls and dog biscuits for parched pups.

Chimney House, Dogs are very welcome during the day at SkyFall with dog bowls & treats available for your four legged friends and they are also welcome on quieter evenings during the week. Busy evenings are a bit different though as the venue becomes a little noisy with live music, lots of people and therefore there is less space for dogs. Definitely a venue to try however maybe not a good idea on those busier evenings.

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Seven Dials

The Jolly Poacher, Brighton The Chimney House has everything a ‘proper pub’ should and more. The food is proper ‘pub grub’ but delivered in a polished way and created using the finest quality, local ingredients. They sell local jams and chutneys on the bar, and have a selection of interesting art on the walls. The menu changes seasonally and the kitchen is open plan so you can watch the chefs as they work. Has plenty of space for your four legged friends and bowls provided.

Fish and Liquor,

Brighton Seafront

pub. Situated in the North Laines, it’s super warm and friendly, perfect for a relaxed lunch with friends or simply by yourself and your dog. Big on using trusted local suppliers their food is simple but fresh, homemade and tasty. Not one, but two cozy roaring fireplaces.

Situated on Ditchling Road between Fiveways and the Level, the Jolly Poacher is a fabulous dining experience in a casual and laidback environment. The menu created by head chef Anthony Burns moves with the seasons and the availability of fresh, local and sustainable produce. They have a few tables on the terrace for when the sun has got it’s hat on and fires inside for when it doesn’t.

Battle of Trafalgar

Coach House Brighton

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

Eatalio

A lively and unique Brighton venue, the Coach House is known for its informal and friendly atmosphere as well as it’s outstanding food. Situated in the heart of the lanes, but still only a stone’s throw from the seafront, it’s an ideal place for a quality relaxed lunch. The menu features classic dishes with a twist and all made with local and seasonal produce where possible. Inviting roaring fire for the colder months. Dogs welcome.

A cosy little pub near to Brighton station, the wonders of Lyndsay’s kitchen can be experienced here too. Keen to keep their menu evolving to reflect the seasons and local produce, they offer high quality home-made pub classics. In fact the only thing you’ll find which isn’t made in house is the bread. They have special offer nights such as 2 burgers for £12 on a Monday. Bargain. Suitable for gluten-free.

The Urchin Pub in Hove

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

One of Brighton’s newest offerings, the Urchin craft beer and shellfish pub is a wholly unique concept. Entirely dedicated to shellfish, matched with a range of over 100 craft beers the Urchin is something Brighton has never seen before. Seats 30 covers in the restaurant, the menu predominantly features prawns, lobster, crab and scallops. What better place to create such a concept but the shores of Brighton? One of Brighton’s oldest pubs, the Nelly as it’s affectionately known is a great place for a proper pub lunch in a proper traditionally Victorian

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PAN ASAIN FOOD

DELIVERY & TAKEAWAY EXCELLENCE

From Gyoza and Katsu to Pad Thai and Laksa our menu is diverse contemporary classics with a twist and our chef’s own special recipes

FREE DELIVERY on all takeaway orders 10% OFF your bill if collected from the branches – any day – any time FREE EDAMAME with every online order (enter code: EDAMFREE to claim) No added chemicals, No MSG - EVER Cooked on Order, Fast delivery and Great Customer service

www.myemye.com MYE MYE – BRIGHTON – 14 Matlock Road, Brighton, BN1 5BF Order tel line: 01273 500 511. Delivery area: BN1 & BN3 6 (sector 6 only)

*** OPENING IN HOVE THIS FEB ***

MYE MYE – HOVE – 130 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5QL 50

Order tel line: 01273 739 048 Delivery area: BN3 (except BN3 6) and BN41

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IndIan street food & craft beer

‘Local Gem’ Waitrose Good food Guide 2016 & 2017 ‘top ten places to drink in brighton’ the Guardian ‘best newcomer, south coast’ asian curry awards

brIGHton Lanes cafe 60 ship street, bn1 1ae

neW: KeMPtoWn KItcHen 40-42 Upper st James’ st, bn2 1Jn

brIGHton statIon KIosK

curryleafcafe.com 51

BARS & BEATS BYOC

Bohemia

Legends

Bring your own Cocktail is the newest bar to join the ever expanding plethora of drinking establishments popping up. This type of bar is the first of its kind in Brighton as alcohol is not available to buy on the premises and there is no drinks menu. You and your friends are invited to bring your favourite spirits and hire one of the expert bartenders to mix whatever drink you desire. The cocktails are prepared and served in front of you from a trolley with a selection of cocktail acompliments. You pay a flat fee for a set amount of time with the mixologist. This is great idea if you love cocktails and are on a budget and its lots of fun getting the staff to create your favourite tipple.

If you are looking for a premier cocktail bar with lots of atmosphere then this the place for you. Bohemia is a great place to spend your evening. Spread over 3 floors it has a large central bar on the ground floor with highly trained bar staff on hand to mix cocktails that won’t disappoint. They are a bit pricey but definitely worth it. The first floor has a late lounge, specialising in champagne and even has a cigar menu. The lounge opens Friday and Saturdays till late and has Djs every evening if you fancy a dance. The top floor even has a beautiful glass walled Veuve Clicquot Champagne roof garden complete with AstroTurf.

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

Lion & Lobster

Hotel Du Vin

My Hotel

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

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

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

The Font

Lucky Voice Karaoke

Neighbourhood

This is an ideal venue for pre-drinks if you are out on a hen or stag night or with a big groups of friends. The drinks are cheap with lots of offers on shots. The bar staff are very friendly and service is speedy. There is always a DJ downstairs playing popular tunes to get your night started. The atmosphere is fun but cheesy.

Bringing the jazzy style of some of Japan’s most infamous karaoke bars, Lucky Voice is a playground for the amateur performer, the ignorant out of tuner or the stage stunna. Whether you can sing or not, grab your mates, get a booth and wait for the classic tunes to roll out for a feel good night like no other. There’s a cocktail bar lined with sofas for lounging and boozing too.

Cool and quirky are words that don’t feel like they quite cut it at this laid back dive bar just shy of Kemp Town. If you’re not seduced by Neighbourhood’s cracking beer garden brimming with brightly coloured furniture and it’s own bar, you’ll be inside taking in two floors worth of Brooklyn inspired insanity. From vintage wares and magazine. smothered walls to locally produced art work and mis-matched furniture, Neighbourhood have eclectic spot on.

Fortune of War

Proud Cabaret Brighton

MEAT liquor

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

32 Duke Street

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

Proud Cabaret is the ultimate in evening indulgence for your late night drinking antics. A den of 1920s lusting and vintage charm, Proud are champions of sumptuous décor, beautiful babes and cabaret cavorts where you can delight in entertainment, jazzy lights and delicious drinks. Gilded interiors, burlesque romps and a stunning show guaranteed on your visit here.

The Tempest Inn

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

FunFair Club

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

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Of all the things that you thought you’d be doing when you went for a drink tonight, would watching a lady hammer a nail into her nose be one of them? Nope, we didn’t think so either. A fun fair themed club inspired by Brighton’s hedonistic days, the FunFair Club is brimming with vintage flair and fun filled party people, be them lashing around in the ball pit or taking in the bed of nails table in one of the VIP rooms.

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COFFEE

CAKE

Still searching for the perfect flat white? We do the search for you. Here is a round up featuring some of the best... Absolute continually strives to find the best Coffee outlets.

The Cappuccino Kid

Coffeetzar

Brighton boasts a plethora of fine Coffee outlets. Absolute scours the city and beyond for the perfect fix. We recommend these!

Trafalga Street in the North Laine has become coffee central. New kid on-theblock Coffeetzar opened recently. "We use a delicious blend of quality Cuban beans from the Sierra Maestra mountains, cleverly blended with the unique taste of brazilian coffee from the renowned Bahia farm. It puts the carnival spirit in every cup - smooth, buttery and sweet. A fabulous selection of home-made cakes and savouries are always available." 97 Trafalgar Street, Brighton

Coffee@33

Serving superbly balanced flat whites, Coffee@33 has been my number one coffee shop, and has evolved without loosing any of its original quality. With its subdued interior, delicious cakes & sandwiches, it consistently delivers an impressive coffee experience and beyond. “Seven years after opening Coffee@33 we made the decision to become a micro roaster and roast our own coffee. The traditional coffee roaster is a drum roaster powered by gas. But the roster we have chosen is a different one. It’s a hot air roaster designed and manufactured by NOVOROASTER based in Germany. It is a 2 kg coffee roaster. The plus side of the roaster is a visual effect and the ability to see the amazing transformation from the green coffee bean to a fully roasted coffee.” 33 Trafalgar Street, Brighton

Brewed

Head out on to the Lewis Road and check new kid on the block BREWED. This mini, but considered Berlin styled Coffee Cafe certainly delivers one of the smoothest coffee brews. "We dont use any specific blend here. We mainly use single origins. And because BREWED does not have a tie to any roastery, we are able to select coffees that we like.

Stoney Point

Our espresso changes every 10-20 kilos. We’ve used roasteries like Nude, Cast iron, Horsham, James Gourmet and currently we are serving a Nnicuraguia from North Star." 136 Lewes Road Brighton

Black Crow Coffee

"We exclusively use beans from a Horsham coffee roaster. They’re an astounding roaster with a wonderful ethic. We use our regular house blend ‘Pioneer’ as it’s a fantastic all rounder and we generally have a guest ‘single origin’ bean." 20 South Farm Rd, Worthing

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“Our beans are from the Monmouth Coffee Company. We use the organic expresso as our regular blend and have a selection of single origin available as filter. Monmouth began roasting in the 1970s so they have a ton of experience and direct relations with local coffee producers. Our pastries arrive daily from the amazing Brighton artisan Julien Plumart and my partner bakes all our cakes. She has a vintage baking style focusing on seasonal ingredient and natural flavours that complement our coffee rather than overpowering it." 15 Montpelier Place, Brighton Pete Hayward

Stoney Point

Coffeetzar

Black Crow Coffee

Brewed Coffee@33

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ABSOLUTEHOMES ISSUE SEVEN - COVER BRIGHTON SUNSET

HOMES | INTERIORS | PROPERTY | INVESTMENT | DEVELOPMENT

www.bo-sussex.co.uk

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INTRODUCTION By Chris Sawyer & Adam Farrell, directors Sawyer & Co. Sales & Lettings and Fine & Country Brighton and Hove.

We know that Brighton & Hove historically attracts a wide range of buyers. In fact, the diverse demographic that makes up the population is one of the big appealing factors for many who choose to make the city their home.

ne thing is sure when it comes to talking about the property market - for whatever reasons, people will always be looking to buy and sell, to move home and to make investments in bricks and mortar.

The biggest challenge is often how to work out which sources of information are trustworthy, both in terms of knowledge and business reputation. The Guild of Property Professionals (AKA The Guild) is a national network of almost 800 carefully selected independent estate agents who work together to consistently raise standards of excellence and professionalism in the industry.

The Guild’s annual awards recognise the cream of the crop of estate agents across the nation. At this year’s ceremony in January Sawyer & Co Sales & Lettings won ‘Best Estate Agent in the South East’ and we were also runners up in the national ‘Best Lettings Agent in the UK’ category, which is an amazing achievement for a small company like us in Brighton and Hove.

