Absolute magazine issue 129 winter 2016 by Absolute Magazine Group

ABSOLUTE ISSUE 129 WINTER 2016

FASHION | STYLE | CULTURE | LIVING | TRAVEL

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Index 08 - CITY NEWS 16 - FASHION STYLE 26 - FATBOY SLIM 32 - RUSS YALOP 34 - STICK IT ON 39 - BEAUTY 44 - PRETTY ECCENTRIC 44 - TANNING SHOP 48 - FIZZ & FOOD 52 - BARS & BEATS 56 - COFFEE & CAKE - ABSOLUTE HOMES SUPPLEMENT 60 - BE FRIES 64 - MARKET RESTAURANT 68 - FESTIVE EVENTS 78- STREET STYLE & FASHION 82 - WEDDINGS GUIDE 98 - LONDON LIFE 102 - IBIZA 114 - ATZARO IBIZA 116 - EAGLE LABS

Contributing Editors - Charlie Carter | Matt Parr | Shelley Louise Baker | Victoria Marie Emerson | Lindsay Katherine Hills Pete Hayward | Kasia (The Styling Agency) Tony Shattell (food reviewer) Fashion, Beauty & Interior Styling Editor - Kasia (The Styling Agency) Features Editor - Victoria Marie Emerson - info@absolutemagazine.co.uk Managing Editor - Dan Tester Account Mangers - 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 – Alexander Voodoo of Voodoo Creations Photography Styling & Art direction – Kasia at The Styling Agency Hair – Oliver Cunningham and Morgan Rhodes – Oliver Cunningham HAIR Makeup – Justyna Wojdak Models – Jeri Ali Thompson and Catriona Frean First Management, London

Location – Brighton Harbour Hotel

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

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Editor’s Letter What a strange year it’s been…

If it’s not a much-loved musician or comedian passing away, the turmoil and in-fighting caused by the Leave vote, and subsequent rumblings about Article 50, has split families and friendships across the land. And now boundary alterations could result in a shriveled Hove – is nothing sacred anymore!

Hove needs Brighton, and Brighton needs Hove. It has its own rich history, and a proud identity. The architectural splendor of the seafront’s crescents and squares is matched by the magnificence of St Ann’s Well Gardens.

The fireworks have gone out and the bonfires are cooling but things are hotting up by the sea as we approach the festive season. Which means only one thing in Brighton – party!

With this in mind, Shelley has been busy checking out the city’s best options over the next two months, Kasia has scoured the streets of Brighton for the latest style, while Victoria has done her best to take everyone’s mind off the cold with a red-hot guide to Ibiza’s most salubrious villas. Pete catches up with one of the city’s favourite sons, Fatboy Slim, who waxes lyrical about his love for all things Brighton, his musical journey and… his love of snowdogs! Lindsay tucks in at one of Hove’s newest eateries and Matthew chats with a rising star of the underground music world. Some prescient advice can be found in our property section and this issue’s business innovator is local insurer Neos. If you missed the Bonfire night fun because you were too busy celebrating Steve Sidwell’s goal-of-the-season contender for Albion at Bristol City then help is at hand with our unofficial Absolute guide to post-November 5th firework displays in the area. And, there’s a comprehensive look at what to do in London, plus a review of the latest BoxPark in Croydon. A magazine full to the brim with all the good stuff! Enjoy!

Dan Tester

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News

Missed out on the fireworks and other spooky goings-on? No need to panic, we’ve sourced the best events in and around Sussex after November 5th, and a few more too. Shoreham Beach Family Bonfire and Fireworks Shoreham Beach – Sat 12th Nov The 2016 Shoreham Beach Family Bonfire and Fireworks promises to be another great fun night out, with a samba procession, face painting, Heart FM Angels giveaways, a big beach bonfire, fireworks and performances by Shoreham All-stars. Procession 6pm at Shoreham Beach Green, Bonfire & Fireworks 7:00pm Free (donations) www.shorehambonfire.co.uk/ Shocktober Fest Fireworks Finale Tulley’s Farm – Monday 31st Nov Enjoy all eight Shocktober Fest Haunted Attractions and then the most aweinspiring ‘Fireworks to Music’ show by Dragon Fireworks. Great food, bonfires, fireworks, street theatre, and frights – if you want them! Fireworks start from 7.00pm £10.00 (includes admission to Shocktober Fest access to the street theatre shows, live music stages, halloween store and the three food courts) www.halloweenattractions.co.uk

East Hoathly and Halland Carnival East Hoathly, East Sussex – Sat 12th Nov The largest of the Lewes satellite celebrations, East Hoathly bonfire always takes place the first Saturday after 5th November and commemorates those who perished in WW1 rather than the thwarting of the gunpowder plot. This event is famous for its beautifully sculpted bonfires and attracts a large crowd. Roads close at 5pm so be there in good time. Procession starts at 6.30pm Free www.easthoathlyandhalland.co.uk Battle Bonfire Night Battle, East Sussex – Sat 12th Nov From morning till night Battle throws a classic local bonfire celebration. Starting with the ringing of the church bells and a kids procession and a Guy Fawkes contest, the day leads through to the evening bonfire burning and fireworks display with any donations given to charity. Roads close at 6pm. Procession starts at 7.45pm; Bonfire and fireworks 9pm Free www.battelbonfire.co.uk Chailey Bonfire Night Chailey, East Sussex – Sat 12th Nov Chailey Bonfire society is celebrating its 50th year and promises an extra special procession and fireworks display for the big anniversary. The night is designed as a family event to celebrate the 5th November in a fun and safe way. The torch lit procession usually comprises of steam engines, vintage vehicles and themed children’s floats. Like East Hoathly, Chailey holds its celebration on the first Saturday after the 5th. Procession starts 6:30pm; Bonfire and fireworks 7:50pm Free www.chaileybonfire.co.uk

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Bram Stoker’s Dracula Be enthralled by this site-specific performance of the Bram Stoker classic, with the Manor as the perfect backdrop. Location: Preston Manor, Preston Drove, Brighton, BN1 6SD Type: Theatre Dates: 30 Oct 2016 to 31 Oct 2016 3 Nov 2016 to 5 Nov 2016 10 Nov 2016 to 11 Nov 2016 Times: 7:30pm & 9:15pm, Thurs 10th 3pm & 5:30pm Price: £18/ £15

Christmas Party Treasure Hunts Christmas party treasure hunts available for bookings throughout November and December. Location: Black Cat Treasure Hunts, Brighton area, BN1 1EE Dates: 1 Nov 2016 to 31 Dec 2016 POA Price: £18/ £15

CineCity Brighton Film Festival Hammer & Tongue A year round programme of poetry slams with touring guest artists. ‘Hammer & Tongue has reinvented the medium for the hiphop generation’ The Guardian. 14yrs+ Location: Komedia, 44-47 Gardner Street, Brighton, BN1 1UN Dates: 3 Nov 2016

CINECITY celebrates the 14th edition of the festival this November with the very best in world cinema and a packed programme of premieres and previews, treasures from the archive and live soundtracks plus free education screenings and special events… Location: Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 Dates: 11 Nov 2016 to 27 Nov 2016

Times: 7:30pm Price: £7/£6

Neon School Workshop National Remembrance Services Various services will be held throughout Brighton, Hove and Portslade to mark National Remembrance and will be attended by the Mayor or representatives Location: Brighton, East Sussex, BN1

An artisan neon art studio on Brighton seafront that designs neon for industry and art, once a month they share their skills. Whether you are an expert requiring a master class or an absolute beginner looking for an unforgettable weekend you have… Location: 282 Madeira Drive Arches, Brighton, BN2 1EN

Dates: 12 Nov 2016 to 13 Nov 2016

Dates: 10 Nov 2016 to 13 Nov 2016

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Christmas Fayre Come and meet Santa and have fun at the fabulous Christmas Fayre.

Location: Hilton Brighton Metropole, Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2FU Dates: 12 Nov 2016 to 13 Nov 2016

The Fairy Tale Fair Christmas Craft Fair The Fairy Tale Fair is a whimsical themed craft fair in Brighton. After the success of it’s previous events The Fairy Tale Fair looks forward to returning for our 1st Christmas special back at Brighton Open Market! Why not fall down the rabbit hole… Location: Brighton Open Market, Marshalls Row, London Road, Brighton, BN1 4JU Type: Christmas Dates: 13 Nov 2016

Lady Chatterley’s Lover Sheffield Theatres and English Touring Theatre present a world premiere production of D.H. Lawrence’s classic novel Lady Chatterley’s Lover, which visits Theatre Royal Brighton this season as part of a UK tour.

Times: 10am, Free entry

The Brighton Food & Drink Christmas Special Tour The Brighton Food & Drink Christmas Special Tour will give Brighton & Hove residents the chance to do their Christmas purchasing in one hit – with festive tastings, tipples and exclusive discounts on Christmas food and presents. Location: Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1EE

Daedelus Daedelus has dedicated his musical career to the war against cliché. Like his mythological namesake, Alfred Darlington is an inventor, a craftsman, a constructor of labyrinths. Location: Patterns, 10 Marine Parade, Brighton, BN2 1TL

Dates: 16 Nov 2016 from 7pm Price: £8 in advance

Dates: 18 Nov 2016 to 19 Nov 2016 25 Nov 2016 to 26 Nov 2016

Times: 11am-2pm, Price: £40 per person including all food/ drink tastings + exclusive discount

Location: Theatre Royal, New Road, Brighton, BN1 1SD

Dates: 15 Nov 2016to19 Nov 2016 Times: 2.30pm mats, 7.45pm eves Price: £16.90-£38

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News

The Royal Pavilion: Basement and Tunnel tour Charity Disco West Beach Properties Charity Disco with dance act performed by Killabeez. Ticket includes cold buffet. Location: King Alfred Ballroom, Kingsway, Hove, BN3 2WW Type: Club Nights Dates: 25 Nov 2016 Times: 6.30pm, £19.50

Brighton’s Artist Open Houses Christmas Festival 2016 Brighton’s Artist Open Houses returns this Christmas for three weekends starting on Saturday November 26. During this time artists and makers across Brighton & Hove, Lewes, Ditchling and beyond will be throwing open the doors of their houses and studios to showcase a hugely diverse selection of artworks.

A behind-the-scenes glimpse of the basement and tunnels of the Royal Pavilion. Discover more about life below stairs for the servants, from the rat catcher to George’s principal private secretary. The tour ends with a visit to the tunnel which led to George IV’s royal stables and riding school (now Brighton Dome). Location: The Royal Pavilion, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1EE Type: Tour

Dates: 13 Oct 2016 to 13 Dec 2016

Brighton’s Pavilion Ice Rink

Robin Cousins officially launched the rink, saying: “The Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is stunningly beautiful with its Regency Palace backdrop and it was great to see Zoe and Christopher perform in such a lovely setting. We hope that visitors to the rink will be inspired to go on and skate more in the future.” Location: The Royal Pavilion Gardens, Brighton, BN1 1EE

Dates: 5 Nov 2016 to 15 Jan 2017 Prices: £10 for adults (aged 12 and over) £7 for juniors (children under 12) Times: 10am to 10.15pm daily. Club Rinkidinks (10am – 11am daily)

Brighton’s Christmas Lights Switched ON! The party will start with Phats and Small (Turn Around) and Brighton producers Kideko and George Kwali (Crank It) taking to the live stage with their chart topping hits. Then Brighton legend Steve Coogan will have the allimportant job of switching on the lights!

This year’s Christmas lights are themed to reflect the city’s eclectic, fun and social atmosphere with words and emojis lighting up Western Road – including ‘Fairy’ and ‘Ding Dong’ (who could resist a selfie under either?!), along with playful twinkling tidings in North Laine and a gorgeous golden canopy of lights in The Lanes. Location: East Street, Brighton, BN1

Date: Wednesday 16 November 2016 Time: From 5pm onward

The box office is open from 9.45am to 9.45pm. Booking in advance!

Location: Various venues across the city Type: Arts Dates: 26 Nov 2016 to 27 Nov 2016 Price: £16.90-£38

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JUBILATION MODELS Jeri Ali Thompson and Catriona Frean First Model Management, London PHOTOGRAPHY Alexander Voodoo of Voodoo Creations Photography STYLING & ART DIRECTION Kasia at The Styling Agency HAIR Oliver Cunningham and Morgan Rhodes - Oliver Cunningham HAIR MAKEUP Justyna Wojdak FASHION Walk in Wardrobe, 31 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1AF LOCATION Brighton Harbour Hotel, BN1 1NA

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HERE TO ENTERTAIN

Fatboy SLIM

He’s our local hero, ambassador for worthy causes and dance-music royalty. Absolute’s Mr Pete Hayward has known Mr Norman Cook since the 1980s. They catch up and chat about beats, bits and pieces, his formative years and, of course, Norman’s love of our colourful city.

or the uninitiated, Mr Cook was no overnight sensation. To the benefit of younger readers we rewind to the 1980s, and piece the numbers together. The first flirtation with fame begun with Hullbased miserablists, The Housemartins. Norman sheds some light.

“Anyone who knew me in Brighton, in my days before The Housemartins, will ask the question ‘How on earth did you end up in The Housemartins’ rather than how did you get from white Indie pop, into the kind of music I was doing then. I was always into black, chemical, electronic, funky alternative dance. But in those days it was simply called ‘Black music’, ‘Soul’ or ‘Rap’ and made by black people. I kind of felt as a suburban, middle class English white guy I shouldn’t be making that kind of music. Alternatively, I thought my destiny was to be in a white English, suburban pop band playing indie music. Though anyone who heard me at the Brighton Belle, DJing in my Tuesday residency the three years before, would be like “No, you’re hip hop, Acid Jazz, you’re scratchy old funk records!” Wind back to 1987, the Harrington jacketed, flat-top brigade that queued for his Corn Exchange gig bore testimony to this. Norman paid DJ dues at The Belle (Oriental Place), as DJ resident establishing the new sound of hip hop on the Brighton scene throughout his student years. He also worked the decks at The Yard, Savannahs and The Escape. Playing his way through college, he concluded that playing his style as a musician could only lead up the Simply Red, Level 42 path, and that wasn’t on, so The Housemartins it was. “The arrival of the drum machine and Akai sampler spelt the eventual end of my days with the band. My music mates of the

time – Coldcut and Tim Siminon – started making hits from the music that we had been loving and digging as DJs, and there I was, stuck in this white pop band. It was time to jump ship so I moved back to Brighton. All my mates were wearing bandannas, mental clothes and going ‘get on one’ and mouthing ‘aciieeeed’. I was “what are you on about?” because nothing like that had happened in Hull yet. So I missed the whole 1988 wave of Acid House; Chris Coco’s ‘Frenzy’, and Jesus lookalike Harvey’s ‘Tonka’ night at the Zap. In the meantime, while I was processing the change, I started a night of acid free funk ‘n’ soul at the Downbeat club with Shem: ‘Streets Ahead’.”

“The eye-opening moment happened at the Escape Club one night. A little chemical stimulus took hold, then I finally understood the euphoria of the past couple of years. C.C. Peniston’s anthemic ‘Finally (it is happening to me)’ boomed around the club. Ah, Yes! I get why you’re all dancing on the tables and hugging each other. The glory of ecstasy was apparent, and that turned me onto house music. The nearest I got to it before was gay disco music; The Flirts, Bobby O, Donna Summer. I think I spent the rest of my life loving Acid House because I missed it first time round. Put it down to geography. Remember it was pre internet, it took longer to filter through, but Brighton was hot and quick to Acid House. It travelled up the M1, but not the M62!” Norman went on to No.1 success with Beats International and Freakpower, but new frontiers were emerging. “I was finding a new niche and looking to make something fresh. By this point I’d been in a white boy pop band, made reggae and hip hop influenced music, then Acid Jazz and variously a bass player, guitarist, producer and DJ. There was this hybrid music I really liked that

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no-one else did.” He refers to a mulch of influences being pop music like The Beatles, punk rock, hip hop and Acid House – all pivotal, but a little bland in the contemporary context. “By this point house had become formulated. I looked back at hip hop but it lacked the tempo energy, trip hop sounded interesting played at 45 so I got the idea of breakbeats at house tempo, introducing pop references – I loved playing these tunes. But no-one wanted to book me playing a set like this.” Ex Beats International Lindy Layton introduced Norman to the Heavenly Social in London where the Chemical Brothers were having similar ideas. Norman walked in the club only to hear his own record, by his new moniker – Fatboy Slim – on heavy rotation. Notes were swapped, new relationships formed. The trips to London became frequent but eventually took their toll. Norman decided a new Brighton night, based on the same lines, was in order. The Big Beat Boutique was born. It became quickly apparent after the first night (a Primal Scream after-party), that a lot of people were on the same wavelength. By the third night the queues were out of control! The Boutique was the Skint records HQ’s own club, ideas were tested and boundaries pushed. In the same manner of genre name creation as Chicago’s Warehouse, New York’s Paradise Garage, Big Beat took its name from the club.

