Absolute Sussex Winter Edition 2019 by Absolute Magazine Group

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Index 8 14 28 36 42 56 62 68 74 76 80 86 92 96 102 106 112 118 122 128 134 140 152 158 166 172

CITY NEWS FASHION FEATURE AMY HART FRANCESCO PELLISARI FASHION FEATURE GRESHAM BLAKE STUDIO iO SRI LANKAN FOOD & CULTURE TOUR FIZZ & FOOD BARS & BEATS COFFEETZAR MARKET BEACH CLUB PETITE POIS CURRY LEAF CAFE THE FOUNTAIN INN LION & LOBSTER THE WALRUS OLE OLE ABSOLUTE LONDON LIFE PROUD CABARET DAVID FREEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY MALDIVES KEMPINSKI SEVEN PINES IBIZA BANANA ISLAND

Contributing Editors - Charlie McBrien Victoria Marie Emerson | Lindsay Katherine Hills Kasia (instagram.com/citystyleedit) Pete Hayward | Tony Shattell (food reviewer) Features Editor - Victoria Marie Emerson - info@absolutemagazine.co.uk Design - Pete Hayward - petehayward.design Owners - Publishers Simon Darcy Abbott - simon@absolutemagazine.co.uk David Camici - dcamici@absolutemagazine.co.uk

Cover Photography - Marsha Dine Photography Wardrobe - Kankan, Portofino Stylist - James Dupres Assistant Stylist - Kc Rose

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

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The Editor

s 2019 draws to a close, weve been talking a look baxck over the last 12 months and what a year its been for our home city of Brighton the county and the UK, we have seen some incredible new development projects both launching and nearing their final stages of completion, a vast number of new and innovative businesses have opened and the foodie scene of the county and Brighton is leading the way in the nation, and doing pretty well in the footie too!. Our final issue of 2019 carries you into the new year and is packed with special features for you and exciting interviews , Absolute chats with Worthing born and raised Amy Hart who found fame this year in Love Island plus audio legend Francesco Pellisari from Nacsound fame of his latest creative sound projects globally, plus Brightons very own fashion guru Gresham Blake on their latest collections.

To satisfy of foodie fix we look at the gorgeous diners of Market, Petit Pois, ole Ole to name but a few and the stunning countryside retreat that is the Fountain in Ashusrt, we also take a culinary journey through Sri Lanka with one of the founders of Curry Leaf cafe now at with his new project The Easy Tiger where we talk about his passion of food and discovering new tastes and flavours.

Stepping away from Sussex for some winter sun, we jet you off to the Maldives, Ibiza, qatar and the Seychelles where we look at stunning new hotel islands and resorts including the amazing 7 Pines in Ibiza, pure luxury at its very best. This year has been another glorious year for us at Absolute where we would like to take this chance to thank you our readers and wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Years and we hope 2020 brings your hopes and dreams to reality what ever they maybe. Absolute

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News

Photo: Peter Prior

Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Snowman and Paddington Bear’s First Concert Royal Pavilion Ice Rink Celebrate a greener Christmas this year with the Royal Pavilion Ice Rink. Stunning, twinkly, romantic, child-friendly and with a rinkside restaurant with views to die for, the ice is powered entirely by wind and solar energy. This is the most beautiful Ice Rink in the South East, featuring a beginner’s area and penguin skate aids, Both skaters and non-skaters are welcome at the rink side bar & kitchen, which offers fabulous family Sunday roasts, Christmas parties, a full bar and snacks, plus lunch and evening meals. Brighton’s Royal Pavilion Ice Rink is open to the public this season from Nov 2nd, 2019– Jan 19th, 2020.

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Visit the Brighton Dome on 15th December for the perfect musical double bill for all the family for the exciting run up to Christmas! Hear all about the famous bear arriving into Paddington railway station (and so getting his name), meeting the Browns and Mr Gruber before attending his first ever concert (surely, nothing can go wrong when London’s favourite bear goes to the Royal Albert Hall?!). Then get fully into the festive mood with the classic animated film of The Snowman, based on the Raymond Briggs book and accompanied by Howard Blake’s unforgettable score, shown on a big screen. Walking in the Air, the soundtrack to every child’s Christmas, will be sung live and both pieces will be accompanied by live orchestra.

Get your feathers and glitter at the ready as Priscilla Queen of the Desert returns to Brighton for Christmas 2019, starring actor and Strictly Come Dancing winner Joe McFadden! The iconic musical heads to Theatre Royal Brighton from Tue 17 Dec – Sat 4 Jan! Tickets on sale from Monday 3 December, 10am.

Mark Goucher has joined forces with first time producer Jason Donovan to create a brand new production of the much loved glittering hit musical Priscilla Queen of the Desert. The iconic hit musical has more glitter than ever before, featuring a dazzling array of stunning costumes, fabulous feathers and a non-stop parade of dance floor classics including It’s Raining Men, I Will Survive, I Love The Nightlife, Finally and many more. Based on the Oscar winning film, Priscilla is the hilarious adventure of three friends who hop aboard a battered old bus bound for Alice Springs to put on the show of a lifetime. Their epic journey is a heart-warming story of selfdiscovery, sassiness and acceptance.

Jack Whitehall

Jack Whitehall Award-winning comedian, actor and writer Jack Whitehall has announced his biggest UK and Ireland arena tour ever for 2019 with brand new show, JACK WHITEHALL: STOOD UP and it is coming to The Brighton Centre on 2nd January 2020.

Following two complete sell out arena tours, Jack Whitehall Gets Around in 2014 and Jack Whitehall: At Large in 2017, which premiered on Netflix, JACK WHITEHALL: STOOD UP promises to be the most hilarious yet from one of comedy’s most electric talents. A joy to watch on stage and a comedian who is firmly on the road to becoming a global megastar, this show is not to be missed.

Skara Race Horse Company: Super Sunday Brighton Dome Concert Hall, Church Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 1UE Enter an amusement park of pure amazement with human catapults, trampolines and a wheel of death at Brighton Dome Concert Hall from 17-27th December.

This Christmas, six acrobats blend dark humour with phenomenal stunts to get your pulse racing in Super Sunday. High-energy, non-stop fun, original music and a kaleidoscope of colour, this show is an exhilarating roller coaster ride you won’t want to end.

Super Sunday is Race Horse Company’s astonishing sequel to the critically acclaimed Petit Mal: Concrete Circus (Brighton Dome, 2013). Formed in 2008, the award-winning Finnish company have created a completely new kind of contemporary circus marked by chaotic comedy and uncompromising acrobatics

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

Burning the Clocks is a unique community event in which local people make their own paper and willow lanterns. After carrying them through the city in a lantern parade they pass them into the fire on Brighton beach, as a token of the year’s end. Then a dazzling fire show is set in motion, in which a massive fire sculpture is ignited, live music plays, and fireworks light up the sky!

Long term Brighton Resident George Afentakis 60, who owns the successful Greek restaurant Adelphia in Preston Street, is finally about to realise his dream.

Kirsty Pollard, General Manager of Brighton Marina said, “Unit 23 has been vacant for 10 years so we are delighted to see this beautiful harbour side venue bought back to life. The venue in The Village has lovely views across the inner harbour – this is the first and only Greek restaurant ever at Brighton Marina and its offerings are so unique to the catering industry. We look forward to welcoming Greek culture and freshly baked pastries every morning”. Within the restaurant, known as Skara, meaning ‘Grill’ in Greek, George’s goal is to import their ingredients directly from Greece to ensure authenticity and all recipes will be freshly prepared on site. He said, “We want to bring our culture and Greek hospitality here to Brighton Marina. We want the customers to feel that in Skara, they are somewhere in Greece and Unit 23 is right by the water. Customers will be greeted with a bottle of water and a basket of baked bread with oregano on arrival, as is the tradition in Greece. For me, our culture is intricately entwined with our cuisine”.

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News TLC

Isley Brothers

Indoor Pets at The Factory Live Emerging indie pop band, Indoor Pets are coming to brand new club venue, The Factory Live, Worthing during Independent Venue Week, 31.02.20, don’t miss out! Tickets are available now: thefactorylive.co.uk

Signing to Wichita Recordings, Indoor Pets set about recording their debut album due for release in March 2019, a record seemingly full of a bottomless pool of great tunes. Familiar feelings of not fitting in or wanting to play the hand life’s dealt you are delivered with self-deprecating wit and Glass’ trademark use of double-bluffing word play. Think Rivers Cuomo and a pre-sandpit Brian Wilson bunking off school to play records and snigger at the cool kids. They’re smart, life-affirming and all contained within a thumping primarycoloured pop wallop.

This is a rare opportunity to see some of Lego’s early creations outside of Denmark! They are open Tuesday to Saturday so just turn up any time, buy your ticket at the foyer and enjoy this and the many other exhibits they have for you to see.

Space

Lego Before Lego Did you know the Lego company was founded in 1932 manufacturing wooden toys? No? Then pay a visit to Brighton Toy and Model Museum for their exciting new exhibition, ‘Lego before Lego - a secret history’, to see some of Lego’s original wooden toys of the 1930s-40s to the popular plastic toys of the 60s, when the iconic bricks became an essential part of modern childhood. The Hatley Lego Collection includes original toy shop signage, scale vehicles, building blocks, farm vehicles, lovable characters and pull-along toys.

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Legendary alternative rock band Space, come to Worthing this February to play The Factory Live. Performing all the hits including - Female of the Species, Me and You Vs. The World, Avenging Angels, Dark Clouds and many more. Space have sold over 5 million records worldwide with album titles including “Spiders, “Tin Planet” “Suburban Rock and Roll” and “Attack of the Mutant 50ft Kebab” along with ten top 40 singles and a host of other single releases to-date. The band continue to write gritty edgy pop songs that captive the imagination of the listener - don’t miss out! Tickets can be purchased at atompromotions.co.uk.

Kaiser Chiefs

Kaiser Chiefs Kaiser Chiefs will be creating a riot in the city as they bring their UK arena tour to The Brighton Centre on 30th January 2020.

‘People Know…’ is the lead single from the Kaiser Chiefs forthcoming new album Duck which was released in tangent with the tour and follows hot on the heels of Record Collection, which gave fans their first taste of the new album. Duck, released on July 26th through Polydor, is the sound of one of the most successful British guitar bands of the millennium reclaiming the creative swagger that underpins their strongest work. “It’s undeniably fantastic and undeniably Kaiser Chiefs,” says frontman Ricky Wilson.

Christmas at the Royal Pavilion Experience a magical Christmas at the Royal Pavilion. The Palace is transformed with festive decorations and glittering trees and Georgian desserts fit for a king are on show in the Deckers’ Room. A replica of Queen Victoria’s sleigh awaits you and your family, where you can create your own Christmas photos to remember the day!

Floating Worlds: Japanese Woodcuts Go a journey at Brighton Museum & Art Gallery to explore the ‘floating worlds’ of Japan through woodblock prints from the Edo period (1615-1868). The style of prints on display until 12th January 2020 is known as Ukiyo-e, which means ‘pictures of the floating world’. Ukiyo-e prints show pleasurable activities in beautiful surroundings and often have deeper meanings. Guided by haiku poetry, the exhibition invites you to mindfully experience the sights of 19th century Japan. Explore the city of Edo (now called Tokyo), visit the Kabuki theatre, watch fireworks and peek into private spaces. To get some air, take a stroll through the Japanese countryside, see the sea or climb high into the mountains.

Coppa Club Brighton Igloos Coppa Club has launched their iconic Winter Igloos in Brighton Square festive season. The venue opened its doors in September 2019 with an aim to provide the people of Brighton and Hove an oasis in the heart of The Lanes. With a variety of spaces to suit different occasions throughout the day, the 220-cover venue includes a restaurant and relaxed bar, comfortable lounges and library area, an open fireplace and year-round alfresco dining area in the square. The Igloos will bring a stunning and sophisticated woodlands experience to Brighton Square, allowing people to enjoy cosy private dining in the midst of winter. The design emulates the Igloos in London with candles and cosy blankets, large evergreen trees which will either be replanted or sent to a plant doctor as part of their care program, faux-sheepskin rugs, wool blankets and intricate dried flower installations.

Drop-in activities for children and families are on offer on Saturday 14 & Sunday 15, Saturday 21, Sunday 22 & Monday 23 December, 11am-4pm.

Santa Express All aboard the Seaside Santa Express! Tickets are now available for this year’s Santa Express on Brighton seafront. From 7 December, Father Christmas will be joining the Volk’s Railway, spreading some magic at the railway’s Visitor Centre every weekend up until Christmas as he gets ready for the big night. While he fixes up his sled, you can take a very special train ride to visit him! Make special Christmas gifts, eat tasty snacks, ride on the UK’s oldest Electric Railway and visit Santa in his grotto. Book your place on the Santa Express workshop.

Love Supreme Jazz Festival 2020

TLC, The Isley Brothers, Sergio Mendes and Charles Lloyd First Acts Announced for Love Supreme Jazz Festival 2020 The Love Supreme Jazz Festival will return to Glynde in East Sussex next summer with a programme that once again boasts some of the leading lights from the worlds of jazz, soul, pop and r&b. The Isley Brothers:”We’re so happy to return to the UK and to be able to now tell everybody that we’re performing at next year’s Love Supreme Jazz Festival! We’ve heard so many great things about this event and can’t wait to have a party with our UK fans. See you next summer!” Now in its 8th year, Love Supreme is Europe’s biggest outdoor jazz festival and will return to the picturesque setting of the South Downs in East Sussex from Friday 3rd – Sunday 5th July 2020. Additional names will be announced in due course. Early Bird tickets start at £54 and go on sale this Thursday November 28th from www.lovesupremefestival.com.

Booka Shade plays Brighton Berlin-based duo Booka Shade, aka Walter Merziger and Arno Kammermeier have carved out a reputation as one of the most celebrated electronic acts to come out of Europe over the past two decades and now they’ll make their long-overdue return to Brighton on December 13th. With a performance at The Arch, they’ll have with support from Brighton based talents and The Arch residents such as Markus Saarlander, Lola, Sean Branton and SDXN. Since their break-through performance at Sónar in 2005, Booka Shade have earned huge recognition with their innovative live shows, even being named one of Resident Advisor’s Top 5 live acts in the world in 2010. They have opened for legendary acts such as Depeche Mode and Kraftwerk, whilst headlining stages at the likes of Coachella, Glastonbury, Rock Werchter, and Red Rocks just to name a few. In recent years, the band has appeared amongst the likes of DJ Mag’s ‘Alternative Top 100 DJ List’ (2018), whilst their notable live sets have led to key mentions amongst a host of distinguished festival reviews and round-ups, including placement within DJ Mag’s ’10 Unforgettable Sets From The History Of Exit Festival’.

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Coppa Club’s Iconic Riverside Igloos Launch In Brighton Square It probably hasn’t escaped your notice that Coppa Club opened its doors in The Lanes’ Brighton Square last month, offering welcoming, comfortable spaces to suit every need. And now the iconic igloos have arrived just in time for Winter offering cosy private dining in the heart of Brighton Square. Coppa Club pioneered the pop-up igloo-dining trend in London in 2016, and the design has since been copied everywhere between here and Sydney. Now one of London’s most sought-after experiences, this year’s release sold out within 48 hours, with over 45,000 people queuing online to reserve their place. The igloos’ stunning and sophisticated winter woodland décor is made magical with candles and cosy woollen blankets, large evergreen trees (plant doctor on call!), faux-sheepskin rugs and intricate dried, foraged flower installations sourced from the local area. Trails of dried hops and old man’s beard with limonium, nigella and poppy seed heads, various types of grasses, asparagus fern and white helichrysum line the spaces to whisk you away to a magical winter wonderland. From a midweek lunch to catching up on emails in a quiet corner with great coffee; drinks with friends or colleagues in the relaxed bar, or some precious quality downtime with family, Coppa Club Brighton feels like a real home-from-home. Located in Brighton Square, adjacent to the new Hannington’s Development.

Book today www.coppaclub.co.uk/brighton

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OCEAN

FASHION Photography: Marsha Dine Photography Make Up Artist: Anisa Rose Make Up, Ann-Marie Hair, Wigs and Make Up Hair Stylist: Ann Marie Hair, Wigs & Make Up, Federica Desir Models: Anisa Rose, Tasha-Lee Richemond, Trisha Dubignon, Felicita Filipin, Lady Zen Stylist: James Dupres Assistant Stylist: Kc Rose Wardrobe: Kankan, Portofino Sunglasses VisionCare / Beyond The Sea Eden Island Jewelry: Kankan, Gianmaria Carbo Location: Kempinski Seychelles Resort

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AMY HART T

his time last year, Amy Hart was enjoying a traditional Sussex Christmas with her family, performing musicals in her local Worthing amateur dramatics society and working as Cabin Crew for BA. Little did she know that the year fast approaching was going to see her catapulted to fame, fall in love for the first time, become a household name across the country and be hailed as the subject of one of the Greatest Moments of TV 2019. It is without doubt that Amy’s ‘it’s worth a shot’ audition video for Love Island ‘19 was the catalyst of a life changing experience and now as our Sussex girl reflects back on her year, Absolute Magazine Editor Victoria Marie Emerson chats with Amy about life after the villa, mental health, social media, fame and all that goes hand in hand with it. As a proud Worthing girl, tell us about what regular life was like before the show? I’ve always enjoyed living in Worthing. My Dad’s quite well known in the area and I’ve always been referred to as ‘’Ian Hart’s daughter’. That’s all changed now and he’s ‘Amy Hart’s Dad’ which is hilarious. I was an air hostess, so although I was often working away, I used to make the most of my time in Worthing when I was there. I had quite a normal life. Well, as normal as you can be when you’re very dramatic. When I wasn’t working, I used to do pageants, mainly in the UK where I won Miss United Kingdom, but then I went to America to compete and won Miss Beautiful International.

Being an intelligent, well-grounded girl fully aware that the price of “fame” comes at a cost, why did you give up your stable job to enter Love Island? I applied for Love Island just on the off chance. I applied for it thinking I probably wouldn’t get it as one hundred and fifty thousand people apply each year.

“I applied for Love Island just on the off chance. I applied for it thinking I probably wouldn’t get it as one hundred and fifty thousand people apply each year.”

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AMY HART When your job’s being you, you don’t get a day off. Was it the first time you ever applied? Yes it was the first time I’ve applied and I didn’t think I’d get it, so then when the opportunity came up and I knew I was on the show, I honestly thought I would go back to my job afterwards. It was only the night before I went in that I found out that that wouldn’t be feasible. Going out the show and leaving my stable job was a tough decision but it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that I knew was never ever going to come up again. They will always need people to work as crew a plane and I received a good enough CV that would allow me to go back into flying straight away if I wanted to. Luckily it all paid off. I might need to get a proper job again a some point, but hopefully this will last.

What was the appeal of Love Island? The boys I have dated in the past have been so horrible and so I literally just wanted to meet someone special, which I think I proved by leaving when I did. I just thought it would be a fun way to meet someone.