The awards were sponsored by The Telegraph, who commented: “The Telegraph is looked to by its readers as a trusted source of expertise. It is therefore fitting that we are able to celebrate excellence in the property industry by sponsoring the awards ceremony.” Local picture

In order to achieve such a level of success with both The Guild and local buyers and sellers, here at Sawyer & Co. we have to maintain a high awareness of the local property picture across the whole spectrum. For the majority of the local market low stock coupled with low interest rates continues to keep the sector buoyant, however we believe the high-end of the market in our area will remain resilient for five main reasons. A low supply of stock, together with continued high popularity with London buyers and commuters has always been a big plus for this sector of local market. Now with a drop in sterling helping overseas buyers and domestic buyers benefiting from low levels of interest that show no likelihood of changing, we’re predicting good market activity with prices expected to rise slightly.

This gentle price rise comes on the back of far more impressive increases that have been ongoing since the recovery from the recession, and the presence of so many high-profile educational establishments locally such as Roedean, Brighton College and Lancing College also adds value to our high end sector.

A wide demographic We know that Brighton & Hove historically attracts a wide range of buyers. In fact, the diverse demographic that makes up the population is one of the big appealing factors for many who choose to make the city their home.

Demand remains steady, activity levels consistent and people would seem to have regained confidence after any post Brexit decision shock that may have been felt elsewhere. Buyers are still looking at our area as one of the best places to come once they have made a decision to move out of the capital. Commuters still make up a significant proportion of buyers, despite what sometimes feels like Southern Rail’s and the unions’ best efforts to discourage them! The image of Brighton and Hove as ‘London by Sea’ can be justified by the wealth and diversity of culture that the city has to offer. A vibrant arts scene is reflected in the famous Laines, while city as a whole is increasingly becoming home to one of Europe’s most thriving digital and IT (CDIT) clusters.

The potential for a huge growth in employment in the coming years is yet another positive factor that will play into the health of the local property market and with Brighton & Hove still holding the crown as the most visited destination in the South East there is little doubt that the local economy is on firm ground.

With the market conditions changing in London last year, it seemed inevitable that we would see the wider market cooling off in our area to some extent. However, some parts of London may have gone backwards in value after having perhaps got rather overheated and that certainly doesn’t seem to be the case locally across the spectrum. A good balance

As with any other local market, each specific area in Brighton and Hove will have its own micro-performance levels.

Central locations and those near amenities such as train stations and good schools are traditionally always in demand. Here in Brighton and Hove we’re blessed with a strong arts, music and creative scene offering people a wealth of things to do and enjoy when they’re not relaxing on the beach which offers people a good quality of life and the opportunity to enjoy a great work/life balance. If you would like to discuss the local property market in more detail just pop into one of our Sawyer & Co. high street branches in Hove, Brighton’s Kemp Town or Portslade, email hove@sawyerandco.co.uk, call 01273 77 88 44 or use our 24 hour live online chat at www.sawyerandco.co.uk

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UNI

Estate Agents

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

“Head and shoulders above other high street agents.” Heather (seller)

info@qsalesandlettings.co.uk

THE SMARTER WAY TO SELL

SALES DIRECTOR JAMES BEALE MNAEA

CALL FOR A FREE VALUATION

01273 622664

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Comfort and elegance in the striking shades of red. Although red is quite a dominant colour, it is also associated with vitality, passion and love. Being warm and positive, it can exude the room with good energy.

Whether you’re designing your new space, or simply looking to refresh the look of your living room, take a look at these easy-to-steal decorating ideas. From lighting to wallpaper, be brave and let the red in...

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B&Q Wallpaper

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Eames Elephant Chair £95

Hearts Rug, Benuta. co.uk £144.95

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Orion Table lamp - Floor lamp by Koziol, madeindesign.co.uk £60.85

Brighton Visitor is Brighton & Sussexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ONLY tourism-specific magazine. Packed with great ideas of things to see and do in Brighton & Hove and within Sussex, this free glossy magazine covers everything from shopping, food & drink, kids, attractions, Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On & more. Brighton Visitor is picked up by both locals and visitors and is published quarterly throughout the year with a total annual print run of 150,000 copies.

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New Homes at Hill Brow, Hove Hill Brow – New Home Heaven

ishon Mackay New Homes is delighted to market three superlative detached homes in the desirable location of Hill Brow, Hove. Created by boutique developers Sigma Homes, each has been individually designed to offer a modern, contemporary lifestyle with emphasis upon flowing internal space enhanced by futureproof home technology.

Hill Brow is a superb location, being high up on a ridge in a long established residential area, and surrounded by some of the most desirable property in the city of Brighton & Hove. Access to the A27/A23 interchange is just a short drive, making commuting by car easy, while Preston Park railway station is a 15 minute walk away, giving a fast service to London and Gatwick. The area is therefore extremely popular with families, many of whom have children at the highly regarded local schools. With five large double bedrooms plus a small double bedroom, these three iconic homes have been carefully designed to offer exceptional accommodation and great flexibility of use, and are ideal for modern families, both for entertaining and relaxation and for those wishing to accommodate visiting family and friends. The outside areas and gardens are carefully landscaped to enhance the elevated position.

While each home is slightly different in layout, each offers a spectacular kitchen/ dining/day room which opens to the garden. This wonderful space is the perfect place to spend family time or to entertain. The generous living room is perfect for more formal entertaining or for peaceful adult relaxation. There is also a separate study and a utility room and a welcoming entrance hall. The architectural style is dramatic and unique, and features strong diagonals as a theme, with a feature chimney stack providing a visual focal point. The style carefully combines the assured appeal of traditional elements with the excitement of contemporary architecture, resulting in a mature, considered and attractive design. The integrated future-proofed cabling and technology platform has been carefully designed to support whatever level of audio/ visual system the buyer wishes to install.

Each home offers between 4000 and 4400 sq ft of internal space, and each has a double garage. There is a 10 Year New Homes Premier Warranty – for peace of mind purchase. The prices range from £1,850,000 to £2,000,000, call Mishon Mackay New Homes 01273 829300 for your appointment to view. Sara Van Loock

Contact for more information: Mishon Mackay New Homes 01273 829300 newhomes@mishonmackay.com

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The integrated future-proofed cabling and technology platform has been carefully designed to support whatever level of audio/ visual system the buyer wishes to install.

Hill Brow is a superb location, being high up on a ridge in a long established residential area, and surrounded by some of the most desirable property in the city of Brighton & Hove.

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leaders.co.uk

A selection of modern apartments in the heart of the city from ÂŁ1,200pcm. Book your viewing on 01273 720714

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Looking to rent in the city or buy at the marina? Leaders have the widest choice from five branches across Brighton & Hove.

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A selection of luxury marina apartments with stunning views from ÂŁ440,000. Book your viewing on 01273 622007

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Mortgage & Insurance Brokers

Come & talk to us about your mortgage & insurance needs 253c Ditchling Road | Brighton | BN1 6JD 01273 956 564 | info@mymortgagecompany.co.uk www.mymortgagecompany.co.uk My Mortgage Company Limited is an Appointed Representative of Mortgage Intelligence Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority inder number 305330 in respect of mortgage, insurance and consumer credit mediation activities only. Registered address 30-34 North Street, Hailsham, East Sussex BN27 1DW. Registered in England & Wales under number 9906953. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

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leaders.co.uk

Exclusive off-plan prices available for a limited time lots p n la Off-p le from ab avail 0

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RUSSELL HOUSE, BRIGHTON A selection of 53 stunning one, two and three bedroom apartments in the heart of Brighton – offering the very best of city living. For more information call us onABSOLUTE 01273 720714 or visit leaders.co.uk

CLAREMONT HEIGHTS DENTON

Viewing Now! A Stunning selection of three bedroom houses set in Denton, Newhaven.

Computer generated image

For more details contact David Beaken - david@oakleyproperty.com

01273 487444

www.claremontheights.com ABSOLUTE

Terms and conditions may apply, contact david@oakleyproperty.com for details. Photos taken from Claremont Heights show home and are intended as a guide only.

Incentives available for last few buyers

NOW VIEWING Oakley invite you to come along and view these stunning riverside homes before the last few are sold

LUXURY RIVERSIDE LIVING These stunning new riverside homes located in the centre of Lewes offer a combination of roof terraces, balconies, garages, large lower floor hobby/work spaces and allocated parking.

Visit chandlerswharflewes.co.uk For more information please contact David Beaken: Tel: 01273 487444 Email: david@oakleyproperty.com Visit: oakleyproperty.com

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Design Interiors Do

Kitchens!

Inspired by the needs of their growing family (Holly, eight; Noah, six; and Sebastian, four), Dan and Lorraine Counsell’s move to the quiet streets of Hove inspired their choice of interior design.

After living with a cold, dark kitchen extension, Dan and Lorraine wanted the new space to convey warmth and light. New underfloor heating was topped with a limestone floor, laid throughout to unite the rooms.

he grandeur of the Regency, Edwardian and Victorian homes around them influenced the couple to return to the Victorian values innate in the architecture of their home; craftsmanship, natural materials, and architectural character. “We inherited a fairly modern kitchen, and a recent extension that felt distinct from the rest of the house. We had huge bi-fold doors, but they let in draughts and rain. With no skirting, and small roof windows, the whole space felt cold and unwelcoming,” said Lorraine. Creating a space to cook family cooking became a focus, so Dan and Lorraine contacted Design Interiors.

“We really liked their designs, so they did some drawings for us. With the children getting bigger, we decided to renovate the loft instead. Then, we realised we would need to take a chimney breast and lintel out of our son’s bedroom before we could start the kitchen, and thought we may as well work our way down from the top of the house.” It was while renovating the rest of the house that Dan and Lorraine discovered the characteristic Davonport style. “We’ve used some of their units in the bathrooms because it’s that timeless, classic look we wanted. So, they made sense for the kitchen itself.”

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The cabinetry has been further enhanced with a bold colour choice that has enough classic reference not to date. “Dan is a software developer and keen photographer, so more design-orientated. I’d seen the colour I wanted, and Lee was fantastic about hunting down just the right match. He was also great at sourcing all the finishing touches.” After living with a cold, dark kitchen extension, Dan and Lorraine wanted the new space to convey warmth and light. New underfloor heating was topped with a limestone floor, laid throughout to unite the rooms. The bi-fold doors were scrapped in favour of hardwood casement windows and French doors, painted in soft Farrow & Ball Lamp Room Gray, were put in instead, additions that feel more sympathetic to the period in which their home was built. “We only ever opened the bi-fold doors a handful of times. We just don’t have the weather, but we open the French windows all the time.” A multi-functional unit houses the TV peripherals, shelves, and storage for the logs to fuel the alcove woodburner. “We’re the only people we know that can’t wait for winter, so we can turn the underfloor heating on and light the woodburner,” laughs Lorraine.

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Design Interiors Do

Kitchens!

At what stage were Design Interiors brought in to the kitchen project? “Very early on. It was originally the first room of the house that Dan and Lorraine wanted to renovate, but the pressing need for bedrooms for the children meant it became one of the last. From a design point of view, this was very useful as I was able to see how the family lived and use their space. Designing the rest of the house first gave context to the brief as I knew they’d want a space sympathetic to the architecture of the house (as the other rooms are).” Part of the brief was to create an inviting space for the whole family. How did you achieve this? “The practical side was all about white rather than a brilliant white. The fact that their desired marble worktop wouldn’t cope well with acid and alkaline stains pushed me to find a more resilient option that looks like marble, but is easier to keep clean.”