The idea of Fatboy Slim came about after a brainstorming meeting at Loaded records. The new label, Skint, was born of an idea by A&R man Damian Harris, and a new product was needed to stamp the identity. Norman was sitting in exactly the right place to deliver the goods. In a space of two years, everything from Norman’s neverswitched-off mixing desk made vinyl gold.

love all things Brighton, I enjoy being “ Iinvolved and love that people are proud

“

of me. Brighton is special, bordering on eccentric lunacy at times, but that’s the key. That’s what this city was built on.”

“ The so-called trilogy followed: A remix of Cornerstone’s ‘Brimful Of Asher’, Wildchild’s ‘Renegade Master’ and the killer – Fatboy Slim’s ‘Rockafella Skank’ – all made within the space of a week, took our hero and genre to global fame. Norman’s formula of ‘a bit of Northern Soul breaks’, ‘acid 303’, ‘crazy pop samples’, repeated, mangled, warped and taken to extreme, was the formula to dancefloor and aural magic.

“The best bit about it all is The Big Beat Boutique has put Brighton squarely on the map. Before the club, the Big Beach Boutiques and Skint sponsoring the Albion, my experience going round the world and saying I’m from Brighton usually prompted ‘Ah, Quadrophenia, Brighton Rock’. Our own contribution has now added to the fame. Now it’s more ‘Ah, Brighton, Big Beach Boutique’. In my career this is one of the things that has made me really proud.” In this part of our conversation, Norman goes on to emphasise his love of Brighton, his pride and happiness at being the unofficial ambassador, mascot or however he is perceived. “I love all things Brighton, I enjoy being involved and love that people are proud of me. Brighton is special, bordering on eccentric lunacy at times, but that’s the key. That’s what this city was built on. Where else could you have something like the i360? It probably wouldn’t be tolerated. Anyone who doubts its place should take a look at the Pavilion, and imagine how people saw it when it was new. It doesn’t exactly reflect the south coast surroundings!

However, that set the benchmark of eccentric things that would become iconic for this city. The elements that bring people and tourists; ultimately helping our economy. The city is based on visitors – be it dirty weekends, party political conferences, car rallies, mod reunions or hen parties. Half our economy is probably based on the influx of tourists, and so we have to embrace that culture,

We are all here to entertain. I firmly believe that’s what Brighton exists to do. It’s totally open-minded, we tolerate most things, and for me it’s the best place to live.”

feed the beast and continue to build these ideas that ultimately make people smile. It’s what Brighton does best.

Moving on to his newest passion – Snow Dogs. “We are all getting involved having sponsored one ourselves. My daughter and I have done the trail and spent hours loving the process. I spent this morning having coffee at our Hove Lagoon café, watching people interacting with our Snow Dog ‘Boomer’. It’s something that probably wouldn’t work in many cities. We’ve met people who have come down for a couple of days just to do the trail. Again, we’re back to tourism. We are all here to entertain. I firmly believe that’s what Brighton exists to do. It’s totally openminded, we tolerate most things, and for me it’s the best place to live.” Moving back to his day job, we talk about music and where he is now. “I’ve just made a new record. They don’t come so easily these days. I don’t have a particular desire to inflict my records as I used to do.” He admits to finding it harder pushing his enthusiasm on others while being a parent, sober and older. However, DJing has become his main passion and drawing board for new ideas. The organic process of dropping hooks into his set has stimulated ideas for this new tune, containing all the hallmarks of another Fatboy classic. His DJ style can be summed up in his own words: “Party Acid House’ 128bpm, nasty noises, hooks of big tunes – hard, but fair.”

Norman laments the days of pioneer record making, the hardware, the button pushing and sheer hard work and engineering that went into making a record sound great. “These days the laptop does most of the work, it’s easy to do anything, and so I end up doing nothing. The days of going round your mate’s house to borrow a synth, or drum machine to get a special sound have gone, the magic with it too. That frontier spirit of abusing the equipment has disappeared.” Citing the example of a Roland 303 bass module – developed to accompany a guitarist

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without a bass player – “Chicago house pioneers discovered by abusing the filters they could get really sexy noises, and so inventing a new sound and genre.” His home recording studio has become frozen in time, a near museum piece – a shrine to how it was all done in the 1990s. “It still works, but like everything in life I grudgingly have to accept the labour-saving benefits of technology, outweigh the soul you felt for the old way of doing things. I was probably one of the last people to play vinyl as a DJ. I clung on continually making dub plates (a single pressing) of tunes so I could still play vinyl. Now I’ve made the change to software DJing – I can’t go back!” Qualifying his DJ superstar status, Norman’s next gig is the mighty 02 arena. Not will we only experience his DJing abilities, but his VJ talent too. The amazing digital visuals that will spread across the arena are all at his fingertip control. The show promises a spectacular, massive budget event.

Norman’s favourite album, “on an emotional level,” is Stevie Wonder’s album ‘Innervisions’, 1973. Followed closely by The Beatles ‘Abbey Road’, 1970 (minus two tracks - your guess reader), and Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’, 1971. His first record purchase was Chinn & Chapman’s production of Suzie Quatro’s ‘Devil Gate Drive’ 1974; “I loved the strutting energy”.

That energy seemed to have made a major impact; he’s shared the same positive entertaining spirit for well over two decades, which shows no sign of abating. Pete Hayward

Fatboy Slim December 17 The 02, London www.fatboyslim.net

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Photography by Nick Ball

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Russ

Yallop While some producers spend years finding their feet, Russ Yallop made a clear statement of intent with ‘I Can’t Wait’, his debut release on Crosstown Rebels, the solid cut of nu-school house charted across the board. ‘Rock Me’, the B-side, was picked up by DJ Mag and featured on their Best of British covermount compilation.

ith a truly global fan base, Russ regularly tours worldwide playing festivals such as Tomorrowland, Kazantip, Global Gathering and venues such as Tokyo’s Womb, Berlin’s Watergate and Circo Loco at DC10. This year, Russ celebrates his third season in Ibiza as resident for Jamie Jones’ Paradise. With friends such as Lee Richy Ahmed, Subban, wAFF and Robert James, Russ is part of a new generation of UK-based DJs who have taken the worldwide underground by storm.

When did you start DJ-ing – and who were your early influences? I first bought a pair of Technics 1200s in 1997 (1210s were new-hat back then) but I didn’t really buy anything with a 4/4 beat until after I first went to Ibiza in 1999. I used to be a big DJ Premier fan, as well turntablists such as Roc Raider and the X-cutioners.

What has been the most pivotal moment in your artistic career? The signing and the subsequent success of my very first EP the I Can’t Wait/Rock Me EP on Crosstown Rebels back in 2010. Without doubt, this was my ‘big break’. What are your main challenges as a DJ? What is it about DJing, compared to, say, producing your own music that makes it interesting for you? To be honest, the only challenge with DJing is always being at the cutting edge of the best music and sounds, which new artists are hot, which new labels are doing the business, it’s a never ending task. Producing is similar. However, you are creating as opposed to sourcing and finding.

What would your fans expect when coming to see your set?

Just that; the newest, best and most original music I can find, arranged in such a way that a set has a beginning, middle and end. How do you prepare yourself for your gig? During the week, I will have put all the new music I have bought and been sent into a folder which I then go through to find the best of the best. I then add that to whatever music I have been playing recently to form a playlist of the music I will draw upon for that set.

When there’s more music than one can possibly take in, it is becoming increasingly hard to know what constitutes an original and a remake anymore. What’s your opinion on the importance of roots, traditions, respecting originals and sources? The only stance I think you can have is to, of course, respect original sources, that goes without saying, but to have respect for an original does not necessarily preclude a remake since if we set aside authorship what does original actually mean? It simply means a set of people are unfamiliar with it. Anyone who has been listening to music for a long time will know the feeling of finding out one of their favourite tracks is actually a remake they were unaware of. ‘Pastiche’ is common in all forms of art for this very reason. Typically, a pastiche will merge borrowed concepts into a contemporary setting; in the case of dance music, recasting classic melodies with modern drums and instruments. In the case of Baz Luhrman’s Romeo & Juliet, using a Shakespeare script set in modern times. The only approach you can have is to gauge whether what you are borrowing is original for your audience and whether what you are adding improves what you’re borrowing with regard to your contemporary audience’s ear. As for respect and reward for authorship, the law takes care of that.

How do you see the balance between giving the crowd what they want and treating them to something new? It really is the same thing for a good crowd. If you look at it conversely something ‘not new’ means something murdered and overplayed, and I would never play something murdered. From a professional artist/DJ perspective and experience, how has particular technologies changed your style of DJing? With regard to table dressing, somewhat, i.e. effects that make a set that little bit more unique and can add tension at the right moments. But with regard to what’s being served not at all, the menu is always the best music you think you can offer.

In how much, do you feel, is the club experience shaped by cultural differences? Do you, when travelling, take these cultural differences into consideration? People vary wildly so people’s partying varies with it. However, for an uniformed bystander they’d be hard pressed to notice any observable difference, after all it’s a bunch of people dancing around on a dancefloor! What’s next? I will be soon playing in Barcelona and Italy! I have a lot of gigs next month including a Hot Creations tour and then off on an Australian tour at the end of November.

Mathew Parr Instagram- @mparr3101 Twitter- @mparr3101 https://www.youtube.com/c/lgoodtv

People vary wildly so people’s partying varies with it. However, for an uniformed bystander they’d be hard pressed to notice any observable difference, after all it’s a bunch of people dancing around on a dancefloor!”

Stick It On

for All Seasons The brainchild of long-term Brighton resident Rob Drysdale, Stick It On has been rocking dancefloors locally and across the country for over 15 years. The brilliantly simple concept – people register to DJ and play three of their favourite tunes at the event they’re attending – is engaging, interactive and a whole lot of booty-shaking fun.

ho hasn’t been to a club night or event and fancied themselves as being the one behind the decks creating the party atmosphere? Well, Rob took that idea and made it a reality after becoming disillusioned with a tired, repetitive DJing scene. What started out as a regular club night at what was then The Hanbury Ballrooms (Stick It On’s spiritual home), SIO has developed over the years into a full-time business catering for birthday parties, weddings and corporate events.

As further club-night stints at Komedia and Bank Holiday shindigs at the King & Queen (featuring the likes of DJ Derek, The Cuban Brothers and Chas & Dave) enhanced their reputation for delivering top quality musical entertainment, Rob began to get asked to host Stick It On parties at birthdays and weddings. When these initial private functions proved to be as successful as the public events, the business as it is today was born. A decade and a half later – and a few hundred parties down the line – Stick It On has never been in ruder health. From their HQ above the King & Queen at Marlborough Place, Stick It On organise and deliver parties to a range of clients on a weekly basis. With the public events now scaled back to the occasional Bank Holiday blow-out and a very popular New Year’s Eve House Party at The Open House on Springfield Road, Stick It On has had time to grow and develop a recognisable brand for private functions. Now synonymous with intimate, seamless and communal musical experiences, the

business is now in a position to run numerous events on the same day. With a team of trusted DJ hosts backed up by a full-time logistics manager, Stick It On can celebrate a happy couple’s wedding at one venue, play host to a birthday party at another and provide the end of conference entertainment for a large organisation all at the same time. Stick It On’s wedding parties have proved to be such a winning formula that in the last year they’ve hosted the reception entertainment at no fewer than 40 weddings. A record-breaking year for the business in that respect has seen Stick It On nominated in the prestigious Wedding Industry Awards 2017. As an entrant in the DJ section, Stick It On will compete in the South East regional event, with a view to being entered for the main national awards ceremony to be held next year. Though the core concept of a Stick It On party has remained the same since its earliest days, it has developed over the years to include a DJ-aoke format and a special DJ Face-Off set up as corporate clients began to ask us to offer up alternatives to suit particular events. Stick It On’s list of clients for corporate events includes many high profile names such as BBC, Channel4, Sony, Estèe Lauder and Cobra beer. Corporate awards ceremonies, conferences and team-bonding away-days for these and many more clients have all ended with a foot-stomping, hands-in-the-air Stick It On party. Many clients also book Stick It On for their Christmas parties, another area that Rob and his team have seen become more popular year-on-year.

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Whatever the size of the company, there’s a venue and a format that will suit a Stick It On Christmas party, as highlighted by a cursory browse of the glowing client testimonials. So what does the future hold for Rob and Stick It On?

Well, with business booming the next stage in the grand plan for Stick It On is expansion on a national level. As regular bookings come in for events in the north of England, Scotland and Wales, Rob’s vision for the business is to have regional reps dotted around the UK that can run a franchised or licensed branch of Stick It On.

The main HQ will remain in Brighton but the Stick It On flag will be flown by local reps the length and breadth of the country. As for the running of the events themselves, work has been ongoing into the Stick It On app. The nifty piece of software will allow guests at an event to submit their three-song DJ sets on the spot, making the process of becoming a DJ for 15 minutes smoother than ever as their song choices will be drawn from an extensive, genre-straddling playlist of tunes available at the touch of a button. It’s safe to say that the future looks bright for this popular party hosting business, so when will it be your turn to Stick It On? Neil Mitchell www.stickiton.org.uk @stickitonrob

Many clients also book Stick It On for their Christmas parties, another area that Rob and his team have seen become more popular year-onyear.

PEACHEYBOO

PEACHEYBOO ARE A BRITISH BABY AND TODDLER WEAR COMPANY, SPECIALISING IN UNIQUE, FUN DESIGNS, HAND ILLUSTRATED, DESIGNED AND MADE IN BRITAIN. DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM CHILDHOOD MEMORIES IN BRIGHTON, SUGAR MICE, MACARONS, RASPBERRY TARTS AND BRIGHTON ROCK LEGGINGS, FORM THEIR SIGNATURE COLLECTION. WINNER OF THE JUNIOR DESIGN AWARD 2015 BEST BABY FASHION BRAND, PEACHEYBOO HAVE OPENED THEIR FIRST STORE IN THE HEART OF BRIGHTON’S FAMOUS NORTH LAINE, AT 20 GARDNER STREET. OPEN MONDAY-SATURDAY 10AM-6PM AND SUNDAYS 11AM-5PM PRICES RANGING FROM £6-60

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Get The Look

MAKEUP Compiled by KASIA AT THE STYLING AGENCY

Take your inspiration from our photo shoot to recreate this fabulous dreamy look. Gorgeous, super, glowing and mesmerising. Transform yourself into the goddess of the night.

Kasia X Charlotte Tilbury Kiss Me Quick £16

“Shimmery gold, scented body powder”

Guerlain Souffle D’or De Shalimar Limited Edition Body Spray £59

“Perfect lashes” Urban Decay Perversion Mascara, Blackest Black £17.50

Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow, £42

TOM FORD Waterproof Foundation Concealer, £64

STEAL VS

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Luxury or economy brands can complement each other. Don’t be precious, mix them up! Clarins Extra-Comfort Foundation £36

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TOPSHOP Subversive Palette £12 Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation £7.99

Hair by Oliver Cunningham | Make-up by Justyna Wojdak Photography Alex Voodoo | Styling by Kasia

“Full coverage breathable foundation with a naturally radiant finish.”

Get The Look

BEAUTY Compiled by KASIA AT THE STYLING AGENCY

Create a multi-dimensional luminescence for special occasion frolics. Brush, sweep and highlight. Statementmaking yet effortlessly pretty. Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask £1.50

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Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm £40

“Indulge your skin”

AERIN Rose Lip Conditioner £20

“Treat and nourish your lips”

“Pure Hydration” Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream £43

Marc Jacobs Epic Noir Runway Edition Eye Set £22

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Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour® Intensive Repair Lip Balm £20

Pretty Eccentric

Be yourself, everyone else is taken Get your sparkle on! Gatsby dress £169 Deco earrings £39

Photography by Michelle Scott

If you’re stuck between a frock and a hard place this party season, head to Pretty Eccentric the home of old fashioned glamour.