Did you truly believe you’d found love? Yes did. I’d like to fall in love with someone now and then think ‘oh no I wasn’t’. Curtis and I coupled up on day two and were so strong. I thought itwas easy, almost too easy. And then obviously it all went wrong. But I did think I’d found love. Do you have any regrets? Obviously, I did think for a long time that I wish I hadn’t met him, or, I wish I’d fought more for our relationship. But I think everything happens for a reason. When you’re in there it’s such a bubble and it’s so full on that you think you’re really fighting for this person. Whereas when you come out the villa you realise you were only together for four weeks. However, it is different in there as you’re together every minute of every day. But I had no regrets because everything that happened led up to me leaving the way that I did, and I think that’s one of the most shocking celebrity moments of 2019. I didn’t have any regrets. Did you get enough support from the TV producers? Yes 100%. They were absolutely amazing. I was in ‘psych’ twice a day. They’re always there when you need them and when I told them that I wanted to leave, they were so supportive. I said I wanted to leave, but I want to do it my way. There wasn’t any talking you round? No, they knew I was done by that point. I was seeing the psych twice a day and I think when you get to that point, it’s time to probably go home. But, everyone’s so amazing in there and the aftercare is great too. Are you still in contact with them? Yes loads of them, but my chaperone the most.

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Since leaving the villa, has your career path taken the route you envisaged? I don’t think we realised how busy we were gonna be. I had thirty seven gigs lined up straight away it was so very manic. It was hard work and tiring but I know how lucky I am. When your job’s being you, you don’t get a day off. My psychiatrist said ‘You are like an iPhone and every time you’re out performing your battery is wearing down. You have to recharge it with some time off, doing something like reading or something completely unrelated. Otherwise, you will run out of battery’. How would you define your career title? Would you say you’re an influencer now or TV personality? A bit of both. I think they sort of merge into one. When people ask me what I do, they obviously haven’t watched Love Island and so I won’t tell them I was on the show. I just say I’m an air hostess for BA. Then one of their friends will reply ‘You’re Amy from Love Island’ and then it’s really awkward as I’ve lied. It’s really embarrassing! I don’t really know how to describe what I do now…TV personality influencer? Public figure?

Expectations must have been high, with a race for capitalising on that window of opportunity, bagging the best gigs. How did that effect your mental health? I always think I’m not doing enough or I’m not doing well enough and it’s really hard because you’re comparing yourself to your mates. However, I feel that I’m very lucky for what I’ve got. I could’ve done loads of club PAs but it’s not me. Can you imagine? “Good evening Norwich - have a great night, put your hands in the air”. It’s not me. Whereas I filmed backstage at Wicked the other day and the PR team said to me they could tell how much I loved it when I talked about it. Passengers used to say that to me about musicals and say that when I talked about them my face lit up. So I’m very lucky that I’ve been able to expand on that interest by creating behind the scene YouTube videos for the big West End productions. I’m my own biggest critic. I don’t feel like I’m doing enough, but that’s my irrational brain. But then when I start to rationalise it. There were thirty six of us on the show this year and I’ve been picked for X Y Z when nobody else has. I’m very lucky so I just have to learn to rationalise stuff.

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AMY HART You have a great platform for advocating mental health. How are you using that platform? I’ve obviously been quite open about it. I’m part of Heat Magazine’s campaign and there’s videos of me online talking about mental health. I just think being open about it is so important. I looked on the comments on the Heat YouTube campaign videos saying things like ‘Oh is this all she can talk about?’ but then other people commented saying ‘No it’s good that she’s talking about it.’ Mental health doesn’t discriminate. My main issue is online safety and the effect trolling has on mental health. Instagram and other such platforms don’t do enough to combat it. I shared some screenshots of messages I’d received on Instagram, reported it and I got told that it didn’t go against their rules and guidelines. These were horrendous messages. Everyone thought that I was saying that I was upset by the messages, but that wasn’t the case I’d just spent twenty-four hours in Scotland with seven amazing kids who had mental health problems. A lot of them have been trolled online and victims of cyber bullying. My concern is that they were receiving messages like that. I can shrug it off and it’s fine but they can’t and it’s so damaging. I think the monitoring online is done by a computer and that’s the problem as it just scans it. They need a team of people, real people. I was getting death threats from fourteen year olds, but you can’t find them because they just block their account. They turn it off and make new ones. If you block someone, they just make a new one and troll you again. So perhaps they should allow one account per IP address. You’ve selected Chestnut Tree House as your main charity. Tell us about that. As a family, we’ve always known about and supported them. My Dad was a trustee so we’ve always been brought learning about their work. We went and looked round the hospice after coming out of the villa and I knew it had to be my main charity. This year I’m going to the Snowman Ball where there will be an auction lot where you can go out for dinner with me. I’m just trying to do little bits at the moment as my calendar is so busy. But next year when it all calms down, I will be able to do a lot more with them. I’ve been given this platform and I want to use it to it’s full potential.

What advice would you give to someone hoping to launch a career in the spotlight? Nobody can prepare you for it - it’s not what you think it is at all. I had an easy life and when I was on my last few flights, I remember thinking ‘Oh I’m never going have any stress in my life now.’ When I came out of love island I quickly learnt that that wasn’t going to be the case. I was once again living out of my suitcase. I literally take my suitcase out, repack it and then go out again. When being you is your job you never get a day off. I’m not moaning as I know I’m very fortunate. I think a lot of my friends understand now what it’s like and they all say ‘I could never ever do this.’ It’s hard work but it is fun as well. You have had a crash course in social media management. What advice would you give to someone looking to grow their following? I spoke to Molly Mae a lot about this in the villa. She said consistency is key. Post often with great pictures, keeping it relatable. I could go out and buy loads of designer stuff but my followers, many of whom are very young, will then think ‘Oh, well I can’t buy that’. So I like to buy a lot of high street stuff to keep content relatable. People like to see you in your posts. I get loads of feedback from people saying, ‘You’re so normal’ and ‘I love seeing your normal life.’

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What factors do you take into consideration when choosing which brands you are an advocate for on SM? I just try and respond to my fans; a lot of my fans are very young. When I did a meet and greet in London, their mums paid for them to be there. I therefore feel like I owe it to the mums who let their kids support me to be a good role model, so I won’t promote online gambling and all that sort of stuff. I tend to look at who the other ambassadors are for the brands and try and work it out if it actually fits me. A lot of the time if I’m asked to promote something, I’ll ask if I can use it for two weeks first to see whether I like it or not. What has been your biggest ‘pinch me’ moment since leaving the villa? I’ve got two. Either being on Loose Women when I walked out and the voiceover said ‘Your panel today… Amy Hart’ or having my own range with In The Style.

Where do you see yourself in five years time? I don’t know as it’s such an uncertain business and I think that’s what I’m struggling with the most. I’d like to still be working in this industry, but I’d love my own TV show about musicals. Even if I wasn’t working in mainstream media, I could just be like a theatre mascot working for theatres and productions. What keeps you still living in Worthing? My life in London is so crazy that on my days off, I want to get away from it all. I’d be down here on my days off anyway so I might as well stay. I’m very lucky because I’ve got a lot of friends who live in London that are adamant that I don’t stay in hotels and that I stay with them. That said, if I’m out really late, I don’t like staying at a friends so I book hotels a lot. What are your top three restaurants in Sussex? My top three restaurants are as follows: Casa Don Carlos in Brighton and Casa Ciros and Food in Worthing. Top three bars? Molotov and Manuka in Worthing and Bohemia in Brighton.

If you had a day to yourself, to do anything Sussex, how would you spend it? I love bowling and I love mini golf at Harbour Park over in Littlehampton. As a family we go there every single Good Friday for fish and chips and golf, even though my brother and I are now twenty seven and twenty four.

As a well travelled individual, where is your favourite destination? If you would’ve asked me three weeks ago I would’ve said Vegas, but I have absolutely fallen head over heels in love with Dubai. I love it there. We went to the Atlantis for five days and we didn’t leave the resort because there were twenty three restaurants and we stumbled upon a different beach or pool every day. It didn’t feel like we hadn’t left!

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The beauty of sound design

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Francesco Pellisari design

t an early age he showed a natural flare for mathematics. He would go on to study engineering and work with some of the most important companies and projects of the 1980’s, working with Olivetti in developing microchips with Intel and going on to designing AI robotics. A chance meeting with a famous violinist of the time would see him re-discover his natural gift for sound, bringing him back full circle to his family roots within the arts and propelling him to a new world in acoustic engineering, where he has been crafting beautiful sound installations ever since. His creations are at the avant-garde of design and sound performance, earning him multiple awards from the AV industry and placing him as one of the worlds leading authorities in audiovisual consulting. Blending function, form and finesse is an art form in itself and this has been the quest of Italian acoustic designer Francesco Pellisari since 1997, when he first established the New Acoustic Concept (NAC Sound), a company dedicated to audio consulting and the manufacture of designer speakers without compromising audio quality. Fast forward two decades and Francesco’s aesthetically-pleasing omnidirectional designer speakers are now sold worldwide, hailed as a sound visionary and artist among music aficionados and artisans his work continues to lead as he pushes the bounderiers of sound design ever further in his quest for the ultimate listening experience, now personally invited to produce audio solutions globally, from private residence in Dubai to international brands and even Church San Lorenzo da Brindisi, Italy this icon of the AV industry talks to us.

An audio sculpture for Francesco is an omnidirectional sensory experience that involves all the senses.

Born in the 1960s in Rimini on the Italian Coast, Francesco Pellisari was always destined for creative greatness. As the twin son of a member of the Italian avant-garde literary movement known as Gruppo 63, he grew up in a creative environment, free from convention and surrounded by great art. Francesco and his brother Emiliano were raised with sculptors, poets and philosophers as primary influencers. It was in early adulthood that Emiliano turned his attention toward theatre arts, while Francesco focused on robotics and began developing his technical and scientific acumen. In Francesco’s youth he was spotted by Italian violinist Ronald Valpreda, first violin of the famous classical group Solisti Veneti, for having the ‘absolute pitch’, also referred to as the ‘perfect pitch’. The absolute pitch is a rare auditory phenomenon which affects one in every 10,000 people, which allows the person to recreate a musical note without the need of a reference pitch. People with absolute pitch may train their relative pitch, but there is no record of adults obtaining absolute pitch by musical training. Because of this ability Francesco was hired by Mr Valpreda to help him choose the right violin for his performances. Growing up in such a stimulating environment Francesco developed a passion for music, sound, sculpture and design, and gradually his artistic goal became the creation of audio sculptures capable of conveying the same emotions of live performances. This is where art meets technology. An audio sculpture for Francesco is an omnidirectional sensory experience that involves all the senses. Speaker and environment become one, and one could not exist without the other. If we think of music in terms of a live performance, we want to hear, see, and touch the artist. This is what Francesco set out to achieve. Francesco’s passion for music led him to study speaker design and acoustics under Roy Alison, founder of Acoustic Research, one of the preeminent acousticians of the 20th century. In 1997 he created the New Acoustic Concept company (NAC Sound), a brand dedicated to the manufacture of design led speakers without compromising audio quality. NAC Sound, although now a global supplier, the company remains small and independent, always focused on providing the highest standard of speaker combined with industry leading product support.

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Francesco Pellisari

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After decades of experience in the field of applied acoustics and design, Francesco Pellisari also now offers a personal avant-garde technical consultancy under his very own name FP (Francesco Pellisari ) with special regard for fundamental design and engineering. Every consulting project aims to open new perspectives, makes an acoustic breakthrough and delivers performance otherwise thought impossible. FP (Francesco Pellisari), as a company, regard acoustics as an integral part of the environment rather a stand-alone element and the team work closely with architects, engineers and designers to adopt the acoustic design to their objectives and vision. FP (Francesco Pellisari ) designs are hailed as world-leading and innovative and these acoustic solutions are not limited to off-the-shelf solutions, existing material or designs. Every project undertaken is tailor-made to our customer’s needs and is followed directly and in person by the team. Not only are FP (Francesco Pellisari) solutions created to enhance both the acoustics of a space, they are also created to enhance the design and become an integral part of the architecture. Because space, colour and light play important roles in design, the team’s professional advice takes into consideration all key elements and works across disciplines to provide a holistic solution. So how is this all-encompassing sound created by the omnidirectional speakers? An acoustic image is produced when the brain senses an acoustic wave and other environmental information. The human brain calculates where all the sound is coming from and draws its own three-dimensional image to identify the sound, its direction and volume. The speakers designed by Francesco are the result of comprehensive study not only of the measurements of acoustic waves but also the awareness of psychoacoustics, or rather how the sound is interpreted by the human brain. Designing a speaker, in fact, is not only about fiddling with mathematical calculations. It has more to do with undertaking a project in which the end-result is defined in terms of both science and the physiology of listening, physics and psychoacoustics. Rather than using just cold calculations, we use the harmony of sound as the basis for achieving our allimportant goal: the listening experience. The patented omni-directional technology allows the speakers to radiate sound spherically, creating a stable sound, emitted equally in all directions. With none of the usual positioning restrictions, the mechanical resonance is reduced — producing a rich, natural and consistent sound almost everywhere on the site of installation. For example, in a church, by suspending the speakers from the ceiling, it is possible to tune them and resolve architectonic-related sound problems. The hand-crafted ceramic speakers themselves are shaped and glazed by highly-skilled artisans and engineers in Italy. Ceramic has excellent acoustic properties, producing an astoundingly natural and pure sound. The specific ceramics used by Francesco are tailored for producing the finest sound quality and also for their high rigidity. www.nacsound.com

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Bespoke Audio Design Where Art Meets Sound www.francescopellisari.com Tel +447757989656 @francescopellisari

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gresham blake

fashionista

Gresham Blake’s Ready to Wear Autumn/Winter collection boasts an array of sharp tailoring and vibrant prints inspired by the Pop Art movement.

hot to the backdrop of an industrial estate they created the atmosphere of 1970s

America which inspired our direction and styling for the photoshoot. The contrast

in styling created an Autumn/Winter collection that has a contemporary and playful edge. This is further explored in the collection through a juxtaposition of colours,

prints and textures. Strong checks paired with clashing prints reverberates off the stark

background. The collection also includes a number of pieces made in the official Brighton

& Hove Tartan, designed by Gresham Blake and the former Mayor, Peter West, it is a tartan that reflects the rich culture and flamboyant history which Brighton & Hove has acquired

in abundance. Silk suits, bold jumpers and statement tracksuits are just some of the pieces you will find in throughout our latest collection,

which was typically shot on the hottest day of the year! The day was packed full of eclectic styling,

outrageously oversized wigs and flashy cars, we

are obsessed with the end result. Credit to all the team including photographer, Kenny McCracken,

hair stylist, Simon Webster and MUA, Xoë Kingsley, for persevering through the sweltering heat.

All the cloths featured in the Gresham Blake

Autumn/Winter 2019 collection can also be

purchased through their Bespoke and Made-to-

Measure services as well as their Ready to Wear collection. Working with the in-house tailoring

team gives you the creative freedom to actuate a

suit in your own unique style. The contemporary tailoring style utilises modern techniques and

which in turn facilitate whatever design you wish, custom printed fabric, bespoke linings and individual patterns and styles, are just some of the services offered. At Gresham Blake, the

tailors take you on your own personal tailoring journey. They make sure you have a finished product that is not only unique to you and true to your personality but completed to an

exceptional standard, with handmade finishes such as; hand sewn buttonholes, hand stitched linings and turn back collars. Nothing is out of the question with Gresham Blake, bespoke

printed polo shirts, tracksuits, dresses and even as far as bespoke shoes, name it, they’ve probably done it or want to do it!

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gresham blake

Being a predominantly Bespoke Tailoring brand, they inject a very personal approach to all new endeavours. 58

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Alongside the Ready to Wear collections, it has been a very busy year at Gresham Blake and there are many new and exciting things on the horizon for them. Their ever-expanding corporate wear business, which creates tailored and stylish bespoke uniforms for many clients, is one of their newest ventures and is growing rapidly. Corporate wear is an avenue where the Gresham Blake team are incredibly passionate. Being a predominantly Bespoke Tailoring brand, they inject a very personal approach to all new endeavours. When designing their bespoke uniforms, the design team take into consideration the client’s branding, interior concepts and history to create something completely unique to them. The diversity and creativity Gresham Blake offer to their customers is limitless. Working with the prestigious establishments that they do, nothing makes the team happier than people wearing their clothes and looking and feeling amazing in them. Their current clients include, Hard Rock Hotel London, The Savoy, The Grand Brighton, The Soho House Group, Pennyhill Park and Swingers just to name a few. At Gresham Blake they pride themselves on being an ethically aware brand, choosing to work with local companies and small businesses where they can and develop product ranges with the lowest footprint possible. So, they are very proud to introduce to you ‘The 45 Collection’. A collection that is at the forefront of sustainability, an ever-increasing issue within the industry. The name pays homage to its ethical beginnings, the recycled polyester utilises innovative fabric technologies which incorporate 45 recycled plastic bottles into every suit, consequently preventing them from reaching the landfill or our oceans. Not only is ‘The 45 Collection’ suiting kinder to the environment, they also look and feel great, with comfort and functionality being a crucial aspect of their suiting. This is a special year for the team at Gresham Blake, as the brand hits its 20-year milestone and what better way to celebrate than in style? Make sure you keep an eye out for the Gresham Blake Autumn/Winter 2019 collection. The autumnal checks and vivid shirts are definitely not to be missed. www.greshamblake.com

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studio iO H

olly Cooper, born and bred in Sussex, is the Founder of Studio iO, a small dedicated Yoga Space that has just relaunched as a membership-based club in central Brighton. As well as teaching weekly classes in Hatha, Vinyasa Flow and TRX Yoga, Holly has been the inspirational force that has created this sanctuary for healing, restoration and movement for mental health. Members are invited to escape away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and relax in what is space of calm and tranquillity. Studio iO offers many styles of yoga to suit everyone, meditation, Pilates and more, whilst the rooms upstairs offer a variety of healing treatments and therapies to leave you feeling nurtured and cared for. With the new year approaching and a ‘new me’ regime in the planning stages, Absolute Magazine Editor Victoria Marie Emerson takes time out with Holly to discover what membership at Studio iO involves, the story behind the success and what the future holds for this mumpreneur.

How did you first get into Yoga? Over 20 years ago I walked into my first yoga class at the Brighton Natural Health Centre. I was sporty at school and felt like yoga would be a good compliment and also another energising way to keep fit. So I was drawn to Ashtanga and other forms of yoga that were dynamic and felt like fitness to me. It wasn’t until almost 10 years later that I travelled and explored yoga in India and in a much more meaningful way. Yoga wasn’t about exercise anymore but more a way of living and being. During this time I travelled whilst DJing and working late nights. So the yoga most definitely brought balance to my life. I remember being out in Ibiza, enjoying the parties but would still get up to practice yoga, have a healthy smoothie and enjoy the day. During my travels I met a lady in Chile who recommend a yoga training school based in Vancouver. I enrolled on the training and have since taught full time for 12 years. I am also training at The Special Yoga centre in London, Tri Yoga, together with wonderful teachers and now this January I’m training to become a Nidra Restore teacher, allowing me to offer more in the healing path of one to one yoga. Life today is busy with running a studio on my own with over 14 teachers, being a mother of two small children and now having a puppy. It’s a job I love though and pinch myself that I get to do what I love so much everyday.

Life today is busy with running a studio on my own with over 14 teachers, being a mother of two small children and now having a puppy. It’s a job I love though and pinch myself that I get to do what I love so much everyday.

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Holly Cooper

You have recently relaunched Studio iO. Tell us about that. After 7 years of running Studio iO as a rental space, I decided I wanted to change and build a place that had teachers that embodied yoga and taught styles of yoga that embraced self care and nurturing for their students. The relaunch has enabled me to now offer memberships and this meant I could create a space that was more about yoga for healing. Less about yoga for exercise but yoga for mental health too, a sanctuary of calm and community. I do still rent out the space and it’s a popular studio for photoshoots, filming and rehearsals. As a studio that works on a membership basis, how would you describe your members?