Considering all the elements you brought to the project, what are you most proud of? “I think it’s the fact the family are so happy, because I can see the kitchen is being maintained. For clients who have children and can’t spend loads of time tidying up, it means it’s working for them. I’m especially proud of the corner pantries because they were a bespoke solution to the problem of space around the island. Additionally, because they’re designed to be left open during use, I had to look at different door construction to those that Davonport usually provide, but because all of the company’s furniture is bespoke and handmade, we were able to devise a beautiful and practical solution. www.design-interiors.com

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“I’m especially proud of the corner pantries because they were a bespoke solution to the problem of space around the island. Additionally, because they’re designed to be left open during use.”

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Hill Brow

Desirable elevated Hove Park location with exceptional specification throughout Three superlative six bedroom, four bathroom detached homes. Each home has been individually designed to offer a modern, contemporary lifestyle with emphasis upon flowing internal space of over 4000 sq ft. Price guide ÂŁ1,850,000. Call to view Show Home now.

01273 829300 newhomes@mishonmackay.com www.mishonmackay.com

Ibiza Luxury Villa Rentals & Sales Privadia.com | info@privadia.com | +34 676 650 162 | Facebook.com/privadia

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 T: 01403 788140 E: info@wabi.co.uk 59 ISSUU-ABSOLUTEMAGAZINE-FEB-2015.indd 54

05/02/2015 21:55

Curry Leaf Café A whistle stop tour of India’s Culinary History As Brighton's freshest culinary institution, Curry Leaf Cafe serves multi-award-winning Indian street food, curries and craft beers from three colourful and unique dining spots in Brighton.

he original cafe is located in the heart of The Lanes and operates as a cafe-cumlunch spot during the day with a range of coffees, teas, snacks and traditional South Indian street food – as well as more substantial meals such as thali platters, dosas and Masala-battered fish 'n chips. In the evenings diners flock to the cafe to experience its small but diverse dinner menu of tandoor-grilled meats, vegan street dishes and expertly spiced curries, accompanied by one of Brighton's best range of craft beers and spiced cocktails.

Always the pioneer, in early 2016 Curry Leaf Cafe made the history books by launching an Indian street food kiosk inside Brighton Station – a UK first – serving up an exciting menu of authentic Indian breakfasts, street food, curries, paratha wraps and craft beer… all day, seven days a week Absolute Magazine were fortunate enough to be invited to dine at the most recent addition to the Curry Leaf Cafe family; the new Kemptown Kitchen, located on Upper St James Street. Colourful and buzzing with excited diners, the new restaurant is an intimate affair, centred around the open kitchen focal point, bringing the theatre of the chef's creations right before their guest's eyes. The menu offers a playful take on Indian food that focuses on 'small plates', street food and spiced cocktails. The staff are clearly very passionate about the dishes they are serving, with an extraordinary wealth of knowledge about each small plate in their repertoire. With so many unique dishes to choose from, their advice is invaluable and we went for five small dishes between the two of us. That may sound like an entire banquet and

upon its arrival I certainly worried if we had bitten off more than we could chew! However as each dish is so fresh, brimming with flavour and light on the stomach, we successfully tackled the lot. Highlights have to include the Meen Varuval (Pieces of locally caught white fish marinated in ginger, garlic, lime juice, green chilli & coriander then dusted in rice flour and fried until crisp) and the mini Masala Dosa; an ultimate comfort food on what was a very cold night. The star of the show had to be the Hyderabadi Lamb Chops; British lamb chops marinated for 24hrs in minced brown onion, ginger, garlic and garam masala then chargrilled in the tandoor oven. Served with green herb chutney, these are sheer meaty perfection, singing with the traditional flavours of Hyderabad’s Old City. After a heart-warming dessert of Caramel Banana Cake and Sorbet and an unbeatable freshly prepared Masala Chai, we were full of intrigue as we spoke to restaurant co-owner Euan Sey, learning the secrets behind this local success story....

The staff are clearly very passionate about the dishes they are serving, with an extraordinary wealth of knowledge about each small plate in their repertoire.

How was the Curry Leaf Cafe concept born? My business partner Kanthi Thamma had been toying with the idea of opening some kind of Indian cafe for a while when he met me. He answered an ad in Gumtree for a flat share I had going, and shortly

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after moving in we realised that we both shared the goal of doing something different and fun with Indian food and craft beer. The idea of high quality, authentic Indian dishes served in a very casual, cafe-style environment emerged as a key theme very early on. In essence, the original Curry Leaf Cafe was designed to be a place where we would both love to eat – and felt was missing from the existing Indian restaurant market not just in Brighton, but in the UK.

How did Chef Kanthi learn his craft? Chef Kanthi Thamma started his culinary career at the Taj Hotel in Goa in 1996. After a variety of catering roles in India, Switzerland and the USA, he moved to the UK in 2007 to take up the position of Senior Chef de Partie at the Imperial Hotel in Torquay. A stint at Brighton’s award-winning The Chilli Pickle and Jamie Oliver’s Recipease – as Food Champion – followed, before in April 2014 he with teamed up with me (a journalist at the time) to open his our first restaurant, Curry Leaf Cafe. What makes the Curry Leaf Cafe unique? Authentic street food dishes and curries from around India – prepared using local ingredients combined with the freshest imported Indian spices – served in a relaxed, modern cafe environment, alongside a wide range of craft beers and spiced cocktails that have been specifically chosen to be paired with the menu. Even the music playlist has been carefully chosen to create the right kind of atmosphere. It’s about moving away from white tablecloths, fussy waiters and wanna-be fine dining towards something more fun, more colourful and in keeping with what we think India is really about. You have recently opened a restaurant

"Expect tapas-style 'small plates' and street food dishes that are ideal for sharing with friends." in Kemptown. What makes it different to your Ship Street branch? Nestled on a corner between Brighton's bustling St James's Street & Kemptown Village a short stroll to the east, our new Kemptown Kitchen features a purpose-built open kitchen & dining area designed to allow customers to interact with the chefs preparing their food. Tall glass windows equipped with stools for counter-top dining, colourful decor and a small (but perfectly formed) bar stocked with a fantastic range of craft beers & spiced cocktails combine to make our Kemptown Kitchen ideally suited to the area's unique approach to nightlife. Where the original Ship Street cafe focuses on authentic South Indian food and a traditional 'starter and main' style of service, this one mixes things up with a modern, playful menu that borrows from all quarters of India's culinary heritage. Expect tapas-style 'small plates' and street food dishes that are ideal for sharing with friends. Around 35 diners can sit around the open-style kitchen, and there is additional space outside for dining al fresco when the weather permits. Now have three outlets in Brighton, are there any plans for future expansion outside of our city? Intentions, yes. Firm plans? Not quite yet. What qualities do you look for when recruiting your team? Personality, passion and an interest in Indian food.

Your drinks menus are as unique as your dishes. How do you select your stock? By trying new beers constantly. Seems ridiculous to say, but it can sometimes

be a bit of a drag having to taste beers so often (sometimes you’re not in the mood). But the core management team are all beer lovers, so it’s great fun getting together and debating the merits of a particular IPA or saison. We always taste them with our food to make sure that they work with Indian flavours.

Do you offer a takeaway service from your restaurants or private catering? We have just launched a home delivery service from the new Kemptown Kitchen with Deliveroo, which allows you to order through their app or website and have it sent to your door. We also offer a collection service, where locals can get 10% off their bill by phoning and collecting from the premises in person. The new premises has a large, well equipped kitchen which we specifically designed for outside and private catering, which isn’t something we’ve done too much of until now. Weddings, festivals, private parties – we can cater for a wide range of events. The Curry Leaf Cafe has a whole cabinet full of awards. Which award meant the most to you and why? ‘Best Newcomer’ at the Asian Curry Awards in 2015 was a big one for us for obvious reasons.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring restauranteur, what would it be? Technology and social media are key you have to keep up with that stuff, as it can make a massive difference to the number of people you get through the door. To keep them coming back, though, you need to make your restaurant a fun place to work for your staff – it will really show in both the food and service.

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Breakfast + Brunch

Salt Beef Bagels

LOCALLY

ROASTED LOOSE

TEAS

JUICES & CAKES FRESHLY MADE

PASTRIES

HOME MADE

HASHES

HANDMADE SANDWICHES

BURGERS

and more... We are situated next to Hove Station, so grab a bite on your way to work. Or pass through for a leisurely brunch with friends

98 GOLDSTONE VILLAS HOVE BN3 3RU 01273 325918 Open: Mon-Fri 6am-4pm Sat-Sun 8am-5pm

The

Stoneham Down on the busy Portland Road in Hove proudly sits 'The Stoneham Pub and Pizzeria', a stylish, ultra-family-friendly pub with an exciting new kitchen, rustic homely furniture, a cosy log fire and plenty of room to swing a cat (or park a buggy).

veryone has their own taste in pubs, which generally seems to evolve as life goes on. For me at this moment, it's all about a good solid menu with consistently great food on offer, plenty of high chairs, room for a pram, distraction for the little ones and a kids menu that isn't the usual various shades of orange food on a plate. Many restaurants claim to be family-friendly, but few of them actually are. Having a kids menu simply isn't enough. Staff have to be trained accordingly and understand it's a different ball game to adult dining. They need to know not to bring the adults food before the kids (in order to avoid them going berserk), they need to know not to place piping hot plates in reach of delicate little fingers and they need to be able to tolerate the odd child stepping in their way. Believe you me, I've seen it all!

This is where The Stoneham ticks every box. It's all about casual family eating, socialising and of course having fun. This a place to relax, meet with friends and while away your time in a friendly down-to-earth atmosphere. This isn't a place for forced airs and graces; its noisy, bustling and the staff offer a caring and friendly approach to serving you.

64 64

Enjoy a real ale, glass of wine from their extensive list or a soft drink and take your pick from the diverse selection of artisan pizzas and burgers on offer. We decided to go for The Lahmacan (folded pizza with spiced lamb, tomato sauce, fresh parsley and garlic butter -ÂŁ13) and the Classic Minced Steak Burger, served with tomato relish (ÂŁ13). To my delight the colouring-in children's menu offered a range of healthy options for my little dining partner and we settled for the 'Stoneham Snack Plate'; a whole picnic of delights including grapes, sweetcorn, raisins, Babybel cheese, cherry tomatoes, carrots, cucumber, crackers and fromage frais.

The Stoneham is an ideal spot for summertime drinks alfresco in the attractive beer garden, after work tipples or a full night out on the razzle.

The dishes were served in a timely fashion, and came out looking as delicious as they tasted. The folded pizza was the show stopper, with comforting soft dough base,

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and a centre packed with lamb that sang with flavour. The Burger was another triumph with a patty that was homemade from locally sourced ingredients, a vibrant tomato relish, additional optional mature cheddar cheese and an accompanying crunchy, well dressed salad.

The dessert list was pure sunshine on what was otherwise a very cold drizzly day. Featuring ultimate comforting classics such as Apple Crumble or Chocolate Brownie Bites and Ice Cream for the kiddies, it's worth saving room for a post-pizza sweet treat. As well as being the ultimate family-friendly eaterie for lunch or dinner, The Stoneham is an ideal spot for summertime drinks alfresco in the attractive beer garden, after work tipples or a full night out on the razzle. They feature regular live music and also offer an impressive function room, available for private hire and able to accommodate both catered and bar only special events large and small. The Stoneham Pub and Pizzeria 153 Portland Road, Hove, BN3 5QJ http://www.thestoneham.co.uk/

This isn't a place for forced airs and graces; its noisy, bustling and the staff offer a caring and friendly approach to serving you.