PRETTY ECCENTRIC, 10 BOND STREET, BRIGHTON, BN1 1RD

WWW.PRETTYECCENTRIC.CO.UK

thetanningshop.co.uk

Free tanning sessions*

Sunbed and luxury spray tanning available in-store. 130 Queens Rd, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 3WB Tel: 01273 771 770 or 88 Western Road, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 2LB Tel: 01273 779 993 *Terms and Conditions apply. New customers only. Must have advert to redeem. Excludes Sun Angel and spray tanning.

Frivolously Festive & Fatally Feminine The party season is well and truly upon us. If you want to turn heads this Christmas – Pretty Eccentric is the place to find glamourous vintageinspired gowns with a modern, seductive twist.

ith two boutiques in Brighton (Bond Street and Meeting House Lane), Pretty Eccentric has been a favourite store to frequent when searching for that elusive ‘must-have’ party dress – and this Christmas is no different. Brimming with an array of one-of-a-kind occasion wear (all with a slight nod to the glamour of days gone by), the new range focuses on seductive dresses that will have their wearers feeling as sassy as her inner pin-up girl. “Pretty Eccentric’s new winter range is all about old fashioned glamour with a modern twist,” owner and manager Michelle Scott explains. “All wrapped up in wintry silvers and blues and festive reds and greens, our dresses are seriously wish-list worthy. Cutting a range of sassy and seductive silhouettes in sizes 8 to 18, we want to make every women feel fabulously feminine this season.” Just one of the party dresses guaranteed to do this (along with turning the heads of other party guests) is the sleek and sexy Antonia maxi dress! “Made from super sumptuous silk velvet, it skims over curves cutting a knockout silhouette to turns heads at every party. The deep red garnet colour walks

a fine line between frivolously festive and fatally feminine. Wearer beware, this dress is dangerously seductive,” laughs Michelle. The glitz and glamour of the 1920s remains popular too, with flapper girl dresses firmly being one of the boutique’s bestsellers. The latest additions see decadent beaded dresses in icy silvers and emerald greens (which Michelle assures us would look fabulous, dazzling on the dancefloor!) and along with opulent ostrich feather boleros, emulates the ever-lasting style of the enchanting era.

Of course, no outfit would be complete without some eye-catching accessories and for AW16, there’s one must-have: the choker! “Chokers are a must-have this winter and are the perfect accessory for most necklines,” Michelle explains. “Our black and red velvet chokers add a seductive and luxurious touch and a feminine finish to any outfit.” Like many of the North Laine traders, Pretty Eccentric will be opening up their doors for a festively fabulous North Laine late night shopping event on Thursday 8th December – something Michelle and her team are already looking forward to!

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“All wrapped up in wintry silvers and blues and festive reds and greens, our dresses are seriously wish-list worthy.”

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“We’re offering everyone the chance to be treated like a VIP and feel a million dollars this Christmas. There will be champagne on arrival and a personal stylist from our friendly team will dress shoppers from head to toe in fabulous fashion ready for the party season!” Before we let her go back to her busy boutiques, we had to ask; which of her winter collection will Michelle be rocking around the Christmas tree in?

“I’ll be donning our brand new Aurora dress,” she says. “It’s made from lustrous

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red silk velvet which couldn’t be more festive. Its wide sleeves are perfect for layering over a polo neck to keep you cosy and warm without compromising style!” Find Pretty Eccentric at 10 Bond Street, Brighton, at 12b Meeting House Lane. Don’t forget: pop December 8th in your diary for the late night shopping event! www.prettyeccentric.co.uk

We are a NEW Brighton based party destination where we cater for all of your children's party needs. We have a stunning Parlour where your children and their guests will get pampered. This can include having their hair styled, make up applied and a mini-manicure all at one of our glamorous hair & make up station's All of our party packages can be tailored made to suit your every need. Book your party today quoting code VFP100 to receive a 10% discount against your first booking.

www.butterfliesandbeaus.com @ButterfliesandBeaus ABSOLUTE

FIZZ & FOOD 1847

Silo which can cater to dietary requirements. It’s not often you’ll find gluten free penne, fusilli or spaghetti! You can also find a range of other beautifically cooked Italian classics even down to a slow cooked Bolognese. Stop by for breakfast, lunch and of course, dinner.

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 and seafood. Situated in an 18th-Century building with a warm welcome, real fires and stunning panoramic views overlooking lady bee marina and the harbour. Child friendly too and Bonios are waiting for your four legged friends.

SkyFall

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

Moonstone

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

Chaula’s

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

Nuposto Pizzeria and Bar

Crafty Chooks

Eatalio

Eatalio is a new addition to the food scene in Brighton, located down Queens Road five minutes from the station. Inspired by the rustic style food served in the street carts of Italy, they serve healthy style Italian food

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

Nuposto pizzeria serves gluten free pizza’s as well gluten free beer called “Blonde”. In fact almost everything there is gluten free including starters such as mozzarella, burrata, fine sliced and meats and even affogato (ice-cream companion to espresso). If you’re someone who suffers with food intolerance, Nuposta can cater for you. There is a huge range of delicious Italian meals on the menu.

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Crafty Chooks are the latest members to join the family owned pub group Golden Lion. They are named after their love for craft beers and free range chickens!

Their menu focuses solely on high quality, locally sourced, free range rotisserie chickens. Crafty Chooks serves many poultry dishes as well as plenty of other innovative meals to try on the menu too.

Iydea Memories of India

The Bali Brasserie

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

Iydea is a well-known vegetarian café located in the busy Kensington Gardens, they offer a large variety of hot food that is either marked as vegetarian or gluten free. The little café is so popular that in 2014 they were awarded “Best Café” and a silver award for “Best takeaway” at the Brighton Food And Drink Awards. Iydea is a much loved café that’s always busy particularly during lunch time!

Riddle and Finns

Offering traditional Indian food in a variety of flavours from all over the continent. If you’re gluten intolerant then you will be pleased to know that gluten is very rare in all Indian food due to the lack of wheat flour. On Tuesdays you and your friends can take pleasure in a 5 course buffet menu for £12.95.

Curry Leaf Cafe

Indian Summer

Indian Summer is a highly rated Indian fine dining experience amongst the Brighton community, the long-standing restaurant is positioned perfectly in the South Lanes near Brighton town centre. Indian Summer has been the go to place for exotic food that can cater to anyone with celiac decease, for over 10 years now.

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

Aguadulce

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

Terre a terre

Coggings and Co

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

Aguadulce is a Spanish restaurant, but not just tapas bar. They serve traditional Spanish food which is also available in gluten free. The restaurant is a great place to meet new people on a night out as they also flamenco night’s here too. Another perk is every time you order a drink you receive a free tapas dish. Fiesta!

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

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 Fantastic Loyalty scheme every time you order online at www.myemye.com Collect & Save 10% takeaway and collections at MYE MYE 14 Matclock Road, Brighton, BN1 5BF Corporate orders - 25% off your first order (when spent £75 or more) code MYECO25

01273 500 511

www.myemye.com twitter.com/myemyetakeaway facebook.com/MyeMyeBrighton instagram.com/myemyetakeaway

MYE MYE 14 MatlockABSOLUTE Rd, Brighton BN1 5BF

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BARS & BEATS Bohemia BYOC

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.

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.

Legends

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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 dancefloor 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

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

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.

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.

Lucky Voice Karaoke Brighton

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.

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.

Neighbourhood

Cool and quirky are words that don’t feel like they quite cut it at this laid back dive bar just shy of Kemptown. 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.

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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 it lashing around in the ball pit or taking in the bed of nails table in one of the VIP rooms.

Dirty Blonde

Bar, restaurant, inspiration… Dirty Blonde is a delicious enigma, an intangible pleasure. An intimately lavish setting to eat, drink and relax. By evening, a seductive blend of sophisticated dining and fabulous cocktails. And later, a glittering nightlife emporium like than no other, hosting an eclectic mix of show stopping entertainment…

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COFFEE

CAKE

Situated in Shoreham-by-Sea, Tom Foolery is a perfect coffee seeking connoisseur’s rest point. It is however, much more than just a coffee shop. Our own caffeine expert Pete Hayward, dropped by and talked to owners Bob and Vanessa.

The Cappuccino Kid

Q. As well as being a coffee and cake shop, you have a very comprehensive menu, I see a lot of people are tucking into breakfasts too. Is there food all day?

Q. How long has Tom Foolery been in Shoreham-by-Sea?

We opened the doors on 24th May 2014. “Frightened rabbits” is a phrase that springs to mind but once we’d served that first customer and saw the smile on their face as they tasted the coffee, we learned to relax and it’s been a joy ever since.

Yes, our daytime menu runs until 3pm and includes those breakfasts as well as classic dishes such as Eggs Benedict and smoked salmon and scrambled eggs. We’re GF and veggie friendly too! We also run our popular Sun Downer sessions on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings serving gourmet burgers, moules frites, proper ice cream sundaes and a fabulous selection of beers, wines and cocktails. You truly haven’t lived until you’ve tried one of our boozy affogatos made with our own coffee.

Q. OK, to the coffee. What kind of beans are you using? Are they exclusive to you? From the outset, we were determined to serve our customers the very best coffee available and had thoroughly researched the beans before we’d even found premises! The cup that topped our list was supplied by the brilliant people at Horsham Roasters so we made contact and have been working closely with them ever since. For the first two years we had a single origin ethos but in recent months we’ve been up at the roastery developing our own exclusive house blend, Fool’s Gold, in partnership with Horsham. It tastes like heaven and we’re hugely proud of it. Q. Do you tweak the grind of the beans

to get balanced perfection?

Absolutely. Dialling in is crucial. We even tweak our baristas on a regular basis for the same reason.

Q. I see that there is entertainment in the evenings. What kind of events are you holding? Q. I’ve just been served a perfect Flat White. What’s your secret to the balance?

A 21g double shot topped with milk in a 7oz glass. The espresso has to be brilliant, the milk spun silky smooth and fine, but the real secret is that we do it all with an awful lot of love. We think you can taste the difference.

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We always wanted to be more than just a coffee shop and we have a regular programme of monthly events ranging from craft evenings where you can come and grab a glass of wine, have a giggle and make something magnificent, to open mic music nights and our Spoken Wordery sessions where you never know quite what’s going to happen and which are fast achieving cult status. We also hold some amazing pop-up restaurant events with Masterchef: The Professional winner,

“

You truly haven’t lived until you’ve tried one of our boozy affogatos made with our own coffee.

Steve Edwards, who we’re really excited to be hosting for four consecutive nights in December!

Q. The interior of the shop is eclectic throughout. Do you support local artists?

Yes, it’s important to us. We’re both a bit in love with art and music and that probably comes across in how people experience the shop - there’s always something interesting to look at and, we hope, good tunes to listen to. We commissioned the Mermaid on a Bike and LoveLife wall installations from local artists before we opened, and our current exhibition is by talented Shoreham painter, Michael Murphy. Even the lampshades at the rear of the shop are made by artist Lizzie Lee who takes our used plastic milk bottles, grinds and melts them down and creates something beautiful.

Q. Do you have any future plans you would like to share with us? Our future plans include much Tom Foolery and we’d love to share it with you. Pete Hayward www.tomfoolery.coffee Steve Edwards will be at Tom Foolery from 6th - 9th December. Tickets: www.etchfood,co.uk

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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 58

ABSOLUTEHOMES ISSUE FOUR - COVER BRIGHTON STATION

HOMES | INTERIORS | PROPERTY | INVESTMENT | DEVELOPMENT

Let us take your property to London.

On 8th October 2016 showcase your home to Londoners looking to move out of town. There are thousands of reasons why Londoners are looking to move out of town – excellent schools, quality of life, more space and value for money. Your property and location may be just what they are looking for. Some of those moving away from London will be looking to buy immediately while many others prefer to ‘try before you buy’ and rent first before they settle for good. We are making the most of our extensive network of 33 London branches by offering to take your property right to the doorsteps of active buyers and tenants in the Capital as part of The Roadshow on Saturday 8th October. To ensure your property is showcased at this exclusive event, contact us today. The deadline for inclusion is 1st October 2016

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

In recognition of our continuous search for ways to improve the service we deliver, and for the fourth year in a row, we have received the Gold Award for Best Large Agency. So, if you would like to work with an award-winning agent that provides you with realistic advice, the highest standards of personal and professional service, creative marketing and a leading network of 87 UK offices and over 7,000 international partner offices. Contact us today. Hamptons Haywards Heath Sales. 01444 316 791 haywardsheath@hamptons-int.com Lettings. 01444 316 793 haywardsheathlettings@hamptons-int.com

hamptons.co.uk

INTRODUCTION BRIGHTON PROPERTY MARKET OVERVIEW – POST BREXIT Michael Ashby

ell that wasn’t so bad was it? Don’t know what all the fuss was about? Project Fear? More like Project Fear Not! Unfortunately, the backwards turning Brexit wheels have not yet been set in motion – the party hasn’t even started.

Initially, things didn’t look so great for both the national and local property markets immediately after June’s momentous decision. Committed buyers suddenly became anxious about putting vast sums of money down on the table. Nervous vendors started withdrawing their properties from the market ‘until things had settled down a bit’. Those sellers that were still keen/ needed to sell were suddenly having to accept reduced offers – something we hadn’t seen across the board for over a decade since the heady days of 2008.

But, gradually the local city market started to shake off the shock of allowing the public to vote on such important issues. Confidence started to creep back in whilst the politicians continued to work out who would be left standing to lead the victorious Brexit negotiations. Ironically, the only person in authority who seemed to have a non-Remain plan in place (in case the public, heaven forbid, decided to vote for change) was a ‘foreigner’ – Canadian Mark Carney – the Governor of the Bank of England. His decision to meet with the heads of the major lending institutions before the Vote to ensure there was no panic retraction of available lending finance to consumers (unlike the previous recession); coupled with a substantial injection of cash (£9bn since June and counting); plus the unheralded drop in interest rates to one quarter percent; undoubtedly helped the market to take a deep breath. These measures were put in place to ensure that the financial system was ‘well-capitalised, liquid and strong’.

The one thing both the financial and property markets despise is uncertainty. For the years leading up to June’s historic vote, Brighton property had witnessed strong steady rises of around 10% year on year. This consistent growth allowed for confident advice from property professionals on not just the benefits of investing in bricks and mortar but also the likely future returns from such investments, whether for owner occupation or for rental purposes. Brexit changed all this overnight.

Unfortunately, even the creators of Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union have no idea as to what the full ramifications are for the member state ‘brave’ enough to trigger it – appropriate phrase! It was always

designed to be a nuclear style deterrent of which nobody would dare press the red button. One thing is clear that the UK, (or whatever is left of it in two years’ time if Scotland get their way?), will most likely be in a weaker trade negotiating position and may well also be made an example of to the other EU super powers, to ensure that any other wavering EU members do not also decide to roll the referendum dice.

Sterling is likely to continue to suffer too during this two-year exiting process and also inflation, and thereto the cost of living, will start to rise inextricably with household incomes subsequently squeezed. Marmite Wars will not be the only thing leaving a bad taste in the mouth. Even though nothing has actually happened yet in terms of instigating Brexit, the local property market is clearly nowhere near the activity levels of pre-Brexit, and there will undoubtedly be more troubled waters ahead to steer through. Prices are currently level with generally healthy negotiation between both buyers and sellers alike. This is an unusual scenario within Brighton & Hove property price movements which notoriously have shown a rollercoaster ride of either significant spikes over the years with the occasional sharp fall thrown in for good measure – aka 2007/8.

However, it is not all doom and gloom here in Brighton and Hove. The falling pound obviously helps tourist hotspots like Brighton. Not just from bargain hunting ‘foreigners’ but also staycationers feeling the pinch of sterling’s current close parity with the Euro – not to mention the distinct possibility of having to apply for, and pay for, visas to travel around EU countries in the future. The City has also demonstrated its resilience to property downturns in the past. In particular, last decade’s economic recession only saw property prices fall in the area during 2008 and the latter part of the previous year. By 2009 prices started to rise which was only matched by the City of London. This scenario is very different this time around in that it will be exclusively felt in the UK, plus the prime London property hotspots have undoubtedly taken a massive hit since June’s vote, with no signs of recovering activity and/or prices yet on the horizon. Many would argue these market sectors were overheated in the first place and the champagne bubble needed to burst to make property more affordable again, particularly for first-time buyers. Alas a falling property market only seems to bring out the worst in consumers. Confidence erodes away as buyers, both in the retail

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and property sectors, batten down the hatches and sit on their hands until there is light at the end of the dark tunnel. Only a few vulture investors are left picking up bare bone rock-bottom bargains which don’t help enough to bolster the depressed market. This is further compounded by the nervous Banks overreacting by tightening their lending criteria to make it so much more difficult for those buyers still out there trying to bravely bid in a falling market.