It’s been so wonderful to see the number of members grow and I can really see such dedication from them. We actually have several families that are members, mothers and daughters, friends and this really helps to build that strong community and support around them. Last week one member said to me she couldn’t ever move house now as she can’t leave Studio iO, it’s her little safe haven that she loves so much.

Your team at Studio iO is rapidly increasing. What do you look for when recruiting your teachers? This has probably been one of the hardest things to do since relaunching then studio. I’ve had many teachers working from Studio iO over the years and they’ve been genuinely lovely people however, change had to be made and for me one thing that I really look for is to see a genuine smile, together with a genuine feeling of love and happiness for being a yoga teacher. Showing that you actually care about what you teach, you live it and believe in it. We have a forever growing number of yoga teachers in Brighton, which is wonderful as so many of us practice yoga, however, I have been surprised at how many I’ve seen don’t come across as enjoying it whilst teaching.

I want to see a teacher who has confidence, can hold a room, create a safe space, talks to their students with interest and gets to know their students.

I want to see a teacher who has confidence, can hold a room, create a safe space, talks to their students with interest and gets to know their students. For me it’s not important if that teacher can do a handstand or wrap their leg around their head - I really want to see their dedication, charm, happiness and creativity. Showing they are productive and hardworking. A teacher also needs to be presentable, show that they care about the way they look and present themselves.

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studio iO What is your overall aim when running your classes? No matter what the style of yoga, whether it’s gentle and slow or something more dynamic, the ultimate thing is to have a class full of students who leave feeling better. Whether they are coming to yoga for stress, for recovery from an injury, looking to just move or maybe deal with depression we want each person to feel a sense of peace and have learnt or been encouraged to take tools away with them to create time and space for more self care in their life. We run daily lunchtime classes geared towards the local workers in offices, those that maybe sit at a desk all day. Allowing them just 45 minutes to breathe and focus on that, so make them aware of the importance to their health. One of B.K.S Iyengars famous quotes is “Yoga allows you to rediscover a sense of wholeness in your life, where you do not feel like you are constantly trying to fit broken pieces together.” This rings true in the sense that we can come to class and be more conscious in our thoughts and actions off the mat too. We can become more mindful and accepting of who we are and what we do. What advice would you give to anyone looking to start the new year with their first yoga experience. How do you choose which class is right for you? I always say to anyone new to yoga to go out there and explore many styles and many teachers. If there’s a teacher your friend likes, it doesn’t mean to say they are right for you. It’s so confusing these days with so many names of yoga classes. For example a flow yoga class with one teacher could mean slow and steady whereas with another it may be strong and dynamic so it’s not always easy to know what’s right for you. One person’s voice may soothe you or it may irritate you, so finding the right teacher is key. At Studio iO we run a specific beginners class on Sunday and this is always a good starting point and then I can advise which teacher is good to try next. I then suggest trying out each teacher and finding the right match.

For anyone feeling shy or even intimidated to walk into a studio. the great thing about Studio iO is we are a small space and the teacher will be there to greet you and listen to any concerns.

I would suggest starting with a one to one yoga session is a great way to build up some confidence to then walk into a group class. A one to one will allow you personal time with a teacher and this way you can ask questions. We also have some yoga videos that we send out to our members and newsletter subscribers so they can practice with one of the teachers at home too.

You have entered into some really successful and interesting collaborations, working with Brighton brands and businesses including i360 and Kleen Kitchen. How did these come about? So the i360 has been a project with my partnership business My Escape. My Escape is a company started by myself and Ellie Priest of Brighton Pilates and we have been running Pilates and Yoga holidays all over the world for the last 8 years. Since we have both had children all under 4 now, we haven’t travelled so much.

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“We can come to class and be more conscious in our thoughts and actions off the mat too.We can become more mindful and accepting of who we are and what we do.”

When I fell pregnant we got in touch with the i360, so 5 years ago now. This was before the pod was even built and it was just in the planning stages. We pushed and pushed for years to get an answer about running classes up it. Eventually once opened we sent through a proposal with some exciting project ideas and they loved it. Yoga in the Sky launched last year and it’s now been selling out every month. I love collaborating with Brighton brands, bringing people together and supporting local. Last summer Studio iO worked with SeaLanes to bring the community Beach Yoga. We had fun yoga and fitness mornings with UberMummies to bring women together. We did beach events with brunch and sea swims and saunas. The new Studio iO membership is all about this, giving our members greats deals and offering packages so they can look and feel their best. Members also enjoy discounts at local cafes and shops. AestheticBTN offers medical skin confidence clinics for all our members and The Kleen Kitchen offers discounts to cookery workshops and homemade vegan foods.

Our most exciting collaboration is the relaunch of the Spa at the Grand Hotel. The spa had a flood last Summer which had left the spa closed throughout the end of 2019. However, the new spa will open soon and Studio iO is partnering up so that all our members get access to the spa all year with a glass of bubbles on arrival. They will also get discounts on treatments too. The Spa members will in turn get to come to us for yoga. It’s a truly wonderful membership and nowhere else offers anything like it in the city. The ultimate package of self care.

This coming summer will be our best yet with even more exciting beach events coming up in the planning stages.

We hear you’ve just won a very prestigious award! Tell us about that. Yes that was a very nice surprise. We’ve just won Healing Yoga studio of the year with the Luxury Travel Guide Awards. One of my clients nominated the studio. We were shortlisted and based on our 5 star reviews, website design, social media pages and the work we do with one to one yoga and the focus on healing and restoration, we were awarded Healing Yoga studio of the year. I’m so happy and this is our second award we’ve won in just a few years. What does the future hold for Studio iO? As we move into 2020, I’m very excited about collaborations with the Spa at the Grand Hotel and to continue to work with companies like the i360. This coming summer will be our best yet with even more exciting beach events coming up in the planning stages. There will be more online videos coming up for our members plus more workshops and trainings for teachers.

I’m looking forward to getting back into the planning stages of future retreats as I miss doing them very much. Right now we offer the chance to escape to the studio, to the Sky, to the beach and we’ve got plans to bring an escape to the woods too. All images China Cooper INSTA: @_chinacooper

Holly Cooper www.studio-io.co.uk

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Chef Travels

A SRI LANKAN FOOD AND CULTURE TOUR

anthi Thamma of Easy Tiger and The Spice Circuit was born and raised in Hyderabad, the culinary capital of southern India. Inspired by his early childhood experiences and his mothers cooking, it was within the setting of the family kitchen where he became interested in becoming a chef. It was this early passion for food that led him on a journey that has seen him travel the world in search of culinary inspiration and excellence. At age 18 Kanthi started traveling, cooking in Switzerland, Disney World Resorts in the USA and Disney Criuse Lines before settling in the UK. Gaining experience with some of the UK’s most acclaimed chefs he opened his first restaurant, Curry Leaf Cafe. There are now two other restaurants and a Kiosk at the Brighton Railway Station. Two years ago he started traveling with friends, showing them Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu’s rich culture and cuisines and soon the ‘Spice Circuit’ was born; gastronomic tours in South of India with that same personal touch. Here, Chef Kanthi tells Absolute Magazine, in his own words, about his latest travels and culinary discoveries in Sri Lanka as he creates his latest tour.

“As a chef who loves to travel, I’m often inspired by my experiences on a trip….and food, of course, is a big part of it all.”

“As a chef who loves to travel, I’m often inspired by my experiences on a trip….and food, of course, is a big part of it all. So, it’s always rewarding to introduce my fellow gourmands to stuff they’ve seldom heard of, or haven’t yet experienced before. While I’m constantly on the hunt for recipes that wow me, it’s the stories behind them that are the real deal! The stories of eager traders and adventurers all those centuries ago, just trying to make a living, but making history while they were doing it all. Stories, of a colonial past, of trade, of empires – but essentially, stories of a grand intermingling of cultures. All these stories, begin, and revolve around, one point in the larger script …...FOOD

Now, I was always familiar with these stories about how Southern India and Europe were trade partners and learning things about each other, but during conversations with friends from Sri Lanka, I was fascinated to learn that they had very similar stories to tell. So, I just had to come down here, and experience this fabled land for myself, before I could introduce it all to a larger audience out there…

It’s been a fantastic trip travelling around, meeting people street vendors, chefs and others, people that just LIVE food and culture—and working with them to create this really unique experience. This will be your window, into their world - and food will be the language we interact in.

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Few places out in the world offers a traveler everything that Sri Lanka does; unbroken vistas of emerald green forests rich in all sorts of life, pristine sun kissed beaches, and the blue ocean beyond.

Sri Lanka is no newbie to history, she’s been around forever. The Pearl of the Indies, she is a little south of the subcontinent, but very special, and unique in every way. Few places out in the world offers a traveler everything that Sri Lanka does; unbroken vistas of emerald green forests rich in all sorts of life, pristine sun kissed beaches, and the blue ocean beyond. Charming cities and little towns with a place each for all the gods up in heaven, temples dating back to when the Buddha himself walked this earth, Churches, Stupas, Mosques and the lot. For such a small country, an island out in the ocean, it has 8 UNESCO world heritage sights, so that in itself is just something you should come here for! And the country is so clean, they take such things very seriously here. The people really seem happy to have you here, big warm smiles everywhere I go. They are proud of their heritage, and rightly so, and want you to experience it too.

Nature, is a big part of the lifestyle here, and almost every place I’ve seen driving about, seems to ask me to slow down a bit, relax a while and smell the flowers and really feel the space around. The wildlife reserves here are filled with a mind-boggling variety of life of all kinds.

Much like the rest of the world, this country was recently a victim of terrorism. Many lost lives, and many more lost their livelihoods due to those dastardly acts. Despite this, it’s impressive and very touching to see how resilient people here are, they don’t dwell on it for too long. Life, they believe, is to be lived, and that too with a smile on their face and a song in their hearts. Live today right and tomorrow will be just fine, or so they seem to think. I stayed in one of the hotels that was affected and was amazed at how positive the people there were. I’m much the richer for that experience. I also visited St. Sebastian’s in Negombo where one of the bomb blasts took place. Things are repaired now, but the victims still have their loss and pain to deal with and the authorities were telling me what they were doing to address it all and I was inspired to do my bit. We’ll be planning a few fundraising events soon to contribute in our own way. I must say this though; I never felt a threat anywhere, felt safe in every possible way.

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When you travel with me, you will see, taste, and experience Sri Lanka, like very few do.

Chef Travels Now, for the food part. I must tell you that I, like many other chefs, was rather blasé earlier…..being from the Indian South, with similar landscapes and lifestyles and culture, I didn’t think it would be very different out here. After all, most of the peninsula is just about an hour’s flight away you see.

But I couldn’t have been more wrong! Sure, there are some common notes here and there, but it’s a totally different tune they dance to here. The methods of cooking, techniques involved and the interplay of history, trade, nature and circumstances has resulted in this culinary culture that’s distinctly their own. The local produce and the ocean’s bounties lends come together in a hundred different ways, seasoned with every imaginable spice under the sun – with a nice steaming cup of Ceylon tea on the side.

The king coconuts are something I’ll never forget, and I’ve seen coconuts alright, but this is something totally different! Being in the middle of all sea routes from out west, first going north to India, and from there around Sri Lanka to the east, the influences are many; Portuguese, Dutch, Arab, Tamil and so on. While the traditional and local fare such as rice curry platters, Biriyanis and Sambols were engaging enough by themselves, it was remarkable to see what some chefs nowadays are doing here, taking the food experiences to a totally different level, claiming quite the spot on the global culinary map. I kid you not, this is like Disneyland for Chefs, trust me. Now, I’m inspired to think about possibilities in food, that I’d never known before. But yeah, I’ll be coming for more here, and more often too! When you travel with me, you will see, taste, and experience Sri Lanka, like very few do. These tours are indulgent forays into what this land has to offer, with our senses responding to the life around us in ways truly Sri Lankan. Food will be the axis around which we’ll spin … a vital part of everything we do! Be it the vintage jeep tours delving into its colonial past, little sightseeing trips delving into the countryside, tucking into street food en route, and evenings at Asia’s finest restaurants … wilderness trips in jungles, staying at carbon neutral campsites….sharing the local gossip while visiting millennia old cave temples.…tea tasting sessions sampling varieties you’d never heard of…. or a scenic train ride across world famous plantations… or sunsets on a remote lagoon watching dolphins in the surf…. and much more, the tour will make for memories of a lifetime.

I’ve done a lot of research to craft this really special itinerary for select groups of people, choosing to feature hotels and resorts for their philosophy of responsible tourism that’s part of their DNA - eco friendly spaces that ensure sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

Come! Join me on this culinary and cultural adventure a slice of Sri Lanka - which will be your very own, for all time to come.” LIVE the TRIP, at SPICE CIRCUIT The next tour starts on 20th of Jan 2020. Please email Kanthi at spice.circuit06@gmail.com for detailed itinerary and cost.

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FIZZ F& FOOD East Beach Café

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Limetree Kitchen

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

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

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

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

Memories of India

Silo

Curry Leaf Cafe

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

Eatalio

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

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Riddle & Finns

6| Another favourite in the restaurant scene, Riddle & Finns offer wonderful seafood platter as well as shellfish too, they do also cater for gluten free. Reservations are not Necessary unexpectedly, however it is recommended on the weekends as it can be very busy. Riddle & Finns also own a second venue on the seafront, both perfect for a special occasion. 7| Offering traditional Indian food in a variety of flavours from all over the continent. If you’re gluten intolerant then you will be pleased to know that gluten is very rare in all Indian food due to the lack of wheat flour. On Tuesdays, you can enjoy a five-course buffet menu for £12.95

Wolfies of Hove

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

Market

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

Terre a terre

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

Pelham House

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

The Urchin Pub in Hove

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

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

Sylvan Oak

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

The Fountain Inn, Ashurst

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

Block. 8

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

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BARS & B BEATS The Crown and Anchor

Legends

Fortune of War

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

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

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

Idlewild

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

32 Duke Street

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

My Hotel

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

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Lion & Lobster

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

The Dead Parrot

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

Hotel du Vin

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

The Dragon Bar

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

The Tempest Inn

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

MEAT liquor

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

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

The Loft Lounge and Bar

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

Gin Tub 5

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

Cocktail Shack 7

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

The Rocking Horse 8

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

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

Hotel

Bar | Restaurant | Weddings Special Events

01273-351012 w w w. m e rc u re b r i g h to n . co. u k

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Coffeetzar “A heavenly calming oasis that I could waste hours in”

s I walk through the streets of Brighton and Hove, I sometimes think I am the only person in this city who has never really got into the whole café culture scene. The whole 90’s coffee shop revolution passed me by entirely and I am much more likely to head to the Rover’s Return than Central Perk. Personally, I have never really enjoyed coffee enough to bother with it. It is not that I entirely dislike coffee, it has its uses after all. I just find most cafes to be a bit hectic, or pretentious, or both, and I resent paying £7.50 for an average brew. However a recent jaunt to Kemptown to meet an old chum in Coffeetzar gave me an experience which has changed my perception entirely. It is Monday morning on a particularly dreary, albeit fairly warm day and the exterior of Coffeetzar manages to shine to me like a beacon, with its bright white tasteful patio furniture. A handful of locals are even sitting outside, despite the threat of the heavens opening any minute. I imagine it to be quite a suntrap during summer months. We opt to sit inside however and are warmly greeted by owner Idon, who shows us to our table and beckons a member of his friendly team to serve us. I am surprised to find that there is something about this place that instantly makes me feel relaxed, which is completely the opposite to the way I usually feel in coffee shops. I am not sure if it the beautiful pristine Mediterranean style décor, the comfy furniture with brightly coloured cushions scattered about the place, the lovely warm glow emanating from the ceiling lamps, or Idon himself, who is both witty and charming. I suspect it might even be the mouth-watering mountain of beautifully presented, sweet and savoury delicacies which adorn the counter, all looking and smelling incredible. I have only recently had breakfast, but a hunger has been awakened in me which I do not think I will be able to ignore for long. Idon himself seems to be part of the package here. Having spent forty years in the service industry in restaurants, bars and clubs all over Brighton and London, he certainly knows how to treat his guests and make them feel welcome. I get the impression he has some very interesting stories to tell from his experiences over the years, and I already look forward to our next visit and having a proper chat over a brew. He tells us you will often find him front of house either here or in his flagship branch on Trafalgar Street, as he loves chatting to people and putting smiles on his customer’s faces. Idon’s girlfriend is from Greece and is the interior designer of this tranquil haven, as well as the inspiration behind the shops signature halloumi and feta cheese filled pastries, salads and wraps. The rest of the staff are all lovely, relaxed and sociable too. There is a definite family feeling and the banter between Idon and his team is friendly and refreshing to hear.

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“I am not sure if it the beautiful pristine Mediterranean style décor, the comfy furniture with brightly coloured cushions scattered about the place, the lovely warm glow emanating from the ceiling lamps, or Idon himself, who is both witty and charming.”

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Coffeetzar The drinks menu is clear as day, adorning the far wall and I am surprised to find all the drinks are very reasonably priced, with all hot drinks under £3.00 a cup. The menu also boasts an impressive range of soft-drinks including freshly squeezed juices, healthy smoothies and not so healthy creamy milkshakes. My companion seems to know his stuff when it comes to coffee and immediately orders a flat white. I opt for a slightly weaker latte, being the inexperienced coffee drinker that I am. We both give in to temptation and order a Cheese Puff Pastry and Spinach and Feta Pie between us. Our coffee arrives and even I can tell it is something special. The aroma is intoxicating and the flavour is intense, yet silky smooth. Apparently Coffeetzar is the only place in Brighton that serves coffee made from specially selected Cuban beans which are much smoother than the Brazilian kind you find in a lot of places. You can literally taste the quality! If tea is more your bag they have an impressive selection of hand-picked teas from around the world on display behind the counter. Our pies are delivered alongside and are just sublime. The Spinach and Feta Pie is light and fluffy, crisp and flaky and oozing with savoury cheesiness. The Cheese Puff is just plain decadent, with golden puff pastry that crumbles to reveal gooey cheese that is smooth and buttery and very naughty indeed. All food is made fresh on-site each day from only the best locally sauced ingredients, which amazes me considering the massive choice of quality sweet and savoury dishes available. We are having such a relaxed and lovely time that a couple of hours fly by. In that time we order another coffee each and share a frosted raspberry and almond cake with a fresh yoghurt filling. It was wonderfully light and moist and each bite came with a sweet burst of fresh berries. If I hadn’t been convinced before, I certainly was now. I would recommend Coffeetzar to anyone, especially if they, like me, have any doubts about frequenting coffee shops. Everything here from the food, to the colours and design of the décor is done with such love and attention to detail. They offer discounts for students and downstairs boasts a lovely serene space, perfect for small functions and where they regularly host coffee mornings for local groups. They cater for every dietary requirement and the vegan and gluten free offerings on display looked out of this world delicious. I was seriously eyeing up the GF peanut butter cookies but decided to save them for my next visit. Coffeetzar is a heavenly calming oasis that I could waste hours in. An incredibly well thought out, innovative and varied brunch menu is served at weekends with a view to expanding this to weekdays in the future. With dishes such as black eye bean hummus tacos with artichokes and lime salad, and roast figs with halloumi, lambs lettuce and honey mustard on the menu I will be rushing back very soon. Tony Shattell

Coffeetzar Kemptown: Garnet House, 24 College Road, Brighton, BN2 1EU. Coffeetzar Brighton: 97 Trafalger Street. Brighton BN1 4ER. https://coffeetzar.business.site

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THE P E R F EC T VENU E TO SAY “I DO ”!