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What makes Buddies CafĂŠ Bar special? Our Delicious Food Served 24 2Hours a Day

Situated opposite Brighton promenade, Buddies boasts a panoramic view of Brighton beach life and is near to all major venues, hotels, clubs and of course the historic Lanes area..

Buddies 24 hour Cafe Bar 46-48 Kings Road, Brighton seafront 66

Tel: (01273) 323 600 ABSOLUTE www.buddies24hour.net

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No.

32 A beautiful history in an ever-evolving spectacular space; No. 32 Duke St is as much a part of Brighton's past as the Royal Pavilion. Opening its doors as one of the cities first theatres in 1790, this glorious building once produced high quality productions and played host to Brighton theatre goers and royals including the Prince of Wales.

he last performance took place in November 1806. All these years later parts of the original interior remain and continue to seduce and charm guests as they did over 200 years ago!

In the heart of our cosmopolitan city, No. 32 is an all-encompassing experience from breakfast to a late night venue and coffee to cocktails. This elegant restaurant and bar attracts a diverse crowd and with its streamlined menu and flawless presentation guests will not be disappointed.

Ben Semandi, the owner, is always on point not only with the style and design, but also with the needs of Brighton & Hove residents and visitors. Previously known as the much-loved Havana restaurant, the owners decided to produce a modern and contemporary space that could cater all the way from breakfast with the children to stylish dining and dancing until the early hours. It's a one stop venue with a vibrant vibe. No. 32 is elite, but far from pretentious and is a huge asset to this city. In fact, 'The Lonely Planet' ranked Brighton & Hove as one of the top ten coastal cities and you can see why with such incredible city chic venues so close to the beach. As a regular I can tell you that this is a great choice for you early birds wanting a hearty and healthy breakfast. I however am a night owl and decided to go for dinner on a cold and

blustery Saturday night with the knowledge that the restaurant would later unfold into a late night venue complete with dance floor and flawless Jalapeno Margaritas!

It's a one stop venue with a vibrant vibe. No 32 is elite, but far from pretentious and is a huge asset to this city.

The atmosphere was buzzing when I arrived at 9 pm. Impressive decorative flames roared on either side of the entrance and I could sense the hustle and bustle of the busy restaurant. Inside the low lighting allowed the flickering candles to add to the glamour and sophistication of this urban chic gem. Arriving a little later than expected we were invited to the back bar for a welcome drink whilst awaiting our table. Chesterfield leather sofas and plush velvet curtains create a palatial elegance and private booths line the walls offering a more intimate experience.

Now I am a connoisseur of the Margarita having sampled this tipple all over the world including Mexico and I am excited to share with you that No 32 has nailed their Pineapple & Jalapeno Margarita (ÂŁ9). The strength

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makes up for the price and I can assure you a couple of these and you will be burning up the dance floor on a Saturday night until closing at 4am!

Luckily for me it was not long until there was a table available upstairs. Although No. 32 has become a firm favourite of mine, I have never taken the opportunity to try this more sleek and discreet section of this restaurant. By this point the bar was picking up, so it was refreshing to know one could sit away from the buzzing bar areas and enjoy our meal. Olivia was our enthusiastic and charming hostess and her knowledge and recommendations were well received. The No. 32 Kitchen prides itself on producing invigorating dishes using local suppliers, 'closing the distance between the origin and the diner'. The starters all looked delicious and with a varied selection from 'Vodka Cured Salmon' to 'Smoked Super Grain Salad.' I opted for the 'Spicy Tuna Tartare' (ÂŁ8). The portion was generous and the tuna was infused with herbs and spices. A cracking start to my meal, so vibrant and fresh. My dinner date for the evening enjoyed the 'Beef Carpaccio with whiskey mayo, shallots and cured egg shavings' (ÂŁ8.50). I think there may have been food envy for my Tuna Tartare, but nonetheless we were both impressed with the standard of food so far.

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Brighton is a city of serious foodies. In this thriving multicultural community we have access to endless regional restaurants and exciting fusion cuisine. The choice is phenomenal for such a small city. I love Tuna Steak and when I saw it on the menu with chunky pineapple salsa I could not resist ordering that plate of joy for my main course too - surely a perfect dish to complement my pineapple Margarita! It arrived perfectly pink and was zesty, light and a perfect dish to continue the evening without feeling glutted and fatigued, which I often do when my eyes are bigger than my stomach. I was, however, intrigued by the Aubrey Allen steaks on offer. A company established in 1933 and renowned for quality and consistency - so much so that they have been given the Royal warrant to HM the Queen! We decided to order the 10 oz Rib-eye with Sweet potato mash (ÂŁ24) and it was divine; heavenly, so tender and succulent and cooked to perfection. Whilst I do not make a habit of ordering for other people, in this case I made a superb choice.

The delectable dessert selection could not be ignored given how exquisite our meal had been. We ordered the 'Chocolate Brownie Sundae' which arrived full of Willy Wonka-sequel delights in a pint glass. My dining partner ordered the 'Sticky Toffee Pudding with chocolate ice cream and toffee sauce'. Decadent and delightful, if I had managed to finish I am sure I would still be in a worthy sugar coma now.

It was now 11 pm and we could hear the leisurely pace of the day slowly disappearing and making room for the high energy bar below us. The lights dimmed even further and the music was turned up. We decided to stay upstairs, relax and take in the refined surroundings enhanced with bookshelf wall paper mimicking a classic library. A decorative and monumental chandelier takes centre stage above the excitement below.

No. 32 is a destination in itself; classic and

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contemporary. The service is excellent and the food for us was faultless. The grandiose and stylish surroundings provide a trendy and fun atmosphere and given the vast space, the team have managed to retain an intimate, swanky club-like setting. With such an exceptional space No. 32 is perfect for families with children in the day, meetings, romantic dinners, product launches, after parties and, as I experienced, fashion shows (which I hosted one at the venue a couple of years ago and was a huge success attracting an incredible crowd). There is nowhere else in Brighton & Hove like this. It truly is a unique dining experience and with a few more months until we leave this grey, cold and drizzly weather, I cannot think of a better location to satisfy all of my requirements for a Saturday night out. Plus with the venue's history of royal connections, I feel right at home! Lindsay Katherine Hills

No 32 is a destination in itself; classic and contemporary. The service is excellent and the food for us was faultless.

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SAVE 40% OFF Your food bill Mon-Fri Table booking required Cannot be used with any other offers

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One of The prettiest pubs in Sussex Absolute magazine “gorgeous dishes - stunning surroundings” Restaurants brighton

free parking / 16th century skittles alley for hire / landscaped gardens & Duck pond LUNCH - SUPPER - SANDWICHES KIDS MENUS KITCHEN OPEN ALL DAY EVERYDAY 12NOON - 9.30PM

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Six The elegant charms of SIX in Western Road have graced the Hove dining scene since 2015. This beautifully designed and perfectly located Brasserie, upscale restaurant and cold pressed juice bar have been a breath of fresh air.

his culinary paradise was redesigned last year by Fabio Lauro, the owner. The design work is a product of Fabio's other successful venture 'Maison Como & Design'. Founded in 2010, his multifaceted agency includes clients such as Chanel and Campari, so it is of no surprise that SIX stands out against the best of our capital's chic establishments. Fabio is a creative genius and is as passionate about the product as he is the service. Keeping it in the family, Fabio's three brothers are involved with the daily running of SIX. One key ingredient that stands out as the heart and soul of this establishment is the attentive and welcoming staff that have become apart of the Lauro team.

My husband and I live a few blocks away from SIX, so we ventured out during the week for a romantic date night. Upon arriving, a table was waiting with candle light glowing and a serene ambience surrounding us - perfect for a chilled dinner after a hectic day.

The divine interior is luxurious and ambient. Modern country meets secret garden, complete with hop vines overhead and twinkling fairy lights. This intimate corner is truly enchanting and a must for wooing your date.

This restaurant prides itself on sharp fusion cooking and using the freshest of ingredients. SIX has a contemporary approach and is aimed at Brighton & Hove's health-aware diners. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options are embodied in the daily menu. The passion for delicious, flavoursome food is evident, with twists to the cuisine's exotic tastes. This is an exciting menu and one wewere both thrilled to be experiencing. To start, we ordered the 'Calamari con Zucchini with a Japanese-style Mayonnaise' and the 'Chicken Satay with a roasted peanut, ginger, lemongrass and chilli relish'. Both dishes arrived boasting delicious flavours and presented beautifully. The Satay was generous, so we did not finish this dish as we were keen to experience the entree that we already had our eyes on.

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SIX pride themselves on using ethical and sustainably sourced seafood. As an advocate of this I decided to order the 'Seabass Allo Zafferano' (wild seabass fillet, white wine, capers, saffron, veloutĂŠ and organic purple potato). The dish was rich in colour and texture and perfectly satisfying. My husband ordered the 'Confit de Canard', (roasted leg of duck with aged port wine sauce, dauphinoise potato and red basil). This rich, succulent dish was flavourful, tender and falling off the bone as it should do. A little tiramisu shared between us satisfied our sweet tooth. Whilst we were keen to move to the bar area a large group had descended, so our host encouraged us to stay and relax with limonchello and a sublime Espresso Martini. This laid back and ultra chic restaurant boasts a colourful menu and diners can expect a whole host of healthy, affordable food, but for me the highlight was, by far, the surroundings and stylish decor. Lindsay Katherine Hills

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9b the Boardwalk Brighton Marina

01273600088 www.memoriesoﬁndiabrighton.com @moibrighton

SAVE 30% OFF YOUR FOOD BILL ABSOLUTE Mon-Fri cannot be used with any other oﬀers - table booking required

New Year's Mind, Body and Soul Say goodbye to your 2016 self and kick start 2017 with a full body spring clean. Your attempt at Dry January is water under the bridge and Blue Monday’s comfort eating is a distant memory. It's time to seek help from the professionals at one of Brighton and Hove’s many health and beauty retreats and get that fit and healthy body you resolved to resurrect. Ranging from the luxurious and exclusive to the affordable and no-frills approach, our healthconscious city is teaming with health and beauty opportunities and options to help you on your way. Presenting the Absolute Guide to Mind, Body and Soul…

Body Fuel Café Body Fuel Café is all about healthy, clean food that nourishes the body, is packed with flavour and doesn’t leave you hungry. In their Hove-based venue, everything is made fresh daily on the premises using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, from breakfasts and design-your-own salads to their made-to-order superfood smoothies and protein shakes. There are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, dairy- and gluten-free dishes available, plus a wide range of protein-rich options for that ultimate nutrition boost.