As any property surveyor, estate agent, conveyancer, broker, or anyone else connected with the property world, will tell you it’s not falling prices that are the problem – it’s falling transactions. Basic Keynesian supply and demand economics should mean that the acute shortage of available housing stock in the Brighton area, restricted by geographical constraints from the English Channel to the south and the recently designated South Downs National Park to the north, combined with the slow progress of any proposed large housing developments actually coming to fruition, should result in continued property price hikes from the seemingly never-ending demand for property in the City, particular from London buyers/investors. This does not however, translate into the real world when macro-economic factors such as these have such a significant impact on the market. Whatever the repercussions to the economy over the next two years are, once Article 50 is triggered, the key element to avoid a property downturn is consumer confidence. It is down to every one of us, not just the property professionals and analysts, to talk up the market and to keep spending with confidence. This is the best and only way to navigate the stormy seas of uncertainty that lie ahead. It’s no use those of us who voted to Remain, (or more regrettably didn’t bother to vote at all), to say ‘I told you so!!’ If the UK economy catches a cold, then we all suffer. I’d rather the experts ‘we’ve had enough of’ be proved to be wrong and that the fact less phrase I frequently hear of ‘don’t worry everything will turn out alright in the end’ does hold true. For I can take solace that my hometown of Brighton and Hove once again showed its acceptance of diversity and forward thinking by voting over 2 to 1 to remain proud European Brightonians. Michael Ashby MRICS E: mike@house4houseltd.com M: 07773 338347

House 4 House Limited 42 Carlisle Road, Hove, BN3 4FS F: 01273 220285 W: www.house4houseltd.com Registered in England number 07654795

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in-toto Designing a new kitchen can be a daunting process – luckily, in-toto Brighton is here to help

White kitchens are modern and stylish, but I’m worried it will make my home look too clinical. Is there any way of avoiding this? Not only are white kitchens timeless, they are also wonderfully versatile! Adding accessories or some hints of wood in the form of open shelving will instantly make your space much more comfortable. White is perfect to use as a base to add colour to, whether that’s in the form of splashbacks, appliances, or on-counter items. I would like a kitchen worktop that is durable, easy to clean, and contemporary. What are my options?

You’re in luck! From granite and quartz to Dekton and more, there are endless possibilities for easily achieving all of those effects. Each type of worktop has its own personality, and we can find the perfect material, colour and thickness to complement any design. How can my kitchen reflect my personality?

Making the heart of your room personal to you is a major part of our design process. From magazine cuttings, to Pinterest boards, or even just a casual chat: we will echo anything you share with us in the concept of your new kitchen. This could be anything from your favourite colour to entire interior themes. I have a small kitchen, but a big life! How can I get the most out of my space? Typical Brighton architecture presents us with this situation very often, and when you have limited space it gives us the opportunity to be inventive and creative. Although it may be challenging, working closely with you to give us a deeper understanding of your home life will inspire us to make the space work for you. This can be achieved through using bespoke units, clever storage solutions and a whole lot of creative flair!

I can’t decide between an island or a breakfast bar – what would work best for my kitchen? It all comes down to the dynamics of your home and what you want to achieve. If you’re looking for a focal point, an island with hob and suspended extractor fan can make a really bold statement. On the other hand, breakfast bars with bespoke open shelving will make any kitchen unique. That’s why islands and breakfast bars are truly wonderful: they can be tailored to your needs, whether offering seating to create a social area, deep-drawer storage for practicality, or simply expanding on that vital worktop space.

Book an appointment with in-toto Kitchens Brighton: www.intoto.co.uk/brighton 01273 773147

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Working closely with you to give us a deeper understanding of your home life will inspire us to make the space work for you.

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Buying in

London? Roll up your sleeves, do your homework, play the game… and kill the agents with kindness, you could end up with a little goldmine if you buy strategically.

If money’s no object, you’re extremely well catered for in central London. Since mid 2013 there has been an incredible rise in property prices on the fringes with some of the highest rises in the towns connected to, although not quite classed as London, (yet). Wouldn’t it have been nice to have bought in Clapham ten years ago?

Towns that can reach the capital in under 40 minutes have spiked, especially with the introduction of the Oyster card beyond East Croydon. Redhill in Surrey, has seen corporate estate agents moving their boundaries, originally classed as south-east branches they’re now London Metropolitan. Places some would avoid 15 years ago have become incredibly affluent with streets so clean you feel you should take your shoes off. In Brixton or Hackney, studios start from around £215,000, with a 5% deposit that means you’ll have to earn over £40,000, have no debt and no dependents. Whilst these are lovely places to live, you certainly pay for it. Buying strategically can hopefully save you a few quid and when prices start to rise again, cheaper areas have more bandwidth

to increase at a more exponential level, meaning they will rise to similar levels as their so called ‘posher’ neighbours.

The market in London started slowing down towards the end of last year and Brexit caused uncertainty and not everything is selling so quickly. It’s fair to say the market right now is unpredictable which means some properties are sticking, this isn’t likely to last.

If you want to be closer to The City and don’t have money to burn, stay away from boroughs like Lambeth... stunning and vibrant but when the postcode becomes a London one, the prices react aggressively. Try looking at fringes like Croydon, Sutton and Kingston (CR, SM and KT). Places to consider; areas and towns that will benefit from future stations and rail extensions… Crossrail, Crossrail 2, the extension of the Northern Line and the Bakerloo Line. A new train network, station or 24-hour service upgrade due in the next five years and you’re onto a very promising chance of prosperity way beyond the national average.

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Always check Zoopla once you’ve exhausted Rightmove’s housing stock. Zoopla drives Primelocation and unlike the rest of the country, this is London’s favourite property website. You may find some properties are not on both.

You really need to know how to react when you see your perfect house but equally don’t discount stock that has been on the market for ten weeks or more without a price reduction.

Some tips on how to be the agents’ favourite and sometimes their recommended buyer…

Don’t email, agents are used to coming into work and seeing many leads from Rightmove & Zoopla overnight, don’t be another email, pick up the phone and call, try to build rapport.

When attending viewings be nice to the agent. Sometimes you’ll have someone fantastic, sometimes frustratingly clueless, but remain diplomatic, we can get the right answers later. *Little Trick* when asking vital questions, call the agent on the phone number from

“

when asking vital questions, call the agent on the phone number from their Rightmove page, Rightmove records the phone call, peace of mind for some.”

their Rightmove page, Rightmove records the phone call, peace of mind for some.

Being nonchalant about wanting to buy a property doesn’t always do favours. Tell them you like the property if you genuinely are interested. Playing poker face will make them think you’re not that keen, or bothered deep down, and in turn concerned about tying the sale up to you over someone acting more enthusiastically.

Do go to open days. In my experience they don’t work anymore as buyers hate them so 30-40% of motivated buyers won’t go, London agents are still doing them. Whilst you may enter a ‘bidding war’, what if real buyers had been put off and you were only bidding against chancers? When making an offer, don’t go really low, a cheeky offer to ‘test the water’ could offend the seller. Listen to the agent when he makes advice unless it sounds pushy and like they are rushing you, resist the urge to retort and take time out, even if ten minutes to mull it over. Trump cash buyers and buyers with no chain, tell the agent what they want to hear...

“We’d like to make an offer, can we speak to your mortgage advisor?” It will cost you an hour, the advice is free and they cannot do a credit search in their first meeting. If the agent thinks you’re going to use their broker they may see you as a customer that brings double the commission... it won’t work with good independents but larger agencies care about bottom line in the short term and get paid as much for the mortgage as they do for selling the house. Don’t forget you can always change to you preferred broker once the sale is agreed, say you found a better deal but drop them in a bottle of wine as a sweetener if this pains you. That’s why I say ‘play the game’. If you choose a good estate agent to sell through, they should help you with this buying process so ask when interviewing your agents if they will. Best of luck, it can be stressful but equally rewarding.

I’m always on hand to help buyers and sellers who have questions. Feel free to email me if you’d like any remote or impartial advice: james@powerbespoke.co.uk James Gordon

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Stylish yet affordable living by the sea Absolute takes a look around a stunning period property currently on the market in the neighbouring town of Worthing.

righton has basked in sunshine and glory for decades. Lured by the promise of a buzzing promenade, a hive of independent retailers, a top-notch nightlife scene and that twinkling sea, Londoners have flocked to purchase property and a slice of Sussex by the sea in Brighton. But what happens when, hand in hand with demand, that property soars in price, making a step on to the Brighton property ladder a steeper climb than most can manage? Whilst all this has been happening, Worthing, often regarded as Brighton’s little sister, has been busy working away in the background and has now stepped proudly into the spotlight, heralded as one of the top ten property hot spots in the U.K. The town has seen significant investment in recent years, with businesses moving over from Brighton and beyond. All are hoping to cash in on the thousands of people who are moving from Brighton and London each year, attracted to the town’s vast beach, the exquisite Art Deco promenade, clean and modern surroundings and increasingly vibrant social scene. Even more appealing is the price of property in this beautiful seaside town, with a whole host of architectural gems available at literally half the price you would pay in Brighton. When looking for your next home many

will have their wish list, and let’s face it, most of us dream bigger than our budget. However, Worthing may well be able to tick all of your fanciful boxes. To get an idea of what is on offer, we took a look at a renovated Victorian terrace in the very centre of Worthing. Based in Brighton, this 3/4bedroom property is estimated to would be worth a cool £550,000, but in Worthing, it’s a snip at o.i.e.o £350,000. When meeting the owners Victoria and Matthew, it’s clear to see their love and passion for period properties. In 2013 they bought this tired period property in Portland Road Worthing and over the past three years modernised and redecorated whilst retaining the original character and charm of the home. Internally there is plenty to admire; starting with the kitchen Victoria and Matthew wanted to create an ideal space for the young family to spend time. Matthew - being a painter and decorator - used Farrow and Ball paint with its traditional tones and hues to keep in with the original style of the home. The open plan living and dining space mirrors the colour scheme but with a contemporary twist on the detail. The first floor accommodates a further lounge with a beautiful window looking to the street below; This room really holds its own personality and makes a fabulous

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space for entertaining. The three double bedrooms over the remaining floors offer light interior with original sash windows and a continuation of character throughout. Outside, you’ll find yourself just a stone’s throw away from an abundance of shops and of course, the glorious stretch of southern seaside. The train station is just a 10 minutes walk away, and you can be in Brighton in 22 minutes and London Victoria in 1 hour and 20 minutes. Local estate agent Laura Tingley explains “The Brighton and Hove market has really joined into Worthing; as a town we have fantastic homes with a smaller price tag. This isn’t the only reason,” she goes on to say, “Worthing is now on the map, we are a trendy seaside town with a lot to offer.” Matthew Taylor, owner of ‘The Beach House’ bar on Worthing seafront adds ‘Having grown up in Hove in the 1980s I feel that Worthing today reminds me of the Hove of that period. Coming from a large family of seven brothers we all felt that we had an idyllic childhood. Brighton and Hove was not yet a city and there was a lovely community feel about it. Lots of families were moving in as the retired population moved on. This has happened in Worthing today. The demographics have changed greatly in the 10 years I have been here. It is a great place to

“Worthing, often regarded as Brighton’s little sister, has been busy working away in the background and has now stepped proudly into the spotlight.”

bring up a young family - it doesn’t have the crowds, stag and hen parties etc that have made Brighton a victim of its own success.

Worthing has many creative people musicians, artists and generally interesting folk who have been priced out of Brighton and who are genuinely enthusiastic about the town and community they live in - this is why Worthing is the town to be watched. There’s a lot of stuff bubbling under the surface.’ We spoke to local resident Alfred who is a former resident of Brighton. In 2011 he took the jump to move Worthing. He added ‘Worthing has really impressed me, my family enjoy what the town has to offer, the schools are fantastic and I can still commute to work in London. We moved from a flat to a house with no addition to our mortgage. It was the best move yet.’

Portland Road, Worthing is on the market with Jacobs Steel for an asking price of o.i.e.o £350,000. Contact the Worthing office 01903 237992 or www. jacobs-steel.co.uk for more details.

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leaders.co.uk

Meet Brighton Marina property guru Greg Hall Greg Hall is Brighton Marina’s number one property expert. He has more than a decade of experience in the industry and is both passionate and knowledgeable about the marina and the lifestyle it offers. Here, we find out more about the man behind Brighton Marina’s most popular and successful estate agents…

So what first attracted you to the property industry? I became fixated with the property market from a very early age. As a child, we moved to many new places across a number of countries, so finding the best place to live was a challenge I quickly came to love. I still get great satisfaction from helping people to complete their dream move.

Where do you call home? I once thought of Guernsey as home, but since moving to Brighton several years ago I have fallen in love with the city. I live in the heart of the marina, just a stone’s throw from the branch, and adore the lifestyle it offers. I am somebody who really values living by the water.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

How does being part of the Waterside Properties network help your customers? Being able to market our waterside properties across a network of affiliated branches across the UK helps us to bring properties to the attention of more potential buyers and tenants quicker and easier than many of our competitors. We also offer our clients an exclusive opportunity to have their homes promoted at the Southampton and London boat shows.

And finally, what’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen on a viewing? There are plenty of weird and wonderful stories, but the one that comes to mind is a dead Christmas tree I saw in a house in August. I asked the seller about it and he explained he had kept it as it was the last tree he and his partner bought before they split up. It still had the decorations in place!

Tough one. I think it would have to be either Palm Beach, Florida or Connecticut. I have a lot of family in the USA and love spending time there, but either way I would want to be on the coast.

Brighton Marina has undergone a rapid transformation. What’s happened so far and what is planned for the next few years? Two brand new towers comprised of luxury one, two and threebedroom apartments have already been built and nine more towers are due to follow in the coming years. The pinnacle of the development will be a stunning 40-storey tower, which will be a first for the UK coastline. In addition to the new apartments, there are plenty of other projects planned to bring more shops, restaurants and homes to the marina.

You lead a team of marina property experts. What makes them so special? What sets the team apart is our desire to go the extra mile for all our customers. Whether people are selling, letting, buying, renting or investing, we will do all we can to help them achieve their goals. A warm and friendly approach is also guaranteed!

Greg Hall Branch Manager, Brighton Marina

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BeFries

Bringing Belgium’s Finest Fries to Brighton Self-confessed chip addict Shelley Welti meets the two brothers behind BeFries, a new Brighton foodie hotspot with a Belgian twist…

“

During my visit on a Sunday afternoon, there was a steady stream of fries fanatics all wanting to get their hands on this European fare.”

hilst us Brits love our chips (usually served with battered fish and lashings of vinegar, of course), it’s the Belgians who take this passion to a whole new level – with stalls serving Belgian fries on streets, all across the country.

Far from being just a humble potato product, Belgian fries are a huge part of the country’s cultural heritage. So much so that chefs train for two years to learn how to perfect this all-important national dish!

When Brighton brothers and keen foodies Dashal and Chan Beevers visited their father in neighbouring Holland (where stalls have also spread!), they would always head to the popular hatches for their fries fix and wonder why they couldn’t get their favourite treat back home. You see, instead of just being served with salt, vinegar and a choice of ketchup, mayo or curry sauce, Belgian fries are

much saucier affair, with up to 30 different sauces offered at one time! Fast forward a decade or two – and with successful careers under their belts (Dashal as a director for an independent record label and Chan as a head pastry chef for many prestigious London restaurants) and the brothers, along with sister Ezda and half-brother Joe (Patton), finally turned their idea into a reality. Opening the BeFries doors during Pride weekend, the team have been busy ever since! At times, they have had queues spilling out onto West Street, just like the hatches they know and love from Belgium, Holland and beyond!

During my visit on a Sunday afternoon, there was a steady stream of fries fanatics all wanting to get their hands on this European fare. As I walked in, one departing customer (who told me he was a chip connoisseur), said that they were the best fries

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he had eaten. Later I found myself wholeheartedly agreeing with him.

Entering BeFries, there’s an instant European feel, with clean, natural and simple yet chic décor (including wooden sauce bar, exposed lightbulbs and glass jars filled with wildflowers), giving a very different ambience to the chippy with its fluorescent lighting!