Nestled in the heart of the stunning Sussex countryside, Ghyll Manor Hotel is a picturesque spot to marry. An elegant 17th-century country house hotel brimming with character and style, the traditional oak-beamed building gazes out over 40 acres of gorgeous private gardens, including a lake and a pretty summer house. We cater for both ceremonies and receptions - enabling you to spend all of your big day in the same delightful setting, or you can choose to just enjoy your wedding reception with us. TAILOR-MADE WEDDING PACKAGES suiting individual tastes and requirements OUTDOOR WEDDINGS AVAILABLE* in our picturesque Summer House *(May to September – weather permitting)

ACRES OF LANDSCAPED GROUNDS & GARDENS An ideal backdrop for photographs A DEDICATED WEDDING COORDINATOR from the booking stage through to completion A TRULY PERSONAL SERVICE Helping to make dreams a reality

EVERY WEDDING IS AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE! For more information call 01293 871571 (8am – 11pm daily) enquiries: weddings@ghyllmanor.co.uk

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

SOUTH INDIAN STREET FOOD & CRAFT BEER

BRIGHTON LANES CAFE

60 Ship Street, Brighton BN1 1AE

KEMPTOWN KITCHEN

40 Upper St James St, Brighton BN2 1JN

curryleafcafe.com ABSOLUTE

Market

Restaurant & Bar

Whenever I have visited this beautiful eatery I have always found that not only the food has been outstanding, but the overall experience has been pure escapism, with incredibly knowledgeable and lovely chefs and staff taking me on a food and wine journey through Spain.

f I had to pick one type of regional cuisine to live on for the rest of my days, it would be authentic Spanish tapas. I love the social aspect of going out for tapas almost as much as the food itself; it can be a romantic meal for two, a special occasion with plates shared amongst good friends, or a lunchtime meeting with a glass or two of vino. With the right mix of good quality ingredients and a knowledgeable and skilful chef, Spanish food is positively delicious and can inspire conversation no matter what the occasion! What I especially love about tapas is the variety of flavours that you can add to your meal any time, so if you fancy a little more, or have a little room left for something else, you can just order as you go. This is the most civilised way to eat in my opinion as it is never rushed. Since it opened in 2015, Market Restaurant and Bar has been my “go to” Spanish restaurant for a variety of reasons. Whenever I have visited this beautiful eatery I have always found that not only the food has been outstanding, but the overall experience has been pure escapism with incredibly knowledgeable and lovely chefs and staff taking me on a food and wine journey through Spain. It is a testament to co-owner Kate Alleston who I have had the pleasure of meeting on several occasions and I can honestly say she is one of the most passionate and hard-working individuals in the industry. Having neglected the restaurant for what I am surprised to recall has been well over a year, I decide it is high time I pay them another visit so I call upon a good friend one Monday lunchtime early October and do just that. As we arrive, I recognise Kate, who is busily preparing for the first night of Octoberbest, a promotion where the top restaurants in town offer a three course meal for twenty pounds. She says they have been inundated, and are fully booked for the evening. At this time of day and week however the restaurant is relatively quiet so we are able to take prime seats in my favourite spot at the open style kitchen bar, where we can chat to the chefs and front of house staff as they go about their work. Much has changed over the years since Market opened its doors, starting off as a diner serving Anglo-Spanish cuisine, and before long evolving to being quintessentially Spanish, which is where Kate’s true passion lies. Having grown up in Andalucia, she loved going into real “spit and sawdust” tapas joints with her mother. Market restaurant and bar is actually quite beautifully decorated with Victorian green metro tiling, dazzling mirrors and rustic menu boards, yet still manages to maintain a high level of authenticity, with hanging meats and cheeses on display around workstations on either side of the bar for preparing hot and cold food. Kate introduces us Marta, who evidently shares Kate’s passion for all things Spanish and will be looking after us. Marta begins by pouring us a lovely chilled glass of bitter Vermouth, a perfect pairing for the savoury nibbles of Padron peppers and goats cheese churros which were about to be presented. The meat and cheese counter is calling us, and while we are waiting we ask Marta to recommend her favourite cured meat for us to try. Duly obliging, she brings us a taster of Cecina de Leon, an incredible dry cured beef fillet loin which is prepared on site. The flavour is immense and immediately transports me to a tapas bar I remember from a cycling tour of the Sierra Nevada which I undertook a few years ago. The authentic Padron peppers arrive soon after, and are quickly devoured along with the wonderful savoury churros drizzled with a luxurious heavenly truffle honey, which had a unique sweet and earthy taste which we could not get enough of. This was a hell of a start to our journey which left us hankering for more!

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Market

Restaurant & Bar

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“The team behind Market really are masters of their craft and I cannot recommend this place enough. It really does have everything you could wish for.”

Owners Kate & Manni

As we sit and chat with Marta she gradually brings us more of the plates of food we have selected from the menu. The menu itself is set out as if you are in a market, with the offerings laid out under headings of greengrocer, fishmonger and butcher. First off from the fishmonger, Sardines coated in Ajo Blanco, almonds, and topped with cucumber, radish and onion which cleanse the pallet and allow for the full flavour of these naturally delicious salty fishes to shine. The dish also boasted some of the plumpest and most flavoursome mussels I have ever had. It was served up in a rich earthy sauce made from Spanish Estrella Damm beer, capers, shallots and smoked paprika which was just heavenly, and especially so when soaked up with chunks of fresh bread. This course was expertly paired with a glass of Portuguese Vila Nova which further allowed us to savour every mouthful. Before we get to the meat and veg offerings we are recommended a glass each of Bobal made with indigenous grapes from Valencia, which has a lovely oaky and fruity full flavour with notes of blackberries and cherries that went down a treat with our remaining food choices. From the greengrocer, a melt in your mouth roasted half aubergine with a sticky yet subtle black treacle mizo glaze and sprinkled with puffed wild rice which added an extra dimension to the lovely textures evident in this dish. A King Oyster Mushroom dish followed which had some incredible intense contrasting flavours which worked exceptionally well together. The grounded earthiness of the mushroom was set off by subtle bitter notes from creamy blue cheese and drizzle with egg yolk which added an ever-so subtle sweetness to the mix. For me the star of the show came as our final dish, which was simply described on the menu as lamb rump with shallot and pistachio. The prime cut rump of succulent lamb was perfectly cooked and seasoned, scattered with chunks of pear and crisp shallot rings, a sublime rich red wine jus and sprinkled with pistachio shavings. A complex mix of flavours and textures all worked in harmony and somehow didn’t overpower the taste of the lamb itself. On recommendation from Marta, we also ordered Patatas a lo pobre, a classic tapas consisting of spuds, green pepper, onion and garlic which translates to “poor man’s potatoes” to compliment. I am glad we did as it went perfectly with the lamb and was delicious in itself. All this combined with the incredible Spanish wine not only sent my tastebuds on a journey to Spain, but also to foodie heaven! We finished our experience with a lovely dark and sweet Pedro Ximenez 8 sherry and a light homemade pix parfait with figs and a zesty raspberry jam to cleanse the pallet. This was another expert pairing by Marta and a wonderful way to end our journey. The team behind Market really are masters of their craft and I cannot recommend this place enough. It really does have everything you could wish for, from incredible plates of food from a menu that changes seasonally, with only the finest freshest locally sourced ingredients used, delicious Spanish wines and an exceptional level of service from friendly knowledgeable staff. An immaculately presented private dining room is available for groups of up to twenty-seven people, ideal for anything from business functions to raucous parties, and from previous experience I can tell you A Market Sunday Roast is to die for! Tony Shattell Market Restaurant and Bar 42 Western Road, Hove, BN3 1JD, 01273823707 www.market-restaurantbar.co.uk

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

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

01273 025 749

Gard en

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Pub

Res ta ura nt

Pub, Restaurant & Garden

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

AWARD WINNING FOOD

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“Brighton’s Best Roast”

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brighton beach club

The Brighton Beach Club sits proud within an iconic glass-fronted building right by the waters edge, boasting some of the finest sea views, a stunning new interior and menus that put it firmly on the Brighton foodie map.

n a city spoilt for choice with eating establishments, first impressions and curb appeal really do count and Brighton Beach Club is certainly eye-catching on approach. The building has been turning heads since the 1950’s, when it started life as a Milk Parlour selling Ice creams and milk shakes. Over the years an art deco second floor has been added and it became a well known family run restaurant. The team at Brighton Beach Club have clearly thought long and hard about how to make best use of the two levels, creating a relaxed, familyfriendly space on the lower ground level and a more sophisticated and romantic setting upstairs. Being parents of two toddlers, we opted for the more informal approach, entering the venue from the beach level. Just as an aside, there is an incredibly conveniently placed kids playground just next to the entrance which is ideal for letting the littl’uns burn off some energy before grabbing a bite to eat. Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the Brighton Beach Club team and, despite entering with a large double pram, two very excited little girls, highchair requests and all the regalia that comes with family restaurant visits, we were calmly seated and accommodated with a smile. The owners are clearly parents themselves as they have thought of everything to make the experience enjoyable. Many restaurants claim to be family-friendly, but in reality, few actually are. To my mind there are some very key ingredients that are required in order to validate that claim and the Brighton Beach Club have nailed every last one. Firstly there is an ingenious ‘Crafty Nippers’ concept whereby, in order to ensure everyone has fun, the team provide every family with a craft pot. Each month they change the craft for the little ones to design, create and colour. Once they have finished they can pop their creation on the ‘craft tree’ and every month a winner is picked and the winning design will win a family meal for 4. As if I wasn’t impressed enough with the clam that the craft bucket provided, our waiter was also genned up on the importance of just getting the children’s food out to them as quickly as humanly possible. The little ladies went for fish and chips and sausage and vegetables off the Crafty Nippers menu and, although sounding like your average kids menu dishes, what arrived was just so much more. The fish was beautifully fresh, plentiful, cooked in a light crisp golden batter and the chips were high quality, delicious and cooked to perfection. The sausage was a gourmet meaty sight to behold, accompanied by carrots and broccoli that were as vibrant in colour as they were on flavour. Hooray for excellent quality, nutritious children’s dishes! I’m so glad the portions were big as it was impossible not to dig in myself. As well as the kids menu, all of the main menu is also available in half portion, half price, and there will also be a smaller portion Nippers menu for the little tots.

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The team at Brighton Beach Club have clearly thought long and hard about how to make best use of the two levels, creating a relaxed, family-friendly space on the lower ground level and a more sophisticated and romantic setting upstairs.

The owners have been very mindful of the unique position the venue enjoys and have kept the tones of the space very natural. The bar is made from reclaimed scaffolding, whilst beautiful blue and white tiles, brick tiles, reclaimed steel and warm wood all make up an area where you can go to relax, eat, drink, hold an event or get married. Both the upstairs and downstairs areas benefit from huge floor to ceiling windows, so diners can look out to sea whilst wining and dining. With the walls being curved, together with the views, it almost reminded me of being on a cruise ship! The style of food is Modern British and you can eat any menu throughout the venue. So if on your own working over lunch, wanting a great view or a special meal with family and friends you can chose the area to dine in. For those wanting a casual bite to eat, handmade pizza, a chargrilled burger and beer battered haddock and chips take a starring role. For those looking for a fuller dinner or lunch, the menu includes sumptuous dishes like Mussels Marinières,

shallot, white wine, parsley and cream and fries or 28 days Black Angus rib eye steak, chips, beef tomato and watercress. The menus also offer a wide selection of food for vegans and vegetarians. They’re filled with veggie and vegan friendly options and could even entice the most hardened of carnivores, such as the Buddha bowl with bok choi, edamame, beans, quinoa, roasted sweet potato, peppers, seaweed, tofu, enoki mushroom, mirin and ginger dressing. The bar is well stocked with craft beers, beautiful cocktails and truly amazing milkshakes! It was important to the team to pay homage to this building’s roots and so you will find an incredible shakes menu which is great for kids and the big kid in us all. Not only does the food menu change regularly, the excellent seasonal craft drink range also changes with the seasons. Catering for all ages and dietary requirements is an important part of the Brighton Beach Club’s offer.

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brighton beach club Intrigued as to who the brains behind the beach club are and what their story is, I sat down with Operations Manager Helen Sprason to get the low down….

How was the Brighton Beach Club concept born and why is it unique? The Beach Club was born from taking inspiration from the iconic building and surroundings. When we were lucky enough to acquire what was Alfresco we knew that we wanted the venue to take on a new format. It is such a wonderful building, in such a brilliant part of Brighton. Being next to the i360 and looking out over West Pier we wanted to create an environment that could be something special for everyone throughout the day. Many beach clubs across the world, like Noosa in Australia are relaxed, but the detail in the service, food and drink offer is exceptional and this is what we want to create in Brighton, with a truly British influence.

Why did you choose Brighton?

As a company, City Pub Company we have 2 other venues in Brighton; The Lion and Lobster and The Walrus are part of our company. Both are unique and we really love being a part of Brighton and its community.

What qualities do you look for when recruiting your team?

People are what make any business; it’s all about personality with a love for talking! We look for people who have an energy about them and who have passion when they are talking about things that matter to them. Educating the team so they are knowledgeable is what will make a business great, confidence shines through when people have the understanding and then they can talk to people with ease. Being kind is also something we look for, mainly because people who look out for others will ensure there is a wonderful atmosphere at all times.

How did you go about creating your menus?

This was a collaboration between our management team and head chef. We have a very clear idea of what we want. We then ensure we balance all areas of the menu so we can ensure we have a varied menu which can change monthly, while keeping some seaside favourites.

Your drinks menus are as exciting as your dishes. How do you select your stock? We are very passionate about ensuring we offer exceptional choices and so we love getting to meet new people and showcase interesting soft drinks, spirits, coffee, beers, milkshakes and smoothies. There are so many wonderful products out there and we are lucky enough to be able to offer such a large range.

If you could give one piece of advice to an aspiring restauranteur, what would it be?

For me it’s all about your people and self belief. Sir Richard Branson hits the nail on the head, ‘look after your people and your business will look after itself’. Look after your team, however large or small, and believe in what you are doing. Don’t ever lose sight of what your dream is. You can book a table now at www.brightonbeachclub.com

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Petit Pois A delightful charming and elegant French eatery sits just a stone’s throw away from the sea, with an accessible contemporary menu and extensive wine list to boot.

could probably count on one hand the amount of French restaurants there are in amongst the incredibly vibrant and cosmopolitan Brighton foodie scene. I have frequented a few in my time and whilst there are certainly some truly exceptional offerings available, I have yet to come across a true French bistro experience in our wonderful town. That was until I came across Petit Pois, a small family run restaurant on Ship Street, which finally ticks all the right boxes, with incredible authentic French cooking, divine wines, and delightful friendly service in a lovely intimate setting. Arriving on a wet and miserable Monday evening, we were entranced by the warm and inviting glow emanating from windows of this beautiful little space. We were expecting the restaurant to be completely empty, having passed by a number of establishments that were either closed, or lacking in custom. Not the case with Petit Pois, however. This rustic cosy restaurant was buzzing and full of happy content diners conversing over some quite delicious looking plates of food. Tantalising scents of garlic, herb and truffle wafting from the kitchen, a magnificent colossal blackboard listing mouth-watering charcuterie and decadent les fromages, and a huge leg of ham adorning the kitchen counter all immediately invoke an unrelenting pang of hunger. It had me eagerly looking round the room at what the other patrons were eating for inspiration, and of course so as not to overlook something from the menu. Our waitress must have seen us drooling as they were quick to appear with menus and a wine list. The easy to navigate and well thought out menu is split into nibbles, les Assiettes (sharing plates), fish, meat and vegetable dishes, with a selection of tempting sounding sides and a notably robust children’s menu to suit both the fussiest or more audacious little eaters. My dining companion, a recently converted vegetarian trying her very best to stick to her guns, was both impressed and surprised by the wealth of options available to her, plumping for goats cheese croquettes along with some Olives de Provence from the nibbles section to start and wild mushroom ravioli as a main. I was pleased to see the renowned French delicacies, snails and frogs legs were both listed as nibbles. Having never tried the latter due to my younger self being much less gastronomically adventurous on my last trip to France, and not having come across them since, there was simply no other option than to order them as a starter, opting for pork-belly as a main, with frites and mixed greens to share as sides.

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Tantalising scents of garlic, herb and truffle wafting from the kitchen, a magnificent colossal blackboard listing mouth-watering charcuterie and decadent les fromages, and a huge leg of ham adorning the kitchen counter all immediately invoke an unrelenting pang of hunger.

The extensive wine menu lists a fine selection of tipples from across France and our waitress was happy to help my companion with a white wine pairing to suit, bringing over tasters of Gros Manseng-Sauvignon from South West France and a Loire Muscadet to help her make up her mind. I decided to at least look a bit more knowledgeable on the subject and confidently ordered a glass of Loire Gamay to go with my meatier food options. Both our choices turned out to be a splendid accompaniment to our meals. The incredible rich and powerful smells associated with French cuisine continued to make us salivate, but thankfully it was not long before our generously portioned “nibbles” arrived. My companion’s croquettes were light, crisp and fluffy and positively bursting with flavour, and I have completely fallen in love with frogs

The incredible rich and powerful smells associated with French cuisine continued to make us salivate. legs. I have heard people say they taste like chicken, but I would argue these delicate morsels have a unique full flavour and velvety texture which is incomparable to anything I have tried before. They were encased in a fairly strong tasting garlic and herb crisp breadcrumb batter which was mellowed by the accompanying creamy slaw, which surprisingly further heightened the flavour of the meat rather than mask it.

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On to our mains which were again sizeable, so we began to wonder if we had made a mistake ordering two sides. However, we devoured the lot, thoroughly enjoying every last morsel, even leaving room for dessert! My companion’s melt in your mouth Raviolo oozed bold earthy flavours with hearty butternut squash, spinach and wild mushrooms all playing their part. Add a little mild Comte cheese and a touch of truffle oil to the party and you have an exceedingly rich yet well rounded dish. I could not resist dunking frites into the last droplets of sauce left in her bowl when she had finished. My pork-belly was a perfectly cooked moist chunk of meat topped with a lovely crisp crackling. It was served with a not too garlicky roast potato mash, burrowed out to hold a puddle of sumptuous red-wine jus that had a full flavour that stays with you, red cabbage and a cheeky tender plump and juicy tiger-prawn poking his little head out of the mash for effect. Every bit of this dish was a delight and made me wonder what their Sunday roasts are like, making a mental note to book ourselves in to try them out. Our sides of frites and mixed greens were fine additions to the meal. The frites came with a lovely creamy béarnaise sauce, and were great for mopping up, the greens were crisp, fresh and absolutely drenched in an ever-so French garlic and parsley butter with sautéed shallots. Magnifique! For dessert, my companion enjoyed a trio of creme brulees with madeleines. Each light creamy bowl revealed delightful ever-so subtle varying flavours such as apple cinnamon and vanilla which were great fun working out which was which after the workout our tastebuds had already been through, though each one delightful. My decadent oozing hot chocolate fondant, so unapologetically and sublimely rich and gooey was incredible and the silky pistachio ice cream was soothingly complimenting, with a scattering of pistachio flakes adding a touch of je ne sais quoi! We thoroughly enjoyed everything about our dining experience at Petit Pois. So much so we immediately booked to come again. The service we received was impeccable and the lovely warm and cosy atmosphere of this charming restaurant made us not want to leave! The incredible flavours we experienced made us want to return and try everything on the menu. The chef here truly has a talent for contemporary French cuisine. The menu itself is very reasonably priced, but for anyone on a budget they have a set menu Monday to Friday 12-7pm offering two plates for £11, and three for £16, which is incredible value, and still has a massive variety of choice. For a truly delicious contemporary French dining experience, you really do not need to look any further than Petit Pois. Tony Shattell

Petit Pois www.petitpoisbrighton.co.uk 70 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AE. 01273 911211

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The incredible flavours we experienced made us want to return and try everything on the menu. The chef here truly has a talent for contemporary French cuisine.