Kick-start your day with breakfast of wholemeal banana and blueberry pancakes with low-fat yoghurt, or smoked salmon with spinach and poached eggs. Come lunch, visit their colourful and vibrant salad bar where you can design your own from a wide range of bases (such as roasted sweet potato or spiced couscous) and protein toppings, from grilled steak to vegan gluten-free falafel. 123 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2AF

Body Fuel Café is all about healthy, clean food that nourishes the body, is packed with flavour and doesn’t leave you hungry. 78

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Cocoon Healing Arts Centre This city centre retreat is a state-ofthe-art purpose built floatation and Healing Arts Centre, which promises to present both inspirational teachers and established practitioners, for the benefit of people from all walks of life, disciplines and established fields. Bringing to Brighton a peaceful ground floor Yoga/Pilates/Creative Arts Studio, Cocoon also offer subsidised floatation treatments to clients with diagnosed illness (e.g. M.S.). After a Clinical Assessment, this treatment is offered in return for further documentation on the effects of intense floatation therapy over a period of 6 months. 20 – 22 Gloucester Place, Brighton, BN1 4AA

Bringing to Brighton a peaceful ground floor Yoga/Pilates/Creative Arts Studio, Cocoon also offer subsidised floatation treatments to clients with diagnosed illness

A New You

This no contract, no frills gym provides its visitors with top of the range equipment,

A New You is an independent and CQC registered clinic based in the centre of Brighton near the station, offering a wide range of cosmetic surgery and cosmetic treatments to both men and women.

They provide a tailor-made, personal service, supporting clients through their procedures from start to finish. The clinic is run by Jackie Knight, a Registered Nurse with over 20 year’s experience in the cosmetic surgery industry, so you know you are in good hands. As well as being extremely knowledgeable, Jackie is adept at putting people at ease, ‘hand-holding’ her clients through their procedures from start to finish. They pride themselves on offering truly impartial expert advice and also exceptional aftercare. 78 Trafalgar Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4EB

Underground Gym This no contract, no frills gym provides its visitors with top of the range equipment, plus all the practical extras. They have good sized male and female changing rooms with showers and lockers and a drinks bar that is open all day serving you all the workout shakes you need. Perhaps most convenient of all, they also have fingerprint recognition sign in which means you will never need to remember that gym card! 8 Camden St, Portslade, BN41 1AW, United Kingdom

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Located on Brighton seafront, this new hotel on the scene provides a relaxing retreat in the heart of our lively city.

Brighton Harbour Hotel Spa Located on Brighton seafront, this new hotel on the scene provides a relaxing retreat in the heart of our lively city. They offer an extensive range of luxurious spa treatments along with everyday beauty needs, including facials, manicures, pedicures and massages. Their experienced spa therapists will carefully tailor each treatment to your individual preferences and skin requirements, offering advice to those who are sure of the best treatments for them. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re visiting Brighton Harbour Spa for a one-off treatment, or an indulgent spa day or spa break, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re sure to leave relaxed, revitalised and feeling pampered from head to toe.

4 Kings Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1NA

80 80

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Their tanning experts are trained to advise on the best UV or nonUV tanning solution for your needs, identifying skin type and tanning history.

Tanning Shop This nationwide tanning salon offers state of the art UV and sprayÂ tanning solutions in a friendly, clean, bright, and, above all, immaculate salon. Their tanning experts are trained to advise on the best UV or non-UV tanning solution for your needs, identifying skin type and tanning history.

Leave the crowds behind and step into Tanning Shop to be transported miles away from the outside world. With plenty of beds and extended opening hours, you can tan at your convenience with or without an appointment. Whether you prefer UV, Sunless Tanning or both, they will help you build, maintain and care for your tan. They also have tanning and skin care products that range from base tan builders to bronzing lotions all chosen for their effectiveness in delivering a deeper, darker, longer-lasting tan.

130 Queens Rd, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 3WB

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BE PART OF THE MOVEMENT WITH TEAM UG. ALWAYS FOCUS ON WHAT YOU WILL GAIN AND NOT JUST WHAT YOU CAN LOSE. • 10,500 SQUARE FEET OF THE LATEST STRENGTH & CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT • MOTIVATIONAL ATMOSPHERE • HIGH INTENSITY CLASSES MAXIMISED FOR RESULTS • WOMEN’S ONLY CLASSES • JUNIOR CLASSES • SUPERVISED TRAINING SESSIONS • SHAKE BAR & SUPPLEMENTS PLEASE ENQUIRE AT RECEPTION OR CALL 01273 258740 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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The surgeries are state of the art with the best in equipment and stringent sterilisation procedures.

Brighton’s premiere skin and beauty clinic in the heart of The Lanes’; they specialise in anti-aging, skin repair, massage, nails, waxing and many more treatments.

Dental Health Spa Conceived in September 2007 by Clinical Director and 2011’s Dental Hygienist of the Year finalist, Christina Chatfield, DentalHealth Spa strives to offer you the very best in contemporary dental care. Their highly qualified professional dental practitioners provide care and treatment regardless of your current or previous dental history. This is not a dental surgery as you know it. They work in an open environment, protecting your privacy without conducting treatments behind intimidating closed doors. The surgeries are state of the art with the best in equipment and stringent sterilisation procedures. They also offer you the opportunity to brighten your smile with a range of affordable toothwhitening treatments in full confidence, knowing that you are receiving professional treatment from reliable practitioners that specialise in working with teeth.

Match Skin Salon Proclaimed as ‘Brighton’s premiere skin and beauty clinic in the heart of The Lanes’; they specialise in anti-aging, skin repair, massage, nails, waxing and many more treatments. They only use the very best products and equipment and offer services at affordable prices. On offer are four luxury treatment rooms, ready for you to be pampered by their friendly, professional and experienced therapists. 6 Marlborough Place Brighton, BN1 1UB

14 - 15 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3WA

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Described as ‘the undisputed world leader in IPL hair removal & skin rejuvenation’ this Hove based salon offers the latest IPL hair removal system with a revolutionary flat rate of £39 per area-per session.

Escape into a serene world and experience all aspects of Beauty Therapy and massage treatments for well-being in this popular Brighton Beauty salon. On site you will find 10 treatment rooms, changing rooms, a relaxation room and a large welcoming reception with a retail shop.

Other strings to their bow include cosmetic treatments such as LED Teeth Whitening, Cellulite Reduction, Body firming and a whole host of top-of-therange skin and body care products.

Church Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 2FN

Described as ‘the undisputed world leader in IPL hair removal & skin rejuvenation’

Treatments are available for both men and women, 7 days of the week and include facials, body wraps and massages, as well as a wide range of anti-aging treatments. Jessica manicures and pedicures are very popular, as well as various hair removal treatments and semi-permanent make up application The variety of massages on offer include couples massage in their double room, plus LaStone, Ayurvedic, Lava Shell, Hot Stone and Pregnancy and mens massage.

21 New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1UF

David Lloyd Brighton Located in Brighton Marina is this unique gym and club, easily accessible by car and public transport. They offer everyone a warm and friendly welcome, with a real sense of community amongst staff and members. Whether you’re looking for a gym in Brighton, an expansive swimming pool, a varied timetable of classes or somewhere to spend time with your family, David Lloyd Brighton has something for everyone. The DLicious cafebar is particularly popular with members as it has amazing views out to sea towards Brighton Pier. The big windows let in loads of light, creating a wonderful airy space to enjoy a coffee or meal. Brighton Marina Village, Brighton, BN2 5UF

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Escape into a serene world and experience all aspects of Beauty Therapy and massage treatments for well-being in this popular Brighton Beauty salon.

David Lloyd Brighton has something for everyone.

A comprehensive range of massages from traditional Thai massage, therapeutic treatments, advance deep tissue and reflexology, along with rejuvenating facials.

Concordia Dental Healthcare Concordia meaning 'Harmony' in Latin provides a five star bespoke service, treating patients comprehensively and tailoring specific packages to suit their individual needs and wants. They look at all dental aspects including a range of general, cosmetic and aesthetic dental treatments that generations of their patients have come to rely on.

Concordia Dental Healthcare offers every client a relationship based on openness, trust and understanding with complete freedom of choice in their treatment options. During every stage of your visit, you will experience professionalism and personal care and as a valued patient, you will receive only the best possible professional treatment available using leading edge technology.

39a Salisbury Road, Hove,East Sussex,BN3 3AA

Concordia Dental Healthcare offers every client a relationship based on openness, trust and understanding with complete freedom of choice in their treatment options.

Chutima Therapy Chutima Therapy is an ambient Thai massage and spa treatment room oasis dressed with contemporary Thai design, situated in the heart of the beautiful and historic Brighton Lanes.

They are proud to offer a truly relaxing and revitalising experience with a holistic approach, complete with a comprehensive range of massages from traditional Thai massage, therapeutic treatments, advance deep tissue and reflexology, along with rejuvenating facials and beauty therapies for both women and men. Chutima Therapy also provide specialised treatments including pregnancy and postnatal massage, couples massage along with a range of unique pampering day spa packages. 106 Trafalgar Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 4ER

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Bring the fun back to your fitness at this great-value 24-hour gym in Brighton which welcomes everyone and every body, contract free.

Pure Gym Bring the fun back to your fitness at this great-value 24-hour gym in Brighton which welcomes everyone and every body, contract free.

The experienced Pure Gym team are ready to help you lose weight, tone up, strengthen muscle, recover from injury or whatever you need to help you feel fitter and healthier. Despite being a ‘cheap gym’ they have more than 220 top-quality pieces of kit throughout the club. Don’t worry if you are new to exercise because you can go at your own speed, but they also have state-of-the-art equipment for those more experienced - whether you’re a regular or a downright gym fanatic.

Pure Gym is not just stacked with gear, they are packed with free classes too! If you love to work out in the company of friends or colleagues at your own speed then look no further.Whether you fancy the high intensity of fat burn, working out with the aerobics crowd or prefer the slower-paced pilates or yoga classes to improve your flexibility and core muscles, they have something for you. Take advantage of more than 50 free classes to help your health kick.

Little Jasmine Therapies and Spa This established beauty salon and day spa is situated in the vibrant North Laine area of Brightonan oasis of calm amongst the bohemian buzz. With modern massage facilities, relaxing atmosphere and some of the best therapists in the city, Little Jasmine is a popular choice for men, women and couples in Brighton, Hove and further afield thanks to their amazing spa packages and home pamper parties.

14 New Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1UF

14 Tower Point, North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YR

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Uniquely Organic EcoSpa

Only organic products are used, not only to offer the kindest, purest treatment, but also to ensure minimal impact on the environment.

Uniquely Organic EcoSpa aims to offer clients individually-tailored treatments that address the body holistically in order to create improved health and well-being. Only organic products are used, not only to offer the kindest, purest treatment, but also to ensure minimal impact on the environment. All treatments available are chosen for their holistic qualities and are carried out by highly-skilled therapists who are passionate in their commitment to chemical-free treatments; environmental toxins are challenge enough to keep at bay without actively massaging them into our faces and bodies.

40 Church Road, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 2FN

WickwoodsÂ Health Wickwoods Country Club, Hotel & Spa is one of the most progressive lifestyle venues in West Sussex, offering Health, Fitness and Lifestyle Memberships, Your Spa Treatments and Accommodation. Located in 22 acres of landscaped gardens and woodland in the South Downs National Park, Wickwoods is just 15 minutes north of Brighton.