I opted for a medium cone (small cost £2.80, medium £3.50 and large £4.00: all include one sauce of choice) with Dutch mayonnaise, sate (satay) and diced onion. Some may think this is a random flavour combination, but I can see why this is a favourite amongst regulars; the creamy meets peanut-y concoction, complete with the crunch of the onion and fries, is a taste sensation! Whilst diving into the crisp saucy delights (and drinking chocolate milkshake Chocomel; one of the many Belgian imported drinks in BeFries’ fridge!), the boys bought

over an array of sauces for me to try and we had a good chat about them and the business so far. Dashal and Chan’s enthusiasm for keeping things authentic is clear. I learnt that most sauces are made in-house, in-keeping with the norm at Belgian fries establishments. The team have also spent lots of time perfecting the perfect fries; just as they do in Belgium! They’ve even worked with one of Holland’s top fryers to recreate the taste on home shores. First, I tucked into vegan sauces including curry ketchup, more sate and spicy tofu (which was surprisingly creamy!), then delved into mayonnaises such as Belgian, Dutch and garlic, finishing off with other firm favourites ketchup, sambal (an Indonesian chilli paste) and green peppercorn, amongst so much more. Being gluten free, it was great to have so much choice! It’s hard to choose a favourite, but I think sate’s the one for me!

I don’t think you could go wrong with your sauce choices, but if you just can’t choose, Dashal, Chan and the rest of the team will happily go through the options with you at their sauce bar, giving you samples to try along the way! As I bid Dashal, Chan and their team goodbye (still clutching a few remaining precious fries in my cone), I knew it wouldn’t be long ‘till I got my BeFries fix again. And guess what? I’ve now visited twice in a week. I think this could quickly become my favourite place! Shelley Louise Baker

BeFries, 46 West Street, Brighton, BN1 2RA Photography by Oliver Edwards www.befries.com

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The Connaught Pub & Kitchen

Prosecco

fridays bottles of

prosecco @theconnaught

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s get the weekend started. 62

48 Hove St, Hove BN3 2DH . www.connaughtpub.co.uk . 01273 206578

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Book Now For Christmas & New Years

“Private hire spaces available for group bookings”

LEWES

Restaurant & Cocktail Bar 6 Eastgate Street Lewes, BN7 2LP t: 01273 476707

BRIGHTON

Restaurant 2-3 Little East Street Brighton, BN1 1HT t: 01273 771661

www.chaulas.co.uk #IndianFoodForYou

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MARKET

Restaurant Traditionally known as the harvest season, autumn has arrived. It’s the end of al fresco dining and time for our bodies to gather energy for the colder months ahead. A perfect time to indulge in authentic dishes too… Market, the bijou restaurant in Hove, has been my favourite Sunday hot spot since opening its doors in September 2015 and when I was asked to pop along on a sunny autumnal afternoon to sample this season’s culinary delights I jumped at the opportunity.

he creativity and ambition of proprietors Kate Alleston and Neil Mannifield is evident as you walk through the doors. Passion and vision has brought a one-of-akind restaurant that combines the best of New York, Spain and Soho. A sophisticated, unpretentious environment with great food, and a convivial atmosphere.

Kate and Manni (Neil) have put their heart and soul into bringing the best of the best from their travels to Market and this passion has resulted in a culinary energy that draws people from all over and has a loyal and ever growing customer base. Rustic copper pots and Spanish cured ham hang from the bottle green tiled walls, and not purely for decoration, but as a fully functioning kitchen. There are tables with chic mismatched chairs set around the intimate dining room and balancing up the rural feel is a sleek, modern bar area. For me, there is nothing better than being perched on a stool watching the intricately arranged, yet homely, dishes come to life before my eyes.

I arrived early afternoon and the place was its usual buzzy self with guests waiting to be seated and a queue outside eagerly trying to

64 64

get a table before last orders. I can honestly say that every time I have frequented Market, Kate and Manni have been there. Welcoming guests and running around ensuring everyone is happy. This attention to detail is what makes Market stand out from every other establishment in town.

Head chef Dan Cotton, who filled the same role at The Crabtree in Lower Beeding, has worked closely with the team to pull off a magnificent celebration of cultures and food. With no other Sunday plans, I decided to soak up the atmosphere and have an extended, lazy lunch. Sat at the bar with a delicious glass of Gruner Veltliner, Kate offered to take me on a culinary journey by way of a selection of the tapas, small plates and matching wines. An experience I have always wanted to have as a fully-fledged gastronaut since writing for Absolute! Sharing plates is a key highlight of Market and it makes for an exciting afternoon sampling incredibly vibrant flavours.

My first stop, West Mersey for mouthwatering Oysters complete with apple cider, shallot and capers on the side. A light start before moving to Spain for a taste sensation; goats cheese churros with white truffle

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honey and paired with a Manzanilla cherry, a true revelation to me. Flavours I have never experienced in this combination before, but work so well together. While I was keen to order the churros again, my next stop was a chic London treacle sea trout with Jerusalem artichoke and the captivating aroma of the dill vinaigrette. The small plates start from £2.50 and are a combination of classic recipes brought to life with genius experimentation. I realised I had been eating solidly, chatting about food and wine and simply having a ball for nearly two hours. Now, if I didn’t already know how amazing the Market Sunday roast is I may have been able to decline, but as a Sunday roast expert I can confirm this is the best in town! This explains why it is worth fighting to get a table, and with a bird’s eye view, that’s exactly what people were doing. The roast diner I opted for was the 50-day aged beef with garlic and rosemary roast potatoes, butternut puree, braised red cabbage, tender stem broccoli and honeyroast carrots. A traditional winter warmer British roast with twists and tweaks to take it to the next level, all washed down with a deep flavoured red Monastrell.

The thing that always draws me back to Market is the relaxed ambiance. I never feel rushed and always enjoy the social aspects of the venue and I was very excited to find out that currently on the lower level the final stages are being perfected for a private dining room. Complete with a long trestle table for communal dining, Spanish fiestas, birthdays or work gatherings. Manni has been frequenting antique stores and markets, perfecting every little detail. Here you can have your own chef preparing food for you behind a mini bespoke kitchen! Market is a great escape, a place you can immerse yourself in the great atmosphere and soak up the passion for food that is evidently reflected in its perfect recipes.

Market is a great escape, a place you can immerse yourself in the great atmosphere and soak up the passion for food that is evidently reflected in its perfect recipes.

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Highly recommended!! Lindsay Hills

Market Restaurant & Bar, 42 Western Road, Hove BN3 1JD 01273 823707 www.market-restaurantbar.co.uk

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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The Absolute Guide to Brighton’s Christmas (and NYE) Events Whether you’re looking to get glammed up for a stylish Christmas party or hoping to spend time with the family, Brighton has plenty of exciting events happening that will guarantee to get you feeling festive and celebrating Christmas and the New Year in style!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and there’s nowhere quite like Brighton for festive atmosphere, feel good goings on, parties and fantastic opportunities to buy handmade gifts from local sellers! Wrap up warm and be part of the Christmas ambience with festive markets and ice skating at Brighton Pavilion – trips to either of these wouldn’t be complete without a cup of aromatic mulled wine or a warming hot chocolate, would they? Or escape the hustle and bustle of the city centre by visiting the homes and studios of local designers and makers on the Artists Open Houses trails to buy locally-made gifts. There’s also carol concerts, pantomimes and community events all coming up too; perfect must-do, timeless and traditional events that are fun for the whole family. If you’re planning on seriously celebrating the festive season, you’re in the right city! Over the next few months Brighton is the place to be for parties – from intimate foodie gatherings to lavish gala balls, winter wonderland festivities to Rio-inspired colourful carnival fun, there’s something for everyone. Here’s just a few of our favourite festivities taking place between now and the New Year:

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Brighton Royal Pavilion Ice Rink Brighton Christmas Village

Returning once again from Saturday 5th November (until Sunday 15th January 2017), the picturesque ice rink is the perfect place to head for a fun, festive atmosphere! Take to the ice with your loved ones and skate with the beautiful backdrop of Brighton’s iconic Pavilion behind you. As the nights draw in, the rink becomes even more magical with twinkly, festive lights lighting up the ice and the Pavilion. After your skate, head back into the warmth of the rinkside bar and restaurant for mulled wine and hot chocolate topped with marshmallows.

Expect to see an enchanting Christmas village pop-up in Jubilee Square between Friday 18th November and Saturday 24th December! Taking place in the heart of North Laine, the market will be made up of 20 festive chalets, where stallholders will be selling handcrafted and unique gifts. There will also be a wide variety of hot food and drinks – making it a great shopping pit stop for refuelling, gift inspiration and festive cheer!

Tickets from £10.00 per adult and £7.00 for those under 12. Royal Pavilion, 4-5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, BN1 1EE www.royalpavilionicerink.co.uk

Jubilee Square, Jubilee St, Brighton BN1 1GE www.brighton-christmas-market.co.uk

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Starry Nights Christmas Parties See the city glitter below as you celebrate amongst the stars on the British Airways i360. The Starry Nights shared parties have been designed especially with small groups in mind, so that the ambience of a large party can be enjoyed by all – whatever your group size! Enjoy a three-course meal served in the beach-side event rooms and half a bottle of wine per person, then board the British Airways i360, as you delve into delicious dessert canapés 450ft above Brighton! After your flight, return to the beach building to dance and dazzle the night away as the DJ takes to the decks. Starry Nights Christmas parties take place from Friday 25th November to Friday 23rd December. Or, if you’d like a private Christmas party, packages are also available for exclusive parties for between 50 to 200 guests. Prices for Starry Nights Christmas Parties are £60 (plus VAT) per person.

Christmas Dining

British Airways i360, Lower Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2LN

Whether it’s socialising and celebrating with work colleagues, family or friends, Brighton Harbour Hotel has plenty of options. For small gatherings, The Jetty restaurant offers the perfect place to eat award-winning fare whilst the stunning Marine Room (which has fantastic views over Brighton seafront!) is a wonderful, private space for up to 120 guests. Throughout the festive period, the hotel can accommodate private dining lunches (from £29.50 per person) and dinners (from £40.00) per person. Each include a three-course menu with coffee and mince pies.

www.britishairwaysi360.com

Brighton Harbour Hotel, 64 King’s Rd, Brighton, BN1 1NA

www.brighton-harbour-hotel.co.uk

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Winter Wonderland Enter a wonderful winter wonderland at Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront where amidst the decorations, a hot party night awaits! From Saturday 26th November, right through December the hotel will play host to a winter wonderland (from £29.95 per person) to include a three-course dinner and dancing.

As well as the winter wonderland events, the waterfront hotel also has a range of other party options too including 007 Casino Nights (starting from £39.95 per person), The Adult Pantomime (on Thursday 8th and Wednesday 14th December, £39.95 per person) and Only Fools and Three Courses (on Friday 25th November and Tuesday 13th December, £38.00 per person). Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront, King’s Rd, Brighton BN1 2GS

Carnival Parties

www.jurysinns.com/hotels/ brighton-waterfront

It may be cold enough to snow outside, but it’s feeling hot, hot, hot at The Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel, with the arrival of their carnival parties from Friday 25th November to Friday 23rd December! Experience a Christmas party with a difference – bursting with all the colours, sounds and excitement of Rio and samba your way into the festive season. Dress exotically, leave your inhibitions at the door, let loose and enjoy an evening filled with food, foot-tapping music and dancing the night away! Tickets cost from £35.00 per person. Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel, 149 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2PP www.mercurebrighton.co.uk

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now taking bookings for Christmas and New Years Group bookings welcome / private hire rooms available LUNCH - SUPPER - SANDWICH KIDS MENUS KITCHEN OPEN ALL DAY EVERYDAY 12noon - 9.30pm

FOUNTAIN ASHURST The Village Ashurst BN44 3AP

T; 01403

710219

ABSOLUTE www.fountainashurst.pub

The Absolute Guide to Brighton’s Christmas (and NYE) Events

Beauty and the Beast Pantomime What can be more Christmassy than booing and hissing at pantomime baddies with your family?! After a sell-out last year, Brighton’s only professional pantomime returns to 88 London Road (formerly Emporium Theatre) with fairytale favourite Beauty & the Beast. With performances between Wednesday 30th November and Sunday 1st January 2017, the pantomime will bring the famous fable to life with laughs, dance, magic, music and comedy to keep the whole family entertainment! Tickets cost £20.00 for adults, £17.50 for concessions and £5.00 for children under four.

Christmas Artists Open Houses If you’re looking for something that little bit different to buy family and friends, chances are you’ll find quirky, creative and gorgeous gifts at an Artist Open House! Just like the summer open houses, local designers and makers will open their homes and studios across the city for Brightonians to indulge in a spot of Christmas shopping with a difference and possibly a tipple or two. The event runs for three weekends from Saturday 26th November to Sunday 11th December.

88 London Rd, Brighton, BN1 4JF www.88londonroad.com

Brighton & Hove Schools’ Concert

www.aoh.org.uk

There’s nothing quite like hearing choirs sing your favourite Christmas carol to get you feeling festive! On Monday 5th December, 1200 voices from schools across the city will be coming together to sing festive favourites and specially written songs. Children from Brighton and Hove’s primary, junior and special schools will take to the Brighton Centre stage, joined by BHMA ensembles and the Brighton & Hove Youth Big Band. Tickets start from £8.50 for adults, £4.50 for concessions and £20.00 for families. Brighton Centre, Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2GR

www.brightoncentre.co.uk

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Gin and Jazz Party Gin and jazz lover rejoice! On Friday 9th and Saturday 10th December, Brighton Racecourse welcomes you for a sophisticated festive party! These two evenings (priced from £35.00 per person) are a fabulous party option for smaller groups, with a three-course festive feast, half a bottle of wine each, Christmas treats and a DJ and disco! Or, if you’d like to host a private party (for a minimum of 100 guests), prices start from £45.00 per person and as well as including a delicious dinner, half a bottle of wine (per guest) and Christmas treats, there’s also gin cocktails on arrival and a jazz band to have you up on your feet into the early hours! Private parties are available throughout December.

guaranteed to thrill the whole family

Brighton Racecourse, Freshfield Road, Brighton, BN2 9XZ

www.brighton-racecourse.co.uk

Sunny Afternoon

Burning the Clocks 2016

If you want to escape Christmas shopping and all things festive for a few hours; head to Theatre Royal Brighton for a musical re-living The Kinks’ classics! Winner of the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, Sunny Afternoon tells the story of how one of Britain’s greatest bands, The Kinks, rose to fame. The West End smash hit features all of the band’s iconic hits including You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunset, Dedicated Follower of Fashion, All Day and All of the Night, Lola and more! Performances will take place between Tuesday 13th to Saturday 31st December.

Taking place each year to celebrate the shortest day of the year, Burning the Clocks sees the local community parade through the city centre streets with paper lanterns. The procession then ends with a bonfire on the beach. Created by Same Sky (an award-winning community arts charity), the unique event aims to bring together local schools, residents and businesses for a one-of-a-kind feel-good seasonal evening. This year’s event will take place on Wednesday 21st December from 6:30-8:00 pm. To be a part of the parade – and to purchase a lantern kit – visit the website.

Tickets cost between £15.00 – £65.50.

www.samesky.co.uk/event/ burning-the-clocks-2016

Theatre Royal Brighton, New Rd, Brighton BN1 1SD www.atgtickets.com/venues/ theatre-royal-brighton

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The Absolute Guide to Brighton’s Christmas (and NYE) Events

New Year’s Eve Gala Ball

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner

Send out 2016 and welcome in 2017 in style at Mercure Brighton’s New Year’s Eve Gala Ball. Taking place on Saturday 31st December the carnival-inspired ball celebrations start with a glass of Prosecco on arrival, followed by a delicious dinner in the beautiful Grand Ballroom, and then the all-important countdown of the final moments of 2016 with fizz and traditional pipers. Continue the party into the New Year with a photo booth and disco! Tickets cost £99.00 per adult and include dinner and entertainment.