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

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Curry Leaf cafe Award winning South Indian street food, expertly spiced curries, tandoor-grilled specialities and incredible authentic regional desserts, with a terrific range of craft beer.

nless you have been hiding under a rock for the last five years, you will surely have at least heard of Curry Leaf Cafe. Having launched their flagship street food diner on Brighton’s ship Street in 2014, just a stone’s throw away from the beach, they quickly became one of Brighton’s most loved Indian restaurants. They have since won awards for their incredible authentic South Indian street food, opened another restaurant in Kemptown and a purpose built kiosk at Brighton Station. Curry Leaf Cafe’s reputation has even spread as far as Bicester, where they have opened a kiosk in the famous Bicester Village designer shopping mall, after being approached last year by the management. If ever there was a candidate for the launch issue of Aspire Magazine, Curry Leaf Cafe surely ticks all the boxes, so I gave them a call and booked ourselves in for dinner and a chat with Operations Manager Stewart Cumming. The first thing I notice when I arrive at their Ship Street Location is they appear to have undergone a bit of a facelift. The greens, oranges and yellows that anyone who has visited Curry Leaf Cafe will be familiar with, now seem even more vibrant, yet still seem to help create the laid back dining experience frequent visitors will know and love. You cannot help but notice a brand new and very beautiful mural on one of the back walls, which Stewart informs me depicts Annapurna, the Hindi goddess of food. We arrive early on a midweek evening so the Cafe is relatively empty, but before long it soon fills up and is absolutely buzzing. Stewart is too, as he tells us all about food, drinks, and all the changes that have happened over the last few years. His passion for all things Curry Leaf is infectious and we are genuinely excited to hear about it all. Let’s start with the drinks menu, which Stewart tells me they have been somewhat refining of late. Craft beer has always been a passion of Stewart’s and they now have twenty two to choose from including a range of alcohol free beer, and are more than happy to recommend something to go with your choice of food. They stock a lovely diverse yet uncomplicated range of wines, including a stunning Sauvignon Blanc from South India. If spirits are your thing then Curry Leaf Cafe have them all, along with quality Double Dutch mixers to compliment your choice. Soft drinks have not been ignored, with some lovely South Indian drinks to choose from as well juices and sodas. We try Kombucha, a tea based Indian soft drink which is not only incredibly refreshing, but I get hints of rhubarb, lime, white peach and citrusy notes all in one drink. We soon knock that back and I order a pint of Arise session strength IPA, a favourite of mine which they happen to have on tap, and my companion challenges Stewart to find her a beer for someone who does not like beer. Challenge accepted and passed with flying colours. He comes out with Mongozo, a refreshing coconut flavoured wheat-based Belgiun beer, which is not only delicious, but also a great pairing with many of the flavours you will find in South Indian Cuisine.

You can be sure of one of the most colourful and vibrant spots in the city with a unique buzzing atmosphere.

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“The team behind Curry

Leaf are really pulling out all the stops to ensure they are always evolving to be on top of their game.”

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This brings me neatly on to what Curry Leaf Cafe have become famous for. Head Chef Gouranga Bera has been with the team since it was launched in spring 2014, and although the menu has its popular staples, it is always evolving with Gouranga constantly trying out new dishes, especially after he has been home to India and come back with new ideas and recipes. After we have nibbled on some highly addictive Szechuan nuts and a selection of mini poppadum’s with some tasty dips and chutneys as an appetiser, Stewart brings us out a selection of starters and more dips, which all look and smell incredible. As soon as we started to tuck in, we knew we were in for a truly memorable food experience. Out of the six we tried, the Goan Pork Ribs were my personal favourite. So tender, I could lick the meat off the bone. They were sticky, messy, fun to eat and the flavour of the fiery sweet and sour marinade blew me away. The Amritsari Paneer Tikka came a close second; subtly spiced thick slices of some of the creamiest, melt-in-your-mouth Paneer I have ever experienced. Sublime! The Samba Vadas, crisp deep fried lentil savoury doughnuts spiced with chilli, ginger, black pepper, cumin seeds and curry leaves were a delight. They are tasty on their own with the brittle shell revealing a doughy aromatic centre and even more so when dipped in coconut chutney. The light as a feather Dahi Puri were charmingly moreish, subtle and incredibly well balanced fresh and fragrant spices encased in a light crisp shell with sweet coconut yoghurt drizzled over the top and served with a tamarind chutney, all working in harmony producing flavours which danced around the tongue. Aubergine Bhajis produced some interesting textures and were not over spiced so the flavour of the aubergine still shone through. I only got to try a forkful of the stunning Fish Manchurian as this was my companion’s obvious favourite. The Indo-Chinese punchy sticky sweet and sour sauce which topped the crispy deep fried white fish surprised and excited and I kicked myself for not getting in there quicker. The main event was another selection, but this time of three curries; Lucknow Lamb, Goan Green Chicken and Vegetable Jaipuri in Thali-form served with rice, a light and pillowy garlic and spring onion naan, plus the chef’s famous dosa bread. All three were absurdly good! The chicken melted in my mouth and the not overly spicy but an intensely fragrant and colourful sauce really hit all the right notes. We mopped it all up with the dosa and naan. The Vegetable Jaipuri was lovely. The aroma of the fragrant onion and tomato sauce was particularly pleasant and it tasted divine to boot. It was the lamb that stole the show however. This was the hottest and richest of the three dishes and slow cooking was certainly evident as the lamb melted away releasing the meats full flavour, which went perfectly with the terrific sauce it was cooked in. Although both bursting at the seams, we could not resist finishing off the night by sharing a dessert of Gulab Jamoons and ice cream. I am so glad we somehow found room! As I write this, I can still taste the syrup laced with cardamom and Indian spices that the gorgeous soft sweet dumplings were drenched in, and the sublime creamy black coconut vanilla ice-cream which accompanied. I want to go back right now for more. Literally everything we tried left us wishing we had bottomless bellies. The team behind Curry Leaf are really pulling out all the stops to ensure they are always evolving to be on top of their game. Serving incredible food and drinks at very reasonable prices, whichever of their location you dine in, you can be sure of one of the most colourful and vibrant spots in the city with a unique buzzing atmosphere. Tony Shattell

Curry Leaf Cafe 60 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AE www.curryleafcafe.com 01273 207070

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Fountain Inn The

Ashurst

“Entering the Inn instantly transports you back in time.”

hen it comes to dining out, my wife and I rarely venture out of Brighton and Hove, as the city’s dynamic foodie scene has so much to offer in terms of quality and variation. Both coming from rural roots, we have had our fair share of traditional country-style pubs. Our dining habits may have to change however, as our recent rare adventure into the countryside brought us to the Fountain Inn in Ashurst, just 30 minutes outside of Brighton. This is possibly the most elegant cosy, warm and welcoming country pub we have ever visited, with some of the most delicious locally sourced home cooked cuisine to boot. Arriving on a lovely warm summers evening, we were immediately impressed by the beauty and grandeur of this 16th Century grade 2 listed building and its beautiful tranquil waterside garden. As we got out of the car and took a deep breath of the country air, we could see drinkers and diners scattered around the garden chatting whilst enjoying the quite serene atmosphere that sucks you in and relaxes you as soon as you arrive. Situated in the picturesque village of Ashurst , the Fountain Inn exudes a certain character and charm that is both majestic and inviting at the same time. Entering the Inn instantly transports you back in time, ducking down to avoid bumping my head on the low ceiling and exposed timbers and making our way along the narrow corridor to the quaint bar area where locals were perched conversing over a fine selection of cask ales. Uneven flagstone floors and fireplaces are decorated with all manner of memorabilia, which you could spend hours admiring. I can imagine coming in to the warmth of a roaring fire on a cold winter’s evening and never wanting to leave. Warmly greeted by the owner Alex, we were offered the option of dining inside and out. Knowing my wife is a bit susceptible to the cold when the sun goes down, we opted to dine in one of the charming dining rooms adjacent to the bar. After giving us some space to settle in and peruse the drinks menu, Alex reappeared and took our order. Being the designated driver I opted to try a cask APA which Alex said was popular with the local drinkers. I planned to nurse my pint for the duration of the meal as I could only have one, but the delicious nectar seemed to evaporate as I was choosing my main. I perused the select wine list, which is easy to navigate as the wines are divided into subheadings based on the palate so even the most novice wine drinker can pick out one to suit their taste. My wife played it safe anyway and went for the house red, Carignan Vin de France, which did not disappoint. A full bodied little number bursting with fruity flavours, she opted for just a glass at first, but soon after ordered a carafe. I was more than a little jealous and made a mental note to get my wife some driving lessons for her birthday.

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The Fountain Inn exudes a certain character and charm that is both majestic and inviting at the same time.

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fountain inn “Delve deeper and you can tell a lot of care and attention has gone into selecting the menu.” At first glance the menu looks like what you would expect from such an establishment; a selection bar nibbles and sharer boards, small and large plates, sides, and a selection of desserts. Delve deeper and you can tell a lot of care and attention has gone into selecting the menu, with a mix of classic hearty pub favourites such as Battered Cod and Chips, and Steak Burger and chips, as well as some more exotic dishes such as Pan-fried Bass Fillet and Sussex Mushroom Linguine. Where possible, the locally sourced ingredients are listed beneath each dish. We opted to share Sourdough and Seaweed Butter to nibble on to begin with, followed by the Spiced Trout Pate on Toast and Dirty Wings as a starters. For main my wife plumped for Coq au Vin with Mash and Garden Veg, whereas I could not resist the Lamb Rump with Pomme Purée, Greens and Mint Gravy. Sensing we were genuinely impressed with what we had seen so far, Alex suggested we take a look around while the chef prepared the nibbles. We exited the back door and found an impressive selection of vintage cars parked in the rear carpark, which Alex later explained was one of the local car clubs which they run monthly throughout the year. Circling the building and crossing the duck pond, we stumbled across the barn, which we noticed on arrival as it is simply huge and been converted into a function room. Peering in, it looked even more impressive on the inside. Huge beams crossed the ceiling, giant elongated tables, the piano and enormous fireplace seemed to take up very little space in this grandiose yet cosy room. It even had a skittle ally! We returned to the table just in time for our sourdough and seaweed butter to arrive and greedily tucked in to this slightly unusual, but totally triumphant combination - a great start! The small plates were next to arrive. My spiced trout pate was simply incredible. The fish tasted so very fresh and was delicately balanced with the gentle spicing. The pate was served on rustic style buttered toast, giving the dish the crunch it required. My wife’s Dirty Wings were also a devilishly naughty delight– a dish moreish, sticky and flavoursome, you cannot help but to leave you inhibitions behind and get stuck in. How do I know? Because I sneaked a wing (or two) as my wife was sipping upon her wine and admiring the view! Thankfully the main event was equally as impressive. My wife has an affinity towards Coq au Vin and tends to order it regularly if on the menu, and she happily explained it was one of the best versions she had tasted. Not a lover of the dish myself myself I tried a bite, and had to agree with her. The meat was perfectly doused in the rich red wine, the mash was as smooth as you could ask for and the garden veg was cooked to the point where it still had a good amount of bite, with a freshness that sung in your mouth. My lamb dish simply oozed hearty flavours and I could not get enough of it. The tender meat, the crunchy greens and the mint gravy all working in harmony to produce down to earth yet bold flavours. I could not have been happier!

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Alex returned and could obviously sense we were enjoying ourselves immensely as he had a knowing smile on his face, and when he offered dessert he was met with a resounding yes. We picked from the select menu of classic homemade favourites, knowing we were in for a treat and we were not wrong. We shared a wonderfully gooey chocolate brownie with rich chocolate sauce and vanilla ice-cream, and a huge separate serving of salted caramel ice cream. A great way to finish a wonderful dining experience that will be etched in our memories until we return. As we sipped our coffees, we reflected that we will definitely be making the worthwhile trip out of Brighton again. We chatted to Alex who informed us that there is always something going on at the Fountain. Throughout the summer they have barbecues which are so popular they are planning on continuing them throughout the winter, combining dishes cooked on the barbecue with their famous Sunday roasts! The Fountain Inn is well worth a visit no matter what the occasion. www.fountainashurst.pub

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The true taste of Spain Bringing authentic Spanish Tapas to Brighton since 2009 NEW YEARS EVE BOOKINGS Make New Year’s Eve 2019 a dazzling affair with an evening of fine dining at Ole Ole. Arrive to a glass of bubbles and selection of amuse-bouche followed by a spectacular three-course menu; all accompanied by a stunning flamenco show and a live band from 9 pm. We’ll take care of every detail to ensure an unforgettable night for you and your loved ones to ring in the New Year!

42 Meeting House Lane | Brighton | 01273 739939 www.http://oleoletapas.co.uk Open Tuesday to Sunday from 12. Closed on Mondays facebook.com/oleolebrighton/

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instagram.com/oleolebrighton/

6 Pool Valley, Brighton. BN1 1NJ

31 Ship Street, Brighton. BN1 1AD

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

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Lion & Lobster Tucked away on an unsuspecting residential street just off of Brighton seafront we found the Lion & Lobster.

he exterior, in keeping with is name, is painted a warm red and upon first inspection you would think it was a regular local pub. In fact there is so much more to this establishment then being a local boozer! The Lion and Lobster is one of Brighton’s oldest pubs, dating back to the 19th century and was previously known as The Olive Branch and then The Rockingham. Realising we were about to encounter something really quite special, we hurried in through the front door and squeezed ourselves through a packed bar area, between various groups of people audibly enjoying the start to their Friday nights in this delightfully charming pub. We were then directed to an old rickety staircase leading up to the restaurant area by an incredibly helpful member of the bar staff. The interior of this pub was without doubt in keeping with its vast history, with original features preserved and decades of memorabilia on the walls. As we walked through the kooky rabbit warren, dark mahogany wood ran throughout and intensified the already warm cosy feeling we were experiencing. Quirky pictures and original huge roaring fireplaces firmly cemented the feeling that this was a place we wanted to stay in and possibly never leave! Our waitress for the evening, Hattie, showed us to our marble table, set with heavy old fashioned silver cutlery (again in perfect keeping with the surroundings) and we settled down to peruse the menu. There is an option to choose from the Lion & Lobster’s regular menu or indulge in the pub’s specials that the wonderful Hattie informed us is changed regularly every few days. As we sat trying to decide what delicious options we would choose, a decent sized bowl of oil and balsamic vinegar was presented to us with ciabatta bread; a nice twist to the standard french stick and bread some eateries provide, if at all! We struggled to choose between the suitably large selection of meals available to us. From the classic fish and chips or steak to the sea trout fillet with wasabi crust or vegetable moroccan tagine, we can say without a shadow of a doubt there is something for all palettes. We settled on a smooth, deep Rioja, Monte Llano as our accompaniment to the meal, and selected two starters from the specials menu - five spice battered squid and Teriyaki pork belly. The food arrived with good speed, although not so fast that you would worry! The squid was in the most delicate and crispy batter, seasoned to perfection with the five spice and served with a good wedge of lemon and the squid was cooked just right - nice and meaty, delicious!

I would love to recommend this absolute gem of a pub to everyone I meet, however I want to keep it secret, just a little bit longer, just for me!

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The Teriyaki pork was in a total league of its own. Five generous pieces of slow cooked beautifully tender pork that melted in your mouth were glazed with teriyaki and crowned with a thin ,crispy layer of fat. It was divine! For the mains we opted for another special of braised slow cooked beef cheek with sautéed new potatoes and red cabbage and we chose the Sea Foodie from the regular menu. A huge hearty dish arrived with plenty of the delicate beef cheek and perfectly crisp sautéed potatoes. I was pleasantly surprised at the lightness of the dish and as a result, enjoyed every extra mouthful I could manage. The Sea Foodie, beautifully presented on a huge wooden platter, was a great main for one, or in our opinion would also have made a great sharing dish. A superb selection of fish included pepper and dill cured halibut, tiger prawns, the five spices squid and a smoke haddock and potato brandade, again all cooked to perfection. As we sat suitably stuffed, basking in the warm glow and ambience of our little cosy corner, we were visited by the owner Yani; a great guy who is clearly very proud (and rightfully so) of this hidden gem of an establishment. He gently encouraged us to try the chocolate fondant and although we had no room left, we were naturally tempted knowing the quality of the food we had already experienced. So we gave in and it did not disappoint! Hot gooey chocolate fondant, sumptuous caramel sauce and crunchy butterscotch bites were every bit as delightful as we had come to expect and the perfect ending to what was a practically perfect evening. The only thing lacking was a large sofa and my PJs to recline in next to the fire! We were later to learn that this cosy pub hosts a huge variety of events throughout the year! Coming up is the annual Halloween Street Party that takes place on the last Saturday of every October, plus there are live bands every Friday and Laurence Jones and the Allstars have play Jazz every Sunday for the past 17 years. You’ll find a quiz every Monday with free pizza for every team and a weekly rollover and come October the crowds will gather for Oktoberfest from the 4-6th. The Christmas party menu kicks in from mid November to January 1st and of course there is a huge party on New Years eve (no tickets necessary) and finally a Summer street party on 6th June 2020. I would love to recommend this absolute gem of a pub to everyone I meet, however I want to keep it secret, just a little bit longer, just for me! www.thelionandlobster.co.uk

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The Lion and Lobster is one of Brighton’s oldest pubs, dating back to the 19th century

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Spread over three floors, including a pub area, the Regency Restaurant and a wonderful hidden terrace, The Lion & Lobster is one of the oldest and most traditional pubs in Brighton and Hove Opening Times Monday to Thursday 11.00am – 1.00am Friday & Saturday 11.00am – 2.00am Sunday 12.00pm – midnight 24 Sillwood Street, Brighton, BN1 2PS T: 01273 327 299 E: admin@thelionandlobster.co.uk

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the walrus Its quaint unassuming entrance on Ship Street opens up into a luxurious pub with a vast welcoming bar.

t has been our go to destination for meet-ups and drinkies for the last couple of years. In the past they have hosted our Christmas knees up on several occasions, consistently delivering incredible food, festive fun and drunken shenanigans. It is a fantastic multipurpose venue that literally caters for everyone, and does this exceptionally well. Whether you are a foodie, a dater, a weekday drinker, or party animal at the weekend, it’s the place for you. One minute you may be feasting with friends upon one of their infamous hand stretched pizzas in the restaurant and then as the sun comes down, you’re heading on down the stairs to their music venue, The Underbelly, to embrace the joy that is live music, whether it’s a duo, a five piece band or even a cabaret. You’re also likely to stumble upon a comedy night every now and then, plus quizzes (including specialist themes such as Harry Potter!) and even a spot of burlesque. The team behind the Walrus will look after you, whatever your needs and wants. They have a simply enormous selection of drinks, with guest cask ales, a select wine list, and a whole variety of different spirits to please the most fastidious of drinkers. There is excellent food here for everyone regardless of dietary choices, allergies and levels of fussiness. They serve legendary Sunday roast dinners and so, craving our weekly roast fix, we decided to take a trip into town to the Walrus to give their renowned roasts a go. The Walrus never ceases to amaze me whenever I go as it feels like you are walking into the Tardis. Its quaint unassuming entrance on Ship Street opens up into a luxurious pub with a vast welcoming bar, dominated by deep blue and green hues and old photography, with cosy ambient lighting and relaxed drinkers and diners dotted about the area. As it was my partner’s first visit to the Walrus, I took them upstairs, past the immense two floor heated roof terrace, to the magnificent 100 seater dining area. They were immediately impressed by the grandness of the room, commenting on the beautiful chandeliers, immaculately laid tables, and the attention to detail that had gone into the traditional elegant décor. They have certainly succeeded in creating a warm and inviting traditional old fashioned stately home feel to the room. No mean feat considering the vastness of the area. We settled into our seats in the corner of the room, giving us the best views of the dining area, including the wonderful fireplace draped with holly and traditional decorations. It was then that we got chatting to our super friendly waitress, who suggested we try a couple of items from the menu. After selecting our wine (a lively French Merlot and a crisp and fresh Sauvignon Blanc), we had a chat about starters. Knowing I was going full carnivore for the roast, I plumped for the plant-based Asparagus and Pea Crepe, serve with a herb dressing. My partner, not being a big eater herself decided to forgo the starter, but they brought out the Salmon Gravalax, smoked salmon mousse and crackers anyway which I was more than happy to share with her. Both starters were out of this world! I could not recommend the Asparagus and Pea Crepe more to vegans and non-vegans alike. The fresh earthiness of the asparagus and the sweetness of the peas, were beautifully complimented by the zing of the light herb dressing. However, it was the Salmon Gravalax that stole the show. Everything about this incredibly moreish dish worked. The creamy mousse delicately neutralised the incredible richness of the top quality smoked Salmon, whilst the crackers really added the crunch and were the perfect apparatus in order to mop the lot!