Maintaining or improving your health, fitness and well-being at Wickwoods couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be easier. They have one of the best presented and most well-equipped facilities in the region and their entire team is committed to helping you make the most of your membership, guiding you every step of the way. Shaves Wood Lane, Albourne, West Sussex, BN6 9DY

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Beating The New Year

Blues

My Top Tips For Maintaining A Good Social Life On A Budget & The Best Freebies & Cheap Deals In Brighton

Brighton is a vibrant, buzzing city, constantly rife with events, new restaurants and bars, and an endless list of things to do. However, in the months following Christmas, we are all, well…pretty skint, and that can make you feel quite downhearted in a city that never sleeps. Albeit, I can’t tell you how to make your millions, but what I can tell you, is how to live a champagne lifestyle on a lemonade budget in London-by-the-Sea. My Lifestyle Card; This newly launched app has taken Brighton by storm; completely free, you have your ‘card’ on your phone, and can show it to participating shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, garages, cafes and so much more, to get your discount. Everything from MOTs to meals to gym memberships to flowers and new hair do’s; they have everything.

Sign Up, Sign Up, Sign Up; Don’t get me wrong, I’m not the greatest fan of signing up to a barrage of mailing lists, but you can save some serious dough by doing so. Sign up to the mailing lists for your favourite bars, pubs,

restaurants, cinemas and whatever else takes your fancy and you’ll be sure to score some deals.

Make The Most Of The Freebies; We seriously don’t take advantage of where we live and the whole host of free activities we can do here. Nothing cheers me up more than a walk along the beach, which doesn’t cost a single penny. The South Downs, a stones throw out of Brighton, is another fantastic day out that won’t leave a hollow hole in your pocket. The Pier, Pavilion and museums to name but a few, are some of the many places you can spend the day without paying a penny. If You Can’t Do It Free, Do It Cheap; Vouchercloud is another favourite of mine; download it and turn your location settings on. When you’re near somewhere that they are doing a deal with, your phone will alert you. You can enjoy a day walking around Brighton Lanes, and grab a 2 course lunch for £10 somewhere local. Head to your favourite bars when Happy Hour is on (top tip; Las

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Iguanas do happy hour all day everyday). Brighton Marina is rife with Vouchercloud deals, and you can enjoy a walk around the boats before or after.

Pick Your Season; In Winter, there’s plenty going on; The Christmas Lights, Burning Of The Clocks; as the Weather gets warmer, we get hit with Brighton Festival, The Food Festival, Brighton Pride and handfuls of other events, which are predominantly free, a lot of fun, and anything you do have to pay for won’t break the bank.

You can do Brighton living on a budget, trust me; you just need to know where to look and what to do. Make Groupon your best friend, and if you’re in need of a bit of luxury but are saving the pennies too, that’s your place to look. Make yourself fully aware of how the timings of your favourite venues work; Can you get into the club you’re going to for free before a certain time? Does your hairdressers do discounts on colouring on a certain day of the week, or offer a free cut and blow dry with a full head of highlights?

We seriously don’t take advantage of “where we live and the whole host of free

activities we can do here. Nothing cheers me up more than a walk along the beach, which doesn’t cost a single penny.ˮ

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Beating The New Years

Blues

Unfortunately the best things in life aren’t always free, but you can get them a hell of a lot cheaper if you do it right. Don’t be a social media stranger; get yourself following your most favoured venues and keep a look out for any deals/ offers they advertise. Brighton is a cultured and cosmopolitan city, and everyone and their mother has a social media account of some description, even your local pub or the café on the corner of your road.

February is the month where most of us are still dragging ourselves out of the Christmas recession, and there’s no shame in that; don’t be bashful when using a voucher code in a restaurant, or grabbing yourself a half price hair do; everyone else is doing it, and your bank account will thank you in the long run. As someone who has spent what could have succumbed to half a retirement fund on pointless evenings out and below average meals, one of the best things you could

possibly do is to save each month for one evening out, complete with dinner and drinks, or seeing the latest film; whatever it is that takes your fancy. This too, can be an online deal you’ve found, or it can simply be a night out just for the sake of it, no deals attached. I find you enjoy going out much more when it’s more occasional, and you’re going somewhere you really want to.

My last two tips are simple, small money saving ideas that I’ve picked up; one that I thought I’d created myself, but didn’t, and the other that I definitely didn’t create myself. The first is to ensure you have Mobile Banking on your phone, and a savings account alongside your current account. Whenever you spend money on your card, round your bank balance down so that it’s even, and put the remainder in your Savings account; for example, if your bank balance was £372.56, put the £2.56 in your savings; or if you’re really going for it, the £72.56; even a couple of pounds worths adds up

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when you’re doing it for a while, and you can get some serious savings going on.

The second involves 5 pound notes; it’s a craze I saw online where at the end of 2016, people had found they’d saved thousands; they simply had a money box, and every time they had a £5 note in their purse/wallet, they put it in the pot. Not a bad idea at all. There are so many ways you can have fun whilst not spending crazy amounts, and get a little nest egg going at the same time; make sure to let me know by tweeting me@BtonGirlProbs if you’ve found these tips useful, and what wild night out you’re planning…on a budget, of course. Brighton Girl Problems Twitter: @btongirlprobs Instagram: @brightongirlprobs Facebook: @BrightonGirlProblems

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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

no.

Max, Financial Consultant

Digging It Casual comfort and sporty street style in this off-duty 'hoodie look'. A comfy cotton fleece gives an easy going appeal. Red trainers amp up the game nicely for this gym-to-street image. Outfit: Jacket: Asos. Jumper: Vans. Jeans: H&M. Shoes: DC

no.

#OOTD

Love! no.

Veronica, Legal assistant

Canuck Snug This stylish Canadian brings her winter cool in a wrapped-up layered style. Opaque tights and knitted woolly scarf make an essential addition to this cool weather look. Bag and gloves add a smart edge.

#TRENDING

Outfit: Jacket: Bershka. Bag: Kate Spade. Scarf: Zara. Gloves: Michael Kors. Shoes: Kurt Geiger.

Victoria, Finance Officer

Highlands The quintessential camel coat returns this season as a classic winter must in a rich caramel colour. Beautifully paired with a traditional tartan scarf, this look boasts a timeless aesthetic. Outfit: Coat: French Connection. Bag: Longchamp. Shoes and scarf: New Look.

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

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Lacroix Cloud frameless ski goggles £130

Fendi Jacket, matchesfashion, £1,640

Siberian Chic Boots, £280

GoPro Strap £22

From the slopes to the aprés-ski bars, slide stylishly through the scenic winter destinations. Thrill seeking in St. Anton or cash splashing in Verbier, experience the ski runs fashionably snug.

FENDI gloves £1,230

FUSALP jacket £1,095

Protest Nutley Snow Gloves, Surfdome, £22.49

SKISTYLE

Uphill Ski Parka, Sweaty Betty, £375

Toni Sailer hats £240

Kasia X

Moon Boots Monaco £130

Quinn - Quilted Snow Jacket, Roxy, £182

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Poivre Blanc, Snowrock, £340

Perfect Moment Mountain Mission ski helmet £200

Jardin Seamless Long Sleeve Top, Sweaty Betty, £60

Power Powder - Snowboard Helmet, Roxy, £49

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London Lifestyle Happy New Year! Happy New You! The 2017 London Survival Guide.

appy New Year! Happy New You! The 2017 London Survival Guide.

his winter season it’s all about wrapping up in layers of knitwear. The festive abundance and gluttony has left you feeling bloated and frumpy, the New Year's Eve party has left you worn out, and the generally festive extravagance has left your bank balance rather depleted. You are determined that 2017 will be the year you eat better, lose weight, save more money and drink less booze. But don’t be too hasty. If you make all these drastic changes inthe early part of the year, you could have forgotten all your initial resolutions by the Easter bank holiday. It is much better to make small everyday manageable changes to your lifestyle rather than going on a ghastly crash diet, giving up almost every food group or resigning yourself to a hermit lifestyle to pay off your credit card.

So, before you give up carbohydrates, wheat, alcoholic beverages, sugar and decline those social occasions, read on for London Lifestyles top tips for getting out and about, enjoying yourself while being fit and healthy. There is nothing more depressing than a life without a little indulgence. London Lifestyle gives you the ultimate new year blues survival guide so you can socialise, drink booze and still be healthy. Your new year resolutions should not be to stay in and be good. They should be to go out, discover, explore and indulge and London is the perfect place. Soon the darkest months of the year will be behind us! Hooray! So, dust off those party shoes, neck that shot of wheat grass, and fix yourself a champagne cocktail immediately! You are welcome!

London Fitness.

Gym Box www.gymbox.com Gym Box is a series of unique gyms across London making fitness fun with a range of unusual classes and stunning gym spaces. Boasting 104 different classes each week, Olympic sized boxing rings, live DJs and neon lights you may feel like you are in a rave rather than a gym. Sweat bands and leg warmers are not obligatory but much welcome. Find branches in Holborn, Bank, Farringdon, Westfield, Old Street, Covent Garden and Victoria.

Classes: New classes for 2017 include Rope Burn, Yoga for Lifting, Throw Back Thursday, Lactic Jungle, Commercial Dance, Pole Tricks, MMA, Reggae Dance Hall, Ariel Pilates, Combat Circuit and Battle Bells just to name a few.

Cost: Gym box offers Pay As You Go, 3, 6, 12 and 18-month gym memberships. The longer you commit the cheaper the rate.

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Barry’s Bootcamp. www.barrysbootcamp.com The London branches of Barry’s Bootcamp are Central and East London. Central London 163 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BH. 0207 387 7001 East London 2 Worship Street, London, EC2A 2AH 0207 045 2530

Classes: The boot camp classes are typically a one hour work out with 25/30 minutes of cardio work on the treadmill, then 25/30 minutes of weight training with free weights and medicine balls. Classes will change throughout the week so no classes are the same. These work outs are popular in the States with Barry’s Bootcamps in 23 US locations, and branches in Norway. The essence is on shocking the body into building muscle, burning fat and calories and claim you can burn 1000 calories in a 1 hour session. Booking classes in advance at your preferred location is essential. Cost: £20 per class £59 - 3x classes £95 - 5x classes £180 - 10x classes £255 - 15x classes £340 - 20x classes £480 - 30x classes £750 - 50x classes

Third Space. www.thirdspace.london Find Third Space branches in Tower Bridge, Marylebone, Soho and Canary Wharf each with pools and luxurious spas. Classes: Choose from a huge array of classes with top class instructors including Street dance, Zumba, Step, Yoga, Pilates, Barr, Core, Kettlebells, Body Pump and Aqua Fit. Cost: Join a single club from £159 per month or use all the London clubs for £169 per month.

Fitness tips to make working out that little bit easier. Buy new exercise outfits. It’s amazing that if you feel great in your work out gear you will feel more incentivised to get out for a run or nip to the gym. If you have tatty trainers that have seen better days or ill-fitting gym wear that makes you feel self-conscious, you are less likely to take the plunge, leave the sofa and head out for some exercise. Music. Download your favourite music to your phone. Running will be easier with good music. Keep updating your running tracks to stop you getting bored.

Exercise is all about habit. Keep exercising concise and try to fit it in to your day. Go to a class in your lunch break, get up earlier and do 30 minutes of yoga, use small free weights, or go for a brisk evening power walk after dinner. Exercise doesn’t need to involve a whole day sweating it out at the gym. Make more manageable time slots in your day for 30-minute exercise sessions and you will see the difference. Take the stairs rather than the lift, walk up the escalators at the tube, or walk to the shops rather than getting the bus.