Be wined and dined into the New Year at Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront! Enjoy a glittering champagne and canapé reception, four-course dinner and disco until 1am, as you celebrate the excitement of a brand New Year! Take a memento from your memorable last evening of 2016 as you pose for a complimentary photo in your finest posh frocks and black tie attire. A magician will also add extra magic to proceedings as they wow guests with tricks throughout the evening. Tickets cost from £90.00. Jurys Inn Brighton Waterfront, King’s Rd, Brighton BN1 2GS

Mercure Brighton Seafront Hotel, 149 Kings Road, Brighton, BN1 2PP www.mercurebrighton.co.uk

www.jurysinns.com/hotels/ brighton-waterfront

Shelley Welti

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BOOK NOW

For Christmas & New Year

Lebanese Restaurant & Bar 79-80 Western rd, Hove bn3 2jq

01273 772 777

www.almasrestaurant.co.uk 76

#almasbrighton ABSOLUTE @almasbrighton

BOOK NOW

For Xmas & New Years Book your party with us deposit required on group bookings over 6 people

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Street Style City fashionistas and street stylers showcase daily trends and looks. Spotted by our stylist Kasia at The Styling Agency

no.

Greg, Relationship Manager

So Debonair This handsome wool blend coat makes a tasty addition to any outdoor repertoire. Sleek, subtle and modern. A classic cover up with timeless appeal... just like the Maserati. Outfit: Coat: All Saints. Suit & Tie: Charles Tyrwhitt. Shirt: T.M. Lewin. Shoes: Barker

#OOTD

LOVE LOVE LOVE no.

no.

Lucy, Support Analyst

Cosy Topper Spotted wearing an oversized tartan scarf adding a touch of comfort to the classic trench coat look. What a toasty outfit to keep you snug from desk to dinner.

Yasmin, Account Manager

Grey Anatomy This elegant grey topper is detailed with a sumptuous, plush collar that provides extra warmth and chic during dipping temps. Layered effortlessly over leg-flattering, tailored skinnys for a perfect combo.

Outfit: Bag: H&M. Scarf: River Island. Coat: H&M. Shoes: Dune.

Coat: JOY. Scarf: Accessorize. Trousers: Zara. Shoes: Kurt Geiger. Jumper: Gap Follow Kasia on: Facebook@thestylingagency Pinterest@makeupstylepro Instagram@thestylingagency

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Tommy Hilfiger Roll Neck Jumper Gigi Hadid £ 190

Upgrade your sweater collection with these irresistible jumpers and accessories. A medley of comforting cashmeres & wool for that polished, low-key feel.

Kasia X

Coast Lana Faux Fur Trim Cardigan, Grey £89

Gloves

Cable Knit Pom Gloves £14 Oliver Bonas

hush Stella Jumper, Grey Marl/Charcoal Marl £79

Chunky knits

KNITS & BOBS Compiled by Kasia at the Styling Agency

RJR.John Rocha - Tan faux fur lined mittens £20

Yumi Grey Embellished Fox Fingerless Gloves £16

Barbour Heritage Apres Ski Jumper, Snow £129

Ted Baker Henie Merry Woofmas Jumper, Mid Grey £89

Joules Meryl Robin Intarsia Jumper, Silver £69

Whistles Diamond Jacquard Cardigan, £110

Quirky motifs, lavish features or unique patterns. Whatever the detail, this season’s knitwear is all about off duty statement.

Oasis Embroidered Collar Knit, £42

Scarves Furry snood £12.99 Bershka

John Lewis Spotted Deer Scarf, Grey/Pink £25

Reiss Faux Fur Scarf, Charcoal £85

Chesca Faux Fur Scarf, Snow Wolf 60

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M&S COLLECTION New Multi Striped Scarf £39

SPECIALIST WAXING AND THREADING BOUTIQUE SALON

36 CHURCH STREET BRIGHTON BN1 1RL 01273 730727 reservations@thewaxandthreadcompany.co.uk thewaxandthreadcompany.co.uk

HAIR BY

OLIVER CUNNINGHAM CUCKFIELD

113 High Street RH17 5JX t: 01444 452600 reception@olivercunningham.com www.olivercunnigham.com OPENING TIMES Monday 10-6 | Tuesday 10-6 | Wednesday 10-6 | Thursday 10-6 | Friday 10-6 Saturday 9-5 | Sunday Closed Opening mid October, now taking pre bookings via email

THE ABSOLUTE GUIDE TO A

Sussex Wedding Every bride and groom has their own vision of their big day – we’ve been planning it since we got the love bug when Scott and Charlene tied the knot. Luckily for us, we live in Sussex, which is full of the most eclectic and eccentric choice of wedding suppliers you can find, catering for every idea under the sun. Whether you want a traditional seaside wedding, a sleek and sophisticated Manor House, or a festival-style knees up, Sussex has it covered. But where do you start when choosing your ‘Team Wedding?’ The internet is a minefield but a good solid start and wedding fayres will inspire you, but you’ll notice the same suppliers do the rounds time and time again. To start you off on your matrimonial journey, this Mother Hen has done the ground work for you. Presenting the Absolute Guide to Sussex Wedding suppliers…

T h e Ve n u e

Pelham House In the heart of magical Lewes lies a beautiful 16th-century Town House complete with meticulously kept mature walled gardens; Pelham House. Offering an elegant backdrop for your wedding day, the hotel is licensed for ceremonies and is ideal for both large and more intimate weddings receptions, allowing you to have the freedom of inviting just your nearest and dearest, or to make it a spectacular affair.

Glenn Lester, the Head Chef of Pelham House, has created a sumptuous seasonal menu using fresh locally sourced produce wherever possible, ensuring you and your guests enjoy a gastronomic feast on your big day. Combine that with the attentive service and the splendid backdrop brimming with old-world charm, and you have the perfect blend to ensure every second of your wedding day is an unforgettable experience. www.pelhamhouse.com

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Mercure Brighton Seafront Ghyll Manor Hotel and Restaurant

This stunning Grade-II listed hotel is set right on the Brighton seafront. Whether you are looking for grand affair for up to 150 people, or a small intimate affair, they have the perfect space. Their Regency Inspired Ballroom is perfect for a sit down wedding breakfast or evening reception. The hotel is also fully licensed so you can have your whole day all under the one, magnificent roof.

Nestled right in the very heart of the stunning Sussex countryside, you’ll find Ghyll Manor Hotel & Restaurant, a 17thcentury country house, available to hire for weddings brimming with elegance, style and character. This traditional oak-beamed building gazes out over 40 acres of gorgeous private gardens, including a lake and the pretty summerhouse, and caters for civil marriages, partnerships and wedding receptions – enabling you to spend part or all of your big day in this spectacular setting.

Wedding packages start from just £2,500 and include complimentary accommodation for the happy couple. www.mercurebrighton.co.uk

The Ghyll Manor wedding packages are perfect for any marriage celebration, however big or small, and are designed to include all the essential elements to make your big day truly unique, including special rates for your guests to stay in the 29-individually designed bedrooms. They also promise they will never host more than one wedding at the same time. This means it is exclusively your day and you’ll receive a truly personal service.

British Airways i360 The British Airways i360 is one of the most unique wedding venues in the world. Imagine saying “I do” 450 feet, high above the beach, as a breath-taking panorama of the beautiful Sussex coastline gently unfolds around you.

www.ghyllmanorweddings.co.uk

The British Airways i360 is the world’s tallest moving observation tower and the futuristic looking pod, which can hold up to 198 people for wedding ceremonies or civil partnerships, provides 360-degree views across Brighton and the south coast as it glides slowly up the 162-metre tall tower. There is even a Sky Bar on board where guests can toast the couple with a glass of Nyetimber, England’s finest sparkling wine, before descending into the beach building where the wedding celebrations can continue. Couples can also take their vows in the heritage 1866 West Pier Toll Booth, or choose the beachside event space, each with their own private terraces offering stunning views of the West Pier, Brighton beach and out to sea. The flexible spaces can cater for more intimate groups of 38 people, to larger ceremonies of up to 202 people (including the couple).

Wedding reception menus will use the finest local ingredients from the South Downs and Sussex region. For those wanting a more informal style celebration, British Airways i360 wedding packages include a BBQ and bowl food option or for a very special touch, couples can book the talented Steven Edwards, winner of MasterChef: The Professionals 2013. www.britishairwaysi360.com

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THE ABSOLUTE GUIDE TO A

Sussex Wedding

Harbour Hotel

Blanch House

Goodwood House

Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa is the perfect venue to tie the knot in Brighton. With an exceptional position on the highly sought-after promenade and on the verge of Brighton’s renowned Lanes, the hotel features stylish new bedrooms with panoramic sea views, the award-winning Jetty restaurant concept and a luxury Harbour Spa, featuring a rooftop infinity pool.

Blanch House is an elegant and chic, boutique wedding venue. A Grade-II listed Regency Town House, it’s set in a quiet side street in the heart of Kemp Town, a stone’s throw from the seafront.

The Goodwood Estate, nestled at the foot of the South Downs just outside Chichester in West Sussex, boasts stunning views, exceptional food and a sense of understated luxury that is hard to find elsewhere. Choose from a number of unique packages and a variety of unbelievably romantic settings to create your dream day. From the historical grandeur of Goodwood House to the contemporary chic of The Goodwood Hotel, or the intimacy of The Kennels, there is a place at Goodwood that will be just right for your special wedding.

Chic and stylish, this waterside wedding venue is licensed for up to 100 guests, for both your civil ceremony and evening reception, to share in the most special day of your life. Like the glistening sea, chandeliers sparkle in the sunlight, which pours into this beautiful room. With large windows to soak up the views and beautiful new décor, this venue offers the perfect setting for your Champagne reception, as you begin your new life together.

It’s licensed for ceremonies and the elegant Belle Epoque Function Suite can accommodate up to 40 seated guests. The team would also be delighted to host your wedding reception in the Champagne and Cocktail Bar Lounge.

Blanch House has a range of wedding packages to suit all tastes and budgets, ranging from the ‘Simply Boutique Wedding Package’ which includes the essential elements for your special day, to the ‘Only You Package’ which offers exclusive use of Blanch House.

www.goodwood.com

www.blanchhouse.co.uk

The Jetty restaurant, within the hotel, offers the perfect venue conveniently located for bridesmaid luncheons, rehearsal dinners and a farewell brunch, and the exclusive Spa offers the perfect haven to enjoy some time out pampering before your wedding. www.brighton-harbour-hotel.co.uk

The Caterers A Touch of Class Catering Whether you are looking for a sit down wedding breakfast for 100 people, or perhaps some creative and delicious canapés to add to your evening reception, these Worthing-based caterers will endeavour to provide you with an exceptional experience and cuisine. They have over 25 years’ experience in providing quality catering and from the very start, your event manager will work with you on a one to one basis for a perfect menu.

Offering your guests delicious food will add to the enjoyment of your special day and you can feel confident in leaving A Touch of Class to plan the details. They even offer free delivery and clearing afterwards, so while they take care of all the cleaning, you and your guests can sit back and enjoy the day. www.atouchofclass.catering

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Brighton Harbour Hotel & Spa AND

BRIGHTON’S

NEWEST

LUXURY

HOTEL

AND

DRINKS

VENUE

Brighton Harbour Hotel, Now Open Located on The seafront, featuring 79 bedrooms, award-winning restaurant concept the Jetty, destination cocktail bar The HarBAR, stunning private meeting and event space and a luxury spa.

B RI GH TO N H A R BO U R H O TEL, 64 KI NG ’S RD, B RI G HT ON, EAST SUSSEX B N1 1N A www.bri gh to n -h arbour- hot el .co.uk 01273 323221

THE ABSOLUTE GUIDE TO A

Sussex Wedding

The Dress Vintage Originals at Hope & Harlequin This vintage bridal collection is for the bride who wants something not only beautiful and fabulous, but also completely original and entirely authentic. Their stunning collection of dresses is ever-changing and carefully sourced by owner Louise Hill from all around the world. Each dress is restored, cleaned and can be altered or customised inhouse to create the perfect fit or update the style for a more contemporary feel. www.hopeandharlequin.com

Joanne Fleming Designs Multi-award-winning Brighton-based designer, Joanne Fleming’s bridal collections are a Duchess’s French boudoir of sumptuous silks, ostrich feathers and freshwater pearls, bursting with romance and opulence. These unique dresses give a modern twist to the silverscreen glamour of the Thirties and Fifties and each bespoke, or made-to-order dress, is lovingly handmade amid the sequins and Swarovski Crystals at the flagship showroom in the heart of Brighton, opposite the Royal Pavilion. www.joanneflemingdesign.com

Lucky Bride

Sarah Janks

A bridal revolution is taking place in St George’s Road, Kemp Town.

Sarah Janks was born of a desire to offer accessible luxury apparel and eschew the hype and fast, faddish, disposable side of fashion and dress women in a modern yet classically elegant fashion, a house that would still be relevant many years from now.

“The dress is a major part of representing who you are on your wedding day,” says Louise Hill, the fashion conscious owner of the Lucky Bride boutique. “But, we noticed people often had to compromise themselves on their big day due to budget constraints. Lucky Bride was born.”

The bridal industry is complex with hundreds of designers competing for the eye of the bride – and her mother, who often holds the purse strings. With this in mind, Louise spotted an opportunity to offer high-end, off-the-peg, designer dresses by independent and international designers – including Claire Pettibone, David Fielden, Delphine Manivet, and Flora Bridal – at huge discounts of up to 50%, and occasionally more. “All boutiques have to buy samples from the designers. They are often unworn, or may have been tried on only a couple of times, but always with the upmost care and attention.”

Lucky Bride sell on the samples, allowing the bride to grab a real bargain. A £1,000 budget can get you a beautiful £2,000 dress. Lucky Bride also offers an in-house seamstress to make any necessary adjustment. You simply get more bang for your buck! www.luckybride.com

White Leaf Bridal Boutique The White Leaf bridal experience is unique in Brighton, offering brides an opportunity to create affordable bespoke wedding gowns. Either adapt and customise from their made-to-measure in-store range or create a truly one-of-a-kind piece with their design team, complete with an illustration of your exclusive dress. Ensure you book an appointment to have an unhurried styling session with their designer, who will help you find or create the perfect dress for your special day. Everything is custom-made, helping White Leaf provide fantastic and flattering dresses for all shapes and sizes, including pregnant brides. www.whiteleafbridal.com

Sarah launched her bridal collection late 2011, and in the USA in 2012. By 2015, the label had grown to stock 28 stores worldwide, with a flagship store in Sydney, Australia and company offices in Los Angeles and New York. A juxtaposition of old design inspiration executed using modern techniques underlies the brand’s handwriting. Soft and delicate in fabric and detail yet clean and unfussy lines, slim silhouettes and a truly modern interpretation of the wedding dress, Sarah Janks dresses are distinctive in their look and feel, each collection being another chapter in the same, timeless, classic story. www.sarahjanks.com

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Sussex Wedding

The Hair

Simon Webster Hair

Headmasters Brighton

Simon Webster Hair salon offers bespoke wedding services within a private styling studio at their award-winning salon, on location or at home. An independent, local business, SWH has an internationally renowned team and the brand leads the way in client-centred styling with a fashionforward edge, offering a more intimate and personalised experience. Wedding consultations are complimentary and a variety of packages including hair styling, make-up and pampering, are available to create the perfect experience for him, for her or for the whole bridal party.

Found in the famous North Laine, Headmasters Brighton has a welcoming and creative atmosphere. The skilled team are dedicated to providing you with exceptional hairdressing concentrating on getting you picture perfect hair for your big day.

Making sure you don’t have a strand out of place is a daunting task, so take the panic out of your wedding hair by booking a Headmasters Bridal package. Choose from one of their three packages and enjoy the benefits of an in-depth hair consultation and trial where their experienced stylists will take you through the latest trends and discuss the ideal style for you.

www.simonwebsterhair.com

www.headmasters.com

Oliver Cunningham

Sam Stockton Hair

Lipstick & Gunpowder

Based in his impressive salon in Cuckfield, Ollie Cunningham is the ‘must see’ colourist in the south of England and is listed in all the A-listers secret address books.

Samantha Stockton is a freelance hair stylist, based in Sussex, with an impressive career to date. Available to style bridal and bridal party wedding hair, Sam qualified by the time she was just 17 and has spent time working on luxury cruise liners, and working in one of Worthing’s top salons, for over 11 years, before branching out on her own. Samantha has gained a vast amount of experience, working on the Clothes Show Live, London Fashion Week and numerous editorial shoots, including our Next Hot Model shoot, where her ‘dos graced our front cover. Her beautiful bridal hair creations have staying-power, guaranteed to last all day and all night, even as you’re dancing the night away. She understands the importance of you looking and feeling your best all day, not only for your photographs, your partner or your guests, but for you!