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The team behind the Walrus will look after you, whatever your needs and wants.

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All plates contained expertly cooked veggies that had an overwhelming sense of seasonality and freshness

On to the main event. I decided to opt for the Slow Roast Lamb Shoulder, whilst my partner plumped for the Veggie Mushroom, Spinach & Vegan Cheese Wellington. I usually end up finishing half of their roast as well as mine anyway so I figured I would be able to manage two to myself. How wrong I was. These plates were enormous! These are incredibly generous portions of what I can only describe as the very best quality roast dinners in all of Brighton. The meat on both the plates I had amazed me! The huge chunk of perfectly cooked and seasoned lamb was pink and juicy. I tucked in to a bit of the wellington too, even though I am not usually a fan of veggie or vegan options when it comes to roasts. I was impressed however, and if every pub could cook a wellington as tasty as this one I would happily go vegan every time! It turns out the chefs at The Walrus are pastry experts, and the filling was incredibly tasty, with the vegan cheese adding a lovely tangy aftertaste which I have never experienced in a veggie wellington before. All plates contained expertly cooked veggies that had an overwhelming sense of seasonality and freshness, including crispy kale, baby parsnips and carrots, and beetroot. The roast potatoes were cooked to perfection, sweet and fluffy on the inside and a goldenbrown satisfying carapace of crunch. Each roast had just the right amount of gravy made from the jus of the meat being served with, or an incredibly flavoursome vegan option. The staff are more than happy to provide more if requested, and you can soak it all up with a ginormous light and fluffy home cooked Yorkshire pudding which comes with all options. We nearly managed all three between us but decided to take some home in a doggy-bag and save a tiny bit of room for dessert. I have to admit, going for dessert might have been pushing it a bit after the amount we had already eaten, but we managed to finish them eventually as they were too good to leave. The incredible sticky toffee pudding was just heaven! It was rich and gooey with the perfect marriage of sweetness and stodge. The Warm Chocolate Pudding, oozed smooth creamy chocolate and was impeccably partnered with a generous helping of non-dairy ice cream. As we waddled out with our doggy bag in tow, incredibly full and in awe of our experience, we reflected that there really is no better roast served in Brighton and Hove. We wholeheartedly encourage you to book yours there too. You will not find better value, and where else can you go for dinner and then continue the party downstairs for the rest of the evening? The Walrus is most definitely the place the place to be. www.thewalrusbrighton.com

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ole ole Get caught up in the passion, colours, tastes and sounds of Spain with Brighton’s immersive authentic tapas and flamenco dining experience.

cannot believe Ole Ole has been serving up a taste of sun-baked Southern Spain for ten years now! I remember visiting when it first opened its doors way back in 2009 and have been back several times since. I love the hidden gem quality of the location and the authentic Spanish food and music experience I have always had there which takes you instantly into holiday mode! The place has always invoked memories of Spanish holiday trips of my youth, with great classic tapas dishes and the energetic live flamenco sessions of a weekend, which tend to get everyone up dancing by the end of the evening. Earlier this year my wife and I had a hankering for an evening of Spanish food and dancing, and were disappointed to find Ole Ole had closed its doors for a refit. Thankfully in July it opened its doors again, with a brand new look and layout, some fresh additions to the menu and reportedly the best Spanish flamenco show in town. Upon hearing this, we figured it high time we paid them another visit. We booked a table for eight o’clock and arrived shortly after. The Flamenco group was just setting up and there was a definite buzz in the air. The tables were packed with groups of friends sharing jugs of sangria, a large Spanish family had taken a bench in the centre of the room, and the waiting staff were nimbly darting around the tables, taking orders and chatting with the diners. The newly refurbed décor instantly evokes images of balmy Spanish nights with traditional Andalusian artwork adorning Moorish white walls, vines hanging from the ceiling and a green-lit skylight casting a welcoming glow. We are shown to our seats by the restaurant manager Sandra. Before the refurbishment, the Flamenco group were usually tucked away in the corner of the restaurant so you had to be picky about where you were seated. Nowadays they have a more central stage so no matter where you sit, you are able to get a great view of the show. On Flamenco nights (generally Friday/Saturday) Ole Ole has a special menu deal where for £24.99 you can choose up to four tapas dishes per person, or if you prefer, a small plate to start and a main course. The menu has also had a bit of an upgrade, with some more innovative dishes added to the traditional and delicious tapas I have come to know and love about this restaurant. We decide to go for the small plate option. There are plenty of dishes to choose from the comprehensive menu so we take our time to decide while Rudolph, our lovely friendly waiter, brings us some punch-packing garlic and chilli olives and freshly-baked bread with a creamy yet potent alioli to nibble on. Even though this is the busiest night of the week, Rudolph is more than happy to take time to help us choose so we are not disappointed, and ends up sitting and chatting with us before heading off with our order.

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I love the hidden gem quality of the location and the authentic Spanish food and music experience I have always had there which takes you instantly into holiday mode!

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The atmosphere in the room was electric and infectious and everyone seemed to be having a lovely time. Our first plates arrive as the Flamenco show begins. We started with Padron peppers, a favourite of ours, which were plump and juicy and seasoned with just the right amount of sea salt to bring out the flavour. Chorizo ala sidra (chorizo cooked in cider) which had a lovely delicate smoky flavour and was of an obvious high quality and expertly cooked, with fat dissolved, leaving a nice meaty sausage covered in cider sauce that had a lovely tang. Our veggie dishes came out next; Butternut squash croquettes with a crisp shell revealing a decadent gooey cheese and sweet fruit centre which was heavenly. Then followed the classic side tapas “patatas bravas” which were lovely and crisp and drizzled in a punchy spicey tomato sauce, and “artichoke al Limon” a new addition to the menu which I was sucked in by and had to try. Plump grilled artichoke hearts came next, drizzled in a lemon sauce and served with garlic bread to mop up. The earthiness of the artichoke was surprisingly complimented by the zesty lemon sauce and this dish really worked well in its own right, as well as being a great pallet cleanser between plates. The Flamenco was really getting going now. What used to be a two piece act is now a full on band with a variety of instruments and incredibly talented and highly expressive and hypnotic dancer. Every table was getting involved and clapping along with them, and people were even getting up to dance. The atmosphere in the room was electric and infectious and everyone seemed to be having a lovely time. The plates kept on coming too, next up lovely plump and tender peeled black tiger prawns cooked in white wine, garlic and chilli which were soon devoured and the sauce mopped up with any remaining bread we had. The Barbecue pork baby ribs which had come recommended by Rudolph were just flawless! The were slow cooked to perfection, so the meat fell off the bone with a tangy and sticky finger lickin’ good barbecue sauce. The last plate to come out I had all to myself. An acquired taste and a surprising non-traditional addition to the menu. It was Sautéed chicken liver, mustard and creamy tarragon sauce. I could not resist ordering it as I absolutely love chicken liver, and this was some of the best I have tasted. The sauce made no attempt to hide the powerful taste of the meat and only added a wonderful complexity to the party. I wolfed them down, again mopping it all up with the accompanying toasted bread. At the end of the night I complimented Sandra on this delicious heady dish and she proudly proclaimed it was her idea to add it to the menu, and is actually Portuguese in origin so the owners were reluctant go with it. I am certainly glad they did! We washed it all down with a couple of speciality bespoke potent cocktails and a jug of sangria, and then relaxed with some liqueur coffees at the end of the evening which may account for us being a little wobbly on our way out. We had a lovely time in what turned out to be nothing short of a fiesta! Ole ole is a wonderful immersive experience with lots of clapping and dancing and incredible delicious plates of food to boot! If Flamenco is not your thing then go and enjoy the food with special offers on throughout the week. A trip to Ole Ole simply cannot be missed. Tony Shattell Ole Ole 42 Meeting House Lane, Brighton, BN1 1HB, 01273739939 www.oleoletapas.co.uk

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07903 143274

CuckfieldBathrooms The Clockhouse, High Street RH17 5JX • Telephone: 01444 414 888

‘Strato’ in Wild Oak by InBani Strato an extensive modular program of minimalist shapes, the Strato Collection, allows for the adaptation of the furniture to fit each professional project. The collection is their most versatile and practical.

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

The Ivy, Tower Bridge. This beautiful restaurant is right on the river by Tower Bridge in a truly super location with great views, and just a short walk down the river from London Bridge station. There are a range of Ivy grills, brasseries and cafes in the Ivy Collection, and every Ivy I have visited feels wonderfully unique and each is adorned with beautiful botanical décor giving the feel of a small oasis in the heart of a bustling town or city.

On my recent visit we skipped the starters as tempting as they were and went straight for the superb main dishes. There is always a wonderful mix of seasonal dishes along with popular classics created with clever twists. So, if you fancy a burger or a steak and fries, then that’s exactly what you can choose. On this occasion I opted for the classic fish and chips with mushy peas and tartar sauce (£16.50). Then for pudding I ordered the amazing chocolate bombe (£9.50), which was a divine melting chocolate dome filled with vanilla ice-cream and honeycomb covered with hot salted caramel sauce. The Ivy also serves a great choice of delicious non-alcoholic cocktails. My favourites are the Elderflower Garden (£5.95). This is a delicious mix of Seedlip Garden nonalcoholic aperitif, with elderflower cordial mixed with Fever Tree Elderflower tonic, and garnished with cucumber ribbons and edible flowers. But if that’s a little too much elderflower for your tastes, then my other favourite is the equally delicious Farmhouse Fruit Bowl (£5.95), which is quite simply a mix of pear, morello cherry, lemon and apple fruit flavours mixed with London Essence Co Rhubarb and Cardamom Soda. The service at the Ivy is always impeccable, with delicious menus and each dish arrives beautifully presented. It’s everything you

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would expect from the infamous Ivy brand. The Ivy Tower Bridge also offers a glorious space perfect for private dining, events and parties. There are also superb vegetarian menus, set group menus and brunch menus as well as afternoon tea. The Ivy, Tower Bridge. One Tower Bridge, Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2AA. www.theivytowerbridge.com

100 Wardour Street. 100 Wardour Street is a super location for drinks, dinner and good music all in one venue. I have been here lots over the years for birthday dinners, brunches and to visit the huge club downstairs that hosts live music and DJs at the weekend to help you dance the night away. On a birthday dinner night out last month, we ordered from the 3-course set dinner menu which is fantastic value at just £20 and you can add free-flowing wine for just an extra £10 per person. The starter was a delicious and warming bowl of seasonal pumpkin and chestnut soup garnished with pumpkin seeds and croutons, followed by a hearty main course of pan-fried seabass with broccoli in a citrus butter sauce. Finally, pudding was a tasty warm vanilla crème brûlée with a peanut butter cookie. The meal was great and then of course we had just had to spend the rest of the night at the club to dance it all off. 100 Wardour Street. 100 Wardour Street, London, W1F 0TN. www.100wardourst.com

A.O.K kitchen. I have been for lunch here several times and the dishes are delicious, and the service is always brilliant. The decor is a fantastic feast for the eyes, and it feels as though you are entering a beautiful blossom filled oasis tucked away in the heart of pretty Marylebone.

My favourite dishes on the menu are the indulgent starter of Scottish Scallops Carpaccio (£16), and the delicious main course of smoked aubergine with roasted buckwheat and feta cheese (£20) with a side of wilted spinach (£5), all washed down with a couple of gloriously crisp glasses of Whispering Angel rose wine. A truly sublime meal, and a great restaurant that’s certainly worth a visit. A.O.K kitchen. 52-55 Dorset Street, London, W1U 7NH. www.aokkitchen.co.uk

The Brasserie of Light. The Brasseries of Light restaurant is a stunning art deco restaurant found in Selfridges on the first floor. This light and airy space offers fresh and seasonal dishes for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and supper. The delightful bar area is perfect for cocktails and the chic dining room is the ideal space for private dining events or parties. Recently I indulged myself with one of their amazing passion fruit Cosmopolitans (£9.75), while taking my time to ponder over the delectable dinner menu. Eventually I settled on the light and tasty starter of popcorn shrimp with a spicy sauce (£9.50), which was followed by a huge portion of butternut and saffron risotto with goat cheese, king oyster mushrooms and rocket (£13.95). I ate every crumb obviously. It was amazing! The Brasserie of Light. 400 Oxford Street, Duke Street, London W1A 1AB. www.brasserie-of-light.co.uk

The O2 London. The O2 is renowned for hosting some of the best concerts in that world. The 2020 line-up is currently showcasing Santana 27 March, Country to Country 13-15 March, Cirque du Soleil 24 June to 5 July, Diane Ross 8-9 July, and Celine Dion 17-18 September. The O2 is also where you can find The Icon, the designer shopping outlet destination home to over 60 fashion and lifestyle brands with up to 70% off including Gant, Tommy Hilfiger, Fat Face, Dune, G-Star Raw, Guess, Jack Wills, Karen Millen, Nike, Kurt Geiger, Levis and Miss Sixty, and plenty of other stores that are all full to the brim of discounted designer items just waiting to be snapped up. As well as shopping, it has a huge array of well-known eateries, restaurants and bars, including Byron, Frankie & Benny’s, Five Guys, Gaucho, Garfunkel’s, TGI Fridays, All Bar One and Snowflake Luxury Gelato.

The O2 is easy to get to by bus and by tube on the Jubilee line. I normally always suggest public transport for anywhere in London but we often drive to the O2 as there is so much parking and when you have kids it’s sometimes quicker, easier and less hectic to just bundle the whole family, plus the kitchen sink into the back of the car for a day out.

One of my family’s favourite parts of the O2 is the Oxygen Jump Park. This trampoline park is huge, safe, well organised and reasonably priced. They have a toddler session on a Sunday morning 10am-11am which is perfect to take your kids if they are three years and under, and its good exercise for parents as well! The O2 London. Peninsula Square, North Greenwich, London, SE10 ODX. www.theo2.co.uk

The Wallace Collection. The Wallace Collection is a beautiful collection of fine art displayed in the former townhouse of the Seymour family in the heart of Marylebone. It’s free entry, with several limited exhibitions holding a small entry fee.

December 2019 and the start of 2020 promise a host of exiting exhibitions, one of which is the Forgotten Masters: Indian Painting for the East India Company, curated by renowned writer and historian William Dalrymple, from 4 December 2019 to 19 April 2020. Tickets are on sale now, adults £12, concessions £9 and under 18 years are free. On my last visit I was lucky enough to view the Manolo Blahnik exhibition, which sadly finished at the end of October, but do keep an eye on the website for all the latest exhibitions appearing in the new year.

The Wallace Collection. Manchester Square, Marylebone, London, W1U 3bn. www.wallacecollection.org/

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

Petersham Nurseries. Visit Petersham Nurseries and enjoy a beautiful meal or afternoon tea in the heart of Covent Garden within this beautiful floral oasis.

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

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

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

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

The Rockwell Cocktail Bar. This season make sure you visit the beautiful botanical themed bar in The Trafalgar St James hotel for wonderful cocktails. This pretty floral sanctuary is found at Trafalgar Square just a stone throw from Charing Cross and is one of London’s newest cocktail bars. There is an extensive list of tasty floral themed and imaginative cocktails to choose from. My favourites are the Hummingbird Hyssop (£13), a glorious delicious mix of Wry vodka, lemon juice, citrus jam, combined cleverly with a British white wine cordial, and mixed with refreshing soda water. Then there’s not forgetting the British Boxwood (£13), a thoroughly scrumptious cocktail combining Plymouth Dry Gin and raspberry wine with flavoured syrups.

It’s never a good idea to devour cocktails on an empty stomach, and as such The Rockwell serves a mouth-watering array of tasty bar food. Feast on brioche sliders from £10, dishes of tasty tacos from £11, and filled flat breads just £10. There are also moreish sharing platters of chicken skewers (£10), salt and pepper squid (£12) and triple cooked chips (£5).

Need something more substantial to line your stomach? Then the all-day dining menu offers hearty classic main course dishes, including London Ale battered cod and chips with tartar sauce (£16), a grilled sirloin steak and salad for (£28) and a grilled salmon, rocket and parmesan salad (£18). The Rockwell cocktail bar, at the Trafalgar St James. 2 Spring Gardens, London, SW1A 2TS. www.trafalgarstjames.com/pages/rockwell

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

This festive season celebrate Christmas with a whizz round the ice at one of London’s most popular ice-skating destinations, Somerset House.

Skate at Somerset House. Somerset House Trust. Somerset House, Strand, London, WC2R 1LA. www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/skatesomerset-house Charlie McBrien.

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Proud Cabaret

Brighton

The Proud Group has been revolutionising England’s nightlife scene for almost two decades. Boldly bringing Cabaret back centre stage, Proud Cabaret is a name synonymous with decadence and the highest class of performance and this January and February, the team are inviting everyone to indulge for half price!

nter any Proud Cabaret venue and you will be transported into an era of glamour and luxury, where the only choice is to party in style. Proud offers a fabulous array of conceptual shows, fusing modern circus, cabaret, award winning drag artists and classic burlesque and when the cabaret performances end, top DJ’s take over the dance floor to entertain guests until the early hours. Set in the heart of Kemptown at one of the City’s most iconic nightspots, Proud Cabaret Brighton offers the group’s trademark world-class cabaret and burlesque dinner shows with a Brighton twist. Whilst you’re feasting your senses with spectacular entertainment, indulge your appetites on superbly executed dishes, fine wines, and carefully crafted cocktails. The plush grandeur of Proud Cabaret Brighton’s domed former ballroom makes this the ultimate destination for an opportunity to get all glammed up in your finery, leave your inhibitions at the door and celebrate! Whether the occasion is a birthday, a promotion, a hen or stag do or even a date night, the relaxed, happy vibes combined with exceptional food and great service makes this the BEST show in town. As of January 2020, Proud Cabaret Brighton are offering a huge 50% off all full priced dinner and show tickets every Friday and Saturday night for a limited time only. This means for just £30 p.p you can enjoy a 3 course dinner, show ands after party! Each night will see a unique line-up taking to the stage in their ‘On The Edge’ show which combines high camp with high skill, showcasing the UK’s most flamboyant drag acts, with lipsync and singalong, cutting camp comedy, set alongside beautiful burlesque performers and skilled fire breathers, creating a real variety cabaret show. This show has something for everyone – a fusion of jaw-dropping drag and classic burlesque, from the shocking to the sublime. Compered alternately by the mother of all thing cabaret Dolly Rocket, the show features the legendary heart-breaker Dave the Bear, nominee in the QX Cabaret Awards 2019, alongside award-winning, vegas-appearing hula-hoop extraordinaire Chichi Revolver and a cast of beautiful burlesque superstars. Guests are invited to indulge in a selection of mouthwatering food, featuring contemporary dishes, full of fresh flavours, mixing European influences with British produce. Diners can take their seats from 6.30pm, ready for a 9.00pm show start.