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Find a class you enjoy at your local gym or leisure centre. It’s also a good place to meet likeminded people who also enjoy fitness. Local leisure centres are reasonably priced and you can often book in for individual classes rather than signing up for costly annual memberships. Sign yourself up to a PT course to help kick start your fitness regime if you feel a bit out of touch. Your trainer will motivate you and teach new techniques to help you work on the areas of your body you would like to tone up. Keep changing your routine to avoid getting board at the gym. Mix up a session of cardio or PT followed by a day of swimming, then another day when you go out for a short run.

London Lifestyle London eating When I am in a rush I grab a smoothly or salad from Chopped! This is one of my favourite lunchtime pit stops. You will find one of these wholesome gloriously delicious delis in the food hall from Selfridges as well as plenty of stand-alone stores across the U.K. You can pick your salad bowl then pick from a huge menu your favourite protein, veggies and dressing. Perfect energy fuel. There are also Chopped! branches popping up in motorway service stations, so even on road trips across the UK there is no excuse to make do with a ghastly soggy pre-packaged sandwich stuffed full of salt and fat. Come on people - we are better than that!

Another of my favourite salad bars is Vitality. Pick your salad bowl size, your favourite green leaves as the base and the choose from different combinations of protein, vegetables, pulses, nuts and seeds.

If you fancy something warming and wholesome when on the move rather than salad, then head to Pret or Eat which both serve great selections of fresh seasonal soups.

The Super Super Foods! Here are my favourite super foods and favourite treats. These will keep you in tip top condition. Throw these in your supermarket trolley and include in your diet and your skin will be glowing in no time at all. Smoothies. These are a quick and easy way of making a super healthy nutritious drink. Nutribullets took the UK by storm last year but I also use a regular blender to make nutritious drinks for breakfast. My current favourite is soy milk, banana, blueberries, spinach, carrot and chia seeds. Almonds. A handful of these make a great snack to keep hunger at bay. Keep a pot on your desk at work to stop you reaching for a chocolate bar. Linseeds. Add to salads and smoothies. They are a wonderful source of fibre. Search for these in the health food isle of any big supermarket.

Chocolate. For your chocolate fix, try chocolate with a high cocoa content. Green and Blacks do a great dark chocolate with 85% cocoa.

Aloe Vera. Add to your smoothies or drink a small shot glass every evening. Holland and Barrett do a great one and one with cranberry juice if you are still getting used to the interesting taste. Chia Seeds. These teeny tiny seeds are a great source of fibre. Mix in to yogurt or sprinkle over your salads and add to blended smoothies.

Blueberries. Packed full of vitamin C and taste great and available in handy packs everywhere.

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Avocados. Great for salads and great for homemade face packs! This is one of the best super foods you can eat as it is packed with good fats. Try to eat half every day. Try it on toast, chopped into salads or with a poached egg. Hot water with a lemon slice every morning. Have this first thing when you get up on an empty stomach. It wakes your digestives system up slowly, and detoxes. Much better that shocking your body with caffeine in the form of coffee. Unsweetened Soy Milk. Have a cold glass full when you are feeling peckish. It’s packed full of vitamin B.

Peppermint and Nettle Tea. Great for after meals for aiding your digestive system. Especially if you have had something carb heavy like pizza or pasta. Greek yogurt and organic honey with chopped dates. When I am craving chocolate (every evening) I make this to satisfy the sugar craving.

Red wine. A wonderful treat, and reports show a glass a day is good for us! Hurrah! Treat yourself to a good bottle of Malbec. The better the quality of wine the more nutrients and less toxins. It's all about quality not quantity - so steer clear of the £5 buy one get one free bottles to avoid the hangovers.

Pasta is fine in moderation. To avoid bloating go gluten free or buy fresh wholemeal pasta or spinach pasta rather than the white stuff. Make sure you use fresh tomato sauces and top up with meat for protein. Spiralizing. This is a fantastic must have gadget which slices your favourite veggies into thin ribbons, perfect as a spaghetti substitute – courgetti anyone?

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Healthy mind and soul. London health & beauty Neal’s Yard - Rose Facial oil £20. I use this every evening before bed on cleansed skin. It's amazing for minimising lines and evening out your skin tone. The other items in their Rose range are brilliant including the hand cream and facial wash. My favourite Neal’s Yard shop is on Marylebone High Street.

Anti-bac gel. Keep miniature bottles of this in your bag or pockets. It’s so useful when off and on public transport to keep the germs at bay. A good Multi-Vitamin. Vitamin D essential for helping to absorb vitamin C into the body which then keeps up your immune system to fight off coughs and colds. Cod Liver Oil. Take a capsule every day for great hair, skin and nails.

Pro-Biotics. I take these every day. Holland and Barrett do a great variety. Once opened store in the fridge and take daily. They can even be added to your blended smoothies. Echinacea. It’s easy to pick up colds from the commuters around you on the train or bus when on the way to work. Take one Echinacea tablet as soon as you start to feel run down and continue daily until you feel better. This will help to nip in the bud any colds.

Meditation. If this is new to you, start off with just 15 minutes a day. Sit on the floor comfortably with your legs crossed or on a chair with your back straight. Make sure you are sitting quietly away from any distractions. An ideal time is early in the morning before work, while the house is quite and no one else is up. Concentrate on your breathing, taking in long slow breaths in and out through your nose. Either shut your eyes or concentrate on a space in front of you if you find that easier. Try and keep your mind blank for this exercise and try to block out thoughts that creep in. After 15 minutes stand up slowly and stretch. If you start doing this daily it will get easier and you can increase the length of time.

Daily yoga. Like mediation try and do this early when you wake up. There are lots of websites and YouTube tutorials if yoga is new to you. Or find a local class to give you an idea of the simple stretches. Healthy choices. If you fall off the healthy eating wagon after one stressful day at work, don’t throw in the towel and write off the whole day, just promise yourself to eat better that evening for dinner. Don’t get stuck in a rutt of bad eating habits and give up for that day or even that week. You can make better choices all the time. If you have treats or chocolate don’t worry, just enjoy them and then have more salad or veg in your next meal. Try to get out the trap of feeling guilty just for treating yourself to that piece of chocolate cake. Enjoy your cake! Then move on to planning your next healthy meal or exercise session. The result is that you will enjoy every part of your meals rather than feeling like you have ruined your healthy regime just because you had a dessert or a couple of glasses of red. The secret is to enjoy everything in moderation and fill up the veggies and exercise.

Positivity and mindfulness. Healthy eating and exercise goes hand in hand with positive thinking and mindfulness. First thing in the morning when you wake up, try to think of all the good positive things in your life. Even on the darkest and coldest of mornings when the thought of your commute to work is looming in front of you, this will help you set up a positive mind frame which will help approach your day with all it has to offer. Then at the end of an evening try to think of all the positive great things that happened that day. This is a simple but effective positive exercise that can help awaken and calm your mind, help you sleep and help focus on all the great things in your life, rather than fixating or worrying about the negatives or any potential stressful events. Things to avoid. Steer clear of faddy crash diets, diet foods and try to eat as naturally as possible with fresh seasonal produce. Diet, processed and low fat foods are often packed full of artificial sugar. Also, avoid low alcohol wine, the alcohol content is just replaced with sugar so often more calories per glass. It's much better to have one glass of good quality wine rather than a bottle of the cheaper low alcohol stuff. So dear Absolute - London Lifestyle readers, I have now armed you with some tools for you to carry on into 2017 to keep you fit, healthy and bursting with energy. So, as tempting as it may be, don't hibernate indoors, get your radiant self out and about to explore everything that London has to offer. Then if all else fails, pour yourself a glass of Malbec, Spring will be here soon people. Hang on in there.

Charlie McBrien

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Let yovr nexu island be Bird Island... A private nature reserve and bird sanctuary on the northern tip of the Seychelles archipelago. Home to thousands of tropical birds, giant land tortoises, and breathtaking marine life. Not only is Bird Island a heaven for nature lovers, but a true Robinson Crusoe getaway, boasting an eco-lodge with only 24 cottages. For the authentic Seychelles experience in a natural, comfortable and simple setting, and at an affordable rate, join us on Bird Island Seychelles.

Bird Island Lodge, Seychelles | P.O. Box 1419, Victoria, MahĂŠ, Seychelles T:+248 4224925 | F:+248 4225074 | E: reservations@birdislandseychelles.com

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The Seychelles A Paradise Reserved For Everyone

eavenly beaches, tropical greenery, guaranteed sunshine on tap and luscious peaked backdrops are the key ingredients that all 115 paradise islands that collectively form The Seychelles have in common. Scattered like Summer blossom across the Indian Ocean, The Seychelles is a destination well-renowned for being the ultimate in luxury, celebrity escapes and the honeymoon location that dreams are made of. With this VIP clientele, it is easy to understand why The Seychelles has a reputation for being reserved only for the likes of the incredibly rich and famous. Luckily for the rest of us, this is a reputation misplaced as thanks to a collection of luxurious yet affordable boutique hotels, holidaying utopia is indeed more accessible than you think.

Summer 2017 could well be reserved for rest and relaxation in the mecca of Indian Ocean chic, enjoying everything the islands offer, from beach dwelling to incredible jungle trails, mind-blowing nature watching, fine-dining and all at an andante tempo. It doesn't take a millionaireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wage, it just takes a little hotel homework, and luckily for you, Absolute have already swatted up on your behalf. Introducing the Absolute Guide to affordable luxury holidays in The Seychellesâ&#x20AC;Ś.

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It is easy to understand why The Seychelles has a reputation for being reserved only for the likes of the incredibly rich and famous. Luckily for the rest of us, this is a reputation misplaced as thanks to a collection of luxurious yet affordable boutique hotels, holidaying utopia is indeed more accessible than you think.

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Mahe Take to the skies with Etihad Airlines who run regular flights from Heathrow to Mahe Airport via Abu Dhabi and you will be delivered to the largest island in The Seychelles, boasting over 60 utopian beaches and coves that frame the island. Situated over 1,000 miles from the east coast of Africa, the beautiful island of Mahe brings its visitors a bouquet of sweeping sandy bays, jungle clad mountains, small towns to explore Creole culture and world-class hotels and restaurants suiting every budget.

Where to stay

The Carana Beach Hotel Capturing the very essence of the Island spirit of The Seychelles is the Carana Beach Hotel, a boutique hotel that promises ‘an ethos and spirit of its own for every guest to discover.’ Fusing a respectful nod to the vibrancy and energy that is born of its past together with the here and now passion of those that currently work devotedly to create an authentic Seychellois sanctuary, Carana Beach offers an experience to waken their guests senses and to capture their imagination. With it’s 40 Chalets overlooking one of Mahe’s most dramatically picturesque beaches, Carana Beach has been designed to accentuate the wild nature of this unique location, with the view from every room spilling out onto striking blue seas framed by lush jungle, massive granite pillars and its white-sand beach.

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Modern twists on traditional island architecture, contemporary ocean-themed decor and a home-grown culture of genuine Seychelles hospitality, backed by decades of success in the Seychelles tourism industry, all feed into a casual yet chic ambiance for guests to dine, unwind and recharge. The luxurious high-end standards and amenities at The Carana Beach Hotel are paired with affordable rates, making this a slice of paradise not purely reserved for the rich and famous.

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The Carana Hilltop Villa, Mahe If it's a more secluded and jungle-clad hill top location you crave, with breath-taking island-wide views, walled grounds and a private swimming pool, head inland to The Carana Hilltop Villa.