Lipstick & Gunpowder is a boutique salon in the heart of Brighton’s Lanes, just behind the Queen’s Hotel.

With an impressive CV that spans over 15 years, Ollie has been Head of Colour for renowned London salons including Nicky Clarke, Trevor Sorbie and Daniel Hersheson. Add to this his experience from numerous editorial photographic shoots and television programmes, plus a loyal clientele that includes Hollywood royalty, and you have found the perfect man to trust with preparing your locks for your big day! Come your wedding day, Ollie can either join you at your house or hotel or you can take a trip to his luxurious salon. Either way, you know you will be in the hands of a master who is guaranteed to make you feel every bit the celebrity you deserve to be on your special day. www.olivercunningham.com

Samantha will come to you to style your wedding hair (and the bridesmaids, mother of the bride/ groom too) either at your home or the getting ready location, giving you one less thing to worry about, as the excitement for your ceremony builds. www.samstocktonhair.com

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With an aim to make haircare a better, more friendly experience for all, they are a salon owned and run by the technicians who work there, all of whom combined have years of experience in major high end brands at all levels. The staff are encouraged to have artistic freedom, and they all have passion and enthusiasm for the hair and fashion industry. As a client you benefit from the most enthusiastic and creative team you could wish to find. Promising to ensure you feel the very height of glamour, their wedding package offers hair styling for not only the bride, but all bridesmaids, plus any additional special guests they can fit in, if they have a hair stylist available at the time. www.lipstickandgunpowder.com

The Wedding Stationery

The Looks

Hollyhock Lane

Wax & Thread

Bullit Photography

This is where you can find alternative, vintage inspired and beautiful eco-friendly wedding stationery that is created just for you. All designs are exquisitely hand-drawn and painted by illustrator and designer Julie Annis, from her little cottage in rural Sussex. You can choose from ‘The Collection’ for creative ready designed personalised stationery or ‘Bespoke’ if you have ideas for a custom designed set of stationery of your own.

Getting silky smooth ready for your wedding has never been so easy, and dare we say it, enjoyable! The Wax & Thread Company opened its doors in January 2015 and is the only salon in Brighton and Hove dedicated to waxing and threading, for women and men. The age old tradition of ‘threading’ is now a preferred first choice method for hair removal, as opposed to invasive waxing.

With his work regularly published in many publications ranging from The Times to the front cover of OK Magazine to Elle magazine, and many more, Robin Bradshaw is a wedding photographer with a VIP client list.

www.hollyhocklane.co.uk

Although hair removal couldn’t be described as a luxury treat, it doesn’t mean it has to be an unpleasant experience one has to endure. While the emphasis is on removing the hair, clients are encouraged to relax in the calming luxurious environment and be confident you are in good hands. The salon itself is cool, clean and contemporary with a relaxing atmosphere. As well as two treatment rooms, there is also a dedicated threading room. Centrally located in the heart of town, the salon opens six days a week including evenings. www.thewaxandthreadcompany.co.uk

Stemming away from traditional wedding photography, Robin sees each wedding as a blank canvas. If you are looking a wedding photographer who turns up for the ceremony, then spends hours setting up family shots, he is probably not the photographer for you. A normal wedding day for Robin would be to arrive when the bride is getting ready and stay until half an hour after the first dance or beyond. There is no set formula to the day and each one is unique. Robin aims to capture people through different approaches, through different angles and by keeping his eyes open watching for those amazing offbeat moments.

Having shot over 400 weddings in the last nine years, wedding photography has taken him all around the world. Although officially based in Cheltenham, in the middle of the Cotswolds, luckily for us, he is happy to travel wherever his camera takes him! www.bullitphotography.co.uk

Sacco & Sacco Photography Sacco & Sacco Photography specialise in wedding and lifestyle photography. Their style and approach is creative, natural and storytelling. Capturing real moments in life, and on your big day: a lovers’ embrace, side-splitting giggles, true family connections. Photos are the only way to hold onto what you know because moments they show never change, when the people do. www.saccophotography.co.uk

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We specialise in transforming venues and spaces to create a dream setting for your event, ceremony, partnership and reception. Using professional fabrics in a range of colours and styles. Classic or modern lighting to give your big day the wow factor Draping • Lighting • Chair Covers Flowers • Table Design • Theming Visit our new shop 40 George Street, Kemp Town, Brighton, BN2 1RJ DIY wedding decor, consultations and items for hire info@fabricate-decor.co.uk 01273 203222 - 01273 857136 07973 954 766 www.fabricate-decor.co.uk

THE ABSOLUTE GUIDE TO A

Sussex Wedding

The Rings James Ross

House of Hoye

Elizabeth Anne Norris

For the very special occasion of an engagement or wedding, James Ross has a collection of fine diamond jewellery with hundreds of stunning options for every budget, to suit both bride and groom. They offer an unrivalled collection of rings, both vintage and new, that you simply won’t find on the high street.

After many years of trading renowned jewellery, designer Jeremy Hoye decided to re-invent his brand as the now all new House of Hoye. In a conscious effort to shakeup the jewellery retail industry, Jeremy creates unique avant-garde jewellery, whilst also showcasing the work of other talented designers.

Ensure you adorn your wedding finger with a truly unique band of gold by attending a creative half-day workshop in Brighton that helps couples design and make beautiful wedding rings.

For as long as their family business has been established, James Ross has taken the time to ensure their brides and grooms-to-be find precisely the right piece for them. It’s what they’ve built their reputation for quality and customer service on, and they are immensely proud of it. They’ll listen to what you require before helping you to carefully select that perfect piece of bling to suit you and your budget. Most importantly, you can be confident your selection really is one of a kind. www.jamesrossjewellers.com

The Decor Fabricate Fabricate specialise in creative and impressive draping and theme sets which will transform your reception into one to remember.

As a leading British contemporary jewellery designer, he has been producing jewellery in Brighton since 1994, creating exciting collections for both men and women, as well as many corporate names, such as; Diesel, Jaeger, Porsche, O2, Grand Marnier and renowned couture designer Jenny Packham. He has collaborated with BMG Records which saw his jewellery worn by chart topping stars including Avril Lavigne, Sister Bliss, Faithless, Dido and Natasha Bedingfield and his latest celebrity clients include Holly Willoughby, Fearne Cotton, Edith Bowman, Katie Melua and Gary Numan.

Safe in the knowledge you are in good company, you can be sure you are investing in a work of art if you choose to purchase your wedding and engagement rings from House of Hoye. By appointment only, Jeremy is also available to design and produce oneoff commission pieces, made especially for you.

Couples can now design and make their own personalised wedding rings, with tuition from Brighton-based jewellery designer, Elizabeth Anne Norris. Elizabeth has been teaching jewellery making in Brighton for five years, teaching this intricate skill to more than 200 people. With the launch of her new Make Your Own Rings workshop Elizabeth walks couples through the process of effortlessly designing and making their special rings, ready for the big day. After only half a day at Elizabeth’s studio you’ll walk away happy in the knowledge that you have your own personally crafted, fitted, dream wedding rings in your pocket. www.eanjewellery.com

www.jeremy-hoye.com

No matter where you have chosen to hold your special day, be it a ballroom, marquee, barn or back garden, Fabricate has the resources and expertise to make your event one to truly remember.

With over ten years of experience in creating beautiful weddings and events, and covering all of the South of England, they stock a wide range of fabrics and styled settings to suit even the most creative of imaginations! Using silks, voiles, velours and organzas, they can create soft ceilings, pleated walls and stylish swags, accompanied with mood lighting, to complete your ultimate dream setting. From classically simple soft drapes, lit with sparkling lights, for a romantic dinner reception to a gala dinner full of glitz and glamor, Fabricate will discuss your vision and ideas, budgets and settings to help the event run as smoothly as possible. www.fabricate-decor.co.uk

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Sussex Wedding

The Flowers Pick Your Own at Sussex Cutting Garden Wedding flowers can be an expensive addition to your big day so Sussex Cutting Garden offer a limited number of large buckets full of mixed cut flowers of your choice during the main season. It’s absolutely perfect for DIY table arrangements, and so much fun. If arranging flowers yourself seems daunting, they also offer consultations at the cutting garden where you can see where your flowers are grown, discuss the arrangements you have in mind and they will then turn that into a reality. www.sussexcuttinggarden.co.uk

Little Lillies – The Floral Sculptor If you are looking for something that isn’t a bunch of chrysanthemums complete with matching vase, then maybe it is a floral sculptor you are looking for, and not a traditional florist. Little Lillies create incomparable floral displays, using some of the most exotic beautiful plants and greenery created by nature, and individually custom-made to your specification. However simple or involved your idea may be, they have a knack of creating the most imaginative designs and often with the most unusual materials; bark, coconut huss, moss… nothing is ruled out. www.little-lillies.co.uk

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Kurumba Maldives Celebrate your love amidst the unique colours of this classic Maldivian wedding venue. Sand underfoot, the turquoise ocean beyond…

Kurumba Maldives is set on a tropical island in the North Male Atoll, conveniently situated a brief ten-minute speedboat ride from the airport. Dotted with coconut trees that are the island’s namesake, Kurumba was the first private island resort in the Maldives. Beautiful gardens, palm fringed white sandy beaches and a vibrant house reef is the hallmarks of this classic Maldivian resort.

The Overseas Wedding Atzaró Ibiza

The resort offers an array of nine styles of accommodation, ranging from comfortable Superior rooms to the spacious Royal Residence, spread amongst the island’s lush tropical gardens with easy access to the beach. With eight different restaurants to choose from Kurumba Maldives will charm you with its unparalleled choice of dining experiences and a wide range of recreation activities and entertainment, all while maintaining idyllic refuges and quiet spaces of relaxation to create the perfect balance for weddings and honeymoons in paradise.

Atzaró Ibiza has spent more than a decade hosting celebrations, weddings and special events in one of the most incredible natural wonders of Ibiza. Built on an orange farm, Atzaró is an oasis ripe with the scents of orange blossom, rosemary and lavender.

Surrounded by natural gardens and sunlit groves, this romantic resort offers wedding ceremonies and receptions oozing with relaxed style and sophistication. The architecture, whitewashed walls and the wonderful white, red and green hues of the countryside all create a unique atmosphere, a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of UK life.

Wedding packages are designed to offer couples everything they need to make their day truly memorable, including a master of ceremony to preside over the vows, a Maldivian Bodu Beru traditional dance performance, bridal bouquet, wedding cake, canapés at sunset, champagne, Signature Sounds Of The Sea Dinner with wine, a local Sarong (Feli) for the couple, photographs by the staff of the ceremony on a CD, a 90-minute Spa treatment for the couple and premium breakfast for the couple at Thila.

Let the professional and experienced team make your dreams become reality as you say ‘I Do!’ experience the wonderful gastronomic cuisine, breathe freely the pure air and make your vows in serendipitous luxury.

www.kurumba.com

www.atzaro.com

Victoria Gibbins All images by Robin Bradshaw at Bullit Photography.

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London Lifestyle Boxpark

oxpark is the world’s first pop-up mall – fusing the concepts of the modern street food market and placing local and global brands side by side, to create a unique shopping and dining destination. Opened in 2011, Boxpark established itself in the heart of London’s Shoreditch to demonstrate it was entirely possible to bring dining and fashion back to the street and provide fertile ground for independent and established retailers to reach a large audience in a big and eye-catching way. Entirely constructed out of refitted shipping containers, Boxpark utilises a unique position in being able to offer affordable and flexible conditions for lifestyle brands, cafes, restaurants and galleries to trade and succeed.

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It’s a retail revolution that’s spawned many imitators but no equals. Until now.

Shoreditch in East London is home to the original and unique shopping venue Boxpark. Based on a food and shopping mall, Boxpark is essentially a trendy popup area showcasing a great array of shops, restaurants, cafes, fashion, art, galleries, and culture. It’s current and cutting edge.

Opened in 2011 by the entrepreneur behind the Boxfresh brand, Roger Wade, the units are home to shops and restaurants and comprise of stripped and re-fitted industrial containers that run along Bethnal Green Road.

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This place is so much more than just a pop-up mall. This revolutionary and innovative area is home to bright young things, great designs, independent lifestyle stores and supports a community of local talent and creativity. Open every day 8am to 11pm, except Sundays, when it’s 12 noon until 10pm.

Boxpark is essentially a trendy pop-up area showcasing a great array of shops, restaurants, cafes, fashion, art, galleries, and culture. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current and cutting edge.

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Croydon’s formerly unforgiving reputation is beginning to subside and big things are on the horizon.

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Why Croydon? The real question is – why not Croydon?

Croydon has been the emerging face of south London for some time now, establishing itself as the new home of the capital’s street art movement and the ‘silicon valley’ of the south. Because of this, Croydon’s formerly unforgiving reputation is beginning to subside and big things are on the horizon. While Croydon is often on the receiving end of a fair amount of abuse for its brutal post-war architecture and its part in the 2011 riots, it’s also home to Peep Show, dubstep and the BRIT School!

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Croydon is well connected too. You can be in central London in 14 minutes and the south coast in under 40! Gatwick Airport is a mere quarter of an hour away and West Croydon’s ‘ginger line’ connects the town to every bustling square inch of south east London – from Peckham to Shoreditch. Croydon is changing rapidly and while areas like the restaurant quarter, in south Croydon, and Matthews Yard are well established, the town centre has lost some of its biggest dining spots, bars and nightclubs. Boxpark Croydon aims to revitalise the area’s changing social and dining landscape by delivering the same unique experiences of the Shoreditch site and planting them in the heart of Croydon, with a couple of twists…

Big names from across the capital are excited to bring their vibrant flavours and exciting menus to the 80 shipping containers of Boxpark Croydon.

Food & Beverages

Events

Unlike its big sister in Shoreditch, Boxpark Croydon will focus primarily on the drinks and dining experience. Big names from across the capital are excited to bring their vibrant flavours and exciting menus to the 80 shipping containers of Boxpark Croydon. In addition, independent and local food retailers will also have the enviable opportunity of showcasing their unique menus to the people of Croydon.

Boxpark is serious about bringing quality events to Croydon. A town with a rich musical history, both commercial and underground, needs to be celebrated and what better way to do it than to kick things off with the Boxpark Croydon Opening Festival. On October 29th, Eskimo Dance, fresh off the heels of this summer’s Red Bull Culture Clash, bring the crème de la crème of established and rising Grime artists to Boxpark Croydon, including Wiley, Ghetts, P Money, Mistajam, Hatcha and many, many more; with further extra special guests to be announced. With tickets starting at just £15, Boxpark Croydon’s first-ever event promises to be a big one, with London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, in full support: “Boxpark will be a great addition to the town centre and a festival of this scale is the perfect way for Croydon to get noticed on the cultural map.”

In future, when people think of where to eat in London, Croydon will be on everyone’s lips. From the exquisite fine dining options of a quality restaurant to the deliciously, mouth-watering selections of a top street food stall; Boxpark Croydon places it all under one roof. Here’s a few of the exciting venues you can expect to dine in when Boxpark Croydon launches on October 29th 2016: MeatLiquor, Mamalan, Cronx Brewery, The Breakfast Club, Chilango, Fish, Wings & Tings, Lazeez Lebanese, Yumn Brasserie, Wine & Deli, plus many, many more!

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T: 0203 889 7739 E: sales@boxpark.co.uk www.boxpark.co.uk

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Ibiza The island of Ibiza, although mighty in its touristic offering is actually relatively small in size. Away from the infamous and bustling beach resorts there is a whole plethora of idyllic villages and tranquil beaches that serve as an escape from the manic crowds. It is here, within the hidden nooks and crannies of this magical island that you find a whole portfolio of impressive yet charming and unique countryside villas. This is where luxury takes centre stage, with each villa coming complete with exquisite gardens and impressive swimming pools.

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Find relaxation and rejuvenate by choosing a private villa set in the heart of the luscious natural parks and fragrant pine forests that the countryside of Ibiza has to offer. You will be afforded all the peace and privacy you could ever ask for and should you wish to go in search of action and adventure, you can always hire a car. Designed with the most discerning travellers in mind, Absolute has identified the most exclusive and breathtaking private villas available for holiday rental across the whole of the Mediterranean island of Ibiza. These fortresses of solitude and five-star amenities are guaranteed to transport you to your very own personal paradise where the hustle and bustle of your every day seems a world away.