This show has something for everyone – a fusion of jaw-dropping drag and classic burlesque.

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When it comes to private hire, you’ll be pushed to find a more unique and luxurious setting than Proud Cabaret Brighton!

On The Edge has a dress code that guests will want to follow as soon as they hear the prizes up for grabs. The sassiest dressed couple wins two tickets to come again with a full dinner package on the house! Runners up get a ‘Round on Proud’, and if Dolly Rocket see’s fit, it’s a free shot to those who capture her attention. When it comes to private hire, you’ll be pushed to find a more unique and luxurious setting than Proud Cabaret Brighton! With the option to create a personalised experience, choose from themed menus and curate a bespoke cocktail list, all in an iconic building with an onsite events and technical team who will do all the work for you. You can even take advantage of the venue’s world class performance credentials and book breathtaking entertainment, top DJ’s or live music acts to make your event truly unforgettable. This opulent venue can be used for corporate parties, wedding receptions and wakes, hen parties and birthdays, product launches and photo shoots, conferences, private celebrations or award ceremonies. Whatever you can imagine, the team can create it! www.proudcabaretbrighton.com

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Stanmer House

When Alex Proud, the Brighton-born entrepreneur, signed a long lease on Stanmer House, in 2016, taking it over from the pub operator, Whiting and Hammond, he didn’t have to think twice: “I grabbed at the chance with both hands. It (was) a once-in-alifetime opportunity. You can never really own it, but we hope to take stewardship of it for a generation.” Over the past three years The Proud Group has invested considerable time and money in upgrading and improving the facilities and service at Stanmer, including a six figure renovation and redecoration of the main rooms. The Group have also acquired planning permission to convert the property into a boutique hotel, with exciting renovations set to take place in the early part of 2020! Stanmer House in Brighton is steeped in history a stunningly restored Grade 1 country house nestled in unspoilt Grade 2 listed parkland and acres of peaceful, open-access Sussex woodland and countryside. The Park and House is just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Brighton and Hove and is the perfect location for a family stroll followed by a Sunday Lunch, or perhaps an afternoon tea. Stanmer House Restaurant, whether you pop in for a cosy coffee and cake, or visit for a very special classic dining experience, offers an enchanting experience in the stunningly restored formal rooms of the 18th Century mansion. The beautifully-cooked food is served at a price that is fair for everyone from producer to guest, with lunch being freshly prepared and served within the relaxed, classic, formal rooms of the house and traditional Roast Lunches being served every Sunday from 12noon – approx. 4pm. This coming January and February, the team are offering a huge 33% off Stanmer off their legendary Sunday lunches and Afternoon Tea, so there’s no reason to let the post-festive season give you the blues! At Proud Stanmer Country House, the team just love to uphold the wonderful, timeless British tradition of Afternoon Tea, where guests are offered the perfect environment to relax and indulge in the pleasures of homemade cakes, scones, pastries, tarts and sandwiches, as well as a selection of all your favourite teas. Whether you are celebrating a birthday, an anniversary or simply treating a loved one, Afternoon Tea at Proud Stanmer Country House promises to delight Afternoon Tea is usually served in the cosy, red Library, the grand Thomas Pelham dining room and the Lady Anne dining room featuring pristine white walls, with historical artwork telling some of the history of this handsome Grade 1 listed house (built in 1722 – over 100 years before Afternoon tea was introduced in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford, in the year 1840). In these Winter months, there is no finer place to be than beside one of the house’s roaring wood fires, sipping upon a tea cup and indulging in home made cakes.

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Whether you want a fabulous, show stopping party or an intimate and elegant reception, Stanmer House is the perfect choice for your special day. You can hire the stunning, grade listed country house exclusively or have a discrete ceremony in one of the beautifully renovated rooms.

Stanmer House is also the perfect setting for a wedding, ceremony or celebration, or for corporate or conference hire. Thanks to the Proud Group, this much-loved venue has been restored and sensitively modernised, with a large private garden, marquee and ample free parking. Versatile facilities, impressive formal rooms with all the modern touches, exceptional in-house catering using locallysource produce and welcoming staff; this hidden gem of Sussex is the perfect place to do business. This is a truly unique location, available for private hire all year round. Whether you want a fabulous, show stopping party or an intimate and elegant reception, Stanmer House is the perfect choice for your special day. You can hire the stunning, grade listed country house exclusively or have a discrete ceremony in one of the beautifully renovated rooms. Stanmer House have an experienced team who are dedicated to making your day memorable. An events manager will be with you every step of the way, whilst the in-house chef and on-site mixologist can create bespoke seasonal or themed menus to suit your wedding. The team work with local suppliers and draw on years of local knowledge to meet your budget and exceed all expectations. www.stanmerhouse.co.uk

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LUXURY | PROFESSIONAL | SECURE | TRANSPORT THROUGH-OUT THE UK & EUROPE

www.amstareuropet.com @amstareuropet

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PORTFOLIO IMAGES BY DAVID FREEMAN davidfreemanphotographic.co.uk

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DIDO Wed 4 Dec

ADAM ANT Fri 6 Dec

JOOLS HOLLAND Sat 14 Dec

BJORN AGAIN Fri 20 Dec

THE BOOTLEG BEATLES Sun 22 Dec

BOMBAY BICYCLE CLUB Sat 1 Feb

BOWLING FOR SOUP Sat 15 Feb

THE SCRIPT Tue 25 Feb

THE ORIGINAL HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS Sat 29 Feb

THE WHITNEY HOUSTON HOLOGRAM TOUR Sat 7 Mar

JAMES ARTHUR Sun 8 Mar

THE BOYS ARE BACK Fri 27 Mar

THE JOE AND DIANNE SHOW Thur 2 Apr

SIMPLE MINDS Mon 20 Apr

CRAIG DAVID Wed 22 Apr

ELBOW Fri 24 Apr

JOE BONAMASSA Sat 25 Apr

GEORGE Thur 7 May

TRIXIE MATTEL Fri 22 May

DANCE ANTHEMS LIVE Sat 23 May

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box office 0844 847 1515* www.brightoncentre.co.uk *calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge

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Experience your own paradise on earth at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Park Hotel Group’s first luxury resort

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Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives M

uch is known about Maldives; a coveted holiday destination renowned for its pristine beaches and stunning scenery. It is also one of the places where time seems to stand still while you get busy with doing everything, or nothing.

Comprising of close to 1,200 islands spanning across the Indian Ocean, Maldives is a dream destination for many, with most international airlines flying into the Velana International Airport. Experience your own paradise on earth at Grand Park Kodhipparu, Park Hotel Group’s first luxury resort and your exclusive address in beautiful Maldives. Located on the island of Kodhipparu in North Male Atoll, famous for its dive sites and abundant marine life, the resort is just a 20-minute speedboat ride from the airport allowing you to save time on seaplane transfers so that you get to paradise in double-quick time. This one-island-one-resort destination invites you into an oasis of tranquillity with its collection of beach and water villas, dining venues and recreational spaces. More than just a destination for couples and honeymooners, the location in the North Male Atoll makes for many enthralling underwater experiences with renowned snorkelling and diving sites including wreck sites just nearby. The resort is also family-friendly with a wide array of children’s facilities including a kids club and kids activities. This is the ultimate island experience for the romantic, the active, the family and the foodie.

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Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives Whether it’s a peaceful getaway from the bustle of everyday life or a wonderfully indulgent holiday guests are after, Grand Park Kodhipparu has everything at hand to ensure guests will make the best memories for life. “The Maldives have long been established as a leading and exclusive resort destination. At Grand Park Kodhipparu, we have created a unique gem that will appeal to the most sophisticated travellers searching for a truly Maldivian journey and experiences of a lifetime,” Mr Raffaele Solferino, General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu. Designed by world-renowned hospitality firm, Hirsch Bedner Associates, the resort showcases sophisticated architecture, state-of-the-art interiors and high ceilings of palm fringed roofing. Contemporary exteriors with Maldives’ traditional influence of wood and rattan have inventive rustic appeal and invite a calming and peaceful atmosphere. Neutral tones, natural fundamentals and spacious social settings balance the unrivalled beauty of the cobalt sea and tranquility. Take in the beauty and charm of Maldives in any of Grand Park Kodhipparu’s 120 idyllic villas. Featuring traditional Maldivian elements and contemporary comforts, all the resort’s beach, ocean and lagoon villas come with spectacular sunrise or sunset views and 65 of them come with private pools. Luxury is to have the choice to bask in paradise the way you like it. With the ocean or lagoon water villas, unwind with the soothing sounds of the waves while lounging at your terrace or relaxing in the plunge pool, steps from the ocean – ready for you to explore the colourful marine life. Wake up to a beautiful sunny day in one of the private Ocean Water Villas, located near the island facilities, offering limitless views of the sky and sea. Featuring a private terrace with sun lounger, inviting steps to the underwater world and an expansive bathroom with indoor and outdoor shower, this is your own haven where you can get reacquainted with nature. The resort’s Lagoon Water Villas are set amidst a calm crystal clear lagoon facing North of the island, with each private villa being perfect for a dip or swim around the shallow waters on the island. Unwind at the spacious private sun terrace or simply lie on the Maldivian hammock to bask in the sun. For the perfect private paradise experience, guests can request their own pool at their Ocean or Lagoon Water Villa. If, however, you prefer the sand and sea, how about choosing one of the beach pool villas surrounded by lush greenery and just a stone’s throw from the shoreline while remaining close to the resort facilities. Each villa comes with a private plunge pool facing the horizon. Listen to the waves lapping on the shore or walk on the beach to feel the white powdery sand beneath your feet as the beach is just steps from your terrace. For the ultimate luxurious experience, Grand Park Kodhipparu’s Grand Residences offer a dream holiday homeaway-from-home with two bedrooms, an exclusive living room, inviting infinity pool with panoramic ocean views and outdoor private dining area. Luxuriate in the uniquely designed bedrooms, exclusive living space and two bathrooms. Take your time to enjoy Maldives to the fullest as you watch hundreds of fish swimming idly from the villa’s glass floor, take in the panoramic scenery of the Indian Ocean or simply stargaze as you dine in this private sanctuary after nightfall.

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At Grand Park Kodhipparu, we have created a unique gem that will appeal to the most sophisticated travellers When it comes to dining at Grand Park Kodhipparu, gastronomy is a subject not to be taken lightly, with the resort’s chefs producing exquisite and innovative dishes to inspire and delight. From casual dining at Breeze Poolside Dining & Bar and extensive buffet spreads at The Edge, to a feast of prime cuts paired with curated wine at specialty restaurant, Firedoor, the most discerning foodie is in for a treat at Grand Park Kodhipparu, all accompanied by unbeatable views. Situated next to the ocean, The Edge welcomes diners into its contemporary and open spaces designed to showcase unblocked views of its picturesque surroundings. Maldivian influences are reflected in the pinewood timbre flooring, roof and ceiling features and extended to the furniture and décor items created by local craftsmen. A variety of seating from cosy indoor lounge seating to overwater private pods is available, ideal for group mingling or those romantic dinners. For those looking for a more casual vibe, guests can enjoy a wide selection of international culinary creations from The Edge’s extensive buffet selection which also features live cooking stations where seasonal specialities are prepared on demand. Set against tranquil, panoramic ocean views, Breeze Poolside Dining and Bar serves lunch and light bites throughout the day. Offering modern, light menus with contemporary interpretations of Asian and Mediterranean classics, as well as old favourites like burgers, pasta and salads, Breeze is the perfect venue to refuel throughout the day. At sunset, Breeze transforms into an easy-going resort bar where inventive bartenders put together refreshing cocktails (and mocktails!) Fine wines and light snacks also feature alongside some easy beats at sunset. Breeze is also conveniently adjacent to the infinity pool with an adjoining wine cellar! Nestled in an intimate space away from the other resort facilities, Fire Door is a speciality restaurant that sets the stage for a special celebration. Upon entering, be greeted by a hive of activity at the show kitchen featuring an impressive Josper grill, set to fire up your appetite. At the heart of the restaurant, schools of colourful fish swim idly in the lagoon adding to the carefree and relaxed vibe as guests dine in privacy either indoors or alfresco.

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Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives

When it comes to a spot of rest and relaxation, leave your cares behind and enter a peaceful sanctuary looking out to the sea at award-winning The Spa. This idyllic setting advocates an holistic, healthy and sustainable lifestyle, ensuring that you step out from the signature spa sessions feeling restored and revitalised. Each session focuses on a renewed self after the session, body and skin care programs for a youthful and glowing self, or the Asian touch selection of Balinese or Ayurvedic for inner peace. The Spa features 7 over-water treatment rooms overlooking the crystal clear water of the lagoon and is partnered with Comfort Zone, the distinctive range of body and skin care treatments which are tailored to each guest and utilise natural-origin, paraben-free products. Established in Parma, Italy in 1996, Comfort Zone is one of the world’s most renowned brands for holistic products, using its range of eco-friendly creams and balms for all treatments. The brand promotes a soulful and healthy lifestyle and uses the finest natural-origin ingredients combined with science-based solutions to visibly improve skin, body and mind. The Spa also offers traditional salon services in its Beauty Salon, including classic manicures and pedicures, hair-cuts and styling as well as threading, ideal for guests celebrating their wedding or special occasions at the resort. No matter what signature session or treatment you have chosen, guests are invited to end their wellness journey in the Relaxation Room; a tranquil space with signature tea and healthy bites, or to embark towards a relaxing session of yoga. Be it the Hatha yoga or simple a sunset yoga, the session is perfect way to calm the mind and soul. The Spa offers an holistic wellness retreat program to recover, rejuvenate, and reactivate your senses with a mix of activities, spa treatments, and balanced cuisine to nourish the body. There’s a lot you can do when in paradise or you can choose to do nothing at all. For the adventure enthusiast, Maldives offers a wide array of water sports and worldclass scuba diving experiences. There are also a whole host of private dining experiences for the honeymooners and couples, and families are also welcome as the excursions and island explorations ensure your days are filled with fun and excitement. Maldives’ natural and beautiful landscape presents plentiful opportunities for many unique dining experiences. And how better to experience the destination than basking in the splendour of picturesque surroundings with one of the resort’s chef’s culinary creations from breakfast with champagne on a sandbank, an afternoon picnic at a private beach to an intimate gourmet meal in the privacy of your villa.

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From the moment a guest arrives at Grand Park Kodhipparu, the team make it their personal aim and pleasure to ensure every guest has an exceptional experience of the island

For those looking to explore beneath the waves, the Scuba diving and Snorkelling experiences available are second to none. Discover a dazzling underwater world in the North Male Atoll, home to a myriad of marine species, renowned dive sites and sharks’ point. The dive centre is fully equipped with what you require including a team of PADI certified professionals for a memorable diving experience. The island is also located in one of the best house reefs in the Maldives, whee you can learn and discover what the underwater world offers as you snorkel around the island. You may encounter hundreds of colourful reef fishes, just metres away from your villa. Even more action can be found at the Grand Park Kodhipparu water sports centre; a candy store for fans of the sun and sea. With an endless list of activities to choose from, sports aficionados would be kept occupied for days, including catamaran sailing, parasailing, kayaking, snorkelling, banana boat riding, water skiing, wakeboarding, fun tubes riding, kite surfing, windsurfing and jet skiing. Beyond the resort, there’s a lot more to explore in the Maldives, so be sure to set aside time to embrace the beauty of the Maldives’s nature and culture with a selection of offsite excursions. Be it fishing in the traditional Maldivian way, a cruise on a Dhoni (Maldivian traditional boat) to watch the dolphins and enjoy the romantic sunset, or a visit to the bustling island city of Male for more exploration of the Maldivian life, Grand Park Kodhipparu team will organise it for you. From the moment a guest arrives at Grand Park Kodhipparu, the team make it their personal aim and pleasure to ensure every guest has an exceptional experience of the island that they are so very proud of and irrespective of whether they are honeymooners, families or adventure seekers, they leave with memories to last a lifetime. www.parkhotelgroup.com/maldives

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Kempinski Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare invites you to experience veritable paradise in settings of understated opulence and down-to-earth hospitality.

ailed as “the original Garden of Eden” by early settlers and now a leading luxury destination for discerning holidayers, it is without doubt that the Seychelles archipelago is the very jewel of the Indian Ocean. Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare is located on the exclusive south-end of Mahé, just 30 minutes from Seychelles International Airport. Here, glittering turquoise oceans lap gently against a white-sand beach – a slower paced retreat, ideal for those looking to leave behind the daily rat race of their 9-5 , get off the beaten track and say goodbye to their dayto-day worries. It’s time to immerse yourself in an unforgettable island getaway. This rustic-chic hideaway is all but invisible from the coast and is set behind a chain of swaying palm trees in dazzling surroundings of untouched, natural beauty and offers much in the way of exclusivity and privacy. The approach from the property’s main

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gate is a winding journey through 68 hectares of tropical garden that will deliver you to the formidable French-colonial-style lobby and the beginning of your Kempinski Seychelles experience. A selection of private rooms and suites have been designed to blend harmoniously with the natural environment and refined to reflect years of Kempinski service excellence. In a market saturated with “villaconcept” hotels spread out over vast areas, prompting the need for a buggy to reach hotel restaurants or the beach, Kempinski Seychelles Resort’s traditional layout offers unparalleled ease of access to an 800 m stretch of remarkably beautiful coastline. The resort’s premium room category, a Sea View Garden room, is ideal for direct beach access from your private terrace, just 100 to 150 m away from the sand. As this is the only hotel in the bay, the area receives very few outside visitors, and guests are able to relax and enjoy their time on the beach in relative seclusion.