The villa is framed by lush, multi-coloured tropical flowers in the front garden and by fruit trees facing the outside dining area where guests may enjoy meals in the total serenity of a unique setting.

Offering an authentic Creole home-awayfrom-home, this charming villa allows its guests to enjoy this tropical haven at their own whim and pace, in keeping with the timeless traditions of Seychellois hospitality.

The Carana Hilltop Villa presents the best of both worlds; it is positioned amongst the mountains of North East Mahé Island and is just a mere 5 minutes walk to the adventure of Carana Beach. Add to this delicious cuisine, fine island living and villas lavishly furnished with luxury and you have the perfect blend for the holiday of a lifetime. Accommodation varies according to budget and ranges from 90 to 125 euros a night for a single room with bed and breakfast or alternatively the whole villa can also be hired to cater for a large family or group.

Must Dos

Charter a Sunsail Yacht Remote, scarcely populated and brimming full of adventure, the many islands of the Seychelles let intrepid sailors live out their castaway daydreams. Strong winds, warm weather, spectacular wildlife and mesmerising scenery await you as you charter a yacht from the Sunsail base on remote Mahé and penetrate even further into the Seychelles archipelago. Challenge yourself in the tricky sailing conditions of the Indian Ocean and enjoy exhilarating blue water sailing between distant, sparsely populated islands. On a charter holiday you can set your own itinerary – free to take in as many activities you like or simply sail on until sunset.

Both onshore and offshore the Seychelles are home to some rare and beautiful wildlife, and visitors can encounter giant tortoises, sea turtles and huge coconut crabs, or even swim alongside the world’s largest fish species: the magnificent whale shark. Diving and snorkelling in the Seychelles is among the very best on Earth, with the native wildlife largely unafraid of humans. Fish for tuna, sailfish and giant trevally out in the Indian Ocean or windsurf, sail, kayak or paddleboard in bathtub-warm waters.

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The

The Seychelles Clear waters, lush vegetation, idyllic beaches and magnificent wild and marine life are not the only ingredients that make The Seychelles so appealing to visitors. Sip cocktails by sunset at the beachside H Resort Located on the sweeping shores of the bay of Beau Vallon, the H Resort is a ‘gateway to a blissful world, inviting you to lie back, relax and treasure each moment of your holidays in Seychelles.’ Enjoy first class dining or just romantic cocktails in one of the many restaurants and bars that make up this exclusive resort and be enchanted by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.

Café Lenkiewicz

Visit Eden Island’s exotic bars, restaurants and shops Clear waters, lush vegetation, idyllic beaches and magnificent wild and marine life are not the only ingredients that make The Seychelles so appealing to visitors. These paradise islands are also renowned for their gastronomy and world-class restaurants and bars.

You certainly won't have any trouble discovering an impressive selection of restaurants in Eden Island all serving exquisite seafood and local delicacies. Be sure to visit The Boardwalk Bar that overlooks the stunning Eden Island Marina and offers an adventurous menu of cocktails and light meals for you to enjoy with friends whilst taking in the relaxing views. At the central hub of Eden Island sits Eden Plaza, an impressive retail centre opened in 2012. The plaza is host to an eclectic mix of clothing outlets, general stores, restaurants, bars and a supermarket, all spread out over a two storey open air shopping mall.

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Take The Takamaka Rum Factory Tour Rum comes easy in The Seychelles, thanks to the local Takamaka Rum Factory and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s churning out of exquisite authentic Creole rum. As well as enjoying the taste of their craftsmanship, why not learn how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all done? The popular factory tour guides you through the story behind the island's main distillery and the rum-making process. The tour runs for between 30 and 45 minutes and concludes with a tasting and an opportunity to purchase bottles of rum. There is also a forest walk and a very well-regarded bar-restaurant on site. Be inspired by the Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple

The Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple is the only Hindu temple in the Seychelles and since being built in 1992, has left its visitors mesmerised by its beauty and calm time and time again. The temple was named after Lord Vinayagar, the Hindu God of Safety and Prosperity and sits proudly on the island of Mahe. Wander through the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, Victoria Based in the Mahe capital of Victoria, the Sir Selwyn Clarke Market is a daily treasure trove of souvenirs such as local spices and herbs, as well as an assortment of pareos (sarongs), shirts, crafts, fresh fruit, seafood and vegetables. This is a bustling and colourful covered market and is especially lively on a Saturday or first thing in the morning when the local fishermen bring in their exotic assortment of seafood.

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The Seychelles

Praslin Island Café Lenkiewicz

Take a 45 minute boat trip or 10 minute flight from Mahe Island and you will arrive at the magnificent and remote Praslin Island.

Where to stay

Ocean Lodge Hidden away amongst the islands lush greenery is the Ocean Lodge, a tranquil and authentic Creole hotel renowned for its faultless customer service and surprisingly reasonable rates. The unique positioning between the green scenery inland and the turquoise vistas of the ocean makes Ocean Lodge a secluded slice of paradise from every angle.

Designed to relax and embrace it’s guests the Lodge and its 32 rooms offers all the creature comforts of home with added opulent luxurious touches. Guests are spoilt for choice at the hotel’s Blue Marlin Bar & Restaurant, which presents the very finest and freshest of local seafood, all prepared with flare and flavour to satisfy the most discerning of foodies.

For those who want to explore all that Praslin Island offers, a free shuttle bus is provided by the hotel to transport guests through the majesty of the island, arriving at the exquisite beach of Anse Volbert.

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Crystal clear turquoise waters and endless white sand are sure to take your breath away, as will the plethora of marine life that will swim round your feet as you paddle around the reef.

Take a ride with MC Tours For those to whom adventure beckons, the locally based MC Tours not only offers a reservation service 24/7 for your transfers, but also sightseeing and many leisure and limousine services designed to help you take in the whole of Praslin Island. Day tours available include the ‘Visit Praslin in One Day’ Tour which transports explorers around the island in the comfort of their own chauffeured car or limousine. Highlights include Anse Lazio beach and Vallee de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of only two places in the world where the rare coco de mer palm grows in its natural state

For those seeking utopia, take a day trip to Anse Source D'Argent, the most famous beach in the Seychelles, set within the grounds of L'Union Estate. Heralded as ‘the most photographed beach in the world, Anse Volbert is that image you see in your head when you think

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of a paradise beach. It is that screen saver you stare longingly at in the office. Crystal clear turquoise waters and endless white sand are sure to take your breath away, as will the plethora of marine life that will swim round your feet as you paddle around the reef. Ideal for sun worshippers and snorkelers alike, this is an extremely popular beach for obvious reasons and so as a result, it can get very busy. The early bird gets the worm and in this case the sunbathing spot as most day trippers tend to arrive just before midday.

To visit Anse Source D'Argent, a. Dry reasonable entrance fee of 100 SCR (roughly £5) is payable to the L’Union Estate. This also entitles you to explore the park and museum, where you can see the old coconut mills and giant turtles.

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The Seychelles

Take an Octopus Diver Trip Located on one of Praslin’s most beautiful beaches, Anse Volbert, Octopus Diver is a dive centre, once voted as one of the world’s top 100 scuba diving centres, offering daily dive excursions, a full range of PADI dive courses, night diving and snorkelling trips.

Dominated by granite boulders of all shapes and sizes, Praslin’s underwater landscape plays host to a rich variety of marine life. As the second largest of the Inner Islands, diving in Praslin affords you access to around 17 dive sites with depths varying between 8-20 metres. This allows them to offer a full range of services from complete beginners to the more experienced diver. During the day the clear tropical waters around Praslin are rich with multi-coloured reef fish darting above sponge-clad rocks, while reef sharks, sting rays and turtles glide silently by. At night the same rocks come alive with an assortment of exotic creatures, creeping and crawling their way through the darkness. For more information of The Seychelles, make sure you grab a copy of our insiders guide directory ‘Absolute Seychelles’ launching in April 2017.

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Launching april 5th ABSOLUTE SEYCHELLES "the insiders guide to the Islands" over 200 pages of all you need to know to plan and book your perfect seychelles holiday.

www.indianoceanlodge.com www.caranahilltopvilla.com www.caranabeach.com

Book flights with Etihad & AirSeychelles Via Abu Dhabi price starting from ÂŁ600 rtn www.etihad.com

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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

JIM CAREY

Photographer A portfolio...

jimcareyphotography.co.uk

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Unramble

Based at Eagle Labs in Preston Circus Creating a company’s tone of voice is one of my most favourite things to do. It’s satisfying being able to bridge a communication gap between a business and their audience.

At Unramble, we write. The words mainly work because of their personality (well, and SEO etc). It’s like when you chat to someone in real life. They’ll trust you – and hopefully want to work with you – because you’re you. It’s our job to imbue a personal relationship into the words on your website. With this constant focus on other people’s companies, it feels kind of weird writing here about my own business. Bear with me, because it’s going to get personal. Unramble’s been around for over two years now. We’re in that fun (also very, very scary) phase where we’re going to take some significant risks. Specifically: I want Unramble to get bigger.

As exciting as it is to grow, it’s been a long time figuring out how to do it without ruining our ethical, tiny agency vibe. Content mills suck

Which brings me to the subject of content mills. Content mills are websites that pair freelance writers with clients. Inevitably, the writers are paid terribly and the clients get what they pay for. Inspired by WordPress

The job opportunities in STEM are huge. But not everyone knows about or

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feels like they can take advantage these opportunities. For example, it’s no secret there’s still a massive gender pay gap and ridiculous underrepresentation of people from a BAME background.

For things to improve, people with a bit of influence need to create an environment in which others feel comfortable. Roles in the industry also need to be open to everyone. I consider myself near enough the opposite of reserved, but I’ve been in many situations throughout my career where I’ve felt uncomfortable or left out for reasons that aren’t my fault.

I love WordPress, yet it was well into 2015 before I got up the nerve to go to a WordPress conference (it was called WordCamp Europe). A key moment for me was walking straight into the completely empty women’s toilets, past a queue of 20 or so people spilling out of the men’s urinals. It was a lonely experience, and striking just how much the industry lacked diversity. In the two years since, things in the WordPress community have already changed a lot. It may sound a bit strange, but I felt genuine joy when I had to queue for the loos last year at WordCamp London. And now, instead of being nervous about going to WordPress meetups and conferences, I organise them. There’s more to do, but it’s progress.

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Inclusivity and empathy WordPress is constantly becoming a more inclusive, welcoming area to work in. Still, while I no longer feel left out (most of the time), I appreciate others continue to. I’m fairly certain it was Shakespeare who wrote “queuing for the women’s loo dost not mean we’ve achieved proper diversity.”

Through Unramble, I feel like I have a tangible way to boost diversity and improve opportunities for others – an actual chance to make this a better industry to work in. Why? Because I understand not everyone is able to work 9 to 5, that people have commitments, that shit happens, that children need picking up from school, that life isn’t always easy, that mental health isn’t a constant, that everyone should be judged equally. You know what? Sometimes you just want to work from home, cuddle your cute dog and get away from the rest of the world for a bit.

Unramble can be flexible and fair, so we will be. I’m not saying we can fix everything right away. But empathy is integral to excellent writing so it makes sense that as a company, we accept and encourage everyone. Alice Still unramble.com Twitter: @unramble

Through Unramble, I feel like I have a tangible way to boost diversity and improve opportunities for others â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Â an actual chance to make this a better industry to work in.

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www.promakeupstyle.com

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