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Ibiza

Can Rio Villa

This architectural masterpiece is set amongst pine forests and retains all the hallmarks of a traditional Ibicenco home. Your little VIP is sure to dream of adventure in their specially-designed children’s room featuring a mural depicting a pirate ship, dolphins and colourful fish, all inspired by the nearby caves of C’an Marça that have hosted scores of pirates in days gone by.

A new sixth bedroom set within a separate guesthouse has recently been added to Can Rio, available to rent if required.

The beautiful sunlight-flooded and air conditioned communal space is a perfect setting for entertaining friends and family. It has a free floating glass upper level, a grand dining room and a kitchen kitted out with all you could possibly require to rustle up a feast as magnificent as the villa itself. There is even a kid’s table and playroom for the little ones in your group.

Can Rio Villa Sitting proudly on the hill of San Lorenzo, totally secluded from prying eyes, is the epitome of a discreet Ibiza villa; Can Rio Villa. This architectural masterpiece is set amongst pine forests and retains all the hallmarks of a traditional Ibicenco home – whitewashed walls and open spaces – yet is a beautiful example of how contemporary design can fuse so perfectly with the surrounding countryside.

Outside you will find a maze of lounge zones, from rustically furnished chill-out areas with contrasting striking chandeliers, a beautiful pool surrounded by parasol shaded sun beds and daybeds scattered throughout the gardens, providing the perfect setting for ultimate relaxation. An outdoor kitchen with a shaded dining table is the perfect place for alfresco dining – especially homemade pizzas from the wood-fired oven. As grown ups find their inner peace in the Balinese style shelters at the end of the pool, the little ones can go wild in the playground, trampoline and their very own pirate ship. This luxury Ibiza villa is just a short distance drive from the small village of San Carlos where you can while away an afternoon at Las Dalias market before having a snack at the legendary Bar Anita’s and a cone at Viccio, Ibiza’s best gelateria. Just beyond San Carlos is Cala Lenya with its stretch of soft sand and Sunday flea market. San Juan is arguably the capital of the north and has an eclectic artisan market on Sundays that’s worth checking out.

First impressions are everything and so the scene is set for the majestic villa within as soon as you arrive to the wooden gated pathway leading to an enormous wooden door. The entrance is flanked by orange trees and framed with remarkable glass edging.

Renovated in 2008, sleeping up to 12 guests and estimated to be worth over £3 million, the owners have taken exceptional care in furnishing this home – their taste is impeccable and luxury is met with a homely, familial warmth. It is these personal touches that sets Can Rio aside from the rest. Each of the well-proportioned six double bedrooms is air conditioned and come complete with a lavishly furnished en suite filled with Ibiza’s famous natural light. These vibrant bathrooms include a freestanding claw-foot bath, a magnificent chandelier, a cane swing chair, a hot tub, views over the valley towards the sea, and even a disco ball!

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Villa Centelleo

Villa Centelleo For a true insight in to the lifestyles of the rich and famous, take the road to San Jose and there, on the hillside above the KM5, you will find the multi-million pound secluded villa known as Villa Centelleo. With breathtaking views over Salinas, Formentera, Cala Jondal and Porroig, this spectacular retreat takes you to a place of calm, escapism and relaxation – and yet you are only a ten-minute drive away from Ibiza Town and just five minutes from the airport.

Moroccan in style and able to accommodate up to 14 guests, Villa Centelleo was built in 1985 and renovated in 2008. The villa boasts seven suites, two in the main house and five in connected buildings (all with access to a spacious and well-equipped kitchenette). Every room is designed with impeccable taste, from the luxurious furnishings, to the plush décor and exquisite materials chosen. At the very heart of the villa lies a spacious and opulently designed open-plan lounge as well a formal dining area alongside a fully equipped kitchen with breakfast bar. Ensuring this exclusive accommodation is designed for guests throughout the entire year, the villa is fitted with both air conditioning and central heating. A state-of-the-art in-house entertainment system completes the offering, ensuring you have everything you need to live in complete ‘Ibiza’ luxury.

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Villa Centelleo is set within beautiful and pristine gardens, with scenes of exotic plants, flowers and even waterfalls at every turn. The most impressive feature of the garden comes in the form of a ‘water mirror’ and an incredible infinity pool with views that will simply take your breath away. The beautiful sun terrace and swimming pool area is complemented with an array of sun-loungers and chill-out beds for capturing the rays and when the sun goes down, alfresco dining is a must on the front terrace. The perfect place for entertaining your guests, the terrace comes to life with beautiful gas fireplaces, a large dining table and barbecue.

For a true insight in to the lifestyles of the rich and famous, take the road to San Jose and there, on the hillside above the KM5, you will find the multimillion pound secluded villa.

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Villa Q

Villa Q Nestled in the countryside, Villa Q is a truly beautiful and luxurious villa situated in Cap Martinet, two minutes from the village of Jesus, five minutes from the beautiful Talamanca beach and less than a ten-minute drive to Ibiza Town. In contrast to the modern villa built just three years ago, the charming village that surrounds it is steeped in history, with ancient Roman ruins set within the valley. The villa hides away from the road amongst a protected nature reserve, but for all it’s privacy it is truly at the front line when it comes to views. With breathtaking views of the sea, you can experience the Ibiza sunrise and spectacular moonrise daily in all its glory by peaking out of the villa’s wall-to-ceiling windows. The villa is designed with an elegant contemporary feel, with all five bedrooms embracing a modern Mediterranean theme. With clean geocentric lines running throughout, there is a true feeling of space. Each bedroom is coupled with its own bathroom, all spacious and decorated with a calming interior.

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Situated on the first floor the wonderfully designed open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge areas are bright and spacious. There is a fully-equipped kitchen and breakfast bar, a choice of dining areas and generous seating areas both inside and out, with the inside lounge area benefitting from a flatscreen TV with free-view.

The luxury continues outside the villa itself, with each floor boasting its own very spacious tiled terrace. You will find sun loungers on the top terrace and seating, plus an outside dining area with barbecue on the middle floor. The ground floor is where the action happens, with a ten-metre swimming pool, an easigrass football pitch and large sunbathing area, fully-equipped with sun loungers.

The villa hides away from the road amongst a protected nature reserve, but for all it’s privacy it is truly at the front line when it comes to views.

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Villa Francisco

Villa Francisco Built in the style of a Tuscan Villa and surrounded by lush gardens, Villa Francisco is a unique property in Ibiza, situated just two minutes from the village of Santa Gertrudis. Perfect for relaxing in the peace and quiet as well as entertaining your guests, the villa can sleep up to six guests, with a further eight guests accommodated in the ‘guesthouse’.

The impressive villa has three floors, with the top floor reserved for the opulent master suite. This supersuite comes complete with two en-suite bathrooms, a dressing room and a large private terrace with magnificent views across the surrounding pine forests.

The main house comprises of three floors. The lower floor is an open-plan area that features a large modern Poggenpohl kitchen with Gaggenau appliances that flows into a large family dining room, made with merriment in mind. This floor is surrounded by bountiful gardens and a large plaza that offers an outdoor dining area with shade and sun. The middle floor has an impressive entertainment room to keep the whole family busy plus a large balcony. The entire villa is equipped with top-of-the-range plasma screens,

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Families holidaying together will find it an ideal set up for the perfect blend of family time and revelling, en mass. DVD players, Sky TV, Bose sound systems on each floor, essential air conditioning and WiFi. Set beside Villa Francisco is the purpose built guest house for when your party outgrows the main house, and provides all the amenities necessary to make it independent. Families holidaying together will find it an ideal set up for the perfect blend of family time and revelling, en mass.

The villa’s pool area sits in lush tropical gardens. Here you will find a stunning and expansive pool area, a large cabana for lazing in the shade, and an adjacent cabana with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and bar ideal for barbecues and making cocktails. Victoria Gibbins

www.ibiza.travel/en/ All villas managed by www.privadia.com ABSOLUTE IBIZA launches in April 2017.

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

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Atzaro Ibiza Ibiza has a well-earned reputation for being the ultimate party destination, with hedonistic tourists flocking to the ‘white island’ every summer. Although happy to wear that crown with pride, Ibiza has a well kept secret; it is riddled with idyllic quiet corners, ideal for that low-key relaxing escape. In reality, as long as you avoid staying in Ibiza Town or San Antonio, you’re more than likely going to escape the buzzing crowds of revellers on their super club pilgrimages.

Roughly 25 minutes by car north of Ibiza Airport lies ‘Atzaro Ibiza’ a secret holiday hideaway set in central Ibiza amongst rolling orange groves and centred around a centuries-old family farmhouse. This stunning family-run agrotourism establishment is one of Ibiza’s most popular boutique hotels with a beach restaurant and health spa and is open throughout the year. This tranquil oasis is a luxury hotel that appeals to each of the senses. Atzaro is ripe with the scents of orange blossom, rosemary and lavender. It is a place that smells deeply of the Mediterranean sea and that offers every experience necessary to enjoy the island in all its majestic glory, experiencing ‘a different kind of nature’.

Lose yourself amongst the Ibithencan architecture, the whitewashed walls, the wonderful white and red and green hues of the Ibithencan countryside and the exquisite artefacts that serve to create a unique atmosphere. Enjoy the lush and extravagant gardens, relaxation areas and hidden corners and bask in serendipitous luxury. This is a place to visit when you want time to stop, time to reflect, reset and relax. Each room in Atzaro is a unique environment that stands apart from the rest. Every guest is treated to the highest level of personal and exclusive service ensuring hey can feel at home – a home they will always want to come back to. All the rooms have their own personality, but they keep the spirit of Ibiza and Asia fusion, exquisitely decorated with artefacts and original art from diverse cultures. All are equipped with the latest technology

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and some have their own fountains and terraces to soak up the essence of the Mediterranean from up close. Away from your room, there are many places to while away the days, discovering the nature of Atzaro. Pools, spa, gardens and Balinese beds to relax in are dotted throughout the retreat, all designed to satisfy â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;whatever the body may needâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Atzaro boasts the only open-air spa on the entire island, offering guests far more than a standard gym, with specialist training programmes taking place in the heart of nature, amongst beautiful landscaped gardens. A sauna, Hammam and gym are just a few of the factors that contribute to a space designed for connection with nature and disconnection from everything else. The experience continues with health and well-being treatments, in the caring hands of their professional staff who are trained in oriental and western techniques, allowing you to find a place where you can forget everything but yourself.

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Atzaro Ibiza

With a clear focus on health and well-being, Atzaro also offers a morning sports & yoga programme which consists of yogalates, stretching, crossfit and pilates & yoga classes. These classes are all designed to target muscle & mind work and give more effective and quicker results.

Atzaro’s unique restaurant ‘La Veranda’ is more than a food establishment. It is a healthy kitchen, light and exquisite, completed through the use of fresh seasonal products and ingredients from the hotel’s own gardens. Surrounded with the scents of orange blossom, rosemary and views of Mediterranean beauty, La Veranda has a clear commitment to Km 0 and healthy cooking. The menu includes fresh salads with ingredients straight from the garden, flavoursome creamy soups and juices, fresh fish and prime quality meat.

Breakfast is served until midday and includes a variety of fresh fruit, cereals, fruit juices, cheese, local cured meats and homemade pies all meticulously prepared. The restaurant also offers its ‘Healthy Veranda Menu’, a perfect culinary experience for you to delve into a vegetarian menu, with healthy food which, as well as maximising flavours, aid well-being. A ‘Tasting Menu’ is also available with aperitif, entrée, fish, meat and dessert for guests to enjoy the menu’s most representative dishes. Both menus are perfect for exploring the essence of its culinary offering amongst this breathtaking setting. Atzaro also boasts a restaurant overlooking the sea in Cala Nova, a short drive from inland Ibiza. Enjoy spectacular views of the Mediterranean at the Atzaró Beach Restaurant which offers a wide range of Mediterranean dishes and home cooking specialising in local fish and rices (paella), Open all year round, this is a space designed to the last detail where you can gaze at the sunrise, admire the sea, feel the breeze and bask in the light of the north of the island. ATZARÓ AGROTOURISM Ctra (Motorway) Sant Joan KM 15, Ibiza Tel: +34 971 33 88 38 E-mail: agroturismo@atzaro.com

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Open all year round, this is a space designed to the last detail where you can gaze at the sunrise, admire the sea, feel the breeze and bask in the light of the north of the island.

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Eagle Labs Each issue, we focus on an innovative start-up based at Eagle Labs, in the old Barclays bank at Preston Circus. This month, we check out Neos, the UK’s first connected home insurance service.

Over £1m in initial seed funding was recently raised, valuing the business at £8.4m, and investors include the insurtech fund Eos Venture Partners and the experienced team that successfully launched ingenie, one of the first motor telematics insurance providers in the UK.

Neos was co-founded by Matt Poll (CEO) and Krystian Zajac (CTO) in late 2015. Poll was previously a director of More Than, while Zajac is an established entrepreneur in the connected home space. Big hitters

Additional investors include Barry Smith (former CEO of Ageas) who has joined the Neos board as chairman; Steve Broughton (former MD of RSA Insurance) as a nonexec director; and Richard King (founder of ingenie) as an advisor. Former England international footballer and Match of the Day host, Gary Lineker, is also an investor.

By combining the latest connected home technology, 24/7 monitoring and emergency assistance (alongside comprehensive home insurance from its underwriting partner, Hiscox), Neos is creating a new approach to insurance – one that enables consumers to actively protect their home and help prevent incidents. The company has been in development for the past 12 months and recently commenced its soft launch, with plans for a full market launch in early 2017.

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Chairman Barry Smith said: “I’m delighted to have invested in and joined the talented and experienced Neos team at this very early stage. This is an exciting time for the home insurance market as we start to see new customer value propositions that embrace connected home technology.” Company ethos

Neos wanted a better way to insure your home, so they designed it themselves.

“We had a vision of a different kind of insurance service – simple, helpful, human and putting you in control,” said Krystian. “We help protect the things that matter in life and when the unexpected happens we help manage it too – Surely that’s what insurance should be all about?”

“People first, and everything else (technology, insurance, data…) second. This is a people business. It’s designed to help care for the things that are important to our customers. We define help as being real, making things easy and working at speed when it matters. We try (we are human too) to make things human proof, but we always keep you in charge. You are not replaceable.” “We love technology too and believe it is a game changer to help protect what matters. We are devoted to finding the best solutions. Solutions which create a virtual circle around everything; a circle of connection and communication. Simple and effortless to use. Technology which puts you in control.”

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“We believe insurance can do good,” said Matt. “At the start it did. The industry was built on the desire to help communities by pulling together. Over time this force for good has eroded. Now there is little trust from customers. People believe it is motivated by one thing – money. There has to be a better way. We want to go back to first principles.” Utilising technology

Neos combines smart technology, home security and premium insurance in a new way to protect a home, and everyone in it and is designed to prevent the damage that leads to a home insurance claim. HD cameras, motion sensors, smoke detectors, door contacts and water leak sensors work to protect the home, maintaining constant contact with the homeowner’s Neos app and a 24/7 monitoring team. As well as alerting the homeowner of a break-in, leak or fire, the connected system triggers the monitoring team to send the right tradespeople. Alternatively, the Neos app can prompt you to contact the emergency services without delay, minimising damage to your home. To get everything back to normal, it’s all backed up by a premium home insurance policy.

Neos offers its connected home protection service for a similar price to a traditional home insurance policy. Preventative security and rapid response to incidents means less risk of a claim – and a smaller claim if something bad does happen.

“We love technology too and believe it is a game changer to help protect what matters. We are devoted to finding the best solutions. Solutions which create a virtual circle around everything

How it works: • Home protection technology including HD cameras, motion sensors, door contacts, smoke detectors and water leak sensors • A dedicated 24/7 monitoring team supported by a network of tradespeople • The Neos mobile app to notify you the instant a smart sensor is triggered in your home and get you in touch with an expert to solve the problem • Real-time video streaming from your home’s camera, accessible via the Neos app. • Remote management of your home’s sensors and camera so you can trust your home is safe, wherever you are. • A premium building and contents insurance policy underwritten by Hiscox. Matt commented: “Chapter one of the Neos story reads very well: we’re first to market; in Hiscox we have one of the UK’s leading insurers as a partner; we’ve built an incredibly strong management team and we now have the backing of some of the industry’s most respected experts. We’ve already had a fantastic customer response from our soft launch and can’t wait to open up the Neos experience to the wider market.” www.Neos.co.uk

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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 ISSUU-ABSOLUTEMAGAZINE-FEB-2015.indd 54

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