Synonymous with the Kempinski brand, a taste of true European luxury awaits you when you ditch the winding drive from Mahé’s main ports and arrive in style via a chartered helicopter transfer, landing at the resort’s very own helipad (the only one of its kind to be found in the south of Seychelles’ main island). While Mahé’s stunning beaches are very well documented, few travel brochures manage to convey the immense scope of the island’s mountainous landscape. Undoubtedly, these views can best be appreciated from above. A scenic helicopter flight comes highly recommended and is easily booked at the hotel’s front desk. Diverse flavours capture the cultural mix of the Seychellesand you can experience all of those at all four of the resort’s dining outlets. Their uncompromising search for authentic recipes and quality local ingredients means guests are able to enjoy a wide variety of regional and international cuisines in an array of atmospheres, ranging from beachside casual to fine-dining elegance. Treat yourself to a unique gastronomic experience at L’Indochine, the celebrated fine dining restaurant at Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare. An incredible selection of seafood, freshly caught from the Indian Ocean rim, is prepared by the chefs for an exquisite fusion of flavours for you to enjoy in a stylish, understated setting. The extensive sushi menu presents an innovative selection of fresh nigiri, sashimi and sushi rolls, which are best paired with a chilled bottle of sake from the resort’s extensive collection. While L’Indochine specialises in seafood, there’s plenty on the menu to suit all tastes - and the team will be delighted to recommend the perfect wine to accompany your meal. For authentic European cuisine infused with

traditional Indian Ocean flavours in the Seychelles, look no further than the L’Indochine. As the resort’s signature restaurant, L’Indochine is the ultimate in luxury dining, so sit back and enjoy the indulgence of our fresh, quality food and drink. If sipping a cocktail while on the white sandy beaches of the Indian Ocean sounds like heaven to you, then look no further than Windsong Beach Restaurant. Designed in complete harmony with the natural surroundings, this beach side haven has everything you need for deep relaxation: the sounds of the sea, a delicious selection of drinks and snacks, and an unbeatably laid-back atmosphere. Windsong Beach Restaurant is the epicentre of relaxation at the Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare. Guests can unwind with a drink, relax with friends or spend a quiet afternoon beside the pool at Kempinski Seychelles Resort’s popular beachside restaurant, the ideal setting for your stay in the Seychelles. For a truly memorable and intimate evening, be sure to book a bespoke private dinner: enjoy a romantic candlelit dinner for two on a palm-lined beach or beside the resort’s private lagoon. Pure luxury and pampering is guaranteed at Kempinski The Spa, which offers sumptuous treatments in a serene environment, using only organic and natural products inspired by the change of European seasons. Guests of the resort are invited to delight in an array of indulgent experiences, from classic spa treatments to luxurious therapies inspired by this unique tropical location. As winners of the World Spa Awards – Best Seychelles Resort Spa, your satisfaction is all but guaranteed.

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Those who are looking to do more than just recline on a sun bed while taking in exquisite views of the glittering ocean will be delighted by the facilities on offer at the water sports and recreation pavilions: an onsite PADI dive centre and complimentary snorkelling gear will assist you in exploring the Seychelles’ abundant marine landscapes, while surf lessons and stand up paddling provide exciting opportunities to experience the thrill of the Indian Ocean from above the waves. For the ultimate reef experience, guests can enjoy a guided snorkelling tour to feed the fish at Fish Cave – a popular spot with marine residents on the house reef – or hire a transparent kayak and enjoy the marvels of Seychelles’ pristine marine life without getting wet. Further facilities for those active types come in the form of a well-equipped gym and outdoor sports courts which join an Olympic-length swimming pool. A short hike through dense tropical jungle will guide you to the summit of “Mount Kempinski” – a vast granite elevation overlooking the resort and tranquil Baie Lazare and you can even begin your day from this unique vantage point, with an unforgettable hilltop Yoga or Pilates class.

With its world-class beaches and breathtaking scenery, the Seychelles has a reputation as the romance capital of the Indian Ocean that is well deserved.

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It’s not just the big kids that are catered for. A comprehensive Kids Club will keep the resort’s littlest residents busy from dawn to dusk with a range of supervised activities, such as giant tortoise feeding, arts and crafts, and traditional Sega dancing, while a separate children’s paddling pool ensures that no guest is left out of the aquatic fun. With its world-class beaches and breathtaking scenery, the Seychelles has a reputation as the romance capital of the Indian Ocean that is well deserved. It should come as no surprise that countless couples flock to the islands each year to exchange vows or begin their journey as Mr and Mrs with an unforgettable honeymoon. Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare offers couples a range of exquisite wedding venues, when they choose to begin their life together in this magnificent corner of paradise. Whether you are planning an intimate ceremony for two or a festive celebration with family and friends, Kempinski Seychelles Resort and their team of dedicated event planners have a great selection of indoor and outdoor venues to suit your needs. What sets this hotel apart from other wedding venues on the island is their commitment, not only to their clients, but to each remarkable moment that makes up your special day. Whether it’s romance, reunion or rejuvenation, whether you are looking for small home comforts or spacious luxury and bespoke banqueting, Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare offers a private haven for every individual, couple, group of friends or family, making this resort an ideal location for those seeking a world-class island getaway. www.kempinski.com/seychelles

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What sets this hotel apart from other wedding venues on the island is their commitment, not only to their clients, but to each remarkable moment that makes up your special day.

Kempinski

Fly with Emirates to Seychelles via Dubai from only £600.00* We highly recommend joining Plaza Premium global lounges, to make your transit stopovers pure bliss. We used their new lounge in Dubai and our 3 hrs transit flew by. Luxury surroundings, bar & restaurant and amazing staff, even a kids playroom or private family lounge rooms. Find out more at www.plazapremiumlounge.com also for car hire on Mahe island Seychelles visit www.kreolcars-seychelles.com and for tours and luxury airport transfers see www.summerraintours.com

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“discover the real seychelles” Discover the real seychelles and save upto 10% off the prices on BOOKING.com.

Connect directly with the very best hand picked hotels, private islands, villas and lodges. Also service providers including car hire and tour companies. www.authenticseychelles.com @authenticseychelles #realseychelles

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The 186 expansive suites at Seven Pines are set in sprawling gardens in a village-style resort.

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Seven Pines Set dramatically on the edge of a pine forest bordering the sea on the west coast of the island, Seven Pines Resort Ibiza offers the height of laid-back luxury and Ibizan flair.

n all-suite clifftop resort set in whitewashed Ibicenco-style homes that respect the island’s authentic design with contemporary touches, Seven Pines fills an extraordinary area of 56,000 square meters and offers tailor-made luxury, privacy and beautiful surroundings for guests in its 186 spacious suites. The resort’s unique position between the spectacular Cala Conta and secluded Cala Codolar beaches (both within walking distance), means that Seven Pines Resort Ibiza enjoys a stunning backdrop of the island of Es Vedrà and the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Completing the offering, Seven Pines is a convenient 25 minute’s drive from the airport and encompasses exceptional food and beverages, a comprehensive spa and wellness offering and unparalleled discreet, personalised service. The resort’s very own Pershing yachts are also on hand for guest transfers and charter. The 186 expansive suites at Seven Pines are set in sprawling gardens in a village-style resort. The open plan one- and two- bedroom accommodations enjoy an abundance of natural light, are furnished in a refreshing contemporary yet comfortable design and neutral tones with turquoise accents that ooze serenity and style. The resort is separated into three distinct areas: The Laguna, Ibicenco Village and the Cliff. Located in a quiet part of the resort is The Laguna, a collection of 42 suites each with terraces or balconies, and a central lagoonstyle swimming pool with its own chiringuitostyle bar. The outward-facing suites have their own swim-up pool and this area makes for an ideal location for exclusive large groups and event bookings. Spread around the resort’s fragrant gardens, the Ibicenco Village features 140 one and two-bedroom suites distributed in 37 traditional whitewashed houses. Each house consists of 3 or 4 suites varying in size and attributes and every suite offers a furnished terrace or balcony with breathtaking views to either the resort, the gardens or the utopian sea. The largest suites also feature their own pool, ideal for enjoying the Ibizan sun with a little privacy. In prime position for the sunset are four two-bedroom Cliff Suites with private gardens and panoramic views of the sea, perfect for groups of friends and families looking for space to reconnect. No matter which location you choose, each suite also comes perfectly equipped with its own House Bar with a selection of beautiful wines, premium spirits, mixers, ice and equipment (including a cocktail-making tool, recipe book, full selection of glass and ceramic-ware) as well as Illy coffee machines for guests to make their own refreshments just as they like, accompanied by a wide selection of snacks. When it comes to cuisine, Seven Pines stop at nothing short of exceptional. With a focus on using the very best hand-picked ingredients, the team pride themselves on using innovative cooking techniques to create light and refined dishes to match the laid-back style of the resort, the island and its sunshine-filled days.

The largest suites also feature their own pool, ideal for enjoying the Ibizan sun with a little privacy.

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Seven Pines Both gastronomic delights and breathtaking vistas are offered at The View restaurant - open for breakfast and a la carte dinner to hotel guests and visitors - which looks out to the sparkling sea beyond. Its clifftop position and panoramic views ensure a relaxed hazy start each morning, setting you in the perfect frame of mind for the rest of your day. As the evening draws in, The View serves a modern Asian cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Feast on sizzling fish, meat and vegetables prepared on the Robata grill to bring out the fresh produce’s exquisite flavours. Tasting menus featuring the signature dishes are also available for those who wish to sample it all and an extensive selection of fine wines from the resort’s speciallycreated and lovingly curated wine cellar will leave you stuck for choice. Ideal for relaxed drinks and comforting Mediterranean sharing plates, the laid-back Cone Club restaurant is open from lunchtime until late evening hours. Big community tables create a warm, bohemian inspired atmosphere that invites guests to have a relaxed day among each other and enjoy the magnificent views. Serving smoothies, signature cocktails, chilled wine and cool beers, the Cone Club has a beach club feel and with light clifftop breeze and stunning views, is the new sunset hotspot for the island that continues beyond sun-downers to a chilled-out evening vibe during the daily Sunset Rituals. The Pershing Yacht Terrace is the latest addition to the food and drink scene at Seven Pines, having opened in June 2019. Providing the ultimate location for another superb sunset spot, the utterly unique Pershing Yacht Terrace is set at the impressive backdrop of the rock island of Es Vedrà and is a sophisticated cocktail bar and the first in the world that has been designed by the Pershing Yacht team to emulate the vessels’ clean lines. It enjoys views of the sea and glowing torches to set a chic atmosphere accompanied by a chilled-out playlist. Home to signature drinks, classic cocktails and fine wines and liquors, it is the perfect location for pre-dinner drinks or a night cap and perhaps a cigar. For more of a relaxed vibe, the Infinity Pool Bar is located at the very heart of the resort and serves light cuisine alongside refreshing beverages, while the Laguna Pool Bar delights with a menu of Thai favourites throughout the day. Ensuring guests’ every whim is catered for, Seven Pines have launched ‘Home Delivery’, the resort’s innovative in-room dining concept which can be ordered through the resort’s own mobile app. Serving a menu of fresh soul-satisfying delights such as creative salads and international classics, the dishes are all delivered by bike and served on natural, biodegradable tableware. Guests in the larger suites are also able to order a private BBQ chef who can come to the suite’s garden and cook a feast on the grill for family and friends. For an even more celebratory feel, a bar and mixologist can also be arranged to accompany. When it comes to a bit of well deserved R&R, Pure Seven the spa at Seven Pines Resort Ibiza is a haven of wellbeing that is inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle and energy of Ibiza with a mission to reconnect individuals to themselves in mind and body. Open to hotel guests and visitors alike, the Pure Seven spa is a 1,500sqm oasis that offers a series of relaxing, rebalancing and reinvigorating treatments. Seamlessly blending natural and organic elements – including local ingredients such as Ibiza salts, herbs and citrus - with the latest cosmetology, all therapies are tailored to the individual. The extensive treatment menu offers an array of treatments using pioneering techniques ranging from advanced cosmetology and ancient practices from every corner of the world; from Mayan volcanic stone massage to Indian Ayurvedic medicine and from Oriental methods to massages with European influences. ESPA and Neom products are used to create the Pure Seven spa‘s signature treatments and rituals while complementary holistic therapies, such as acupuncture, ear candling, physiotherapy, osteopathy and oxygen therapy, are also available and highly popular.

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Open to hotel guests and visitors alike, the Pure Seven spa is a 1,500sqm oasis that offers a series of relaxing, rebalancing and reinvigorating treatments.

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The Pure Seven spa supports both physical and mental wellbeing with the likes of personal training sessions, Pilates, yoga, guided hiking, meditation, nutritional and life coaching with wellness programmes

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Seven Pines Your wellbeing experience begins with the Pure Seven relaxing tour through the steam bath, sauna, cold mist shower and relaxation area with water beds and a central, doubleheight panorama of the captivating Mediterranean Sea and the iconic rock island of Es Vedrà. Treatments are provided in the spa’s six treatment rooms including a double suite that is complete with a private balcony and its own sauna. The firstfloor gym and its terrace (perfect for sunrise stretches or TRX sessions with a view) also offer impressive sea vistas, while the Beauty Salon offers services such as manicures, pedicures, and hair and make-up. The Pure Seven spa supports both physical and mental wellbeing with the likes of personal training sessions, Pilates, yoga, guided hiking, meditation, nutritional and life coaching with wellness programmes that are adapted to each individual to achieve relaxation, assist with stress-management, increase energy and fitness or detox depending on their personal goals. Sustainability is high on the agenda at Pure Seven, with the spa striving to be plastic-free, using only paraben-free, vegan products. For those who are looking for a slice of the action, active pursuits are a plenty at Seven Pines. Heart rates are sure to get a little higher with activities such as indoor and outdoor personal training, running trails, cross-country biking, sea swimming and stand-up paddle boarding. Should you wish to take a trip out of the resort and seek adventure, Seven Pines Resort Ibiza can create an exceptional itinerary for you. From diving to beach-hopping, chartered yacht excursions to restaurant reservations and club bookings, best beach recommendations to private jet arrangements, these specially designed excursions will ensure a memorable Ibizan experience. The resort’s own fleet of Pershing Yachts include a Pershing 5X, 74 and 9X, available for guest charter. It is without doubt that Seven Pines is a fantasy location, and it is therefore of little surprise that the resort is also regarded as the ultimate fantasy wedding destination. The team delights in ensuring an unforgettable day whether couples prefer clifftop sunset nuptials or a garden ceremony, laid-back and intimate celebrations or an elegantly decorated banquet. The resort’s dedicated and experienced team will be on-hand to take the stress out of arranging the festivities, as well as coordinating necessary paperwork for the ceremony.

www.7pines-Ibiza.com

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Banana Island Situated in the Arabian Gulf, 11 kilometres from Al Shyoukh

terminal on the Corniche of Doha, Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is an exclusive 13-hectare island that comes with a promise of serene bliss, family adventures and ocean thrills.

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his glorious 900m crescent of private golden beach has its own marina and reefs and is accessible by private catamaran. Once you arrive, you’ll find your own personal paradise with over-water villas, an Anantara Spa, nine dining options, a cinema theatre and a tranquil lagoon pool. Banana Island offers 141 rooms, suites and villas, which combine soothing sea views with modern amenities for a blissful stay. Choose a space to suit you, all teaming with sumptuous Arabian style in every detail. From the Over Water Villas to private dining terraces, you are sure to find relaxation in luxury surroundings. The elegant and sophisticated accommodation is each include a flat-screen TV, an outdoor seating area and a minibar. The villas make for ideal destinations for entertaining and multigenerational holidays, with each coming with a large living room and each bathroom is decked out with Anantara signature amenities, a relaxing bathtub and shower. Exceptional gastronomy is high on the agenda at Banana Island Resort, with a breathtaking array of restaurants to choose from. You can dine at a different restaurant every single day, should you wish to, experiencing flavours from around the world at each visit. Treat all your senses at Zest, the chocolate and pastry café. Sip on mouthwatering beverages and nibble tasty creations and find a versatile menu of fresh, delicious dishes served from morning to night. For global flavours, visit Azraq, or ‘blue’ in Arabic. It’s an all-day dining destination where buffet and live cooking stations showcase Middle Eastern, Asian and international cuisine with a touch of traditional Qatari flair. Delight in breakfast favourites, light à la carte options and a live grill station offering kofta, steaks and seafood for dinner. Health conscious guests are treated to wholesome options as part of the buffet and à la carte menus, all designed with your well-being in mind. Al Nahham enjoys a dramatic setting perched at water’s edge, where an iconic thatched pavilion leads through to a stunning deck with views across the Arabian Gulf. Explore local flavours and spices with a selection of mezze from around the region and end your evening with a selection of shisha out under the stars.

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For some Mediterranean flair, make a booking at Riva where you can savour the flavours of Italy served up fresh and with panache. Dine indoors or out on the garden terrace overlooking the Gulf, the restaurant’s magnificent soaring architecture a distinct backdrop. If you’re travelling with the youngsters, then they will delight in taking part in the children’s pizza making classes! For a full family, relaxed setting, drop by Ted’s Diner. Here you’ll find a nostalgic slice of Americana awaits you. Hop into a booth and order a burger and shake, choosing from signature Oreo, Rocky Road and mint choc chip flavours. The private dining area is perfect for kids’ birthday parties, with entertainment for all ages.

Exceptional gastronomy is high on the agenda at Banana Island Resort, with a breathtaking array of restaurants to choose from.

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If you are looking for a more intimate and bespoke dining setting, Banana Island Resort offer customised culinary journeys known as ‘Dining by Design’. This is a signature Anantara experience that offers guests the freedom to dine outside their restaurants for a unique experience. Choose from a collection of connoisseur menus or craft a brand new one. Cherish an unforgettable occasion as you select a dream setting complemented by a beautiful table and flawless service. When dining at Banana Island Resort, it’s impossible not to be inspired the ingenuity, flavours and innovation demonstrated and created by the chefs. For the aspiring chefs amongst their guests, Spice Spoons Cooking Classes are hosted at the resort, taking you on a culinary adventure through the colourful culture and traditions of Arabic food cuisine. Enjoy an option for table set up and napkin folding class and learn about the unique balance of flavours as you prepare a series of authentic dishes. Whether you are an experienced cooks or a beginner, you will leave with wonderful memories and impressive new skills to entertain family and friends. In respect with the local culture and tradition of Quatar, Banana Island Resort is an alcohol-free atmosphere, making it the perfect destination to detox, revitalise and reenergise. To help you do this, the resort offers a host of activities suitable for the whole family. Spend quality time with the little ones as you surf, dive, golf, bowl or cinema. Race across lagoon waters with a host of motorised water sports or pay a visit to the golf course and tennis court, available near the property. You’ll even be able to keep the younger guests entertained at the Cool Mint Children’s Club and Peppermint Teens’ Club, which have a wide range of toys and interactive games.

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For those looking for a little rest and relaxation, unwind in the Middle East’s only wellness centre in a resort setting, spread across lush botanical gardens; the Anantara Spa. Here you will discover a diverse treatment menu that captures Doha’s ancient tribal roots, as well as a souk heritage of vibrant sights, scents and sounds. Experience a traditional Turkish hammam or melt into massages inspired by Thai wellness and desert landscapes. The spa features four single treatment suites, each with a steam room, three couples’ suites, a Thai massage suite, Moroccan and a Turkish hammams. You’ll also find an indoor pool to exercise in and once you’ve burnt off some energy, take a plunge in the ice well or visit the sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room. Don’t forget to visit the private facial treatment, manicure and pedicure room, should you wish to get spruced up and pampered. The ideal time to visit Qatar is between October and early April which comprise of winter and early spring. These months are also best for enjoying outdoor and water activities and exploring Qatar’s beaches. As one of the region’s leading cultural capitals, Qatar offers everything from world-class golfing, incredible shopping, historical sites, the undulating desert and beautiful beaches. The high temperatures (touching 50°C in July-August) coupled with a 90% humidity restricts outdoor activities during summer, but there is still plenty to do within many of Qatar’s well-fitted indoor facilities. www.anantara.com/banana-island-doha

As one of the region’s leading cultural capitals, Qatar offers everything from world-class golfing, incredible shopping, historical sites, the undulating desert and beautiful beaches.

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